Abstract: Labeling apparatuses for labeling moving items are disclosed having a label release mechanism for releasing labels from a backing, a plate having a support surface with at least one opening through the plate, a fan positioned to create a negative pressure effect at the support surface of the plate, and a free-spinning roller positioned at a downstream end of the support surface for receiving labels that pass along the support surface. The roller has an outer surface portion that includes a nip zone for contacting a moving item application surface to which the label will be applied. A method of applying a label using the disclosed labeling apparatuses is also disclosed and includes utilizing a label support surface and a free-spinning roller, receiving a label, generating a negative pressure effect, supporting the label as it travels to the nip zone, and adhering the label to the moving item.

Abstract: Labeling apparatuses for labeling moving items are disclosed having a label release mechanism for releasing labels from a backing, a plate having a support surface with at least one opening through the plate, a fan positioned to create a negative pressure effect at the support surface of the plate, and a free-spinning roller positioned at a downstream end of the support surface for receiving labels that pass along the support surface. The roller has an outer surface portion that includes a nip zone for contacting a moving item application surface to which the label will be applied. A method of applying a label using the disclosed labeling apparatuses is also disclosed and includes utilizing a label support surface and a free-spinning roller, receiving a label, generating a negative pressure effect, supporting the label as it travels to the nip zone, and adhering the label to the moving item.

Abstract: Telephone conversation isolation and enhancement systems for a caller using a telephone for a telephone call. The systems include a housing comprising an edge that circumferentially bounds an opening. The edge may contact a caller's head to create a substantially circumferentially continuous interface between the edge and the caller's head. The interface may enclose the caller's mouth such that speech sounds produced by the caller may emanate into the housing. The housing may attenuate transmission of the speech sounds to a call neighbor. The systems may include a first communication path configured to enable speech sounds produced by the caller to reach a telephone and a second communication path configured to enable transmission of audio signals from the telephone to at least one of the caller's ears. The second communication path may attenuate transmission of audio signals from the telephone to the call neighbor.