Abstract: An RFID tag incorporating an arched buffer such that the RFID inlay containing the RFID transponder is held away from the mounting surface. This has the advantage of reducing RF signal degradation caused by the electromagnetic properties of the material.

Abstract: An apparatus for reorienting liner-borne inlays is provided. Such apparatus utilize electronic control devices to precisely move inlays from a first orientation and spacing to a second orientation and spacing. Embodiments of the present invention include a vacuum manifold having an elongated ridge member so that the apparatus are useful in handling thin and flexible inlays and minimize errors in inlay reorientation.

Abstract: A system for validating each of a plurality of radio frequency identification tags disposed on a web in close proximity to one another to ensure proper functioning thereof includes a narrow angle radio frequency identification tag reading station which reads a designation of each radio frequency identification tag individually in order to generate a first list of tag designations read thereby and a wide angle radio frequency identification tag reading station which reads designations of a plurality of radio frequency identification tags simultaneously from a long range in order to generate a second list of tag designations read thereby. The system also includes a processor which compares the first list of tag designations with the second list of tag designations and evaluates the functionality of the plurality of radio frequency identification tags based at least in part upon the comparison.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification tag reading/writing station is adapted to be used with a radio frequency identification tag reader/writer in order to read/write radio frequency identification tags on a continuous web of carrier material. The radio frequency identification tag reading/writing station includes a first waveguide to coax adaptor, a second waveguide to coax adapter, and a window assembly having a window therein, the window being sized and shaped such that a tag on the web of carrier material under test is exposed to radio frequency read/write energy, but such that tags on the web of carrier material adjacent to the tag under test are shielded from the radio frequency read/write energy. The first waveguide to coax adapter and the second waveguide to coax adapter are disposed end-to-end with the window assembly being disposed therebetween.

Abstract: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags are adhered to the underside of sheet labels, to form assemblies which can be applied to articles. Pressure sensitive adhesive labels are removed from a liner which then runs on a loop, back to nip rollers, where the labels are re-attached to the liner. The labels are re-attached at a downstream point on the liner, in combination with tags, to form the assemblies. The assemblies on the moving assembly web are read by optical and radio frequency systems; and, defective assemblies are removed by a diverter which strips the selected defective assembly from the web and carries it away on a defect liner. RFID tags are adhered to linerless label web at spaced apart locations, to form assemblies which can be cut from the web at the point of application.

Abstract: A distribution unit is formed from a plurality of postage items, each of the postage items having a tracking number printed thereon. The distribution unit includes a machine readable tracking identifier indicative of the tracking number printed on the postage items which form the distribution unit. A machine reader is provided for reading the machine readable tracking identifier as the distribution unit is distributed and for determining the tracking number therefrom. A computer system receives the tracking number from the machine reader and stores in a memory the tracking number along with a time and date the distribution unit was distributed.

Abstract: A coil of stamps is formed from a plurality of self-adhesive stamps detachably connected to each other end-to-end to form a continuous strip. Because the stamps include a primer layer, it is practicable to wind the strip about itself in spiral-like fashion. The strip also includes a portion adjacent to the inner end of the strip having a piece of liner material disposed thereon, and a portion having no liner material thereon, whereby the portion having no liner material thereon allows the strip to be wound directly onto itself. Preferably, the strip of stamps also includes a portion adjacent to the outer end of the strip having a piece of liner material disposed thereon in order to facilitate removal of the first stamp or group of stamps from the strip.

Abstract: A system for creating a coil of stamps from a web of stamp material having an adhesive applied to a side thereof is provided. The system includes an anvil and a perforation die cooperating therewith with the web passing therebetween in order to perforate the web. The web is passed between the anvil and the die with the adhesive side thereof facing the anvil. The anvil is chilled so as to inhibit the adhesive from adhering thereto as the web is perforated. The anvil may be chilled from an outer surface thereof, or may be hollow and chilled from an inner surface thereof. In the former case, the system preferably includes a trough holding a chilling material through which at least a portion of the outer surface of the anvil is passed. Where the anvil is chilled from an inner surface thereof, a cooling fluid is preferably passed therethrough.

Abstract: A system for creating a coil of stamps from a web of stamps is provided. The system includes a security strip feeder which feeds a security strip having first and second sections. A first activator activates only the first section, and an applicator applies the security strip to contact the web of stamps. Thus, the activated first section adheres to the web of stamps, while the second section does not. A cutter cuts the web of stamps into a strip of stamps in a position such that at least a portion of the second section extends beyond the strip of stamps, and a second activator activates the portion of the second section extending beyond the strip. A coiler coils the strip into a coil such that the activated portion of the second section contacts and adheres onto an inner spire of the coil or back onto itself.

Abstract: An integrated and computer controlled printing press, inspection rewinder and die cutter system for manufacturing printed products from a web of material is provided, which generally comprises at least one rotary die cutter, a plurality of cameras, a plurality of networked computers electrically connected to the cameras for inspecting the print registers and the print to cut register of each product, and at least one monitor connected to the networked computers. The system uses an identification code for each product to precisely detect, track and record in a permanent format the defective and non-defective printed products at every stage of the manufacturing process and can also automatically adjust the die cutters to correct the cut to print registration in real time.