Abstract: A method and apparatus for strengthening a writing instrument (11) such as a crayon with a self-adhesive wrap (14) having a writing zone (20) printed thereon is disclosed. The wrap (14) is applied to the writing instrument (11) to strengthen the writing instrument against breakage and to display the writing zone (20) to permit a child to personalize and identify his or her writing instruments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for labeling a metallic container, such as an aluminum collapsible tube (empty and open-ended for filling by the purchaser) with a flexible label, which is especially suited to short production runs and in such a manner that the label is bonded to the container such that it is able to withstand physical abuse without peeling or breaking away from the container. Both the label and unlabeled container may be manufactured in advance and stored until needed. The container comprises an enamel coating which is bonded to the surface of the container, the coating comprising an adhesive which is activated within a predetermined temperature range, and the label comprises a transparent film having reverse printing on the lower surface thereof. The enamel coating is heated to a temperature within the activating temperature range to cause the adhesive to activate. The lower surface of the label is contacted to the heated enamel coating under sufficient pressure to cause the label to bond thereto.

Abstract: An applicator for applying a label to the interior surface of a hollow body is provided. The applicator includes an applicator rod, which is connected to a source of negative pressure and is adapted to retain the label by means of the negative pressure. The applicator rod co-operates with an inflatable member. The inflatable member is positioned so as to force a label that is retained on the applicator rod against the inner surface of the hollow body when the applicator rod is inserted into the hollow body via an opening and the inflatable member is inflated. The inner surface of the hollow body and the label co-operate so that the label will adhere to the inner surface as the label is forced against this surface. The applicator is particularly well suited for use in a bicycle registration system. Used in such a system, the applicator functions to apply a label which adheres to the interior tube of a bicycle frame.

Abstract: A system for applying labels to objects includes an object supply for supplying objects substantially equally spaced and aligned in single file for labeling. The system also includes a label applicator for applying a label to an object from the object supply and a label supply for supplying the labels to the label applicator. Each of the labels are joined at an end to at least one other of the labels. The system also includes a labeling finisher to detach the end of each label from the at least one other label and to smooth the end of each label onto their respective object.

Abstract: A labeling apparatus is provided for securing a label to a garment hanger. The labels are stored on a carrier tape in a cassette and are sequentially advanced to a pickup position in the apparatus. The apparatus includes an alignment frame against which the hanger is positioned. A clamp securely retains the hanger against the alignment frame. A tweezer assembly moves a label from the pickup position into alignment with a selected location on the hanger. A first applicator then urges a portion of the label into contact with the hanger. The tweezer assembly then releases its grip on the label and retracts, and a second applicator then urges the remainder of the label into the hanger. The applicators and the clamp are then retracted allowing the hanger to be removed from the apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating an identification sleeve on a thin, elongate object (35, 67, 113), such as a wire, pipe or ring, is disclosed. A printer (15, 65, 91) prints identification indicia on a strip of ultrasonically weldable heat shrinkable material (13, 63, 93). The strip is cut into flat pieces (13A, 63A, 93A), each of which contain identification indicia in a predetermined location, preferably at the center of the piece. The pieces are wrapped around the elongate object to be identified such that the indicia overlies the object and the longitudinal axis of the indicia lies generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the object. The pieces (13A, 63A, 93A) are wrapped around the object such that the pieces take on a U-shaped configuration. The outwardly extending legs of the U-shaped pieces are ultrasonically welded together adjacent to the object and the excess portion of the legs are cut away. Then the thusly formed sleeve is positioned by sliding it along the object.

Abstract: To apply automatically a label to an object, particularly a food product, of substantially cylindrical irregular shape, the object is introduced into a loop purposely formed in a conveyor belt, with one end of the label interposed between the object and the belt. The object is enveloped almost entirely with the belt inside the loop together with the label, whereupon the conveyor belt is moved causing the rotation of the object and of the label, the ends of which label are overlapped and then glued together.

Abstract: An automatic ply applying apparatus and method for forming an elastic annular body, such as a vehicle tire, by transporting each ply to a former, retaining a portion of the ply adjacent to the leading end of the former, applying the leading end portion of the ply to the peripheral surface of the former and applying the remaining portion of the ply to the peripheral surface of the former during rotation of the former.

Abstract: A pneumatic tool for use on a robotic arm for applying adhesive tape around bundles of wire, cables and the like. Three hollow tubes are disposed in line abreast and extend from a body which includes a chamber with an inlet port to which pneumatic pressure or suction can be applied and two oppositely acting ball valves of which one is in communication with the central tube and the other is in communication with the interior of the outer tubes, which are hollow but which have a respective lateral aperture on the side facing the central tube. On the application of suction, the central tube can hold a length of adhesive tape and the tool can be advanced into contact with the bundle of wires around which the tape is to be applied. On the application of pneumatic pressure, the central tube releases the tape and the pressure applied to the interior of the outer tubes advances them forwardly, against the force of a return spring.