Abstract: A linerless labeling system which utilizes a transparent or opaque paper or plastic film substrate. The substrate is provided in web roll form and is printed on one side with an image overcoated with an adhesive. The opposite surface has release characteristics. When applied, the web is fed across an anvil plate. A die engages the anvil plate, cuts the label from the web which label is then transferred to the surface of an item such as a plastic container.

Abstract: An unwind station for supplying web materials from a roll at constant tension to a work station such as a press. The unwind station has a shaft with an arbor for receiving the web roll. A belt extends around a pulley on the shaft and a brake member which is mounted on one end of a pivotal beam. A biasing force is applied to the opposite end of the beam by a cylinder. The brake serves as a "dancer" to maintain constant tension. The arbor is provided with side-lay adjustment to align the web.

Abstract: An alignment and transfer device for transferring selected indicia from a backing sheet to a substrate which includes a slide movable along a track. A protector sheet with a release agent is secured to the track. A grid transfer sheet is attached to the slide and has a low-tack adhesive on its underside. Indicia are temporarily transferred to the underside of the grid sheet by applying manual pressure through the grid transfer sheet as by a burnishing operation. As composition proceeds, the slide is progressively moved to place transferred indicia in registry with the protector sheet to prevent damage or inadvertent adherence of the indicia. Once the composition is completed, the slide and grid sheet are desengaged from the track and moved so that the indicia may be permanently transferred to the substrate at the substrate location.

Abstract: A tape-ribbon supply cartridge for supplying tape and ribbon to a lettering apparatus having a mechanism for creating a lettering force and a mechanism for positioning a character to be lettered into lettering position. The cartridge includes an improved ribbon rewind feature driven by movement of the tape advancement means and positioned in a common plane with the ribbon supply spool.

Abstract: A lettering apparatus adapted for receiving a replaceable tape supply cartridge comprising a pair of spaced apart, parallel frame members defining a cartridge receiving cavity and a print bar pivotally supported between the frame members. The apparatus also includes an improved force resisting arm.

Abstract: A device for laminating a piece of adhesive coated laminating tape onto a section of lettered tape comprising a housing having a first roller rotatably mounted between the side walls of the housing, a second roller rotatably mounted between the side walls of the housing, a supply of adhesive coated tape rotatably mounted within the housing and rearwardly of the first and second rollers, a guide for guiding a section of the lettered tape toward the laminating station and a cut-off edge for severing the adhesive coated tape.

Abstract: An improved printing apparatus and tape-ribbon cartridge for use in a dry lettering printing process. The printing apparatus includes a printing station, a mechanism for generating a printing force at the printing station, a rotatable font element having a plurality of raised characters on its underside, an improved mechanism, in cooperation with the printing cartridge, for advancing the tape and ribbon into printing alignment with the printing station and means for aligning the printing font. The printing cartridge includes a cartridge housing, a supply of tape and ribbon within the cartridge and a reciprocally movable shuttle assembly for advancing the tape and ribbon toward the printing station. The cartridge also includes a mechanism for rewinding used ribbon onto a rewind spool within the cartridge.

Abstract: A dry lettering printing apparatus comprising a printing station, a means for providing a color carrying ribbon and image carrying tape at the printing station, a means for providing a raised character in printing alignment at the printing station, an improved force generating means for exerting a printing force at the printing station and an improved means for advancing the tape and ribbon into printing alignment at the printing station. The improved advancement means includes a cartridge carrier movable reciprocally toward and away from the printing station for advancing the tape into printing alignment.

Abstract: A printing cartridge for supplying tape and ribbon in a printing apparatus in which the tape and ribbon is advanced by reciprocal movement of the cartridge carrier toward and away from the printing station. The printing cartridge includes a cartridge housing, a spool of image carrying tape and a spool of printing ribbon, both rotatably supported within the housing, a guide means for guiding the tape and ribbon from the cartridge toward the printing station and a means for creating a braking action with respect to the tape and the ribbon for resisting free movement thereof from said tape cartridge.