Abstract: A multi-ply, expanded content wrap label includes a base ply and an upper ply thereon with adhesive applied to the underside of a trailing end of the base ply to form a splice between the base ply and the upper side of the upper ply when the label is applied to a container.

Abstract: A multi-ply, expanded content wrap label includes a base ply and an upper ply thereon with adhesive applied to the underside of a trailing end of the base ply to form a splice between the base ply and the upper side of the upper ply when the label is applied to a container.

Abstract: A point of purchase display includes a hanger strip with a plurality of sideways hangers suspending products with suspendable packaging. The hanger strip is a single planar sheet with a plurality of slits that form tongue members extending in one lateral direction to a free end that can be pivoted to either the front or back side of the strip. The tongues can take various configurations, for example, having upwardly extending hooked free ends or round-headed free ends. The hangers can also be formed of generally E-shaped slits defining opposing tongue and prong features, preferably designed to capture the necks of hanger hooks on the products. The hanger strip also has a display area devoid of hangers for promotional printing or decals.

Abstract: A flag label for attaching to a product has adhesive faced transparent over-laminate and under-laminate layers on opposite sides of a printed layer. This assembly is releasably mounted on a release liner prior to use. The over-laminate defines an pressure sensitive adhesive backed tab portion demarcated by a tear line of perforations from a body portion of the label, which has pressure sensitive adhesive areas on its rear surface. The tab portion extends from the body portion and a portion of the body portion is unsupported by the product when attached.

Abstract: Variably printed media units from an uninterrupted supply are dispensed from vending machines in association with the dispensing of products or services from the machines. The media units, which can take a variety of forms including coupons, vouchers, tickets, collector cards, game pieces, pull tabs, stickers, and web decoders, promote the sales of products or services from the vending machines or other preferably local sales outlets.

Abstract: A hang tag is disclosed. The hang tag has first and second surfaces, which are preferably planar. A slot is defined between the first and second surfaces. Desirably, the slot extends at least about 0.25 inches in one direction and at least about 1 inch in another direction. Also disclosed is a method and an apparatus for automatically applying a hang tag to an elongated object (e.g., an electrical cord such as a cord set), with a machine that is suitable for applying a securement strap to an object. The method includes providing a hang tag having a slot therein. The hang tag is aligned with the machine so that when the securement strap is ejected from the machine, it passes through the slot, forms a loop around the elongated object, and is tensioned around the object. As such, the securement strap serves to attach the hang tag to the elongated object in a stationary manner.

Abstract: Printed electrochemical cells including both power cells and display cells are arranged in a partially assembled condition to extend shelf life of the cells. The partially assembled condition is also used as a switching mechanism for controlling activation of some of the cells. The active components of the cells include two electrodes and an electrolyte layer that is maintained out of contact with at least one of the electrodes for interrupting an ionically conductive pathway between the electrodes. The electrolyte is preferably an electrolytic adhesive that is protected by a release layer until the cells are needed for service.

Abstract: A succession of prismatic labels are made on an in-line press by laminating an embossed metallic material web to one of a choice of conventional label stock webs. Within the same in-line press operation, various steps of printing and die cutting are performed on the laminated prismatic label stock web to produce the succession of prismatic labels.

Abstract: A hang tag is disclosed. The hang tag has first and second surfaces, which are preferably planar. A slot is defined between the first and second surfaces. Desirably, the slot extends at least about 0.25 inches in one direction and at least about 1 inch in another direction. Also disclosed is a method and an apparatus for automatically applying a hang tag to an elongated object (e.g., an electrical cord such as a cord set), with a machine that is suitable for applying a securement strap to an object. The method includes providing a hang tag having a slot therein. The hang tag is aligned with the machine so that when the securement strap is ejected from the machine, it passes through the slot, forms a loop around the elongated object, and is tensioned around the object. As such, the securement strap serves to attach the hang tag to the elongated object in a stationary manner.

Abstract: Printed electrochemical display cells are arranged in layer form with two electrode layers and an electrolyte layer occupying distinct areas of a substrate. An electrolyte layer overlaps most of one electrode layer but contacts a smaller portion of the other electrode layer, which is made of a thin film. When activated, an electrochemical reaction progressively increases the area occupied by the electrolyte layer and progressively decreases the area occupied by the thin-film electrode layer. The thin-film electrode layer recedes at a boundary in common with the electrolyte layer and provides an irreversible indication of change at a rate governed by the electrochemical reaction.

Abstract: An electrochemical display cell has a layered construction including two electrode layers separated by a dielectric layer. Concentric openings are formed in the dielectric layer and one of the electrode layers exposing a designated portion of the other electrode layer. An electrolyte layer overlaps the one electrode layer and the designated portion of the other electrode layer. When activated, current flow cascades through the openings in the one electrode layer and the dielectric layer to the designated portion of the other electrode layer supporting an electrochemical reaction that erodes the designated portion revealing underlying visual information.

Abstract: The contents of sealed envelopes are accessed using radiation to differentially heat information patterns within the contents and conduction to transfer corresponding thermal patterns to the envelopes' outer surfaces. The radiation is preferably within the wavelengths of microwaves or radio waves for penetrating the envelopes. The information pattern differentially absorbs the radiation by converting the attendant radiant energy into heat by either induction heating or dielectric heating. An infrared camera or other thermally sensitive device converts the thermal patterns conducted to the envelopes' outer surfaces into corresponding electrical patterns for further processing.

Abstract: A method of converting, on a single line printing press, two webs of material into individual rolls of ribbons of dual-layered, peelable-bonded-together lids. Each lid has a peelable, overlying lid formed from one of the webs and an underlying lid formed from the other web where these lids are created by die cutting the two webs while bonded. Also, one of the lids has dispensing holes and the other lids is printed with selected indicia and/or logos. The ribbons are wound in multiple layers around cores for shipment to processors of food particles, such as salt or cheese, to be secured to individual, cup-like containers.

Abstract: Pressure-sensitive adhesive labels are disclosed, as might be particularly useful for application with electrical cord sets. The label is utilized to provide long-term, cautionary information regarding the dangers associated with electrical cord sets. The surface area of the label exceeds the circumference of the cord set, thereby allowing the label to wrap about the circumference of the cord set and adhere to itself, while also securely attaching to the cord set. The label comprises a primary adhesive which features a high shear adhesion property. A paper liner is removed from the primary adhesive prior to application to the cord set. The primary adhesive is provided on a bottom surface of a facestock, which has a high tensile strength and is preferably formed substantially from a vinyl material. Preferably, the facestock is provided with plasticizers and is topcoated. Printing ink displays a cautionary message on the topcoated upper surface of the facestock.

Abstract: A promotional card insert is used in combination with beverage bottle holders and beverage bottles to create a promotional card insert display system. The bottle holder preferably holds two rows of bottles about their mid-sections so that the bottles of one row are in contact with the bottles of the other row. The holder can have an integral handle on its periphery. The insert has text and/or graphics printed on its surfaces, is placed between the bottles from above, and is held in place by the compressive force of the bottles. By virtue of its placement in the pack and the location of the holder, the card is visible between the necks of the bottles, whether in individual packs or stacks of packs. The insert can be a single-panel card or can be made using multiple folded panels. The insert can also include promotional gifts or prizes, such as bumper stickers, static-cling display devices, and posters, either placed inside the insert or formed as part of the card.