Abstract: A large type printer which continuously drives annular printing wheels having circumferentially spaced printing facets on their peripheries. The driving mechanism is a friction drive which may be overriden. Thus, the apparatus includes means for monitoring the rotational positions of each of the printing wheels and for stopping the rotation of the individual printing wheels when the respective facets are in printing position.

Abstract: A label applying apparatus and method is disclosed which rotates the label through a desired number of degrees of rotation before its application to an article in order that the label may be applied in a preferred orientation. A label dispenser delivers the label to a first vacuum foot which holds the label substantially parallel to the surface of the article upon which the label is to be placed. The label is then transferred to a second, reciprocating vacuum foot which rotates while it moves into contact with the article.

Abstract: A continuously driven endless belt type conveyor is disclosed as being employed to transfer packages successively through a weighing station having a weighing platform on which packages rest during weighing thereof and a package labeling station. A flight of the conveyor passing through the weighing station is adapted to be lowered and raised for the purpose of removably placing a package in resting engagement with the weighing platform, while concurrently having its speed of travel relative to the platform varied to effect deceleration of the package prior to weighing and acceleration of the weighed package prior to discharge.