Abstract: A label printing station includes: a base; a label supply wheel rotatably mounted to the base for rotation about a first vertical axis of rotation; a label backing take-up wheel rotatably mounted to the base for rotation about a second vertical axis of rotation; and a label print-head assembly mounted to the base, the label print-head assembly being configured to print on a label as the label is vertically oriented. The supply wheel, the print-head assembly and the take-up wheel serially define a paper path along which a substantially continuous label backing sheet travels. The backing sheet may be supported from underneath at multiple locations along the paper path. With the printed label being vertically oriented, the label can be attached to an object, such as a vertically oriented pharmaceutical vial, which can simplify the labeling process.

Abstract: A labeling machine comprises a self-regulating arresting member of a label holder tape. The arresting member is able to press the tape against an abutting surface when a label has to be applied on a destination surface and it releases said tape when, on the action of a control device the tape is actuated to advance. The labeling machine further comprises a printing device whose inking roller is associated to a device that enables it to be engaged easily and conveniently on a respective support arm. The support arm in turn is advantageously connected to an access door to internal areas of the labeling machine, whose opening determines the exit of the support arm and the exposure of the inking roller.

Abstract: The present invention includes a device and associated analytical method to use for the sensitive detection and accurate, rapid determination of acrylamide in food substances. The present invention also relates to the use of a kit device and associated analytical method in which a user can quickly and easily ascertain the amount of acrylamide in food substances with ease and in any location, including a non-laboratory environment. Such detection device and method may be comprised of a sample collection area on which a sample of food, after being mixed in a solution, is placed for example on the substrate of a biochip that includes an enzyme that along with a co-enzyme or form of energy or catalyst, facilitates the conversion of either acrylamide to acrylonitrile or the conversion of acrylamide to ammonia.

Abstract: The method of the invention consists, on the one hand, in serially recording on a tape of photosensitive film a succession of volume holograms each relating respectively to an item of information of a corresponding document to be made secure, each of these holograms being accompanied by an identification and positioning code printed on the same film, in developing and in fixing the holograms thus recorded, and on the other hand in printing at the same time the identity documents with their individual identification codes which are the same as those of the respective corresponding holograms, in adding an adhesive to the holograms after their fixing, and in adhesively bonding together each hologram and the corresponding document after verifying that their respective identification codes match.

Abstract: A recording medium is conveyed through a conveyer path. A recording-medium selecting unit selects either one of a non-transparent recording medium and a transparent recording medium, and conveys a selected recording medium to the conveyer path. An image selecting unit selects an image to be formed on the recording medium from among an original image and a reversed image obtained by reversing the original image. A control unit controls, based on a control signal, the recording-medium selecting unit and the image selecting unit.

Abstract: The invention provides for a wall-mountable pagewidth printer and binder assembly. The binder assembly includes a support structure defining a media path. Print engines are arranged on the support structure to print on sheets of media passing along the media path. A glue wheel assembly is arranged on the support structure and is configured to apply glue to printed media passing along the media path. An integral page binding arrangement is provided for binding printed sheets of media together. The glue wheel assembly is configured to apply glue to an edge of a sheet of media passing through the printer prior to the binding arrangement binding the sheets together. The glue wheel assembly has a glue wheel and a partially hollow axle connected to the glue wheel. The axle has a rotating coupling for a glue supply hose from a cartridge of the printer. A camshaft arrangement operatively exposes the glue wheel to the sheet of media.

Abstract: A wall mounted printer comprising a main chassis, a pivoting media tray disposed on a front upper portion of the main chassis, a removable collection tray disposed at the base of the main chassis for receiving printed and bound media exiting from the main chassis, a printhead unit disposed within the main chassis, and a binding assembly disposed within the main chassis downstream of a printing zone of the printhead unit, the binding assembly comprising a support chassis downstream of a printing zone of the printer, the support chassis defining a glue application and binding zone in which printed sheets of media are received in a feed direction; and an elongate glue applicator mounted on the chassis and positioned substantially at right angles to said feed direction, the applicator being displaceable towards and away from the sheets of media to apply a strip of glue to a transverse edge of each of said consecutive sheets of media.

Abstract: A method of labelling vials and containers for storing in freezing or cryogenic environment. More specifically, a method for labelling of vials and other containers which have a low surface temperature such as found in vials or containers freshly removed from a freezing or cryogenic environment.

Abstract: Fabrication methods for making a gas diffusion layer incorporating a gasket (GIG) fuel cell subassemblies via roll-to-roll processes are described. A material processable by one or both of heat and pressure having spaced apart apertures is transported to a bonding station. A first gasket layer having gas diffusion layers arranged in relation to spaced apart apertures of a first gasket layer is transported to the bonding station. The heat/pressure processable material is aligned with the first gasket layer and the gas diffusion layers. At the bonding station, the heat/pressure processable material is bonded to the first gasket layer and the gas diffusion layers. After bonding, the heat/pressure processable material forms a second gasket layer that attaches the gas diffusion layers to the first gasket layer.

Abstract: An adhesive dispensing apparatus for dispensing an adhesive on a sheet bundle includes a support device for supporting the sheet bundle, a dispensing device disposed adjacent to the support device for dispensing the adhesive on an edge of the sheet bundle supported by the support device, and a transport device disposed adjacent to the support device for transporting the sheet bundle from the edge, to which the adhesive is applied, as a leading edge in a transport direction. A refilling device is provided for refilling the adhesive to the dispensing device, and a moving device moves the dispensing device between a dispending position where the adhesive is dispensed to the edge of the sheet bundle and a refilling position where the adhesive is supplied to the dispensing device from the refilling device.

Abstract: A sheet-fed printing press includes a printing section for printing on sheets of paper fed from a sheet feeding section, and a surface treating section for treating surfaces of the sheets of paper by pressing transfer films respectively onto the sheets of paper printed at the printing section. The surface treating section includes a downstream cylinder having a gripper for gripping each of the sheets of paper fed from an upstream cylinder for conveying the sheets of paper printed and fed thereto, and a film transfer mechanism that presses the transfer films respectively onto the sheets of paper on the downstream cylinder while at the same time conveying the transfer films in the same direction as the direction of the downstream cylinder.

Abstract: An adhesive dispensing apparatus and image forming apparatus include a support device for supporting a sheet bundle, a dispensing device for dispensing an adhesive to an edge of the sheet bundle supported by the support device, and a transport device for transporting the sheet bundle with the edge having the adhesive dispensed by the dispensing device as a leading edge. A cover can be securely attached to the sheet bundle.

Abstract: Presented herein is a unique portable electronic hand-held label dispenser that is adjustable to accommodate labels of various widths by lengthening the pins and replacing a lower guide plate, and which additionally incorporates a sensor mechanism that precisely determines the length of each label, in order to accurately advance the roll of labels according to the captured data and dispense a single label at a time, and which includes the added advantage of a unique slotted uptake wheel that efficiently collects the paper backing for easy disposal. Depressing an electronic switch causes a label to be dispensed and also activates the sensor mechanism, which allows a roll of labels to advance until the end of the next label is identified, indicating that the roll has been advanced the full length of a single label, and additionally the uptake wheel rotates to capture the discarded paper backing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for feeding a cover (10, 11, 12, 13) in the production of perfect-bound or saddle-stitched books, brochures, magazines or similar printed products (14, 15) featuring an inner part (2) that consists of a collection of folded sections, layers and/or individual sheets and a cover (10, 11, 12, 13) that is placed around the inner part (2) and connected thereto. A roll (3) comprising a wound-up cover web (4) is supplied, the cover web (4) is unwound and a cover sheet (10, 11, 12, 13) with the desired format height is separated from the cover web (4, 8) and fed to the inner part (2) in order to be placed around the inner part and connected thereto. This allows a reliable and flawless feed of the covers to the inner parts, and the operating effort for the cover feed is reduced.

Abstract: Work tools such as a printhead, platen, and/or cutting head are spaced normally with respect to a media path based on a location of one or more objects carried by the media, and the position of the media with respect to the work tool. Additionally or alternatively the work tools are selectively operated based on a location of one or more objects carried by the media, and the position of the media with respect to the work tool. The approaches are suitable for the manufacture and use of RFID tags and labels.

Abstract: A laminar label (7) which comprises a base label (4), which is attached to a release web (3) by means of a glue layer (5) on top of which base label a supplement (13) is applied, which is covered by a top label (11). The base label with a matching release web is made of the same starting material (40, 41) as the top label with a matching release web (9) and the base label and the top label are brought together on the release web (3) of the base label in a relative displaced position and with a special treatment, e.g., a removal of portions through punching of said starting material in order to form a base label and a top label, respectively. Also a method and an apparatus for providing laminar labels (7), base labels (4) being applied on a release web (3), supplements (13) being positioned on top of the base labels and top labels (11) being positioned in such a way that they overlap the supplements.

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 label applicator for cutting labels to be applied to objects such as newspapers, letters, or flat mailpieces. The label applicator includes a movable blade and a fixed blade for cutting a label from label material fed through the label applicator. The fixed blade may be located on a cutting assembly via registration pins. The label applicator may include a paddle for applying the label to an object. The applicator may be incorporated into a mail processing system and controlled by various controllers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying labels to products of various sizes employs a printer and applicator head using air as a propellant. Control circuitry responsive to sensors located on the apparatus position the labels on the applicator head and trigger the ejection of a label onto a target surface. Labels to be printed are continuously supplied to the printer and applicator head from a label supply strip wound on a label feed reel mounted on the apparatus. The portion of the label liner extending between the feed reel and take-up reel is provided with a detector which can detect a lag in liner tension and activate the take-up reel to restore tension each time a lag condition is detected.

Abstract: Device for the labeling of clothes including a label printer (1) and a fastening station (12), and a device for the transfer of the labels and holding these in position for fixing that includes a guide or slide plane next to which the printer is arranged so that the labels are ejected along the guide or plane. The guide is slightly curved in the label feed out direction. An endless belt is arranged above the guide in the label feed direction so that it can press the labels against the guide bringing the labels along to the fastening station (12). The label guide has essentially the same width as the labels and U-shaped upfolded and infolded edges for the guiding the labels.

Abstract: Conventional media receives print imaging and an adhesive during a printing operation thereby converting such conventional media into a label, i.e., media having print imaging and an adhesive for application to a contact or display surface. Print imaging is applied in conventional fashion. Adhesive is applied as taken from a reel-form stock including in various embodiments and configurations protective backing sheets and the like supporting application of adhesive to media to produce as output labels on arbitrarily selected media. As a result, users produce labels from arbitrary media and need not limit selection to commercially available label-making media.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing and labeling an object such as a container is provided. The apparatus includes a printer and a label applicator. The object is presented to both the printer and the label applicator during processing.

Abstract: A printer including a pagewidth printhead assembly and a binding assembly downstream of the printhead assembly, the binding assembly comprising a support chassis downstream of a printing zone of the printer, the support chassis defining a glue application and binding zone in which printed sheets of media are received in a feed direction; and an elongate glue applicator mounted on the chassis and positioned substantially at right angles to said feed direction, the applicator being displaceable towards and away from the sheets of media to apply a strip of glue to a transverse edge of each of said consecutive sheets of media.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a printer and a laminator operating in line with said printer, and a feeding device arranged along the media path between the printer and the laminator for feeding to the laminator the media that is outputted from the printer. The feeding device includes an arrangement to cause media advance by friction, such as belts, and an arrangement for generating an air stream, such as fans, arranged facing each other such that the fans urge the media against the belts and the latter drive the media by friction. The media can be fed to the laminator with the correct angle and without skew.

Abstract: Rolls easy to be produced are provided. The invention provides a roll which is composed of a main tape cylindrically wound up. The main tape is provided with a first and second holes, respectively, in its winding terminating position and winding initiating position. First and second adhesive tapes are stuck over the holes, respectively. In the bottoms of the first and second holes, adhesive layers of the first and second adhesive tapes are exposed. Therefore, the main tape is stuck on a core at its winding initiating position and on the roll itself at its winding terminating position. Information may be printed on a surface of the first adhesive tape.

Abstract: A chuck assembly comprises a housing defining a longitudinal axis and having a first end. A plurality of pins extend substantially parallel with the axis from the first end. The plurality of pins is located at a first radius relative to the axis. At least one of the pins is operable to move from the first radius to a second radius, relative to the axis. The chuck assembly also includes a means for moving at least one pin between the first radius and the second radius. A prime mover provides the necessary drive to the means for moving. The chuck assembly may be used in combination with various other components to form combinations or systems.

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: In one embodiment, a disk shape determining and labeling system includes a first module configured to determine a shape of a non-round disk. A second module determines an orientation of the non-round disk. The labeling system then applies a visible pattern to the disk, wherein the labeling is performed according to the shape and the orientation of the non-round disk.

Abstract: A thermal activation device (thermal activation unit A1) for heat-sensitive self-adhesive sheet at least includes: a thermally-activating thermal head for thermally activating a heat-sensitive adhesive layer of a heat-sensitive self-adhesive sheet including a sheet-like substrate formed with a printable surface on one side thereof and with the heat-sensitive adhesive layer on the other side thereof; and a platen roller (41) for conveying the heat-sensitive self-adhesive sheet in a predetermined direction, the device wherein the platen roller includes adhesive-mass removing means for removing an adhesive mass (G2) of the heat-sensitive adhesive adhered to a periphery of the platen roller, and wherein the adhesive-mass removing means includes: a transfer roller (42) slidably contacting the periphery of the platen roller as located near an exit of the heat-sensitive self-adhesive sheet, thereby allowing the adhesive mass adhered to the periphery of the platen roller to be transferred thereto; and a cleaning shee

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multicolored steel sheet having multiple colors, designs or patterns on its surface and a manufacturing system for carrying out the same are provided.

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: A label applicator for cutting labels to be applied to objects such as newspapers, letters, or flat mailpieces. The label applicator includes a movable blade and a fixed blade for cutting a label from label material fed through the label applicator. The fixed blade may be located on a cutting assembly via registration pins. The label applicator may include a paddle for applying the label to an object. The applicator may be incorporated into a mail processing system and controlled by various controllers.

Abstract: A binding assembly for a printer includes a support chassis that is mountable to a printer, downstream of a printing zone of the printer. The support chassis defines a glue application and binding zone in which printed sheets of media are received in a feed direction. An elongate glue applicator is mounted on the chassis and is positioned substantially at right angles to the feed direction. The applicator is displaceable towards and away from the sheets of media to apply a strip of glue to a transverse edge of each of said consecutive sheets of media.

Abstract: A machine for printing on containers and applying labels thereto, includes a printing blanket cylinder having a printing blanket thereon; inking assemblies applying ink to the printing blanket; a cylinder having mandrels for holding containers to be printed; a cylinder drive moving the cylinder to position each mandrel in sequence at a printing position adjacent the printing blanket; a mandrel drive rotating each mandrel positioned adjacent the printing blanket in order to rotate a container thereon against the printing blanket to print thereon, except for a predetermined area; a label applying device applying a label to the predetermined area of the container, substantially simultaneously with printing on the container; and a control arrangement which controls timing of the label applying device, the support member drive and the mandrel drive in a manner to ensure that the label is applied to the predetermined area on each container.

Abstract: A laminating apparatus includes a conveyor for conveying a laminating object, a dryer for drying the laminating object conveyed by the conveyor, and a laminate device for effecting laminate processing on the laminating object dried by the dryer. A controller controls a temperature of the dryer so that the temperature of the dryer is adjusted to a predetermined temperature T1 before the laminating object arrives at the dryer, and so that the temperature of the dryer is adjusted to a predetermined temperature T2 greater than the temperature T1 when the laminating object is being dried by the dryer.

Abstract: A custom gauge panel includes a user-selected design printed on a translucent medium that is bonded to an electro-luminescent substrate. In one embodiment, the custom gauge panel also includes a substantially transparent layer that stiffens and protects the translucent medium and user-selected design printed thereon during manufacture, installation, and use. The simplicity of the custom panel reduces the material and labor costs associated with producing a custom gauge panel. In another aspect of the invention, a custom gauge ordering apparatus facilitates selecting options related to a gauge panel, along with previewing, and submitting orders for a gauge panel with the selected options. The order may be automatically received by an order fulfillment system and used to direct or control manufacture of the custom gauge panel.

Abstract: A corrugating machine serves for the manufacture of sheets of corrugated board. It comprises at least two unroll stands for unwinding webs of material. A fluting unit is provided for producing at least one corrugated medium from one of the webs of material. A processing equipment serves for uniting the webs of material to form a web of corrugated board. The sheets of corrugated board are cut to size in a cutting station. At least one digital printing system for printing at least one of the webs is disposed between the unroll stands and the cutting station. One of the webs of material can have a coating for improved printing quality.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for printing data onto one or two surfaces of labels and applying labels to various items. It includes a mounting means for rotatably mounting a roll of label stock, and a transfer means for positioning the inner surface of a label adjacent to at least one print means from the roll and to a separation edge where the label is separated from a next label. The apparatus also includes an applicator for accepting the label from the separation edge and applying the label to an item.

Abstract: A peel assembly for separating a label from a liner is provided. The assembly includes a structure for mounting the assembly to a printer, a structure for driving the liner and labels through the assembly, a stripper for bending the liner therearound, a plurality of deflector rollers proximate to the stripper for deflecting the liner away from the label and towards the stripper, a pinch roller and a spring. The pinch roller has a diameter of at least 0.385 inches and is formed from a material for creating tension in the liner allowing for better peel performance. The spring places force on the pinch roller and presses the pinch roller against a platen roller. Slots in the structure for mounting the assembly to the printer allow the pinch roller to float in the direction of spring force.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an absorbent article comprising the steps of continuously feeding out a long, extensible, continuous member (5) from a predetermined position, cutting the continuous member (5) into lengths (P1) each equivalent to a length of one sheet of the absorbent article at a predetermined position, and fixedly arranging the cut continuous member at a predetermined position of the absorbent article, wherein a predetermined pattern is preliminarily printed on the continuous member (5) at a printing pitch shorter than the cutting length (P1) of the continuous member, and the speed for feeding out is controlled such that the predetermined pattern is located at a predetermined part of the cut continuous member, thereby obtaining the absorbent article in which the predetermined pattern is arranged at a predetermined position.

Abstract: A system and method for transporting an adhesive side of a sheet media, particularly a sheet media having an adhesive side with an encapsulated adhesive ruptured by an activator unit. This activation 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 and the adhesive side of the sheet media is activated. A release liner device such as a belt or roll of releasable sheet media transports the activated sheet media throughout subsequent process steps, e.g. label printing, cutting, die casting, etc.

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: A conveyor system conveys a plurality of printed products along a path of travel in an imbricated stream and such that a border region of each printed product is exposed by the imbricated overlap. A contrast panel (14), which forms a text panel (12), is applied to the exposed border region of each printed product (10). The contrast panel is provided with the text (18) and the contrast panel forms a contrast with respect to the text (18), with the result that the latter can be immediately seen and read easily. In one embodiment, the contrast panel is applied by printing, and in another embodiment, the contrast panel comprises a separate label which is adhesively applied.

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. 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. 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 apparatus for printing variable information on a tape to form a tape segment, applying the tape segment onto an object, and cutting the tape segment 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. The unwind tension of the tape as the tape is removed from the tape roll is controlled to present the tape to the printer at a substantially uniform speed and to reduce jerkiness of the tape. The information is registered such that it is placed at a predetermined location on different tape segments.

Abstract: A printer for printing and binding documents and for moving bound documents into a collection tray. The printer has printing means designed to print onto substantially planar print media, a binder designed to bind a plurality of substantially planar print media together to form a substantially planar bound document and to retain the bound document in a substantially vertical orientation. The printer also has a collection tray positioned beneath the binder which is designed to receive and retain a bound document in a substantially vertical orientation. The printer also has a document transfer device positioned beneath the binder and above the collection tray. The document transfer device is designed to transfer a bound document from the binding means to the collection tray while maintaining the substantially vertical orientation of the bound document.

Abstract: A rotatable label system includes a pharmaceutical container and a label arranged about the pharmaceutical container. The label has an inner label portion affixed to the pharmaceutical container and an outer label portion rotatable positioned about the inner label portion. At least one window or transparent section is provided on the outer label portion. Generic and custom imprinted indicia is disposed on the inner and outer label portions. By rotating the outer label portion relative to the inner label portion and the container, written indicia imprinted on the inner label portion is viewable through the window or transparent section.

Abstract: Linerless label stock 102 is fed to a printer that prints on the front face 104 of the label stock 102 and then to a media cutter 224. The cutter 224 cuts the strip into discrete labels, which are fed to a tag application station 226. A strip of electronic tags is fed through an encoder that detects defective tags and then to a tag cutter 246 that cuts the strip into discrete tags. Defective tags exiting the cutter 246 are diverted away from the tag application station. Non-defective tags are conveyed to the tag application station 226 where they are secured to the back face of labels.

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.