Abstract: A system for providing end-users with, and with the ability to produce, customized, individually variable plastic tags for use in livestock management operations. The present system eliminates the need for factory production of customized ear tags (with the inherently required order lead time), reduces the likelihood of waste through over-ordering and the inconvenience of shortages, and provides near infinite flexibility in selecting the indicia which will appear on any given ear tag or batch of ear tags. The present method will provide end-users with greater flexibility, more useful end products, all at potential cost savings through resulting efficiencies.

Abstract: A pallet labeler station for applying a printed label to a loaded pallet at a predetermined label position includes a label printer for printing a label to be affixed to the loaded pallet, a rotatable label applicator mechanism for applying the printed label to the loaded pallet at the predetermined label position and a drive mechanism for moving the label applicator mechanism so as to apply the printed label to the loaded pallet at the predetermined label position. The pallet label station includes a programmable control that receives data defining the predetermined label position and causes the drive mechanism to move the label applicator mechanism to the proper position so as to apply the printed label to the loaded pallet at the predetermined label position defined by the label position data.

Abstract: A compliant marking tool for attachment to a fiber placement machine that is capable of marking detail locations on a work piece positioned on the fiber placement machine. The marking tool has a flexible member that is configured and adapted to bow and twist in response to the marking tool contacting the work piece. A holder is pivotably connected to the flexible member. A marking member is positioned in the holder and is capable of moving within the holder. The flexing of the flexible member along with the pivoting of the holder and the movement of the marking member allow the marking tool to follow the contours of the work piece and mark detail locations without damaging or at least minimizing the potential of damaging the work piece.

Abstract: A UV curing module for use with a label printer. UV curing lamps/radiation emitters are located to cover the label media path. The UV curing module may be integrated into the label printer or similar devices including a label applicator or a label rewinder.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for heat-activating a thermosensitive adhesive label. The thermosensitive label includes a support and a thermosensitive adhesive agent layer provided thereon which is not adhesive at room temperature, but becomes adhesive with application of heat. The apparatus according to the present invention includes a heating medium and a platen roller arranged opposite to the heating medium. The thermosensitive adhesive label is transported between the heating medium and the platen roller in a direction where the thermosensitive adhesive agent layer is faced with the heating medium. When a friction coefficient between the thermosensitive adhesive agent layers is less than 2.0, a pressing force of the thermosensitive adhesive label between the heating medium and the platen roller is in a range of from 50 to 5,000 g/25 mm at room temperature.

Abstract: A page binding device for binding pages 11 from a printer. The device having a support tray 18 for receiving and stacking printed pages 11 to form a bound document, and an adhesive applicator 16 for applying a two part adhesive to the printed pages. The two part adhesive has a first part and a second part, wherein the first part and the second part must contact eachother to form an adhesive bond. The adhesive applicator 16 applies the first part of the adhesive to one side of the printed pages and the second part to the opposite side of the page 11. The printed pages 11 are stacked in the support tray 18 such that the first part of the adhesive on one page 11 contacts the second part of the adhesive on the adjacent page in the adjacent page in the stack.

Abstract: A page binding device for binding pages 11 from an inkjet printhead assembly 13. The device has an adhesive applicator 16 for applying adhesive to printed pages 11. The adhesive applicator 16 is adapted to eject adhesive onto the pages 11 as they are fed to the support tray. A page conveyor 12 for sequentially feeding pages 11 from the printhead assembly 13 to the support tray via the adhesive applicator 16. An air flow generator for generating an air flow 14 that prevents the pages 11 from contacting the adhesive applicator 16. Using an air cushion and a non-contact adhesive applicator avoids the paper buckling problems associated with contact adhesive applicators.

Abstract: In order to adhesively bind a set of sheets of book blocks, booklets and the like, the inner book (6) is inserted in a clamping device (7-11) with the back facing downward and received by a holding device that can be moved horizontally and perpendicularly in relation to the plane of the block. The adhesive is applied onto the backs of the blocks from the bottom by a press on device by means of an adhesive pad (17). The adhesive pad is impinged upon by the press on device in such a manner that the back of the book forms a set of sheets on one side and then on the other side by exerting pressure while adhesive is imultaneously applied on the back of the book forming the set of sheets (FIG. 1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a notepad and to a process for manufacturing a notepad comprising providing a paper supply; sequentially feeding single pages from said paper supply to a printing and cutting station; printing on images on pad region of each single page; making at least one irregular cut at the edge of the pad region whilst leaving at least one straight edge of the pad region uncut; collating the printed and cut pages in a stack of desired quantity; cutting the collated stack along the at least one uncut straight edge of each pad region; and gluing the collated stack along the resulting cut straight edge.

Abstract: Solvent based poly(urethane/urea) resins suitable for formulating flexographic and gravure laminating printing ink and coating compositions formed from a poly(urethane) prepolymer solution made from a blend of polymeric diols and diols reacted with diisocyanates and then with diamine in an organic solvent. The resin is prepared by adding the poly(urethane) prepolymer solution at a controlled rate to the diamine in a organic solvent which allows a resin solution to be formed, which may be used in the formulation of laminating printing ink and coating compositions without the need for adjuvants, grinding in polyvinyl butyral or blending with nitrocellulose base.

Abstract: It comprises a printer and a laminator operating in line with said printer, and feeding means arranged along the media path between said printer and said laminator for feeding to said laminator the media that is outputted from said printer, said feeding means comprising means to cause media advance by friction and means for generating an air stream, arranged facing each other such that said means for generating an air stream urge the media against said advance means and the latter drive the media by friction. The feeding means may be embodied by belts and fans.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an image receiving layer (3) which alliveates or substantially dissolves at least one problem selected from a low quality of the image such as glossiness and sharpness, a low preservative property of the image such as heat resistance, and a high running cost. Moreover, an object of the present invention is to provide a thermal transfer recording image receiver (1) having such image receiving layer (3). To achieve the objects, the present invention provides a image receiving layer (3) for a thermal transfer recording image receiver (1) having a substrate (2) and the image receiving layer (3) characterized in that the image receiving layer (3) is formed from a composition comprising an acrylic polyol resin and other thermoplastic resin. Further, the present invention provides such thermal transfer recording receiver (1) having the image receiving layer as well as a thermal transfer recording method using the receiver.

Abstract: A pallet labeler station for applying a printed label to a loaded pallet at a predetermined label position includes a label printer for printing a label to be affixed to the loaded pallet, a label applicator mechanism for applying the printed label to the loaded pallet at the predetermined label position and a rack and pinion drive mechanism for moving the label applicator mechanism so as to apply the printed label to the loaded pallet at the predetermined label position. The pallet label station includes a programmable control that receives data defining the predetermined label position and causes the rack and pinion drive mechanism to move the label applicator mechanism to the proper position so as to apply the printed label to the loaded pallet at the predetermined label position defined by the label position data.

Abstract: A labeling head includes a printing unit and an applicator foot assembly for printing and applying labels onto a layup of material. The printing unit is integral to the labeling head and prints each label prior to applying the label to the layup. The applicator foot assembly transfers the printed label onto the layup. The labeling head of the present invention can be used either with a cutter, a spreader or as a standalone unit. The labeling head of the present invention prints and prepares labels while the cutter head cuts the part. Once the part is cut, the labeling head applies the prepared label onto the cut part. The labeling head also includes a layup height sensor allowing the labels to be applied to layup having varying heights.

Abstract: The present invention falls into the category of devices designed to print decoration onto objects in general and in particular onto containers. A non-stick film (1), onto which is deposited an image (5) produced using solid thermoplastic colours, moves between a pressing element (4) and an object (6). The action of a heat generator (7) causes the colour to change from a powdery state to a semi-liquid plastic state.

Abstract: The invention provides a labeling machine comprising a structure, a labeling head capable of pivoting relative to the structure about a pivot axis, the labeling head being fitted with gripper means for gripping a label holding it in a plane that is substantially normal to the pivot axis of the labeling head, and placing means carried by the labeling head and adapted to take the label held by the gripper means and place it on an article to be labeled that is present on the labeling machine. According to the invention, the gripper means hold a label in such a manner that a corner thereof coincides substantially with the point of intersection of the pivot axis and the plane of the label.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing and applying tape. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides an apparatus that includes a printer for printing on tape, a tape puller that pulls the printed tape out from the printer, and an applicator that applies the printed tape to an object. The present invention also generally relates to methods of printing and applying tape to objects.

Abstract: The invention relates to a binder assembly 605 for binding separate pages into a bound document including a support chassis 686, a sprung, moulded binding platen 687, a moulded angled platen 689 and an exit hatch 690 having a support bracket 691. The moulded angled platen 689 sequentially receives and aligns each page with a predetermined position while platen 687 sequentially binds a page to the previous aligned page after an adhesive has been applied from a glue wheel assembly 673.

Abstract: There is disclosed a hand-held labeler which is easy to load, clean and service. The labeler has a gear driven print head wherein the print head is situated on an upper housing section and the print head is actuated from a lower housing section. The upper housing section can be moved to an open position without interfering with the maintenance of the drive connection with the print head or the advance of a label carrying web through the labeler. An inker enables an ink roller to be easily inserted and removed without ink from the ink roller being transferred to the user's hands. An impression control device has only a small number of parts and is easy to assemble.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing a pattern member at high productivity and low cost. In the method of the present invention, inks of plural colors are applied on a substrate and dried to produce several kinds of single color films having color ink layers of plural colors formed on the surface, then, the single color film of R color is overlapped on the substrate, and the overlapped substrate and single color film are pressed by a pressing member having a convex portion of given pattern formed on the surface, to transfer parts corresponding to the pattern of the convex portion of the color ink layer to the substrate. The above-described operation is repeated at frequency corresponding to plural colors to form a multi-color pattern composed of color ink layers of plural colors of given pattern on the substrate.

Abstract: A method for making a thin film device or pyroelectric sensor is provided. A film layer of thin film functional material is grown on a large diameter growth substrate. One or more protective layers may be deposited on the surface of the growth substrate before the thin film functional material is deposited. Hydrogen is implanted to a selected depth within the growth substrate or within a protective layer to form a hydrogen ion layer. The growth substrate and associated layers are bonded to a second substrate. The layers are split along the hydrogen ion implant and the portion of the growth substrate and associated layers that are on the side of the ion layer away from the second substrate are removed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a digital printer for printing on separate pages of media, the printer including: a support frame; a printhead mounted on the support frame; and, a page binding means for binding the pages of the printed media.

Abstract: The invention provides a labeling machine comprising a structure, a labeling head capable of pivoting relative to the structure about a pivot axis, the labeling head being fitted with gripper means for gripping a label holding it in a plane that is substantially normal to the pivot axis of the labeling head, and placing means carried by the labeling head and adapted to take the label held by the gripper means and place it on an article to be labeled that is present on the labeling machine. According to the invention, the labeling head carries a printer having active print means and means for driving the label through the printer, and the gripper means is situated immediately downstream from the active print means and wherein the active print means are adapted to receive a strip supporting adhesive labels coming from a roll, the labeling head having deflector members to impart a twisted trajectory to the support strip between the roll and the active print means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for binding documents by individually binding each media sheet to previously bound media sheets using imaging material as the binding material.

Abstract: A tape printer comprising a tape receiving portion for receiving a supply of tape on which an image is to be printed; printing means for printing an image on said tape; cutting means for cutting at least partially said tape; and a cutter operation arrangement for manually operating said cutting means, said cutter operation arrangement comprising a first operating portion and a second operating portion, at least one of said first and second operating portions being movable toward the other, said operating portions being such that in use a user contacts both of said portions in order to move the at least one moveable portion towards the other.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for producing a transparent film or a transparent layer with a surface structure at least on one side and, on the other side, in register with said surface structure, a structural or 2-dimensional pattern, operate with at least two rotating rollers and layer application between them and curing of a structural layer. By means of a third rotating application roller, a further layer can be applied in register to the rear side of the structural layer and can be cured. The rollers and roller nips can be set very accurately by suitable devices. The rotation of all the rollers is controlled by a master drive.

Abstract: Electric conductor patterns including antenna coils are formed on one surface of a film. Electronic components are fixed onto the film by a temporary fixing material. A cover film is laminated on the film so that the electrically conductive patterns and the electronic components are covered with the cover film. Simultaneously with the lamination, the electronic components are connected to the electric conductor patterns.

Abstract: An intermediate transfer film on which an image is printed is carried on a backing web and after is laminated to a substrate, such as an identification card. A lamination station uses heater rollers for the lamination process, and subsequent to the lamination station the backing web is guided to a take-up roller around a peel-off roller. The peel-off roller is supported in a heat insulating frame to minimize storing heat that increases the likelihood of flakes of the laminate material remaining with the backing web.

Abstract: A media printer such as, for example, a thermal transfer media printer is disclosed. In one embodiment, the printer selectively programs RFID transponders, and then embeds them into conventional on-demand printed media between the adhesive layer and the release liner. Selective configuration of each printed media sample by addition of value-adding elements may be performed independently for each media sample, under software control during processing of each media sample format print control program. An add-on mechanism is disclosed that can be operatively attached to a conventional media printer. This allows value-adding elements such as RFID transponder labels to be selectively applied at precise locations on the printed surface of on-demand printed media in connection with existing printers.

Abstract: A binding process includes the application of respective parts of a two-part binding adhesive as strips at either side of a page to be bound. Part A of a two-part adhesive is applied to one side of a page and Part B of the two-part adhesive is applied to the reverse side of the page. A stack of pages with the respective parts of the two-part adhesive applied to facing surfaces is then pressed by a binding press so as to combined the two parts of the adhesive which then set.

Abstract: A media printer such as, for example, a thermal transfer media printer is disclosed. In one embodiment, the printer selectively programs RFID transponders, and then embeds them into conventional on-demand printed media between the adhesive layer and the release liner. Selective configuration of each printed media sample by addition of value-adding elements may be performed independently for each media sample, under software control during processing of each media sample format print control program. An add-on mechanism is disclosed that can be operatively attached to a conventional media printer. This allows value-adding elements such as RFID transponder labels to be selectively applied at precise locations on the printed surface of on-demand printed media in connection with existing printers.

Abstract: An article made up of (1) a composite having a polyurethane matrix including fibrous or particulate reinforcement, the polyurethane matrix being formed in situ about the reinforcement by reaction of polyurethane forming components at a temperature below the melting point of the reinforcement and (2) a polymeric film bound to at least one surface of the composite, the film being bound to the composite by adhesion to the polyurethane matrix which emerges or is enhanced as the matrix is formed in situ.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for producing individual folded labels having an additional layer of material attached thereto. A ribbon of labels is provided along with an additional strip of material. Pieces of information, such as text or a machine readable-code are applied to the strip of material by printing the same at spaced intervals on the material. The ribbon of labels and the strip of material having the printed information thereon are joined together. The ribbon of labels with the strip of material are subdivided into individual folded labels. The invention also includes a label-making apparatus having a mechanism for advancing a ribbon of labels and a strip of material. A print head prints information, such as text or a machine readable-code, on the strip of material at spaced intervals. A mechanism joins the ribbon of labels with the strip of material. A cutting station subdivides an individual label from the ribbon of labels and strip of material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a binding assembly for use with a digital printer having a support frame for mounting a printhead assembly and for printing on pages of media passing into the binding assembly including: a binding means mounted to the support frame, wherein the binding means is adapted to bind the pages along a line substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the page with respect to the support frame.

Abstract: A method of forming substrates. The method includes providing a donor substrate; and forming a cleave layer comprising a cleave plane on the donor substrate. The cleave plane extends from a periphery of the donor substrate through a center region of the substrate. The method also includes forming a device layer on the cleave layer. The method also includes selectively introducing a plurality of particles along the periphery of the cleave plane to form a higher concentration region at the periphery and a lower concentration region in the center region. Selected energy is provided to the donor substrate to initiate a cleaving action at the higher concentration region at the periphery of the cleave plane to cleave the device layer at the cleave plane.

Abstract: A transfer film (1) having a print pattern is floated on a liquid surface (12A) within a transfer bath and a transfer objective body (2) is immersed into a liquid (12) within the transfer bath together with the transfer film (1) whereby the print pattern on the transfer film (1) is transferred onto the surface of the transfer objective body (2) using a liquid pressure. The surface portion of the transfer objective body (2) on which the print pattern should be transferred is immersed under the liquid surface (12A) while the surface portion of the transfer objective body follows the transfer film (1) so as to be developed thereon in a plane manner by rolling the surface portion of the transfer objective body (2) on the transfer film (1).

Abstract: The invention provides a labeling machine comprising a structure, a labeling head capable of pivoting relative to the structure about a pivot axis, the labeling head being fitted with gripper means for gripping a label holding it in a plane that is substantially normal to the pivot axis of the labeling head, and placing means carried by the labeling head and adapted to take the label held by the gripper means and place it on an article to be labeled that is present on the labeling machine. According to the invention, the gripper means hold a label in such a manner that a corner thereof coincides substantially with the point of intersection of the pivot axis and the plane of the label.

Abstract: A system and method for rapidly labeling a blow-molded hollow container made of a plastic composition subject to out-gassing after de-molding. Otherwise, conventional high speed silk screen labeling technology and processing is employed shortly after container fabrication de-molding in order to accurately deposit a continuous liquid layer of conventional silk screen ink over an external container surface area designated for application thereon of a self-adhering pre-printed label. The label is rapidly and accurately transfer applied over the silk screen coated area immediately after the same has dried, and even while out-gassing is still occurring from the de-molded container. However, the protective ink barrier coating prevents formation of bubbles beneath the label. Those gases in the container wall resident beneath the label-affixed area can then nevertheless out-gas by migrating out of the container internal wall surface.

Abstract: The invention is a laminator and a method of lamination of a plastic card (14).

Abstract: Improved label printing and applying apparatus (10) is provided which includes an improved digital printing assembly (12) having a rotatable impression drum (18) presenting an outer surface (20), as well as at least one digital print head (22) adjacent the drum outer surface (20). The overall apparatus (10) also includes a downstream label cutting and application assembly (14) having an adhesive applicator (32), laser cutter (40) and a label applying device (96). In use, a web (16) traverses the drum (18) with essentially no relative movement between the web (16) and drum surface (20), and the print head(s) (22) are actuated to form images on the web (16), which may be identical or varied. Thereafter, the printed web passes into and through the assembly (14) where adhesive is applied, the individual images are laser cut, and the labels are thereupon applied to products (54).

Abstract: An on-demand subsurface printed label. Indicia is reverse printed on the back of a clear plastic label film. Resulting label is suitable for harsh environments without requiring pre-printing or use of an extra protective outer layer.

Abstract: A system and method for rupturing an encapsulated adhesive in a sheet media uses an activator unit. This unit can include one or more of the following: a pressure roller, a pair of pressure rollers, an activator blade, a set of rotatable discs or a series of sets of rotatable discs. A sheet media having an encapsulated adhesive is fed past the activator unit in the system and method whereby the capsules will be ruptured. A feeder, label printer, cutter and label applicator can also be provided in this system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a tape squeezing device for folding back side edge portions in a width direction of a strip of adhesive tape applied on a work to run the side edge portions over respective side end portions of the work. The tape squeezing device includes a main body formed with a V-shaped first groove portion having an open angle, a V-shaped second groove portion have a smaller open angle than the open angle of the first groove portion, and a V-shaped third groove portion having substantially the same open angles as the open angle of the second groove portion, each of the groove portions being spaced apart from one another at a predetermined interval. The tape squeezing device also includes an expandable elastic sheet fixed to the main body and arranged to contact the side end portions of the work and cover a portion of one of the three grooved portions, the elastic sheet having a cushion layer and a lubricating surface layer.

Abstract: A method and system for producing a self-mailer using a folding apparatus for folding sheets into folded materials and a tabbing apparatus for sealing the folded materials with tabs in a continuous flow. Typically a folded material exits the folded apparatus with the open end of the folded material leading and this traveling direction of the folded material is not suitable for tabbing. A path directing apparatus is placed between the folding apparatus and the tabbing apparatus so as to cause the folded material to enter the tabbing apparatus with the open end of the folded material leading. As such, the entire process can be carried out without manually reversing the traveling direction of the folded material. In addition, a printer and a labeling device can be added to the self-mailer producing system to put on an address label, a postage indicia and a return address while keeping the process steps in a continuous flow.

Abstract: A susceptor composition that can bond two or more layers or substrates to one another and that can be used to coat or cut a substrate. The susceptor composition is activated in the presence of radio frequency (RF) energy. In one embodiment, the susceptor composition of the present invention comprises at least one ionomer and a polar carrier. The ionomer and polar carrier are blended with one another and form a mixture, preferably a uniform mixture. The ionomer and polar carrier are present in an amount effective to allow the susceptor composition to be heated by RF energy. Also disclosed are RF induction heating systems.

Abstract: A combination folder and sealer machine is much more compact than prior separate and individual folder and sealer machines. The combination folder and sealer machine comprises a folder station that grips a folded sheet simultaneously with a sealer station downstream of the folder station. The sheet is thus under complete control as it is propelled from the folder station to the sealer station, thereby eliminating any skewing that might occur between the two stations. Folding rollers at the folder station are biased toward each other, but the sealing rollers at the sealing station are biased away from each other. A single motor drives the folder and sealer stations as well as a feeder station. Drive trains for the sealer and folder stations are on opposite sides of the machine. A bearing mechanism enables any folding roller to be removed from the machine without removing any other roller and without affecting the machine side walls.

Abstract: There is disclosed a hand-held labeler which is easy to load, clean and service. The labeler has a gear driven print head wherein the print head is situated on an upper housing section and the print head is actuated from a lower housing section. The upper housing section can be moved to an open position without interfering with the maintenance of the drive connection with the print head or the advance of a label carrying web through the labeler. An inker enables an ink roller to be easily inserted and removed without ink from the ink roller being transferred to the user's hands. An impression control device has only a small number of parts and is easy to assemble.

Abstract: An improved a label application apparatus comprises a main housing having a print roller mounted thereto for rotation about a print roller axis. A supply reel is mounted to the main housing and has an indefinite length web with label material thereon. A printer including a printer housing and a print head is positioned in abutting relationship to the print roller, the printer housing being mounted to the main housing for pivotal movement about a printer axis. A spring is preferably mounted between the printer and the main housing and biasing the print head against the print roller. An improvement thereto that facilitates more reliable contact between the print head and the print roller comprises a pivot mounting between the print head and the printer housing for mounting the print head for pivotal movement with respect to the printer housing about a print head axis, the print head axis being generally transverse to the printer axis.

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of sets of printed pages for the preparation of books, and set of printed pages manufactured by that process.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a compound substrate for light-reflective application is proposed, by which the mechanical utility can be simplified, the cost is reduced and the light-reflective article made by the compound substrate has uniform light-reflecting effect.