Abstract: Automatic label applying apparatus comprises a conveyor for moving packages to a weigh scale and from thence to a label application station where a reciprocably movable vacuum type heated label applicator receives an appropriately printed label from a label issuing means and applies it to the appropriate package. A vacuum system connected to the label applicator holds the label thereon and also operates a pneumatic cylinder for a lock-out arm to prevent the heated label applicator from making contact with and burning a package when the vacuum system senses that no label is present. An electronic control system, including a photocell for sensing if a package is at the station and also including a limit switch actuated by the lock-out arm (and therefore indicative of the presence or absence of a label), operates to stop the conveyor after a predetermined interval of time in the event that a package is present at the station but no label is available to the label applicator.