Abstract: An apparatus for printing on a continuous web of linerless tape defined by a print side for subsequent application to an article. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a support for a continuous web of linerless tape; an undriven platen roller located downstream of the support; a print head associated with the undriven platen roller, wherein the undriven platen roller directs the continuous web of linerless tape past the print head for printing on the print side thereof; and a driven roller positioned adjacent the platen roller and downstream of the print head for pulling the web of linerless tape from the platen roller.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing on a continuous web of linerless tape defined by a print side for subsequent application to an article. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a support for a continuous web of linerless tape; an undriven platen roller located downstream of the support; a print head associated with the undriven platen roller, wherein the undriven platen roller directs the continuous web of linerless tape past the print head for printing on the print side thereof; and a driven roller positioned adjacent the platen roller and downstream of the print head for pulling the web of linerless tape from the platen roller.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing and applying tape. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides an apparatus that includes a printer for printing on tape, a tape puller that pulls the printed tape out from the printer, and an applicator that applies the printed tape to an object. The present invention also generally relates to methods of printing and applying tape to objects.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing and applying tape and labels. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides an apparatus that includes a printer for printing on tape or labels, a tape puller that pulls the printed tape or printed labels out from the printer, and an applicator that applies the printed tape or printed labels to an object. The present invention also generally relates to methods of printing and applying tape or labels to objects.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing variable information on a tape to form a tape segment, applying the tape segment onto an object, and cutting the tape segment includes a printer for printing information onto the tape segment. A controller controls the printer in response to input to vary the information printed onto the tape. The printed tape segment is transported to a location for application onto the object and is cut. The unwind tension of the tape as the tape is removed from the tape roll is controlled to present the tape to the printer at a substantially uniform speed and to reduce jerkiness of the tape. The information is registered such that it is placed at a predetermined location on different tape segments.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing on a continuous web of linerless tape defined by a print side for subsequent application to an article. The apparatus includes a support, a rotatably driven platen roller, a print head, and a stripping apparatus. The support is configured to maintain a continuous web of linerless tape. The rotatably driven platen roller is located downstream of the support. The print head is associated with the platen roller. More particularly, the platen roller directs the continuous web of linerless tape past the print head for printing on the print side thereof. Finally, the stripping apparatus is positioned adjacent the platen roller and downstream of the print head for directing the web of linerless material from the platen roller. In this regard, the stripping apparatus includes a first roller and a second roller. The first roller is positioned to receive and contact the print side of the linerless tape.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing and applying tape. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides an apparatus that includes a printer for printing on tape, a tape puller that pulls the printed tape out from the printer, and an applicator that applies the printed tape to an object. The present invention also generally relates to methods of printing and applying tape to objects.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing variable information on a tape to form a tape segment, cutting the tape segment to form a tag, and applying the tag onto an object includes a printer for printing information onto the tape segment. A controller controls the printer in response to input to vary the information printed onto the tape. The printed tape segment is transported to a location for application onto the object and is cut.

Abstract: A vacuum-assisted tape applicator includes means for transporting the tape toward the object;, means for applying the tape onto adjacent first and second sides of the object; and means for cutting the tape to form a tag. The means for applying includes means for contacting the tape to the first side of the object with the longitudinal centerline of the tape, substantially perpendicular to the common edge; means for contacting the tape to the second side of the object with the longitudinal centerline of the tape substantially parallel to the direction of object travel; and means for wiping the tape from the longitudinal centerline toward the transverse edges to minimize bubbles under the tape and wrinkles in the tape. The apparatus can include means for holding the tape during application. The length of the leading leg of the tag can be adjusted and the applying force can also be adjusted to reduce crushing the corners of the object.

Abstract: A vacuum-assisted tape applicator includes means for transporting the tape toward the object; means for applying the tape onto adjacent first and second sides of the object; and means for cutting the tape to form a tag. The means for applying includes means for contacting the tape to the first side of the object with the longitudinal centerline of the tape substantially perpendicular to the common edge; means for contacting the tape to the second side of the object with the longitudinal centerline of the tape substantially parallel to the direction of object travel; and means for wiping the tape from the longitudinal centerline toward the transverse edges to minimize bubbles under the tape and wrinkles in the tape. The apparatus can include means for holding the tape during application. The length of the leading leg of the tag can be adjusted and the applying force can also be adjusted to reduce crushing the corners of the object.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing variable information on a tape to form a tape segment, cutting the tape segment to form a tag, and applying the tag onto an object includes a printer for printing information onto the tape segment. A controller controls the printer in response to input to vary the information printed onto the tape. The printed tape segment is transported to a location for application onto the object and is cut. An adhesive tape can have variable information printed on it and can be applied onto an object. The tape includes a backing layer and an adhesive layer on the first side of the backing layer. At least one of the backing layer and the adhesive layer are colored to yield a tape opacity of greater than 60. The tape can have a scan rating of at least C when applied on a black background and an opacity of at least 65.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing on a continuous web of linerless tape defined by a print side for subsequent application to an article. The apparatus includes a support, a rotatably driven platen roller, a print head, and a stripping apparatus. The support is configured to maintain a continuous web of linerless tape. The rotatably driven platen roller is located downstream of the support. The print head is associated with the platen roller. More particularly, the platen roller directs the continuous web of linerless tape past the print head for printing on the print side thereof. Finally, the stripping apparatus is positioned adjacent the platen roller and downstream of the print head for directing the web of linerless material from the platen roller. In this regard, the stripping apparatus includes a first roller and a second roller. The first roller is positioned to receive and contact the print side of the linerless tape.

Abstract: A tape handling system including a tape mount roller, a first accumulator movable between first and second positions, a printer for printing on tape, and a second accumulator movable between first and second positions. Movement of the second accumulator from the first position to the second position causes the printer to begin printing. An apparatus including the tape handling system and a tape applicator.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing variable information on a tape to form a tape segment, applying the tape segment onto an object, and cutting the tape segment includes a printer for printing information onto the tape segment. A controller controls the printer in response to input to vary the information printed onto the tape. The printed tape segment is transported to a location for application onto the object and is cut. The unwind tension of the tape as the tape is removed from the tape roll is controlled to present the tape to the printer at a substantially uniform speed and to reduce jerkiness of the tape. The information is registered such that it is placed at a predetermined location on different tape segments.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing variable information on a tape to form a tape segment, applying the tape segment onto an object, and cutting the tape segment includes a printer for printing information onto the tape segment. A controller controls the printer in response to input to vary the information printed onto the tape. The printed tape segment is transported to a location for application onto the object and is cut. The unwind tension of the tape as the tape is removed from the tape roll is controlled to present the tape to the printer at a substantially uniform speed and to reduce jerkiness of the tape. The information is registered such that it is placed at a predetermined location on different tape segments.

Abstract: A tape applying apparatus adjustable to accommodate various width taping heads. The apparatus includes a base, left and right bed portions separated by a central open portion, and left and right filler plates mounted in the central open portion. The distance between the filler plates can be adjusted to adjust the width of the central open portion and accommodate lower taping heads of different widths. Replaceable front and rear guards are placed on the front and rear of the bed across the ends of both filler plates. The apparatus can also include an upper frame for supporting an upper taping head. The upper frame includes two support members. A rear spacer connecting the two support members, a front support plate, and a top cover can be replaced or adjusted to accommodate an adjustable upper taping head width.

Abstract: A roll supporting hub is adapted for acceptance of a plurality of rolls (one at a time), with each roll having a different predefined core width. The hub includes a hub body with a plurality of core support surfaces spaced circumferentially about a central rotation axis. One or more of those surfaces engage the core of the roll to secure the roll and hub together for coupled rotation. A stop surface on the hub body engages a first radial side of the core, while a radially retractable retainer surface engages a second radial side of the core. The retainer surface is secured to the hub body in one of a plurality of possible predefined axially disposed positions relative to the stop surface, each of which corresponds to one of the predetermined core widths of the roll being supported by the hub. The retainer surface is supported by a spring which is retractable within a slot extending axially between opposed support surfaces on the hub body.

Abstract: A mounting mechanism for mounting a taping head in an upper bridge structure of a tape applying machine includes J-configured slots that are engaged by pin members extending from the taping head. A tape supply roll holder for holding a supply roll of tape for a lower taping head disposed on a carriage of the tape applying machine. The tape supply roll holder holds the roll of tape at a position that is viewable by the operator of the machine. A mechanical stop retains a pneumatically operable bridge structure in a raised position in the tape applying machine when the pneumatic circuit is in non-operable state. An emergency stop switch means is disposed on an upper surface of the bridge structure such that it is accessible from either side of the machine.

Abstract: A continuous tape supply apparatus is provided which includes plural tape sources from which tape can be supplied to the tape applicator machine, a tension control means for providing the tape from the continuous tape supply apparatus at a substantially even tension under an indexing demand, and a splicing mechanism which is simpler in design and operation and which reliably causes a changeover of tape from one source to another. Once one source is depleted, the apparatus automatically switches to the second source, after which, a new supply can be substituted for the depleted supply and the apparatus made ready for the next subsequent changeover.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a machine for closing and sealing an article, such as a box or carton, as it is driven through the machine. Specifically, upper and lower taping heads are provided for applying lengths of tape to the bottoms and tops of the boxes. The upper box flaps are also preferably folded by the machine of the present invention by a folding mechanism including a ski for folding the leading minor flap, a kicker for folding the trailing minor flap, and shaped rods for folding the major side flaps after the minor flaps are folded. In accordance with the present invention, the upper head assembly is advantageously adjustably connected to the machine so that proper leveling of the upper taping head and the folding mechanism can be assured. Moreover, such adjustment can be redone at any time thereafter as needed as affected by working conditions over time.