Abstract: A customer interface with a printing facility allows communication between the printing facility and customer for receiving customer order information including graphic and printing information for labeling relatively heavyweight cartons. The facility prints labels conforming to the shape of the cartons and cuts and laminates the labels onto individual cartons. A graphics computer with a microprocessor converts customer information into label size and graphics information; a digital press prints web stock with a plurality of labels; a finishing machine die cuts, singulates and stacks the labels; and a laminating press applies the labels in indexed relationship to cartons. The customer interface can be through the internet to fill “just in time” customer needs.

Abstract: A device is provided for catching and holding loose metal articles accidentally dropped into a printing machine, thus preventing the articles from being fed into the press and damaging printing cylinders therein. The device is a magnet in the shape of elongate bar adjustably positioned over the input opening of the printing press and positioned downstream of the automatic feeding apparatus for the press. The magnetic bar is spaced a distance above the path of sheet stock being fed into the printing press so that metal articles accidentally dropped onto or carried by the sheet are magnetically picked up and held until removed by maintenance personnel or a press operator.

Abstract: A seamed decorative pot cover article and a method of manufacturing the article. The pot cover includes a plurality of side panels extending upwardly from a base and flaring outwardly away from the base. The panels are seamed together at their edges and are symmetrical about the seams. The seams are separated into straight segments having different angles with the base such that upper portions of the panels flare to a greater extent. The article is manufactured by forming a plurality of butt welds in a sheet of stock extending outwardly from a central portion to the edge and trimming excess material outwardly of the butt welds.

Abstract: A tag assembling machine feeds tag bodies and tag ties from opposite directions along a lineal path into a centralized work station in predetermined alignment for assembly. In the preferred embodiment, the work station includes a welding apparatus for bonding the tag tie to the tag body.

Abstract: A tag has a body carrying printed indicia and a tie extending from an edge of the body and having a flexible wire core surrounded by a resilient polymeric material. The tie is bonded to the body by ultrasonic welding to provide an integral construction which assures the body of the tag will not be separated from the tie once attached to an object. Such construction permits the tag to be attached to nursery stock for example, by wrapping the embedded wire tie around a branch.