Abstract: A device automatically dispenses labels from a continuous strip. It constitutes a compact module comprising at least three parts hinged together including an upper flap and a main guide part and a lower guide part which cooperate with each other to form a guide path whose strip entry axis is offset angularly (twistwise) from the label exit axis. The three parts carry a strip guide path, a cutting device, an intermittent strip feed, strip and label sensor, a drive for the feed and the cutting device, and a device for ejecting each cut label.

Abstract: A postage meter has a removable franking head and a stationary base on which said head is mounted at a defined location, with locking means coupled to an external control for locking the head in place on the base. The meter also has two complementary connector portions for electrically interconnecting the head and the base by one of said connector portions plugging into the other. One of said first and second connector portions is movably mounted to move between an unplugged first position and a plugged second position in which the connector portions are plugged together, and is connected to actuator means for ensuring that the connector portion is in said unplugged first position while said head is being installed on the base.