Abstract: An apparatus for applying labels including hanging labels, in the form of a continuous web of material to containers is defined. The apparatus includes first and second reels on which the continuous web material is wound for application to containers by the apparatus. The apparatus includes an automatic splicing arrangement for feeding web material from a second reel after the first reel is exhausted. The labels are in the form of a continuous web of material and no separate support web is provided for the labels. The apparatus includes a pair of interchange rollers and a pair of associated guide means which merge to define a single guide means, and an indexing means disposed adjacent the point where the guide means merge. The interchange rollers are synchronously driven by a single drive means via a servo means or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying labels including hanging labels, in the form of a continuous web of material to containers is defined. The apparatus includes first and second reels on which the continuous web material is wound for application to containers by the apparatus. The apparatus includes an automatic splicing arrangement for feeding web material from a second reel after the first reel is exhausted. The labels are in the form of a continuous web of material and no separate support web is provided for the labels. The apparatus includes a pair of interchange rollers and a pair of associated guide means which merge to define a single guide means, and an indexing means disposed adjacent the point where the guide means merge. The interchange rollers are synchronously driven by a single drive means via a servo means or the like.

Abstract: A programmable platen for use in a label applying system wherein the labels are transferred to the platen and retained thereby under negative pressure and subsequently driven from the platen by application of positive pressure. The platen comprises a number of pin like valves of differing type which are inserted into the platen in accordance with a desired configuration or program so as to provide the appropriate suction and blowing characteristics for the platen in differing applications for applying labels or the like.