CA1070555A - Label printing and applying apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract of the Disclosure There is disclosed apparatus for printing and applying pressure sensitive labels utilizing a supply roll comprising a composite web having pressure sensitive labels secured to a web of supporting material. The apparatus comprises a print head for printing on successive labels, a delaminator for delaminating successive printed labels from the supporting web, an applicator for applying successive printed labels, a feeding mechanism engageable with the supporting web downstream of the delaminator for feeding the composite web to present partially delaminated labels to the applicator, and an arrangement for operating the print head and the feeding mechanism in sequence. A
brake mechanism is effective upon completion of the sequence for applying braking force to the composite web upstream of the delaminator to prevent the web from advancing toward the delaminator during application to a printed label by the applicator. The brake mechanism includes cooperable parts controlled by the print head for movement into and out of braking cooperation with the composite web and one of the cooperable parts includes a rotatably mounted roll.

Description

107~555 ._ Dock~t M-249-C

LABEL PRINTING AI~D APPLYING APPARATUS
. .

3ackgxou~d of the Invention Field of the Invention This invention relates to the art of pressure sensitive labels, method and apparatus for making and using same, and label printing and applying machi~es.
Brief Description of the Prior ~rt ~~
Various U.S. patents are made of record:
Pat. No. Patentee Issued 1,641,387 Reis 1927

2,259,358 Templeton ,-1941

3,375,064 Moore 1942 2,502,257 Hawkins et al 1950 2,516,487 Schlicksupp 1950 2,620,205 V~gt 1952 2,656,063 Xafka 1953 3,051,353 Xrueger 1962 3,265,553 Kind et al 1966 3,343,485 Loeffler 1967 3,440,123 Hamisch, Sr. 1969 3,501-,365 Marshall 1970 3,551,251 Yo Sato 1970 3,611,929 Schrotz 1971 `_ 1070555 Summary of the Invention This invention relates to apparatus for printing and applying pressure sensitive l~bels utilizing a supply roll comprising a composite web having pressure sensitive labels releasably secured to a web of supporting material.
The apparatus comprises printing means for printing on ~uccessive labels, a delaminator for delaminating successive printed labels from the supporting material web, an applicator for applying successive printed labels, means engageable with the supporting material web downstream of the delaminator for feeding the composite web to present partially delaminated labels to the applicator, means for operating the printing means and the feeding means in sequence, and means effective upon completion of the sequence for applying braking force to the composite web upstream of the delaminator to prevent the web from advancing toward the delaminator during application to a printed label b~ the applicator, wherein the means for ~pplying brak~ng force includes cooperable parts controlled by the printing means for movement into and out of bra~ing cooperation with the composite web, wherein one of the cooperable parts includes a rotatahly mounted roll, the printing means including a print head for moving the roll into bra~ing coaction with the comyosite web.

-` 1070S5S

~ocket M-249 rief Description of the Drawinqs , FIGURE 1 is an exploded perspective view of label printing and applying apparatus for carrying out the method of the invention, S FIGURE 2 is a partly broken away top plan ~iew of a composite web useful in the label printing and applying ~pparatus of the invention;
FIGURE 3 i9 a sectional ele~ational view of the apparatus shown ~n FIGURE l;
FIGURE 4 is a sectional view taken generally along line 4--4 of FIGURE 3;
FIGURE S is a sectional view taken along l~ne 5--5 of FIGURE 3;
FIGURE 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6--6 15 of FIGURE 3;
FIGURE 7 is a side elevational ~iew of one of the subframe sections of the apparatus;
FIGURE 8 i9 a top plan ~ew taken along line 8--8 of FIGURE 7;
~IGURE 9 is a side elevational view of the other subframe section;
FIGURE 10 is a top plan view showing the manner in which the label core for the roll of labels is held and the manner in which braking force is applied by the subframe sections;
: 25 ~GURE 11 is a sectional ~iew taken along line 11--11 of FIGURE 10;
FIGU~E 12 is a sectional view taken generally alon~
line 12--12 of FIGUR~ 3;

1~70555 .
Docket M-249 FIGURE 13 is an exploded perspective view of the lnking mechanisms FIGURE 14 is an enlarged sectional view showing a ~ragmentary portion of the apparatus in solid lines, and in S particular showing a fragmeptary portion of the print head and the inking mechanism in both solid and phantom line positions; . ~`--~ IGURE 15 is a sectional ~iew taken along line 15--15 of FIGURE 4;
10FIGURE 16 is a de~eloped ~iew showing the arrangement of the teeth of the detent mechanism;
FIGURE 17 is a sectional ~iew taken along line 17--17 of PIGURE 15;
.FIGURE 18 is a sectional veiw taken generally along 15line 18--18 of FIGURE 15;
PIGURE 19 is a sectional Yiew showing one of the three ~et~ of snap-f~t connections used to interconnect the frame and the ~ubframe;
FIGURE 20 is an enlarged ~iew of an applicator roll shown mounted in the frame of the apparatus;
FIGURE 21 is a sectional view taken along line 21--21 of FIGURE 20;
FIGURE ~2 is a sectional view taken along line 22--22 of FIGVRE 21, but omitting the shaft and the frictional member;
25FIGUR~ 23 is a partly sectional ~iew of the mounting shaft which forms part of the applicator roll;
FIGURE 24 is an exploded perspective view of the print head;

~070555 Do ~et M-249 FIGURE 25 is a sectional view of the print head taken generally along line 25--25 of FIGURE 3;
PIGURE 26 is a sectional view showing the selector ~n relationship to the associated driven wheels;
. FIGURE 27 is an enlar~ëd sectional view showing the manner in which detenting o~ the selec~or is effected, but ahowing the driYen membe~s as being of different widths;
FIGURE 28 is a view ~i~ilar to a fragmentary portion of FIGURE 26, but showing the manner in which detenting can be effected directly on a wheel;
FIGURE 29 ~s an enlarged, partly sectional, elevational . view showing an alternative arrangement for constructing the ~elector;
FIGURE 30 is a perspecti~e view showing the dri~ing mem~er ~epicted in F}GURE 29;
FIGURE 31 is a partly exploded perspective view of a .
modified print head in accordance with the invention;
FIGURE 32 is an exploded perspective view of the ~elector in association with type wheels and mounting structure for the type wheels;
FIGURE 33 is an end elevational view of the type wheels and the selector assembled in the mounting members;
FIGUR~ 34 is a sectional view taken generally along line 34--34 of ~IGURE 33;
FIGU~E 35 is an exploded perspective view of another em~odLment of the label printing and applying apparatus;
FIGURE 36 is a partly broken away top plan view of a composite web useful in the apparatus;
FIGURE 37 is a sectional view taken along line 37--37 of FIGURE 36;

~_ , ' ., ~ et ~-249 107~555 , FIGURE 38 is a sectional view taken along line 38--38 o~ PIGURE 36s FIGURES 39.through 44 are diagrammatic ~iews illustra-t~ng a method of loading the appara'us;
5 . FTGURE 4S is an e}evational view, partly in section, showing a fragmentary portion of the actuating means including an operator and a spring assembly, with the operator ~eing in its initial position;
FIGURE 46 is an elevational view,partly in section, show~ng the operator in its operated position;
FIGURE 47 is an enlarged sectional view of the spring assembly7 FIGURE 48 is an exploded perspective view of the spring assembly;
FIGURE 49 is a sect~onal Yiew taken generally along line 49--49 o~ FIGURE 45;
FIGUnE 50 ~s a fragmentary ele~ational view showing the operating components of the apparatus in their initial pos~tions;
FIGURE 51 is an enlarged fragmentary view showing a portion of the apparatus shown in FIGURE 50, and showing especially the print head in its operating position with a brake in accordance with the invention;
FIGURE 52 is a fragmentary view similar to FIGURE 51, but showing the print head out o~ the operatiYe position with the brake;
FIGURE 53 is a sectional view taken along line 53--53 of FIGURE 52;
FIGURE 54 is a top plan vi~w, partly in section, of a fragmentary portion of the apparatus;

;` ` 1-070555 ~ .
Docket M-249 FIGURE 55 is a top plan view, partly in section, of a ragmentary portion of a modified apparatus;
FIGURE S6 is a sectional view taken along line 56--5b of FIGURE 55; ~",-PIGURE 57 is an elevational view, partly in section, on a reduced scale from that of FIGURES 55 and 56, showing a spring for assisting the unwinding of a supply roll;
FIGURE 58 is a view similar to FIGURE-25, but illustra-ting an improved arrangement by which the human readable section of the printing member is prevented from being moved to the printing zone;
FIGURE 59 is a top plan view of a sheet used in making a platen;
FIGURE 60 is a diagrammatic sectional view of the sheet after having been inversely bent, together with a piece of moldable material, positioned in a press;
FIGURE 61 is a top plan view of the completed platen;
FIGURE 62 is a perspective view of the platen showing the composite web by phantom lines;
20 ~ ' FIGURE 63 is a sectional view taken along l~ne 63--63 of FIGURE 62;
FIGURE 64 is a sectional view taken along line 6~--64 of FIGURE 62, but showing additionally printing members in printing cooperation with individual platen sections of the platen;
FIGURE 65 is a side elevational view of the apparatus;
FIGVRE 66 is a fragmentary partly sectional ~iew of the apparatus showing a housing secti.on in the closed position and showing the inking mechanism;

;` 1070555 Docket ~-249 PIGURE 67 is an exploded perspec ~ view of an inker body and ink roller of the inking mechanism;
FIGVRE 68 is a Yiew similar to FIGURE 66, but showing the housing section in the open position;
S FIGU~E 69 is a fragmentary view showing the ink roller bearing on the print head and inking the printing members; and ~IGURE 70 is a perspective exploded Yiew of a slug u~ed with the print head.
Description of the Preferred Embodiment ~eferring now to a label printing and applying apparatus generally indicated at 210 in the embodiment of FIGURES 1 through 27, and ~nitially to FTGURE 1, there i5 shown to be a housing or main frame generally indicated at 211. The housing or frame 211 ~ 8pecifically shown to in~ ~de a pair of frame sections 212 ~nd 213. Di~po8ed w~thin the housing 211 is a subframe generally lndicated ~t 214 whlch comprises a pair of subframe sections 215 and 216. The frame sections 212 and 213 mount a platen 217 which includes a peel edge 218. A print head generally indicated at 219 is mounted by the subframe 214. More specifically, the print head 219 includes a plurality of selectable settable printing members 220 in the form of endless printing bands mounted by a print head frame 211. Extending from the frame 221 are a Fair of flanges 222 and 223. Gear sections or specifically racks 224 and 225 are proYided at the ends of the respective flanges 222 and 223. Opposed tracks 226 and 227 are formed on the respective flanges 222 and 223 to receive straight ball bearings 228 and 229.
The subframe sections 215 and 216 have respective tracks 230 and ~ ` `

Doc~et M-249 231. The ball bearing 228 is recei~ed in the track 226 oi the ~l~nge 222 and in the track 230, and the ball bearing 229 is received in the trac~ 227 in the flange 223 and in the track 231.
The ball bearings-228 and 229 have respective balls 228' and 229' rotatably held by respective tangs or holders 228" and 229n. In thi~ manner, the print head 219 is mounted for mo~ement, particu-l~ly reciprocating mo~ement, toward and away from the platen 217.
~he housing 211 has a handle generally indicated at 232 a~d particularly each housing or frame section 212 and 213 ha~ a respecti~e handle portion 233 and 234. An operator gen-erally indicated at 235 is shown to comprise a pivotally operated leYer 236 pi~otally mounted by a post 237 at the lower end of.
the handle 232. The lever 236 is normally urged in a counter-clockwise direction (FIGURE 1) by a torsion spring 238 received about the post 237. The pivotal movement of the lever 23~ i8 ll~ited by an adjustable stop bloc~ ~39 received by the handle .
232 be~ween the handle portions 233 and 234. The upper end of the operating lever 235 carries a pair of spaced-apart gear ~ections 240 and 241. The gear sections 240 and 241 are shown to be in the form of spur gear segments. Gear sections 240 and 241 are in meshing engagement with respective spur gears 242 and 243. The spur gears 242 and 243 are in meshing engagement with respective gear sections 224 and 225 carried by the print head 219.
A roll of pressure sensitive labels, in the fonm for example of the composite web 30 shown in ~IGURE 2, is mounted by its core 44 by the su~rame 214. As will be des-cribed in greater detail hereina*~er, the composite web 30 ~ 107~555 Doc~et ~-249 ~s drawn off the roll into overlying relationship with respect t~ the platen 217 and the supporting material 32 is engaged by a toothed driver 244. The gear 243 carries-an integral pawl 245 cooperable with a ratchet wheel 246 which is coupled to the dri~er 244 by a detent mechanism generally indicated at 247. An input or drive member 248 of the detent mechanism 247 is sho~m ~n FIGURE 1. The toothed driver 244 has a plurality of equally spaced apart dri~e teeth 249 arranged about its outer periphery. The pawl 245 ~s ~ntegrally joined at but one end to the gear 243. The pawl 245 is flexible and resilient and can ride on the ratchet wheel 246 and deflect into engagement w~th a tooth 265 of the ratchet wheel 246.
The housing or frame section 213 has an access openin~
250. A cover 251 is remo~ably connected to the frame section 213 at t~e access opening 250. ~he cover 251 mounts an inking mechanlsm 252 cooperable with the printing members 220 of the print head 219. ~he housing qections 212 and 213 mount an applicator 253 disposed downstxeam of the peel edge 218.
Referring to FIGURE 2, there is shown composite web 30 of label material 31 releasably adhered to and carried by supporting or backing material 32. The label material 31 is cut trans~ersely by transYerse cuts 33 extending all the way across the web 31 of label material to the side edges 34 and 35 of the composite web 30. The cuts 33 known as ~butt cuts"
separate the web 31 of label material into a series of end-to-end labels 36. The underside of the web 31 of label material has a coating of pressure sensitiYe adhesiYe 37 which adheres stxongly to the web 31 of label material. The web 32 of s~pporting material carries a thin film or coating (not shown) Docket M-249 1070~55 wh~ch allows the labels to be. peeled from the web 32 of 8upporting materlal~ ' ' Groups 38 of cuts ar,e provided at equally spaced-apart intervals along the length of the composite web 30. Each group 38 of cuts is shown to extend ~hrough the supporting material as well as through the label material. Each group of cuts is shown to be made in a generally I-shaped configuration comprised of cuts 39S, 40S and 41S in the supporting material and aligned CUts 39L, 40~ and 41L in the label material. The part of the web 32 between the one end of the cut 39S and the cut 40S pro-viaes a frangible portion 43S and the part of the web 32 be-tween the other end of the cut 39S and the cut 41S provides frang~ble portion 42S. In like manner, the part of the label material between the end of the cut 39L and the cut 40L pro-lS vidQs a frangible portion 43L and the part between the other end of the cut 39L and the cut 41L prov$des a frangible portion 42L.
Referring to FIGURE 3, the interrelationship of the componentg of the apparatus 210 is shown in aetail. The com-posite web 30 is paid out of the roll and passes through a passage provided by subframe sections 215 and 216 and specifically by groove 254 (FIGURE 9) in the subframe section 215 and a co-operating groo~e 255 ~FIGURFS 1, 3 and 73 in the sub,frame sec~ion 216. From there the composite web 30 passes partl~
, around a roll 256 and into overlying relationship with the platen 217. Delamination is effected at the peel edge 218 formed at the ' end of the platen 217. The supporting material 32 is drawn around the peel edge 218 beneath the platen 217 and passes partly around a roll 257, below the guide 258 and between the Docket M-249 1070555 toothed driver 244 and the mating'die wheel 259. As a tooth 249 moves into mating cooperation with the die wheel 259, the tooth 249 engages the supporting material 32 at the longitudinal cut 39S and effects rupturing or bursting of the frangible portions 42S and 43S, whereupon the tooth 249 which is in mating coopera-tion with the die wheel 259 (FIGURE 18) is considered to have ~ormed a feed hole in the supporting material 242. It is pre-ferred that there be three teeth 249 in driving engagement ~ith the 8upport~ng material 32 at all times. The subframe sections 215 and 216 have-respective aligned strippers 260 and 261 which facilitate disengagement of the teeth 249 with the supporting material 232 as the driver ~ tes. Opposed guide grooves 262 and 263 formed in the subf~ ~e~ections 215 and 216 guide the ~upporting mater~al 32 to an exit opening 264. Exces5 suppost~n~ matosial which dangle~ from the apparatus 210 can be read~ly torn off at the exit opening 264.
~ith reference to FIGURE 3, the print head 219 is shown by solid lines in the initial or home position and by phantom lines 219' in the printing zone in printing cooperation with the label 36 and the platen 217. The operator 235 is shown by solid lines in its initial or home position and in phantom lines 235 9 in the fully actuated position. In the fully actuated position, the print head 219 has been moved into printing co-operation with the labels 36 and the platen 217, and the operator 235 is in abutment with the stop block 239. In this position of the operator 23S, the flexible resilient pawl 24S (FIGU~E 15), joined integrally at one end to the gear 243, has moved to the Dockèt ~-249 1a70 555 po~ition shown by phantom lines 245' in driving cooperation with a tooth 265 of the ratch~t wheel 246; When the user releases the operator 235, the spring 238 tFIGURE 3) returns the operator 235 against stop 239' to the solid line position shown in FIGURE 3. While ~he operator 235 is returning to the solid line ; position from the fully actuated position indicated by phantom lineQ 235', the gear sections 240 and 241 ~FIGURES 3 and 4) rotate gears 242 and 243 clockwise tFIGURE 3) to return the print head 219 to the solia line position from the position shown .... .
by ~olid lines 219', and to drive the pawl 245 from the position shown by phantom lines 245' to ~he position shown in solid lines ~n FIGURE 15. Thus, the pawl 245, which is in line position from the fully actuated position indicated by phantom lines 235', the gear sections 240 and 241 (PIGURES 3 and 4) rotate gears 242 ~nd 243 clockwise (PIGURE 3) to return the print head 219 to the ~olid line pos~t~on from the poQition ~hown by ~olid lines 219' and to dr$ve the pawl 245 from the position shown by phantom l~nes 245' to the position shown in solid lines in FIGURE 15.
Thus, the pawl 245, which is in engagement with a tooth 255, dr~es the ratchet wheel 246 counterclockwise (FIGUPE 15).
This counterclockwisé rotation of the ratchet wheel 246 (FIGURE 15) causes the dri~er 244 to advance the supporting material 32 to effect substantially complete delamination of a label at the peel edge 218. Countercloc~wise rotation of the ratchet wheel 246 continues until a pawl 266 (FIGURES 1, 7 and 15) in the form of a flexible resilient appendage of the subframe section 216, mo~es into engagement with a tooth 255 of the ratchet wheel.
This pre~nts the web of supporting material 3~ from bein~
accidentally moved in the.return direction.

Docket M-249 1070555 As best shown in FIGURE 4, the dri~er 244 has an , ~nnular rlm 267 ~oined to a hub 268 by a radial web 269. The hub 268 has a hub section 268' extending in one direct~on and another hub section 268" extending in the opposite direction.
The hub section 268' terminates at a knob ~70, and the hub ~ection 268" terminates at a knob 270'. The gear 242 is " rotatably ~ournaled on and with respect to the hub section 268'.
The gear 242 has a hub or flange 271 wh~ch is rotatably journaled ~n opening 272 in the frame section 212. The hub section 268' extends through an enlarged opening 273 in the subframe section 215. The hub section 268" provides a stepped pair of bearins ~urfaces 274. The ratchet wheel,246 is formed integrally with the drive member 248 of the detent mechanism 247. The ratchet wheel 246 znd the drive member 248 have a hub 276 with a ~tepped bore 275 into wh~ch the hub section 268" extends. A
hub 276 rotatably recel~es and mounts the gear 243. The gear 243 has a hub 277 rotatably received in a bearing 278 formed integrally with the housing section 213. As seen in FIGURE 4, the gears 242 and 243 are in driving engagement with resp~ctive gear sections 224 and 225 carried by the print head 219; the relative position of the drive pawl 245 to the ratchet wheel 246 is also shown.
With reference to FIGURE 1~, the drive member 248 includes a plurality of spring fingers or detent pawls 278. The pawls 27~ are of e~ual length, are flexible and resilient, and are continuously urged against teeth 279 formed on the inside of the annular rim 267. In the illustrated embodiment there are one hundred and seventy-seven teeth 279 at equally spaced-apart intervals. There are twelve pawls 278 inte~rally connected Docket M-249 107~55 to the hub 27~ at equally spaced-apart inter~als. The teeth 279 comprise respective tooth faces 280 and a recess between ad~acent tooth faces 280 in which the end of a pawl 278 can b~ rece~ved. The pawls 278 drive the feed wheel 244 in a S driving direction (countercloc~wise in FIGURE 15) but can move in a non-driving direction (clockwise in FIGURE 15) relative to the ~eed wheel 244 by manually operating the detent mechanism 247. Accordingly, every fifth pawl 278 is engaged with the face 280 of a tooth 279. The pawls 278 between every fifth set of pawls are out of engagement with their respective tooth faces 280 by different increments as best illustrated in FIGURE 16.
Normally, the pawls 278 hold the ratchet wheel 246 and the feed wheel or driver 244 in fixed relationship with respect to eac~ other. With reference to FIGURE 15, as the drive pawl 245 moves counterclockwise the ratchet wheel 246 i8 driven counter-clockwise and the three pawls 278 which are in driving engagement wlth their respective tooth faces 280 will dri~e the feed wheel 244 counterclockwise. Accordingly, there is no relative rotation between the ratchet wheel 246 and the feed wheel 244. Should ~t ~e desired to change the position to which the labels are advanced by the feed wheel 244 upon actuation of the operator 235, the user wil' grasp the knobs 270 and 270' and will rotate the knob 270'counterclockwise (FIGURE ~) relative to the knob 270.
This will cause t~e input member 248 to rotate ~counterclock-2S wise in FTGU~ 1, cloc~wise in FIGURE 1~) relati~e to the feedwheel 244 so that the next three successive teeth move into en~agement with the next three respective tooth faces 280. For example, if it is considered that first, fifth and ninth pawls 278 were initially in enga~ement with respective teeth 279, Docket M-249 107055S

only a very slight rotation will cause second, sixth and tenth pawls to move into engagement with their respectiYe tooth faces 280, and so on. Although any desired number of pawls 278 and teeth 280 can be~used, the illustrated embodiment S pro~ides very minute adjustment of the feed wheel 244 relati~e to the platen 217 and the peel edge 218 and the arrangement of teeth 280 and cooperating pawls 278 causes the entire input or drlve member 248 to be centered within the annular rim 267.
W~th respect to the printing function, adjustment of the detent mechanism 247 changes the position relative to the printing zor.e between the print head 219 and the platen 217 to which a la~el 36 i9 advanced. With respect to the delaminating function, operat~on of the detent mechanism 247 also changes the position to which the label 36 ~s advanced. Accordingly, it is apparent that the detent mechanism 247 is useful both in establishing the pos~tion to which a label is advanced relati~e to the printing zone and to the delaminating zone. It is important that just the correct amount of trailing marginal end edge of the label remain adhered to the peel edge so that the label 36 is held in that position until it is ready to be applied to merchandise by the applicator 253.
As best shown in FIGU~ES 15, 17, and 18, the supporting materiat 32 is initially brought into engagem~nt with the feed wheel 244 as it passes around the die wheel 25~. The die wheel 259 is comprised of an annular plastic roll 281 journaled by suhframe sections 215 and 216. Thè roll 281 has frictional members in the form of rubber O-rings 282 received at spaced-apart locations about the periphery of ~he roll 281. The O-rings Docket M-24g lO 70 ~5 5 ~, ~traddle the teeth 249 and are.just spaced apart far enough to ~ct as a die wh~el ~ith matins teeth 249. As a tooth ~249 beg~ns to engage the web of supporting material 32 at the cut 39S (FIGURE 2), the die wheel 259 cooperates with the tooth 249 S to hold the supporting material 32 on each side of the group 38 o~ cuts in intimate contact with the o~ter surface of the feed wheel 244 as best shown in FIGURE 18. This insures that the tooth 249 properly bursts or forms a hole, facilitated by the group 38 of CUtQ, in the supporting material 32 and that the drive face of the tooth 249 is in driving engagement with the leading cut 41S. When the first tooth 249 registers with the group 38 of cuts in the supporting material 32 the composite web 30 is properly xegistered with the printing zone and the delaminating zone. Once such registration is accom~lished as the result of the tooth 2¢9 cooperzting with the die roll 2~9, correct regis-tration continues.
The platen 217 and the peel edge 218 (FIGURES 1, 3 and 4) are formed from an inversely-bent plate having a pair o~ side-by-side plate portions 283 and 284 joined by an inversely~
bent portion 285. The inversely-bent portion 285 has a small radius and defines the peel edge 218. The plate portions 283 and 284 are co-extensive and are secured to each othër by weldm-ents 286. The plate which forms the platen 217 and the peel edge 218, recei~ed in recesses 286' in subframe sections 21~ and 216, is preferably constructed of highly polished s~ainless steel.
The sides of the plate that forms the p}aten 217 and the peel edge 218 are received in opposed recesses 286' in the subframe sections 21~ and 216. A label stopper is provided ~y a pair of aligned plates 218' formed integrally with the subframe sections .?

-- ` ~

Docket M-249 ~0705S5 Z15 ~nd 216. The plates 218' are disposed beneath but are.
~pacod from the plate 217. Should a label 36 attempt to fall onto the supporting material 32 after being delaminated at the peel edge 218, the labels 36 will be caught by the plates 218'.
i 5 This will preYent any label 36 from continuing along the path : through which the supporting material 32 passes after ~assing the peel edge 218.
With reference to FIGURE 3, the stop block 239 is.
shown to be ~lidable on a stop surface 287. The stop bloc~
239 has a threaded bore 288 which threadably rece:~es an adjusted screw 289. One half of the screw 289 is rotatably recei~ed in a semi-circular groo~e 290 and one-half of the head 291 of the screw 289 is captive in a semi-circular recess 292 ~ the seat 293. The handle portion 233 of the frame section 212 pro~ld~ another stop surace (not shown) for the stop block 239 $n alignment with the stop surface 287, another semi-circular groove (not shown) opposite the grooYe 290 for re-cei.Ying the other one-half of the screw 289, and another semi-circular recess tnot shown~ opposite the recess 292 for receiving the other one-half of the head 291. A hole 294, one-half of which $s formed by each han~le portion 233 and 234, enables entry of a ~ool (not shown) by which the head 291 of the screw 289 can be engaged to rotate the screw 289. Rotation of the screw in one direction will cause the stop block 239 to move upwardly (FIGURE 3) and rotation of the screw 289 in the opposite direction will cause the stop block 239 to moYe downwardly ~FIGURE 3). It is apparent that adjustment of the position of the stop block 239 will ad~ust the limit of the travel of the operator 235.

: \
~j ~

Doc3cet M-24 9 107~5~5 With reference to FIGURE 13, the inking mechanism 252 ~ shown to c~mprise a one-piece'inker body 295 hav~ng an al~gned pair of sockets 296 having converging openings 297.
The sockets 296 extend for more than 180 so that the in~ roll 298 can be snapped into the sockets 296. The inXer body 295 has a pair of aligned proiections 299 which are capable of being snapped into sockets 300 (FIGURE 1) in the cover 251.
The eockets 300 are shaped like the sockets 296. The inker body 295 has an integrally formed leaf spring or spring finger 301 which is shown in FIGU~E 14 to be urged against the cover 251. The spring finger 301 normally urges the inking mechanism 252 ~nto the solid line position shown in FIGURE 14. The ink roller 298 is shown in FIGURE 14 to be in the path of but slightly ~paced from the print head 219 because in that position the inker body 295 contacts the frame 221 of the print head 219. When the print head 219 is moved from the solid line position to the phantom line position, the ink roll 298 applies ink to the printing bands 220 and the entire inking mechanism 2~2 pivots about pro~ections 299 to the position shown in phantom lines.
When the print head 219 returns to the soli2 line po~ition shown in FIGURE 14, the sprin~ finger 301 returns the inking mechanism 252 to the solid line position.
With reference to FI~URE 13, the ink roller 298 is shown to comprise a pair of hub sections 302 and 303. The hub section 302 has an elongated projection 3~4 at one end and a stuh end 305 at its opposite end. The hub section 302 has an annular f~ange 306 hetween t~e stub end 305 and a reduced _~9-Docket ~-249 107~555 portion 307. The reduced portion 307 is disposed between the ~lange 306 and the projection 304. The other hub portion 303 h~g an annular flange 308 disposed between a reduced portion 309 and a stub end 310. The réduced portion 309 has a bore 304' into which the projection 304 is adapted to be press-f~tted. The projection 304 has straight flutes which serve to lock the hub portions 302 and 303 together. An ink-receptive tubular porous roll 311, composed for example of rubber or the like, is received on the reduced portions 307 and 309 of respective hub sections 302 and 303. The flanges 306 and 308 abut the ends of the roll 3il and prevent the roll 311 from shifting.
With reference to FIGURES 7, 8 and 9, the subframe .~ect~ons 215 and.216 are shown to have respecti~e integral leaf springs 312 and 313. The leaf spr~ngs 312 and 313 are provided with ~ntegral annular brake members 314 and 315 ha~ing respective annular brake surfaces 316 and 317. Brake members 314 and 315 are formed integrally with projections or hubs 318 and 319, ~urfaces 318' and 319' of which are received in and mount label core 44. The brake surfaces 316 and 317 cooperate to exert bra~ing forces on the label core 44. ~either the hubs 318 and 319 nor the bra~e members 314 and 31~ contact the composite web 30 which is wound on the label core 44. In this manner, an~ gum or adhesi~e that may exist at the marginal side edges o~ the composite web 30 will ~ot ~e transferred to the brake surfaces 316 and 317. ~IGURE 10 illustrates, in exaggerated form, by phantom lines, the initial positions of the leaf springs 312 -2~-. Docket M-249 107~5~5 , and 313, the brake members 314 an~ 315 and the hubs 318 and 319. The in~tial canted position of the leaf springs 313, the brake members 31S and the hu~ 319 relati~e to the remainder of the subframe section 216 is also shown in FIGU~E 8. Insertion o~ the label core 44 onto the hubs 318 and 319 will cause the leaf springs 312 and 313 to flex outwaraly and the brake sur-faces 316 and 317 wil ~ ert a predetermined braking force on the ends of the core 44. The braking force applied to the core 44 will insure that there i5 tension in the web 32 of support-ing material from the label roll to the printing zone, to the peel edge 218, and to the toothed driver 244. As the pawl 266 ~IGURE 15) prevents the reverse rotation of the driver 244, ~t i~ ~een that the apparatus maintains a slight but desirable amount of tension on the web of supporting material 32 at all time~.
$he Sxame 211 ~omprlses an essentially closed shell but the rear part provides an access opening 211' through which a roll of labels can be inserted and a ~pent core 44 can be removed without eYen partial disassembly of the apparatus 210.
With reference to FIGURES 20 through 23, there is shown the applicator 253 mounted by the frame 211. The applica-tor 253 comprises a hub 320 shown to haYe four annular generally ~-shaped groo~es 321 in which respective wheels 322 are rotatably mounted. ~he hub 320 also has a pair of annular flanges 323 disposed between the set of three wheels 322 and the remaining wheel 322. The wheels 322 have greater diameters than the flanges 323. The ends of the hub 320 beyond the grooves 321 are stub ends 324. Undercuts 325 inboard of the stub ends 324 enable ,~

107~555 Docket M-249 the hub to be retained in cooperating yieldable sockets 326 and 327 in frame sections 212 and 213. The sockets 326 and 327 are comprised of a plurality of separate socket sections or flexible resilient fingers 328 and 329 to enable the stub ends 324 to be snapped into place. The sockets 326 and 327 and the cooperating stub ends 324 provide opposed snap-fit connections.
The wheels 322 are identical so only one is described ~n detail. Each wheel 322 is compriséd of an annular rim 330 having an annular groove 331 in its outer periphery. A rubber O-ring 332 is received in the groove 331. A plurality of equally spaced-apart arms 333 formed integrally with the rim 330 have gsnerally V-shaped bearing sections 3~4 received in the respective groo~e 321. The bearing sectionq 334 of the arms 333 exert forces against the hub 320, but enable the wheel 322 to rotate rel~t~e to the hub 320 and enable the wheel 322 to yield as a label 36 is being applied to the merchandise.
As the rubber O-rings 332 have a high coefficient of friction, rotation of the wheels 322 during label application is faeilitated. The spacing of the wheels 322 allows the applicator 253 to press the label 36 onto the merchandise without contacting the printing which was applied to the labels 36 by the print head 219. As the label is pressed onto ihe merchandise, the arms 333 allow the wheels to yield. This yielding action is particularly useful when applying labels to merchandise having irregular surfaces in that the wheels 322 are mounted for both independent rotational and independent yielding movements with respect to `--Docket M-249 10~0555 each other. The flanges 323 prevent the adjacent wheels 322 ~rom deflecting more than a small amount away from the per-pendicular with respect to the hub 320.
Referring to FIGURE 24, thexe is shown an exploded S view of the print head 219. The print head frame 221 is shown to comprise a side plate 335 to which the flanges 222 and 223 are ~oined. A mounting block 336 is molded integrally with the ~de plate 335. The block 336 has a platen or pressure member 337 and arcuate mounting surfaces 338. The mounting block 336 also has a socket 339 for recei~ing a projection 340 of the other side plate 341. A post 342 is formed integrally with the side plate 335 in axial alignment with a hole 343 in the side plate 341. A pair of posts 344 formed integrally with the side plate 335 ha~e hooks 345 which engage shoulders 346 of the side lS plate 341. ~he gide plate 341 has pro~ections 347 which are adapted to fit under projections 348 on the block 336. When the projections 347 are positioned underneath the projections 348, that is, between the projections 348 and the side plate 335, the projection 340 is received in the socket 339, and when the hooks 345 are in engagement with shoulders 346, then the frame 221 is securely but releasably locked together.
The printing bands 220 are mounted in the frame 221 as best shown in FIGURE 25. The printing bands 220 are urged against the support or pressure member 337 and are detented because teeth 349 formed on the underside of each of the printing ~ands 220 are in engagement with notches 350 formed on the side of the support 337. In this position, the pro~ection 340 is shown recei~ed in the socket 339, the printing bands are Docket M-249 trained partially around dri~en membe~s Ln the form of wheels 351, the printing bands 220 are under slight tension, and the wheels are cradled in and rotatable on the mounting surfaces 338. The wheels 351 have notches 352 in which the teeth 349 are received.
Each printing band 220 has a plurality of printing blocks 353. The different printing blocks 353 of each printing band 220 can print different data, as is conventional. The printing blocks 353 are contained in a printing section 354 of the printing band 220. The printing band 220 also contains a non- printing human readable section 3~5. The human readable ~ection 355 contains human readable indicia. The user knows what data the printing block 353 at the pressure member 337 will print by peering through a window 356.
It is often desirable to change the data which ~he prlnt head ~19 i~ to print. This is generally accomplished by advancing the printing band 220 to the prin~ing position in which the selected data will be printed.on the label. A selector, generally indicated at 357, has a knob 358 and a shaft or tubular portion 359 received by the post 342. The selector 357 is freely rotatable about the post 342 and is movable axially so that its driving members or lugs 360 can be shifted into driving cooperation with any one of the driven members 351.
Each driven member 351 has a central hole 361 which is provided with a plurality of notches 362 for receiving respective lugs 360.
Each driven member 351 is also chamfered at the central hole 361 ~ - . 10705SS
Docket M-249 a~ best indicated at 363. In addition to the driving lugs 360, the ~elector 357 is shown to have a pair of opposed pawls or ~pring detent fingers 364, the ends of which engage the recesses provlded by the chamfering 363. The detent fingers 364 serve to hold the seiector j57 in the axial position to which it is manualLy shifted, but enable the selector 357 to be shifted to any desired pos~tion so that its driving members 360 will be in dr~ing engagement with the selected driven member 351.
.Accordingly, by shifting the selector 357, any one or all of the driven members 351 can.be rotated, one a~ a time, which results in the respective printing bands or bands 220 being selectively moved to the selected position to print the selected data on the labels. -The dri~ing lugs 360 are spaced slightly from the ends of the recesses or notches 362. Should the user attempt to turntho knob 358 so a~ to apply excessive torque to the selector 357, the driving lugs 360 will deflect and move out of the set of notches 362 in which they are positioned in the driven member 351 and will mo~e into the next set of notches 362 in the same dri~en member 351. Accordingly, there will be relative rotation between the selector 357 and the driven member 351 in which the lugs 360 are received.
There is a spacer 365 between each of the driven members ~ 351 and bands 220. Each of the spacers 36S has a pair of lugs 365' which engage around the ends 366 at the ends of the mounting surface 338.

~07~555 Docket M-249 The selector 357 is provided with an annular groo~e 367 ad~cent the knob 358. An indicator, generally indicated at 368, ha~ a split collar 369 with a projection 370 received in the groove 367. The indicator 368 has a rectangular section 371 S which defines the window 356. The posts 344 have tongues or guides 344' which are in engagement in groo~es 372 in the rectangular section 371. A pair of pointers 373 disposed on the inner ~urface of the rectangular section 371 are in align-ment with the lugs 360 on the selector 357. Accordingly, the pointers 373 indicate the position Or the lugs 360 so that if the selector 357 is not in position to drive the desired driven member 351 and its associated printing band 220, the selector 357 can be shifted to a position in which the lugs 360 are in drivlng engagement with the desired dri~en m~mber 351 to advance the a~sociated printing band 220 to the selected position.
- As shown in FIGU~E 24, the side plate 341 has a pro~ection or lug 374 by which the printing head 219 is guided by the frame sections 212 and 213 by respecti~e guides 375 and 376 (see FIGURES 1, 3, 14).
The housing or frame sections 212 and 213 are connected by identical snap-fit connections including generally snap-shaped flexible resilient members 377 arranged along the periphery of the housing section 212 and engaged in undercut recesses 378 in the housing section 213. One of these snap-fit connections is shown in detail in F~GURE 5.
The subframe sections 215 and 216 of the subframe 214 are connected to each othe~ and the frame sections 212 and .
Docket M-249 1070555 213 of the frame 211 are connected to the subframe 214 by mean~ of three sets of identical snap-fit connections gen-erally indicated at 379, one of which is shown in detail in FIGURE 19. With reference to FIGURE 19, the frame sections 212 and 213 ha~e respective sockets 380 and 381 comprised o a plurality of respective flexible resilient fingers 382 and 383. The sub-frame section 215 has a projection 384 snap-fitted into the soc~et 380. The projection 384 has a plurality of flexible resilient spring fingers 385. The subframe section 216 has a pro~ection 386 comprised of a plurality of flexible resilient fingers 387 snap-fitted into the socket 381. The subframe section 215 has a projection 388 comprised of a plurality of flexible resilient ~pring f ingers 389 recei~ed in a soc~et 390. The socket 390 is comprised of flexible resilient spring fingers ~91.
A projection 392 formed integrally with the frame section 212 ~xtends through the socket 380, through the projection 3a4, and to about the end of the projection 38~ in the socket 390. The ~pring fingers 383 of the socket 381 are made thinner and con-sequently more flexible than the spring fingers 383 of the socket 380. An attempt to open up the frame 211 by separating the rame sections 212 and 213 will cause the frame section 213 to be separated from the subframe sectio~ 216. The frame section 212 will remain connected to the subframe 214. As the frame section 213 is being separated from the subfr2me 214, the projection 2~ 392 pre~ents the subframe sections 215 and 216 from separating because the spring fingers 389 cannot deflect inwardly because of the interference provided by the projection 392. Once the frame section 213 has been remo~ed, the inside of the apparatus _~7-- .

Docket M-249 1070555 218 is exposed. It is apparent that accidental unsnapping of the subframe 214 or the frame section 212 from the subfrzme 214 is obYiated ~y this construction. Further disassembly can be accomplished ~y deliberately unsnapping the subframe 214 from the frame section 212. This is accomplished by moving the proiection 384 out of the socket 380. Whe~ this has been accomplished, the pro~ection 392 has moved out of the space between the spring fingers 389 of the projection 388 and con~equently the aubframe sections 215 and 216 can be separated.
With reference to FIGURES 7 through 9 for example, ~ the subframe section 216 is shown to have four projections 393 which are adapted to be snugly received in recesses 394 at the end of the guide 262. The projections 393 received in the hol~s 394 a~sist ~n removably holding the subframe sections 215 and 216 together.
With reference to FIGU~ES 1 and 14 the cover 251 is ~hown to have an L-shaped flange 395 at one end and a projection 396 at its other end. To attach the inking mechanism 252 to the apparatus, the projection 395 is pushed under a shoulder 397 of the frame section 213 and thereafter the cover 251 is snapped into position by causing the projection 396 to snap under a lip 398 of the frame section 213. In this manner, the inking mechanism or inker 252 is removably mounted to the apparatus. To remo~e the inking mechanism, the user can engage his fingernail beneath an extension 399 of the cover 251, thereby causing the pro~ection 396 to snap around the lip 398.

_?~2_ Docket M-249 10~555 With reference to FIGURE 6, the operator 235 is ~hown to pivot on the pin 237. It is preferred to pivot the operator 235 at the lower end of the handle 232 in that the user's strongest fingers, namely his index, middle and ring fingers engage the operator 235 at substantial distances from the pi~ot pin 237, while the user's relatively weak little finger ~g close to the pivot pin:237. ~he ends of the pin 237 are undercut as indicated respectively at 403 and 404. The ends 401 and 402 are recei~ed in sockets 405 and 406 in respective frame sections 212 and 213. The sockets 405 and 406 are comprised of respective flexible resilient fingers 407 and 408. The operator 235, as best shown in FIGU~ES 3 and 4, is shown to be generally U-shaped in section. Legs 409 and 410 are shown to be rotatably receiYed about the pin 237~ The spiral or torsion spring 238 is ~hown to be recelved on pin 237 between the legs 409 and 410. If ~t is des~red to remove the frame section 213, the frame section 213 is moved r~lati~ely away from the frame section 212 causing the socket 406 to mo~e out of snap-fit engagement with the end 402. Only when the operator 235 is mo~ed away from the frame section 212 can the end 401 mo~e out of the soc~et 405 because of interference caused by leg 409. This construction ob~iates accidental disconnection of the pin 237 from the frame sections 212.
With refer~nce to FIGURE 2B, there is shown an alternative construction by which a selector 357a having a plural~ty of dri~ing lugs 360a like the lugs 360 and also having a pair of opposed pawls 364a, selectively controls the setting of a selected dri~en mem~er or wheel 351a. The embodiment of FIGURE 28 differs ~,~

10:7~555 Docket M-249 from the em~odiment of the print head 219 shown for example in ~IGURES 24 through 28 in that each of the driven members 351a is pro~ided with an internal annular groove 411 and the chamfering 363 tPIGURE 27~ is omitted. Accordingly, instead of haYing the pawl 364a engage between adjacent driven members ~Sl as shown in FIGURES 26 and 27 for example,-the pawls 364a engage in the groove 411 of one of the driven members 351a, and as i5 preferred in the grooYe 411 of the same wheel with which the lugs 360a are i.n driving engagement. By this construction, the driving function as well as the detenting function are ~ccomplished by the selector 357a in cooperation with a single triYen member 351a.
~ IGURE 27 is actually an alternative embodiment which shows the detenting of one of the ~awls 364 in recesses or groove~ provided by be~eling or chamfering 363. FIGURE 27 Jhows one of the wheels 351 as wider than the adjacent wheel 351 to show that the selector 357 in accordance with the invention can work equally well with wheels 351 of different sizes with-out affecting detentin~. With such a construction some of the printin~ bands 220 can be wider than other~ as is highly desirable in some applications.
Wlth reference to FIGVRES 29 and 30, there is shown another embodiment of a selector generally indicated at 357b.
The selector 357b is the same as the selector 357 in that it has four drive lugs 360~, and a pair of opposed pawls 364b. The selector 357b differs from the selector 357 only in that the selector 357 is of one-piece construction and the selector 357b i8 of two-piece construction. The selector 357b comprises body Docket M-249 1070555 ~ections 412 and 413 snap-fitted together. The body section 412 ha~ a non-circular hole, and in particular a square hole 414, and the body section 413 has a corresponding square portion 415 rece~ved in the hole 414. By this construction, the body sections 412 and 413 are incapable of rotating relative to each other.
The body section 413 has four flexible resilient fingers 416 terminating at projections 417 shown in FIGURE 29 to be received over a bead 418. In this position, an annular flange 419 is in abutment with a shoulder 420 on the body section 412. The ~10 selector 357b is used in the same manner as the selector 357.
If desired, the selector 357a (FIGURE 28) can be made in two parts as illustrated in FIG~RES 29 and 30.
Re~erring to the embodiment of FIGURE 31, there is shown a print head generally indicated at 219c having two spsced-apart ~ets of print~ng members 220c. The print head 219c has two set~ of mounting blocks 366c, two sets of driven members 351c and posts 344c, all formed integrally with side plate 335c.
Flanges 222c and 223c and gear sections 224c and 225c are spaced apart wider than the flanges 222 and 223 and gear sections 224 and 225. Accordingly, the pair of gears (not shown) which would me~h with geax sections 224c and 225c would have to be spaced apart by a greater distance than the gears 2-42 and 243. It is also apparent that ball tracks (not shown) which would correspond to the ball tracks 230 and 231 would have to be spaced wider apart, as would be readily apparent to one skilled in the art.
Side plate 341c carries a guide member 374c. The side plate Docket M-249 3~1c rotatably mounts a pair of s'electors 357c for the respecti~e Jet~of dri~en members 351c. The posts 344c mount respective rectangular sections 371c which provîde respective windows 356c.
It is readily apparent that with slight modifications the print head 219c can be operated by a mechanism the same in principle and construction as the mechanism which operates the prin~ head 219.
Re~erring to the embodiment of FIGURES 32, 33 and 34, there is provided a selector 357d which is identical to the selector 357. Printing members take the form of print wheels 220d. Each print wheel 220d is shown to be identical and comprises printing elements 421 carried by an annular hub 422. A mounting and detenting wheel 423 is shown to be formed integrally wlth each side of the hub 422. The wheels 423 have lS generally ~nnular outer surfaces 424 received in sockets 425 of ad~acent mounting members 426. The Qockets 425 comprise an annular portion 427 and a pair of flexible resilient arms 428 formed integrally therewith. Accordingly, the print wheels 220d can be inserted either axially into the soc~ets 425 or they can be inserted into or removed from the respective sockets 425 by spreading arms 428. Mounting members 426 are provided with recesses 429 in which offset integrally formed detent pawls or spring fingers 430 and 431 are disposed. The pawl 430 of one mounting member 426 is cooperable with notches 430' to effect detenting of an adjacent print wheel 220d on one side of the unting member 426, and the other is cooperable with notches 431' to effect detenting of the adjacent print wheel 220d on the other side of the mounting member 226.

-32~

Docket M-249 1070555 Each wheel 220d has a,central hole 432, the ends of wh~ch are chamfered as indicated at 433. As best shown in PIGVRE 34, pawls 364d are recei~ed in the chamfering between ad~acent wheels 220d and driv~ilugs 360d are in drivin~ en-gagement with the ad~acent print wheel 220d. If desired,detenting can be effected in the manner illustrated in the embodiment of ~IGURE 28.
Referring to FIGVRES 35 through 54 and 58 through 70, there i~ shown an alternati~e embodiment of the label print-ing and applying apparatus generally indicated at 210a. In thisem~odimPnt, those components which are generally related to those in the embodiment of FIGURES 1 through 34 are indicated by the same reference characters, with the addition of the letter n~n Those component~ of the apparatus 210a which differ from or are in addition to components in the embodiment o FIGURES 1 through 34 ~re more speci~ically indicated with reference characters starting with the number 500.
~eferring initially to FIGURE 35, the apparatus 210a, which includes a housing 211a, has two-part frame sections gen-erally indicated at 212a and 213a. The frame 211a includes a handle 232a having handle portions 233a and 234a. The frame sections 212a'and 213a have relatively movable frame parts 500 and 501, and 502 and 503. The handle portion 232a is a part of the frame part 501, and the handle portion 234a is a part of 2~ the housing part 503. A subframe 214a includes subframe sections 215a and 216a. The subframe section 215a and the movable frame Docket M-249 1070555 part 500 respectively have a socket 504 and a pivot pin 505.
Similarily, the subframe section 216a and the movable frame part 502 respectively have a socket 506 and a pivot pir. 507.
Applicator 253a snaps into sockets 326a and 327a in respective ~rame parts 500 and 502. The frame parts 500 and 502 and the applicator 253a are pivotal about pivot pins 505 and 506 as a unit,with respect to the respective frame parts 501 and 503.
The subframe sections 215a and 216a receive and retain platen 217a whi-h has a delaminator such as a peel edge or turning edge 218a. Print head 219a, having printing members 220a carried by its print head frame 221a, is movable relatively toward and away from the platen 21;a. The print head frame 221a haQ integrally formed racks 224a and 225a and respective tracks 226a and 227a. The subframe section 215a has a track 230a and 15 the su~frame section 216a has an opposite track ~not shown)for respecti~e ball bearings 228a and 229a.
Frame parts 500 and 502 have respective sockets 510 and 511 in which respective pivot pins 512 and 513 of inker body 514 of an inking mechanism 252a,are received. As the print head " 20 219a moves toward and away from the platen 217a, the inking mechanism 252a oscillates first in one direction and thereafter in the opposite direction about its pivot pins 512 and 513 to effect inking of the print head 219a.
The apparatus 210a has an operator 235a in the form of a lever 236a pivotally mounted by a post 237a. Stop block 239a 3~ , 1071~555 Docket M-249 i~ ad~ustable by means of a screw 289a recei~ed in a threaded bore 288a. ~he operator 235a is urged away from the stop block 239a by means of a spring assembly 515 which bears at one end agalnst a socket 516 formed partly by handle portion 233a and partly by handle portion 234a and at its other end against a socket 517 (FIGURE 471 integral with the operator 235a. Gear sections 240a and 241a carried by the le~er 236a are in meshing engagement with respective compound gears 242a and 243a. -Specifi-cally, the gear sections 240a and 241a mesh with respecti~e sections 518 and 519, and sect~ons 520 and 521 mesh with respective -racks 224a and 225a of the print head 219a. Toothed dri~er 244a is dri~en by a pawl 245a which cooperates with a ratchet wheel 246a. Detent mechanism 247a is coupled to the toothed driver 244a. Teeth 249a of the driver 244a engage the supporting mate~ial of the composite web in the manner shown and described in the embod~ment of FIGURES 1 through 34 and 45. Rolls 256a and 257a guide the composite web 30a and the supporting material web 32a, respectively, and roll 259a cooperates with the toothed dri~er 244a. The composite web 30~ is in the form of a roll carried on a core 44a which can be inserted into the housing through an opening 211a'. The core 44a i5 mounted by hubs 318a and 319a carried by respecti~e leaf springs 312a and 313a. Annular brake members 314a and 315a exert slight braking forces against only the core 44a.
With reference to FIGURES 36, 37 and 38, the composite web 30a has label material 31a releasably adhered to and carried by supporting or backing material 32a. Label material 31a is Docket M-249 lC}7~555 cut transversely at longitudinally spaced-apart intervals by transverse cuts 33a. The composite web 30a is like the composite web 30 except that there is an additional group of CutQ 38b between groups of cuts 38a. The shapes of the groups of cuts 38a and 38b are identical to each other and to the shape of the cuts of groups 38.
With reference to FIGURES 39 t.~rough 44, there is illustrated a method by which either the apparatus 210 or the apparatus 210a can be loaded. In loading the apparatus, for example the apparatus 210a, the composite web 30a in roll form is inserted into the frame 211a into position on the hubs 318a and 319a. While the user holds the labeler 210a in his one hand ~y means of the handle 233a and depresses the lever 236a filightly to release ~rake 522, the marginal end portion 30' of the web is inserted through brake 522 into a passageway formed partly by the groove 254a ~IGURE 35) and the groove 255a. He now passes the marginal end portion 30' of the composite web 30a partly around the roll 256a and over platen 217a and then between a guide 523 and the applicator 253a. The user then grasps the marginal end portion 30' ~etween the thumb and index fin~ers of his other hand, and while holding the apparatus 210a in an attitude that will prevent the delaminated labels 36a from coming into contact with and adhering either to the apparatus 210a or to the supporting material web 32a, the composite web 30a is pulled in a direction away from the applicator 253a such that the supporting material 32a is caused to undergo a shar~ change of direction as it passes around peel edge 218a at the terminal end of the Docket M-249 1070555 platen 217a. In that the marginai end portion 30' is pulled In a direction substantially parallel to the plater and the ~upporting material undergoes a sharp bend of a~out 180, ~n so dolng, the supporting ma ~ rial 32a is torn as indicate~
at 32t as it is forced past the guide 523 and against the under-side of the platen 217a and is pulled to the position shown in FIGURE 40, The marginal end portion 30' is pulled to a predetermined point 232' at the front tip of t~.e handle 23~a so that ~ust the right number of la~els 36a are delaminated.
The result i5 that an end section 30" of the supporting material 32a is completely stripped of a plurality (such as about se~en) labels 36a. The labels on the end section 30" are readily removed without ha~ing to manually remove them one-by-one from the supporting m~terial 32a. If desired, the marginal end portion 30~ can be severed ~rom the end section 30" at the tear 32t prefesably through one group of cuts 38a in the supporting material web 38a 80 that the end section which is devoid of labels 36a can be passed between the toothed member 244a and the cooperating die xoll 259a, as best shown in FIGURE 42. In the position shown in ~IGURE 42, slackness exists in the end section 30". By manually operating the operator 235a, the end section 30" can be advanced through the apparatus until all the slac~ness has been removed as best shown in FIGURE 43. The apparatus 210a is now rc~dy for use. In this position, each manual operation of the operator 235a wîll cause a label 36a to be printed and thereafter-dispensed to the position shown in FIGUR~S 43 and 44 in which the trailing edge of the label 36a is still adhered to the supporting materi~l 32a.

Doc~et M-249 10~555 Referring to FIGURES 45 through 48, the relationship of the spring assembly 515 to the handle 232a and to the operator ¦ 235a is shown in greater detail than in FIGURE 35. The spring a88embly 515 i8 shown to have a tu~ular body or sleeve 524 having a circular cylindr~cal internal wall 525. One end of the ~ubular - body 524 is open as indicated at 526 and its other end is closed off by an end wall 527. A connector 528 haYing a circular cylindrical outer surface 529 substantially greater than 180 in extent is formed integrally with the end wall 527. The connector 528 is received by the socket 516 which has a circular cylindrical inner surface 516' slightly greater than 180 in extent. The surface 529 extends transversely with respect to the tubular body 524 and more specifically the axis of the surface 529 extends perpendicularly and through the axis of the tubular section 524. A tubular plunger 530 ha~ing a circular cylindrical outer surface 531 is shown to be received in slidable contact with the wall 525 of the body 524. The plunger 530 is open at one end as indicated at 532 and is closed off at its other end by an end wall 533. A connector 534 ha~ing a circular cylindrical outer surface 535 substantially greater than 180 in extent is formed integrally with the end wall 533. The surface 535 extends trans~ersely with respect to the plunger 530 and more speci~ically the axis of the outer surface 535 extends perpendicularly to and through the axis of the plunger 530. The connector 534 is recei~ed by the socket 517 which has a circular cylindrical inner surface 517' slightly greater than 180 in extent. A compression spring 536 is received in a bore 537 of the plunger 530 and abuts at one end against the end wall 533. The other end of the spring 536 - r Docket M-249 1070555 abuts against the end wall 527 of the body 524. A keeper 53~ formed integrally with the end wall 527 extends coaxially within the inside wall 525. The body 524 has a pair of opposed longitudinally extend~ng slots 539 and 540. The plunger 530 5 has a pair of opposed resilient spring fingers 541 and 542 having respective abutment surfaces 543 and 544. The ends of the slots 539 and 540 constitute stops 545 and 546. In the position shown in FIGURE 47, the abutment surfaces 543 and 544 are in abutment with respective stops 545 and 546. In that the plunger ~30 is constructed of resilient plastic material, the fingers 541 and 542 can resiliently yield while ~he spring assembly 515 is being assembled, specifically as the end 532 of the plunger 530 is inserted into the open end 526 of the tubular body 524. As the abutment surfaces 543 and 544 clear the stops 545 and 546 while the plunger 541 is ~eing pushed into the tubular body 524, the ~pring fingers 541 and 542 first deflect and then spring outwardly to the position shown in FIGURE 47. Assembly of the spring assembly 515 is now complete and the tubular body 524 and the plunger 530 can now undergo limited relati~e mo~ement with respect to each other. The spring assembly 515 is easy to assemble in manufacturing and is ea~y to install in the apparatus 210a as a modular spring assembly or unit. In that the sockets 516 and 517 are resilient they can expand resiliently to recei~e respective connectors 528 and 534.
During use the spring assembly 515 normallv urges the operator 235a to its initial position as shown in FIGURE 45. When the operator 235a is operated by the user, the plunger 530 telescopes into the tubular body 524 as best shown in FIGURE 46. Upon sub-sequent release of the operator 235a, the spring assembly 515 returns the operator 235a to its initial position.

Docket M-249 1070555 With reference to ~IGURES 35, 45 and 49, there is hown .
a lubricant appl~cator generally indicated at 547. The purpose of the applicator 547 is to apply a lubricant to the peripheral surface of the toothed dri~er 244a to retard the accumulation of gum ~adhesive, paper dust, and the like) on the toothed driver 244a. The applicator 547 is shown to be comprised of a curved strip of porous flexi~le resilient material, for example, felt. The applicator 547 is generally hat-shaped in transverse section. The applicator 547 is disposed between the outer surface of the toothed driver 244a and flanges 548 and 549 of respective subframe sections 215a and 216a. The flanges 548 and 549 support the applicator 547. A portion 550 of the applicator is disposed between the ends of the flanges 548 and 549 so it is apparent that the subframe sections 215a and 216a and their respective flanges 548 and 549 amply support and retain the applicator 547. ~he applicator 547 has a surface 551 which is in light contact with the peripheral surface of the toothed driver 242a.
~his light contact assures that lubricant contained in the appli-cator 547 is transferred to the peripheral surface of the dri~er 244a, but that the frictional drag on the driver 242a is negligible. The surface 551 of the applicator 547 corresponds generally to the contour of the peripheral surface of the driver 244a. Transverse slits or slots 547' in the applicator 547 facilitate bending of the strip to the shape of the periphery of the driver 244a. As best shown in FIGURE 35, the applicator 547 has a groo~e 552 in which the teeth 249a of the driver 244a travel.

Docket M-249 With reference to FIGURE 45, it is noted that the applicator 547 is positioned in contact with that portion of the dri~er 244a which is out of t~e path of the supporting material web 32a. This obviat~s any wicking or bleeding of lubricant from the applicator 547 to the supporting material 32a.
Th~s is especially beneficial during such time as the apparatus 210a iq not in use. Although the applicator 547 could be in the form of a roll, it is preferred to use an applicator in the form of a strip which is easy to manufacture and assemble. The applica-tor 247 can contain any suitable lubricant which can retard the transfer of gum from the supportIng material 32a onto the driver 244a. By way of example, not limitation, the absosbent applicator 547 can contain the following suitable lubricant: Dow Corning 1107 fluid, a liquid silicone, described in Bulletin :05-169 dated February, 1967, of the Chemical Products Di~i~ion, Dow Corning Corporation, Midland, Michigan 48640.
Referring to FIGURES 50 through 54, the brake 522 i8 shown to include a roll 553. The roll 553 has a pair o spaced apart O-rings 554 and 555 comprised of resilient material such as rubber. The roll 553 has stub ends 556 and 557 received in respective tracks 558 and 559 in respective subframe sections 215a and 216a~ It is apparent that the roll 553 is rotatable and also movable relatively toward and away from surfaces 560 and 561 of respective subframe sections 215a and 216a. As shown in FI~URES 50 and 51, end portion 562 of print head frame 221a is in engagement with the O-rings 554 and 555 of roll 553, and the composite web 30a is clamped between the roll 553 and the Docket ~i-249 107~555 surfaces 560 and 561. Accordingly, in this position of the brake 522, because of the friction exerted between the roll 553 and end portion 562 of the print head 219a, rotation of the roll 553 is prevented. Consequently, the compcsite web 30a whi~h is in frictional engagement with the roll 553 and is clamped between the roll 553 and surfaces 560 and 561 is pre-~ented ~rom being ad~anced toward the delaminator 218a. In this position of the print head 219a (in which the operator 235a is in its initial positionl, a printed label 36a i3 in applying position relati~e to applicator 253a ready to be applied to an article. Once the label 36a has been applied, the user can again operate the operator 235a which causes the print head 219a to move toward the platen 217a. As the print head 219a moves toward the platen 217a, the portion 562 of the frame 221a of the print head 219a moves out of contact with the roll 553. At the printing position of the print head 219a, the portion 562 of the frame 221a is in the position shown in FIGURE 52. When the user releases the operator 235a, the spring assembly 515 causes the toothed driver 244a to ad~ance the com-posite web 30a and to effect return of the print head 219a to the position shown in FIGURE 51. During return of the print head 219a from the position shown in FIGURE 52 to the position shown in FIGURE 51, the roll 553 permits the composite web 30a to advance as it rolls on the ad~ancing web 30a. However, upon the substan-tial completion of travel of the print head 219a, the portion 562 again operates the brake 552 to effect clamping of the composite v . .

Docket M-249 web 30a between the roll 553 and surfaces 560 and 561. The bxake 522 is simple in construction and automatic in its operation and yet it serves the purpose of preventing any paying out of the composite web 30a from the roll during applica-tion of the label 36a. Such paying out of the web 30a can resultin the e~ent that the cuts 33a through the label material 31a are not complete so that the trailing edge of on~ label 36a remains connected to the leading edge of the next subsequent label 36a. As is evident in this embodiment of the invention the brake 522 exerts a substantial braking force on the web 30a, while brake surfaces 318a and 319a exert only a slight braking force on the core 44a.
With reference to FIGURES 55 ~hrough 57, there is ~hown a modification for the embodiment of FIGURES 1 through 34 and for the embodiment of FIGURES 35 through 54 and 58 through 70. ~omponents which are generally related to those of either the embodiments of FIGURES 1 through 34 or 35 through 54 and 58 through 70 are indicated by the same reference characters, with the addition of the letter "b". Label printing and applying apparatus 210b includes subframe 214b having subframe sections 215b and 216b. The apparatus 210b differs from apparatus 210a only in the respect that leaf springs 3i2a and 313a rotatably mount core 44b of composite web 306. More specifically, axially aligned, one-piece, rolls 570 and 571 are rotatably mounted by arms or l~af springs 312a and 313a. The rolls 570 and 571 are identical in construction. The rolls 570 and 571 have frustro-conical surfaces 572 and 573 wllich serve to automatically center Docket M-249 1070 555 the core 44b with respect to the center line CL o~ the sub-framé 214b. The rolls 570 and 571 have respecti~e hubs 574 and 575 haYing respecti~e bearing shoulders 576 and 577. The bearing shoulders 576 and ~77 bear against the arms 312b and 313b.
As the rolls 570 and 571 rotate the shouiders 576 ana 577 pre~ent otheI portions of the respective rolls 570 and 571 from rubbing on the arms 312b and 313b. The arms 312b and 313b are flexible and resilient enough to enable the core 44b to be inserted on rolls 570 and 571 and yet rigid enough to enable the core 44b to be mounted as illustrated in ~IGURES 55 and 57.
, ~he arms 312b and 313b are sufficiently yieldable to accommodate for manufacturing variations in the length of core 44b. The hubs 574 and 575 are rotatably received in holes 578 and 579 ~n a~m~ 312b and 313b. Spring clips 580 and 581 prevent ~he hubs 574 and 575 from shifting off the arms 312b and 313b but - permit the rolls 570 and 571 to rotate. Rolls 570 and 571 have respectiYe circular cylindrical portions 582 and 583 which pre~ent the core 44b from slipping off when the composite web 30b is advanced. With reference to FIGURE 57, a resilient device 584, illustrated as being a culved leaf spring, serves to facilitate the gradual paying out of the composite web 30b. In that the apparatus 210b causes the composite web 30b to be pulled once for each actuation and return cycle of the operator (235 or 23~a), and in that the apparatus is capable of printing and applying multiple labels ~36, 36a or 36b~ in succession per second, the deYice 584 is conducive to the gradual unwinding of the composite web roll. When the composite web 30b is advanced,

-4~-Dockct M-249-C-1 10705S5 the resilient device 584 will moye from the position shown by phantom lines to the position shown by solid lines in FIGURE 57. As the roll unwinds gradually, the device 584 moves to the position shown b~ phantom lines-in FIGURE 57.
One end 585 of the device 584 is retained in fixed position relative to a subframe 214b by fitting into a retaining pocket 586 formed partly in the subframe section 215b and partly by the subframe section 216b.
; With reference to ~IGURE 58, there is shown a~agrammatically the structure which is already shown in greater detail in FIGURES 24, 25 and 26, for example. Specifically, printing band 22~a has a printing section 354a and a non-printing .
human readable section 355a. The printing section 354a has printing blocks 353a and the non-printing 8ection contzins human readablé ~ndicia (FIGURE 25) representa-t~ve of the data which the pr~nting blocks 353a are capable of printing. The printing section 354a is thicker than the non-printing section 355a as best seen in EIGURE 58. The pointers 373 (FIGURE 24) are modified to the extent that théy are extended as shown at 373a in FIGURE 58. The pointers 373a are molded inte~rally with the frame 371a which can be shifted in a direction parallel to the axis of the driven members 351a (only one o~ which is shown in FIGU~E 58). It is apparent that the pointers 3~3a include stop faces S87 and that the printing bloc~s 353a adjacent the nor.-printin~ secti~n 355a have abutment faces 588. Thus, the non-printin~
.

-~5-Docket M-249 1~7~555 ~ection 355a is incapable of being movea to the printing position at which it would ~e inked by the nk ro}ler. Inad~ertent mo~ement of the non-printing section to the printing and inking zone would result in ink~ng of t~e human readable indicia which would make S them difficult to read, but this problem is ob~iated by the present inYention. The in~ention can be applied as well to type wheels of the type illustrated in FIGURES 32 through 34 which can ha~e a printing sectîon and an adjacent non-printing human readable section.
With reference to FIGURES 59 through 64, there is illustrated a method by ~-hich the platen 217a is made. Referring initially to FIGURE 59, there is pro~ided a flat sheet composed of bendable substantially rigid material. Although any suitable sheet material can be employed, it is pre~erred to use steel ha~ing a smooth surface, for example, polished stainless steel.
Elongated sets of holes 601 and 602 and round holes 603 are shown to be cut through the sheet 600. The holes 601 and 602 are elongated in the same direction and are generall-~ rectangular in shape. The holes 601 and 602 are symmetrical about a center line 604 ~xtending through the centers of holes 603, with the holes 601 and 602 being in alignment with each other and with the holes 603. If desired the center line 604 of the inverse bend need not pass through the centers of the holes 603. The sheet 600 is in~ersely bent about the line 604 to provide a ~. :
pair of plates or plate portions 605 and 606 joined by a bight por~ion 607. With a sheet of flexible, resilient moldable material 608 disposed between the plates 605 and 606 there is Docket M-249 1070555 provided a sandwich arrangement ~ich is placed between pregs members 609 and 610 of a press to effect extr,usion of the molda~le material into the space within the holes 601 and 602. This extrusion can ~e accomplished by applying pressure using the press members 609 and 610 accompanied by suitable heating means (not shown~ for heatin~ the molda~le material 608. For this purpose, the platen members 609 and 610 can be heated. As shown in FIGURES 63 and 64 the sets of holes 601 and 602 are in alignment with each other. The platen 217a thus has fl~x~le resilient platen sections 611, 612 and 613 which can y~eld independently of each other during printing as ~llustrated in FIG~RE 64. The composite web 30a is omitted from between printing members 220a and 220a' and the platen 217a in FlGURE 64 for the sa~e of clarity. This means that each line of printing characters can produce quality printing ~rrespecti~e of minor manufacturing ~ariations in the print head or the platen which might otherwise cause poor printing quality. The plates or plate portions 605 and 606 cooperate to support the platen sections 611, 612 and 613 only at their peripheral edges, and more specifically they support the sections 611, 612 and 613 along the entirety of their respecti~e p~ripheral edges but the platen sections 611, 612, and 613 are otherwise unsupported so that they can yield even beyond the surface of the underside of the platen 217a. The resultant platen 217a has a relatively sharp delaminator or peel edge 217a and the holes 603 pro~ide general3y semi-circular notches 614 at the peel edge 217a. Each notch 614 constitutes Docket M-249 107QS55 an interruption in the edge whicjh reduces the area of contact with the web of supporting material 32a thereby reducing friction therebetween as the web 32a is drawn in the direction of arrow 615. With reference to FIGURES 61 and 62, the moldable material 608 which would otherwise exist in the notches 614 is preferably trimmed away.
Referring to FIGU~E 66, the inking mechanism 252a i8 shown în its operative inking position between the print head 219a and the platen 217a. The inking mechanism 252a includes the inker body 514 and an ink roller 620 carried by the inker body 514~ The inking mechanism 252a also includes a pair of tracks 621 and 622 which guide the ink roller 620 as the print head 219a is driYen toward and away from the platen 217a. With reference to ~IGURE 67, the one-piece inker body 514, which is composed of a flexible resilient material, has a pair of slotted arms 623 and 624 having respective elongated aligned slots 62S and 626.
The ink roller 620 includes an ink receptive, tubular, porous ink roll 627 received by a hub 628 having hub portions 629 and 630. The hub portion 630 has a fluted projection 361 and the hub portion 629 has a bore 632 into which the projection 631 is adapted to be press-fitted. The ink roll 627, composed for example of rubber or the like, is received by the hub portions 629 and 630, as best shown in FIGU~E 69. The hub portions 629 and 630 l~ave respecti~e integral flanges or bearing rolls 633 and 634, which are adapted to ride on bearing surfaces 635 and 636 of the print head 219a. Stub ends 637 and 638 mount respective rollers 639 and 640, and 641 and 642. The rollers Docket M-249 107055S

640 and 641 are received in the elongated slots 625 and 626, o~ slotted portions 623 and 624, the rollers 63g and 642 are received in respective tracks 621 and 622.
The inker ~ody 514 also has integrally formed arms or leaf springs 643 and 644 which carry the integrally formed pivot pins 512 and 513 received in the respective sockets 510 and 511.
As the print head 219a moves toward the platen 217a trIGURE 66~, the constant slope of the tracks 621 and 622 causes the ink roller 620 to traYel across the ink and the printing members 220a at the constant rate. When the print head 217a is in printing cooperation with the label 36a at the printing zone, the ink roller 620 has moved to the position shown by phantom lines (FIGURE 66~. When the print head 219a moves away from the platen 217a, a spring finger or leaf spring 645, formed integrally with the inker body 514, causes the bearing rolls 633 ana 634 to roll along bearing surfaces 635 and 636. During all this travel of the inker body 514 and the ink roller 620 which it carries, the slotted portions 523 and 524 serve to mount the ink roller 620 and tracks 621 and 622 define the path of tra~el of the ink roller 620. Installation of the inker body 514 and its ink roller-620 is accomplished by flexing together the leaf springs 643 and 644 so that the respective pivot pins 512 and 513 can be inserted into the respective sockets 510 and 511. The inker body 514 can be removed by flexing together leaf springs 6~3 and 644. The ink roller 620 can be installed or remo~ed from the inker body by f;exing apart the slotted arms 623 and 624. FIGURE 68 shows the inker body 514 and its ink roller 620 bein~ removed from the apparatus, while housing part ~02 and the corresponding housing part 50~ (FIGUR~ 65) are in an open posi~ion relative to thc respective housing parts 501 ~nd 503.

Docket M-249-C-1 10705S5 The print head 219a has two rows of printing bands as is shown in somewhat greater detail in FIGURE 31. In order to print a third line of data between the two lines of printing members 22a, a slug 646 (FIGURES 66, 69 and 70) is inserted into the print head frame 221a. As best shown in FIGURE 70, the slug 646 comprises a base 647 having a dovetail portion 648, a printing member 220a' and has a mating portion 648' received by the dovetail 648. The base 647 ha~ a projection 650 receivable in a recess 651 in the print head frame 221a. The base 647 has an elongated extension 652 having a projection 653 which is received in a xece~s 654 in the print head frame 221a. In this manner, the slug 646 can be inserted into a slot 655 in the print head frame 221a and resiliently snapped into place by means of the projection 656 which can be used to facilitate insertion or removal of the slug 646.
It is preferred to mold the driver or feed wheel 244 of a material which incorporates a lubricant to diminish the amount of gum or adhesive that i~ transferred to the feed wheel 244 during use to prevent improper feeding. By incorporating the lubricant in the feed wheel 244 the surface of the feed wheel 244 has a low coefficient of friction. However, the teeth 249 are adequate to grip and drive the web 32. One specific material to be used to mold the feed wheel is an acetal resin combined with polytetrafluoroethylene lubricants. One such material i8 sold commercially under Number RL-4030 by Liquid Nitrogen Processing Corporation, Malvern, Pennsylvania~ U.S.A.

Docket M-249 107~ 555 The remainder of the appara~us in FIGURES 1 through 70, except for the platens 217 and 217a, O-rings 282 and 332, the ball bearings 228, 228a, 229 and 229a, the spring 238, the ~ashers 365, rubber printing members 220, 22a and 220a, portion 648', spring 536, applicator 552, O-rings 554 and 555, clips ~81 and 582, and the resilient device 584, are composed of suitable lightweight moldable plastic materials, for example, acetal, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, or the like, but the ink rolls ~11 and 627 zre preferably constructed of porous ~inyl. Accord-ingly, the apparatus is very light in weight, and easy and con-venient to use with a minimum of fatigue.
Other embodiments and modifications of this invention will suggest themse}ves to those skilled in the art, and all such of these as come within the spirit of this invention are included within its scope as best defined by the ap~endea claims.

Claims (5)

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. Apparatus for printing and applying pressure sensitive labels utilizing a supply roll comprising a composite web having pressure sensitive labels releasably secured to a web of supporting material, the apparatus comprising: printing means for printing on successive labels, a delaminator for delaminating successive printed labels from the supporting material web, an applicator for applying successive printed labels, means engageable with the supporting material web for feeding partially delaminated labels to the applicator, means for operating the printing means and the feeding means in sequence, means including a roll for applying braking force to the composite web upstream of the delaminator to prevent the web from advancing toward the delaminator during application of a printed label by the applicator, the printing means having means effective upon substantial completion of the sequence of operation for moving the roll into clamping cooperation with the composite web and for preventing rotation of the roll.

2. Apparatus for printing and applying pressure sensitive labels utilizing a supply roll comprising a label core and a composite web wound on the core, the composite web having pressure sensitive labels releasably secured to a web of supporting material, the apparatus comprising: printing means for printing on successive labels, a delaminator for delaminating successive printed labels from the supporting material web, an applicator for applying successive printed labels, means engageable with the supporting material web downstream of the delaminator for feeding the composite web to present partially delaminated labels to the applicator, means for operating the printing means and the feeding means in sequence, first brake means engageable solely with the label core for continuously applying a braking force to the label core, second brake means separate from the first brake means and effective upon completion of the sequence for applying braking force to the composite web downstream of the first brake means and upstream of the delaminator to prevent the web from advancing toward the delaminator during application of a printed label.

3. Apparatus for printing and applying labels as defined in claim 2, wherein the second brake means comprises cooperable parts controlled by the printing means for movement into and out of braking cooperation with the composite web.

4. Apparatus for printing and applying pressure sensitive labels utilizing a supply roll comprising a label core and a composite web wound on the core, the composite web having pressure sensitive labels releasably secured to a web of supporting material, the apparatus comprising: printing means for printing on successive labels, a delaminator for delaminating successive printed labels from the supporting material web, an applicator for applying successive printed labels, means engageable with the supporting material web downstream of the delaminator for feeding the composite web to present partially delaminated labels to the applicator, means for operating the printing means and the feeding means in sequence, continuously operable first brake means for preventing excessive unwinding of the roll, and intermittently operable second brake means separate from the first brake means and effective upon completion of the sequence for applying braking force to the composite web downstream of the first brake means and upstream of the delaminator to prevent the web from advancing toward the delaminator during application of a printed label.

5. Apparatus for printing and applying labels as defined in claim 4, wherein the second brake means comprises cooperable parts controlled by the printing means for movement into and out of braking cooperation with the composite web.