Abstract: A chalk box including a housing, a reel, a line, an opening through which the line enters and exits the housing, and a removable cap located proximate the opening. The chalk box may also include a seal or seals located between the handle and the chalk to inhibit entry of chalk in the area between the handle and the reel. The chalk box may also include one or more flat areas on the bottom surface of the chalk box to stabilize the chalk box during operation.

Abstract: A combined label printer and application device is provided for labeling a plurality of individual product units with customized labels. The individual product units are conveyed through a data determining mechanism, such as a checkweigher or electric eye in order to identify data to be imprinted on the label. The information is conveyed to a microprocessor which converts the data into commands for a label printer. The printer in turn prints either alpha-numeric indicia, bar codes or other desired visual indicia on the label. The movement of the individual product units is coordinated with a corresponding label, and the label is applied to the product unit by means of a combined vacuum and air jet head. The individual labels, in a preferred embodiment, are coated with pressure sensitive adhesive, and are fixed on rolls to releasible backing strip. The individual labels are stripped from the backing strip and held temporarily on a vacuum head until the desired product unit is located below the head.