Abstract: A band carrying labels is transported step by step from a feed reel over a label removing station to a take-up reel. The drive mechanism consists of a double acting pneumatic cylinder pivotably connected to a frame, movement of the piston rod to effect trransport of the band is initiated by an optical scanner which senses the presence of a properly positioned box to which the label is to be applied. The return movement stopping the band transport is initiated by a band sensing device. The piston rod is coupled to the take-up reel by a rectangular linkage. The linkage causes the take-up reel to be moved with an angular velocity which increases during each transport step in such a way that the final linear velocity of the band at the end of each transport step is substantially independent of the diameter of the coil on the take-up reel.

Abstract: A band carrying a series of labels separated by gaps is transported step by step past a location at which individual labels are removed and automatically applied to boxes, etc. Along the path of the band, at a scanning station, a backing plate is provided on the empty side of the band, while the side with the labels is scanned by a device which consists of a feeler roller eccentrically mounted on an angle lever. As the roller drops into the gap between labels, the lever pivots, carrying along with it a bar whose opposite end normally interrupts the flow of air in an air cell. The rotation frees the air cell causing generation of a signal designed to stop the transport of the band. To allow for the relatively long response time of the cell, the bar is rotatably mounted on the lever and continues its motion due to inertia after the lever itself has stopped and even after it has reversed direction as the roller moves onto the next label.

Abstract: A label essentially comprises a top layer which can be printed and/or inscribed and a water-soluble adhesive layer. The adhesive layer can also be protected by a covering layer. The top layer is formed from polyvinyl alcohol which is preferably insoluble in cold water but soluble in hot water. The adhesive layer comprises a synthetic adhesive which is soluble in water and represents, in particular, a contact adhesive or permanent adhesive. The label is resistant to the action of cold water but is soluble in hot water, and is suitable for labeling containers with a smooth surface.

Abstract: In a device for the automatic labelling of objects moved past the device, a ribbon carrying self-adhesive labels in a spaced relationship is pulled in a stepwise manner from a pull-off roll over a dispensing edge to a take-up roll. The advancing mechanism for the ribbon contains a ribbon clamping device which moves back and forth. In the normal case, the advance of the ribbon is controlled by a sensing device responding to control markings on the label ribbon and, in the case individual control markings are missing, the advance is controlled through a limit switch actuated by the mobile ribbon clamping device. A step-up gear unit is arranged between the pull-off roll and the take-up roll and a slipping clutch ensures an especially simple and effective drive of the take-up roll and the generation of the required ribbon tension.