Abstract: A machine for franking short labels or long labels cut from a continuous tape is characterized in that it includes a first pair of detector cells (20-21) for positioning the tape relative to a cutter (6) for obtaining a short length of label, and a second pair of detector cells (22-23) for positioning the tape relative to the cutter for obtaining a long length of label, and for presenting the label, be it short or long, beneath the print drum (3), said second pair of detector cells being mounted offset from the drum and from the tape path and being controlled by a shutter tab (42) which is fixed to a pivoting lever (25) having a tooth or feeler (39) which is retracted by the tape or a label arriving beneath the drum.

Abstract: The machine of franking labels includes means (5, 7) for ejecting printed labels to a dry label outlet (8), a switching flap (12) for switching labels towards a second outlet for wet labels (9), said flap being mounted to pivot on the axis of pressure wheels (7) belonging to the ejector means, and a moistening roll (23) mounted between the ejector means and the second outlet and driven at a speed greater than that of the ejector means in order to receive and wipe the labels which are deflected towards the second outlet, said labels engaging the moistening roll beneath a separator plate (10) between the outlets.

Abstract: A machine for producing labels from tape is equipped with tape guide means defining a tape path between an entry point and exit point on the machine and tape drive means comprising at least a first roller, a first shaft on which the first roller is mounted and manual means for rotating the first shaft. A device for loading and positioning the tape in this machine comprises a control arm incorporating a finger having an end adapted to constitute an obstacle on the tape path. It is selectively retractable by the end of the tape when the tape is driven along the tape path. This finger thus constitutes a control lever for the control arm. The device also comprises a claw having an end adapted to immobilize the first shaft when the finger is retracted.

Abstract: A device for automatically dispensing labels from a tape comprises a drive shaft and means for driving the tape intermittently from the drive shaft. These drive means comprise a tape feed shaft and a tape feed gearwheel coupled to this shaft. The device also comprises means for actuating the cutter from the drive shaft when the tape is stopped, in the form of a cutter actuator shaft and a cutter actuator gearwheel coupled to this shaft. A cylindrical drive member is coupled to the drive shaft and at least one toothed sector on the cylindrical drive member meshes with the tape feed and cutter actuator gearwheels in such a way that these gearwheels are driven one after the other.

Abstract: A cutter for cutting material in tape form comprises a movable blade of circular segment shape in cross-section and a fixed blade. The movable blade is coupled to a rotating shaft so as to move it in front of the fixed blade. A first support carrying the fixed blade is U-shaped in cross-section, the inside of its bottom being semi-circular. A longitudinal first opening intersects the bottom of the first support and a groove opens laterally into this first opening in its inside surface, the groove accommodating the fixed blade. An auxiliary support is generally trough-shaped and has a bottom which is semi-circular on the inside. A second opening intersects the bottom of the auxiliary support, the edges of which are inserted between the sides of the U shape of the first support. A substantially cylindrical housing for the movable blade is defined between the first and auxiliary supports.