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

A transfer microprocessor is programmed to monitor and control four label dispensers paired two each on either side of a flow of containers, with each side having an upstream and a downstream dispenser. Operation of a transfer function on either side between an on line and a standby mode is timed differently depending upon whether an upstream or a downstream dispenser is on line. A low web sensor is employed to generate signal to the transfer controller to initiate the transfer function. Upon command one of the on line dispensers is deactivated and its standby dispenser is activated to produce a continuous supply of labels to that side of the containers as they move past the label dispensers.

A universal labeling system is provided to perform all of the basic package labeling functions, including applying labels (1) to the side of packages or bottles, (2) to the top, (3) to three sides of a rectangular or similar product, (4) to two opposite sides of a product, and (5) wrapping the labels completely around a round product, such as a bottle. The machine accommodates bottles and packages of many different sizes. Structurally, the universal labeling apparatus includes standardized mechanical power supply arrangements and a heavy duty standardized base having a cross-sectional configuration corresponding to an inverted "T", with the central raised portion carrying a conveyor belt and the two lower side portions of the base carrying longitudinally and laterally adjustable mounts for one or more label applicator heads. At least two standard applicator heads may be used simultaneously, and other equipment which may be provided includes a wrap-around belt, a powered hold-down belt, and an alternative powered top roller. Also, feed screws may be located at desired points along the conveyor belt to bring the product to be labeled up to the conveyor belt speed. The powered top roller has the same diameter and is arranged to be mounted from the same fixture as the top hold-down belt. The drives for the feed screws in the two alternate positions of the feed screws are identical. With the foregoing and other arrangements, a single apparatus may perform a wide variety of labeling functions on a wide variety of types and sizes of packages and bottles.

The labeling machine comprises means for feeding a succession of products toward and past a label applying station, means for feeding a series of labels along a path toward the label applying station, a label length monitor including means for counting a predetermined number of given fractional label lengths totaling a whole length greater than the length of a given label and means to control the feed of the label feeding means, a product sensor connected to the control means and starting the feed of the label feeding means each time a product is detected, a label sensor connected to said control means and causing the latter to stop the label feeding means each time the leading edge of a label moves through a given point before said counting means has counted said predetermined number of given fractional lengths, said counting means being operable to cause the control means to stop the operation of the label feeding means if the label sensor has failed to actuate the control means before said predetermined number of lengths has been counted by said counting means.

A printed product label is composed of at least two sections, at least one of which is provided with the label indicia pertinent to the product. One of the label sections is provided with an adhesive of one given type capable of affixing such label section permanently to the product. A second section is separably connected to the first section and is also provided with said given type of adhesive, but such adhesive thereon is employed to removably secure the second section to the product. The second section is additionally provided with a second adhesive of the pressure sensitive type that is masked to render it inoperative while the second label section is secured to the product, but which can readily be made operative when the second section is separated from the product and the first label section to adhere the separated second section to a backing member. The label may have additional label sections which may bear label indicia pertinent to the product and which are separably connected to the first and second sections, and which on their reverse sides may be blank, or provided with said given type of adhesive, or provided with masked adhesive of the pressure sensitive type.