Abstract: An imaging system. An array of light sources and an array of lenses corresponding to the light sources and having optical axes substantially parallel to one another are provided. The lenses produce collimated output beams. An afocal optical relay having an optical axis substantially parallel to the optical axes of the lenses is also included, the array of lenses being positioned relative to the afocal optical relay so as to form an optical system that produces an image of each collimated output beam on an image plane, each image having a prescribed depth of focus and spot size. The light sources preferably are lasers producing an array of respective laser beams having high intensity and a long waist. A system for writing information on a light-sensitive label includes the imaging system. Methods of imaging and of writing information on a light-sensitive label are also provided.

Abstract: An imaging system. An array of light sources and an array of lenses corresponding to the light sources and having optical axes substantially parallel to one another are provided. The lenses produce collimated output beams. An afocal optical relay having an optical axis substantially parallel to the optical axes of the lenses is also included, the array of lenses being positioned relative to the afocal optical relay so as to form an optical system that produces an image of each collimated output beam on an image plane, each image having a prescribed depth of focus and spot size. The light sources preferably are lasers producing an array of respective laser beams having high intensity and a long waist. A system for writing information on a light-sensitive label includes the imaging system. Methods of imaging and of writing information on a light-sensitive label are also provided.

Abstract: A multi-layer laminate media is provided on which information may be applied in machine or human readable form on a visible front surface by the output of one or more lasers, or other high intensity light source. In a preferred embodiment, the media has three layers including preferably transparent substrate, a thermochromic layer and a light absorbent layer located intermediate the media substrate and the thermochromic layer. The light absorbent layer is adapted to absorb light from the light source and convert the absorbed light into heat. The heat is immediately conducted into selected portions of the thermochromic layer which is in thermal contact with the light absorbent layer, causing portions of the thermochromic layer to change visual appearance such as color to create the desired mark. The media optimally includes obscuration materials to reduce the visibility of the light absorbent layer to the naked eye.

Abstract: A multi-layer laminate media is provided on which information may be applied in machine or human readable form on a visible front surface by the output of one or more lasers, or other high intensity light source. In a preferred embodiment, the media has three layers including preferably transparent substrate, a thermochromic layer and a light absorbent layer located intermediate the media substrate and the thermochromic layer. The light absorbent layer is adapted to absorb light from the light source and convert the absorbed light into heat. The heat is immediately conducted into selected portions of the thermochromic layer which is in thermal contact with the light absorbent layer, causing portions of the thermochromic layer to change visual appearance such as color to create the desired mark. The media optimally includes obscuration materials to reduce the visibility of the light absorbent layer to the naked eye.

Abstract: An imaging system. An array of light sources and an array of lenses corresponding to the light sources and having optical axes substantially parallel to one another are provided. The lenses produce collimated output beams. An afocal optical relay having an optical axis substantially parallel to the optical axes of the lenses is also included, the array of lenses being positioned relative to the afocal optical relay so as to form an optical system that produces an image of each collimated output beam on an image plane, each image having a prescribed depth of focus and spot size. The light sources preferably are lasers producing an array of respective laser beams having high intensity and a long waist. A system for writing information on a light-sensitive label includes the imaging system. Methods of imaging and of writing information on a light-sensitive label are also provided.

Abstract: A multi-layer laminate media is provided on which information may be applied in machine or human readable form on a visible front surface by the output of one or more lasers, or other high intensity light source. In a preferred embodiment, the media has three layers including a substrate, a thermochromic layer and a light absorbent layer such as carbon black located intermediate the media substrate and the thermochromic layer. The light absorbent layer is adapted to absorb light from the light source and convert the absorbed light into heat. The heat is immediately conducted into selected portions of the thermochromic layer which is in thermal contact with the light absorbent layer, causing portions of the thermochromic layer to change visual appearance such as color to create the desired mark. The invention includes a method and apparatus for using the media in conjunction with labeling produce items.

Abstract: A profiled gasket for sealing tunnel segment joints, which is placed in a receiving groove between segments. The gasket is made of a body of rubber or an elastically deformable synthetic material having an external surface coating which improves the physical properties of the gasket. The coating can be a one-part, room temperature curing hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber base coating.

Abstract: A multi-layer laminate media is provided on which information may be applied in machine or human readable form on a visible front surface by the output of one or more lasers, or other high intensity light source. In a preferred embodiment, the media has three layers including a substrate, a thermochromic layer and a light absorbent layer located intermediate the media substrate and the thermochromic layer. The light absorbent layer is adapted to absorb light from the light source and convert the absorbed light into heat. The heat is immediately conducted into selected portions of the thermochromic layer which is in thermal contact with the light absorbent layer, causing portions of the thermochromic layer to change visual appearance such as color to create the desired mark. The media optimally includes obscuration materials to reduce the visibility of the light absorbent layer to the naked eye. The light absorbent layer is preferably a low cost absorber such as carbon black.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for automatically labeling individual produce items. Individual produce items are conveyed towards a rotary bellows or other applicator. A sensor senses at least one variable characteristic, such as size of each of the produce items. The sensed variable is transmitted to a laser coding device and a variable human or machine readable code is printed on an individual label prior to application of that label to the specific item of produce for which the variable characteristic was sensed. The laser coding beam either reacts with a reactive or ablatable film on each label.

Abstract: A dispenser for small objects, such as candy, pills, tablets, and other objects of similar size. The dispenser includes a housing having a bottom, a front wall, a rear wall and two opposing side walls. The housing defines an interior volume and an aperture providing access to the interior volume. A cover is movably attached to the housing and has a closed position for securing objects within the interior volume and at least one opened position for displaying and/or dispensing the objects from the interior volume. Two flanges depend from the cover.

Abstract: A label applied to produce is provided with a novel folded tab-lift allowing the consumer to easily remove the label. The folded tab-lift is twice as thick as the body of the label and has upper and lower surfaces free of adhesive. An apparatus and method are also provided for automatically forming the novel folded tab-lifts on an array of produce labels. A drum rotating about a first axis carries one or more resilient bands that rotate with the drum. One or more elongated label tapes with exposed label heads are drawn over a portion of the drum and, as each label tape approaches the surface of the drum, it contacts a resilient band and the exposed head of each label is partially folded through approximately 90°. Each resilient band thereafter moves against a rotating folding roller which momentarily compresses and deforms the resilient band to fully fold the head portion of each label as the label moves past the folding roller.

Abstract: Ripcord pins secure a parachute pack and, on removal, allow the parachute to be deployed from the pack. Such pins are provided with indicating means that provide an indication, such as a visual indication, that the pin has been bent. This avoids the re-use of straightened pins that may break in use.

Abstract: A dispenser for small objects, such as candy, pills, tablets, and other objects of similar size. The dispenser includes a housing having a bottom, a front wall, a rear wall and two opposing side walls. The housing defines an interior volume and an aperture providing access to the interior volume. A cover is movably attached to the housing and has a closed position for securing objects within the interior volume and at least one opened position for displaying and/or dispensing the objects from the interior volume. Two flanges depend from the cover.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for automatically labeling individual produce items. Individual produce items are conveyed towards a rotary bellows or other applicator. A sensor senses at least one variable characteristic, such as size of each of the produce items. The sensed variable is transmitted to a laser coding device and a variable human or machine readable code is printed on an individual label prior to application of that label to the specific item of produce for which the variable characteristic was sensed. The laser coding beam either reacts with a reactive or ablatable film on each label.

Abstract: A dispenser for small objects, such as candy, pills, tablets, and other objects of similar size. The dispenser includes a housing having a bottom, a front wall, a rear wall and two opposing side walls. The housing defines an interior volume and an aperture providing access to the interior volume. A cover is movably attached to the housing and has a closed position for securing objects within the interior volume and at least one opened position for displaying and/or dispensing the objects from the interior volume. Two flanges depend from the cover.