Abstract: The present invention is directed to a printable release composition used for pressure sensitive labels and the like. The invention is also directed to an article, such as a label, that comprises a substrate such as paper, optionally a thermal transfer primer coating coated onto the substrate and a release layer coated onto the transfer primer coating or onto the substrate. The printable release composition of the present invention may be used with labels having permanent, repositionable or removable adhesives. The particular composition of the release layer depends on the type of adhesive that is appropriate for the desired end use.

Abstract: A packaging label includes a first portion with permanent pressure sensitive adhesive on its bottom face and a second portion substantially perpendicular to the first portion and having permanent pressure sensitive adhesive on the bottom face remote from the first portion. The second portion typically includes nutritional information and bar coding since the label is typically used with clam shell plastic packages for fruits or other food items. The first portion of the label is adhesively secured to the lid of a clam shell container and after the container is filled with food items, the lid is closed, the second portion of the label is unfolded from a compact position which facilitates stacking and transportation, and the adhesive on the second portion is secured to the bottom of the container, holding the lid closed. The bar coding is preferably on the top face of the second portion opposite the adhesive so that it can be scanned merely by dragging the bottom of the container over a scanner (e.g.

Abstract: A specified and designated, non-primary color print (imaging) is applied to a substrate (paper) by mixing at least first and second differently colored toner particles having substantially uniform physical characteristics, and introducing them in desired proportions into a fluidized bed. The toner powders are uniformly mixed together in the fluidized bed (as by using rotors in addition to applying fluidizing air to the bed), and then a substantially uniform electrostatic charge (e.g. about +6.5-+8 kV D.C., which can be applied by blades on the rotor) is applied to the bed, and then the electrostatically charged mixture of toner particles is applied to the substrate, to image uniform non-primary color symbols on the substrate. The uniform physical characteristics of the powders are size (the vast majority of particles having a size between about 5 microns and about 25 microns), a resistivity of greater than 10.sup.12 ohm-cm, and a flowability between a predefined minimum and maximum.

Abstract: A label assembly is provided allowing the aesthetic packaging of vegetables, other food items, or other products, for point of purchase display in a simple, versatile and effective manner. First and second flexible strips of material (e.g. paper or plastic) have a header formed at one end and are overlapped at the other end to be held together by adhesive. An adhesive pattern of discrete spaced adhesive elements is provided on the inner face of at least one of the strips and engages the container or covering of a product being packaged so that the label assembly does not inadvertently detach from the package. The label assembly is particularly suited for use with a microwavable tray having an open top covered by plastic shrink wrap and containing vegetables (there being no adhesive where the label covers the open top), or for encircling a number of low density polypropylene bags (e.g. containing vegetables) which are held together by the label assembly.

Abstract: Linerless labels are cut or burst from a web by passing the web through infeed and outfeed pairs of rolls with a separator device located therebetween. Each roll pair includes a friction surface for engaging the slick smooth surface of the web and another roll with a silicone elastomeric or plasma-coated surface for engaging substantially without gripping the exposed adhesive side of the linerless label web. In the cutting mode, a rotary blade severs the web against a fixed blade to form the label. The infeed rolls are backed up after each cut to break the adhesive bond between the web and the fixed blade and then reverse to advance the web through the cutting position and into the outfeed rolls for a subsequent cutting operation. The outfeed rolls continue to advance the cut linerless label to a receiving station. In a bursting mode, the web is perforated and a roller breaker bar is disposed between the infeed and outfeed rolls to break the web along the perforations to form the linerless label.

Abstract: Business forms are sealed by pressure with reduced tenting and pillowing. Each form has a strip of pressure sensitive adhesive of a predetermined width. In an automatic continuous, sequential manner, upper and lower rollers operatively biased together by spring pressure activate the pressure sensitive adhesive to affix one part of the form to another. The force applied by the rollers is applied only to the approximate area of the predetermined width of the adhesive, not over the whole form. Conveyor tapes are associated with the rollers to facilitate conveyance of the forms, and a pressure of about 120 lbs. per lineal inch is applied to the pressure sensitive adhesive. A buckle or insert folder can be used to fold the forms, and they are then fed to a first pressure sealing module. A 90.degree. transfer conveyor conveys the forms from the first pressure sealing module to a second module, and from the second module they are removed by a discharge conveyor.

Abstract: A system for the delivery of a substantially uniform mono-layer of toner to an electrostatic latent image in an imaging member (such as a rotating cylinder) insures proper handling of the toner, and utilizes first and second rollers which function as a polarity filter for toner, allowing only particular charged toner to be transferred from a toner reservoir to the imaging member. The twin roller delivery system comprises first and second rollers mounted for rotation about substantially parallel substantially horizontal axes, so that the peripheral surface of the first roller receives the toner from the substantially open top reservoir, and the second roller receives toner from the first roller and transfers it to the imaging member. The first and second rollers are charged to different electrical potentials, e.g. both being positive with the second roller at a potential that is about 400 volts below the first. The rollers are rotated in opposite directions about the axes of rotation.

Abstract: Linerless labels are cut or burst from a web by passing the web through infeed and outfeed pairs of rolls with a separator device located therebetween. Each roll pair includes a friction surface for engaging the slick smooth surface of the web and another roll with a silicone elastomeric or plasma-coated surface for engaging substantially without gripping the exposed adhesive side of the linerless label web. In the cutting mode, a rotary blade severs the web against a fixed blade to form the label. The infeed rolls are backed up after each cut to break the adhesive bond between the web and the fixed blade and then reverse to advance the web through the cutting position and into the outfeed rolls for a subsequent cutting operation. The outfeed rolls continue to advance the cut linerless label to a receiving station. In a bursting mode, the web is perforated and a roller breaker bar is disposed between the infeed and outfeed rolls to break the web along the perforations to form the linerless label.

Abstract: In the manufacture of integrated labels it is desirable to apply pressure sensitive adhesive in a continuous manner, yet it is undesirable for active adhesive to be on one or more edges of the form since active adhesive can interfere with nip rollers upon entering a laser or other non-impact printer, or can otherwise interfere with proper operation of the printer. By using an adhesive--that is de-tackified by direct exposure to a sufficient type and dosage of electromagnetic radiation (such as a hot melt adhesive de-tackified by applying about 3000 mJ/cm.sup.2 total dosage of ultraviolet radiation)--that problem may be avoided. Apparatus for producing integrated labels with the adhesive at one or more edges being de-tackified may include a first conveyor for conveying sheets (either in stacked or single sheet form) in a first direction, and at least one ultraviolet radiation source mounted adjacent a side of the conveyor parallel to the first direction.

Abstract: Pressure sensitive adhesive labels having postal indicia on them are used to produce mailing pieces, and allow production of distinctive mailing pieces at high speeds (e.g. 300-500 feet per minute). The labels have "POSTAGE PAID", an indication of rate such "BULK RATE" or "FIRST CLASS MAIL", and an indication of permit authorization such as "PERMIT NO.". The pressure sensitive adhesive of the label is adhered to an envelope or postcard at an upper right corner of an addressable face of the envelope or postcard. The label may have the same size as (and simulate) a conventional postage stamp, and the indicia may overlie the decorative graphics, with the indicia and the decorative graphics sharply color contrasting. The labels may simulate first class postage metering including a circle indicating the zip code of origin. The labels are typically either tipped on or blown on an envelope web, and a business reply envelope (also with a label having similar "POSTAGE PAID" indicia, etc.

Abstract: Substantially optimum print quality is maintained for an ink jet printer which includes a nozzle plate having a number of orifice openings from which ink droplets for printing are sprayed. It is electronically determined when a particular orifice opening has been inactive for a predetermined period of time, and then an exercise print command is supplied to the orifice causing an ink droplet to dribble out of the orifice, rather than being sprayed out of the orifice, to keep the orifice clear for printing when a print command is supplied to it. The dribbling drops have a smaller size than the sprayed drops, and may be formed by supplying heater elements associated with the openings with pulses of shorter duration than normal. Dribbling ink droplets are automatically removed from the printer cartridge by one or more strands (e.g. continuous filament rayon thread) moving past the nozzle at a speed of between about 1-3 feet per hour while being positively guided.

Abstract: A method and assembly varies the image density of ink from a plurality of ink jet nozzles to provide substantially uniform ink density. Electronically and automatically the electrical power consumption of an ink jet device having an electrical heater is measured (typically by measuring the current draw), and in response to that measurement, if necessary, pulse or voltage supplied to the heater or heaters of each of the ink jet devices is automatically adjusted. More electrical power is supplied if greater image density is required for a particular ink jet device, and less electrical power if lower image density is desired. During typical operation all pulse widths are reset to default settings, the signal received is calibrated, a pattern generator is signalled to provided test data, the present peak electrical current consumed by each nozzle heater is sampled, and the pulse width for each nozzle heater is set based upon the current sample.

Abstract: Variable color configuration (VCC) relates to an automated system which allows for the printing of high-quality, highly-personalized documents in relatively small quantities and in a cost efficient manner, when compared with conventional runs. The system relates to a reliable means by which the correct colored images, as well as variable or selective or static or fixed text can be merged into a single, complete document. The system allows for the insertion of fixed as well as variable data into the layout of the document.

Abstract: A sheet inverter is used in a method of handling documents, preferably to invert the documents, change them from an in-line configuration to a shingled configuration, and then move them in a direction substantially transverse to the original direction of conveyance of the documents. An inverter shaft is rotatable about a generally horizontal axis and has a plurality of sheet supporting elements, such as rods or bars (such as in an exaggerated generally S-shaped configuration) axially spaced from each other along the shaft, with each sheet supporting element comprising first, second and third portions defining first, second and third closed sides for receipt of a document, and an open fourth side by which the document may enter the elements. A support structure connects each of the sheet supporting elements (either together or individually) to the shaft for rotation with the shaft about its axis.

Abstract: In a printer assembly having a rack of ink-jet print cartridges, a backup cartridge is moved into alignment with a cartridge to be cleaned and the backup cartridge substitutes for printing of the cartridge being cleaned until the cleaned cartridge is moved back to its printing position. The backup cartridge is then moved into alignment with another cartridge and prints for that cartridge which is then cleaned. Ink-jet print cartridges must be periodically cleaned to wipe excess ink and particles from the nozzle array on the front face of the cartridge. Cartridges are cleaned by moving them to a cleaning station that wipes clean the front face of the cartridge. To avoid interruption of printing while cartridges are being cleaned, a backup cartridge is moved into alignment and substitute prints for a cartridge to be cleaned.

Abstract: Pressure sensitive adhesive labels having postal indicia on them are used to produce mailing pieces, and allow production of distinctive mailing pieces at high speeds (e.g. 300-500 feet per minute). The labels have "POSTAGE PAID", an indication of rate such "BULK RATE" or "FIRST CLASS MAIL", and an indication of permit authorization such as "PERMIT NO.". The pressure sensitive adhesive of the label is adhered to an envelope or postcard at an upper right corner of an addressable face of the envelope or postcard. The label may have the same size as (and simulate) a conventional postage stamp, and the indicia may overlie the decorative graphics, with the indicia and the decorative graphics sharply color contrasting. The labels may simulate first class postage metering including a circle indicating the zip code of origin. The labels are typically either tipped on or blown on an envelope web, and a business reply envelope (also with a label having similar "POSTAGE PAID" indicia, etc.

Abstract: A method of printing on a release layer of linerless label material including the step of advancing linerless label material and a thermal transfer ribbon coated with ink through a thermal printer. The ribbon is moved over a heated transfer element of the printer. The heated transfer element is located on an edge or on a corner of an edge of the thermal printer. The ribbon is then heated to cause the ink to reach a molten or fluid state. The ink transfers in its molten or fluid state to the release layer of the linerless label material. Certain wax/resin and resin based thermal transfer ribbons and silicone release coatings have been found to be particularly effective for increasing the ink transfer and anchorage during corner edge and true edge printing on linerless label material.

Abstract: A reduced cost, scaled down raster image processor (RIP) provides fast real time imaging without the cost and complexity of prior designs. The scaled down RIP can be tailored to accommodate image generation in a particular printing range to efficiently run print bars at a reduced equipment cost. The scaled down RIP utilized a personality module in conjunction with a scaled down controller to provide limited print information to a print engine. The personality module tailors the system for a particular print engine, such as a Moore.RTM. Independent Cartridge Array (MICA) ink jet printer. The personality module is responsible for requesting and reading raster data to build up the staging RAM. A pair of EEPROMs may be used to control each bar read according to the position and distance from the other. Pixel data is then sent to the service station along with the print bar address.

Abstract: A transfer tape for making an integral label having dual-release liners and a carbonless coating on a face of the first liner. The tape also has a first silicone coating on a second face of the first liner and a pressure-sensitive adhesive on the first silicone coating. The second release liner is also provided with a silicone coating having a different affinity for the adhesive than does the first silicone coating. The transfer tape may be in a roll with the adhesive engaging the second silicone coating. The first silicone coating may be a differential coating and applied at a weight of about 3-10 grams per square meter. The adhesive may be a hot melt or acrylic adhesive. A business form may be constructed of a face stock and a patch of the transfer tape, the transfer tape pressure sensitive adhesive engaging the face stock. The labels may be die cut out of the business form.

Abstract: The folding, and accumulation in configurations simulating a booklet, of flexible sheets (such as paper sheets) is accomplished in a simple, straight-forward, yet effective manner. A movable bar is pivotally mounted at a first end adjacent a cutter from which it receives paper sheets. A plurality of first pulleys having a circumferential periphery with a concave substantially V-shape are mounted by the movable bar and cooperate with a second plurality of pulleys on a stationary V-shaped bar. The second pulleys have convex substantially V-shaped circumferential peripheries with a groove for receipt of a circular cross-section conveyor belt which extends between the sets of pulleys and drives sheets for folding between them. At the discharge end of the folder is a downwardly sloping convex substantially V-shaped accumulator bar which cooperates with a guide (having a concave V-shape) and an automatically movable stop.