Abstract: A label cutting and applying apparatus is arranged to produce printed labels from a continuing strip of label material. By operation of a standard roller, the apparatus advances a strip of the material along a path from a roll of the material over a print head where a portion of the strip is printed. The printed portion is advanced past a cutting blade which is integrally formed with a vertically movable label applicator and is severed from the remainder of the strip by operation of the blade as the applicator moves downwardly. The label applicator can include a vacuum head which then blows the severed label onto a package to apply the label thereto.

Abstract: A machine for applying labels to products of various sizes employs a movable printer/applicator head. Control circuitry responsive to sensors located along a conveyor by which the products are moved toward the machine generates output signals to an electrical motor which drives the printer/applicator head at a speed defined by the processor output signals. Labels to be printed are supplied to the head from a label supply strip wound on a label supply reel mounted on the stationary part of the machine. The portion of the strip extending between the reel and the head is provided with a loop to assure sufficient length of the strip for free movement by the head. The strip is lengthened by an amount less than the length of a label each time a label is removed and is lengthened by an additional amount each time a short-loop condition is detected.