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: Apparatus for sequentially labeling objects differing from each other in size includes a conveyor which defines a path of movement in an approximately horizontal plane for the objects to be labeled. An arresting device arrests each object in a predetermined portion of the path toward which a face portion of a plunger is directed. The label to be applied is supplied to the face portion, and the plunger is moved toward the arrested object until the label is applied to the object by pressure exerted by the plunger. A reversing mechanism responds to the exerted plunger pressure for retracting the plunger from the labeled object.