Abstract: A content applicator receives a continuous medium and applies content to segments of the continuous medium. The content applicator includes a sensor array, a controller subsystem, and a print station. The sensor array scans the continuous medium as the continuous medium moves along a medium transport pathway. The controller subsystem receives scan information from the sensor array and uses the scan information to establish and maintain registration between the continuous medium and the print station.

Abstract: A content applicator receives a continuous medium and applies content to segments of the continuous medium. The content applicator includes a sensor array, a controller subsystem, and a print station. The sensor array scans the continuous medium as the continuous medium moves along a medium transport pathway. The controller subsystem receives scan information from the sensor array and uses the scan information to establish and maintain registration between the continuous medium and the print station.

Abstract: A content applicator receives a continuous medium and applies content to segments of the continuous medium. The content applicator includes a sensor array, a controller subsystem, and a print station. The sensor array scans the continuous medium as the continuous medium moves along a medium transport pathway. The controller subsystems receives scan information from the sensor array and uses the scan information to establish and maintain registration between the continuous medium and the print station.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for creating a continuous stream of envelopes. Envelopes are constructed in a manner that uses existing presses and manufacturing equipment to create a stream of envelopes that are connected together. The envelopes are created from the joining of two or more layers of materials and can be shaped into various forms. The stream of envelopes may be printed using existing industrial printers in a continuous process. Subsequently, the stream of envelopes can be separated into individual envelopes.

Abstract: A tire label that is adapted to adhere to the surface of an irregular surface. The inventive tire label uses a label stock made of an openwork fabric that is a mesh, woven or knit. Optionally, a cap can be used on the label. Preferably, the label has an RFID chip.

Abstract: An abrasive cleaning strip is a functional component of a media roll incorporated into the media strip as a header or a trailer. The abrasive cleaning strip is a plastic film coated with 1200 grit aluminum oxide particles. By including the cleaning strip on the media roll, users are provided with automatic print head cleaning. The media can be thermal transfer media, direct thermal media, or linerless thermal media.

Abstract: An automated process for manufacturing smart labels having a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder. The inventive method accurately and reliably inserts RFID transponders into labels onto tags in one pass on a label press equipped with an in-line insertion station. The transponders may be provided In continuous supply reel and singulated as needed to form discrete terms transponders or single transponders may be provided in the hopper. The label is delaminated and the transponders are individually applied directly to the adhesive side of the labels in the machine direction of the moving web. The label liner is then relaminated back onto the label face stock sandwiching the RFID transponder between the liner and the label stock.

Abstract: An automated process for manufacturing smart labels having a radio frequency identification transponder (RFID) transponder. The inventive method accurately and reliably inserts RFID transponders into labels on onto tags 70 in one pass on a label press 100 equipped with an in-line insertion station 120. The transponders may be provided in continuous supply reel and singulated as needed to form discrete terms transponders or single transponders may be provided in the hopper. The label is delaminated and the transponders are individually applied directly to the adhesive side of the labels in the machine direction of the moving web. The label liner is then relaminated back onto the label face stock sandwiching the RFID transponder between the liner and the label stock.

Abstract: A subsurfaced imaged label using a PET thermal transfer ribbon carrier as an overlaminate. A reverse image is printed onto a waste medium. The waste medium and inked reverse image are stripped away. The desired image remains on the PET carrier of the thermal transfer ink ribbon. A pressure sensitive adhesive substrate is laminated onto the carrier on the same side as the ink image. Label stock and another layer of pressure sensitive adhesive is then layered on the ink side of the PET carrier. When the label is applied to a surface the ink image is under the PET carrier and is protected by the PET carrier.

Abstract: A printhead with a built-in antenna. The built-in antennaa allows for close proximity between the media and the antenna, particularly as media passes under the printhead. The RFID antenna embedded in the print head eliminates the potential interference and crosstalk between the smart labels. The built-in antenna at the print station allows for RF writing and printing at the same time. The close proximity of the antenna to the RFID tag also allows for reduced power, which is an advantage in portable devices that often have limited battery life. Having a RFID antenna built in to the print head, also allows for a printer with smaller dimensions. Further, the printer assembly and repairs are quicker because there is no need for an additional patch antenna component.

Abstract: A smart label construction that provides a more uniform profile for improved print performance in a thermal label printer. The preferred label design has a layer of pressure sensitive piece of applied over the inlay and beyond the edges of the inlay to provide a smoother step transition and eliminates printing voids along the inlay edges. An oversized adhesive patch is applied at the insert. The adhesive patch extends beyond the perimeter edges of the inlay masking the thickness transition of the inlay base film. Alternatively, a coat of additional adhesive is applied only on the leading and trailing edges of the transponder. Alternatively, a low viscosity adhesive is applied to the backside of the inlay prior to singulating the inlay and inserting it into the label stock. The low viscosity adhesive flows beyond the perimeter of the transponder and fills voids. Alternativley, transponder may compress into a low viscosity of adhesive on the label substrate.

Abstract: A smart RFID tire label in which the RFID antenna base film is the label face sheet. The antenna pattern, chip and pressure sensitive adhesive are on one side of the base film. This side is applied against the tire surface. The antenna base film acts as the durable label material protecting the antenna and chip from harsh environments associated with tire manufacturing and the wheel/chassis assembly process. The label may be large enough to seal the RFID insert when the label is attached to a tire, thus further protecting the RFID insert from damage.

Abstract: A tire label that is adapted to adhere to the surface of an irregular surface. The inventive tire label uses a label stock made of an openwork fabric that is a mesh, woven or knit. Optionally, a cap can be used on the label. Preferably, the label has an RFID chip.

Abstract: A label applicator with a patch antenna or in the label applicator. The antenna is able to read and/or write to an RFID tag embedded in the label as the label is being applied to an object. The antenna can write the most current information to the RFID tag as the label is being applied. The antenna also can read the RFID tag and identify failed or damaged tags so they can be disguarded.

Abstract: A subsurfaced imaged label using a PET thermal transfer ribbon carrier as an overlaminate. A reverse image is printed onto a waste medium. The waste medium and inked reverse image are stripped away. The desired image remains on the PET carrier of the thermal transfer ink ribbon. A pressure sensitive adhesive substrate is laminated onto the carrier on the same side as the ink image. Label stock and another layer of pressure sensitive adhesive is then layered on the ink side of the PET carrier. When the label is applied to a surface the ink image is under the PET carrier and is protected by the PET carrier.

Abstract: A tire label with an integral barrier layer. The barrier layer is formed of polyester film and is 3 to 15 microns thick. The barrier layer may be for example PET. The label may be formed on printable plastic film stock preferably coated with a thickness of between 0.001 to 0.004 inches of a pressure sensitive rubber based adhesive. The adhesive may be applied in a pattern on the film stock leaving a pull-tab to allow easy removal of the label. When adhered to a tire sidewall the label is oriented with the pull-tab in the tread direction so that the tire mounting and testing procedures do not snare it. Machine-readable data can be printed on the label in a machine-readable 2D data matrix symbology alongside a human readable ascii serial number. The label can also have an integral RFID tag.

Abstract: An abrasive cleaning strip is a functional component of a media roll incorporated into the media strip as a header or a trailer. The abrasive cleaning strip is a plastic film coated with 1200 grit aluminum oxide particles. By including the cleaning strip on the media roll, users are provided with automatic print head cleaning. The media can be thermal transfer media, direct thermal media, or linerless thermal media.

Abstract: A tire label is formed on printable plastic film stock preferably coated with a thickness of between 0.001 to 0.004 inches of a pressure sensitive rubber based adhesive. The adhesive may be applied in a pattern on the film stock leaving a pull-tab to allow easy removal of the label. When adhered to a tire sidewall the label is oriented with the pull-tab in the tread direction so that the tire mounting and testing procedures do not snare it. Machine-readable data is printed on the label in a machine readable 2D data matrix symbology alongside a human readable ascii serial number.