FAN-FOLDED LABELING TECHNIQUE

40-12 FAN-FOLDED LABELING TECHNIQUE Self-adhesive labels mounted on a backing strip are formed into fan-folded sets or stacks and are loaded directly from the fan-folding machine into an open foursided cassette. The cassettes are made of cardboard, and after they are loaded with fan-folded labels, they are enclosed either by the addition of a fifth side or by wrapping. The cassette packages are then transported to the location where labels are to be-applied to products moving along a conveyor. The fan-folded labels are supported in an open L-shaped rack which is tilted and which is of sufficient length to hold at least two sets or cassettes of fan-folded labels side by side. The labels are fed directly into a standard type of label dispenser which applies the labels to products as they are moving along a conveyor line. As labels are used up, the free end of the first stack of fan-folded labels may be spliced to the second stack of labels so that the high speed labeling machine does not have to be stopped for re-loading a fresh reel of labels, but the labeling process may continue without downtime.