Abstract: A label applicator and registration device for such an applicator are disclosed.The applicator includes along the path of a web including both a backing strip and a series of contact-adhesive coated labels, a web reel mounting, a brake for preventing overrun of the web from its mounting and to provide tension in the web, a registration device of generally triangular section, a dispense edge for detaching the labels from the backing strip, a take-up mounting for spent backing strip, and an elongate slide operable by a "stamp" action to actuate the various parts enumerated.The registration device may co-operate with projections which engage transverse edges of the device.The applicator can be used wherever price and similar labels are to be applied to goods. The registration device is applicable to label applicators whether powered or manual and is disposed upstream of any dispense edge of such applicators.

Abstract: A sensing and locking device for controlling the operation of a hand-held label applicator or other mechanism in response to a force generated by an article moved by the mechanism includes a pivotal sensing member disposed in the path of the article, which is disposed by contact with the article. Such displacement serves to activate a wedge-action locking device which then locks the article or one of a series of articles in a required position. The force required to displace the sensing member is very small.

Abstract: The method and apparatus disclosed involve the scanning of a representation of a character by means of at least three frame scans based on respectively different directions, the frame scans developing quasitopological codes (QTC) indicative of character STARTS, OPENINGS, CLOSINGS and FINISHES. The QTC relating to convexity-shapes and concavity-shapes of different segments of the character are then automatically stored in respective groups of storage locations in a store, such that, at the end of the process, the groups storing QTC are functionally arranged approximately in the shape of the character so that the character is at least partially recognizable thereby. Also disclosed is method and apparatus in which at least partial recognition of the character takes place by comparing the distances between selected pairs of QTC. In addition, the recognition process may involve the actual comparison of the list of QTC for the character with a set of lists representing predetermined characters.

Abstract: A dispense edge member for detaching a pressure-sensitive label from a backing strip is shaped to impart a transverse curvature to the label during detachment from the backing strip. The curvature increases the rigidity of the label and prevents drooping of the label.

Abstract: A hand-held label dispensing and applying apparatus includes a label applying roller adjacent dispensing edge member which serves to detach individual labels from a strip of labels having spaced notches along its length. Labels are advanced from a store to the dispensing edge member by a movable member carrying barbs which engage the strip notches to carry the strips back to a second series of barbs and to print the label on the movable member by a print-head assembly. The movable member effectively forms a printing platen. When the movable member returns to its rest position, the second series of barbs draw a fresh label over the dispense member since they have become engaged with a fresh length of the strip. RELATED APPLICATIONThis application is a division of my application Ser. No. 283,212 filed Aug. 23, 1972 now U.S. Pat. No. 3,890,188, issued June 17, 1975. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1.

Abstract: An adjustable facet print mechanism includes a plurality of print wheels in one embodiment each meshing constantly on an internal periphery with a pinion. Annular members are also provided and each meshes with a corresponding pinion of one of the print wheels and each carries read-out indicia corresponding to the print-facets of the print wheels. Drive to the print wheels to adjust their operative facets is effected through a splined shaft which engages a selected annular member when a notch in a cam engages the periphery of the annular member. A read-out arrangement includes an arm of transparent material with a prismatic face lying opposite the indicia selected.Other embodiments make use of slightly flexible print wheels to effect engagement with a splined shaft and one embodiment uses print bands in place of wheels. In the latter embodiment selection of a print band for adjustment is effected by an interrupted pinion carried on fingers integral with an adjusting knob.