Abstract: An elastic band sealer for forming a continuous non-overlapping band from a source of material in which the band sealer includes apparatus to extend a length of material from the source, apparatus to cut the material into a strip after it is extended, and apparatus to fuse the strip into a continuous non-overlapping band. The band sealer can also include apparatus to measure the extended length of material such that it may be cut into discrete strips.The apparatus for fusing the strip generally includes a heating head and additional apparatus which rotates the ends of the strip toward one another such that the heating head can fuse the strip into a continuous non-overlapping band.A method of forming a continuous non-overlapping band from a source of material is also considered, which includes extending a length of the material from the source, cutting the material into a strip after it has been extended, and fusing the strip into a continuous non-overlapping band.

Abstract: A marking machine having plural marking heads, the novel heads being separately reciprocable between a retracted storage position and an extended marking position to provide plural print lines on, e.g., a label. The marking heads reciprocate in motion planes angled relative one to another, with at least one of the motion planes being angled at an acute angle to the machine's platen, to permit closer spacing of the print lines one to the other on the label. The marking machine also includes a novel inker mechanism that permits an ink pad to be easily removed from gravity connected relation with its motor for re-inking of the pad apart from the machine. The marking machine further includes a novel print adjustor mechanism for each marking head which selectively cooperates with all print bands on wheels of that head for easy and simple manual repositioning of the bands on wheels as desired.

Abstract: A label machine for forming individual labels from an endless tape strip. The machine includes a novel label removal device which uses compressed air to insure removal of each label to a collection station after it is cut from the endless strip, thereby preventing hang-up of labels at the machine's cutter assembly. The machine also includes a novel tape feed mechanism that provides accurate label length control, thereby preventing waste of tape. These mechanisms are preferably used in combination with a printer head, the novel tape feed and label removal mechanisms cooperating to prevent printing errors between leading and trailing labels cut from the endless tape strip.

Abstract: A label machine for forming individual labels from an endless tape strip. The machine includes a novel label removal device which uses compressed air to insure removal of each label to a collection station after it is cut from the endless strip, thereby preventing hang-up of labels at the machine's cutter assembly. The machine also includes a novel tape feed mechanism that provides accurate label length control, thereby preventing waste of tape. These mechanisms are preferably used in combination with a printer head, the novel tape feed and label removal mechanisms cooperating to prevent printing errors between leading and trailing labels cut from the endless tape strip.

Abstract: A label cut-off machine for removing a label sewn to a workpiece. The machine includes a label chamber sized to received the label through an access slot in one wall of that chamber. The access slot is defined by a reciprocable cutter bar and an anvil, the cutter bar and anvil presenting abutment faces which cooperate with the workpiece to allow positioning of the label's stitch line closely adjacent the cutter bar's cutting edge when the label is inserted into the label chamber. Operation of the cutter bar is controlled by the machine's operator. A vacuum source connected with the label chamber establishes a continuous vacuum in the chamber, the vacuum source cooperating to draw the label initially into the chamber through the access slot and to aid in locating the label stitch line initially adjacent the cutter bar's cutting edge, and the vacuum source also cooperating to remove the label from the label chamber after it has been cut off from the workpiece by the cutter bar.

Abstract: A label machine for forming individual labels from an endless tape strip. The machine includes a novel label removal device which uses compressed air to insure removal of each label to a collection station after it is cut from the endless strip, thereby preventing hang-up of labels at the machine's cutter assembly. The machine also includes a novel tape feed mechanism that provides accurate label length control, thereby preventing waste of tape. These mechanisms are preferably used in combination with a printer head, the novel tape feed and label removal mechanisms cooperating to prevent printing errors between leading and trailing labels cut from the endless tape strip.

Abstract: An improved heat seal machine having a lever linkage that cooperates with an electromagnet clamp to hold down a movable platen in heat sealing relation against a base platen after manual closure of the two platens into sealing relation. A spring operated opener returns the movable platen into home position after the electromagnet clamp is released, the opener cooperating with a dampener device that controls the opening rate of the movable platen.

Abstract: An apparatus of applying labels coated with a thermoactivatable adhesive. The labels are stacked in a magazine, are serially withdrawn by a vacuum picker and deposited on a platform. Each label is transferred from this platform, pressed against a garment, and tacked in place by small area of adhesive on label which is heated during travel. Thereafter, entire label is heated and pressed against garment to effect final bond.