A system combining a machine for blow-molding articles with a universal in-mold labeling apparatus. The apparatus has a frame on which turntables are mounted. Each turntable has an air rotary union, facilitating rotation of the respective turntable, and suction cups adapted to pick, hold, and release labels. The turntables deliver labels to the open molds of the machine. The apparatus also has a vertical slide positioned between the turntables. A placement head engages the turntables and moves up the vertical slide to a position in the open molds. At least one label magazine is affixed to the frame and retains the labels. Strategically placed air valves provide air and vacuum to pick, hold, and release labels. A human machine interface facilitates communication between an operator of the system and the system. Finally, a control system is provided to allow the operator to program and control both the machine and apparatus.

A system combining a machine for blow-molding articles with a universal in-mold labeling apparatus. The apparatus has a frame on which turntables are mounted. Each turntable has an air rotary union, facilitating rotation of the respective turntable, and suction cups adapted to pick, hold, and release labels. The turntables deliver labels to the open molds of the machine. The apparatus also has a vertical slide positioned between the turntables. A placement head engages the turntables and moves up the vertical slide to a position in the open molds. At least one label magazine is affixed to the frame and retains the labels. Strategically placed air valves provide air and vacuum to pick, hold, and release labels. A human machine interface facilitates communication between an operator of the system and the system. Finally, a control system is provided to allow the operator to program and control both the machine and apparatus.

A layer transfer device includes a housing main body having an opening, a cover movable between an open position in which the opening is open and a closed position in which the opening is closed, a heating member provided in the housing main body and configured to heat a multilayer film and a sheet, a pressure member provided on the cover and configured to nip the multilayer film and a sheet laid on the multilayer film between the heating member and the pressure member, and a shutter movable between a protecting position in which the heating member is covered with the shutter, and a retreated position in which the shutter is away from the protecting position. The shutter is in the protecting position when the cover is in the open position.

A layer transfer device includes a supply reel, a take-up reel, a driving source, a releasable restraining device, a heating roller, a pressure roller, and a controller. The driving source drives the take-up reel. The releasable restraining device is capable of switching to a restraining state in which a multilayer film is put under restraint in being drawn out from the supply reel and to a release state in which the restraint is lifted. The controller is configured such that when the driving source is generating the mechanical power, the releasable restraining device is in the restraining state if an image area in which an image is formed on the sheet is not present in a layer transfer position between the heating roller and the pressure roller, and the releasable restraining device is in the release state if the image area is present in the layer transfer position.

A layer transfer device includes a supply reel, a take-up reel, a driving source, a releasable restraining device, a heating roller, a pressure roller, and a controller. The driving source drives the take-up reel. The releasable restraining device is capable of switching to a restraining state in which a multilayer film is put under restraint in being drawn out from the supply reel and to a release state in which the restraint is lifted. The controller is configured such that when the driving source is generating the mechanical power, the releasable restraining device is in the restraining state if an image area in which an image is formed on the sheet is not present in a layer transfer position between the heating roller and the pressure roller, and the releasable restraining device is in the release state if the image area is present in the layer transfer position.

Provided is a layer transfer film cartridge, such that even if the layer transfer film cartridge is heavy in weight, the installation and removal of the layer transfer film cartridge can be performed with ease. The layer transfer film cartridge includes a supply reel on which a multilayer film having a transfer layer and a supporting layer supporting the transfer layer is wound, a supply case that houses the supply reel, and a take-up reel on which to take up the multilayer film, and a first handle supported by the supply case or the supply reel.

Provided is a layer transfer film cartridge, such that even if the layer transfer film cartridge is heavy in weight, the installation and removal of the layer transfer film cartridge can be performed with ease. The layer transfer film cartridge includes a supply reel on which a multilayer film having a transfer layer and a supporting layer supporting the transfer layer is wound, a supply case that houses the supply reel, and a take-up reel on which to take up the multilayer film, and a first handle supported by the supply case or the supply reel.

A label box includes a dispensing region and a storage region for holding a stack of labels, all of which have the same two-dimensional contour. The dispensing region includes a guiding-and-holding body that has been manufactured by an additive-manufacturing process based on a three-dimensional computer model thereof. The guiding-and-holding body forms a guide space for receiving and guiding of the stack and for dispensing the labels. The guide space includes a guide section that is adjustable to conform to the contour. The guiding-and-holding body also includes a securing region for at least partially securing the label box to a holding device.

A label box includes a dispensing region and a storage region for holding a stack of labels, all of which have the same two-dimensional contour. The dispensing region includes a guiding-and-holding body that has been manufactured by an additive-manufacturing process based on a three-dimensional computer model thereof. The guiding-and-holding body forms a guide space for receiving and guiding of the stack and for dispensing the labels. The guide space includes a guide section that is adjustable to conform to the contour. The guiding-and-holding body also includes a securing region for at least partially securing the label box to a holding device.

A labeling assembly for labeling machines which includes a base frame which is adapted to be associated with a conveyor of containers to be labeled and which supports elements for labeling the containers; elements are provided for at least partially delimiting the work area of the labeling elements; the delimiting elements include at least one protective body which can move slideably, with respect to the base frame, between an active position, in which it is adapted to delimit at least partially the work area of the labeling elements, and at least one inactive position, which is spaced with respect to the active position, in which it allows access from the outside to the work area of the labeling elements.