Abstract: A tamper-evident closure (101) for a container neck comprises a first portion (105, 106), a second portion (102, 104) comprising a window (103) through which a view of the first portion is visible, a locking mechanism, and an RFID device (107) associated with the first portion (105, 106). The second portion (102, 104) is rotatable relative to the first portion (105, 106) upon first opening of the tamper-evident closure (101) from a first position in which the first and second portions (105, 106; 102, 104) are in a first relative relation and the RFID device (107) is aligned with the window (103) and is readable, to a second position in which the first and second portions (105, 106; 102, 104) are in a second relative relation and the RFID device (107) is masked by the second portion (102, 104) and is not readable.

Abstract: A security sheet including at least one paper substrate, at least one watermark produced in the paper substrate, the watermark having an exterior outline, at least one aperture of regular edge, produced by ablation of the paper substrate, and at least one security film that is at least partially superposed on the watermark and on the aperture. In the sheet, the at least one aperture lies inside the watermark, such as bounded by its exterior outline.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit to form an adhesive toner pattern in a predetermined bonding range of a sheet, outside a printable range in which an image according to image data is formed, a stacking unit to stack multiple sheets one on top of another, and a sheet binding device that includes a fusing device to fuse and fix the adhesive toner pattern formed on the multiple sheets to bind the multiple sheets together, and a bonding strength setting unit to determine, in accordance with a desired bonding strength, at least one of a number of color toners used for forming the adhesive toner pattern, a bonding manner, a number of pixels of the adhesive toner pattern, a toner area ratio of the adhesive toner pattern, and a layer thickness of the adhesive toner pattern.

Abstract: A sterilization package includes a first package layer and a second package layer coupled to the first package layer with a perimeter seal extending around a portion of the sterilization package to define a pouch having a proximal end and a distal end. A first sterilization indicium is disposed on the second package layer exterior of the pouch and a second sterilization indicium is disposed on the second package layer interior of the pouch. The first and second sterilization indicia are multi-parameter sterilization indicia configured to be responsive to a sterilization process such that the first and second sterilization indicia undergo a visual change to a desired ending color when the package is subjected to complete multi-parameter sterilization conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flat-lying side-gusset bag made of a plastic fabric composite (2) and to a method for the production thereof. The side-gusset bag has opposing front walls (3a, 3b), side gussets (4a, 4b) introduced in between said front walls (3a, 3b), and folding edges (5) between the front walls (3a, 3b) and the side gussets (4a, 4b). Peripheral sections of the plastic fabric composite (2) are connected together in an overlapping region (10) at a longitudinal seam, wherein the plastic fabric composite (2) has a plastic fabric (7) and at least one closed plastic layer. The side gussets (5) extend, in the case of the flat-lying side-gusset bag, in each case over at most ? of the width of the front walls. According to the invention, the overlapping region (10) is arranged off-centre on one of the front walls (3a, 3b) at least partially over one of the side gussets (4a, 4b) or at one of the side gussets (4a, 4b).

Abstract: A method of constructing a package having printed indicia of acceptable quality includes providing at least one layer of foamed thin film and printing the indicia on the printed surface by applying ink to a printer surface and contacting the printed surface with the inked printer surface to coat the printed surface with ink. The layer of foamed thin film comprises a bio-based content of between about 10% and about 100%, a caliper of between 10 and 250 microns, and between 5% to 50% density reduction as compared to a non-foamed thin film of substantially the same caliper and composition, wherein a first surface of the at least one layer of foamed thin film is the printed surface of the package.

Abstract: A flexible pouch having a printed wireless information tag thereon. The flexible pouch has a panel with at least one side seam, at least one inseam and a wireless information tag printed on the panel. The panel can have a foil layer included therewithin and an insulator layer between the panel and the wireless information tag. Also, the wireless information tag is printed with conductive ink.

Abstract: A plastic or other film bag is formed from a continuous extruded tube. The tube is flattened and sealed across its width at intervals to form bag bottoms. The bags are joined to one another at a perforation line and folded in thirds lengthwise prior to being rolled into a compact roll, either with or without supporting core. After folding the bags may be chisel cut through the center of the perforation line to assist in dispensing of the bags. The chisel cut will extend through all layers of the bag when folded, resulting in three chisel cuts in the bag. The bags may be gusseted for part or as much as all of their width. The bags may also be corona treated and printed on their outer surfaces. The bags may be formed from partially recycled materials and various combinations of linear low density, medium and high density polyethylene.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a reclosable flexible film package with a flexible film having a folded edge, at least two opposing free edges, and at least a front panel and a back panel. The front and back panels define an interior space. The flexible film package also may have a score in the flexible film of the front panel forming a flap that defines an opening when the flap is moved upward, toward the folded edge and a label extending uninterrupted from edge to edge of the at least two opposing free edges, the label being attached on the film by pressure sensitive adhesive, and extending beyond the score on the front panel to reseal the package opening defined by the flap.

Abstract: Provided is a method for providing environmentally friendly bags to retailers for providing to consumers.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for bleed control in a packaging layout having a plurality of packaging decoration patterns for making a plurality of packaging boxes. The method includes obtaining bleed lines based on a bleed width from cutting lines of each packaging decoration pattern for each packaging box. The method also includes irradiating light beams toward the packaging layout in four directions substantially perpendicular to each side of the packaging layout to form irradiated bleed line segments. The method further includes calculating a ratio of the projection length of each of irradiated bleed line segments to a respective projection length of a respective bleed line for each packaging decoration pattern in a respective irradiating direction. The method also includes excluding the irradiated bleed line segments for releasing bleed limit if the ratio is less than the threshold, and otherwise releasing bleed limit for the irradiated bleed line facing the four directions.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a new apparatus and process for manufacturing mesh bags using a tube cloth. The apparatus and process involve supplying a continuous tube cloth and at least one band with preprinted labels, propping up the tube cloth with a dynamic guiding assembly, attaching the preprinted labels to the tube cloth using hot melted adhesive or heat sealing methods and manufacturing a product from the tube cloth with the horizontal preprinted labels, and attaching plastic film to the tube mesh cloth. The invention also teaches a dynamic guiding assembly which can be used to punch holes on the tube cloth with heating press and avoid attaching of two opposite sides of the tube cloth.

Abstract: Described herein is a system for controlling advance of a web material having characteristics of extensibility and comprising successive stretches of web for the production of respective articles, such as sanitary articles. In the passage from a delivery assembly to a treatment station functioning cyclically, the web material is subjected to extension. In order to ensure proper alignment of the individual articles with patterns or decorations provided thereon, the web must be fed to the treatment station in phase with the position reached by the treatment station within its operating cycle. A position sensor enables detection, for each stretch of web, of a real position of operation of the treatment station used for feeding the stretch of web itself to the treatment station with the aforesaid given phase relationship.

Abstract: A microwavable food package is disclosed, comprising a packaging sheet including first and second column of apertures, the apertures between 100 microns and 800 microns in diameter; and a central seal, the central seal joining a first edge of the packaging sheet to a second edge of the packaging sheet, the central seal running longitudinally along the length of the food package, wherein the first column of apertures is on one side of the central seal and the second column of apertures is on the other side of the central seal.

Abstract: An item handling system includes a vacuum source, a transport element defining a plurality of vacuum openings in fluid communication with the vacuum source to create a securing force on an item proximate to the transport element for holding the item in contact with the transport element, and a drive element for driving the transport element to transport the item. The transport element further defines a plurality of sensor openings arranged in two substantially parallel arrays along a longitudinal direction of the transport element. The system further includes a sensor associated with each array of sensor openings for sensing energy passing through the sensor openings to thereby sense the item on the transport element. Each sensor is disposed at a common longitudinal position relative to the transport element. Sensing the item corresponds to a condition where the sensor associated with each array is blocked.

Abstract: An envelope design and processes for manufacturing said envelopes is disclosed herein. The disclosed envelopes have an integrated and removable label portion secured within a panel of the envelope by an adhesive liner. The envelopes may be manufactured by die-cutting the label portions in a paper web, applying the adhesive liner to one side of the paper web covering the die-cut label portions, die-cutting an envelope blank from the paper web, and forming a folded envelope from the blank.

Abstract: An envelope for direct mail marketing with an integrated component that may be peeled out to reveal a transparent polyester-like splittable laminate, allowing the recipient to view the contents of the envelope. The removed component may serve as a coupon, label, tag, or other useful component. The removable component may also be affixed to the inner surface of the envelope to be viewable by the recipient.

Abstract: A method of producing pouches which comprise a laminate of at least an outer surface member and a heat-sealable inner surface member, and having a printed layer formed on the outer surfaces thereof, wherein an anchor coating having anti-blocking property is formed on the surface of said outer surface member, said laminate is formed into pouches, and the outer surfaces of said pouches are irradiated with an electron beam or an ultraviolet ray to thereby form a printed layer. The method makes it possible to efficiently produce unprinted pouches from which pouches of various kinds can be produced in small lots, and to print the unprinted pouches in sheet form maintaining good productivity.

Abstract: A system for producing a mailpiece for delivery in accordance with a Value Added (VA) service. The system comprises a computer processor having Value Added Services (VAS) program code adapted to operate in combination with the processor's print driver code. Further, the VAS program code is operative to receive operator input data in connection with a Value Added Service. Additionally, the system includes at least one peripheral device, operating in combination with the VAS program code, for (i) determining charges in connection with the mailpiece based upon the VA service and (ii) printing VAS data/postage indicia on the mailpiece. In one embodiment of the invention, the system includes a VAS database for collecting VAS data and performing various accounting services (e.g., charge-back, financial tracking) or producing a manifest document when using a Manifest Mailing System.

Abstract: A method of printing an IR-absorbing dye onto a substrate whilst minimizing visible coloration of the substrate. The method comprises: (i) preselecting the dye from a metal-cyanine of formula (I): Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 are the same or different and are independently selected from a C3-20 arylene group or a C3-20 heteroarylene group; M is selected from Si(A1)(A2), Ge(A1)(A2), Ga(A1), Al(A1), Mn(A1), Fe(A1), Sn(A1)(A2), Pb(A1)(A2); A1 and A2 may be the same or different and are axial ligands comprising a group for reducing {tilde over (?)}-? interactions between adjacent dye molecules; and (ii) printing the dye onto the substrate.

Abstract: In a method for producing folded printed products a paper web is printed by at least one digital printing machine and the paper web is then processed by a sequence of processing steps, wherein full size sheets or web sections having at least four printed pages for a printed product with a multiple of four printed pages are cut from the paper web. The full size sheets or web sections are then folded to a folded state, respectively. The full size sheets or web sections are collected in the folded state and subsequently stitched. A buffer is formed of the full size sheets or the web sections during the sequence of the processing steps and the full size sheets or the web sections coming from the buffer are individualized to decouple the digital printing machine from at least some of the processing steps.

Abstract: A bag can include walls formed of a material having multiple layers, one of which can be a layer of nonwoven material. A polyolefin layer can be joined to an outer face of the nonwoven layer. One or more films can be joined to an inner face of the nonwoven layer.

Abstract: A method of forming a flexible packaging laminate (30) that has a reclosable opening (20). The method includes forming a two-part laminate that has an outer structure (40) joined in face-to-face relation with an inner structure (60). Score lines (122,142) are formed in both structures (40,60) to enable an opening to be formed through the laminate by lifting an opening portion (e.g., a flap or the.like) of the two structures out of the plane of the laminate. The score line (122) through the outer structure defines a larger opening than the score line (142) through the inner structure, such that a marginal region of the outer structure extends beyond the edge of the opening portion of the inner structure. A pressure-sensitive adhesive (92) is used to re-adhere the marginal region to an underlying surface of the inner structure adjacent the opening through the laminate.

Abstract: An inflatable pneumatic bag is disclosed. An inflatable pneumatic bag includes a pneumatic hole disposed at one end of a pneumatic channel. Air, which is applied to the pneumatic hole, moves along the pneumatic channel, then through air ingress holes covered with inner layers which are removed by the expansion of the outer layers to fill all the air tubes. When the air tube is filled with air, one or more inner layers cover and then close the air ingress hole to overcome reverse air flow. Then, a curve-shaped air passage in the air tube narrows to further prevent air escape. With the inner layer, effectively overcoming reverse air flow, and the air passage, further preventing air escape, the inflatable pneumatic bag filled with air may last for a substantial long period of time.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a web from a plurality of rolls of serrated bags, includes first and second web printer/web feeders, each adapted to advance and print first and second webs from a first and second roll of serrated bags respectively, the first and second web printer/web feeders including a first and second printer, and a first and second set of nip rollers respectively; first and second accumulator guide plates located downstream of the first and second printers; a set of dispensing nip rollers located downstream of the first and second accumulator guide plates; a web accumulation area; a web sensor for sensing an end of the first or second web; a first and second seal sensing device; a dispensing guide plate located downstream of the web sensor; and a bag handling mechanism for advancing a leading bag to a bag loader.

Abstract: A package for the delivery of products of various sizes and shapes to customers, and apparatus and a method of producing the package are disclosed, wherein a sealing and a cutting process is employed to produce a customized shipping package from a first and a second web of material. The package is readily adaptable to be reused by the customer to return the product to the original source.

Abstract: Improved methods of disseminating advertising messages to consumers are provided for. In particular, the subject invention provides for methods for disseminating manufacturer coupons to a target consumer group. The method comprises packaging a product in a pouch container having associated therewith a manufacturer coupon pertaining to products or services other than the packaged product. The packaged product is a single-serve food product. The manufacturer coupon is redeemable by a consumer of the product and a member of a target consumer group. The manufacturer coupon also includes machine readable code associated therewith to facilitate automated processing of the coupon. The packaged product is then packaged in a shipping carton. The shipping carton has a machine readable indicator assigned to the manufacturer coupon. The indicator is read and, in response thereto, the carton with the packaged product is shipped to consumer food service outlets associated with the target consumer group.

Abstract: A plastic motion sickness receptacle is disclosed having a seamless perimeter defined by a tubular member folded at a first closed end, and an open end including means for closing the receptacle after use. The plastic tubular member comprises integrally formed walls that terminate in a base at said closed end with the edges of the walls cooperating to form a fluid-tight relationship. An outer surface of the receptacle includes indicia printed thereon including instructions for using the bag upon the occurrence of motion sickness.

Abstract: This invention relates to packaging apparatus and a method which enables bags of different widths and lengths to be produced so as to enable products of varying sizes to be packaged in those bags.

Abstract: In the production of printed packaging laminate in web form, a method of reducing both waste quantity and stereo cost in connection with lamination, printing and splitting a material web, the material web being split into narrower semi-webs which are provided with a centred printed area and split into two webs of a final width by means of a similarly centred, longitudinal incision.

Abstract: A folder includes a first cutting device for partially cutting a web of material, a former to fold the web of material, so as to form a folded web, a stationary signature opening device located between sides of the passing folded web, and a second cutting device located downstream from the former to cut the folded web into an at least one signature. A related collating device is also provided.

Abstract: A system for providing a shipping label and a packing list on a container is provided which enables rapid and automated sequential application of a packing list and a shipping label to the container. The shipping label is configured complemental to the packing list whereby the packing list may first be adhered directly to the container and then the shipping label may be placed thereover. The shipping label may be applied over the packing list while the container moves continuously down a conveyor. The invention further includes an apparatus for sequentially applying the packing list and then the shipping label, and a method for applying the packing list and shipping label in registry.

Abstract: A method for making weather resistant packaging with high quality graphics on the exterior of packaging material wherein the desired graphics are printed on a thin vinyl sheet with an offset lithographic printing process using solventless, styrene-based, ultraviolet ink on the vinyl substrate. Optionally, a water-based coating can be applied over the cured ink to increase wear resistant attributes of the desired graphics. The vinyl sheet is attached to the packaging material, and an ultraviolet clear coat is placed over the combined vinyl sheet and packaging material. Finally, the combination is cut to form the weather resistant package having the desired graphics.

Abstract: A multiple envelope assembly is made at a common location from a number of different webs of paper using a machine with multiple stations. A first envelope is adhesively secured to a second envelope which has an area at least 10% (preferably at least 20%) greater than the first envelope, and at least one of and preferably both of the outer surfaces of the first and second envelopes have common variable indicia (such as an addressee's name). The common variable indicia is also provided on one or more inserts in each of the first and second envelopes. Addressee indicia is provided on the outer surfaces of at least one of the first and second envelopes. The variable indicia is preferably applied using an ink jet printing assembly, while non-variable multi-color indicia is applied to the envelopes and/or inserts using multi-color flexographic print stations.

Abstract: A novel gift-wrap tissue paper and a method for making thereof are disclosed. The gift-wrap tissue paper has a generally rectangular shape, and is provided with a plurality of continuous, preferably interconnected ornamental figures, such as Christmas trees or the like, imprinted along edges thereof. The gift-wrap tissue paper has a continuous nonlinear outer peripheral edge that substantially coincides with a continuous outer contour line formed by interconnecting outermost edges of the ornamental figures. The method for making the gift-wrap tissue paper includes the steps of imprinting the continuous series of ornamental figures on a plurality of blank sheets forming a decorative border, stacking the imprinted blank sheets, die-cutting the stack of the imprinted blank sheets with a cutting die having a cutting edge complimentary to the continuous outer contour line of the decorative border, and separating the gift-wrap tissue papers.

Abstract: A multi-ply composite container for consumer products is provided having a tubular body ply, a liner ply and a film label ply. The tubular body ply is formed of paperboard material, and the liner ply is adhered to the inner surface of the tubular body ply. The film label ply is adhered to the outer surface of the tubular body ply and is comprised of a polymeric film having inner and outer surfaces and an adhesive on at least a portion of the inner surface of the polymeric film. Graphical matter can be included on at least a portion of the inner surface of the polymeric film under the adhesive. The adhesive is for adhering the label ply to the outer surface of the tubular body ply and can be either a heat seal coating or a cold seal coating.

Abstract: In the manufacture of letter envelopes from a web of material, the web is first imprinted normally and only then divided into so-called cuts or letter envelope blanks cut to size with the help of a rotating punch. In this process, the printed image has to positioned in the correct location within the blank cut to size. In order to accomplish this positioning, a few sample blanks are produced and measured first in a test run of the machine. The deviation of the actual position of the printed image from the target (or nominal) position is determined and a corrective value is accordingly input in the control electronics of the machine drive by the machine operator.

Abstract: An article of manufacture and method for printing, using a non-impact printer, indicia less than ¼″ from an edge of the article of manufacture is disclosed. In one embodiment, the article of manufacture and method enable printing on the article of manufacture in accordance with United States Postal Service specifications. The article of manufacture, e.g., a document such as an envelope or other form, includes an extension portion forming an edge detectable by a page detecting means of a non-impact printer wherein the detectable edge extends past the actual edge of the article so that the non-impact printer is directed to print less than ¼″, and preferably less than ⅛″, from an actual edge of the article of manufacture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing digital graphic images directly onto a web of packaging material. First, an electronically storable and retrievable digital image is generated. Next, the digital image is transferred to a printing site. Finally, the digital image is digitally printed directly onto the web of packaging material at the printing site. The ink can be provided as a UV-reactive ink, in which instance the UV-reactive ink, after the step of printing, can be cured by exposure to UV light. The present invention allows for full color digital graphic images to be printed directly onto the surface of a web of packaging material. The web of packaging material may be a plastic material, a laminated fiberboard material or the like.

Abstract: A cross-laminated synthetic resin fabric mesh material is formed into wicket-top produce bags for use with automatic bag filling equipment. A longitudinally moving sheet of the mesh is folded and formed into a folded, gusseted tubular web. Laterally spaced holes for wicket pin attachment and slots are formed at selected positions along the length of the moving web according to the desired bag height. A wicket-top attachment is then formed on the web near the wicket pin holes. The web is then cut into bag length sleeves, which are thereafter closed at an opposite end to form the bag.

Abstract: A method for making weather resistant packaging with high quality graphics on the exterior of packaging material wherein the desired graphics are printed on a thin vinyl sheet with an offset lithographic printing process using solventless, styrene-based, ultraviolet ink on the vinyl substrate. Optionally, a water-based coating can be applied over the cured ink to increase wear resistant attributes of the desired graphics. The vinyl sheet is attached to the packaging material, and an ultraviolet clear coat is placed over the combined vinyl sheet and packaging material. Finally, the combination is cut to form the weather resistant package having the desired graphics.

Abstract: Anti-falsification paper is provided in which a thread is exposed at window portions provided on the surface of the paper, and which does not produce any cockles even when wound up continuously in a roll and has good appearance in terms of design. This anti-falsification prevention paper is combination paper having at least two paper layers including an outermost layer and an inner layer. Window portions are formed in the outermost layer at intervals in a longitudinal direction of the paper. In the window portions there are formed watermarks of letters or pictures, and a thread inserted between the outermost layer and the other layer is exposed at these window portions. The ratio between the length (X) of the window portions in the longitudinal direction of the paper and the length (Y) in the same direction of non-window portions between the window portions is set at 3:1 to 1:2 to securely prevent the formation of cockles during the winding of paper.

Abstract: A paper product, such as an advertising brochure, a cover or the like, is formed by using the novel method of the present invention. In the present method, a continuous moving web of paper is provided. The web is longitudinally slit at positions offset to one side of a longitudinal axis of the web, preferably a centerline axis, at spaced positions to form a plurality of longitudinal slits which are separated from each other by a continuous portion of the web. Thereafter, adhesive is deposited on the web at a position offset from the longitudinal slit, and preferably along a side margin of the web. A first portion of the web is folded over onto a second portion of the web along a fold line at a position between the longitudinal slit and the adhesive. Next, the first portion is secured to the second portion by the adhesive to form a secured section. The longitudinal slit is thereafter positioned between the secured section and the fold line.

Abstract: A mailing envelope with a plurality of inserts is made by imaging variable color indicia on both faces of a paper substrate and imaging sense marks, and reply indicia, on at least one face of the substrate. The sense marks are used to properly align and slit the substrate web into a web of pre-determined width (removing the sense marks), and then label portions are flexographically printed on the first face of the web with magnetic ink. Adhesive and a release liner (e.g. using transfer tape) are applied to the second face of the web at the label portions and the labels are die cut from the label portions. The web is cut into sheets of predetermined length, each sheet including at least one set of labels, and the sheet is buckle folded to form a folded sheet with a plurality of panels in the sheet, at least one panel having a set of labels.

Abstract: An apparatus for controllably registering two continuously moving layers of material is provided. One of the layers of material has a plurality of reference marks representing a plurality of separate and distinct components, and the other of the continuously moving layers has a respective plurality of different components thereon. The apparatus controls the distance between reference marks to a selected distance, and controllably registers each reference mark to a respective component of the continuously moving second layer. An article is provided in which a graphic is controllably registered within a designated area thereof.

Abstract: Fine paper that is sized with a 2-oxetanone alkaline sizing agent and that does not encounter machine feed problems in high speed converting or reprographic machines, including continuous forms bond paper and adding machine paper, processes for converting the paper into envelopes, continuous forms bond paper and adding machine paper, and paper products of the processes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for binding sheets using a reactivatable printing substance such as toner comprises a printing device for applying printing toner to a binding edge of a sheet. Printing text can be applied simultaneously to the sheet by the printing device. The sheet is transferred through a preheat station to an overlay location where additional sheets having strips of toner adjacent to a binder edge thereof are overlaid, one at a time. As each sheet is overlaid, the toner strip on the preceding sheet is fused to the uppermost sheet or by another from of sealing energy. Such fusing can be accomplished using a heated platen or wheel that bears upon the uppermost sheet. An opposing toner strip can be applied to the lower face of the uppermost sheet so that a pair of opposing toner strips on each of the opposing sheets are fused to each other.

Abstract: A system and method for constructing sealed printed packages and one-piece mailers provides fixedly applying printing toner to predetermined locations upon a first part of a face of a printable sheet. The sheet is then folded so that a second part of the face overlies the first part which includes the locations having the toner thereon. The toner is then sealed so that the first and second parts are joined together. The toner may comprise a heat activated xerographic powdered toner. The second part of the face may include toner at locations that overlap the toner upon the first part and sealing may involve preheating of the toner prior to folding and then applying additional heat and pressure to the toner by means, for example, of rollers subsequent to folding. The sheet may then be cooled.

Abstract: A system and method for constructing sealed printed packages and one-piece mailers provides fixedly applying printing toner to predetermined locations upon a first part of a face of a printable sheet. The sheet is then folded so that a second part of the face overlies the first part which includes the locations having the toner thereon. The toner is then sealed so that the first and second parts are joined together. The toner may comprise a heat activated xerographic powdered toner. The second part of the face may include toner at locations that overlap the toner upon the first part and sealing may involve preheating of the toner prior to folding and then applying additional heat and pressure to the toner by means, for example, of rollers subsequent to folding. The sheet may then be cooled.

Abstract: In a machine including structure for printing an indicia on a sheet at a predetermined printing speed, wherein the machine includes structure for feeding the sheet in a path of travel to the printing structure, apparatus for detecting a malfunction of the machine, the apparatus comprising, structure for controlling the machine, the controlling structure including a microprocessor, structure for sensing the sheet in the path of travel, the sensing structure including a first sensor connected to the microprocessor for providing a first sensing signal thereto in response to sensing the sheet, the sensing structure including a second sensor connected to the microprocessor for providing a second sensing signal thereto in response to sensing the sheet, and the microprocessor programmed for causing the sheet feeding structure to feed the sheet to the sensing structure at a first predetermined sheet feeding speed less than the printing speed, causing the printing structure to commence a printing cycle after a first p