Abstract: A floor marking tape has a total thickness of 5-7 mil (0.127-0.178 mm) and consists of: A. A top layer consisting of a translucent polyester backing film free of plasticizer and having (i) top and bottom facial surfaces, (ii) a thickness of 3-5 mil (0.076-0.127 mm), (iii) a Shore A Hardness of at least 90, and (iv) a modulus of elasticity of at least 200,000 psi; B. A middle layer consisting of a graphic image having top and bottom facial surfaces the top facial surface of which is in direct contact with the bottom facial surface of the polyester backing film; and C. A bottom layer consisting of a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) having top and bottom facial surfaces the top surface of which is in direct contact with at least one of the bottom facial surface of the backing film and graphic image, the PSA having a (i) thickness of 2-3 mil (0.051-0.076 mm), and (ii) shear resistance of at least 50 hours as measured by PSTC 7 with a one-half inch by one inch sample area.

Abstract: An all-polymer grating microstructure device that exhibits a zero-order reflection under white light comprises a first polymer having a first refractive index and configured as a microstructure embedded within a second polymer having a second refractive index, each of the polymers of the first and second polymers at least translucent to white light with the proviso that the refractive index of the first polymer is at least 0.05 greater than the refractive index of the second polymer.

Abstract: Two-layer receiver coatings particularly well adapted for use in inkjet printing comprise: A. A base layer comprising: 1. First pigment particles having (a) a number average particle size of 3-25 microns (?m), and (b) at least one of (i) an oil absorption value of at least 150 g oil/100 particles, and (ii) a pore volume of at least about 1.2 cubic meters per gram (cm3/g); and 2. Water-insoluble binder resin having a surface energy greater than 40 dyne per centimeter (dyn/cm); the first pigment particles and water-insoluble binder resin present at a weight ratio of 0.75 to 2; and B. An imaging layer comprising: 1. Second pigment particles having (a) a number average particle size of 0.01-4 (?m) aggregated to form an inter-particle region of submicron pores, and (b) a pore volume of 0.4 to 2.2 (cm3/g); and 2. Water-insoluble binder resin having a surface energy greater than 40 (dyn/cm); the second pigment particles and water-insoluble binder resin present at a weight ratio of 0.75 to 2.

Abstract: A removable spindle for use in a thermal transfer printer houses dual RFID reader antennas that are used to read an RFID tag attached to the core of the print media. The information provided by the RFID tag enables the printer to self-calibrate based on the type of media loaded. The antenna design eliminates “null” areas at which the tag cannot be read, and enables the tag to be read around and across the entire length of the printer spindle. The design also allows the media holder to be easily removed from the printer.

Abstract: A method and system for restricting access to a valve stem of a valve by employing a valve locking assembly is disclosed. The locking assembly comprises a first means for receiving a valve stem of a valve and an engaging member. The locking assembly additionally comprises a second means for receiving the valve stem of the valve and comprising a slide for engaging the engaging member of the first means, the slide having a first length along an outer periphery of the second means and a second length intersecting the first length such that the second length is shorter than the first length. The locking assembly additionally comprises a third means for releasably securing the second means in position about the valve stem of the valve, wherein the first means is capable of being positioned over the second and the third means about the valve stem.

Abstract: Labels are permanently attached to a substrate, e.g., a tissue cassette, by use of a staking device. The device comprises a staker assembly and a cassette fixture assembly. The cassette fixture assembly includes a slot and a clamping assembly for securing the cassette within the device. The staker assembly includes a set of probes that are heated and sequentially moved into a position to burn a hole in a label that is provisionally attached to the cassette, and then the substrate is melted and displaced through the hole to form a collar bond that permanently attaches the label to the cassette. The label remains attached to the cassette when exposed to harsh environmental conditions, e.g., high heat, high humidity, solvents, etc.

Abstract: Temperature-sensitive films that undergo an irreversible change in appearance when the films are heated to a threshold temperature are provided. Also provided are methods for indicating that an object in thermal contact with a temperature-sensitive film has reached a threshold temperature.

Abstract: An indicator is disclosed that detects the presence of a chemical residue. The indicator includes a substrate having an upper surface and a lower surface and a first portion and a second portion joined at a fold line. The first portion is smaller in area than the second portion. An adhesive coats the upper surface of at least the second portion of the substrate. A first reactant is adhered to the upper surface of the first portion of the substrate. When the second portion is contacted with a surface containing the chemical residue, the residue adheres to the adhesive and when the first portion is subsequently folded along the fold line so that the upper surfaces of the substrate contact each other, a portion of the adhesive on the second portion remains exposed and the first reactant and chemical residue react to provide the color indicia indicating the presence of the chemical residue.

Abstract: An inkjet-printable, self-laminating wire marker comprising: A. A transparent substrate layer having top and bottom facial surfaces; B. A topcoat layer having top and bottom facial surfaces with the bottom facial surface of the topcoat layer in direct contact with at least a part but not all of the top facial surface of the substrate layer; C. A transparent adhesive layer having top and bottom facial surfaces with the top facial surface of the adhesive layer in direct contact with the bottom facial surface of the substrate layer. In one embodiment an opaque white primer layer having top and bottom facial surfaces is interposed between the substrate and topcoat layers such that the bottom facial surface of the primer layer is in direct contact with the top facial surface of the substrate layer and the top facial surface of the primer layer is in direct contact with the bottom facial surface of the topcoat.

Abstract: An edge guide is described that is adapted to restrict lateral movement of a flexible web as the web advances past the guide, the web comprising top and bottom face surfaces and two lateral edge surfaces, the guide comprising (i) a multi-sided body, and (ii) a cavity in one side of the body, the cavity comprising (a) a curved support surface adapted to receive a first lateral edge and to support a portion of the bottom face surface of the web as the web moves laterally into the cavity of and advances past the guide, and (b) a hard stop above, and in one embodiment, continuous with the curved support surface, the stop adapted to engage the first lateral edge of the web and block any further lateral movement of the web over the curved support surface.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for print media back-feed control for a printer. The invention incorporates use of a downstream sensor to detect at least one of a leading edge of a print media or an indicia correlated to parameters of the print media. The print media can then be back-fed by a controller to accurately position a print line of the print media proximate to a print head of the printer without losing sufficient nip pressure.

Abstract: A label with top, bottom and edge surfaces is attached to a thermoplastic substrate by a method comprising the steps of: A. Placing the bottom surface of the label in contact with a surface of the substrate; B. Melting a portion of the substrate beneath the label or adjacent to an edge of the label; C. Drawing a portion of the melted substrate over an edge of and onto the top surface of the label such that the portion of the melted substrate on the top surface of the label is continuous with the substrate; and D. Solidifying the melted substrate. The attachment does not require adhesive or mechanical fasteners, and the label and thermoplastic substrate can be made of any material that will withstand the conditions of the environment to which they will be exposed.

Abstract: A method for applying a heat activated transfer adhesive includes preheating a first part for bonding to a second part using a heat activated transfer adhesive form removably adhered to a liner, picking up the heat activated transfer adhesive form using the first part by pressing the preheated first part against the heat activated transfer adhesive form to adhere the heat activated transfer adhesive form to the first part, removing the liner from the heat activated transfer adhesive form adhered to the first part, heating the heat activated transfer adhesive form adhered to the first part, and pressing the heated heat activated transfer adhesive form on the first part against a second part to bond the first part to the second part.

Abstract: A time indicator that provides a color indicia after a predetermined period of time has passed after activation. The time indicator includes a substrate, e.g., a clear or transparent substrate, having an upper surface and a lower surface and a first portion and a second portion joined at a fold line. The first portion is of a smaller area than the second portion. An adhesive coats the upper surface of at least the second portion of the substrate. A first reactant is adhered to the upper surface of the first portion of the substrate and a second reactant is adhered to the upper surface of the second portion of the substrate. When the first portion is folded along the fold line so that the upper surfaces of the substrate contact each other, a portion of the adhesive on the second portion remains exposed. This exposed area may be used to attach the indicator to an article or documents.

Abstract: An improved print head assembly is disclosed that provides even pressure over the width of a print face across a platen roller. Accordingly, the print head assembly can perform edge-justified printing operations without portions of the print being faint or skewing due to uneven pressure across the print head.

Abstract: Multi-layer, edge ingress, tamper- and solvent-indicating labels comprise a top film layer coated over a solvent, e.g., water, hydrocarbon, etc., and dye absorbing layer. The solvent and dye absorbing layer can be on top of a porous layer comprising a binder, pigment and particles of a solvent-soluble dye. The porous layer can be on top of an edge-wicking layer which itself is on top of a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) layer. The edge-wicking layer both absorbs and transports solvent thus serving as a means for transporting solvent to the solvent-soluble dye.