Abstract: A multiple-head labeling machine directed at minimizing downtime, both from the need to reload labels and from the occasional labeler jams, on assembly lines incorporating a labeling step. It achieves this by the use of multiple independent labeling mechanisms gang-loaded on a single apparatus, such apparatus being capable of switching back and forth between the independent labeling mechanisms. This provides for a depleted or jammed mechanism to be displaced in a matter of seconds with a fresh mechanism that is ready to continue with the labeling operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for mechanically transferring an adhesive-backed labels to objects such as consumer items or packaging for consumer items. It receives labels on a lift-off backing strip, peeling the labels off one at a time from the strip by means of a peeler-bar. Using a pair of spring-loaded pawls attached to the outer edges of a label receiver, the apparatus mechanically engages each label along its outer edges as it begins to peel away from the strip. These pawls facilitate the peeling action as they direct the label into position in a label receiver. The label is then pressed directly onto the desired site, with no free-fall involved. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the spring-loaded pawls push outward disengaging the label as the label receiver contacts the surface to be labeled, thus leaving the label adhered to the desired surface.

Abstract: A container for holding a cassette that includes a rectangular casing into which a cassette can be directly inserted and stored and a frame-like bottomless slide which is positioned in the casing and selectively operated for moving the cassette into and out of the casing. An hourglass-type spring is positioned between the slide and casing to urge the slide to an upwardly extended cassette-exposing position. A selectively releasable locking mechanism for retaining the slide in a cassette-storing position includes a finger pressure contact indentation formed in the front wall of the slide and double-latch locking projections formed on the front of the slide and casing at opposite sides of the finger pressure contact indentation. Hublock projections formed on the slide engage the hub-openings of a stored cassette only when the slide is in its cassette-storing position.