Abstract: An advertising or promotional brochure is disclosed that is to be mailed in conjunction with a magazine or periodical. The brochure may include high-quality, glossy photographs, and be personalized with text and/or images that relate specifically to the magazine subscriber. In addition, the brochure may include coupons for sales discounts, bank promotional checks, and other promotions that may be redeemed by the magazine subscriber. The brochure may be embodied as a multi-page pamphlet and may have an appearance and cover similar to the magazine to which it is attached.

Abstract: The invention broadly comprises a multi-ply integrated label form including a first ply having an upper side and an underside and having a first die cut window and a second die cut window, and also having an integral marginal feed strip along a first edge of the first ply and a detachably secured marginal feed strip along a second edge of the first ply, where the first edge and second edge are parallel to one another; a second ply having a label portion, a card stock portion adjacent to and detachably secured to the label portion, a marginal strip portion adjacent to and detachably secured to the card stock portion, and a marginal feed strip portion adjacent to and detachably secured to the marginal strip portion, each of the label portion, card stock portion, marginal strip portion, and marginal feed strip portion having an upper side and an underside, the underside of the label portion and of the marginal strip portion being coated with an adhesive, wherein the first ply is removably secured to the second p

Abstract: A pressure sensitive adhesive/cohesive exhibits excellent cohesive body properties, and other desirable features, even when exposed to heat and polysiloxane based lubricants, such as in a laser printer. The formulation comprises 100 parts by weight natural rubber (e.g. electrosterically stabilized natural rubber graft and block terpolymer), and expressed as percentages by weight of the rubber the following components: about 5-35% (e.g. about 28%) acrylate monomer or monomers (such as methyl methacrylate, cyclohexyl methacrylate, benzyl methacrylate, and/or isobornyl methacrylate); about 0.5-8% acrylic acid and/or about 1-10% 4-acetoxystyrene; about 0-20% ethyl hexyl acrylate; about 1-50% (e.g.

Abstract: A Z-fold mailer type business form intermediate using patterns of pressure activated cohesive has the cohesive in patterns for both sealing along the end and side edges of the final form in the form of discrete elements spaced from each other in such a way that when the business form is in either roll or stack format the individual cohesive elements substantially do not overlap each other. The cohesive elements typically are in the form of rectangles for example those along the end edges and the fold lines having a length of about 0.9 cm with space in between them of about 1.3 cm. The cohesive patterns along the side edges may be spaced from each other not only in a dimension parallel to the end edges, but also where cohesive patterns are provided on opposite faces of the second panel of the intermediate, they may be positioned so as not to overlap in a dimension parallel to the side edges.

Abstract: An electron beam printer assembly for operating a standard electron beam print cartridge (such as an eighteen inch 600 DPI print cartridge) includes an RF generator which has a powdered iron core transformer, and a dual pulse width generator operatively connected to the transformer. The RF generator also includes a power driver, control logic, and an oscillator feedback circuit. The dual pulse width generator may comprise a NOR gate, a capacitor, two resistors, and a diode, all connected to an adjustable voltage source. The transformer core may be toroid-shaped, and of carbonyl SF. Using this RF generator it is possible to image a substrate moving at a speed of greater than 200 FPM, and to operate at a frequency of about 5 MHz in an efficient manner, to eliminate print gradients due to an overdriven transformer, to eliminate transformer temperature failures due to core loss, and to provide greater flexibility in transformer construction and design, and less power loss in the transformer drive transistor.

Abstract: An advertising or promotional brochure is disclosed that is to be mailed in conjunction with a magazine or periodical. The brochure may include high-quality, glossy photographs, and be personalized with text and/or images that relate specifically to the magazine subscriber. In addition, the brochure may include coupons for sales discounts, bank promotional checks, and other promotions that may be redeemed by the magazine subscriber. The brochure may be embodied as a multi-page pamphlet and may have an appearance and cover similar to the magazine to which it is attached.

Abstract: An advertising or promotional brochure is disclosed that is to be mailed in conjunction with a magazine or periodical. The brochure may include high-quality, glossy photographs, and be personalized with text and/or images that relate specifically to the magazine subscriber. In addition, the brochure may include coupons for sales discounts, bank promotional checks, and other promotions that may be redeemed by the magazine subscriber. The brochure may be embodied as a multi-page pamphlet and may have an appearance and cover similar to the magazine to which it is attached.

Abstract: A mailer type business form is constructed from an intermediate having a plurality of pressure activated cohesive cooperating patterns, and a card is mounted on or with the intermediate. Despite the fact that a card is included, because of the provision of surface manifestations in the intermediate, and/or because of the relative thicknesses of the card and the intermediate, the mailer may be sealed by steam rolling rather than requiring selective edge sealing. A surface manifestation may comprise a cutout with a patch, or a folded over portion of the intermediate, retaining the card with the intermediate during processing. Alternatively, first and second thinned portions of the sheet of paper, disposed on opposite sides of a fold line so as to cooperate and hold the card when the sheet is folded about the fold line, may be provided, the thinned portions provided by embossing, for example.

Abstract: A system and method are provided which have the ability to print whole documents at a time, rather than page by page. The data for an entire multi-page document is fed directly to an output device, and then a print engine. The data stream includes a record layout including data field codes which tell the data system and/or raster image processor where to print strings of variable information in a document so that the strings only need be provided once even if printed in multiple places within the document. Data flows in the data stream to the print engine as the raster image processor functions in real time. The system has the capability to manipulate and transfer data at 10 Mbytes per second, which translate into a transfer rate of approximately 92,000 characters per second at up to 1,000 feet per minute print speeds, for up to six controllers.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating an upper sheet from a lower sheet comprising a first roller having an axis of rotation and a sheet engaging surface arranged to frictionally engage the upper sheet, a second roller having an axis of rotation arranged in spaced relation to the axis of rotation of the first roller, the second roller having a sheet engaging surface arranged to frictionally engage the lower sheet, and, drive means for rotating the first and second rollers about their respective axes of rotation to produce different surface speeds at the sheet engaging surfaces of the first and second rollers, whereby the upper and lower sheets are separated into a non-coincident configuration by respective frictional engagement with the first and second rollers. The invention also comprises a method for separating the aforementioned upper and lower sheets.

Abstract: A system and method for applying electrically charged non-magnetic toner to an image device, and subsequently to a moving substrate, provides precise level control, proper control of the electrical charge of the toner, minimization of dusting problems, and maximum evenness of the toner layer. First and second fluidized toner beds have the toner in them charged using corona sources. The second bed maintains a level of toner above the level in the first bed, and a spillway-defining restraining dam is disposed between the beds so that the toner above the level desired in the second bed spills over the restraining dam into the first bed, allowing very precise control of the level of toner in the second bed. Toner transfer mechanisms (such as rotating conductive cylinders) transfer toner from the first bed to the second bed, and from the second bed to the image device. Scrapers scrape excess toner from the rotating cylinders so that it falls back into either the first or second bed.

Abstract: Linerless postage stamps are produced by coating a paper substrate on the bottom surface with pressure sensitive adhesive, and coating the substrate on the top surface with release material, such as silicone, which includes an effective amount of stamp cancellation ink retaining particles, so that when the release coat and particles are contacted by stamp cancellation ink the particles will retain sufficient stamp cancellation ink so that the ink is visible on the top face and will not be wiped off during normal handling. The particles may comprise fumed silica, colloidal silica, kaolin clay, aluminum oxide, wollastonite, talc, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, or combinations thereof. Stamp indicia is typically provided on the top of the substrate underneath the release coat.

Abstract: A specimen container label is particularly suited for use by robotic elements to improve the tedious process of aliquoting urine samples to increase productivity and decrease costs in laboratories. The label has a substrate with top and bottom surfaces and pressure sensitive adhesive provided on the bottom surface to effectively secure the label to a specimen container. The substrate also includes a central enlarged, preferably circular in plan, portion, with at least one wing, typically two opposite wings, extending outwardly from the central enlarged portion, and an opening in the substrate at the central portion which allows a robotic element to handle a specimen container cover over which the substrate central portion is applied. The opening may be covered with a glassine patch, which is easily pierced by the robotic element. The label may initially be provided with a release liner of the same dimensions and configuration, and the wings may be necked down where they engage the central portion.

Abstract: Business forms with pressure activated adhesive or cohesive are handled by a sealing apparatus which has a reduced weight, foot print of equipment, and lower cost to the end user, because of its simple construction. First, second and third rollers are provided which have axes of rotation that are vertically spaced from each other and are preferably substantially vertically aligned, with the second roller between the first and third rollers. The forms pass through a first nip between the first and second rollers, are re-directed, and then pass through the second nip between the second and third rollers. Preferably forms pass through both nips at the same time to maximize the pressure in both nips. Typically, when passing through each of the nips the rollers exert a force of between about 100-200 pounds per lineal inch. Preferably all of the rollers are driven, such as by a motor connected to the second roller, and with gears acting between the second roller and the first and third rollers.

Abstract: A pressure seal mailer assembly compatible with non-impact printing techniques includes paper stock with at least three interconnected and foldable panels and pressure activated adhesive along plural edges thereof. There is at least one opening in one of the panels and a removable card located and releasably held within the opening. In addition, there is a laminate assembly applied to one side of the paper stock covering at least the opening therein, wherein part of the laminate assembly remains with the card after it is removed from the paper stock.

Abstract: A shielding conductive plane, such as a copper layer, which acts as an intermediary layer between an electrically active area and a mechanical substrate of an electron beam cartridge, provides a direct electrical path to control and direct RF currents, minimizing stray electrical noise which interferes with other sensor devices of the printer, such as data system lines and low voltage controlling electronics. The intermediary layer is electrically insulated from the active area and the mechanical substrate by insulating material and through suitable electrical connections provides an adequate way to dissipate the current path of the RF high voltage burst to return to a grounding source. Capacitive coupling of the electrode drivers or the finger electrodes themselves to the mechanical substrate is unnecessary.

Abstract: Business forms having longitudinal and transverse patterns of pressure activated cohesive requiring a sealing force of at least about 50 lbs. per lineal inch are sealed preferably by a single pass through a nip formed by first and second rollers. The first roller is a larger diameter substantially smooth surfaced roll, while the second roller is a small diameter serrated or ribbed roll, e.g. having serrations or ribs having a dimension substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of about 0.04-0.1 (e.g. about 1/16) inches, with spaces therebetween of between about 0.2-0.1 inches (e.g. between about 1/32-1/16) inches. Preferably the serrations or ribs are oppositely directed angled serrations or ribs on different halves of the second roll, each making an angle of at least about 10.degree. with respect to a plane substantially transverse to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A multicolor thermal transfer ribbon having black ink and at least two other color inks besides black and white is used with a thermal transfer printer and a label in a method of labeling packages. Variable black ink indicia is imaged, using the thermal transfer printer and ribbon, on a first face of the label, and color indicia from at least one of the at least two other color inks on the ribbon is also imaged on the first face of the label. Then the pressure sensitive adhesive of the second face of the label is pressed onto a package (such as an envelope, carton, etc.). The black variable indicia preferably includes variable bar code and text indicia including address indicia, and the color indicia is preferably just one color, indicating a particular type of express delivery service.

Abstract: A form/label combination provides a label and multiple receipts which may be simply constructed from two continuous sheets of paper in one pass through only a coater and a label press. The first sheet of the form/label combination provides an adhesive label on the left side, and a receipt on the right. The label is releasably attached to the left side of the second sheet, while the receipt is detachably attached to the right side of the second sheet. An image-transfer mechanism is provided between the two sheets so that images impressed on the first sheet are transferred to the second sheet. A method for manufacturing such a form/label combination is also simple and easy to practice.

Abstract: A decal having a body of readily tearable material and a reflective material first face has first, toner, indicia on the first face circumscribing a first area, and second indicia outside of the first area. A protective substantially transparent plastic (e.g. acrylic or polyester) thin (e.g. about 0.001-0.002 inches) film substantially covers the first indicia (and has an area not greater than about 130% of the first area) and protects the first indicia but does not significantly increase the tear resistance of the decal body. The protective film is held to the decal with an aggressive adhesive so that the decal will tear if removable of the protective film is attempted. The protective film may be applied either manually or automatically, and the decal is part of a business form (e.g. a mailer type business form) which has toner indicia on it substantially identical to the first indicia, imaged at substantially the same time using a laser printer.