Abstract: A scanner assembly for scanning labels for the presence of control marks as the labels are being fed to the labelling head of a labelling machine, the scanner assembly including a cross shaft rotatably supported on the labelling head below the path of movement of the labels, at least one radially projecting support arm on the cross shaft, the support arm being keyed to the cross shaft for slideable movement axially along the cross shaft to enable the position of the support arm on the cross shaft to be adjusted laterally; the outer end of the support arm being enlarged to provide a surface for supporting and guiding the labels along the path of label movement; a recess of predetermined depth in the support arm surface; a label scanning sensor in the recess for scanning labels as the labels move across the support arm surface to the labelling head; and manually operated gear means for rotating the cross shaft and the supporting arm thereon to enable the point where the sensor scans the labels to be moved along

Abstract: Envelope sealing apparatus employing a deflector to deflect the leading envelope flap out of the normal path through which the envelope moves and into contact with a reversely moving water wheel which wets the flap to activate adhesive thereon. The inherent rigidity of the envelope proper is relied on to thereafter force the deflector aside, permitting the envelope proper to pass the water wheel without contacting the same. As the envelope continues along the path, a diverter causes the deflected envelope flap to curl under and as the envelope passes thereby, forces in cooperation with the water wheel the envelope flap into closing relationship with the envelope. A downstream sealing roller completes closing and sealing of the envelope.

Abstract: A sheet feeder employing a vacuum feed belt in conjunction with a vacuum control plenum immediately adjacent the downstream edge of the vacuum belt, a self actuating valve being provided to shut off the vacuum supply to the feed belt when the sheet being fed blocks the openings in the control plenum to prevent acquisition of a second sheet by the feed belt until the trailing edge of the sheet being fed clears the control plenum.

Abstract: Apparatus of the type wherein a desired length of adhesive strip is fixed to an edge of a stack of sheets with heat and pressure includes automatic means for reliably providing the desired length of strip from a roll of adhesive strip. The automatic means include a pair of rollers which engage and feed strip, one of the rollers being mounted for free rotation and the other of the rollers being coupled to a shaft by a one-way clutch. Means rotate the shaft from a start-of-feed position a selectable amount in one direction, with said other roller and clutch engaged, to feed the desired length of strip and, thereafter, a spring counter rotates the shaft to the start-of-feed position, said position being determined by an abutment which limits rotation of a gear coupled to the shaft. A flywheel frictionally coupled to the shaft prevents bounce when the abutment limits rotation of the gear, thereby preventing rotation of the shaft in said one direction and, consequently, unmetered feeding of adhesive strip.