Abstract: A release coating that exhibits superior release properties includes about 70% Goldschmidt RC 711 silicone, about 30% Goldschmidt RC 726 silicone and about 3% of total silicone weight photo initiator. The silicone mixture provides a smooth release and better avoids the deleterious effects of aging such as yellowing and flaking. In addition, the silicone mixture is a soft silicone such that it will not come off in a printer. The invention also includes a method of making a release coating and a method of applying a release coating to a substrate.

Abstract: A modular ink delivery system using ink jet heads effectively supplies ink to a multi-level array of ink jet heads, and ensures that the heads remain in position during printing even if there is vibration of the supporting structures. Delivery is provided by a number of ink containing chambers, at least one for each level and stacked one atop the other. A connection extends from each chamber to at least one ink jet, and ink is automatically supplied to all of the chambers for example by pumping ink to the upper of the chambers, the ink then cascading downwardly from each upper chamber to a lower chamber through standpipe connections between them. The heads are positively held in place by a first circular bar and a second non-circular bar, which bars are operatively engaged by a mounting block for each head for guided movement.

Abstract: A single document page with multiple different variable indicia from a least two discrete sources is produced using a computer control and an imaging system (such as a selective flexographic system with ion deposition or ink jet stations), variable database streams and variable data streams from at least two discrete sources are fed to the same computer control, which is then used to control the imaging system to merge the variable database streams and variable data streams from at least two discrete sources to that they may be imaged on the same document page. Paper is fed to the imaging system, and using the imaging system the same document page is imaged with variable database indicia from the multiple discrete sources. Three, or even more, discrete sources can be utilized, and each discrete source may also have a distinct form structure so that the variable data indicia and variable database indicia are each placed in their own distinct form structure.

Abstract: A placer mechanism for a web of linerless labels for placing individual labels on a product includes a separator that separates the individual labels from the web, a buffer disposed downstream of the separator that receives the individual labels, and a buffer suspension assembly movably supporting the buffer such that the buffer is positionable to deliver the individual labels to the product. The buffer is preferably a rotatable vacuum drum that is capable of accommodating labels of various lengths and widths. In addition, the buffer suspension assembly preferably enables the rotatable vacuum drum to be displaced to meet the product to which the label is to be affixed. A method of placing individual labels is also provided.

Abstract: A placer mechanism for a web of linerless labels for placing individual labels on a product includes a separator that separates the individual labels from the web, a buffer disposed downstream of the separator that receives the individual labels, and a buffer suspension assembly movably supporting the buffer such that the buffer is positionable to deliver the individual labels to the product. The buffer is preferably a rotatable vacuum drum that is capable of accommodating labels of various lengths and widths. In addition, the buffer suspension assembly preferably enables the rotatable vacuum drum to be displaced to meet the product to which the label is to be affixed. A method of placing individual labels is also provided.

Abstract: A thermal printer for printing linerless labels is operated so that the pressure sensitive adhesive of the second face of the labels does not stick to a drive roller which advances and reverses the labels, and cooperates with the thermal print head to effect printing. A cutter is disposed downstream of the print head and drive roll from a linerless label roll takeoff. Between the cutter and the drive roller is an air knife which directs a substantially uniform flow of gas to the peripheral surface of the drive roller to prevent the adhesive of the labels from sticking to the drive roller peripheral surface. Air flow through the air knife is at a pressure of about 20-50 psi (preferably about 30 psi) and the air flow may be provided continuously or only during initiation and continuation of printing and advancing the printer.

Abstract: Linerless labels which have a non-quadrate configuration are formed by printing indicia on a first face of a web of label stock and coating the first face with a pressure sensitive adhesive release material, and coating a second face of the web with a pressure sensitive adhesive. A plurality of non-quadrate configuration labels are die-cut from the web, and the labels are taken up in an assembly form in which the labels are readily releasably connected to each other. The labels may be substantially circular in configuration, and connected together in a shingled configuration, a portion of the adhesive of one label overlapping a portion of the top surface of another label. Alternatively, the labels may be connected together with a matrix material having a plurality of paper ties connecting each label to the matrix material or another label.

Abstract: An intermediate for making repositional or removable adhesive backed labels is provided which facilitate the construction of labels that may be readily dispensed with automatic equipment, and/or readily passed through printers. A first paper layer has permanent adhesive on a first face and the repositional or removable (preferably repositional) adhesive on a second face, the repositional adhesive also in contact with a first face of a liner material, with a second face of a liner material having a silicone coating. The liner material first face has a non-highly calendered texture, uncoated with adhesive release material so that the repositional or removable adhesive adheres well to the liner material first face, although the repositional adhesive has greater affinity for the first paper layer second face than the liner material first face. The intermediate may be placed in a spiral roll configuration, and then used to make a label precursor by bringing a second paper layer (e.g. about 12 lb.

Abstract: A wristband is specifically constructed for use in amusement parks having amusement rides or exhibits on or at which human patrons are likely to have the exteriors of their bodies come into contact with chemically treated water, to facilitate purchase of goods or services. The wristband includes a strip of waterproof paper which is tear resistant but will tear completely if subjected to a force which would jeopardize the safety of the wearer in an amusement park environment. Bar coding (e.g. base thirty-six) indicia is imaged on a first face of the strip, and a protective coating (e.g. clear varnish and a transparent matte laminate) is provided over the bar code indicia protecting it from chemically treated water. Aggressive permanent pressure sensitive adhesive is provided at a slitted first end of the strip for securely attaching the ends together so that if they are detached they are not effectively reattachable, and the detachment is clearly visible to the naked human eye.

Abstract: Paper stock (e.g. about 3 mils thick) is highly calendered to form a paper label substrate having first and second faces, with indicia imaged on the first face, a coating of adhesive release material over the imaged indicia, and a pressure sensitive adhesive on the second face. The release coating may be silicone release coating, and the adhesive permanent acrylic adhesive. The paper stock label substrate desirably has a moisture content of between about 6-8%, the release coat and adhesive sealing the moisture within the paper stock. The pressure sensitive adhesive is applied to a blow molded plastic article while the article has a temperature of above 120° F. The article is cooled so that the label conforms to the surface of the article without visible flaws (such as lifted edges, air bubbles, or puckering).

Abstract: A protected/security document is provided that foils counterfeiting even if a laser photocopy machine (such as a Canon 500 color copier) is utilized. The document has at least three discrete half-tone printed bands disposed on its surface, provided by dots or lines. Each printed band has a different screen density and within each bands the dots or lines comprise a warning word or symbol (e.g. “Void”), or a background. The dots or lines of either the “Void” or background drop out when photocopied, while the dots or lines of the other do not. The dots or lines that do not drop out may be dimensioned so that there are about 24-34 per centimeter, while for those that do drop out there are about 52-64 per centimeter. The bands are typically arranged either linearly or in concentric circles, and interband areas having density gradually transitioning between the densities of adjacent bands are provided.

Abstract: Multi-part business forms having speciality electronically imaged indicia are produced in a low-cost, high speed, low waste, and enhanced flexibility manner. While two part or four or more part forms may be produced, especially advantageous is the production of three part forms, such as airbills. After individual first, second and third parts are produced using conventional presses, the individual webs are separately fed to a collator and while fed to the collator are electronically imaged with speciality indicia, such as the name and address of the sender, airbill number, and—for the third part—a bar code. The webs are then collated on the collator, two business forms wide. A three part airbill produced includes first and second parts of carbonless paper stock having personalized first indicia electronically imaged on them, and a third part of carbonless label stock having the personalized indicia, and including bar code indicia, electronically imaged on it.

Abstract: Linerless labels which have a non-quadrate configuration are formed by printing indicia on a first face of a web of label stock and coating the first face with a pressure sensitive adhesive release material, and coating a second face of the web with a pressure sensitive adhesive. A plurality of non-quadrate configuration labels are die-cut from the web, and the labels are taken up in an assembly form in which the labels are readily releasably connected to each other. The labels may be substantially circular in configuration, and connected together in a shingled configuration, a portion of the adhesive of one label overlapping a portion of the top surface of another label. Alternatively, the labels may be connected together with a matrix material having a plurality of paper ties connecting each label to the matrix material or another label.

Abstract: A business form uses a dual label construction to advantage, particularly in association with express delivery forms. A first sheet of paper has a first face with indicia and a second face with a first pressure sensitive adhesive system. A second sheet, substantially the same size and shape as the first sheet, has a first face, and a second face with a second pressure sensitive adhesive systems. The adhesive systems preferably are alternating strips of pressure sensitive adhesive release material, with small gaps between them, so that when the second faces are placed in face-to-face engagement with each other they will separate, providing adhesive on each of the second faces. The second sheet may be a substantially transparent plastic such as polyester, which may be placed over the first sheet, to protect it, after the first sheet has been adhered to a surface (e.g., a package for express delivery).

Abstract: A record pad is provided having a paper top sheet with top and bottom faces and an underlying record bottom sheet with a transfer medium between them. The top sheet has an upper margin and a pattern (such as a substantially continuous strip) of repositional adhesive is provided on each top sheet bottom face adjacent the upper margin and substantially parallel to the upper margin. This provides a record pad construction which is more user friendly particularly for left handed writers, and makes it simpler to attach a top sheet—once removed from the pad—to another sheet or object. Preferably the top sheet is segmented into three different portions by through cut lines (or perforations or other lines of weakness), and along a securing edge of the top sheet another through cut line is provided, substantially perpendicular to the upper margin. The repositional adhesive strips are spaced from the upper margin or lines of weakness about 1—5 mm (e.g. about 2 mm).

Abstract: A method of printing and assembling carbonless, multi-sheet business forms from a plurality of cut sheets is disclosed which includes the steps of, for each form: a) applying a heat and/or pressure sensitive adhesive strip to a lower surface of a first sheet and an upper surface of a second sheet, the adhesive strips on the first and second sheets being in substantial vertical alignment when the first and second sheets are in overlying relationship; b) providing at least one intermediate sheet, the intermediate sheet having a plurality of apertures therein; c) passing the first, second and intermediate sheet through a non-impact printer; d) collating the first, second and intermediate sheet in overlying relationship so as to provide an individual collated form with the adhesive strips and plurality of apertures in alignment; and e) passing the collated form through a heat and/or pressure sealing device to thereby activate the heat and/or pressure sensitive adhesive strips by mutual contact through the pl

Abstract: Colored or metallic foil is applied to toner printed onto a substrate, such as paper, in a high speed, versatile manner, using a rotating impression cylinder, and a rotating transfer cylinder having circumferentially spaced heated raised portions. The toner, which preferably includes a thermoplastic component, is applied to the paper with any suitable printer, such as a computer controlled MIDAX (ion deposition) print engine. The toner may be heated by an infra red heater just before the paper is fed to the nip between the impression and transfer cylinders. A foil strip having an adhesive layer facing outwardly, a foil layer, and a release coating on a backing, is also fed to the nip, and the backing taken up downstream of the nip. Heat and pressure applied at the nip transfer the adhesive and foil from the foil strip to the tacky toner, producing the desired foil printed paper, which then may be further processed.

Abstract: A silicone release composition having a non-gloss, i.e., matte finished, surface and a linerless label incorporating the silicone release composition. The release composition includes a crosslinked silicone-based polymer having microparticles of a polymeric wax at least partially embedded therein. The polymeric wax may be polytetrafluoroethylene, polypropylene or other polyolefin, or a hydrocarbon-based wax. The microparticles of polymeric wax cause incidental light to scatter upon reflection, giving the release composition surface matte appearance. This makes the release composition particularly useful for linerless labels on which bar coded information will be printed. Also, a method for producing linerless label stock. The method includes mixing an uncured silicone material with microparticles of a polymeric wax. The mixture is coated onto a substrate and exposed to UV radiation to cure or crosslink the silicone around the microparticles of wax.

Abstract: A thermal printer for printing linerless labels is operated so that the pressure sensitive adhesive of the second face of the labels does not stick to a drive roller which advances and reverses the labels, and cooperates with the thermal print head to effect printing. A cutter is disposed downstream of the print head and drive roll from a linerless label roll takeoff. Between the cutter and the drive roller is an air knife which directs a substantially uniform flow of gas to the peripheral surface of the drive roller to prevent the adhesive of the labels from sticking to the drive roller peripheral surface. Air flow through the air knife is at a pressure of about 20-50 psi (preferably about 30 psi) and the air flow may be provided continuously or only during initiation and continuation of printing and advancing the printer.

Abstract: The pressure seal product includes a roll of paper having a pressure-sensitive adhesive applied in a predetermined pattern to one or both faces of the paper web for forming mailers. The paper is rewound onto a roll with a tension and weight such that insufficient pressure is exerted for activating the pressure sensitive adhesive. The roll of paper with the pressure sensitive adhesive applied is fed into a printer for printing information on the paper web. The web is then passed through a cutter and a folder for folding the cut sheets into a mailer. The mailers are passed through a pressure sealer for applying pressure to the areas of the mailer containing the pressure-sensitive adhesive to activate the adhesive and secure the mailer.