Abstract: A dry ink transfer system is provided which allows for a very thin unsupported image to be transferred to a surface, and in certain cases for two (or more) overlying, separately removable images to be applied to a surface. Although unsupported, the image(s) is (are) able to endure large amounts of friction without image distortion or damage. Because the image(s) is (are) so thin, tactile discernment of the image edges is impossible and friction forces against the image edges are substantially reduced. Although the method of transfer does not require heat, solvents, or high pressure, the adhesion between the images and the surface is very strong. The separately-removable images allow ready display of short-term images with easy reappearance of a more permanent image.

Abstract: A strippable graphic formed by non-strippable ink is provided which allows for easy removing of the graphic by application of certain stripping substances. The method of providing such an graphic includes printing an image comprising non-strippable ink onto an image-receiving substrate, printing a stratum of strippable ink onto the image, applying a first side of an adhesive layer onto the stratum, contacting a second side of the adhesive layer to the surface, and removing the image-receiving substrate to leave the image and stratum bonded to the surface. Application of a non-strippable ink in a strippable form allows for certain high definition images to be applied over, and removed from, sensitive surfaces such as other images without damage to such sensitive surfaces.

Abstract: A label includes an inlay including a conductive material. A sheet is fixed over at least a portion of the inlay, and has a first surface and a second surface. A protective material is fixed to the first surface of the sheet, and an aperture extending through the protective material and sheet is positioned over at least a portion of the conductive material to define a protective cavity. A device is disposed in the protective cavity, and electrically connected to the conductive material, wherein the protective cavity surrounds the device. In another aspect of the present invention, the protective material is expandable from an unexpanded height to an expanded height, and the expanded height is at least 10% greater than the unexpanded height.

Abstract: A laminated label has a first conductive material defining electrical attachment pads; a dielectric material surrounding the attachment pads; a second conductive material deposited on the dielectric material and forming an antenna electrically connected to the attachment pads. A layer of expandable material forms a protective cavity surrounding the attachment pads. An IC chip is received in the protective cavity and connected to the antenna.

Abstract: Tags having a metallic heft and processes for making them are described in which a first resin-based thermal mass transfer printer image is applied to a metallized polymer film, with or without an intervening translucent print receptive layer, and then a second resin-based thermal mass transfer printer image is applied to at least a portion of the first resin-based thernal mass transfer printer image. The first resin-based thermal mass transfer printer image has an opaque first color and the second resin-based thermal mass transfer printer image has an opaque second color, the opaque second color preferably selected to contrast with the first opaque color. These tags are useful as replacements for anodized aluminum asset tags, which are more difficult and expensive to produce and do not lend themselves to printing computer-generated indica such as a series of different bar codes. The disclosed and described tags can be cost-effectively manufactured in small quantities and yet have such variable indica.

Abstract: A laminated label has a first conductive material defining electrical attachment pads; a dielectric material surrounding the attachment pads; a second conductive material deposited on the dielectric material and forming an antenna electrically connected to the attachment pads. A layer of expandable material forms a protective cavity surrounding the attachment pads. An IC chip is received in the protective cavity and connected to the antenna.

Abstract: A label includes an inlay including a conductive material. A sheet is fixed over at least a portion of the inlay, and has a first surface and a second surface. A protective material is fixed to the first surface of the sheet, and an aperture extending through the protective material and sheet is positioned over at least a portion of the conductive material to define a protective cavity. A device is disposed in the protective cavity, and electrically connected to the conductive material, wherein the protective cavity surrounds the device. In another aspect of the present invention, the protective material is expandable from an unexpanded height to an expanded height, and the expanded height is at least 10% greater than the unexpanded height.

Abstract: A laminated label has a first conductive material defining electrical attachment pads; a dielectric material surrounding the attachment pads; a second conductive material deposited on the dielectric material and forming an antenna electrically connected to the attachment pads. A layer of expandable material forms a protective cavity surrounding the attachment pads. An IC chip is received in the protective cavity and connected to the antenna.