Abstract: A hand labeller comprising a label sheet roll for supplying a label sheet consisting of a carrier paper and label blanks laminated on the carrier paper, typing means for pressing the labels sheet onto an anvil plate thereby to effect a typing on each one of the label one by one, and labelling means for adhering the label carrying the typed letter onto the object to be labelled. The labelling means have a cut out or partially removed back adapted to be reciprocatingly moved within an angular range which does not interrupt the passing of an ink roller. The typing means include a roller for supporting a type wheel and having a plurality of projections projecting toward a supporting shaft, and an engaging piece disposed in a bore of said shaft and resiliently biased to project out of the surface of the shaft. The arrangement is such that the projections of the roller are brought into engagement with the engaging piece, in accordance with the rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: There is disclosed a hand-held apparatus for printing and applying pressure sensitive labels, the apparatus having a frame with a handle, an actuator disposed at the handle and movable between an initial position and an actuated position, a platen, a print head cooperable with the platen, a label delaminator adjacent the platen, a label applicator adjacent the delaminator, a feed wheel for advancing the web, a stop on the actuator, a pivotally mounted print head lever, a spring for urging the print head lever against the stop, ratchet teeth coupled to the feed wheel, a first pawl carried by the actuator and cooperable with the ratchet tooth to drive the feed wheel, the print head lever having a tooth, a second pawl cooperable with the tooth after the actuator has moved from an initial position through an increment toward the actuated position, the second pawl being effective to prevent rotation of the lever as the actuator is moved through an additional increment toward the actuated position, and a projection

Abstract: Disclosed is a hand-held labeler or apparatus for printing and applying pressure sensitive labels. The apparatus has a housing, a rigid, metal, frame plate mounted by the housing, a platen and a cooperating print head, a delaminator for delaminating printed labels from the web of supporting material on which the labels are carried, an applicator for applying the printed labels, a feed wheel having teeth for engaging and advancing the web, a manually operable actuator drivingly connected to the feed wheel and the print head, a brake, and an ink roll for inking the print head. The apparatus also includes a feed wheel assembly having a feed wheel driven by a pawl and ratchet mechanism. The pawl and ratchet mechanism is adjustably connected to the feed wheel. There is also disclosed an arrangement by which the print head can be tripped or fires after the actuator is moved through a predetermined distance. The apparatus has gears which are coupled through a lost-motion connection.

Abstract: There is disclosed a hand-held labeler and a method of labeling. The labeler includes a print head and a cooperable platen, a label delaminator, an applicator, and a feed wheel. The print head is urged into printing cooperation with the platen by a spring arrangement. A drive mechanism operated by an actuator holds the print head out of contact with the platen until printing is to occur and thereafter the feed wheel is driven to advance a label carrying web. The drive mechanism includes a lost-motion connection by which the print head can be quickly released to cause the print head to snap into printing cooperation with the platen.

Abstract: A label printer is described herein for printing on a tape information indicative of the cost of an item. The tape has a top print-receptive layer and a supporting layer and is disposed to be advanced between a printing head and a platen. The printing head is disposed near the tape egress end of the platen, which platen is pivotable at its tape ingress end about an axis perpendicular to the path of tape feed. Platen adjusting means are included at the tape egress end for adjusting the print head working distance. A delaminating bar and a tape advancement wheel are disposed in spaced apart sequence in the path of tape feed and downstream of the tape egress end of said platen so that, as the tape is advanced through the printer, the tape is pulled over the delaminating edge and separates the print-receptive layer from the supporting layer of tape.

Abstract: A label printer and applicator including conveyor for continuously moving packages of different sizes and shapes from a loading point to a discharge point. Labels are selectively printed to bear any desired indicia such as pricing information, contents, or quantitites which may be uniquely applicable to any given package moving on the conveyor. Upon arrival of the package at a predetermind point along the conveyor the label, which may be uniquely applicable to that package, is affixed thereto by a novel label applicator.

Abstract: There is disclosed a hand-held labeler having an improved applicator roll and roll-mounting structure and an improved labeling method. The applicator roll is mounted for both rolling and canting movement relative to the frame of the labeler so that the applicator roll will accommodate the surface to which the label is to be applied.

Abstract: There is disclosed a labeler having a frame and a subframe, with a print head movably mounted on the subframe for cooperation with a platen. A label hold-down member is disposed in overlying relation to the platen. The subframe carries a label roll composed of labels releasably secured by pressure sensitive adhesive to a web of supporting material, and the subframe defines a path for the web. The label roll is mounted on improved mounting structure. A manually operable actuator drives a gear which in turn effects movement of the print head. The gear carries a pivotal pawl which drives a ratchet wheel. The ratchet wheel and a toothed feed wheel mounted in the subframe are adjustable with respect to each other. A die roller cooperable with the toothed wheel is spring-urged against the toothed wheel. The frame includes a movable frame section mounted on a pivot to facilitate easy replacement of an ink roller. The pivot also mounts an applicator roll and a leaf spring of the inking mechanism.

Abstract: A portable label printing and applying machine: a platen to support the label to be printed is attached to the machine frame; a printing head is placed above the platen; a spring pushes the printing head down toward the platen with a constant pressure and for a constant time period, regardless of the strength and the duration of the squeezing of the operating hand lever of the machine; the printing head is restrained from descending until the spring has been adequately charged by squeezing of the hand lever, and then the printing head is released to descend. The printing head is separated from the platen immediately after its descent to and contact against the platen. In addition, there is a second spring acting on the printing head in opposition to the first mentioned spring to raise the printing head off the platen. In one embodiment, the first spring is apart from the printing head but acts on it.

Abstract: Disclosed are three embodiments of a hand-held apparatus for printing and applying pressure sensitive labels. All the embodiments are disclosed as having a housing, a rigid, metal, frame plate mounted by the housing, a platen and a cooperating print head, a delaminator for delaminating printed labels from the web of supporting material on which the labels are carried, an applicator for applying the printed labels, a feed wheel having teeth for engaging and advancing the web, a manually operable actuator drivingly connected to the feed wheel and the print head, a brake, and an ink roll for inking the print head. The apparatus also includes a feed wheel assembly having a feed wheel driven by a pawl and ratchet mechanism. The pawl and ratchet mechanism is adjustably connected to the feed wheel and a rolling contact type one-way clutch prevents loss of tension in the web between the brake and the feed wheel.

Abstract: There is disclosed a hand-held labeler having an improved applicator roll and mounting structure for an applicator roll. The mounting structure and the roll can deflect when excessive force is applied to the applicator roll to prevent damage to the apparatus.

Abstract: A labelling machine comprises feed rollers which are driven stepwise to draw lengths of tape from a tape reel and to feed same to a transfer roller. Each length of tape is severed by co-operating cutter means on the transfer roller and on a pivotal arm adjacent the transfer roller. The severed length, which forms the label, is fed stepwise by the transfer roller to a label-applying station. During the stepwise movement the label is held on the transfer roller, for example by vacuum.

Abstract: There is disclosed label printing and applying apparatus by which labels are successively printed and applied to merchandise. The apparatus feeds pressure sensitive labels mounted on a web of supporting material to a printing zone and to a delaminating zone. An applicator disposed downstream of the delaminating zone is used to apply the labels to merchandise.

Abstract: Stocking handling apparatus having carrier plates on which pairs of stockings are indexed transversely from a loading station through label and transfer applying stations to a folding station. A label folding mechanism receives an adhesive coated label at the label applying station and positions it at the end portion of a pair of stockings on the carrier plate and folds the label thereover to adhere it thereto. At the transfer applying station a transfer strip is fed under a holddown frame that positions the strip on the top stocking of the pair while a hot transfer iron moves against the transfer strip to transfer the indicia therefrom to the stocking.

Abstract: An electronic digital display scale with a label printer adapted to weigh an article, to print a measured weight of said article on a label and to adhere said label onto said article weighed, wherein the printed label is held by a label transfer device by means of adhering or suction and transferred to an applying position outside a frame, thereby said label is applied to the weighted article by depressing said weighed article against the label retained by said label transfer device.

Abstract: A dichromic ink supply mechanism for use in a hand operated labeler which prints labels dichromically: the ink supply mechanism comprises holding means pivotally attached to a manual actuating lever, two inking rollers respectively impregnated with inks of different colors and both being rotatably and removably carried on the holding means, and guide passages in the frame of the labeler for guiding reciprocating motion of the holding means and the rollers.

Abstract: A label cutting device for a label applying machine including: a label strip advancing roller which is provided at regular intervals around its periphery with label strip engaging and advancing pawls and also with cutting blade receiving grooves, a cutting blade supported at a cutting position next to the label advancing roller, the label strip held on the label advancing roller is cut by the cutting blade being moved into one of the grooves of the roller by the operation of the hand lever of the machine through an intermediate linkage.

Abstract: There is disclosed label printing and applying apparatus by which labels are successively printed and applied to merchandise. The apparatus feeds pressure sensitive labels mounted on a web of supporting material to a printing zone and to a delaminating zone. An applicator disposed downstream of the delaminating zone is used to apply the labels to merchandise.

Abstract: An automated label applicator includes an elongated arm which is rotatable between a first position, in which the label applicator receives an adhesive-backed label as it is being separated from an elongated strip of label stock backing, and a second position, in which the label is removed from the label applicator by progressive engagement of the adhesive backing with a moving surface. In the label-receiving position, the label is directed between a first pin upstanding from the elongated arm, and a second pin supported for rotation about the first pin, by a spring arm which extends transversly from the first pin. The spring arm is normally biased against the second pin, but is deflected therefrom only when the elongated arm is in the label-receiving position. Upon initial rotation of the elongated arm toward the label-applying position, the spring arm is released to press the label against the second pin.

Abstract: Disclosed are three embodiments of a hand-held apparatus for printing and applying pressure sensitive labels. All the embodiments are disclosed as having a housing, a rigid, metal, frame plate mounted by the housing, a platen and a cooperating print head, a delaminator for delaminating printed labels from the web of supporting material on which the labels are carried, an applicator for applying the printed labels, a feed wheel having teeth for engaging and advancing the web, a manually operable actuator drivingly connected to the feed wheel and the print head, a brake, and an ink roll for inking the print head. The apparatus also includes a feed wheel assembly having a feed wheel driven by a pawl and ratchet mechanism. The pawl and ratchet mechanism is adjustably connected to the feed wheel and a rolling contact type one-way clutch prevents loss of tension in the web between the brake and the feed wheel.

Abstract: A printing machine for printing information on a label strip, or the like, which machine comprises: a holder for supporting a rolled label strip; a printing device for printing information on the label strip; a platen for pressing the label strip against the type face of the printing device; an advancing device which advances the label strip toward the printing device; and a winding device to wind the printed label strip. The printing machine of this invention is able to print indicia, such as bar code characters, clearly and quickly.

Abstract: In an apparatus for printing and dispensing labels carried in a label ribbon of indeterminate length, a hand lever is held in a rest position by a return spring and a printing device is coupled with the hand lever for movement toward a label, located on a printing table, upon depression of the hand lever and away from the printing table upon release of the hand lever. A transport mechanism is coupled with the hand lever for advancing the label ribbon by a distance equal to the label spacing on the ribbon each time the hand lever is actuated. A printing device is carried at the free end of a further lever movable in the same plane as the hand lever and normally held stationary by a pawl, the other end of the further lever being coupled with the hand lever through a further spring extending between the hand lever and the further lever.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a cartridge type supply device for use with a portable, one-hand-operable labeling machine of the type including a printing mechanism with printing types arranged for imprinting inscriptions on each of a series of labels traveling along a predetermined path through the machine toward a dispensing opening of the machine. The ink supply device comprises a cartridge holder pivotally supported at one end thereof within the labeling machine in a readily detachable manner and a replaceable inking roller cartridge supported detachably by the other end of said cartridge holder said cartridge including a rotatable inking roller. The cartridge holder is spring-biased to urge the inking roller onto surfaces of the printing types of the printing mechanism of the labeling machine. When the inking roller cartridge is used up, the cartridge holder can be taken out of the machine together with the used cartridge. A cartridge box for housing spare inking roller cartridges is provided.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical dosage forms comprising an edible web having deposited thereon or at least partially thereon a particulate medicament, the webs being thereafter fabricated and finished to pharmaceutically elegant solid dosage forms having no medicament exposed on an exterior surface. The dosage forms have a consistency of release of medicament which can be controlled to exacting specifications. The disclosed solid dosage forms are prepared by high speed automated equipment and the process by which they are made is characterized by non-destructive quality control analysis and performance evaluation both conducted on-line and integrated into the manufacturing operation. Included in the scope of the disclosed invention are certain apparatus and methods of manufacture.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical dosage forms comprising an edible web having deposited thereon or at least partially thereon a particulate medicament, the webs being thereafter fabricated and finished to pharmaceutically elegant solid dosage forms having no medicament exposed on an exterior surface. The dosage forms have a consistency of release of medicament which can be controlled to exacting specifications. The disclosed solid dosage forms are prepared by high speed automated equipment and the process by which they are made is characterized by non-destructive quality control analysis and performance evaluation both conducted on-line and integrated into the manufacturing operation. Included in the scope of the disclosed invention are certain apparatus and methods of manufacture.

Abstract: A continuous web of sheet material including a transparent face sheet having a rear surface coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive and a backing sheet releasably attached to the adhesive is fed to label-forming apparatus comprising de-laminating means for separating the backing sheet from the face sheet, a plurality of printing stations for printing multi-color indicia on the adhesive coating of the face sheet, steering and re-laminating mechanism for aligning the separated face and backing sheets and then re-laminating them so that the backing sheet completely covers the adhesive coating, die cutters for cutting discrete label portions and surrounding waste portions in the re-laminated face sheet, and means for removing the waste portions; in an alternative embodiment the face sheet is opaque, the de-laminating means being disposed between two adjacent printing stations, the printing stations upstream of the de-laminating mechanism printing first indicia on the front surface of the face sheet, and the pri

Abstract: There is disclosed label printing and applying apparatus by which labels are successively printed and applied to merchandise. The apparatus feeds pressure sensitive labels mounted on a web of supporting material to a printing zone and to a delaminating zone. An applicator disposed downstream of the delaminating zone is used to apply the labels to merchandise.

Abstract: A constant pressure mechanism for a hand operated labeler to print the labels that are in a label strip clearly and precisely with a constant printing pressure applied to the labels irrespective of the strength and speed of the squeezing and releasing of the operator's hand lever; the mechanism comprises: a printing device fixed to the machine frame; a platen assembly supporting the label strip in opposition to said printing device; means operatively connecting the platen assembly and said hand lever, and banging the platen assembly against the type face of the printing device with a predetermined spring force and then retracting the platen assembly to its original position.

Abstract: Disclosed are three embodiments of a hand-held apparatus for printing and applying pressure sensitive labels. All the embodiments are disclosed as having a housing, a rigid, metal, frame plate mounted by the housing, a platen and a cooperating print head, a delaminator for delaminating printed labels from the web of supporting material on which the labels are carried, an applicator for applying the printed labels, a feed wheel having teeth for engaging and advancing the web, a manually operable actuator drivingly connected to the feed wheel and the print head, a brake, and an ink roll for inking the print head. The apparatus also includes a feed wheel assembly having a feed wheel driven by a pawl and ratchet mechanism. The pawl and ratchet mechanism is adjustably connected to the feed wheel and a rolling contact type one-way clutch prevents loss of tension in the web between the brake and the feed wheel.

Abstract: Disclosed are three embodiments of a hand-held apparatus for printing and applying pressure sensitive labels. All the embodiments are disclosed as having a housing, a rigid, metal, frame plate mounted by the housing, a platen and a cooperating print head, a delaminator for delaminating printed labels from the web of supporting material on which the labels are carried, an applicator for applying the printed labels, a feed wheel having teeth for engaging and advancing the web, a manually operable actuator drivingly connected to the feed wheel and the print head, a brake, and an ink roll for inking the print head. The apparatus also includes a feed wheel assembly having a feed wheel driven by a pawl and ratchet mechanism. The pawl and ratchet mechanism is adjustably connected to the feed wheel and a rolling contact type one-way clutch prevents loss of tension in the web between the brake and the feed wheel.

Abstract: The invention relates to means for printing on labels at a bottle labelling machine. The machine has glue applying means, a stack of labels and a label transfer station arranged about a circle, at least one pick-up element for the labels, a support for said pick-up element, means for rotating said support and thereby said pick-up element so that pick-up element successively receives glue, picks up a label and transfers it to another member for subsequent application to a bottle, and means for printing said labels prior to application to said bottles. In accordance with the invention the printing means comprises an inking element positioned between the glue applying means and the stack of labels. A roll having a stamp pad jacket transfers printing ink to the inking element and a brush is also provided to wipe the inking element after printing. Sun and planet gears are provided to cause appropriate pivoting of the various elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing and delivering a label-receipt type tape member which displays the results of a variable number of operations of a computing scale including the value of items weighed on the scale, the value of fixed price items not weighed on the scale, and the total value of a group of items including fixed price items and items required to be weighed, the apparatus comprising a supply reel of continuous laminate tape coated on one side and protected with a cover web, a printing including a printing head responsive to the operations of the computing scale to print the information supplied on successive lines of the tape, a stripper bar, a take-up reel for pulling the cover web over the stripper bar under tension and to separate the cover web from the printed tape, and a tear surface adapted to permit the separation of the presented portion of printed tape from the continuous tape as a label-receipt.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing two-way mailers constituted by a single blank imprinted with data on both faces thereof, the blank then being formed into superposed panels that not only define pre-addressed forwarding and return envelopes but also a printed statement of charges and a return stub to accompany payment, thereby making it possible for a company to forward to a customer a statement of charges and for the customer to remit to the company. In the system, the blanks are individually printed on both faces thereof in a printing stage that includes a conveyor loop wherein fresh blanks admitted into the loop are fed under the printing head for imprinting on one face thereof, each blank then being turned over and advanced on the loop toward a two-position output gate. In its first position, the gate passes the blank into a reentry mechanism acting to readmit the turned-over blank into the loop for imprinting on the other face thereof.

Abstract: An automatically controlled cutting machine has a label applicator mounted with the cutting tool for movement above the support surface of a table on which multi-ply layups of sheet material are positioned for cutting. Stacks of pattern pieces cut from the layup by the tool are marked with information labels dispensed from the applicator. Information borne by the labels is preprinted on the labels or is generated by a printer which cooperates with the dispensing mechanism of the applicator.

Abstract: There are disclosed various embodiments of a composite web of pressure sensitive labels, method and apparatus for making such embodiments of the composite web, and method and apparatus by which a composite web of labels is advanced and by which labels are successively printed and applied to merchandise.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an embossed resinous product having a textured surface which comprises: forming a potentially foamable resinous composition containing a blowing agent therein; heating the potentially foamable resinous composition to an elevated temperature to activate the blowing agent to cause blowing of the potentially foamable resinous composition; and then, before the freshly blown resinous composition has cooled to ambient or room temperature and while it is still relatively soft, mechanically embossing the freshly blown resinous composition under pressure by applying to its surface a previously blown, chemically embossed resinous product having a suitably textured surface; and cooling the freshly blown and now embossed resinous composition to yield an embossed resinous product.

Abstract: A labelling machine, employing strip which bears pressure-sensitive adhesive labels, is operated by articles conveyed in succession past the machine. Each article moves an arm, thereby advancing the strip by an amount less than the pitch length of the labels to present a partially detached label at applicator rollers, where it adheres to and is detached by the passing article. In this way labelling can be effected at higher rates than previously. In detaching the label, the article also pulls the strip into position for when the next article moves the arm. Guides, relatively movable in one sense by the arm, or by another arm moved by the article, and in the opposite sense by gravity, and consisting of three rollers, or of a rotary cam and a roller, vary the path length of the strip cyclically in the machine by the above amount, thereby advancing the strip and presenting the partially detached label at the applicator.

Abstract: A printing apparatus wherein a thin film on which a pattern is printed is floated on the surface of liquid and the pattern is transferred onto a surface of an object to be printed with the pattern utilizing the liquid pressure by submerging the object into the liquid while pressing the object onto the thin film.

Abstract: A label applicator applies a human readable label and a machine readable label to opposite sides of a package such that the position of the human readable label on one side provides an indication of the position of the machine readable label on the opposite side. Proper positioning of a package for application of the machine readable label is sensed when the package is positioned either automatically or manually. A printer prints the machine readable label and ejects it into a catcher where the label is held prior to its application to a package. The label application process is monitored by an interlock which signals the failure of the applicator head to pick up a label from the catcher.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for decorating the outer surface of an article or ware at a plurality of decorating stations wherein registration between the decoration applied at each of the plurality of stations is maintained. The article is advanced to each of the decorating stations at which a predetermined decoration is applied. The movement of the article as it is advanced to the subsequent station is controlled with the article being rotated a predetermined amount such that the orientation of the article at each of the decorating stations is appropriate for the particular decoration being applied.

Abstract: There is disclosed label printing and applying apparatus by which labels are successively printed and applied to merchandise. The apparatus feeds pressure sensitive labels mounted on a web of supporting material to a printing zone and to a delaminating zone. An applicator disposed downstream of the delaminating zone is used to apply the labels to merchandise.

Abstract: Apparatus used, inter alia, for the production of printed labels employing self-adhesive stock mounted on a backing sheet. The labels are chosen as regards content or layout and as regards width by the user, the apparatus being capable of producing labels of any kind. The blank stock is fed through a printing device and thereafter through a rotary die-cutter. The printed and die-cut stock is then fed to a location at which the backing sheet supporting the printed labels are separated from the waste paper. At said location, an abrupt change of direction in the path of travel is imparted to the backing sheet.

Abstract: Disclosed are three embodiments of a hand-held apparatus for printing and applying pressure sensitive labels. All the embodiments are disclosed as having a housing, a rigid, metal, frame plate mounted by the housing, a platen and a cooperating print head, a delaminator for delaminating printed labels from the web of supporting material on which the labels are carried, an applicator for applying the printed labels, a feed wheel having teeth for engaging and advancing the web, a manually operable actuator drivingly connected to the feed wheel and the print head, a brake, and an ink roll for inking the print head. The apparatus also includes a feed wheel assembly having a feed wheel driven by a pawl and ratchet mechanism. The pawl and ratchet mechanism is adjustably connected to the feed wheel and a rolling contact type one-way clutch prevents loss of tension in the web between the brake and the feed wheel.

Abstract: Disclosed are three embodiments of a hand-held apparatus for printing and applying pressure sensitive labels. All the embodiments are disclosed as having a housing, a rigid, metal, frame plate mounted by the housing, a platen and a cooperating print head, a delaminator for delaminating printed labels from the web of supporting material on which the labels are carried, an applicator for applying the printed labels, a feed wheel having teeth for engaging and advancing the web, a manually operable actuator drivingly connected to the feed wheel and the print head, a brake, and an ink roll for inking the print head. The apparatus also includes a feed wheel assembly having a feed wheel driven by a pawl and ratchet mechanism. The pawl and ratchet mechanism is adjustably connected to the feed wheel and a rolling contact type one-way clutch prevents loss of tension in the web between the brake and the feed wheel.

Abstract: Disclosed are three embodiments of a hand-held apparatus for printing and applying pressure sensitive labels. All the embodiments are disclosed as having a housing, a rigid, metal, frame plate mounted by the housing, a platen and a cooperating print head, a delaminator for delaminating printed labels from the web of supporting material on which the labels are carried, an applicator for applying the printed labels, a feed wheel having teeth for engaging and advancing the web, a manually operable actuator drivingly connected to the feed wheel and the print head, a brake, and an ink roll for inking the print head. The apparatus also includes a feed wheel assembly having a feed wheel driven by a pawl and ratchet mechanism. The pawl and ratchet mechanism is adjustably connected to the feed wheel and a rolling contact type one-way clutch prevents loss of tension in the web between the brake and the feed wheel.

Abstract: A label applying turret having label support pads, a label marker and a pressing platen for pressing the label against the marker. The marker is mounted on the turret to rotate therewith and faces outwardly against the inwardly facing side of the label. In one embodiment a label gripping platen is aligned with the marker so that its action in gripping the label to the turret concurrently imposes die marking pressure on the label. In another embodiment a roller platen is mounted externally of the turret and presses the labels against the die marker.This application is a division of copending application Ser. No. 381,184 filed July 20, 1973, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,893,388, which was a continuation of copending application Ser. No. 223,204 filed Feb. 3, 1972, now abandoned.

Abstract: A marking gun for printing adhesive labels with pricing and the like having a printing head directly connected to an operating trigger for impressing the labels, a drive wheel is linked to the operation trigger by a ratchet and pawl assembly for incremental advancing of the labels carried on a backing tape, the tape being transported by radial drive teeth which engage perforations in the backing tape, separation of the labels from the tape being aided by a cam operated pressure shoe, and threading of the tape through the gun being aided by a retractable spring biased guide member which holds the backing tape against the drive wheel during operation, and guides the tape around the drive wheel during threading when retracted by a thumb trigger that projects from the casing of the marking gun.

Abstract: A labeling machine including means for feeding a continuous web having thereon a series of labels of a given length but with certain of the adjacent labels thereon spaced differently than other adjacent labels, and having thereon control elements related to such differences in the label spacing, the machine further including label severing means operable to cut off the terminal labels in the web at their given lengths regardless of the different spacings therebetween, and means controlled by the control elements on the web and operating the severing means to cut from the web the labels in uniform length and without having attached thereto any web portions providing spacings between adjacent labels. .Iadd.