Abstract: A dental retractor comprises an elongated body having a first axis, a second axis and a third axis, each being orthogonal to each other. The first axis extends longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end. The first axis and the second axis define a first plane and a width of the elongated body. The first axis and the third axis define a second plane and a thickness of the elongated body. The elongated body includes a blade extending from the distal end and lying substantially in the first plane; and a wing extending from the blade and lying at an angle relative to the first plane.

Abstract: A system for applying labels, disposed on a web, to articles, comprising web transfer means for moving the web along a web path, said web path having a label transfer portion, a transfer platen, having a transfer surface, said surface being adjacent the label transfer portion, a plurality of label transfer elements, mounted to the platen and adapted to contact the web and to cause a label to transfer from the web to an article, and a plurality of article presentation means, a plurality of which are adapted to present an article to a the web and a transfer element. A system for applying decorative labels to articles, the system including unwind reel, a wind reel, a web, a web path which transfers the web from the unwind reel to the wind reel, a transfer point on the web path at which a label is transferred from the web to the article.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying heat transfer labels, disposed on a web, to containers. In one embodiment, the apparatus is intended for round, non-tapered containers and comprises a continuously rotating turret, a container transport system for continuously delivering containers to and away from the turret and a web transport system for moving a web containing heat-transfer labels into position for label transferring. The turret includes a rotably driven shaft and a plurality of cup assemblies arranged in a circle around the shaft and coupled thereto. Each cup assembly includes a cup used to hold a container, the cup being rotably driven independently of the shaft and in a required direction. A nozzle assembly is associated with each cup assembly and is used to secure a container within its respective cup and, if necessary, to inflate the container to impart sufficient rigidity thereto for labelling. Each cup assembly and its associated nozzle assembly together define a container holding station.

Abstract: Apparatus for converting a heat transfer labeller of the type which transports labels on a carrier web to a heat transfer site, to use as a film pressure sensitive labeller. Devices at and around the label transfer site are removed and replaced with a peel plate and label applicator for pressure transfer of labels. Idler rolls are added to the machine to guide the label carrier web from an unwind reel to the pressure transfer site, and from the transfer site to a take-up reel. A take-up drive is provided to pull and collect the web, providing adequate tension for dispensing film pressure sensitive labels. The take-up drive may comprise a controlled speed take-up motor at the take-up reel, or may comprise a label registration drive which supplements the pulling force provided by the take-up reel. Optionally, a substitute take-up reel with high torque drive may entirely replace the take-up mechanism of the heat transfer labelling machine.

Abstract: A decorator controlled by a signal processor for applying heat transfer labels and the like to articles. Servo circuits accept processor commands and direct operation of label feed and transfer elements. A transfer roller moves in a continuously variable manner to follow the contour of the article surface. A position roller precisely matches web movement to article movement, or enables controlled stretching or shrinking of the labels as they are applied to articles. A turret loads, indexes, and unloads articles for label application at two decorating sites. Indexing of the articles takes place as the turret is rotated.