LABEL PRINTING AND APPLYING DEVICE

摘要

There is disclosed a hand-held label printing and applying apparatus having an impression control mechanism. The apparatus includes a pair of relatively movable slides. A first slide is driven in response to movement of a manually operable actuator and a second slide which carries the print head is slidably mounted on the first slide. During the initial actuation of the actuator, the first and second slides move as a unit until the second slide is stopped by a shoulder of a latch. Continued movement of the actuator and travel of the first slide causes energy to be stored in a spring arrangement. Upon further movement of the actuator and continued travel of the first slide the latch is tripped and the spring arrangement drives the second slide and causes the print head to be driven into a straight line into printing cooperation with the platen. There is also enclosed an arrangement by which the print head can be releasably connected to the second slide. The apparatus also includes an improved spring assembly.