Abstract: In some embodiments, a system tracks multiple uses of a physical object having a physical tracking tag with a physical identifier. The system reads the physical tracking tag to determine the physical identifier and assigns different, unique virtual identifiers for different uses of the object. The system may store each virtual identifier with information describing the corresponding use of the object. The system may generate a running cycle count for the object, where the system may use the cycle count to determine when to stop re-using the object. The object may be a refurbishable labware consumable, such as a physically barcoded microplate, where the system assigns virtual identifiers and cycle count to the consumable and cleans the consumable to enable multiple re-uses of the consumable with (i) each use being assigned a unique virtual identifier and (ii) the consumable having the same physical barcode.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a method for imparting a unique identifier to a molded polymeric article. The method includes providing a label comprising indicia having a thickness effective for embossing the polymeric article during molding and a melting point greater than the melting point of the molded polymeric article. The method also includes attaching the label to the article prior to vulcanization. The method further includes vulcanizing the article so that indicia emboss the molded polymeric article by forming indentations in the molded polymeric article.

Abstract: Label application devices and methods of printing and applying labels are described herein. One label application device can comprise a feed component configured to deliver a sheet of label material to a position, a product identification component configured to identify a type of a product that is approaching the position, a printing component configured to print data onto the sheet of label material, the data based on the identified type of product, a stripping component configured to remove a liner portion of the sheet of label material from a label portion of the sheet, and an applicator component configured to apply the label portion to the product.

Abstract: Label application devices and methods of printing and applying labels are described herein. One label application device can comprise a feed component configured to deliver a sheet of label material to a position, a product identification component configured to identify a type of a product that is approaching the position, a printing component configured to print data onto the sheet of label material, the data based on the identified type of product, a stripping component configured to remove a liner portion of the sheet of label material from a label portion of the sheet, and an applicator component configured to apply the label portion to the product.

Abstract: Label application devices and methods of printing and applying labels are described herein. One label application device can comprise a feed component configured to deliver a sheet of label material to a position, a product identification component configured to identify a type of a product that is approaching the position, a printing component configured to print data onto the sheet of label material, the data based on the identified type of product, a stripping component configured to remove a liner portion of the sheet of label material from a label portion of the sheet, and an applicator component configured to apply the label portion to the product.

Abstract: Label application devices and methods of printing and applying labels are described herein. One label application device can comprise a feed component configured to deliver a sheet of label material to a position, a product identification component configured to identify a type of a product that is approaching the position, a printing component configured to print data onto the sheet of label material, the data based on the identified type of product, a stripping component configured to remove a liner portion of the sheet of label material from a label portion of the sheet, and an applicator component configured to apply the label portion to the product.

Abstract: An authentication method includes determining that a unique overt identifier is associated with a product; detecting that a random covert identifier is associated with the product, wherein the covert identifier includes at least one taggant particle, the unique overt identifier is combined with the random covert identifier, and the unique overt identifier is not a function of the random covert identifier; and comparing the unique overt identifier and the random covert identifier respectively to a unique overt number and a random covert number stored in a database.

Abstract: An authentication method includes determining that a unique overt identifier is associated with a product; detecting that a random covert identifier is associated with the product, wherein the covert identifier includes at least one taggant particle, the unique overt identifier is combined with the random covert identifier, and the unique overt identifier is not a function of the random covert identifier; and comparing the unique overt identifier and the random covert identifier respectively to a unique overt number and a random covert number stored in a database.

Abstract: An authentication method includes reading a covert identifier associated with a product, reading an overt identifier associated with the product, and matching a covert identifier with an overt identifier to authenticate the product.

Abstract: An authentication method includes determining that a unique overt identifier is associated with a product; detecting that a random covert identifier is associated with the product, wherein the covert identifier includes at least one taggant particle, the unique overt identifier is combined with the random covert identifier, and the unique overt identifier is not a function of the random covert identifier; and comparing the unique overt identifier and the random covert identifier respectively to a unique overt number and a random covert number stored in a database.

Abstract: A barcode label comprises a carrier surface, such as a reflective surface on a paper sheet, having thereon a barcode in at least three or more different densities, each density having an optimum reading distance different from the others. The label is preferably pressure sensitive. Also, for certain applications, the label is curved to have or otherwise has an upper lip shading the barcode from overhead light.