US3376811A

US3376811A - Label imprinter and dispenser

Info

Publication number: US3376811A
Application number: US590879A
Authority: US
Inventors: Grintz Joseph John
Original assignee: Grintz Joseph John
Current assignee: JOSEPH JOHN GRINTZ
Priority date: 1966-10-31
Filing date: 1966-10-31
Publication date: 1968-04-09
Anticipated expiration: 1985-04-09

Description

April 9, 1968 J. J.'GRINTZ 3,376,811

LABEL IMPRINTER AND DISPENSER Filed Oct. 31, 1966 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG] 4 2a INVENTORI JOSEPH J. GRINTZ By WA A YS- J. J. GRINTZ LABEL IMPRINTER AND DISPENSER April 9, 1968 2 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Oct. 51, 1966 Q KN.

ATIYS.

United States Patent Ofitice 3,376,811 Patented Apr. 9, 1968 3,376,811 LABEL IMPRINTER AND DISPENSER Joseph John Grintz, 1701 Bristol Road, Churchville, Pa. 18966 Filed Oct. 31, 1966, Ser. No. 590,879 16 Claims. (Cl. 101-295) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The present invention relates to imprinting and dispensing apparatus and more particularly to label imprinting and dispensing apparatus adapted to print longitudinally spaced labels mounted on a strip, and remove labels therefrom.

In brief, the apparatus of the present invention includes an imprinter comprising a base and at least one upstanding frame member connected thereto. A platen is provided which extends laterally of the frame and a chase holder, having a chase and printing means mounted thereon, is positioned relative to the platen and contains guide pins which, when associated with track means which are engageable with the guide means, permit guided movement of the chase between a first, at rest position, and a second, print position wherein the printing means comes into contact with the platen. Of course means are provided to guide the strip containing the labels intermediate the chase holder and the platen and means are provided to move the strip intermittently whereby at least one label mounted on the strip is positioned between the platen and the imprinting means when the imprinting means strikes the platen.

Intermediate the strip drive means and the imprinter is a label dispenser which includes a guide positioned on the side of the strip opposite the side on which the labels are mounted, the guide having a terminal edge which extends laterally of the strip and which is adapted to effect peeling of labels as the strip pulls back around the terminal edge. In addition, a feeler is provided for contact with the strip on the side thereof having labels thereon, which feeler may be positioned adjacent the terminal edge of the guide. The feeler is connected to a switch, which is operative to activate the strip drive means, when the feeler is in contact with a label on the strip, and to de-activate the drive means when the feeler is intermediate adjacent labels, i.e. on the strip. In addition, the switch is provided with means for activating and de-activating chase drive means to cause movement of the chase between the first and second positions.

State of the prior art There are numerous apparatus appearing in the prior art showing label imprinters and label dispensers, both in combination and separate. The combination machines as well as the individual imprinter and dispenser units have one thing in common, and that is complexity as well as high additional cost. In addition, due to the method of printing used in a majority of the machines, the labels are not readily adaptable for wide service use, either being limited in physical size and print size, which obviously limits the usefulness of the apparatus, or being limited because of the blurry and ofttimes unreadable condition of the print on the label when the imprinter has been used for an extended period of time.

'In addition, it is sometimes very difficult to change the setting in the prior art imprinting machine so that a new imprint may be placed on labels, tags, cards and the like.

Description of the invention In view of the above, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide apparatus for imprinting longitudinally spaced labels mounted on a strip and dispensing them therefrom.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel label imprinter and dispenser which is simple in construction and which may be transported easily from one place to another in a store, factory and the like.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel printing device which may be utilized in conjunction with other dispensing means, and a novel dispensing unit which may be used in conjunction with other types of printing means.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an imprinter having means to facilitate the rapid change of type for printing labels and the like.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an imprinter which will clearly and distinctly imprint labels and the like with a minimum of smudging and a maximum of clarity.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a novel dispenser which is simple to operate and which does not require, unless desired, handling of the labels by the attendant.

Other objects and a fuller understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the following specification and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an imprinting and dispensing apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a typical package upon which a label printed by the novel apparatus has been placed;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary view of a portion of the apparatus shown in FIG. 3, and showing a portion of the apparatus in a different position than illustrated in FIG. 3;

'FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3, and as if FIG. 3 were not in section;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 of 'FIG. 3, and as if FIG. 3 were not in section;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary enlarged plan view of a portion of the apparatus shown in FIG. 5; and

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the electrical connection between the imprinter and dispenser.

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly FIGS. 1-3, thereof, imprinting and dispensing apparatus 10 which is adapted to print labels and the like 11, which are longitudinal spaced on a strip 12, and adapted to remove labels therefrom for placement on a package 13 is shown therein. As is conventional, the labels 11 are mounted on a strip of Mylar, paper and the like backing with the gum side of the label (the sticky side) mounted on the strip so that peeling the label 11 from the strip 12 permits the sticky side to be attached to the package 13. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the strip 12 may conveniently be mounted on a strip feed roll 14 connected to a cover 15 of the apparatus 10 by holders 16.

In accordance with the invention, and as best illustrated in FIG. 3, the apparatus 10' of the present invention comprises a novel imprinter 20' adapted to print individual labels 11 mounted on the strip 12, and a novel label dispenser adapted to peel the printed labels from the strip 12 and deliver the labels gum side up on a dispensing platform 101 so as to permit a package, such as the package 13, to be pressed onto the dispensing platform 101 causing the label to be stuck to the package. To this end, and interiorly of the cover 15, is a strip drive means 60, in the present instance comprising a pair of corrugated or serrated drive rolls 61, 62 mounted on opposite sides of the strip 12 and adapted to pull the strip intermittently through the imprinter and the dispenser 100. As shown in FIG. 6, the rolls 61, 62 are connected to gears 63 and 64 which are driven by a drive gear 65 mounted on the shaft of an electric motor 66. As the labels 11 are dispensed onto the dispensing platform 101, the strip 12, absent the labels 11, is passed through the drive rolls 61 and 62 onto a guide 67 removing the strip from the apparatus 10. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the strip 12 with labels mounted thereon, is guided through the imprinter by idler rolls 68 and 69 and through the dispenser 100 by a guide 102 having a terminal edge 103 extending laterally of the strip 12 and adapted to effect peeling of the labels 11 from the strip as the strip folds back around the terminal edge 103 towards the strip drive means 60.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4, 7, and 8, the imprinter 20 comprises a base 21 to which is connected at least one upstanding frame member in the present instance a pair of laterally spaced frame members 22. For purposes which will become more evident hereinafter, the frames 22 are adjustable longitudinally of the base 21 as by adjusting screws 23 which home in the base 21 and connect lateral extensions 22a of the frames 22 to the base via longitudinally extending slots 24 in the extensions. As best shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 7, a strike plate or printing platen 25 is connected laterally of the frames 22 by screws 26 and shock mounts 27. As shown in FIG. 3, on the lower surface of the platen 25 is mounted a printing cushion 28, which may be composed of a soft rubber and which as will be seen later serves to insure a uniform printing of labels 11 mounted on the strip 12.

In order to effect printing of labels 11 on the strip 12 which pass intermittently under the platen 25 between the idler rolls 68 and 69, printing means, in the present instance including a chase holder 30 having imprinting means or a chase 31 therein, is operatively connected to chase drive means to permit reciprocation of the chase between at least a first rest position (FIG. 3) and a second imprinting position (FIG. 4) respectively. To this end, and as best shown in FIG. 8, the chase holder 30 comprises a U-shaped bracket having laterally spaced, parallel upstanding walls 33 and including a pair of outwardly projecting guide pins 34a and 34b on each of the walls 33. The imprinting means 31, as has heretofore been explained, is connected to the chase holder 30 and comprises a chase 35 having slotted end walls 36 adapted to receive the upstanding walls 33 of the chase holder 30. Extending outwardly from the wall 36 of the chase 35 are arcuate guide means 37 the purpose of which will be more fully explained hereinafter. On the upper portion of the chase 35 is located type 38 which may be attached to a block or plate 32 composed of a magnetic material such as steel and which may be held in position by a magnet. The magnet may be held in position on the upper portion of the chase as by a chuck 39.

In order to move the printing means between a rest position and a printing position, as shown respectively in FIGS. 3 and 4, track means are provided, in the present instance on the frame, for cooperation with the guide pins on the chase holder and for permitting guided movement of the chase between the first rest position and the second printing position. To this end, the track means comprises slots 41 and 42 in which the pins 34b and 34a respectively engage. As noted, the slot 41 is L-shaped to permit both lateral and upward longitudinal movement of the printing means with respect to the frame. In a like manner, the slot 42 is disposed relatively perpendicular to the platen 25 to permit the chase holder 30 to move in a substantially vertical position as it approaches the imprinting or second position of the chase holder.

In order to move the chase holder 30 between the first and second positions, linkage 43 interconnects the chase drive means 40 and the chase holder 30. In the present instance the chase drive means comprises a solenoid 44 having a plunger 45 which is connected through a spring loaded link 46, mounted on a link support 46a and which connects the linkage 43 causing the chase holder 30 to move between its first and its second position when the solenoid 44 is energized. As best shown in FIG. 3, the linkage 43 comprises a first link 47 pivotably connected to the frame 22 at 47a. The first link 47 is connected through a pivot rod 48 to one end of a second link 49 which is connected at its opposite longitudinal end to the guide pin 3411 which rides in the slot 42. As may be seen in FIG. 3, the link 46 is connected at 50 to the first link 47 whereby upon energizing the solenoid 44 the plunger 45 moves inward towards the solenoid, i.e. to the right in FIG. 3, causing the link 46 to retract through its associated support 46a. Retraction of the link 46 causes the first link 47 to rotate clockwise about its pivot 47a, and as the link 47 is connected to the link 49 which in turn is connected to the chase holder 30, the chase moves from its first or at rest position to the second position shown in FIG. 4 wherein the imprinting means 31 strike a label 11 lying intermediate the chase and the platen.

When the solenoid is de-energized, the chase holder moves downward, due to the pressure applied to the first link 47 by the spring 46b, which spring is positioned intermediate the first link 47 and the link support 46a.

In order to facilitate inking of the type 38 so that fresh ink is applied to the type every time it moves upward into engagement with the label, inking means is provided for engagement with the type prior to the chase reaching the second position. To this end, and as best shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, the inking means comprises an ink roll 51 mounted at one end on an arm 52, which arm is connected at the other end to the pivot rod 48. As illustrated in FIG. 3, biasing means, in the present instance a tension spring 53 connects the arm 52 to the second link 49 which is connected to the chase holder. In this manner, the ink roll 51 is maintained in engagement against the type 38 as the chase moves upward towards the second position.

In order to prevent the ink roll from bearing against the side of the chase as it moves toward the second position after the type 38 has been inked, the ink roll 51, which is mounted on a shaft 54 extending through the arms 52, mounts a pair of rollers 55, one at each end of the shaft 54 and positioned so as to engage the arcuate guide means 37 located on the chase 31 (see FIG. 8). In this manner, as the chase moves from its first position to the second position, the rollers 55 engage the arcuate guide means 37 which lifts the ink roll 51 away from the chase.

When it is desired to remove the chase 31 for changing type 38, the arms 52 may be moved downward, or counterclockwise as shown in FIG. 3, about the pivot rod 48 and there locked in an out of engagement position by the overcenter arrangement of the spring 53s connection between the second link 49 and the arm 52. As shown in FIG. 3, the arm 52 may assume the dotted line position as the connection point 56 where the spring 53 connects the arm 52 will come to the right of the pivot rod 48 thereby holding the arm 52 away from the chase holder and chase thereby facilitating removal of the type 38.

As heretofore described, after the label has been printed, the strip moves past idler roll 69, through the guide 102 and the label is peeled from the strip 12 by the action of the strip rolling over the transverse edge 103, the printed label then being displaced by the strip upwardly onto the dispensing platform 101 with the gum side facing upward, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5.

In order to permit the dispensing of a single label so that machine operation is dictated by use when desired, feeler means 105, which sense the presence and the nonpresence of a label are provided to cause, through a switch 115, energization of the strip drive means 60. To this end, the feeler means 105 comprises a longitudinally bifurcated arm 106, pivoted at 107a, and including an upper and lower leg 106a and 1061; respectively. On the upper leg 106a is mounted a feeder 107b, in the present instance a carbide tip, which engages individual labels mounted on the strip 112, adjacent the terminal edge 103 of the guide 102. The feeler 10711 is gently biased against the strip by the actuator 116 of the switch 115. As illustrated, the lower leg portion Gb of the bifurcated bar 106 extends outwardly or longitudinally of the 'bar terminating in vertical adjusting means, in the present instance an adjusting screw 108 which is capable of adjusting the bar 106a about the pivot 107a by engagement with the underside of the dispensing platform 101. In addition, a feeler adjustment screw 109 is provided on a terminal extension 110 of the upper leg 106a to help locate and adjust the feeler relative to the lower bar 106b, as well as the strip 12. The adjusting screws 108 and 109 are set such that when the feeler 107b is in engagement with a label 11 mounted on the strip 12, the actuator 116 associated with the switch 115 causes electrical energy to be coupled to the motor 66 associated with the strip drive means 60'. Upon the feeler 107b moving off the label and engaging the strip, the bar 106 moves counterclockwise about its pivot 107a (mechanically amplified by the length of the bar 106) raising the actuator 116 causing the strip motor to be de-energized.

In order to dispense another label, the dispensing platform 101 is pivotably hinged at 111 (see FIGS. 1 and 3) so that upon depressing the dispensing platform 101 engagement of the platform with the adjusting screw 108 causes clockwise motion of the bar 106 about the pivot 107a which actuates the switch 115 causing the drive m0- tor to advance the strip and the feeler to re-engage another label.

When the label dispenser and the imprinter are operating together, it is desirable to connect the chase drive means 40 to the switch 115 in such a manner that a new label is imprinted every time a label is dispensed so that a new label is imprinted for every label that is removed. To this end, and referring first to FIG. 10, a machine on-off switch 120, which delivers power to the switch 115 is provided across the AC power source. In FIG. 10, the switch 115 is shown in the normal position, i.e. with the actuator 116 in the up position or in other words with the feeler 107b resting intermediate adjacent labels on the strip 12. In this position, upon energizing the on-off switch 120, power is normally applied through a print switch 121 and then to a time delay relay 122 which is connected to the other side of the AC line. As illustrated, the time delay relay 122 incorporates a normally closed switch 123 which is connected in parallel with the time delay relay and in series with the core of the solenoid 44. The time delay relay is operable for a fixed period of time, for example one-two seconds, and the switch contacts in series with the solenoid core 44 open up after the solenoid has been actuated. Thus the switching on of the on-off switch 120, without more, causes the solenoid 44 associated with the chase drive means 40 to move the chase between its first and second positions so that a label is printed. Upon the switch 123 opening up, the spring 46b associated with the link 4-6 moves the plunger 45 of the solenoid connected to the link 46 to the left (as seen in FIG. 3) moving the chase back into its normal, first or rest position. The time delay relay 122 will remain open then until the circuit is interrupted, which occurs when the actuator 116 associated with the switch 115 moves the switch 115 to provide electrical energy to the motor 66 which actuates the strip drive means 60. Thereafter, when the feeler 6 107b moves upwardly between adjacent labels 11, and onto the strip 12, the switch 115 returns to its normal or first position and the time delay relay as well as the solenoid 44 are again energized and another label is printed.

As the spacing between the dispenser and the imprinter 20' is import-ant so that when the feeler 107b is intermediate adjacent labels, the imprinter associated with the chase is located opposite a label, the screws 23 may be utilized to adjust the location of the frame 22 via slots 24.

It should be recognized that in certain instances it will be desirable to preprint a plurality of labels so that it is desirable to not utilize the imprinter 20. In situations requiring dispensing only, it is a simple matter to open the print switch 121 (see FIG. 10) and then dispensing will commence automatically upon depressing the dispensing platform 101. In a like manner, if it is desirable to print a plurality of labels on the strip, without dispensing the labels therefrom, the strip drive means may be reversely driven and connected directly to the strip 12 prior to the strip being introduced into the guide 102, thereby permitting printing of a plurality of labels for later dispensing and use. It should also be noted that the type may be changed to the rubber band strip type found in conventional hand stamps with some loss in clarity of the resultant print on the label. However, for clear, sharp characters, type such as above-described has been found preferable.

Thus the present invention provides apparatus for imprinting longitudinally spaced labels mounted on a strip and dispensing them therefrom. As may be seen from the foregoing the novel imprinter and dispenser is simple in construction and due to its paucity of parts may be of light construction for ease of transportation. In addition,

the imprinter and the dispenser may be used separately without operation of one or the other.

Thus although the invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it should be understood that the present disclosure is only exemplary of the invention, and that numerous changes in the details of construction, and the combination and arrangement of parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

What is claimed is:

1. Label imprinting and dispensing apparatus adapted to print labels spaced longitudinally on a strip and remove labels therefrom, comprising in combination: an imprinter comprising a base and at least one upstanding frame member connected thereto; a platen extending laterally of said frame; a chase holder having imprinting means therein; guide means and track means engageable with said guide means, one of said means connected to said chase holder and the other of said means connected to said frame; means to guide said strip intermediate said chase holder and said platen; chase drive means operatively connected to said chase holder to permit guided reciprocation of said chase between a first rest position and a second position wherein said imprinting means engages said strip against said platen; linkage interconnecting said chase drive means and said chase holder, inking means including an arm having an inking roll mounted thereon, said arm connected to said linkage by a pivot and said roll positioned for engagement with said imprinting means for inking said imprinting means as said chase holder moves between a first and second position; biasing means interconnecting said arm and said linkage; said biasing means positioned relative to said pivot whereby partial rotation of said arm about said pivot away from said imprinting means permits said arm and said biasing means to assume an over center position with respect to said pivot, locking said arm in a disengaged position relative to said imprinting means; strip drive means to move said strip intermittently whereby at least one label mounted on said strip is positioned between said platen and said imprinting means when said imprinting means engages said strip against said platen; a label dispenser positioned intermediate said strip drive means and said imprinter; said dispenser comprising a guide positioned on the side of said strip opposite the side on which said labels are mounted; a terminal edge on said guide extending laterally of said strip; said strip adapted to fold back around said edge in moving toward said strip drive means and thereby peel labels from said strip; a feeler means for contact with said labels and said strip when said strip is on said guide means; a switch connected to and operable by said feeler means, said switch connected to said drive means whereby upon said feeler means being in contact with a label on said strip said drive means is energized and when said feeler is on said strip said drive means is deenergized; and means connecting said switch to said chase drive means to cause activation and deactivation thereof.

2. Label imprinting and dispensing apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said chase holder comprises a U-shaped bracket having at least a pair of outwardly projecting guide pins thereon, and wherein said track means comprises slots in said frame engageable with said pins.

3. Label imprinting and dispensing apparatus in accordance with claim 2 including a chase mounted in said bracket and means in said chase to hold type therein.

4. Label imprinting and dispensing apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said chase drive means comprises a solenoid having an outwardly biased plunger, linkage interconnecting said plunger and said chase holder.

5. Label imprinting and dispensing apparatus adapted to print labels spaced longitudinally on a strip and remove labels therefrom, comprising in combination: an imprinter comprising a base and at least one upstanding frame member connected thereto; a platen extending laterally of said frame; a chase holder having imprinting means therein; guide means and track means engageable with said guide means, one of said means connected to said chase holder and the other of said means connected to said frame; means to guide said strip intermediate said chase holder and said platen; chase drive means operatively connected to said chase holder to permit guided reciprocation of said chase between a first rest position and a second position wherein said imprinting means engages said strip against said platen; strip drive means to move said strip intermittently whereby at least one label mounted on said strip is positioned between said platen and said imprinting means when said imprinting means engages said strip against said platen; a label dispenser positioned intermediate said strip drive means and said imprinter; said dispenser comprising a guide positioned on the side of said strip opposite the side on which said labels are mounted; a terminal edge on said guide extending laterally of said strip; said strip adapted to fold back around said edge in moving towards said strip drive means and thereby peel labels from said strip; a feeler means for contact with said labels and said strip when said strip is on said guide means; a switch connected to and operable by said feeler means, said switch connected to said drive means whereby upon said feeler means being in contact with a label on said strip said drive means is energized and when said feeler is on said strip said drive means is deenergized; said feeler means comprising a longitudinally bifurcated bar having an upper and lower leg portion and a pivot adjacent one end of said bar, a feeler tip on one of said legs for contacting one of said strip and said labels, said switch including an actuator contacting one of said legs; and means connecting said switch to said chase drive means to cause activation and de-activation thereof.

6. Label imprinting and dispensing apparatus in accordance with claim 5 including first adjustment means intermediate said leg portions for adjusting the separation between said upper and lower leg portions.

7. Label imprinting and dispensing apparatus in accordance with claim 5 including a dispensing platform adjacent said terminal edge of said guide, pivot means mounting said dispensing platform for movement relative I to said guide, at least one of said legs of said bar engaging said platform whereby movement of said platform about said pivot means associated therewith and against 'said leg causes rotation of said bar about its pivot actuating said actuator on said switch.

8. Label imprinting and dispensing apparatus in accordance with claim 7 including second adjustment means intermediate said leg engaging said platform and said platform.

9. Label imprinting apparatus adapted to print longitudinally spaced labels mounted on a strip, comprising: an imprinter including a base and at least one upstanding frame member connected thereto; a platen extending laterally of said frame; a chase holder having imprinting means therein; means to guide said strip intermediate said chase holder and said platen; guide means and track means engageable with said guide means, one of said means mounted on said chase holder and the other of said means mounted on said frame; chase drive means operatively connected to said chase holder for permitting guided movement of said chase between a first rest position and a second imprinting position wherein said imprinting means engages said strip against said platen; linkage interconnecting said chase drive means and said chase holder, inking means including an arm having an inking roll mounted thereon, said arm connected to said linkage by a pivot and said roll positioned for engagement with said imprinting means for inking said imprinting means as said chase holder moves between a first and second position; biasing means interconnecting said arm and said linkage; said biasing means positioned relative to said pivot whereby partial rotation of said arm about said pivot away from said imprinting means permits said arm and said biasing means to assume an over center position with respect to said pivot, locking said arm in a disengaged position relative to said imprinting means; strip drive means to move said strip intermittently whereby at least one label mounted on said strip is positioned between said platen and said imprinting means when said imprinting means strikes said platen.

10. Label imprinting apparatus in accordance with claim 9 wherein said chase drive means comprises a solenoid having an outwardly biased plunger, linkage interconnecting said plunger and said chase holder.

11. Label imprinting apparatus in accordance with claim 9 wherein said chase holder comprises a U-shaped bracket having at least a bar of outwardly projecting guide pins thereon, and wherein said track means comprises slots in said frame engageable with said pins.

12. Label imprinting apparatus in accordance with claim 11 including a chase mounted in said bracket and means in said chase to hold type therein.

13. Label dispensing apparatus for removing labels mounted on a strip, comprising: a label dispenser including a guide positioned on the side of said strip opposite the side on which said labels are mounted and a terminal edge on said guide extending laterally of said strip; strip drive means positioned to move said strip past said guide and fold said strip around said terminal edge to peel said strip from labels mounted thereon; a feeler means for contact with said labels and said strip when said strip is on said guide means; a switch connected to and operable by said feeler means, said feeler means comprises a longitudinally bifurcated bar having an upper and lower leg portion and a pivot adjacent one end of said bar, a feeler tip on one of said legs for contacting one of said strip and said labels, said switch including an actuator contacting one of said legs; said switch connected to said drive means whereby upon said feeler tip being in contact with a label on said strip said drive means is energized and when said feeler tip is on said strip said drive means is de-energized.

14. Label dispensing apparatus in accordance with claim 13 including first adjustment means intermediate said leg portions for adjusting the separation between said upper and lower leg portions.

15. Label dispensing apparatus in accordance with claim 13 including a dispensing platform adjacent said terminal edge of said guide, pivot means mounting said dispensing platform for movement relative to said guide, at least one of said legs of said bar engaging said platform whereby movement of said platform about said pivot means associated therewith and against said leg causes rotation of said bar about its pivot actuating said actuator on said switch.

16. Label dispensing apparatus in accordance with claim 15 including second adjustment means intermediate said leg engaging said platform and said platform.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,344,489 6/1920 Dodge 101-292 Fossm'ann 101-288 Freeman 101-295 Hedinger 101-288 Anker et a1 101-292 Kaplan 101-288 Schlegel et al 101-292 Krobath 101-228 Inove 197-64 Kash 101-288 Pittman et a1 101-288 Sohn 156-584 X Kramer 10 1-292X Satas 101-288 X West et a1 101-288 La Mers 156-584 X Casey 101-292 Kind et a1. 101-288 X West et al 156-584 X ROBERT E. PULFREY, Primary Examiner.

E. S. BURR, Examiner.