Abstract: A system and method for printing and cutting labels comprising a laser printer assembly and a die cutting assembly positioned in a printer housing such that the media is printed and cut before advancing further through the system. A positioning block aligns the optical fibers of multiple laser diodes to direct laser beams to a print head. The print head is positioned such that the print head is tilted to adjust spacing of focal points of the laser beams on the media and thus set print resolution. The system eliminates the need for a filtration system when used with smokeless media. The print head includes a mirror and a focusing lens for steering the laser beams for laser printing and does not include a collimating lens.

Abstract: A system and method for stabilizing a substrate during printing of images and subsequent cutting of the printing images with the system. The system comprises a printer assembly and a cutting assembly for printing images on a print media and then cutting the images from the print media. The printer assembly and cutting assembly are positioned in the system such that the media is printed and cut before advancing further through the system. The system has a web feeding system having a plurality of pairs of levers for providing different amounts of pinch force to the web during the printing and cutting processes so as to retain the media in a substantially flat and stationary position for printing as well as cutting.

Abstract: A system and method for stabilizing a substrate during printing of images and subsequent cutting of the printing images with the system. The system comprises a printer assembly and a cutting assembly for printing images on a print media and then cutting the images from the print media. The printer assembly and cutting assembly are positioned in the system such that the media is printed and cut before advancing further through the system. The system has a web feeding system having a plurality of pairs of levers for providing different amounts of pinch force to the web during the printing and cutting processes so as to retain the media in a substantially flat and stationary position for printing as well as cutting.

Abstract: A printer and corresponding method of printing a selected plurality of horticultural identification tags comprising providing a printing system having a housing comprising a first printer, a second printer, a tag creasing mechanism and a tag separating mechanism where a supply of unprinted tags on a continuous roll and connected along a first side to a subsequent tag are directed to an automatic feed mechanism configured to feed at least a first tag through an inlet in the housing to the first printer and printing a selected image on a first side of the tag. Flipping the tag to expose a reserve, unprinted side and feeding the first tag to a second printer for printing a selected image on a reverse side of the tag and flipping the tag to expose the first printed side and automatically feeding the printed tag to a mechanism configured to crease a selected portion of the tag.

Abstract: A printer and corresponding method of printing a selected plurality of horticultural identification tags comprising providing a printing system having a housing comprising a first printer, a second printer, a tag creasing mechanism and a tag separating mechanism where a supply of unprinted tags on a continuous roll and connected along a first side to a subsequent tag are directed to an automatic feed mechanism configured to feed at least a first tag through an inlet in the housing to the first printer and printing a selected image on a first side of the tag. Flipping the tag to expose a reserve, unprinted side and feeding the first tag to a second printer for printing a selected image on a reverse side of the tag and flipping the tag to expose the first printed side and automatically feeding the printed tag to a mechanism configured to crease a selected portion of the tag.

Abstract: A cartridge for histological specimen slides includes a generally enclosed body and a slide holder. The body is configured for removable insertion into a specimen slide printer, and includes a slide holder receiving opening and a slide feed opening. The slide holder holds a plurality of specimen slides and is configured to be positioned within and removed from the body through the slide holder receiving opening. When loaded in the body the slide holder positions and presents the slides to the slide feed opening in the body. A memory chip for storing information relating to the slides can be mounted to the holder, and is located adjacent an access opening in the body when the holder is positioned in the body.

Abstract: A label finishing station receives a web carrying printed images for labels arranged so there are a plurality of images formed in rows or ranks across the width of the web. The images are also arranged in longitudinal columns along the length of the web. A cutting station carries a plurality of cutter heads to cut out the plurality of labels forming each row or rank simultaneously. The web, with the label peripheries cut out, may be slit longitudinally and formed into finished rolls of labels.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for feeding histology specimen slides from a stack of the slides in a slide printer. The stack of slides includes first, next-to-be removed and second slides having adjacent surfaces. A flow of gas is applied to a location that the adjacent surfaces of the first and second slides meet when removing the first slide from the stack. The flow of gas, which may be a jet or blast of air applied through a nozzle, and which may be applied before and/or during the removal of the slide from the stack, helps un-stick the slides to enhance the feeding action.

Abstract: A reverse transfer printer and method for printing information onto histological specimen containers such as slides and cassettes. One embodiment of the method includes printing an ink specimen information image onto a transfer medium, and transferring the transfer medium with the specimen information image onto a print zone of the specimen container, with the transfer medium covering the ink.

Abstract: A printer for printing information onto articles such as histology specimen slides and cassettes having a print zone. One embodiment of the printer includes an ink receiving structure to receive an ink source such as a print ribbon, a collection receiving structure to receive a collection medium such as paper or polymer web, a printing area including a printhead, a rubber-like laminator, and a control system. The control system is responsive to print data and causes the printhead to transfer a first color and first format image, such as a negative image, away from the ink source and onto the collection medium to form a first color and second format image, such as a positive image, on the ink source, and causes the laminator to transfer the second format image from the ink source to the print zones of the articles.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for feeding histology specimen slides from a stack of the slides in a slide printer. The stack of slides includes first, next-to-be removed and second slides having adjacent surfaces. A flow of gas is applied to a location that the adjacent surfaces of the first and second slides meet when removing the first slide from the stack. The flow of gas, which may be a jet or blast of air applied through a nozzle, and which may be applied before and/or during the removal of the slide from the stack, helps un-stick the slides to enhance the feeding action.

Abstract: A label finishing station receives a web carrying printed images for labels arranged so there are a plurality of images formed in rows or ranks across the width of the web. The images are also arranged in longitudinal columns along the length of the web. A cutting station carries a plurality of cutter heads to cut out the plurality of labels forming each row or rank simultaneously. The web, with the label peripheries cut out, may be slit longitudinally and formed into finished rolls of labels.

Abstract: A reverse transfer printer and method for printing information onto histological specimen containers such as slides and cassettes. One embodiment of the method includes printing an ink specimen information image onto a transfer medium, and transferring the transfer medium with the specimen information image onto a print zone of the specimen container, with the transfer medium covering the ink.

Abstract: A label finishing station receives a web carrying printed images for labels arranged so there are a plurality of images formed in rows or ranks across the width of the web. The images are also arranged in longitudinal columns along the length of the web. A cutting station carries a plurality of cutter heads to cut out the plurality of labels forming each row or rank simultaneously. The web, with the label peripheries cut out, may be slit longitudinally and formed into finished rolls of labels.

Abstract: A cartridge for histological specimen slides includes a generally enclosed body and a slide holder. The body is configured for removable insertion into a specimen slide printer, and includes a slide holder receiving opening and a slide feed opening. The slide holder holds a plurality of specimen slides and is configured to be positioned within and removed from the body through the slide holder receiving opening. When loaded in the body the slide holder positions and presents the slides to the slide feed opening in the body. A memory chip for storing information relating to the slides can be mounted to the holder, and is located adjacent an access opening in the body when the holder is positioned in the body.

Abstract: A color printer for histological specimen containers such as slides and cassettes includes a specimen container receiving structure to receive histological specimen containers having a print zone, an ink receiving structure to receive a multi-colored ink source, a printhead, a drive mechanism to drive specimen containers received by the container receiving structure with respect to the print head, and a control system. The control system is responsive to specimen data representative of histological specimens and controls the drive mechanism and the printhead, including causing the print head to transfer multiple colors of ink from the ink source and print specimen information in color on the print zones of specimen containers. In one embodiment of the invention the specimen data includes color data representative of a color that identifies specimen information, and the control system causes the printhead to print the specimen information in color as a function of the color data.

Abstract: A label finishing station receives a web carrying printed images for labels arranged so there are a plurality of images formed in rows or ranks across the width of the web. The images are also arranged in longitudinal columns along the length of the web. A cutting station carries a plurality of cutter heads to cut out the plurality of labels forming each row or rank simultaneously. The web, with the label peripheries cut out, may be slit longitudinally and formed into finished rolls of labels.

Abstract: A tensioner for controlling tension in a continuous web being wound onto a rewind roller after the web is processed, for example after printing on labels carried on the web. The tensioner receives the web from a processor and has a slack sensor between the processor and the input of the tensioner. The slack sensor indicates when the slack is a selected minimum, and the web is clamped by the tensioner. After a selected time, which is before the slack sensor indicates a maximum slack is present, the motor driving the rewind roller is stopped and the web is unclamped. After unclamping the web, the rewind roll is again driven at a speed to take up more of the web than that which is driven by the processor, to wrap the web around the core until the slack sensor indicates the slack in the web is at a minimum.

Abstract: A handheld spice container for dispensing spices has a generally cubic configuration, with walls defining an interior chamber for holding spices. A cover member is pivotally mounted in a top opening, and is pivotable from a closed position in two different pivoting directions. In a first pivoting direction, the cover has a wall forming a shaker portion to permit shaking material from the interior of the container through shaker openings. In a second position of the cover, a chamber which is formed in the cover permits dispensing a quantity of spice contained in the container. The cover is preferably positioned below an upper level of the top wall to form a recess, and the bottom of the container has a boss that will fit into the recess to permit stable stacking one container on top of the other.

Abstract: A self-contained imaging system includes a first support, a second support, an imaging layer, and a subbing layer. The imaging layer is capable of producing an image that is viewable through said first support and it is positioned intermediate the first and second supports; the first and second supports are sealed together to present an integral unit. The subbing layer is presented between the first support and the imaging layer. The subbing layer promotes adhesion between the supports and imaging layer, and is preferably selected from a surface pretreatment of the first support with a polyester film or placement of a thermo set material, e.g., a polyester-urethane adhesive.