Abstract: A cigarette packing apparatus comprising means for repetitively progressing labels through a print location, a signal generator configured to generate a signal indicative of presence of the label as it passes adjacent the print location, a second signal generator configured to generate a signal indicative of a speed at the print location; a fluid jet printer head adjacent the print location and a controller configured to operate the printer head responsively to the first and second signal generators, with an additional arrangement within the packing apparatus defining a contact-free path portion sufficient for ink to dry at the indicia-bearing portion of the label as the label is progressed beyond the print location.

Abstract: A cigarette cartoner apparatus comprising a folding station configured to wrap a carton blank about a pre-arranged bundle of cigarette packets; means for repetitively dispensing carton blanks along a pathway; a signal generator adjacent a print location along the aforementioned pathway; at least one fluid jet print head adjacent the print location; a controller configured to operate the print head responsively to the signal generator; and a guide arrangement within the cartoner defining a contact-free path portion as the packaging material is progressed from said print location.