Abstract: A label includes a first portion that is printable with optically readable information and a detachable second portion that has an RFID tag that can be encoded with corresponding RFID information. The printable portion and the RFID portion can thus be printed and encoded, respectively, with information for the same container or object. Both portions can then be kept together until the label is ready to be applied. This greatly reduces the chances of applying mismatched optical and RFID labels.

Abstract: A system for tracking files at a site having a plurality of locations includes a plurality of antenna arrays and a plurality of files. Each of the antenna arrays generates an energizing field and is disposed at or near one of the locations. Each of the files includes a body including a pair of covers and a transponder assembly. The transponder assembly may include a substrate, an antenna disposed on one of the sides of the substrate, a circuit coupled to the antenna and having an identifier code, and an adhesive layer disposed on the other the side of the substrate. The transponder assembly may be attached to one of the covers by the adhesive. The identifier code is unique for each of the files. In operation, each of the transponder assemblies is activated by the energizing field of one of the antenna arrays when moved within an operative distance thereof. An activated transponder assembly responsively transmits a signal indicative of the identifier code.

Abstract: In a binder such as a window binder having two opaque thermoplastic sheets sandwiching therebetween front and rear panels, a spine panel, and an outer clear panel forming a window over the spine panel and the front and rear panels, the spine has a depression or slot for receiving a spine label without substantial friction that would inhibit the insertion and removal of the spine label. The spine panel may either be sandwiched between the two opaque sheets, or it may be disposed on the outside of both of the opaque sheets, and the slot may be either open or closed at the side that faces the label printing. When disposed on the outside of the opaque sheets, the spine panel may be colored to provide a colored spine for an otherwise white or differently colored window binder.

Abstract: Laminates of polyvinylidene fluoride films and sheets of resins thermoformable at temperatures greater than about 500° F. (260° C.), three dimensional structures formed therefrom and processes for their manufacture and use are disclosed.

Abstract: A one-piece cable tie for securing a cable to mounting surface having an aperture therein. The cable tie comprises an elongated strap and a locking head integrally formed together. The locking head is adapted to cooperate with the strap to form a loop around the cable. The cable tie further comprises a fastener coupled to the locking head in coaxial alignment with the longitudinal axis of the strap. The fastener includes a flange and a Christmas tree head adapted to be inserted in the aperture of the mounting surface. The Christmas tree head includes a pair of legs integrally formed on and projecting out from the underside of the flange which terminate in a common tip. The pair of legs are capable of being inwardly compressed upon insertion of the Christmas tree head into the aperture. The flange, the legs and the tip together define a longitudinal slot therebetween.

Abstract: A fastener for tying together a pair of shoelace eyelets on a shoe upper in such a way as to maintain the appropriate spacing therebetween while the shoe upper is being lasted. In one embodiment, the fastener is a unitary plastic member shaped to include an elongated flexible filament having a cross-bar at one end and a paddle at the opposite end, the paddle being provided with two or more alternative openings through which the cross-bar may be inserted to form a loop. The openings are preferably disposed at different points along the length of the paddle so that the different sized loops may be used for different eyelet spacings. In another embodiment, a feed bar is severably connected to the fastener for use in positioning the paddle so that the cross-bar may be aligned with and easily inserted into a desired cross-bar opening. Alternatively, the paddle may be provided with registration means.

Abstract: A tag adapted to be attached to an article of clothing or the like with a fastener of the type comprising an elongated plastic member having a cross-bar at one end. In one embodiment, the tag comprises a sheet of material folded and sealed to define a pocket, the pocket being provided with an opening through which a cross-bar may be inserted. Both the pocket and the opening are appropriately sized and shaped so that, when a cross-bar of a fastener is inserted into the pocket through the opening, the cross-bar cannot easily be removed from the pocket without tampering with the pocket in a readily identifiable manner.

Abstract: A fastener for tying together a pair of shoelace eyelets on a shoe upper in such a way as to maintain the appropriate spacing therebetween while the shoe upper is being lasted. In one embodiment, the fastener is a unitary plastic member shaped to include an elongated flexible filament having a cross-bar at one end and a paddle at the opposite end, the paddle being provided with two or more alternative openings through which the cross-bar may be inserted to form a loop. The openings are preferably disposed at different points along the length of the paddle so that the different sized loops may be used for different eyelet spacings. In another embodiment, a feed bar is severably connected to the fastener for use in positioning the paddle so that the cross-bar may be aligned with and easily inserted into a desired cross-bar opening. Alternatively, the paddle may be provided with registration means.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing plastic fasteners from fastener stock includes a gun shaped casing. A hollow needle having an inlet opening is mounted on the casing. A guide groove is formed on the casing for receiving the fastener stock, the guide groove being in communication with said inlet opening in said hollow needle. A feeder element for intermittently advancing fastener stock loaded into the guide groove is mounted on the casing. An ejector rod is provided for pushing plastic fasteners from the fastener stock through and out of the hollow needle one at a time. A converter assembly is provided for converting rotary motion of the drive shaft of the motor into linear motion of the ejector rod, the converter assembly including a worm on the drive shaft, a worm gear driven by the worm, a spur gear loosely coupled to the worm gear, a slider for holding the ejector rod and a rack driven by the spur gear and mounted on the slider.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing plastic fasteners from fastener stock includes a gun shaped casing. A hollow needle having an inlet opening is mounted on the casing. A guide groove is formed on the casing for receiving the fastener stock, the guide groove being in communication with said inlet opening in said hollow needle. A feeder element for intermittently advancing fastener stock loaded into the guide groove is mounted on the casing. An ejector rod is provided for pushing plastic fasteners from the fastener stock through and out of the hollow needle one at a time. The ejector rod and feeder element are driven by an electric motor powered by a battery pack removably mounted in the casing and which contains rechargeable batteries. The battery pack includes a receptacle which is arranged to enable the batteries to be recharged with the battery pack in or out of the tool.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing an individual plastic fastener from continuously connected ladder stock including an elongated side member having a plurality of T-bars interconnected by severable connectors. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a hollow, gun-shaped casing having a barrel portion and a handle portion. The front end of the barrel portion has an opening into which a hollow slotted needle is removably mounted. A triggering mechanism, which includes a pivotally-mounted trigger, is connected to the handle portion of the casing. A slider assembly, which is actuated by squeezing the trigger, includes a slider adapted to travel along longitudinally extending rails formed along the inside of the barrel portion of the casing.