Abstract: A portable label applying machine comprises a label cassette having a supporting section for supporting a roll of a label strip, a separating section for inverting the backing paper strip alone so as to cause the labels to separate from the backing paper strip and a guide section for guiding the backing paper strip. It also comprises an applier having a feeding mechanism and an applying section. The feeding mechanism has the label cassette detachably mounted thereon and transfers the backing paper strip in cooperation with a manual lever, so as to cause separation of the labels from the backing paper strip at the separating section. The applying section applies the separated labels to goods. An auxiliary separating member is mounted at a position in front of the labels along their feeding direction and in front of the separating section, whereby a label which might not separate from the backing paper strip is lifted off that strip by the auxiliary separating member.

Abstract: A hand-held label printing and applying apparatus includes a platen and a movable printer for successively printing pressure sensitive labels advanced across the platen by a carrier web. Each label is separated from the web by pulling the web around a delaminator with a web engaging feed wheel rotatably indexed in response to release of a finger actuator. When the apparatus is assembled for printing relatively short labels, each separated label engages applicator rollers rotatably supported by a pair of non-rotating adaptor hub members. The hub members have aligned eccentric holes for receiving a support shaft which is used without the hub members for supporting larger applicator rollers when the apparatus is assembled for printing longer labels. The carrier web is directed into engagement with the feed wheel by a form roller supported for rotation by a U-shaped adaptor which is used when the apparatus is assembled for printing shorter labels.

Abstract: There is disclosed a hand-held labeler having a feed wheel for advancing a label-carrying web. The feed wheel is driven through a pawl and ratchet mechanism. The pawl and ratchet mechanism includes a pawl member and a ratchet wheel. The pawl member is slidably mounted for axial movement relative to the ratchet wheel. The ratchet wheel and the feed wheel are clutched for rotation as a unit during use, but they can be unclutched to effect relative adjustment of the ratchet wheel and the feed wheel. When the clutch is unclutched an additional clutch clutches the pawl member and the ratchet wheel to prevent movement of the ratchet wheel in either direction while the position of the feed wheel is adjusted.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for imprinting and dispensing pressure-sensitive labels adhering to a carrier tape. The apparatus comprises an operating lever for controlling a printing mechanism and for controlling a feed means for stepwise drawing of the carrier tape over a platen and around a peel edge at which the pressure-sensitive labels detach from the carrier tape and move into a dispensing position. In the rest position of the operating lever the carrier tape is clamped by a braking means where the braking means is biased against the carrier tape by a spring. By means of a cam gearing arranged between the brake actuating member and the operating lever the brake actuating member can be pivoted against the bias of the spring from the carrier tape clamping position into a carrier tape release position when the operating lever has covered a part of its travel from the rest position into the operative position.

Abstract: In a label printer, nonspooling and self-strip paths of label stock movement are accommodated by a single mechanism that includes a drive capstan 46 and associated pinch roller 48, a shaft 40, a pair of mechanically intercoupled discs 68 and 52 respectively secured to the shaft and the drive capstan for causing them to rotate in opposite directions, a label stripping pin 44, a drive roller 38 rotatable about the shaft, a clutch 78 locking the drive roller to the shaft whenever the shaft is rotated in a given direction and permitting the drive roller to freely rotate about the shaft whenever the shaft is rotated in an opposite direction, and a thermal print head 28 including a thermal print element 30 yieldably engaging the drive roller. In the nonspooling path, the free end of the label stock is passed between the thermal print head and the drive roller and the drive capstan is rotated in a given direction by a drive motor 54 so that the label stock exits the label printer without label separation.

Abstract: There is disclosed a hand-held labeler having a print head with electrically selectable printing elements for printing and applying pressure sensitive labels. The labeler has a housing with a handle and structure for mounting a roll of pressure sensitive labels releasably carried on a carrier web. The labeler has a movable section which mounts a keyboard and a control circuit on a circuit board. The control circuit controls the printing elements. Labels are printed by the printing elements as the carrier web is advanced, and labels are delaminated at a delaminator and dispensed into label applying relation to an applicator.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a machine for transferring indicia, preferably decals, from a rolled carrier strip or web to a series of articles. The articles may have straight cylindrical sides like that of root beer mugs, they may have positive tapered sides such as tapered water glasses, or they may have negative tapered sides such as the upper part of stemmed wine glasses. A series of the decals are attached to the elongated web and are spaced a generally constant distance apart in the direction of the length of the web. The configuration of the decals corresponds to a flat layout of the outer surface of the articles being decorated. For a straight mug the decal is generally rectangular; for a glass having a positive taper the decal is curved in one direction; and for a glass having a negative taper the decal is curved in the other direction. The machine includes a mandrel that rotatably supports an article and a pressure mechanism for pressing the web and the decal against the article on the mandrel.

Abstract: A programmable platen for use in a label applying system wherein the labels are transferred to the platen and retained thereby under negative pressure and subsequently driven from the platen by application of positive pressure. The platen comprises a number of pin like valves of differing type which are inserted into the platen in accordance with a desired configuration or program so as to provide the appropriate suction and blowing characteristics for the platen in differing applications for applying labels or the like.

Abstract: A composite label arranging device is disclosed wherein a composite label having a layer of label material superposed on a layer of backing material, with feed flaps formed in both layers, is engaged with feed pins of a feed roller, by which the feed flaps are forced upright. The feed roller intermittently rotates in synchronism with the operation of a hand lever for advancement of the label on a platen. A label arranging member is disposed in opposition to the platen so as to descend during the squeezing operation of the hand lever and press against and thereby flatten the upright flaps.

Abstract: The present system involves the use of a backing tape with pressure-sensitive labels mounted along one portion of the width of the backing tape, and at least one continuous strip of material carrying related indicia, for example in bar code form, is mounted on a different portion of the backing tape. As the label is applied to containers, the bar code or other information associated with each label is also read to insure correspondence between the contents of the containers being packaged, as programmed into the optical reader at the label applicator head, with the bar code information identifying the label which is being applied to the product. The pressure-sensitive labels are individually mounted on the backing tape, either in the form of die cut or butt cut labels, while the associated bar code information is on the continuous strip.

Abstract: Web-splicing apparatus comprises a web splicer and, associated therewith, an air mover and web-presentation means operable to present to the inlet end of the air mover the leading end of a first web extending from a reel and the leading end of a second web extending from another reel, which air mover is operable to feed the leading end of said first web from said presentation means to and through a splicing zone, to serve as a guide for subsequent continuous passage of that web and further operable to feed the leading end of the second said web from said presentation means to said splicing zone during continuous passage of the first web through the air mover. Web-severing means may be disposed for operation in the splicing zone and web-withdrawal means, suitably further air-mover means, downstream of that zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand-held labelling device for printing, detaching and dispensing individual adhesive labels mounted on a backing strip and for applying such labels to articles to be labelled, the label tape being guided from a reel of label tape via a counterplate to a deflecting edge and from the latter to transport means arranged in the area below the reel of label tape and comprising a transport wheel with backstop which positively engages the backing strip and which can be moved on step by step by means of an operating handle to transport the said strip, the deflecting edge being provided between the counterplate and the forward end opposite the operating handle and mounted together with the counterplate on a swing-out bottom mounted to pivot about a stationary pin provided in the rear bottom portion, the said device comprising further a pressure roller provided in front of the deflecting edge in the forward portion of the device opposite the said pin.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method and machine for applying a decal to a generally cylindrical article, particularly an article having a handle on one side thereof. A series of decals are attached to an elongated web and are spaced a generally constant distance apart in the direction of the length of the web. The machine includes supply and takeup spindles for rotatably supporting reels for the web, and a web drive for moving the web from the supply reel to the take-up reel. A mandrel rotatably supports the article and a movable head presses the web and the decal against an article on the mandrel. The web passes from the supply reel, between the mandrel and the head, and to the take-up reel. The machine further includes a brake which, when engaged, holds the web against movement, and a decal sensor assembly. After the machine is actuated to cause the movable head to press the decal against an article, the brake is actuated to release the web, and the web is then pulled across the article.

Abstract: A label applicator is described for seizing a printed, adhesive backed label and for applying the label to a commodity. The applicator includes a pick-up head for vacuum-seizing a portion of the label by its non-adhesive side and for swinging the label to a label transfer station. At the latter station, the pick-up head releases its grip on the label and an applicator head vacuum-seizes another portion of the non-adhesive side of the label and then applies the label to the commodity.

Abstract: There is disclosed a hand-held label printing and applying apparatus for printing on labels releasably adhered to a web of supporting material, the apparatus having a print head and a platen with an impression control mechanism for the print head, a traveling inker with an easily replaceable inking member, a mechanism for adjusting the registration of a label with respect to the print head, and a return spring subassembly or module which is easy to handle and assemble into operative relation with the remainder of the apparatus. Also disclosed is method of and apparatus for applying labels to tags using the hand-held label printing and applying apparatus. Also disclosed is an improved masking member which masks off a label and prevents smearing of ink printed on the label.

Abstract: In an apparatus for printing, dispensing and applying pressure-sensitive labels adhering to a carrier tape said carrier tape is drawn by a feed means stepwise about a peel edge which is formed by a roller mounted on a shaft and at which the pressure-sensitive labels are detached from the carrier tape. To achieve a clean peeling of the pressure-sensitive labels the peel edge must form as sharp an edge as possible which means that the rollers must have the smallest possible diameter and consequently must be mounted on a very thin shaft.To enable rollers of small diameter to be used and nevertheless minimize the effects of the frictional moment between rollers and shaft, the shaft carrying the rollers is supported between its ends.

Abstract: There is disclosed a hand-held labeler having a feed wheel for advancing a label-carrying web. The feed wheel is driven through a pawl and ratchet mechanism. The pawl and ratchet mechanism includes a pawl member and a ratchet wheel. The pawl member is slidably mounted for axial movement relative to the ratchet wheel. The ratchet wheel and the feed wheel are clutched for rotation as a unit during use, but they can be unclutched to effect relative adjustment of the ratchet wheel and the feed wheel. When the clutch is unclutched an additional clutch clutches the pawl member and the ratchet wheel to prevent movement of the ratchet wheel in either direction while the position of the feed wheel is adjusted.

Abstract: A printer system for printing upon labels mounted on a web of release material, includes a stationary reel support upon which a supply reel and a take up reel are mounted for free rotation thereon. A printer is mounted adjacent a supply path extending from the supply reel to the take up reel, and a web drive arrangement is provided for engaging the web and transporting the web past the printer. A reel actuating arrangement, such as an inertial arm, is provided for applying a web unreeling force to the web of material adjacent the supply roll, which force is dependent upon and varies with the radius of the supply roll. A clutch is interposed between the supply reel and the take up reel for rotating the take up reel as the web is unreeled from the supply roll mounted on the supply reel such that substantially the same amount of web of release material is wound onto a take up roll on the take up reel as is unreeled from the supply roll.

Abstract: A re-taping machine for re-packaging radial lead capacitors. The capacitors arrive taped to discrete strips, with gaps at some positions where defective capacitors have been removed. The machine advances the discrete strips through a capacitor removal station. There a single puller tool is reciprocated to remove successive capacitors by pulling them laterally free of the tape and strip. The puller tool is readily removable and replaceable by other puller tools adapted for different types of capacitors. The tool has a claw which enters the space between the radial leads and engages positively against either the head of the capacitor or against kinks formed in the leads. The tool is also formed with a capacitor restraining bar which rests against the leads to control the fall of the capacitor onto a continuous output strip which serves as the new packaging medium.

Abstract: Labels are separated from a strip and charged with static electricity upon separation. The labels are supplied to articles by utilizing static electricity and label adhesion while the adhesive layer surface of the label is directed outwardly. By application of the labels to the articles, the indications printed on the adhesive layer surface of the label or the surface of the articles to be labelled are protected by the label. Thus the layer of printing is prevented from stain and fabrication and indelibility thereof may be obtained.

Abstract: A hand held applicator for transferring pressure transferable graphic images from an accepting tape to a receptor surface. The applicator comprises a body having a bottom surface and a back surface intersecting the bottom surface to define a sharp separating edge, and a roller rotatably mounted on the front portion of the body with its axis of rotation in parallel alignment with the separating edge. The outer periphery of the roller projects out from the bottom surface so that as the applicator is pressed against an accepting tape, the roller and separating edge form a narrow band of pressure contact with the accepting tape.

Abstract: A coating method in which a coating film is transferred from a film carrying roll leaf, onto the surface of a product. A positioning platform, together with a pressure member which acts against the platform, define a transfer station at which the roll leaf and product are concurrently aligned. A continuously moving and guided thermal belt preheats the foil sufficiently to effect separation of the roll leaf decorative layer from the carrier, and assure its transfer to the product surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing decals from a web of decal material, wherein core portions of waste material in the decals automatically can be removed from the decals. In one aspect of the invention, backing material is stripped from the decal material; the decal configurations are cut into the decal material; the waste exterior portion of the decal material is removed from the decals while the decals are retained in position on a vacuum wheel; and the core portions are removed by the vacuum in the wheel through enlarged openings opposite the core portions on the decals. In another aspect of the invention, the decal configurations are cut into the decal material while it remains on the backing material; the exterior waste portions are removed; and the core portions are removed by passing the backing material over the sharp edge of a peeling bar while pressing the decal portion downwardly on the backing material.

Abstract: In an apparatus for and method of depositing adhesive strips, a ribbon including a layer of adhesive is directed along a predetermined input path. In the first two embodiments, the ribbon is engaged between a measuring roller and a driven roller responsive thereto, and fed into positioning structure. The material on which the adhesive is to be deposited is located between the positioning structure and a head, which can be heated. Separation means is provided adjacent the input path for selectively separating at least a portion of the ribbon to form adhesive strips, after which the strip of adhesive, the material and the head are engaged to effect deposition of the activated adhesive strip onto the material. In a third embodiment, the ribbon is engaged by a feed pulley and directed toward a revolving wheel rotatably interconnected with the feed pulley.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for joining strip material, such as magnetic recording tape, comprising two pivotally mounted cutting plates carried by a support, having cooperating cutting edges, said plates having aligned grooves formed at 45.degree. to the cutting edges for reception of the strip material to be joined. In use the strip to be cut is placed in the groove of one plate, relative movement is effected between the two plates to cut the strip at a first position to produce two cut ends, a first cut end is retained in the groove of said one plate and moved relative to the other plate, the second cut end is placed in the groove of the other plate, relative movement between the two plates is again effected to cut the strip material at a second position and to bring the ends of the strip material remaining in the grooves into abutting disposition for application of an adhesive joining strip.

Abstract: In an apparatus for and method of depositing adhesive strips, a ribbon including a layer of adhesive is directed along a predetermined input path. In the first two embodiments, the ribbon is engaged between a measuring roller and a driven roller responsive thereto, and fed into positioning structure. The material on which the adhesive is to be deposited is located between the positioning structure and a head, which can be heated. Separation means is provided adjacent the input path for selectively separating at least a portion of the ribbon to form adhesive strips, after which the strip of adhesive, the material and the head are engaged to effect deposition of the activated adhesive strip onto the material. In a third embodiment, the ribbon is engaged by a feed pulley and directed toward a revolving wheel rotatably interconnected with the feed pulley.

Abstract: There is disclosed, in combination with a conveyor for moving packages or other objects of different sizes and shapes from an input station via a customer charge-calculating and labeling station, an improved printed label transport system carrying the labels to the applicator. The label transport and applying system is of a swinging "elbow" type and is of such geometry as to obviate previous problems concerning labeling of articles of varying sizes and shapes as they are being transported on a continuously delivering high speed product line conveyor. The label print system applies all pertinent data on a single label, and the mechanism provides an improved "final touch" pressure against each label incidental to the applying operation. The label transport system includes a sidewise label scanning device which monitors for correctness the indicia printed thereon.

Abstract: A reinforcer applicator for applying gummed reinforcers to individual, punched sheets of paper which includes a base member, a beam pivotally carried by one end of the base member, and a ratchet-and-drum assembly in articulated cooperation with the beam to advance a tape carrying a plurality of gummed reinforcers from a supply drum through the ratchet-and-drum system to effect deposition of the gummed reinforcers on the sheets of paper responsive to depression of the beam.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically sequentially applying labels to objects characterized by a plate having an edge defining a V shaped region. A strip transport means moves a label strip comprised of first and second parallel carrier strip portions, having labels adhered thereto bridging said portions, along the upper surface of the plate toward the apex of the V shaped region. The strip transport means then pulls the two carrier strip portions in diverging directions around the edge portions of the V shaped region to thus release the label bridging the carrier strip portions at that point. The label strip has index marks therealong which cooperate with the strip transport means to prevent any cumulative differential linear movement between the carrier strip portions. The index marks comprise points on the strip whose physical characteristics, such as optical, magnetic, electrical or structural enable the marks to be readily distinguished by a sensor from other areas on the strip.

Abstract: A labeler for dispensing labels from a carrier strip having labels stuck onto the strip. The labeler has a case in which is a carrier strip feeding mechanism driven by an actuating mechanism for advancing the carrier strip so as to turn it around a turnback member for separating the label from the carrier strip. A printing apparatus is provided which moves toward the turnback member for printing a label which is passing thereover on the carrier strip. The printing apparatus is mounted on the operating part of the actuating mechanism so that it can rock in a direction transverse to its plane of movement so that it can adjust to the level of the turnback member. The labeler also has a guide member for guiding the carrier strip over a feed drum which can be pivoted out of the way to thread a carrier strip into the labeler. An ink applying device is provided having a resilient guide engaged with the ink applying roller so that it can be moved out of the way to remove the roller.

Abstract: There is disclosed a hand-held label printing and applying apparatus for printing on labels releasably adhered to a web of supporting material, the apparatus having a print head and a platen with an impression control mechanism for the print head, a traveling inker with an easily replaceable inking member, a mechanism for adjusting the registration of a label with respect to the print head, and a return spring subassembly or module which is easy to handle and assemble into operative relation with the remainder of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method of forming a stack of unexpanded honeycomb core sheets from a continous web of which alternate sheets in the stack have linearly spaced and transversely extending lines of adhesive on one side spaced equally between similar adhesive lines on the others of the sheets when evenly stacked, such method including applying linearly spaced and transversely extending lines of adhesive on one face of the web, cutting the web parallel to the adhesive lines with one cut being made along the linear center of a line of adhesive and the next cut being made along the linear center of the space between the adhesive lines, and then stacking the cut sheets in even edge alignment resulting in the lines of adhesive being linearly staggered on one sheet with respect to those on the adjacent sheet.

Abstract: An appliance for adhering a sensing marker on a medium for recording information, such as a magnetic tape, comprising a case, removing rotor, and a guide way. The case has a cavity formed therein where the removing rotor is pivotally supported. The removing rotor also has a cavity therein where a marker roll is accommodated which is commercially available and which includes a backing liner and a plurality of pre-cut sensing markers adhered on the backing liner. The removing rotor has a station which is formed in a flat surface for receiving the backing liner withdrawn from the marker roll. An arc surface and a radial step are also provided with the removing roller. A location is formed on the case so that the magnetic tape is positioned there. A transfer block which has a rectangular shape is formed at the bottom thereof. Soft material which has a tendency to stick to the sensing marker is positioned on the block.

Abstract: A hand-held labelling apparatus for printing, dispensing and applying self-adhering labels, having a housing provided with a handle and having two side walls consisting of sheet metal and held in spaced relation.Each side wall of the said housing comprises two parallel and free edges which are opposite one another.Casing or sheathing walls consisting of synthetic plastics are capable of being pushed over the outsides of each side wall. The said casing walls comprise flanges which engage over the free edges of the side walls.

Abstract: A coating apparatus in which a coating film is transferred from a film carrying roll leaf, onto the surface of a product. A positioning platform, together with a pressure member which acts against the platform, define a transfer station at which the roll leaf and product are concurrently aligned. A continuously moving and guided thermal belt preheats the foil sufficiently to effect separation of the roll leaf decorative layer from the carrier, and assure its transfer to the product surface.

Abstract: There is disclosed a hand-held label printing and applying apparatus having an impression control mechanism. The apparatus includes a pair of relatively movable slides. A first slide is driven in response to movement of a manually operable actuator and a second slide which carries the print head is slidably mounted on the first slide. During the initial actuation of the actuator, the first and second slides move as a unit until the second slide is stopped by a shoulder of a latch. Continued movement of the actuator and travel of the first slide causes energy to be stored in a spring arrangement. Upon further movement of the actuator and continued travel of the first slide the latch is tripped and the spring arrangement drives the second slide and causes the print head to be driven into a straight line into printing cooperation with the platen. There is also enclosed an arrangement by which the print head can be releasably connected to the second slide. The apparatus also includes an improved spring assembly.

Abstract: There is disclosed a hand-held label printing and applying apparatus having an impression control mechanism. The apparatus includes a pair of relatively movable slides. A first slide is driven in response to movement of a manually operable actuator and a second slide which carries the print head is slidably mounted on the first slide. During the initial actuation of the actuator, the first and second slides move as a unit until the second slide is stopped by a shoulder of a latch. Continued movement of the actuator and travel of the first slide causes energy to be stored in a spring arrangement. Upon further movement of the actuator and continued travel of the first slide the latch is tripped and the spring arrangement drives the second slide and causes the print head to be driven into a straight line into printing cooperation with the platen. There is also enclosed an arrangement by which the print head can be releasably connected to the second slide. The apparatus also includes an improved spring assembly.

Abstract: A bobbin changer includes a storage arrangement for storing a number of reels, a reel unwinding station arranged to receive successive reels from the storage arrangement, means for initially rotating each new reel at the unwinding station in a reverse direction (i.e. opposite to the direction of rotation during unwinding), a suction head which is mounted adjacent to the reel and is arranged to pull the leading end portion of the web away from the reel as it approaches the suction head, and means responsive to the movement of the leading end portion of the web and arranged to discontinue the reverse drive on the reel and to initiate a splicing operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically applying reinforcing tabs to sheets in a loose-leaf binder includes a projecting tab guide sized to fit within a ring of the loose-leaf binder and adapted to apply a reinforcing tab between the edge of the sheet and a hole in the sheet through which the ring passes. Pressure-sensitive adhesive-back reinforcing tabs are separated from the carrier strip as the strip passes around a deflecting edge adjacent to an end of the tab guide. An inclined pressure foot presses the separated tab onto the sheet to attach it thereto.

Abstract: A hand held labeler has a movable print head with selectable printing means for successively printing character lines on a series of pressure sensitive labels carried by a web from which the printed labels are successively delaminated. The labeler includes a label applicator formed by a plurality of wheels mounted for rotation on a support shaft and having label engaging peripheral surfaces. The label applicating wheels are adapted to be assembled on the shaft in different arrangements with each other and with spacer members for selectively locating the label engaging peripheral surfaces according to the location of the character lines printed on the labels to avoid engaging the lines before applicating and before the printing ink sets.

Abstract: There is disclosed label printing and applying apparatus comprising a platen and cooperable printing means for printing successive pressure sensitive labels, a delaminator for delaminating the printed labels successively from the associated web of supporting material, and an applicator for applying the printed delaminated labels to merchandise. The positional relationship of the delaminator relative to the platen and to the applicator can be quickly and easily varied by means of a resilient locking arrangement. Also disclosed are various embodiments of the applicator in the form of roll structure which is capable of yielding to conform to irregularities in the surface to which the label is applied.

Abstract: A roller comprising an elongated shaft and a roller assembly mounted for rotation on the elongated shaft. The roller assembly is retained on the shaft by a detent which is resiliently urged radially inwardly so that a portion of the detent is received in an annular groove on the shaft. This does not interfere with the rotation of the roller assembly on the shaft and it facilitates rapid installation and removal of the roller assembly. A roller of this type may be used, for example, as one of the rollers for a label applicator of the type which feeds labels carried by a backing strip.

Abstract: A device for supporting and guiding a master sheet in relation to an item of artwork comprises a carrier in the form of a rectangular frame having means for locating a master sheet on the frame, an intermediate guide which cooperates with the carrier to restrain the carrier to reciprocate in its own plane relatively to the intermediate guide solely in a first direction, which is parallel to two sides of the carrier, and means for supporting the intermediate guide upon a drawing board while restraining the intermediate guide to reciprocate parallel to the plane of the carrier relatively to the drawing board solely in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: Self-adhesive labels mounted on a backing strip are formed into fan-folded sets or stacks and are loaded directly from the fan-folding machine into an open four-sided cassette. The cassettes are made of cardboard, and after they are loaded with fan-folded labels, they are enclosed either by the addition of a fifth side or by wrapping. The cassette packages are then transported to the location where labels are to be applied to products moving along a conveyor. The fan-folded labels are supported in an open L-shaped rack which is tilted and which is of sufficient length to hold at least two sets or cassettes of fan-folded labels side by side. The labels are fed directly into a standard type of label dispenser which applies the labels to products as they are moving along a conveyor line.

Abstract: A label strip charging mechanism for use in a hand labeler which is equipped with a feed mechanism having a feeding roller for feeding a continuous label strip: The label strip charging mechanism includes a pressure plate which is made pivotable with respect to the hand labeler and which is formed with a curved surface that follows the profile of the outer periphery of the feeding roller. A coil spring is connected to the pressure plate so as to normally bias the plate away from the feeding roller. A snap connection is used to retain the pressure plate in the vicinity of the feeding roller, against the bias of the coil spring at a position to form a restricted passage for the label strip. An actuating lever of the pressure plate is manually operated to release the snap connection so that the pressure plate can be moved away from the feeding roller by the action of the coil spring to establish an enlarged clearance thereby to facilitate charging of the label strip.

Abstract: A label strip jam preventing mechanism for use in a hand labeler wherein the labeler is equipped with a feed mechanism having a feeding roller that is rotatably mounted on the frame of the hand labeler for feeding a continuous label strip. A label strip charging mechanism having a pressure plate covering the feeding roller for assuring engagement between the feeding roller and the label strip. A platen which is reciprocally movable toward and away from a printing head for printing the label strip. The label jam preventing mechanism includes a passage plate which is pivotally connected to the frame and to the platen for providing a passage between the pressure plate and the platen, as the platen shifts in position. A first label holding assembly holds both edges of the label strip at the passage plate. A second label holding assembly holds the both edges and the center portion of the label strip at the pressure plate.

Abstract: There is provided a new arrangement for pressure sensitive labels mounted along a carrier strip, and also a new method and means for removing these labels from the carrier strip and applying them to a product. The label carrier strip is divided down its middle forming separable halves, with the labels mounted over both halves. The separable halves carrier strip is pulled along a plate towards a V-shaped notch in one edge of said plate. The V is somewhat wider than the carrier strip. At the notch, the two halves of the carrier strip bend and are drawn through the V-shaped notch, each half over a different side of the V. This causes the two carrier strip halves to follow divergent paths from each other, and also from the label, forcibly releasing the label from the carrier strip halves. The label is thereby forced to continue in a straight line over and past the V-shaped notch until it is free of the carrier strip. It cannot follow the carrier strip halves through the V.

Abstract: In an apparatus for and method of depositing adhesive strips, a ribbon including a layer of adhesive is directed along a predetermined input path. In the first two embodiments, the ribbon is engaged between a measuring roller and a driven roller responsive thereto, and fed into positioning structure. The material on which the adhesive is to be deposited is located between the positioning structure and a head, which can be heated. Separation means is provided adjacent the input path for selectively separating at least a portion of the ribbon to form adhesive strips, after which the strip of adhesive, the material and the head are engaged to effect deposition of the activated adhesive strip onto the material. In a third embodiment, the ribbon is engaged by a feed pulley and directed toward a revolving wheel rotatably interconnected with the feed pulley.

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 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.