A machine for labeling containers includes a rotating carousel with a lower base which supports a plurality of supporting pans for the containers and an upper supporting structure for a plurality of heads which are intended to engage the top portion of the containers. The labeling machine further includes a device for feeding the containers to be labeled to the rotating carousel and a device for unloading the labeled containers. The feeding device includes at least one first device for conveying the containers to be labeled which is provided with first elements for supporting the containers to be labeled at the neck. The labeling machine includes first elements for varying the height of the bottom of the containers to be labeled in order to bring the bottom to substantially the same height as the supporting pans.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a produce label applicator machine is retrofitted with a system such that the positive/negative air pressure at the label applicator bellows is configured to introduce and apply a bacteria or maturity inhibiting substance/gas/chemical to the surfaces of the labels as they are being applied to the produce. A source of bacteria or maturity inhibiting substance/gas/chemical is coupled to a fast-acting valve, that is in communication with the air passageway of the label dispensing arms/bellows.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a produce label applicator machine is retrofitted with a system such that the positive/negative air pressure at the label applicator bellows is configured to introduce and apply a bacteria or maturity inhibiting substance/gas/chemical to the surfaces of the labels as they are being applied to the produce. A source of bacteria or maturity inhibiting substance/gas/chemical is coupled to a fast-acting valve, that is in communication with the air passageway of the label dispensing arms/bellows.

A machine for filling a container having a longitudinal axis is disclosed. The machine comprises a conveying device, and at least one handling unit moved by the conveying device along a path. The at least one handling unit comprises a support device configured to receive and retain the container, and at least one filling device configured to feed a pourable product into the container as the at least one handling unit travels along the path. The machine further comprises an actuator configured to rotate the container about the longitudinal axis while the container is filled with the pourable product by the at least one filling device.

A machine for filling a container having a longitudinal axis is disclosed. The machine comprises a conveying device, and at least one handling unit moved by the conveying device along a path. The at least one handling unit comprises a support device configured to receive and retain the container, and at least one filling device configured to feed a pourable product into the container as the at least one handling unit travels along the path. The machine further comprises an actuator configured to rotate the container about the longitudinal axis while the container is filled with the pourable product by the at least one filling device.

A labeling system includes a drive for moving a trunnion part along a labeling path and a labeling station positioned peripherally of the labeling path. A housing assembly around the rotational drive and the labeling station forms a guarding enclosure for an interior space of the housing assembly. Multiple container infeed paths are provided for different container types, and multiple container outfeed types are provided for the different container types. Sets of changeover parts are used to configure the system for a given container type. The housing assembly may include guarding assemblies associated with the infeed and outfeed paths.

A labeling system includes a drive for moving a trunnion part along a labeling path and a labeling station positioned peripherally of the labeling path. A housing assembly around the rotational drive and the labeling station forms a guarding enclosure for an interior space of the housing assembly. Multiple container infeed paths are provided for different container types, and multiple container outfeed types are provided for the different container types. Sets of changeover parts are used to configure the system for a given container type. The housing assembly may include guarding assemblies associated with the infeed and outfeed paths.

A pharmaceutical container processor for processing pharmaceutical containers includes a set of container operation stations along which a set of container operations occur. The set of container operation stations includes a storage station where pharmaceutical containers are stored; a first identification station where pharmaceutical containers are each identified; a labeling station where a label is applied to pharmaceutical containers; a second identification station where pharmaceutical containers are each identified after the label is applied; and an outlet station where pharmaceutical containers are moved to after said pharmaceutical containers are identified at the second identification station. First and second container transporters move each pharmaceutical container through the set of container operation stations. Each pharmaceutical container is transferred from the first container transporter to the second container transporter along the set of container operation stations.

A machine (10, 224, 258, 274, 292, 310) is selectively operative to apply markings such as labels, sleeves, decorations and indicia to containers (58, 130, 162, 254). The machine includes a lower conveyor (LC) (14) and an upper conveyor (UC) (28). LC shuttles (46) are selectively movable around an LC track (16). UC shuttles (52) are selectively movable around a UC track (30). The LC and UC shuttles are selectively movable to engage a container vertically intermediate of respective LC and UC shuttles. In the container engaged position each container is selectively rotatably and linearly movable so as to be positioned in engagement with applicators (108, 256, 296, 298, 300, 314, 316, 318, 320, 322, 324). The applicators are selectively operative to apply markings to respective containers in operative engagement therewith in a precise and repeatable manner.

A machine (10, 224, 258, 274, 292, 310) is selectively operative to apply markings such as labels, sleeves, decorations and indicia to containers (58, 130, 162, 254). The machine includes a lower conveyor (LC) (14) and an upper conveyor (UC) (28). LC shuttles (46) are selectively movable around an LC track (16). UC shuttles (52) are selectively movable around a UC track (30). The LC and UC shuttles are selectively movable to engage a container vertically intermediate of respective LC and UC shuttles. In the container engaged position each container is selectively rotatably and linearly movable so as to be positioned in engagement with applicators (108, 256, 296, 298, 300, 314, 316, 318, 320, 322, 324). The applicators are selectively operative to apply markings to respective containers in operative engagement therewith in a precise and repeatable manner.