Abstract: An apparatus for embossing and cutting printed labels from a sheet of printed labels is disclosed. The apparatus accurately embosses each printed label on the sheet at a particular location within specified tolerances. The apparatus thereafter accurately cuts each embossed printed label from the sheet of labels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling and transporting rod-like articles between production machines, for example articles such as cigarette filters between filter rod makers and cigarette filter tippers. Rods transported end to end along a longitudinal stream having the leading rods axially separated from the next adjacent rod by separator rollers which engage the rods of the stream, at least one of these rollers being a floating roller resiliently urged against the rod stream. The leading rods are successively deflected downwardly by engagement with and between the peripheries of a pair of rollers, the peripheral portions adjacent the stream of which rollers are inclined upwardly in the direction of travel and when the rollers rotate in the opposite direction such that both peripheries move downwardly adjacent the stream, they receive the leading separated rod, arrest its longitudinal movement and move it downwardly after which the rod is dropped onto a conveyor.