Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) encoding device can comprise an applicator, an RFID reader with an antenna, and a housing having a receptacle. The receptacle can be configured to receive a vial. The applicator can be configured to apply an RFID tag to the vial. The RFID reader can have at least one antenna. The antenna can be configured to communicate with the RFID tag. The device can be configured to communicate with a host computer.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for creating tabs from regular cut-sheet stock after printing by partially punching out a section of a sheet and folding the punched out section back on itself at the remaining side. The location of the punched out section is such that when folded back, a portion of the punched out section sticks out beyond the border of the original paper size. Tab labels may be printed on the back side of the sheet so that when folded out, the tab label is in the correct orientation, i.e., facing front on the folded out tab. The punch head, which is used to punch out the section of the sheet, may be oriented flexibly and moved outboard or inboard. Tabs may be cut and folded to produce a readable set of tabs along any of the top, bottom, lead or trail edges of a sheet.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an extraction bag sheet including: (1) a step of placing and holding tags on a rotary supporting body at predetermined intervals; (2) threading a string into a continuous pattern on the circumferential surface of the rotary supporting body; (3) bonding the string to the tags; (4) supplying a water-permeable filter sheet onto the tags and the string; (5) bonding the water-permeable filter sheet to the string; and (6) bonding the water-permeable filter sheet to the tags. In the bonding steps of (3), (5), and (6), bonding heads are used which are moved reciprocally and oscillatingly about the center axis of the rotary supporting body and moved vertically relative to the circumferential surface of the rotary supporting body by an oscillation servo motor and a vertical movement servo motor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tabbed divider making apparatus preferably adapted for use with smaller, more individualized jobs in an office or the like. The apparatus preferably includes a paper feeder, a film provider, a knife package for shearing a portion of the paper to create a tab, at least one strut, a pivotable arm, at least one spring, and a cam having an oblong shape. The rotation of the cam preferably causes movement between loaded and unloaded positions of the spring, which causes the knife package to shear the paper. Also disclosed is a removable film cartridge for use with the apparatus. The cartridge preferably includes a housing, a roll of film, one or more rollers, a creasing finger for creasing the film, and two or more opposed extensions for folding the film along the crease. Further disclosed is a method of producing a tabbed divider utilizing the above-mentioned apparatus.

Abstract: A label product in web form has alternating, oppositely indented creases in the liner of the product to produce a fan-folded stack having alternating, reversely folded plies. Each crease is substantially, if not entirely, perforation-free to maximize the strength of the liner at the fold lines. The product is preferably produced on a narrow web press in a creasing station that includes a stack of rolls wherein a first die roll is on the bottom of the stack, a second die roll is on the top of the stack, and a pair of base rolls are located in the middle of the stack between the die rolls. A blade on each die roll cooperates with a cushion on the corresponding base roll to produce a crease during every other rotation of the die roll, each of the base rolls having a smaller circumference than its corresponding die roll.

Abstract: A label assembly that includes a face sheet with at least one label shape defined by one or more tearable lines of separation, a back sheet adjacent to the face sheet, and an adhesive material disposed between the face sheet and the back sheet. The back sheet has a removable panel disposed over the label shape adhesive material and a registration tab aligned with the label shape. The registration tab is raised or raisable above the back sheet to allow an object for labeling to be positioned against the registration tab for proper alignment with the label.

Abstract: An in-store advertising cover for installation onto and covering an upright security fixture includes a pair of front and rear, arcuate panels joined together along side, linear edges to form a lens-shaped cross section when the fixture is covered. A crease extends transversely across the arcuate panels between the side edges. The arcuate panels are foldable about the crease when the fixture is not covered, for example, during shipping, and are unfolded during installation. A lower half of the cover is initially installed on the fixture, followed by an upper half. Advertising material is applied on one or both arcuate panels. The advertising material is visible when viewed off to one side of the respective unfolded arcuate panels.

Abstract: A machine (1) for making filter bags (4) of tetrahedral shape for infusion products comprises a revolving conveyor drum (15) driven by a first drive shaft (16) to feed a web (5) of filter paper along a path (P) on which there are positioned: a station (25) for feeding the filter paper web (5); a station (21) for feeding a succession of tags (6); a station (22) for feeding tie string (7) connecting the filter bags (4) to the respective tags (6); a station (23) for arranging the tie string (7) according to a defined pattern on the path (P); and a plurality of sealers (24) facing the path (P) to attach the tie string (7) and the tags (6) to the filter paper web (5).

Abstract: A machine (1) for making filter bags (4) of tetrahedral shape for infusion products comprises a revolving conveyor drum (15) driven by a first drive shaft (16) to feed a web (5) of filter paper along a path (P) on which there are positioned: a station (25) for feeding the filter paper web (5); a station (21) for feeding a succession of tags (6); a station (22) for feeding tie string (7) connecting the filter bags (4) to the respective tags (6); a station (23) for arranging the tie string (7) according to a defined pattern on the path (P); and a plurality of sealers (24) facing the path (P) to attach the tie string (7) and the tags (6) to the filter paper web (5).

Abstract: A machine (100) that makes filter bags (1) containing a product for infusion in a liquid, comprises the following, arranged in succession: a unit (53) for preparing and feeding the materials used to make the filter bags; and at least: an assembly (54) for metering the infusion product; a forming unit (55); a dividing unit (56) and a unit (57) for cutting the filter bags (1). In the preparing and feeding unit (53) three separate filter bag materials, consisting of a web (17) of filter paper, a continuous thread (31), and a row of tags (6) are gradually brought together, while moving continuously, and first loops (10) are made in the thread (31) and gathered between the tags (6). The filter bags (1) are subsequently formed in the metering assembly (54), in the dividing unit (56) and in the cutting unit (57), which also operate with continuous motion.

Abstract: A card package production system (100) for producing card packages (115) composed of cards (128) attached to carriers (113) has an adhesive label attachment station (358, FIG. 34) with a heating platen (361) having a width for heating at least two labels (148) simultaneously that are passed over the platen (361) and a labeler downstream from the heating platen (361) with a pressing member (372) for pressing the heated adhesive label (128) against a card (128) at an attachment position. The heating platen (361) heats only an intermediate section of the adhesive to activate the adhesive and leaves end portions of the label relatively unheated and unactivated to facilitate subsequent removal of the label (148) from the card (128).

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing and feeding materials used to make a filter bag for infusion products includes a revolving wheel having mechanisms arranged in succession thereon that are used for: forming filter bag pick-up tags and arranging them in order; feeding a continuous thread and forming first loops in the thread at regular intervals; delimiting separate faces on the tags and folding them onto each other so that the loops are held therebetween; joining the faces of each tag to each other; associating a web of filter paper to the edge of the revolving wheel and positioning it above the continuous thread and the tags connected to the thread; pushing a portion of the thread through the filter paper so as to form a second loop extending outward from the wheel.

Abstract: This invention describes a two-wheeled apparatus with rotating translators means and multiple pincers for the packaging tag connected to the terminal free end of a handling thread, whose other free end is fixed to the bag itself.

Abstract: A machine which makes filter bags from flat tubular envelopes for products to be infused includes a thread applying station having a first drum rotating in a defined direction and a plurality of seats to position and pick up of seals, continuous thread and pick-up tabs fed from feed units located downstream of one another relative to the rotation direction of the first drum. The seal and pick-up tab feed units are supplied with continuous webs fed towards relative cutting elements, which cut the webs into individual seals and individual pick-up tabs. Two feed units each include a corresponding transfer element operating between a corresponding cutting element and the first drum and pick up individual seals and pick-up tabs in a first zone at the cutting elements and transfer them to a second zone separated from the first zone by a given angle and at a seat on the drum.

Abstract: A tabber apparatus includes a frame, a friction drive roller rotatably and operatively connected to the frame, and a take-up spool rotatably and operatively connected to the frame and operatively connected to the friction drive roller to allow backing paper which is wrapped about a portion of the friction drive roller to be taken up into the take-up spool. The tabber further includes a slick tab drive roller to provide proper placement of the tab on the media, a tab brake including a roller positionable between a first and second position to rotate a tab reel spindle, and a tab and media sensor operatively connected to a microcontroller to activate and deactivate a tab dispensing motor. Moreover, the tabber apparatus further includes removable upper shafts which are retained by spring-loaded retaining members which fit into grooves on the shafts.

Abstract: A card package production system (100) for producing card packages (115) composed of cards (128) attached to carriers (113) has an adhesive label attachment station (358, FIG. 34) with a heating platen (361) having a width for heating at least two labels (148) simultaneously that are passed over the platen (361) and a labeler downstream from the heating platen (361) with a pressing member (372) for pressing the heated adhesive label (128) against a card (128) at an attachment position. The heating platen (361) heats only an intermediate section of the adhesive to activate the adhesive and leaves end portions of the label relatively unheated and unactivated to facilitate subsequent removal of the label (148) from the card (128).

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a tag and a thread length to a web of filter material with one end of the thread length secured to the tag and the other end being secured to the web adjacent one side edge of the web and the tag being attached to the web adjacent the opposite side edge. The apparatus has a gripper for drawing the tag, with the thread secured thereto, across the web from that one edge to an extended position beyond the opposite side edge before returning the tag to a final extended position over the web. The apparatus also has a mechanism for attaching the tag to the web in the final position, a displacement mechanism for the gripper means that has a first linear guide on which the gripper is slidable, and a second inner guide that is transverse to the first guide and fixedly located in the apparatus.

Abstract: An improved machine (1) for making filter bags (2) containing a product for infusion, with a pick-up tag (3) connected to the top (12) of the filter bag (2) by an intermediate thread (5), comprises a wheel (6) which rotates with a stepping motion about its own axis of rotation (16) and is equipped with grippers (7) which are brought into contact with a series of operating stations, comprising at least one station (9) for folding a tubular semi-finished product (20) containing the product for infusion, and at least one station (15) for knotting the thread (5). The machine (1) has thread (5) feed means (33, 34, 35) which operate on the thread (5) fed between consecutive pairs of the grippers (7) along the edge of the wheel (6) so as to prevent it from sliding backwards. The thread (5) knotting station (15) is equipped with needles (45) which have a first and second eye (51, 52) positioned at different distances from the point.

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: Tab material which is wrapped tightly around an edge of a sheet is adhered flat to both faces of the sheet. The sheet is passed through a printer, and indicia is printed on both sides of a tab material fold line on at least a portion of the tab material on one of the faces. Then, the tab material portion is released from that face, folded onto itself on the fold line, and the end of that portion is re-adhered to that face but closer to the sheet edge. Thereby, the folded tab material portion extends out from the edge and has indicia printed on both sides thereof to define a tab. Pursuant to one embodiment, a series of these tab material portions line that face along the edge, separated from one another by die cut lines. The user can then select the portion to be released from the face, folded onto itself and its end attached to the face to define an outwardly extending tab at the desired place anywhere along the edge.

Abstract: A packet for long articles comprises a first inner wrap around a group of articles and a second outer wrap around the first wrap which, together with the inner frame, envisaged when the packet is of the rigid type with hinged lid, constitute specific packaging components of the packet. The packet is equipped with a length of magnetic strip for data storage which is applied directly to a specified part of at least one of the specific packaging components in a hidden position not visible from the outside of the packet. If the packet has a revenue stamp or an insert, constituting additional components, the length of magnetic strip may be applied to at least one of said additional components, again in a hidden position.

Abstract: A sleeve label is fabricated from a sheet of polymeric material which is folded upon itself along at least three longitudinal fold lines, with the resulting four overlying layers then being joined together along a longitudinal seal line. The two outermost layers are longitudinally slit along the third fold line. The resulting structure forms a closed tube formed by the first two overlying layers, and two overlying separate flaps formed by the two outermost layers. By adding additional fold lines and additional slits, additional separate flaps can be formed to result in a structure in the nature of a multi-paged booklet.

Abstract: Pack with an outer wrapping consisting of transparent or clear packaging material and with a tear-open tape having a gripping end. For the coloured marking of the gripping end of the tear-open tape, there is applied to the latter a strip (15) which is detached from a material tape (17) and which is colour-contrasted relative to the tear-open tape and which thus marks the gripping end. In this case, the strip (15) is gripped by a holding segment (43) of a conveying roller (26) and is supplied to a film web (13) in order to bear on the latter. For the transfer of the strip (15) onto the film web (13), the holding segment (43) is moved in the radial direction, in order to overcome a clearance until it comes to bear on the film web (13).

Abstract: Method of making gusseted plastic bags in either rolls or stack packs, each bag having at least one plastic promotional strip extending along a side edge of the bag and secured adjacent to top and bottom edges. The promotional strip may be disposed either between the folded bag edges forming the gusset or outside of the gusset, and may or may not be perforated.

Abstract: A label (e.g., a revenue stamp) for the application to a closed and filled hinged-lid packet for cigarettes or the like has a first part provided with an elongated weakened portion which is to overlie the abutting sloping edges of one lateral wall of the main section and the corresponding lateral panel of the lid in the closed position of the lid, and a second part overlying portions of the rear wall of the main section and of the rear panel of the lid at opposite sides of the elongated transversely extending hinge which pivotally connects the rear panel to the rear wall. The weakened portion is formed by a perforating, scoring, piercing, material removing or other suitable implement which is adjustably mounted on a support adjacent to an arcuate path for a succession of labels at the periphery of a rotary conveyor. One side of each label is coated with an adhesive subsequent to weakening and preparatory to attachment to a hinged-lid packet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for assembling together tags (6), thread (8) and a web of envelope material for producing tagged packets. The tags are held on spaced seats on the periphery of a rotary carrier (2) and the thread is laid over the carrier and the tags. It is formed into a convoluted shape on the peripheral surface of the carrier between the tags by laterally displaceable holding pins (12) or by being dispensed onto the carrier by a displaceable guide (50). The web is brought against the tags and thread and attached to them maintaining the convoluted pattern of the thread. The assembly of web, thread and tags is suitable for a subsequent form-filling operation to complete the packets.

Abstract: Filter bags containing a substance from which to prepare an infusion are fashioned from tubular blanks of filter paper having an elongated appearance, each one filled with measured and separate quantities of the substance distributed along its length, which are doubled up and made secure, then provided with a label attached by a length of thread. A machine for automating the manufacture of such bags includes a wheel carrying grippers with radial arms, around which the thread is drawn peripherally as the grippers are indexed in turn through a station where the blank is folded double initially, a forming station at which the two joined ends are folded together to effect a closure, a cutting station at which the thread is divided into single lengths, a feed station supplying the labels, and a fastening station at which the length of thread is knotted both to the label and to the closure.

Abstract: Packets containing a flowable material are provided with a draw-string or thread to squeeze the packet contents. The packet envelope is formed from a doubled-over web which gives the packet a folded-over edge and which encloses an intermediate portion of the thread close to the folded-over edge. The end portions of the web extend from the intermediate portion of the thread to extend through the opposite edge of the packet. The external ends of the thread are secured to a tag which is attached to the outer face of the envelope. The thread intermediate portion is retained close to said one edge by heat seal means. Apparatus is also described for producing the packets in a continuous or semi-continuous manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for tag and thread assembly for tagged infusion packets. Spaced tags from a strip of tags and a length of thread are laid over each other on the periphery of a first assembly wheel and the thread is drawn out in loops between successive tags. The spaced tags and looped thread are transferred to a second assembly wheel where they are connected to a web of sheet material that is to form the infusion packets. The web is subsequently formed into a series of compartments in which infusion material is contained. The compartments are severed from the web for forming the individual packets and the thread is simultaneously severed between the packets.

Abstract: A locking device in the shape of a unitary body formed from a bio-degradable material which includes an element with at least one free end formed integral with said body. The severable element is designed to engage and secure a container lock mechanism when the container is in a closed position, whereby the free end of the element is capable of being mechanically or adhesively secured to said unitary body to form a seal, with said device being designed to fracture upon opening of the container lock mechanism thereby providing visible evidence of the lock mechanism being opened.

Abstract: A method of applying a foil indicia on a video cassette including the steps of mounting a video cassette on a conveyor, indexing the video cassette to a stamping position adjacent a first hot foil stamping means and a second hot foil stamping means, applying a foil indicia on a first predetermined surface of the video cassette, applying a second foil indicia on a second predetermined surface of the video cassette, where the first predetermined surface and second predetermined surface are disposed at a substantial angular relation to each other, indexing the video cassette to an exit position, and removing the video cassette from the conveyor. An apparatus for carrying out the method of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for attaching tags (14) provided with closed loops (34), so-called tie-on tags, to the necks of containers (27, 27A).Tags (14) of this type are usually slipped on by hand over the containers (27, 27A) passing by on an assembly line, which requires high numbers of employees.The object of the invention to develop the method in such a way that the tags (14) can be automatically attached to the container necks is solved thereby that the tags (14) provided with loops (34) are aligned and placed in a row in a first procedural step, as well as fastened to at least one support band (16) and, in a second procedural step, a gripper (24) is inserted into each loop (34), each loop (34) is released from the support band (16), the gripper (24) with the loop (34) crosses over the neck of a container (27, 27A), that the loop (34) is released from the gripper (24) and the gripper (24) is moved away from the container (27, 27A).

Abstract: Process for the continuous manufacture of filter paper bags for infusions, each of them being provided with a thread and a tag applied thereto, wherein a portion of the tag surface is adhesive and is exploited to fasten the thread and tag to a filter paper strip employed for making the bag, and a machine for putting the process into effect.

Abstract: An apparatus with a rotary wheel for applying, to a flattened tube of thermally weldable filter paper forming dual-use filter sachets having multiple bags or pouches defined serially by transverse thermal welds in machines for continuously producing the filter sachets, labels spaced relative to the transverse median line of the alternate transverse thermal welds, as well as a longitudinal thread transversely on the labels and thermally weldable stickers or tabs across these alternate transverse therman welds. The rotary wheel had a plurality of equidistantly spaced heads comprising heating elements as well as pickup and infeed elements for the labels, the thread and the tabs, and further a plurality of devices with pincer elements interposed between the heads designed to fold the thread in a loop. Pressure pad elements cooperate in counter-rotation of the heads.

Abstract: A method of producing a succession of self-adhesive labels carried on a backing of release material, which method comprises cutting a laminar material which comprises a web coated on its reverse side with a pressure-sensitive adhesive and having a backing of a release material, the cutting being performed in such a manner that all the layers of the laminar material other than the backing layer are cut and so as to cut a succession of spaced label base portions on the backing; applying an adhesive either across the whole of the upper surface of the web or to an area within each label base portion; removing from the backing waste portions of the web outside the label base portions; applying either a folded sheet and envelope, a multiple-ply label or an envelope containing an article to cover that area of each of the label base portions which has been coated with adhesive.

Abstract: A plant tag (10) is disclosed which includes a tag card (12) and a tie (14). A hole (16) is formed in the tag card (12) near one edge thereof. The tie (14) is then passed through the hole and bent double. The tie portions are ultrasonically welded together near the edge of the tag card (12) to maintain the tie on the tag card.

Abstract: A tag attacher for inserting tag fasteners into articles such as clothing or the like has a very simplified fastener advancing and positioning mechanism consisting entirely of a gear, a stopper adapted to permit unidirectional gear rotation and a one-piece gear advancer. The gear advancer which is operably connected to a main actuating lever of the tag attacher is V-shaped and includes a pin at the base of the V for making a hinged connection to the main lever, a pawl extending from the pin to the gear and a resilient arm which biases the pawl against the gear. The main lever also operates a sliding lever supporting a driving rod adapted for back and forth reciprocating movement. The driving rod pushes a lateral bar of the tag fasteners through a needle of the tag attacher into the article to be tagged.

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 system for automatically handling a label and presenting the label to a hosiery blank mounted upon a line closer machine. A label length is advanced from a label strip supply roll; the projecting label length is clamped by a presentator assembly and then is severed from the remainder of the label strip. The presentator assembly is displaced to position the label at a prescribed location within the confines of a hosiery blank mounted upon the line closer machine. The presentator assembly is displaced to move the label within a hosiery blank past sewing instrumentalities to sew the label to a pair of hosiery blanks as the blanks are seamed together.

Abstract: A token, such as a coin for making change in a cigarette package dispensing machine, is inserted into a "hard pack" or box of the type having a hinged lid by placing the token on the front face of the box, pressing down on the front face to form a slit-like opening under the edge of the lid, and then shoving the token under the lid through the opening. One or more recesses can be formed in a box insert under the lid to accept the token or tokens. An apparatus for accomplishing this is disclosed.

Abstract: A fastener dispensing device including, in the proximity of a guide groove formed in the main body of the device for feeding a fastener assembly loaded in the device, a feeding mechanism which comprises a movable plate driven through the operation of a trigger of the device to reciprocate in a groove formed at a side of the guide groove for the fastener assembly and a feeder element mounted on the movable plate and formed with a claw part engageable with connection necks of fasteners of the fastener assembly and which, upon completion of dispensing a first fastener, brings a second fastener to the prescribed position rear of a hollow needle mounted in a nose portion of the device, without fail irrespective of a change or an irregularity in the pitch of the connection necks of fasteners.

Abstract: A tag attaching device for attaching a price tag or the like to a commodity, which has the construction in which a push rod moving in the axial direction of a hollow needle equipped with a transverse groove and disposed at the front portion of the main body of the device is disposed at the back of the hollow needle and is moved by a lever mechanism so that a transverse bar of a tag pin is pushed into the hollow needle. A buffer is disposed on a grip of the device at such a position where it comes into contact with a member for driving the push rod during operation of the tag attaching device.

Abstract: Apparatus for the application of a suspension thread of natural fibers having a label attached to it to a strip of filter paper in a machine for the automatic production of filter bags of an infusion product operating in conjunction with a label feeding device. The filter paper strip is coated with a thin layer of thermoplastic material on one of its faces and moves in front of the apparatus connected to the machine which is provided with means for feeding a continuous thread to the said apparatus. This apparatus, in turns, is provided with a head or wheel with radial arms which turns intermittently. Also provided are means for the application of equidistant labels to the thread before the turning head or wheel, so that the thread, set in motion by the same head or wheel carrying a label on each of its arms, crosses all operation stations.

Abstract: A method is proposed providing push-through containers with removable stickers making possible a simple and sure affixing of the stickers to the push-through containers. In addition, this method has the further advantage of making possible the simple and easy removal of the sticker from each container unit separated from the push-through container.

Abstract: In a counter stacker for stacking and dividing every predetermined number of printed copies including a counter disposed on a first path of convey along which said copies are successively conveyed partially superimposed one on the other at a constant pitch of superimposing, a first dividing plate disposed on said path and adapted to be inserted between said copies, the above mentioned system has an odd copies dividing and delivering mechanism including a second dividing plate located at the same position with the first dividing plate or at least at a downstream side position of the first dividing plate and a second path only for odd copies and shunting from said first path at said second dividing plate.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing a suspension thread to filter bags made of filter papers intended for infusion products, comprises means for attaching tags at regular intervals to a thread including, an intermittently rotatable member having a plurality of radial arms. Each arm carries means for gripping that thread portion with which a tag happens to be associated. The rotation of the rotatable member causes the thread to be unwound. A thread-cutting and tag-tilting station located downstream of the tag causes the tag to overlap the thread portion located upstream thereof, to form a kind of loop in the thread. Means are further provided for sealing at several points the cut thread portion, and related tag, to a web of filter paper arranged to run over the rotatable member.