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: 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: Methods of sealing boxes by applying multiple lengths of box sealing tape on box flaps are described. The box may be of the type where the outermost pair of flaps are shortened such that they do not meet each other when the flaps are folded toward each other and for boxes where the outermost pair of flaps do meet each other. A tape source is provided that includes a cylindrical core assembly that has an outer surface about which plural tape lengths are circumferentially wound. The cylindrical core assembly may either comprise a single core or may comprise multiple cores that are attached to each other in a manner so that the multiple cores function in use as a single core. The methods of sealing boxes in accordance with this invention are carried out with box sealing tape used on a box sealing machine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for applying an L-clip of pressure sensitive tape to each of a series of objects driven past the apparatus. The apparatus includes a tape applying device including an application member for applying and a cutting member for severing a piece of pressure sensitive adhesive tape.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for forming a tape handle for a box. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for applying to a box a strip of box sealing tape that has an adhesive side and a back side. A strip of handle tape having an adhesive side and a back side and a strip of deadening material are supplied by the apparatus and combined so that the deadening strip is positioned on the adhesive side of the handle tape to thereby form a handle assembly having first and second adhesive sections and an intermediate masked section. The apparatus then brings the handle assembly and the box sealing tape into engagement to adhere the first and second adhesive sections of the handle assembly to the back side of the box sealing tape, and the box sealing tape is then adhered to the box.

Abstract: A sealable lid assembly and a method of using same to form a tamper evident seal for a container involves a heat shrinkable strip which is preformed on a container lid prior to assembly. The strip includes a first strip of pressure sensitive adhesive tape which is adhered to a lower rim of the container lid, and a second strip of rigid heat shrinkable material adhered to a lower portion of the first strip. The container lid is placed upon a container and heat is then applied to the shrinkable strip, which creates a tamper evident seal between the lid and the container.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for forming a tape handle for a box. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for applying to a box a strip of box sealing tape that has an adhesive side and a back side. A strip of handle tape having an adhesive side and a back side and a strip of deadening materials are supplied by the apparatus and combined so that the deadening strip is positioned on the adhesive side of the handle tape to thereby form a handle assembly having first and second adhesive sections and an intermediate masked section. The apparatus then brings the handle assembly and the box sealing tape into engagement to adhere the first and second adhesive sections of the handle assembly to the back side of the box sealing tape, and the box sealing tape is then adhered to the box.

Abstract: A device that forms a ladder-like tape assembly, applies the assembly to a series of bottles moving along a conveyor with a transverse tape aligned with each bottle, and then severs the side tapes between the bottles and adheres the severed portions thereto to provide flexible bails for the bottles.