US3321105A

US3321105A - Label dispenser

Info

Publication number: US3321105A
Application number: US342349A
Authority: US
Inventors: Herbert W Marano
Original assignee: Flinchbaugh Products Inc
Current assignee: Flinchbaugh Products Inc
Priority date: 1964-02-04
Filing date: 1964-02-04
Publication date: 1967-05-23
Anticipated expiration: 1984-05-23

Description

May 11%? H. w. MARANO 3,32LW5 LABEL DISPENSER Filed Feb. 4, 1964 s Sheets-Sheet i INVENTOR. 1 AQ-wzaw TM MAW/4M0 ATTORNE Y5 y 1967 H. W. MAR/m0 3,321,105

LABEL DISPENSER Filed Feb. 4, 1964 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. ///e5,e7-MM4zm/o XVMW QLLM ATTORNEY 69 in? 3 750 .1... y I 5 {11 11.

y 23, 1967 I H. W. MARANO 3,321,105

LABEL DISPENSER Filed Feb. 4, 1964 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. Aka/awe?" M ww'wa ATTORNE Y United States Patent 3,321,105 LABEL DISPENSER Herbert W. Marano, Summit, N.J., assignor to Flinchbaugh Products, Inc., Red Lion, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Filed Feb. 4, 1964, Ser. No. 342,349 Claims. (Cl. 221-22) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A dispenser for tape-carried separable labels in which the tape is advanced about the leading sharp separating edge of a swingable applicator arm to separate successive leading labels and advance them forwardly of the separating edge. A rotatable sensing roll is positioned forwardly and directly below the separating edge and is engaged by the pressure sensitive underface of the separated leading label to rotate the roller which in turn actnates an associated switch for interrupting the advance of the tape with the leading label in a position for application to an underlying advancing package.

The present invention relates generally to improvements in label applying devices, and it relates in particular to an improved device for controllably feeding successive pressure-sensitive labels carried on a support band attendant the application of the labels to successive objects.

It is a common practice to package pressure-sensitive labels by separably adhering them in spaced end-to-end fashion onto a carrier band or tape which is Wound into a roll. The successive labels are frequently dispensed by advancing the label-carrying tape around a separating edge whereby to change sharply the direction of travel of the tape thereby to effect the separation of the relatively stiff label from the tape. It is generally desirable to advance the tape to a position with the leading tape-supported label projecting forwardly of the separating edge to facilitate the removal thereof or its automatic application to an object. In order to locate the leading label accurately it is necessary to sense the position of the label relative to the separating edge. The arrangements heretofore em- .ployed or proposed are of two broad types and possess themselves are sensed, the sensing mechanism is usually highly sensitive and subject to malfunctioning and otherwise leaves much to be desired.

It is thus a principal object of the present invention to provide an improved labeling device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved device for dispensing pressure-sensitive labels .from a tape carrying these labels in spaced end-to-end relationship.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improved mechanism for controlling the advance of a pressure-sensitive label-carrying tape around a separating edge whereby to position the leading label in a position projecting forwardly of the separating edge.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved mechanism for sensing the presence of an unsupported section of an advancing pressure-sensitive label carried on a support tape.

"ice

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a device of the above nature characterized by its versatility, ruggedness, accuracy and reliability.

The above, other and further objects of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a front diagrammatical elevational view of an apparatus embodying the present invention, the label-sensing mechanism being shown in an actuated position;

FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary view of FIGURE 1 illustrating the sensing mechanism in a de-activated position;

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary top plan view of the labelsensing separating and applying head constructed according to the present invention, as viewed along line 3-3 in FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary view of FIGURE 5, differing therefrom in that the label sensing mechanism is in a de-activated condition; and

FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 77 in FIGURE 3.

In one aspect thereof, the present invention contemplates the provision of an apparatus for applying pressuresensitive labels from a band carrying said labels comprising a guide arm having a transversely extending leading separating edge, intermittently motivated means for longitudinally advancing a label-carrying band in a predetermined path along said arm and around said separating edge, means including a switch for controlling said bandadvancing means, and a switch-motivating label-sensing element disposed proximate to and forwardly of said leading separating edge.

In accordance with the preferred form of the present device, there is provided a forwardly downwardly inclined guide arm swingably mounted as its trailing end and beveled at its leading end to define a separating edge. A bracket member is swingably mounted on the guide arm rearwardly of the separating edge and supports a transversely extending sensing roller which is movable with the bracket between an active position and an inactive position, the roller being disposed shortly forward of the separating edge with its axis below the level of the separating edge when in active position. Formed in the roller member are axially spaced peripheral grooves which divide the roller member into successive roller elements, and separating fingers register with each of the grooves and terminate at points below the upper peripheries of the roller elements. A switch is carried by the arm and includes an actuating element, and an actuating arm is atfixed to and rotatable with the sensing roller member and engages the switch actuating element whereby, upon rotation of the sensing roller, the switch is actuated.

A guide plate is also carried by the bracket and is movable therewith, the guide plate, when the bracket is in its active position, being disposed shortly above the guide arm and extends beyond the separating edge across the upper periphery of the sensing roller and delineates a passageway for the label-carrying tape with the upper surface of the guide arm. Projecting forwardly of the bracket is a pair of swingable arms which arms support between their ends a label-applying pressure roller dis posed a short distance forward of the sensing roller.

Referring now to the drawings forming a part hereof, which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention, reference numeral 10 generally designates .the improved label feeding and applying device, which includes a transversely extending suitably journallel shaft 11 to which is affixed, for rocking action therewith, a downwardly forwardly inclined longitudinally extending guide arm 12. Guide arm 12 has flat top and bottom faces and terminates at its leading free end in a transversely extending sharply bevelled edge 13 which defines a label separating edge. Arm 12 is directed toward a longitudinally extending horizontal guide plate 114 along which a plurality of regularly spaced advancing flights 16 travel for conveying successive packages P along guide plate 14. Projecting perpendicularly from the hinged end of guide arm 12 is an upwardly directed arm 17 which is connected, by way of a tension spring 18, to a fixed pin resiliently to swing arm 12 clockwise, as viewed in FIG- URE 1 of the drawing. A stop member 19, preferably adjustable, is disposed in the path of arm 17 to limit the downward movement of guide arm 12 to any desirable lowermost level, which should be above the level of flights 16.

A roll R of tape T, which supports regularly longitudinally spaced pressure-sensitive labels L in a well known manner, is rotatably supported in any suitable fashion above the level of guide arm 12. The label bearing tape T is drawn from the roll R with the labels L undermost and is led around upper and lower guide rollers 20 and 21, guide roller 21 being closely adjacent the rear end of guide arm 12, and directing tape T along the upper face of arm 12 with labels L uppermost. Located below guide arm 12 and rearwardly of separating edge 13 is a pair of transversely extending cooperating squeeze rollers 22 and 23, respectively, which are resiliently urged toward each other. Guide roller 23 is connected through any suitable electrically-actuated clutch and brake coupling device 24 to the output of a gear reduction unit 26, the input of which is connected to an electric drive motor M. The output of gear reduction unit 26 is also coupled to a pulley 27 which is connected by way of any suitable slipping belt arrangement 28 to a rotatable pulley 29, which is provided with a coaxial spindle 30.

A tape take-up roll 32 is carried by spindle 30. The tape T travels rearwardly from parting edge 13 over roller 23 through the bite between rollers 22 and 23 about the bottom periphery of roller 22 and thence to take-up roll 32. It should be noted that a continuous take-up tension is applied to tape T between take-up roll 32 and roller 22 and that the tape is advanced around parting edge 13 only when roller 23 is coupled through clutch 24 to motor M, and when clutch 24 is in its disengaged position the advance of tape T is discontinued.

A pair of transversely-spaced upright journal plates 33 is mounted along the side edges of guide arm 12 a short distance rearwardly of the separating edge 13 thereof, plates 33 having bottom flanges 34 which are secured to the underface of arm 12. The rear upper edges of plates 33 are provided with inwardly directed lips 36, and a resilient catch plate 37 is supported by and between lips 36 and projects forwardly thereof and terminates in transversely spaced latching edges. The leading edges 35 of plates 33 are upwardly forwardly inclined to acute corners and a rod or axle 39 is provided with end stubsections 38 which register with corresponding transversely aligned openings in the upper forward corners of plates 33 and are suitably locked in engagement with said openings.

A bracket member 40 is swingably supported by axle 3'9 and includes a pair of transversely-spaced substantially triangular bracket plates 41 which abut the inner faces of plates 33, the upper corners of plates 41 having openings therein which engage the shaft stub sections 38 adja.

'cent the shoulders delineated by stub sections 38 and the main section of shaft 39. Directed inwardly from the bottom edges of bracket plates 41 are longitudinally extending forward flanges 42. Depending from bracket 40 is a second bracket 43 which includes a pair of laterally spaced bracket plates 44 projecting forwardly of bracket plates 41 and is provided along its rear upper edges with inwardly directed longitudinally extending flanges 46 abutting and underlying flanges 42. A cross plate 47 extends between the confronting upper faces of bracket plates 44 and abuts the underfaces of flanges 46, plate 47 and flanges 42 and 46 being locked in secure assembly by suitable rivets or the like.

The trailing end 48 of plate 47 is upwardly rearwardly inclined and a guide plate 49 is disposed along the underface of plate 47 and is aifixed at its trailing end to the inclined section 48 of plate 47. Guide plate 49 projects forwardly of the leading end of plate 47 and terminates in a downwardly forwardly inclined lip 50. It should be noted that bracket 40 is swinga-ble between an active position as illustrated in the drawings, in which position guide plate 49 is disposed a short distance above the upper face of guide arm 12 and is parallel thereto to delineate a low passageway which accommodates and guides label-carrying tape T to separating edge 13. Bracket plates 41 are provided at their upper corners with rearwardly directed latching edges 51 which engage the leading edge of latch plate 37 when bracket 40 is in its active position, thereby releasably locking bracket 40 in such position. By raising the free end of latching plate 37 to a point disengaging latching edges 51, bracket 40 is rotatable clockwise, as viewed in FIGURE 5 of the drawings, to an upright position to provide a free space and access to the upper leading face of guide arm 12.

Supported by and between the leading ends of bracket plates 44 is a rotatable transversely-extending sensing roller 52 which has axially spaced peripheral grooves 53 formed therein which delineate correspondingly axially spaced sensing roller elements 54. Sensing roller 52 terminates at its ends in stub shafts 57 which are journalled in corresponding openings formed in bracket plates 44, stub shaft 57 projecting considerably beyond the corresponding bracket plate 44. It should be noted that when bracket 40 is in its active position, the upper periphery of sensing roller 52, as defined by the upper peripheries of roller elements 54-, is disposed forward of the separating edge 13 and directly below the leading section of guide plate 49.

Supported by and between bracket plates 44 along the lower edges thereof is a longitudinally spaced pair of transversely extending front and

rear support rods

58 and 59, respectively. A plurality of longitudinally extending transversely spaced parting fingers 60 are carried by

rods

58 and 59 and have leading ends which register with alternate of the sensing roller grooves 53, projecting into these grooves from the bottom of sensing roller 52 and terminating at points below the upper peripheries of said roller 52. Fingers 60 are relatively flat and lie in vertical planes and are provided with curved bottom edges; Spacer sleeves 61 are carried by support rods '58 and 59 and are disposed between successive fingers 60 to locate them accurately relative to sensing roller grooves 53. Fingers 60 operate to assure the separation of labels L from sensing roller 52. It should be noted that the upper edges of fingers 60, when bracket 40 is in its active position, are disposed below the underface of arm 12 and separating edge 13 to delineate therewith a return passageway for the stripped tape T, and that fingers 60 are so disposed as to be freely swingable about the leading edge of guide arm 12 with the movement of bracket 40 to its inactive position.

A pressure roller mounting bracket is swingably supported by bracket 40 and includes a pair of transversely spaced forwardly directed arms 63 journalled at their trailing ends to an axle rod 64 supported by and between the trailing lower corners of bracket plates 41. The forward sections of arms 63 terminate in depending legs 65 which support between their lower ends a transversely extending pressure roller 66'. When arms 63 are in their depressed position as limited by flanges 42, the bottom periphery is slightly below the upper periphery of sensing roller 52. A rod 67 extends between the forward upper corners of arms 63 and is connected by a helical tension spring 68 to the trailing end of plate 48 resiliently to urge arms 63 and pressure roller 66 to their depressed positions.

Mounted on the outer face of plate 33 is a normally open micro switch 69 provided at its leading lower corner with a downwardly biased depending actuating plunger 70, the raising of which effects the closing of switch 69. Afiixed to the underface of the casing of switch 69 is a bracket 71 which swingably supports a forwardly directed rocker arm 72 engaging the underface of plunger 70. Also swingable with rocker arm 72 is a forwardly directed angulated arm 73 projecting through an opening in a lip 74 depending from the free end of arm 72 whereby arms 7 3 and 72 are concurrently swingable.

A lever 76 is provided at its leading end with a U- shaped bracket 77 having openings in the legs thereof which engage the sensing roller stub shaft 57. A set screw 78 registers with an opening formed in the bridge section 79 of bracket 77 and bears against stub shaft 57 releasably to lock bracket 77 in any selected angular position on stub shaft 57. A pair of nuts 80 engages set screw 78 along opposite faces of bracket bridge section 79 whereby to permit the releasable locking of set screw 78. Projecting transversely from the trailing end of lever 76 is a lug 81 which bears on the underface of arm 73. Bracket 77 and sensing roller 52 are urged to a retracted clockwise position as viewed in FIGURES 5 and 6 of the drawings by a tension spring 82 connecting set screw 78 to a pin 83 supported on the bracket plate 41. In the normal retracted position of sensing roller 52 and lever 76, arm 73 is in its depressed position and switch 69 open. Upon the counterclockwise rotation of sensing roller 52, lever 76 and arm 73 are swung upwardly to actuate plunger 70 and close switch 69.

A normally open package sensing switch 84 is actuated by a sensing arm 86 disposed in the path of packages P advanced along the conveyor guide plate 14.

Switches

64 and 69 are connected to the sensing input of any suitable control network 87, the output of which is connected to the control terminal of clutch 24. Network 87 is so constructed in any suitable manner that the momentary closing of switch 69, while switch 84 is open, effects the de-energization of clutch 24 thereby to interrupt the drive of take-up roller 32 and the control network 87 energizes clutch 24 upon the opening of switch 84 and switch 69 being in an open position.

Considering the operation of the apparatus described above, under normal operating conditions, the label bearing tape T is guided by rollers 20 and 21 onto the upper face of guide arm 12, along guide arm 12 around the leading separating edge 13 and thence rearwardly at an angle to guide arm 12 over roller 23 and through the bite of rollers 22 and 23, along the bottom periphery of roller 22, and thence to take-up roll 32. Spindle 30, carrying roll 32, is under continuous tension by reason of the motor M, continuously driving pulley 27 which is in slipping coupling engagement with pulley 29 connected to spindle 30.

As the apparatus awaits the advance of a package P on flight 16 along guide plate 14, a leading label L has its trailing end adherent to support tape T just rearwardly of the separating edge 13, and has its leading end underlying the pressure roller 66 with the pressure sensitive face of the label L being directed downwardly toward guide plate 14. As package P is advanced beneath the leading end of guide arm 12, it engages the underface of fingers 44 to raise arm 12 against the bias of spring 18 on the further advance of package P. it engages the pressure sensitive face of leading label L which is thereupon pressed into adhesive contact therewith by pressure roller 66. As package P continues to advance along plate 14, it pulls the label L from tape T, label L having been urged by roller 66 into firm adhesion with package P while arm 12 is in its raised packaged condition.

Attendant the registry of package P, switch 84 is actuated, and by way of the circuit network 87 maintains clutch 24 deenergized, so that there is no advance of the label bearing tape T. Upon advance of package P, both the package sensing arm 86 of switch 84 and switch 69 assume their norm-a1 open positions thereby effecting the energization of clutch 24 by way of control network 87. Roller 23 is thus again driven positively to draw tape T along guide arm 12 and about separating edge 13. The next successive label L, as the underlying tape T rounds the separating edge 13, separates from tape T and advances frowardly of separating edge 13 into engagement with sensing roller 52, being maintained in substantial abutment therewith by guide plate 49. The pressure sensitive underface of label L engages sensing roller 52 and effects the rotation thereof against the urging of bias spring 82. With the rotation of the sensing roller 52, lever 76 is swung upwardly to swing the

arms

72 and 73 upwardly thereby actuating and closing switch 69.

With the closing of switch 69, clutch 24 is de-energized by means of control network 87 to stop the advance of tape T. It is to be noted that lever 76 and

rollers

52 and 66 are so proportioned and related that switch 69 is actuated when the leading section of the leading label L underlies pressure roller 66 and only the trailing section of the label is adherent to tape T. With the advance of the next package P into registry with the overhanging label L, the above cycle is repeated.

While there has been described and illustrated a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is apparent that numerous alterations, omissions, and additions may be made without departing from the spirit thereof.

Having now described the invention, What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. An apparatus for dispensing pressure-sensitive labels from a band carrying said labels comprising a guide arm having a transversely extending leading separating edge, intermittently motivated means for longitudinally advancing a label carrying band in a predetermined path along said arm and around said separating edge to sepaseparating edge, means including a rotatable switch for controlling said band advancing means, and a switchmotivating label-sensing element disposed proximate to and forwardly of said leading separating edge for engaging a pressure sensitive surface of a leading label forward of said separating edge for rotation of said element with the advance of said leading label.

2. A label-dispensing device comprising a swingably supported longitudinally extending, downwardly forwardly inclined guide arm terminating in a transversely extending relatively sharp separating edge, means for advancing a pressure sensitive label-carrying tape forwardly along the upper face of said guide arm, around said separating edge and then rearwardly to separate a leading label and advance it forwardly of said separating edge, a transversely extending sensing roller rotatably supported by said guide arm forward of said separating edge and including a plurality of transversely spaced coaxial roller elements rotatable therewith and engageable by the pressure sensitive surface of said tape carried leading label forward of said separating edge to be rotated by the advance of said label, a relatively stationary parting element supported on said guide arm and projecting between the forward peripheries of said roller elements and disposed below the upper peripheries thereof, a switch mounted on said guide arm, a switch-actuating element affixed to said sensing roller and rotatable therewith, and means responsive to said switch for motivating said tape advancing means.

3. A label-dispensing device comprising a swingably supported, longitudinally extending, downwardly forwardly inclined guide arm terminating in a transversely extending relatively sharp separating edge, means for advancing a pressure sensitive label-carrying tape forwardly along the upper face of said arm, around said separating edge and then rearwardly thereof to separate a leading label and advance it forwardly of said separating edge, a transversely extending sensing roller supported by said arm forward of said separating edge and engageable by the pressure sensitive surface of said tape carried leading label forward of said separating edge to be rotated by the advance of said label, a switch mounted on said arm, a switch-actuating element affixed to said sensing roller and rotatable therewith, and means responsive to said switch for motivating said tape advancing means.

4. The label dispensing device of claim 3 including a transversely extending guide member disposed above said roller to delineate therewith a bite-defining passageway.

5. A label-applying device comprising a swingably supported, longitudinally extending, downwardly forwardly inclined guide arm terminating in a transversely extending relatively sharp separating edge, means for advancing a pressure sensitive label-carrying tape forwardly along the upper face of said guide arm, around said separating edge and then rearwardly to separate a leading label and advance it forwardly of said separating edge, a transversely extending sensing roller rotatably supported by said guide arm forward of and adjacent said separating edge and including a plurality of transversely spaced coaxial roller elements rotatable therewith and engageable by the pressure sensitive surface of said tape carriedleading label forward of said separating edge to be rotated by the advance of said label, a plurality of relatively stationary parting fingers supported by said guide arm and disposed below the upper peripheries of said roller elements and projecting between the forward peripheries of successive roller elements, a switch mounted on said guide arm, a switch-actuating element afiixed to said sensing roller and rotatable therewith, and means responsive to said switch for motivating said tape-advancing means.

'6. A label-dispensing device comprising a swingably supported, longitudinally extending, downwardly forwardly inclined guide arm terminating in a transverse extending relatively sharp separating edge, means for advancing a pressure sensitive label-carrying tape forwardly along the upper face of said arm, around said separating edge and then rearwardly to separate a leading label and advance it forwardly of said separating edge, a transversely extending sensing roller supported by said arm with its upper surface forward of said separating edge, a switch mounted on said arm, a switch-actuating element aflixed to said sensing roller and rotatable therewith and engageable by the pressure sensitive surface of said tape carried lea-ding label forward of said separating edge to be rotated by the advance of said label between an advanced and a retracted position, spring means normally urging said switch-actuating element and said sensing roller to said retracted position upon disengagement between said sensing roller and said pressure sensitive surface of said label, and means responsive to said switch for motivating said tape-advancing means.

7. The label-dispensing device of claim 6 wherein said switch includes a swingable first actuating arm and said actuating element includes a second arm projecting radial- 1y relative to said sensing roller and engaging said first arm. n

8. The label-dispensing device of claim 7 including a guide member disposed above and parallel to the upper face of said arm and delineating therewith a passageway directed toward said bite.

9. A label-dispensing device comprising a swingably supported, longitudinally extending, downwardly forwardly inclined guide arm terminating in a transversely extending relatively sharp separating edge, means for advancing a pressure sensitive label-carrying tape forwardly along the upper face of said arm, around said separating edge and then rearwardly to separate a leading label and advance it forwardly of said separating edge, a bracket supported adjacent the leading end of said guide arm for swinging about a transverse axis between an operative and an inoperative position, a transversely extending guide plate carried by said bracket and swingable therewith between an operative position closely spaced from the top face of said guide arm to delineate a passageway therewith and an inoperative position providing access to the leading upper face of said guide arm, a transversely extending rotatable sensing roller carried by said bracket and swingable therewith between an operative position with its upper periphery forward of said separating edge and engageable by the pressure sensitive surface of said tape carried leading label forward of said separating edge to be rotated by the advance of said label, a switch mounted on said guide arm, a switch-actuating therewith, and means responsive to said switch for motivating said tape-advancing means.

10. The label-dispensing device of claim 9, wherein said guide plate projects forwardly across the upper periphery of said sensing roller.

11. The label-dispensing device of claim 9, wherein said sensing roller comprises a plurality of axially-spaced roller elements and including a plurality of parting fingers carried by said brackets and projecting between said roller elements and terminating below the level of the upper peripheries thereof.

12. The label-dispensing device of claim 11, wherein said fingers project rearwardly of said sensing roller below the underface of said guide arm when said bracket is in said operative position.

13. The labeldispensing device of claim 9 including a transversely extending pressure roller supported by said bracket forward of said sensing roller.

14. The label-dispensing device of claim 13, including a pair of transversely-spaced forwardly projecting arms swingably supported on said bracket, said pressure roller being mounted between the free ends of said arms, and spring means urging said arms and said pressure roller to a depressed operative position.

15. The label-dispensing device of claim 9, including means for releasably locking said bracket in said operative position.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,029,979 4/1962 Freeland 221-73 X 3,033,417 5/1962 Van Meer 221-13 3,039,516 6/1962 Vinal 156-361 3,186,589 6/1965 West et al 221-13 3,238,080 4/1966 Schluter 156-351 EARL M. BERGERT, Primary Examiner.

T. R. SAVOIE, Assistant Examiner,

Claims

1. AN APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING PRESSURE-SENSITIVE LABELS FROM A BAND CARYING SAID LABELS COMPRISING A GUIDE ARM HAVING A TRANSVERSELY EXTENDING LEADING SEPARATING EDGE, INTERMITTENTLY MOTIVATED MEANS FOR LONGITUDINALLY ADVANCING A LABEL CARRYING BAND IN A PREDETERMINED PATH ALONG SAID ARM AND AROUND SAID SEPARATING EDGE TO SEPASEPARATING EDGE, MEANS INCLUDING A ROTATABLE SWITCH FOR CONTROLLING SAID BAND ADVANCING MEANS, AND A SWITCHMOTIVATING LABEL-SENSING ELEMENT DISPOSED PROXIMATE TO AND FORWARDLY OF SAID LEADING SEPARATING EDGE FOR ENGAGING A PRESSURE SENSITIVE SURFACE OF A LEADING LABEL FORWARD OF SAID SEPARATING EDGE FOR ROTATION OF SAID ELEMENT WITH THE ADVANCE OF SAID LEADING LABEL.