Abstract: A label sensor (45) serves to sense or scan a backing strip (14) that is provided with labels (17) thereon, and serves to control a labeling process in a labeling machine. The label sensor has a spring element (80) coupled to a ferromagnetic core (87) provided with a winding (85) thereon. The spring element (80) also is coupled to a surface following member (94) arranged to contact the side of the backing strip (14) carrying the labels (17). In operation, the winding (85) is excited with radio-frequency signal, and the voltage at the winding (85) is evaluated by an electrical evaluation circuit (103). This voltage is a function of whether the surface follower (94) is located on a label (17) or in a gap (20) between two labels, and it may serve to control a labeling machine.

Abstract: A hand-held dispenser and applicator apparatus dispenses adhesive labels, stickers, or other such adhesive elements that are adhesive on at least one of the faces thereof, from a supply of such adhesive elements adhesively carried on a carrier tape, and furthermore designed to apply such adhesive elements to documents, cartons, album pages, or to other such workpieces. The apparatus comprises a guide structure defining a guide path for guiding adhesive-element-bearing carrier tape to a dispensing location and from there for guiding away the carrier tape freed of dispensed adhesive elements.