Abstract: A system for the dispensing of literature to objects, such as containers carried by a conveyor, includes a tape for the application of adhesive to literature, and a device for the separation of the literature from the tape to permit the securing of the literature, adhesively, to the containers. A drive mechanism is provided for advancing the tape through successive increments of distance, each incremental distance being equal to the size of one piece of literature. A hopper dispenses the literature to the tape, one piece at a time. Application of the pieces of literature to the objects is accomplished by a roller or brush. The literature separation device includes a bar having an edge about which the tape is bent to free the literature from the tape as the tape advances around the edge. The adhesive is retained by the literature during the separation from the tape so as to permit the adhesive attachment of the pieces of literature to the containers.

Abstract: A labeling mechanism is provided which utilizes a servo motor driven capstan to rapidly accelerate and decelerate label stock through the mechanism. Rapid acceleration is permitted because a secondary motor is provided to a label stock supply reel to reduce system inertia. Rapid deceleration is possible because a one-way bearing and clutch assembly is provided which prevents reverse motion of the label stock. A label shear is also provided which permits the use of continuous label stock rather than die cut, spaced labels.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for applying a strip of adhesive (22) to a workpiece (10) is provided. The apparatus (100) includes an applicator (150) reciprocally mounted to a support member (108) such that a working position and a standby position are established. If desired, a pair of applicators (150, 152) can be provided to apply parallel strips of adhesive (22) and one of the applicators (150) may be pivoted relative the support member (108) to allow access to the interior of the applicators (150, 152) for maintenance or inspection. The applicators (150, 152) include a feed pulley assembly (190) located between a roll (184) of adhesive ribbon (182) and a cutter assembly (220) for cutting the adhesive into discrete strips (322). The feed pulley assembly (190) maintains a slack condition in the adhesive ribbon (182), thereby preventing undue tension from being applied to the adhesive ribbon (182) during advancement. The apparatus (100) also includes a stripper-feeder assembly ( 280) which includes a carriage (282).

Abstract: A labeling mechanism (10) for sequentially dispensing labels (49) from a backing strip (51) onto articles includes a pair of pinch bars (74) each having a knife edge (76) which bears against the rear edges of the labels (49) and downwardly against the backing strip (51) to move the labels along a pressure plate (66). The pinch bars (74) move in a linear reciprocating manner so as to push the labels (49) and backing strip (51) toward a labeling head (104) which also moves in a reciprocating manner and transfers the labels (49) from the backing strip (51) by means of air suction as the labels are stripped from the backing strip (51) by a knife edge (70). When the articles to be labeled are sensed as being in proper position, a positive air stream is pneumatically directed through the labeling head (104), thereby blowing the labels (49) onto the articles.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for transferring a toner image in a transfer zone from a photoconductor to an image carrier 15. The photoconductor is mounted on an upper part 65 of a travelling table 3. The image carrier 15 lies on an inclined feed table, and after the image carrier has been released, it is held on a transport cylinder 17 by means of gripper mechanisms and is urged against the transport cylinder by a first pressure mechanism. A second pivoting pressure mechanism and the transport cylinder convey the image carrier to a third gripper mechanism, which is displaced parallel to an inclined deposit to guide the image carrier in an upward direction via a fixing station and is then opened so that the image carrier drops into the deposit.

Abstract: A method of labeling articles, including moving articles in a row through a labeling station, dispensing the label onto a labeling head and advancing the labeling head into the path of movement of the articles at the labeling station. The label is transferred from the labeling head to the forward face of the article at the labeling station while the labeling head is in the path of movement of the articles. The labeling head is then retracted from the path of movement of the articles.

Abstract: An apparatus transposes a matrix of semiconductor pellets mounted on a first adhesive tape to a second adhesive tape in such a manner that the respective pellet rows are arranged spaced from the adjacent pellet rows. It has pellet-supporting means having an inclined plane and apical plane. The first adhesive tape bearing the matrix is carried stepwise along the inclined plane toward the apical plane to successively bring the respective rows of the matrix to the apical plane. Above the apical plane, a second adhesive tape is carried in a direction intersecting the pellet columns at right angles with the adhesive plane thereof facing the matrix. When each row mounted on the first tape is on the apical plane, the second tape is pressed against the row. Each time one pellet row is transposed to the second tape, the pellet-supporting means is shifted in a direction intersecting the pellet columns at right angles.

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: An apparatus for stripping pressure-sensitive labels from a backing sheet including a label stripping assembly for initially stripping a portion of the labels from the backing sheet, a conveyor for transporting parcels in sequence past the stripping assembly, an elastic belt conveyor for stripping the labels from the backing sheet and transporting the labels to the parcels in timed sequence to the movement of the parcels on the conveyor, and a pair of pivotal roller assemblies for moving a portion of the elastic belt conveyor past the labels on the backing sheet to strip labels from the backing sheet.

Abstract: A label feed control system for separating labels sequentially from the base ribbon. The base ribbon is transported for a certain length after the front edge of each label has been detected. The feed amount of the label after its front edge has been detected is substantially constant even if the front edge detector is interfered by a finger or the like and a label detection signal is erroneously generated.

Abstract: An automatic labeling system is provided for applying an elongate label to a preselected curved surface of each of a plurality of objects which move in succession along a given path of travel past a stationary work station. This system comprises an applying assembly at the work station for applying a label to each of the curved surfaces, a supply and transport assembly for feeding elongate labels to the applying assembly at a controllable speed, a guide roller for positioning the applying assembly relative to each curved surface and a control apparatus for controlling the operation and speed of the transport in a predetermined fashion.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for hot-stamping molded plastic containers in which the container is moved past a heated die having a platen with a printing die, the die being universally movable so that linear uniform pressure is exerted between a confronting container surface and die surface. As the container moves across the die surface, it is rotated so that foil which is pinched between the container and die is transferred onto the surface of the rotatable container. The uniform linear pressure between container and die, transfers foil to the accompaniment of rotation of the container so that defect-free lamination of foil is transferred onto the container surface to form decorative or alpha numeric information. The operation is continuous, with successively spaced containers moving into printing position relatively to the die, where the hot-stamping operation is repeated. Containers are automatically removed after printing, and successive containers supplied either manually or automatically.

Abstract: An article-holding turret which is particularly suitable for rotatably conveying large objects. A friction brake is fixed to a pawl plate, and these axially mounted structures are oscillated by a rack and pinion assembly driven from a turret index shuttle. A ratchet and spindle assembly is coaxially mounted on the turret's central shaft, and caused to periodically index through desired angular intervals by a pawl carried on the pawl plate. The forward rotation of the ratchet and spindle assembly is accompanied by a commensurate rotation of the friction brake, thereby minimizing rotational drive forces required during this segment. An auxiliary pawl and bracket assembly prevents retrogression of the ratchet and spindle during the reverse oscillation of the friction brake assembly.

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 method of labeling articles, including moving articles in a row through a labeling station, dispensing the label onto a labeling head and advancing the labeling head into the path of movement of the articles at the labeling station. The label is transferred from the labeling head to the forward face of the article at the labeling station while the labeling head is in the path of movement of the articles. The labeling head is then retracted from the path of movement of the articles.

Abstract: A label carrier web transport for use in heat transfer decorators and the like, in which labels are optically registered to control web transport. A timing assembly coordinates the rotation of a cam shaft with the actuation and deactuation of clutch and brake assemblies within a metering roll. An optical scanner trained on the web registers a predetermined contrast location to actuate the brake and deactuate the clutch, subject to the presence of an enabling signal from the timing assembly. The metering roll, in combination with a reciprocating label shuttle, provides intermittent web motion to achieve controlled label advance. An alternative label transport system incorporates a capstan web drive in lieu of the metering roll, with a microprocessor to control various machine functions including intermittent web transport.

Abstract: A label carrier web transport for use in heat transfer decorators and the like, in which labels are optically registered to control web transport. A timing assembly coordinates the rotation of a cam shaft with the actuation and deactuation of clutch and brake assemblies within a metering roll. An optical scanner trained on the web registers a predetermined contrast location to actuate the brake and deactuate the clutch, subject to the presence of an enabling signal from the timing assembly. The metering roll, in combination with a reciprocating label shuttle, provides intermittent web motion to achieve controlled label advance.

Abstract: An integrated process for laminating a continuous layer of photosensitive composition to the surface of each member of a series of substrate elements and automatically trimming the layer from the leading and trailing edges of the laminated substrate elements.

Abstract: Apparatus for sign-making using dry transfer of letters from carrier sheets allows any of a number of different character sizes and row spacings to be provided. A carrier sheet bearing characters of a desired size is positioned relative to a carriage in dependence upon whether a row to be formed contains all upper case characters, or some or all lower-case characters. The carriage is movable smoothly in a horizontal direction to allow any desired horizontal spacing of characters, but movable vertically only in discrete increments. A plurality of row spacing indicators are positioned adjacent a sign blank to afford a preview of how characters of a given size having a given spacing will appear on a sign blank.

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: The mechanism comprises a pressure sensitive label dispenser for delivering successively pressure sensitive labels from a backing sheet to a label applying station. At the applying station is a mouthpiece having one longitudinal side edge arranged to be transversely disposed across the path of feed of the backing strip and having a lower perforated label carrying surface of less width than the label to be carried thereby. Mounted on the other longitudinal side edge of the mouthpiece is an applying roll. The mouthpiece forms a part of a unit which is fastened to the label dispenser so that a label discharged therefrom moves across the label carrying surface and comes to rest with its advancing edge portion positioned beneath the applying roll. A tubular shaft which also communicates with the mouthpiece to provide suction at its label carrying surface supports the mouthpiece for pivotal movement about its one longitudinal side edge.

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: Apparatus and process for hot-stamping molded plastic containers in which the container is moved past a heated die having a platen with a printing die, the die being floatably movable so that linear uniform pressure is exerted between a confronting container surface and die surface. As the container moves across the die surface, it is rotated so that foil which is pinched between the container and die is transferred onto the surface of the rotatable container. The uniform linear pressure between container and die, transfers foil to the accompaniment of rotation of the container so that defect-free lamination of foil is transferred onto the container surface to form decorative or alpha numeric information. The operation is continuous, with successively spaced containers moving into printing position relatively to the die, where the hot-stamping operation is repeated. Containers are automatically removed after printing, and successive containers supplied either manually or automatically.

Abstract: Apparatus for sign-making using dry transfer of letters from carrier sheets allows any of a number of different character sizes and row spacings to be provided. A carrier sheet bearing characters of a desired size is positioned relative to a carriage in dependence upon whether a row to be formed contains all upper case characters, or some or all lower-case characters. The carriage is movable smoothly in a horizontal direction to allow any desired horizontal spacing of characters, but movable vertically only in discrete increments. A plurality of row spacing indicators are positionable adjacent a sign blank to afford a preview of how characters of a given size having a given spacing will appear on a sign blank.

Abstract: A label applicator comprising a supporting structure, a label receiver mounted on the supporting structure for oscillatory movement about a pivot axis between a retracted position and an extended position, and a label dispenser for supplying labels to the label receiver when the label receiver is in the retracted position. The label receiver releasably retains the labels supplied to the label receiver in the retracted position. The label receiver is moved in one direction about the pivot axis to the extended position and in that position, applies the label to an article. The label receiver is then pivoted about the pivot axis in the other direction to return it to the retracted position.

Abstract: Machine for applying labels to containers having cylindrical bodies and tapered shoulders, comprising a vacuum drum having one or more pairs of suction pads including a lower pad for adhering a body label to be applied to the cylindrical body of a container, such pad being fixed except for rotation with the drum, the upper pad being mounted for tilting about one or two axes to bring it into proper position for applying a label to the tapered shoulder of a container.

Abstract: The device disclosed herein comprises a machine adapted to apply labels to round or oval fruit such as oranges, grapefruit, tomatoes, lemons, apples, etc. This machine has chutes down which the fruit rolls to where a label is positioned with the adhesive side of the label facing upward so as to come in contact with the fruit as it rolls over that area. An electric eye is aimed at the area where the label is positioned to come in contact with the fruit so that when the label is removed by the fruit, the electric eye activates a device which moves the belt on which a series of labels are positioned so that the next label is moved to this fruit-contacting area. This belt is adapted to make a sharp upward reverse turn so as to detach itself from the label as the label reaches the fruit-contacting area.

Abstract: A correction label applying device for use with a portable label printing machine is disclosed. The device comprises a price tag holding device for temporarily holding a price tag to be corrected. The price tag holding device is mounted on a guide at the underside of the portable label printing machine so as to be movable between an operative forward position, in which it holds a price tag or the like in a position to receive at a predetermined location thereon a correction label piece fed out by the portable label printing machine, and a rest rearward position, in which the price tag holding device is positioned rearwardly from the correction label exit of the printing machine so as not to interfere with the label printing machine being operated to print and apply a label in the usual manner.

Abstract: A hand appliance for issuing or applying self-adhering labels which are stuck on a carrier strip is disclosed. The appliance has a feeding mechanism which withdraws the carrier strip to feed one label at a time. The feeding mechanism has a winding core on to which the carrier strip is wound and which is rotatable about a journal fixed at one end to a housing wall. The winding core is held for axial displacement on a boss which drives the winding core by means of a projection engaging a groove extending obliquely of a surface line of the boss such that the boss shifts the winding core under the tension of the carrier strip in the direction of the wall of the housing on which the journal is fixed to thereby maintain said winding core within the appliance when in operation and facilitate its removal when desired.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the decoration of bottles and the like at high speeds. Bottles are delivered by an input conveyor to a star wheel, which deposits them sequentially into a continuously rotating turret. The turret carries the bottles past a labelling site, where a label carrier strip is pressed into contact with a bottle surface and a label thereby transferred. The shape of the bottle is maintained during labelling by means of inflation of the bottles through an inserted nozzle. The raising and lowering of the inflating nozzle and the flow of inflating air is controlled by special valving apparatus. The motion of the label carrier strip past the labelling site is regulated by the use of rolls on a shuttle slide, which in turn is reciprocated by a second slide driven by a conjugate cam. This results in an increase of the local velocity of the carrier strip during most of the cycle, and a slowing of the strip during the balance.

Abstract: A method of applying multiple labels to a label receiving surface of an article comprising conveying articles to be labeled to a label applying station, dispensing first and second labels onto a vacuum belt transport, transporting the first and second labels to the label applying station utilizing the vacuum belt transport and wrapping the first and second labels onto different locations on the label-receiving surface of a first of the articles.

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: Apparatus is disclosed for decorating the sides of bottles and similar articles having a variety of cross-sections, of the type in which a label is pressed onto the article from a carrier web while both the web and article are in motion. The apparatus includes a cam and cam follower mechanism wherein the cam is profiled in the cross-section of the article. The cam and cam follower are driven by a cable moving at the linear velocity of the carrier web in order to coordinate web advance with article rotation. The article is housed on a laterally movable swing arm during labelling to provide a variable axial location.

Abstract: Objects to be labelled with, for example, heat transfer labels, are initially stabilized by being positioned on freely movable platforms and conveyed to a station where the platforms are stabilized and the objects labelled.

Abstract: A label handling apparatus comprises a label issuing machine (2) for weighing an article, printing predetermined data, such as the measured weight, price per unit weight and article price, on a label on the basis of the measured weight, and issuing the printed label, a transfer device (40) for transferring the issued label on a belt conveyor (42), and a label sticking device (9) for sucking and retaining the transferred label at a label retaining port (15) by a negative pressure produced by an air current and producing a positive pressure in the label retaining port (15) by an air current with a predetermined timing to blow off the sucked and retained label so as to stick it to a predetermined place on the article. Such labels are prepared in advance with a viscous adhesive agent applied thereto and temporarily retained on a mount sheet, from which they are stripped during their travel from the label issuing machine (2) to the label transfer device.

Abstract: A label applicator and registration device for such an applicator are disclosed.The applicator includes along the path of a web including both a backing strip and a series of contact-adhesive coated labels, a web reel mounting, a brake for preventing overrun of the web from its mounting and to provide tension in the web, a registration device of generally triangular section, a dispense edge for detaching the labels from the backing strip, a take-up mounting for spent backing strip, and an elongate slide operable by a "stamp" action to actuate the various parts enumerated.The registration device may co-operate with projections which engage transverse edges of the device.The applicator can be used wherever price and similar labels are to be applied to goods. The registration device is applicable to label applicators whether powered or manual and is disposed upstream of any dispense edge of such applicators.

Abstract: A label sensor adapted for use with a labeller comprises an emitter, a receiver and a fibre optic bundle for transmitting an emitted beam to the receiver. The labeller is of the type which separates spaced-apart labels from a carrier by passing the carrier around the free end of a label splitter tongue member. An end of the fibre optic bundle is positioned in an opening of the splitter tongue near its free end to detect the leading portion of a label as the carrier passes over the bundle end. The use of a fibre optic bundle and its manner of mounting in the tapered end permits the positioning of the relatively bulky emitter or receiver remote of the compact free end of the splitter tongue member and provides a precise label sensing.

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: This disclosure relates to a machine for applying indicia, preferably decalcomanias (decals), to felts that form part of tennis balls. A stack of the felts is placed in the machine, and a destacking mechanism separates each felt from the stack and places them on a conveyor which moves the felts to a decal applicating machine. After a decal is applied to each felt, the conveyor moves the felts to a restacking mechanism which lifts the felts off the conveyor and restacks them. The machine is preferably equipped to handle the felts in pairs in order to double the speed of operation.

Abstract: A system is provided which weighs packages and applies individualized labels to each package indicating the weight of the package, the date, or other desired individualized information. A conveyor includes a weighing section where the weight of the product is converted into digital form and supplied to a data processing system. Individual labels are printed by electrostatic techniques including both bar code machine readable designations and alpha-numeric characters. The label printing and applying apparatus includes a print station, a toner application station, a fusing station, and a peeling blade for separating the label from the backing sheet, and an applicator station. As the individual labels are advanced to the applicator station, blank labels will pass under the print and toner stations, and these labels will not be charged or toned, so that the tape may be reversed and moved back to the appropriate position for applying individualized data to these blank labels.

Abstract: In a device for the automatic labelling of objects moved past the device, a ribbon carrying self-adhesive labels in a spaced relationship is pulled in a stepwise manner from a pull-off roll over a dispensing edge to a take-up roll. The advancing mechanism for the ribbon contains a ribbon clamping device which moves back and forth. In the normal case, the advance of the ribbon is controlled by a sensing device responding to control markings on the label ribbon and, in the case individual control markings are missing, the advance is controlled through a limit switch actuated by the mobile ribbon clamping device. A step-up gear unit is arranged between the pull-off roll and the take-up roll and a slipping clutch ensures an especially simple and effective drive of the take-up roll and the generation of the required ribbon tension.

Abstract: In labelling apparatus for precision application of labels to continuously conveyed articles, labels are applied which have a pressure-sensitive adhesive backing releasably carried by a web. To provide precision in application, the leading portion of the label next to be applied is sensed and is separated from the web. A control device, on receiving a sensed label signal, determines the extent to which the leading portion of separated label extends from the web preparatory to article application. The control device resumes web movement to marry label speed with conveyed article speed in applying label to desired article location.

Abstract: A labelling machine has a push button switch, actuation of which causes a label to be printed by a thermographic printing head with selected data which has been stored in a microprocessor by operation of a keyboard. The printed label is fed by an electrically powered drive mechanism controlled by the microprocessor to a dispensing position from which the label can be applied to an article and a further label is advanced from a supply to the printing head. The label supply is a continuous strip of separated labels with self-adhesive covered by a backing strip which is peeled away as the printed label reaches the dispensing position. Spaced optically or magnetically detectable markings on the label strip are detected in the machine to provide signals to the microprocessor for obtaining registration of each label with the printing head.

Abstract: There is disclosed a hand-held labeler which has a housing that carries a supply roll of labels. The labels can be successively dispensed in response to actuation of a manually operable actuator. The supply roll is prevented from unraveling by means of an improved retainer having a pair of arms which prevent the supply roll from telescoping. The arms have flanges which prevent the roll from excessive unwinding or mushrooming.

Abstract: A machine and process for forming indicia in or on the surface of objects, particularly friable or hyaline objects, such as glass and ceramics, by producing tape carrying indicia-forming masks, and for applying those masks to the articles to be engraved at a rapid rate, for relatively high volume applications, is disclosed. A die is formed by chemical etching, and is heated to cut an adhesive-backed thermoplastic film on a carrier tape. The masks and the cutout portions are separated, so that both positive and negative masks are produced simultaneously, and either can be applied automatically to objects to be etched and/or embossed. Embossing and/or etching is performed by sandblasting, chemical etching, or selective application of coating materials.

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: The disclosure concerns a correction label applying device for a portable label printing machine, which is used to correct the characters printed on price tags. The correction label applying device is detachably secured to the body of the portable label printing machine. The price tag holding device of the label applying device is provided with adjusting means in which the positions of stoppers which receive the tip edge portion of an inserted price tag and the positions of a pair of guides which guide both the side edges of the inserted price tag can be changed. A leaf spring gives elastic force to the price tag holder.