Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for applying labels to mail, including mixed mail. A conveyor conveys individual mail pieces along a predetermined path of travel into a label applying position. The label feed mechanism feeds a web of labels into the label applying position. A label stripper is positioned adjacent the label feed mechanism at the label applying position and adjacent the path of travel to strip labels from the web when an individual mail piece has entered a label applying position. A label roller is positioned adjacent the label stripper. A roller drive mechanism is operatively connected to the label roller for vertically moving the label roller against the label. A connector is operatively connected to the roller drive mechanism for timing the roller drive mechanism to move the label roller against the label as the label is stripped from the web and against an individual mail piece fed under the label stripper.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for applying labels having a pressure sensitive adhesive on at least one face to articles. The label applicator includes a supporting structure supporting a label dispenser having a peeler bar and a label receiver. The label dispenser is adapted to remove labels from a backing strip and transfer the labels to the label receiver. The peeler bar is configured with an integral heater to heat each label as the label is passed over the peeler bar. A hot gas dispenser is attached to the label dispenser and is used to dispense a flow of heated air against the label to soften the adhesive on each label as the label is passed from the label dispenser to the label receiver. The label receiver is adapted to releasably retain the label and transfer the label onto a surface on the article.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for in-line folding and affixing a label to an article, the label having a fold line thereacross defining a foldable portion and a cover portion of the label. The apparatus comprises a transfer grid having one or more rollers to convey the label from a first end of the transfer grid to a second end of the transfer grid. An opening is defined between two of the rollers intermediate the first and second ends of the transfer grid. The transfer grid conveys the label in a substantially unfolded orientation from the first end of the transfer grid to the opening of the transfer grid such that the foldable portion of the label is projective through the opening. A folding station is adjacent the opening and receives the foldable portion of the label, urging a projecting portion of the foldable portion over the cover portion to define a substantially folded-over orientation of the label.

Abstract: In a labeling machine, a bar code sensor, a batch information sensor and a label sensor are coupled electrically to a controller, and are disposed along an advancing route of a label reel. When any of these sensors detects an error in one of the labels or the absence of a label on the reel, the controller activates a container removal unit to remove the container with the defective label or with no label at a take-out end of a container conveying unit.

Abstract: A peel assembly is provided for separating a label from a releasable backing. The peel assembly includes a housing, structure for driving the backing and labels through the housing, a peel bar for bending the backing therearound, a plurality of deflector rollers proximate to the peel bar for deflecting the backing away from the label and towards the peel bar, and a plurality of supporting rollers proximate to the deflector rollers for supporting the label as it exits the peel assembly. After the backing, which has the labels thereon, passes over the peel bar, the backing is passed between the peel bar and the deflector rollers and the label passes over the deflector rollers and then over the supporting rollers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing a strip with self-adhesive labels (12) or other materials with parts (22) placed underneath. According to the invention, the labels are detached from a first carrier strip (11) at a first removal station (13) and placed onto a second carrier strip (14). The other parts (22) are delivered intermittently on a third carrier strip (21). A second removal station (23) detaches said other parts and placed them on a fourth carrier strip (24) in the desired position. Said fourth carrier strip may act as the second carrier strip (14). The original carrier strip (11) may also act as the second or fourth carrier strip. The other parts (22) can be placed in any position under the labels (12) using an appropriate control system.

Abstract: A label dispensing apparatus is provided for applying labels to advancing articles. The label dispensing apparatus features a modular design that couples different types of label dispensing modules to one of several label applicators through a standard chassis.

Abstract: A peel assembly is provided for separating a label from a releasable backing. The peel assembly includes a housing, structure for driving the backing and labels through the housing, a peel bar for bending the backing therearound, a plurality of deflector rollers proximate to the peel bar for deflecting the backing away from the label and towards the peel bar, and a plurality of supporting rollers proximate to the deflector rollers for supporting the label as it exits the peel assembly. After the backing, which has the labels thereon, passes over the peel bar, the backing is passed between the peel bar and the deflector rollers and the label passes over the deflector rollers and then over the supporting rollers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a label printing-and-applying device including a label feeding mechanism and an impression unit so operatively connected that a roll of blank label bearing tape is unrolled intermittently every time the opposite grips of the device are squeezed to allow the impression unit to print a desired letter or pattern on blank labels one after another subsequent to peeling-off of such blank labels from the tape, and that the so printed labels are applied to objects. It further includes a printing pressure controlling mechanism for controlling the impression pressure in printing a selected letter or pattern on blank labels.

Abstract: A method, module and apparatus useful in the application of linerless labels to surfaces of elements is provided in a methodology so that conventional linered label applicators can be used with linerless labels. A source of linerless labels is provided comprising a composite of an elongate sheet of reusable, temporary liner having adhered to a low adhesion surface of the reusable, temporary liner an adhesive face of a cut linerless label, the composite being rolled into a roll. The source of linerless labels is used in a method for enabling a linered label applicator to accept linerless label sheet for application to the surface of elements comprising associating a source of precut linerless labels on a roll of reusable, temporary liner sheet to a linered label applicator so that a composite of: a) the reusable, temporary liner sheet and b) cut-out linerless labels is fed into the linered label applicator where linered label is normally directed into the linered label applicator.

Abstract: A label placement machine used for placing labels on articles, the label placement machine including a label supply having one or more labels, a label shuttle assembly capable of retrieving a label from the label supply and transporting the label from the label supply to a pickup zone and a label placement head retrieving the label from the label shuttle at the pickup zone and transporting the label from the pick up zone to the article to be labeled, the label placement head then attaching the label to the article while the label shuttle returns to the label supply to retrieve another label.

Abstract: A semiconductor chip transferring method and apparatus is described having a movable member, a flexible structure having adhesive on a lower surface thereof, a first transport assembly, and a second transport assembly. The first transport assembly is positioned beneath the support structure and includes a rotatable base upon which is mounted at least one arm. The movable member is extended into and flexes the support structure to transfer a semiconductor chip supported on a first side by the support structure to the arm which supports it on a second side. The first transport assembly moves the chip to the second transport assembly which may, in turn, move it to an output container which supports the second side. The chip has now been inverted from its initial orientation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a labeling apparatus for paying out and applying self-adhesive labels, which with each operating cycle moves one self-adhesive label into a dispensing position underneath an applicator roll having a sleeve with a cylindrical jacket, via which sleeve the applicator roll is rotatably mounted on a hub. It is proposed to equip the sleeve with at least one profiled ring projecting radially outwardly beyond the cylindrical jacket. Because the profiled ring and the sleeve are made preferably of a material that is harder than the cylindrical jacket and hence ink-repellent, the printed data on the label are not smeared, in spite of the low outlay involved in the manufacture of the applicator roll.

Abstract: A label applicator mechanism includes a support member and a guide member. The support member is configured to carry a carrier web containing a plurality of sequentially supported labels for delivery to individual articles. The guide member is supported by the support member. The guide member has an application edge over which the carrier web is folded so as to separate individual labels from the carrier web as the carrier web is moved under tension over the application edge. The guide member has a coefficient of friction with the carrier web which is less than the coefficient of friction of the support member.

Abstract: A module for adapting an apparatus which strips a liner from labels and applies the labels to substrates, said module enabling said apparatus to apply linerless labels, said module comprising: a source of linerless label sheet, a source of liner sheet, a roll for guiding said linerless label sheet after removal from said source of linerless label sheet, a die cutter and an anvil roller defining an area through which said linerless label sheet moves between said die cutter and anvil roller to_form cut-out linerless labels, a laminator roller adjacent said anvil roller defining an area between said anvil roller and said laminator roller through which both the liner and cut-out linerless labels from said linerless label sheet move between said anvil roller and said laminator roller to form a temporary support of said liner for said cut-out linerless labels, and a means positioned with respect to the apparatus that strips a liner from labels and applies the labels to substrates to feed the cut-out linerless label

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for laminating disc-shaped substrates capable of automatically bonding an adhesive agent to disc-shaped substrates effectively and continuously. The method includes providing an adhesive sheet body comprising a plurality of adhesive agents each covered with a release paper, peeling off the release paper from the adhesive sheet body, positioning the adhesive sheet body from which the release paper has been peeled over a lower disc-shaped substrate, pressing the adhesive sheet body to allow the adhesive agent adhered to the lower surface thereof to bond or transfer onto a surface of the lower disc-shaped substrate, peeling off the adhesive sheet body from the adhesive agent bond onto the surface of the lower disc-shaped substrate, placing an upper disc-shaped substrate on the lower disc-shaped substrate, and pressing the upper disc-shaped substrate against the lower disc-shaped substrate, to bond the substrates to one another.

Abstract: A book marker insertion apparatus includes a cartridge assembly, a separator assembly, a gripper assembly, an elevator assembly and a page spreader assembly. The cartridge assembly holds a roll of marker material including a plurality of markers on a backing sheet and advances the material to the separator assembly. The separator assembly includes jaws and a peel bar for removing the endmost marker from the backing sheet. The gripper assembly includes rotatable arms which grip the separated end marker and position the separated end marker for insertion into the book. The elevator raises and lowers the gripper assembly from the position for gripping the separated end marker to the position for inserting into the book. The page spreader assembly includes a V-arm with a slot formed therein-for receiving the gripper arms and the separated end marker.

Abstract: Improvements in the object of the U.S. Pat. No. 5,294,283 for an automatic labelling machine for packers in bags of mesh or the like, which have: a second roller (101) with its counter roller (102), some independent means of activation (120), (121), and (123) of the means of cutting (16), of the cart (18), and of the finger (27) with claws (28); the printer head (10) and the counter roller (102) both being mounted on elastic laminar supports (112) and (104), with keying in their respective operating position; and mechanical linkage of turning (127) and (128) of the second roller (101) and of the roller (6).

Abstract: By providing a system for contacting a label and controllably moving the label into direct, secure, adhesive engagement with a container and its flange member, a dependable, effective, and reliable label applying apparatus and label application method is realized which securely affixes a label in its entirety to a product container on a continuous production basis, totally eliminating unwanted tenting of labels. By employing the present invention, a product holding container, having a forwardly protruding lip or flange, is advanced towards a label dispensing zone with the label positioned for contacting the leading-edge of the forwardly protruding flange.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for placing printed color images on a series of objects, by: generating digital data representing a plurality of different color images; providing a print medium composed of a substrate carrying a coating which is releasable from the substrate and is formulated to retain printing inks; providing a digitally controlled color printer having a plurality of print heads; supplying the generated digital data to the printer; feeding the print medium through the printer and past the print heads while operating the print heads under control of the generated data to print the color images on the coating; and placing a portion of the coating on which an image has been printed in contact with one of the objects and transferring the image to the object.

Abstract: A method and device for applying a pattern onto a support for a sign utilize a foil comprising a pattern layer and a carrier layer with an adhesive layer uniting them. The pattern is cut out in the pattern layer of the foil by using a controlled cutting device, after which the foil is placed on a laminating table in an application device. A traverse is passed in controlled manner over the foil placed on the laminating table, and a self-adhesive transfer film supplied from a roll over and around a rotatably journalled press roll of a press device, is applied under pressure on the foil. The carrier layer and spill of the pattern layer are removed and the pattern parts remaining are brought into contact with the support, with the adhesive layer of the pattern parts now exposed. The press roll is then again passed over the transfer film, pattern parts and support so that the pattern parts are transferred permanently to the support, after which the transfer film is removed from the support.

Abstract: A material sheet assembly in which a label base attached to a release liner by means of an adhesive is set in roll form is used. In a step in which the material sheet assembly is continuously fed out, the release liner is released by leaving the adhesive on the label base, and the release liner is consecutively taken up. By using a noncontact-type printer, printing is effected on the adhesive surface of the label base separated from the release liner to form a printed label. The printed label is in such a form that the printed surface is disposed between the label base and an adherend. The labels can be attached immediately after they are manufactured, and they can be stored or transported by being taken up in roll form while an additional release liner is attached to the printed surface side.

Abstract: The present invention fulfills the above stated needs, as well as others, by providing a automated container sealing apparatus that automatically removes seals from a backing and applies the seals to the container. The seals are pre-cut and have a size corresponding to the size of the container. In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention includes an apparatus for sealing containers, the containers defined by a generally planar sealing surface and one or more receptacles, wherein each of the one or more receptacles include an opening coplanar with and defining corresponding openings in the sealing surface.

Abstract: An application tool having a container enclosing a replaceable cartridge body, with the cartridge body and container integrally and strongly fixed to each other. A slide plate sliding in a narrow groove of a lock portion pierced in a side surface portion of the application tool container is brought into contact with a supporting portion connecting a cartridge body and a transfer head in such a manner as to freely slide, thereby integrally and strongly fixing the application tool container and the cartridge body. Accordingly, the transfer head is prevented from deflecting during use of the application tool, thereby solving the problem of tape breakage experienced by conventional application tools during transferring and applying a paint. Further, the application tool can be smoothly operated.

Abstract: An apparatus for sticking a double-sided adhesive tape in a predetermined position on a web, including an adhesive tape roll holding mechanism for tape roll, an adhesive tape delivery mechanism for delivering an adhesive tape laminate from the tape roll, and a pressing member for pressing the adhesive tape laminate against the web. The delivered adhesive tape laminate is held under pressure between the pressing member and the web, whereupon each of tape pieces on a seal of the laminate is stuck on the web.

Abstract: A label tamp is provided for delivering and applying a linerless adhesive label to the outside surface of a container transported on a conveyor to the labeling station of a production line. The label tamp includes a tamp cylinder defining an axis of extension that is generally normal to the outside surface of the container, a tamp arm secured to the tamp cylinder such that the tamp arm is alternately extensible and retractable, a tamp arm base plate rigidly fixed to the tamp arm and a tamp head assembly. Preferably, the tamp head assembly is secured to a lift plate has a pair of parallel recesses for receiving a pair of linear actuators therein so that the tamp head assembly is linearly movable relative to the tamp arm base plate.

Abstract: A method for producing optical disks each by bonding two disk substrates to each other through an adhesive sheet, which comprises the steps of: preparing a tape which includes a release tape, and a plurality of disk-like adhesive sheets arranged under a lower surface of the release tape at predetermined intervals; pressing the tape against an upper surface of a first disk substrate by an elastic material to thereby temporarily bond the first disk substrate to one of the adhesive sheets under the lower surface of the tape so as to form a temporarily bonded article; separating the release tape from the temporarily bonded article to expose the adhesive sheet; putting a second disk substrate on the exposed adhesive sheet and pressing the second disk substrate against the exposed adhesive sheet by the elastic material to thereby stick the second disk substrate to the temporarily bonded article so as to form a stuck article; and keeping the stuck article under a pressure or heat and pressure atmosphere to thereby b

Abstract: A label applicator for applying labels to each of two mutually perpendicular surfaces of a box that is advanced past the applicator. A displaceable arm defines a label support station adjacent its free end and conveyor belts are provided for delivering labels to the support stations. The arm is selectively positioned in either a first position in which a label located at the support station is contacted by and thereby transferred to a leading surface of an advancing box or a second position in which a label located at the support station is contacted by and thereby transferred to a side surface of an advancing box. Displacements of the arm are controlled independent upon the passage of the box past the applicator and labels transferred from the support station are replaced as they are applied to a box.

Abstract: A label applicator for applying a label to an article which includes a supporting structure and an applicator section mounted on the supporting structure and including a housing adapted to be coupled to a supply of gas under pressure and having a label receiving surface with an opening therein. A label dispenser for dispensing a label onto the label receiving surface where it is retained in at least partial registry with the opening. The applicator section includes a rupturable mask adapted to be in the housing in communication with the supply of gas under pressure and the opening in the label receiving surface, and the mask includes a grid having a plurality of holes extending therethrough and rupturable material blocking at least some of the holes. The rupturable material is rupturable to open selected holes in the grid so that the gas under pressure can flow through the selected holes so that the shape of the gas under pressure acting to blow the label from the label receiving surface can be tailored.

Abstract: A machine for applying labels distributed uniformly on a strip to items which includes a swinging arm mounted on a support for engaging the items and a drum for driving the strip of labels. The drum is rotated incrementally by a drive mechanism and means are provided for controlling the drive mechanism and for detecting movement of the arm by engagement with an item. The means for detecting movement of the arm detect the initial movement of the arm to thereby initiate the means for controlling the drive mechanism to index the drum through one complete step thus advancing a label for application to the item.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing components that are adhesively mounted on a release coated web roll and applying them to items includes holding the component securely in a chuck and then peeling the web from underneath the component. This is achieved by forcing a chuck against a component on a movable peeler plate and holding it in place with vacuum. Tension on the web then pulls the peeler plate away from the component while the web passes over the edge of the peeler plate and peels the web from the adhesive face of the component.

Abstract: An apparatus for removal of adhesive-backed objects attached to a liner with the objects and liner constituting a pad which includes a curved surface and a removal head. The curved surfaces preferably a drum, is adapted to receive the pad of the adhesive-backed objects for disposition around the drum with a radius sufficient to spread the individual objects of the pad apart. The removal head is positioned adjacent the drum for selectable engagement with the objects of the pad. The removal head includes at least one piston movable between a first position out of contact with the pad and a second position where the piston contacts the pad and applies a force thereto to securely maintain the position of the pad around the drum. The removal head further includes at least one gripper member positioned for engagement with an individual object of the pad. The gripper member is movable between a first position away from the drum and a second position adjacent an individual object attached to the liner.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive labeling machine incorporating a wedge shaped suction plate assembly which uses negative pressure to assist in securing and holding the non-adhesive side of a label carrier web. The labeling machine advances the label carrier web by automatically engaging and disengaging a pinch roller assembly driven by a pneumatic piston. The pinch roller assembly obviates the need for high maintenance clutching mechanisms and multiple tension roller assemblies. A label application station applies labels to passing containers when the carrier web advances around a label separator edge of the suction plate assembly by peeling the labels from the carrier web and applying the labels via a rotating applicator roller and container catch arm.

Abstract: An arm (10c) of a manual lever (10) is formed with a pushing portion (10f). A ratchet pawl (17) making reciprocal movement in synchronization with the manual lever (10) is formed with a resilient portion (17a) to be pushed by the pushing portion (10f) and a pawl portion (17b) which makes contact with a tooth of the ratchet wheel (19). A printer (P) is disposed at tip ends of the arms (10c, 10d). The ratchet wheel (19) is integral with the transfer drum (18). In the step of gripping the manual lever (10), the resilient portion (17a) is made to deform, and the pawl portion (27b) makes slide movement toward a tip end of a tooth. At the moment when the pawl portion (17b) gets over the tip end of a tooth, a resistive force against the manual lever (10) is significantly reduced, and as a result, the printer (P) makes impact contact with a label and prints marks on the label. When the label tape (12) is to set, the bottom cover (14) is made open.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching an electronic security tag to a freshly printed label, each label having an adhesive side and a printable side. The apparatus comprises a supply roll including a backing and a plurality of security tags attached thereto for supplying the electronic security tags. The apparatus further comprises means for printing indicia on the printable side and delivering the label to a label support. The apparatus includes a stripper element for separating the security tags from the backing at a label application station. The separated security tag is then attached to the label.

Abstract: A tabbing machine for applying adhesive tabs over the edge of an article comprises a feed mechanism for advancing tabs from a roll of tape past a tab discharge station. A tab applicator station located downstream of the tab discharge station functions to press the adhesive surfaces of a tab carried by the lead edge of an article to be tabbed which is moved past the applicator station. The device includes a control mechanism having a first photo sensor which senses the presence or absence of an article to be tabbed and a second photo sensor downstream of the first photo sensor for sensing a tab positioned at a tab discharge station. The sensors are interconnected in such manner that the tape drive mechanism for feeding tabs can be energized only when the infeed table is clear of an article to be tabbed and when no tab is located at the discharge station. The position of a tab relative to an article to be tabbed is controllable responsive to adjustment of the second or tab locator sensor.

Abstract: An adhesive is applied to a material under compression such that the adhesive penetrates the material when the material is a porous material (e.g., a fiberglass batt). Upon release from being compressed, the material returns to nearly its original size and shape and some of the adhesive penetrates into the material a given distance. Many mats of the material bearing the adhesive at selected locations can be placed on a common carrier for easy dispensing using a dispenser. The common carrier can be refurbished for reuse.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for applying a label to an article comprising a supporting structure, a label receiver having a receiving face and being adapted to receive and releasably retain a label, and a label dispenser. The label dispenser being adapted to dispense a label onto the receiving face. The dispenser being further adapted to blow a flow of gas against the trailing and lower edges of the label as it is being transferred from the label dispenser onto the receiving face to assist in moving the label onto the receiving face. The receiving face is fitted with a stop plate which prevents the label from being pushed beyond the receiving face and from being mis-positioned. After positioning, the label on the receiving face, the label is applied to the article.

Abstract: A sticker applicator and a method of applying stickers to an article using the sticker applicator. The sticker applicator is a plate bent to form an angle across a portion thereof and a ring portion attached to the top surface of the plate through which a finger is placed for use. The applicator is placed on a finger such that the finger is through the ring portion and rests on the top surface. The nail portion faces away from the top surface. A supply of stickers supported on a tape is placed over an edge portion of the plate such that a first portion of the tape lies across the bottom surface and a second portion of the tape lies across the top surface. The tape is pulled over the edge portion using the second portion such that a lead sticker separates from the tape above the edge portion. Pressure is applied to a back portion of the lead sticker to adhere the lead sticker to the article.

Abstract: A system for applying pressure sensitive adhesive labels from a feed web with high position precision onto flat uniform size articles mechanically links the advance of the article to be labeled and the advance of the current label to be applied in unison, so that forward advancement speed of the article and the current label are matched exactly, independent of any speed variation in the application system. This is accomplished using a label following member that comes to rest at the trailing edge of a succeeding label and is freely allowed to follow the succeeding label as it advances on the web spaced downstream of the current label. Such following member is mechanically coupled to a pusher which advances the article to be labelled in the precise speed and relative location of the current label as it advances, thereby accurately placing the current label on the article as it peels from the continuous support web.

Abstract: A book marker insertion apparatus includes a cartridge assembly, a separator assembly, a gripper assembly, an elevator assembly and a page spreader assembly. The cartridge assembly holds a roll of marker materials including a plurality of markers on a backing sheet and advances the material to the separator assembly. The separator assembly includes jaws and a peel bar for removing the endmost marker from the backing sheet. The gripper assembly includes rotatable arms which grip the separated end marker and position the separated end marker for insertion into the book. The elevator raises and lowers the gripper assembly from the position for gripping the separated end marker to the position for inserting into the book. The page spreader assembly includes a V-arm with a slot formed therein for receiving the gripper arms and the separated end marker.

Abstract: A material sheet assembly in which a label base attached to a release liner by means of an adhesive is set in roll form is used. In a step in which the material sheet assembly is continuously fed out, the release liner is released by leaving the adhesive on the label base, and the release liner is consecutively taken up. By using a noncontact-type printer, printing is effected on the adhesive surface of the label base separated from the release liner to form a printed label. The printed label is in such a form that the printed surface is disposed between the label base and an adherend. The labels can be attached immediately after they are manufactured, and they can be stored or transported by being taken up in roll form while an additional release liner is attached to the printed surface side.

Abstract: A device for dispensing and applying stamps, labels, stickers, and other self-adhesive products mounted on a backing web. Sliding the device across a contacting surface rotates the single moving part, a drive roller. The drive roller pulls the backing web around a delaminating bend. This separates the self-adhesive product from the web and applies it to the contacting surface. Some embodiments of the invention discharged the used webbing. The other embodiments automatically collect and store the webbing within their housings.

Abstract: A sticker dispenser for holding a tape of stickers and dispensing the stickers one at a time consists of a case; a loading door for inserting the stickers into the case; a movable plunger mounted to the case and movable between an extended position and a retracted position and biased in the extended position by a spring and the plunger having a gear rack; geared wheels meshing with the gear rack for moving the stickers out of the dispenser; and a sticker door for engaging and guiding the tape of stickers as it leaves the case.

Abstract: There is disclosed a label applying machine including a label applicator having a mounting plate and a resilient pad with selectively positionable vacuum buttons to hold labels of different sizes (lengths and widths) onto the label applicator by vacuum.

Abstract: In a film printing method for printing a print design on a substrate areas of a surface of a substrate to be provided with a print design is coated in a first step with an adhesive layer. The transfer film for the printing method includes a support film having a separating layer connected thereto and a transfer layer connected to the separating layer. At a first pressure the transfer film with the transfer layer facing the adhesive layer is printed onto the substrate so that the transfer layer adheres to the adhesive layer of the substrate. The support film together with the separating layer is removed from the transfer layer adhering to the substrate. In a final step, the transfer layer adhering to the adhesive layer on the substrate is subjected to a second pressure that is substantially greater than the first pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously placing two spaced rows of labels upon packaging film is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first labeling station at a first roller, a second labeling station at a second roller, belts for transporting two rows of labels across the film for placement at the first and second labeling stations, and a third roller movably positioned with respect to the first and second rollers. The film travels over the first roller, downwardly around the third roller, and then back up over the second roller. The adjacent rows of labels on a single backing are delivered by the belts to the film, where the labels are placed in rows spaced a distance apart greater than their spacing on the backing. Changing the position of the third roller allows a user to vary the spacing between the two rows of labels which are placed on the film at the first and second labeling stations during each film stop.

Abstract: There is disclosed a printer and a method for printing and dispensing either liner-type or linerless-type labels. A delaminator is selectively positionable so that the carrier web of a liner-type composite label web can be drawn about the delaminator to delaminate and dispense a pressure sensitive label or so that the delaminator is out of the way to avoid problems when using the printer to print and dispense linerless-type labels. The linerless-type label web is prepared by folding an end portion upon itself to facilitate threading through a printer.

Abstract: A label applicator for applying a label to the top surface of an object moving along a path adjacent to the applicator. The applicator is comprised of a label printer mounted for vertical adjustment on support structure attached to a fixed frame. The printer has a label feed position and is adjusted vertically on the support to set the label feed position to an expected median article height. A label transport assembly, attached to the frame, receives and retains the label and then moves vertically and laterally from a home position, above the label feed position, to an article intercept position, where it applies the label to the moving article. The controller learns the home position and positions the label transport assembly at the home position to pick up labels. The label printer, the label transport assembly, and the moveable frame are located alongside the object path such that when the label transport assembly is in the home position, the object path is vertically unobstructed.

Abstract: A label dispensing and applicator assembly for use with a roll of backing tapes having labels with pressure-sensitive adhesives on the backside detachably adhering the labels to the backing tape, wherein the assembly includes a label dispensing unit having a label separator mechanism attached to the frame and positioned away from a dispensing strip take-up reel wherein the label separator peels the label from the backing tape as the backing tape moves forwardly over the label separator and abruptly changes direction and extends rearwardly beneath the bar such that the labels are stripped and move forwardly from the label separator. A pair of pinch rollers is rotatably supported by the frame away from the label separator and a pinch roller is positioned to removably receive the dispensing strip therethrough as the dispensing strip is pulled through the label dispensing unit. The pinch roller has a drive belt connected to a conveyor assembly that is positioned forward of the label separator unit.