Abstract: A system and method for producing individually customizable identification tags for feed lot operations involving livestock. The method involves printing adhesive strips with indicia through use of computer-controlled printing devices, applying the strips to plastic tag blanks, and heat-stabilizing the strips as against wear and other pernicious environmental factors. The system allows on-site production of almost infinitely variable tag indicia, and eliminates time delays and inflexibility for operators in having to pre-order printed tags from distant tag producers.

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: In a labeling machine, a bar code sensor, a batch information sensor and a label sensor are coupled electrically to a controller, and are disposed along an advancing route of a label reel. When any of these sensors detects an error in one of the labels or the absence of a label on the reel, the controller activates a container removal unit to remove the container with the defective label or with no label at a take-out end of a container conveying unit.

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: Disclosed is both a method and apparatus for mechanically embossing a surface covering. The apparatus includes an embossing tool comprising a slurry. The slurry includes both a filler and binder. The method includes printing a slurry onto a surface covering and compressing the slurry onto the surface covering to create a mechanically embossed texture onto the surface covering.

Abstract: A label printer feeds stock having peelable labels or without peelable labels fed by a platen roller against which a print head bears. A bail carrying a bail roller which is latchable in two positions, is provided. In one of these positions, the bail roller is away from the stock so that the stock is fed over a peeler bar, and in the other of the positions, the bail roller wraps the stock around the peeler bar. The latter position is used when the stock has peelable labels and is so called “linered” stock. The print head can print directly on the stock, and the stock having the printed labels is then fed out of the printer. In the second position, the labels are peeled off the stock as it travels around the peeler bar and can be removed by the user while the liner from which the labels have been peeled leaves the printer. No rethreading of stock is required to handle different types of stock, thereby increasing the flexibility and simplifying the operation of the label printer.

Abstract: There is disclosed a printer for printing and dispensing labels releasably adhered to a carrier web. The printer includes a print head and a cooperable platen roll, a delaminator for delaminating printed labels from the web, a take-up roll for drawing the web about the delaminator, and a slip clutch for limiting the amount of driving force applied to the web by the take-up roll. Slippage occurs at the slip clutch but not between the take-up roll and the web.

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 laminator for laminating sheets of lamina onto substrates such as cards uses a web of lamina material that preferably has a bondable and printable layer on the reverse side and can then be printed with information and laminated onto a blank card. The web also preferably has a series of spaced transverse lines of reduced strength so the web can be separated into individual sheets of lamina by creating a tension in the web across the transverse line of reduced strength.

Abstract: A label printer/applicator with improved label cutting, control and application has a control valve for alternately fluidly interconnecting an applicator head with a supply of pressurized air, a suction source and a neutral position. An atomizer nozzle is positioned beneath an applicator head for activating moisture-activated adhesives often provided on labels. An air jet nozzle beneath the applicator head prevents cantilever bending of a label exiting a printer and travelling toward the applicator head.

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: Method for gluing plastic labels (15) formed of a film (12) of BI-oriented polypropylene covered on each from a layer of acrylic material (13, 14), to hydrorepellent containers by using application apparatus for water based glue paper labels; one of layers (13, 14) is printed by means of inks (16) for non absorbing materials, covered by a layer of overprinting paint (17).

Abstract: Disclosed is a hand labeler having: a printer mechanism responsive to the gripping of the handle for printing pieces of information on one side of a continuous narrow length such as a length of tape; a feeding mechanism for feeding the continuous narrow length a predetermined distance in a given direction; and a cutter mechanism for cutting the so fed part of continuous narrow length when the handle is released to allow it to return to its stress-free position; and applying means for applying an adhesive agent such as glue to the other side of the so fed part of continuous narrow length. The continuous narrow length has no liner applied on the other side.

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: Disclosed is a food labeling apparatus that contains a power supply, a supply of printable media, a clock, a controller, and a single-action actuator that, upon activation by a user, immediately produced a dated label for application to a food container and subsequent storage. The method of storing perishable food with the labeling apparatus includes the steps of maintaining information regarding a current date, and in response to only a single action being performed, printing a dated label bearing indication that is indicative of the current date. The preferred single-action actuator is a momentary contact, normally-open switch.

Abstract: An automatic label printing and application system applies a custom label at a dynamically determined location on articles being moved along a conveyer. The system includes a bar code scanning system, preferably a group of bar code scanners each arranged to read at an assigned elevation above the conveyer belt. This configuration allows the system controller to generally determine the vertical height of pre-printed bar code on the article. The system uses photoelectric sensors to detect articles being moved along the conveyer, as well as an encoder and bar code scanning data to determine the horizontal position of the pre-printed bar code on the surface of the article. In this manner, the system dynamically determines both the vertical and horizontal position of the pre-printed bar code on the surface of the article.

Abstract: A tape handling system including a tape mount roller, a first accumulator movable between first and second positions, a printer for printing on tape, and a second accumulator movable between first and second positions. Movement of the second accumulator from the first position to the second position causes the printer to begin printing. An apparatus including the tape handling system and a tape applicator.

Abstract: A thermal printer for printing linerless labels is operated so that the pressure sensitive adhesive of the second face of the labels does not stick to a drive roller which advances and reverses the labels, and cooperates with the thermal print head to effect printing. A cutter is disposed downstream of the print head and drive roll from a linerless label roll takeoff. Between the cutter and the drive roller is an air knife which directs a substantially uniform flow of gas to the peripheral surface of the drive roller to prevent the adhesive of the labels from sticking to the drive roller peripheral surface. Air flow through the air knife is at a pressure of about 20-50 psi (preferably about 30 psi) and the air flow may be provided continuously or only during initiation and continuation of printing and advancing the printer.

Abstract: A method of producing a succession of self-adhesive labels (6) carried on a backing of release material (8), the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a first web of release material carrying a succession of folded leaflets (30); (b) conveying the first web along A pathway by a web conveyor, (c) printing a second web (36) with a succession of images along its length by at least one print station (44, 46, 48, 50), the or each print station being driven independently of the web conveyor and being directly or indirectly registered with reference to the first web or the folded leaflets; (d) laminating the printed second web over the succession of folded leaflets; and (e) die-cutting (54, 56) through at least the second web as far as the release material to form a succession of self-adhesive labels.

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 card straightener is used for cooling a card that has been processed using heat, such as in a printing or lamination process. The card straightener includes a plate member that has a heat sink in heat conducting relation. The plate member is positioned to receive a card from the heated process. The card is passed over the plate and is urged against the plate so that the card is cooled while held flat while it becomes rigid, so it remains planar after cooling.

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 laminating tape has an adhesive layer for adhering to a recording surface of a to-be-laminated tape, and is formed to have a substantially identical width to a width of the to-be-laminated tape. The laminating tape has a preliminary laminating portion formed at a leading end thereof, for being preliminarily laminated to the to-be-laminated tape, and a non-adhesive portion having a predetermined length and extending continuously from an trailing end of the preliminary laminating portion, for permitting lateral motion of the laminating tape with respect to the to-be-laminated tape.

Abstract: A card manufacturing machine assembly for producing a coupon card fabricated from a continuous sheet of stock. The machine assembly has a support frame for supporting the continuous sheet of stock as the sheet of stock moves through the machine assembly. A driving mechanism is mounted to the support frame and has driving gears for transferring the sheet of stock through the machine assembly at a predetermined speed. A printing station prints indicia on the continuous sheet of stock in two parallel rows. A cutting device separates the continuous sheet of stock into two strips. An inverting device rotates one of the strips 180° relative to the other strip. A stripping device removes a release liner from one of the strips to expose an adhesive layer. A pair of coupling rollers are mounted to the support frame and are in driving engagement with one of the driving gears to rotate the coupling rollers at a predetermined rotational speed.

Abstract: A laminator/printer for laminating, cleaning, imprinting and trimming print media, capable of printing on the print media and the laminate with a single print head.

Abstract: A method of bringing together and joining plastic cards, which are provided with an identification mark, and printed card carriers associated with the respective plastic cards, comprises the following steps: providing the plastic card and the printed card carrier; detecting the identification mark of said plastic card; reading data from a database by means of said identification mark; detecting the data on said printed card carrier prior to joining said card carrier to the plastic card; determining whether the data detected on the card carrier correspond to the data read; and, provided that the data read and the data detected correspond, bringing together and joining the plastic card and the card carrier.

Abstract: A labeler for objects, such as fruit or vegetables, has a pickup head that includes a firing piston, and a larger piston that is coupled to the firing piston. The pickup head, along with other pickup heads, are provided on an assembly that rotates the heads in a circular manner. When each pickup head is at the 6 o'clock position, a burst of air pressure is provided to the firing piston, thereby causing it to fire and to cause the larger piston to move in an outward direction. This causes the pickup head to extend fully, to thereby cause a label positioned on an applicator at a distal end of the pickup head to contact an object and thereby apply the label to the object. At other positions besides the 6 o'clock position, a vacuum source provides a vacuum to the pickup heads, thereby maintaining the pickup heads in a fully retracted position, as well as providing a way for keeping the label on the applicator of the pickup head while the pickup head is rotating.

Abstract: An apparatus for the processing and segmenting of a cover-forming laminate web or sheeting structure which is adapted to interconnect a plurality of containers, such as the base members of blister packages each of which is designed to contain a hydrophilic contact lens in a sterile aqueous solution. More specifically disclosed is an apparatus for the imprinting, perforating, slitting and cutting the laminated web structure such that the severed laminate segments constitute printed covering label for an array of such containers, and whereby the laminated web or sheeting segment may be severed along weakening or perforation lines so as to provide a separable packaging arrangement for individual of the containers which are subsequently adhered thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a labeling apparatus for paying out and applying self-adhesive labels, which with each operating cycle moves one self-adhesive label into a dispensing position underneath an applicator roll having a sleeve with a cylindrical jacket, via which sleeve the applicator roll is rotatably mounted on a hub. It is proposed to equip the sleeve with at least one profiled ring projecting radially outwardly beyond the cylindrical jacket. Because the profiled ring and the sleeve are made preferably of a material that is harder than the cylindrical jacket and hence ink-repellent, the printed data on the label are not smeared, in spite of the low outlay involved in the manufacture of the applicator roll.

Abstract: An identification booklet including a backing and a printed cover film having identification indicia printed thereon is automatically printed and assembled by an apparatus including means for holding the booklet in an open position with the backing exposed, printing means for printing indicia onto an inner surface of the cover film, transport means including an insertion blade rotatably mounted thereon, the insertion blade including a damp for holding the cover film in place thereon, die-cut means for cutting the cover film to a predetermined size while the cover film is held in place on the insertion blade by the clamp, to form the identification card and fusing means for fusing the identification card and the backing together.

Abstract: A thermal printer for printing linerless labels is operated so that the pressure sensitive adhesive of the second face of the labels does not stick to a drive roller which advances and reverses the labels, and cooperates with the thermal print head to effect printing. A cutter is disposed downstream of the print head and drive roll from a linerless label roll takeoff. Between the cutter and the drive roller is an air knife which directs a substantially uniform flow of gas to the peripheral surface of the drive roller to prevent the adhesive of the labels from sticking to the drive roller peripheral surface. Air flow through the air knife is at a pressure of about 20-50 psi (preferably about 30 psi) and the air flow may be provided continuously or only during initiation and continuation of printing and advancing the printer.

Abstract: A high speed labeling machine is provided which includes a constant tensioning device for maintaining tension downstream of the metering roll at a substantially constant predetermined level thereby improving both metering and dispensing of labels. The constant tensioning device may also function as a driver for pulling the continuous web of material through the labeling machine thereby reducing the driving load on the metering roll, thus both providing more effective and accurate metering at a given web speed while also allowing higher web speeds to be achieved.

Abstract: A printing unit in a gravure printing portion prints a plurality of end marks on a web having a base film and a hot melt ink layer. The end marks printed on the web are dried by a drying apparatus. A sheet obtained from the web is wound around a roll shaft in a roll form by a sheet winding apparatus to form a sheet roll. The roll shaft is supplied from a roll shaft supplying apparatus to the sheet winding apparatus, and the sheet roll formed by the sheet winding apparatus is discharged from a discharging apparatus. The discharge apparatus includes a plurality of cradles in the vertical direction, a carry-out conveyor beside the cradles, a guide rail beside the cradles on the opposite side to the conveyor and arranged vertically, and receiving arms horizontally mounted on the rail and corresponding to the cradles. The arms move up and down on the rail and extend or contract horizontally from the cradles.

Abstract: A label application apparatus comprising a main housing and a printer and an applicator mounted to the main housing for applying a label to an object. A supply reel is rotatably mounted to the main housing and has a continuous web of label material thereon. A feed mechanism is also provided for feeding the continuous web of label material from the supply reel to the printer and applicator. A cutting mechanism is associated with the applicator to cut labels from the continuous web of label material between the printer and the applicator whereby the applicator then places the severed label onto the object.

Abstract: A low pressure actuated labeling apparatus (10) for printing, cutting, and applying labels (L) to articles (A). A printing unit (12) prints information on a label, the label being drawn from a roll (13) of continuous label stock. A cutting unit (14) cuts a printed label from an end of the roll with the cut label being deposited on a tamper unit (16) which transports the label to a position (P2) adjacent the article and affixes the label to the article. Guides (26, 28) guide the label between the printing and cutting units. One of the guides (26) includes a plate (102) having spaced slots (106a-106c) in which are installed guides (108,110,112). The guides each include guide arms which are contacted by an adhesive side (Y) of the label. However, the guides are made of a material to which the label will not adhere, thus insuring continued movement of the label.

Abstract: It is an object to provide an apparatus for manufacturing adhesive layers which can be manufactured in a manufacturing process which is fine, which exhibits an excellent mounting efficiency, which does not require a plating process and which is clean, double-sided substrates and multilayer substrates. A bonding-layer forming portion (5) incorporates a bonding portion (1), a hole machining portion (2), a charging portion (3) and a separating portion (4). A double-sided-substrate forming portion incorporates a bonding portion (6), a hole machining portion (7), a charging portion (8) and a separating portion (9), further incorporating a laminating portion (10), a resin hardening portion (11) and a pattern forming portion (12).

Abstract: An apparatus and method provide for the alternate manufacture of permanent adhesive or repositional linerless labels utilizing the same equipment. Indicia is applied such as by using an intelligent imaging system by at least one print station. With repositional labels, a tie coat is applied and dried, whereas with permanent labels a barrier coating is applied. Coating stations apply a repositional adhesive and release coat in the construction of repositional adhesive labels. The coating station is followed by a dryer and chill rolls. In the construction of permanent adhesive labels a coating station for applying a release coat and a release coat curing station, as well as permanent adhesive application station, are also provided. Changeover time from the manufacture of one type of label to the other is short.

Abstract: A dispensing mechanism dispenses labels having a pressure sensitive adhesive face and an adhesive release material coated face. A guide serves to guide the labels in web form along plasma-coated surfaces to a printer and then to a cutter mechanism for forming discrete labels and dispensing the labels. An open-cell foam sponge is provided for wiping the rotary cutter using silicone oil wicked into the wiper. A plate projects from the exit opening of the dispenser at an angle to the guide path to maintain the cut label on the dispenser plate. Additionally, a hub assembly is provided wherein the hub has a contact area in excess of 50% of the available contact area along the inside of the core mounting the label supply.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for labelling digital discs. In the method, a disc is provided that has an alignment mark. An image is printed onto the disc in registration with the alignment mark.

Abstract: A material sheet assembly in which a label base attached to a release liner by means of an adhesive is set in roll form is used. In a step in which the material sheet assembly is continuously fed out, the release liner is released by leaving the adhesive on the label base, and the release liner is consecutively taken up. By using a noncontact-type printer, printing is effected on the adhesive surface of the label base separated from the release liner to form a printed label. The printed label is in such a form that the printed surface is disposed between the label base and an adherend. The labels can be attached immediately after they are manufactured, and they can be stored or transported by being taken up in roll form while an additional release liner is attached to the printed surface side.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing variable identifying information on the tape is disclosed. In a particular application, the apparatus replaces a labeling station and is combined with a case sealing station to seal cases with adhesive sealing tape on a conventional production line. The apparatus includes a variable image printer, and preferably a thermal printer. The thermal printer preferably includes a thermal transfer print head and a thermal transfer ribbon specially engineered to print through the release agent on the face of the tape. The tape is dispensed from a tape unwind spool and is routed past the print head with the thermal transfer ribbon positioned between the print head and the face of the tape, and the face of the tape opposite the print head. The thermal transfer ribbon is co-engineered with the tape to be compatible with the physical characteristics and chemical composition of the tape.

Abstract: An apparatus for bonding a label of a label continuum to an object where the continuum includes an adhesive layer, a base layer on the adhesive layer, a heat sensitive layer on the base layer, a plurality of spaced label layers on the heat-sensitive layer, and a separation layer on the label layers. The apparatus includes a first feeding means for feeding the continuum, a cutting means for cutting the labels from the continuum within the spaces between the label layers, a printing means for printing on each of the cut labels where the printing means includes a heat-sensitive means for heat sensitizing the heat-sensitive layer labels, a second feeding means for feeding the printed labels, an object feeding means for the objects, a processing means for collecting data on the object and feeding the data to the printing means, and a label bonding means for applying the labels to the objects.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for digital printing images in annular-radial coordinates onto discs having an axis of rotation, the printing to occur between an inner radius R.sub.1 of the disc and an outer radius R.sub.2 of the disk. The Apparatus includes a linear printhead array extending radially of the disc at least between inner radius R.sub.1 and outer radius R.sub.2 ; and a drive adapted to rotate the disc about the axis while the printhead is imagewise addressed to create an imaged area that is symmetric to the center of the disc. The drive is adapted to rotate the disc at an annular velocity such that the spatial resolution of the printed image along the outer edge of the image is the same as that of an original image being printed. The image area may be continuous about substantially the entire annular surface of the disc or divided into discrete sections to be printed in associated tiles located on the disc such that:(x.sub.i, y.sub.i)=>(r.sub.i, .theta..sub.i),where (x.sub.i, y.sub.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing labels and for applying each of the labels to an end wall of a cigarette packet. The method includes separating the labels from a continuous web moving in a horizontal direction with the width of the web parallel to a vertical plane. Only one side of the web is provided with printed areas for a succession of the labels, and severance cuts are provided in the web to form the labels between the areas. Separation of the labels occurs at the cuts. After the labels are separated, they are continuously transported by a suction conveyor belt moving in a vertical plane substantially parallel to the vertical plane of the web. The labels are held separated from each other by negative pressure from the belt which acts on the printed side. Glue is applied to the print-free side of the labels on the belt by a phased and non-contact application of at least on row of successive glue spots extending along the longitudinal dimension of the label. Then the labels are applied to the packets.

Abstract: An unbaked ceramic layer is formed by applying a ceramic paste on to an organic flexible supporting body. First target marks are formed on the flexible supporting body before or after this process. Then, the positioning for printing electrodes is performed based upon information obtained through image processing of the first target marks, to print the electrodes on the unbaked ceramic layer. With this, a manufacturing method for ceramic electronic components that can minimize positional misalignment in electrode patterns is provided.

Abstract: A device for rolling up a printed sheet while protecting the printing indicia on the sheet, which comprises a plurality of plate means which define a roll-forming space, first means defining a first transport path for transferring the printed sheet to the roll-forming space to be rolled up therein, second means defining a second transport path for transferring a cover sheet to the roll-forming space to be rolled up therein in juxtaposition to the printed sheet whereby the printed sheet is rolled up together with the cover sheet in the roll-forming space.

Abstract: An automatic bar code label applying apparatus is characterized by comprising at least a test tube containing section (1) for containing test tubes (11) of a same type to be applied with respective bar code labels, a collection device (2) for collecting the test tubes from the test tube containing section, a transfer device (3) for transferring the collected test tubes to a bar code label applying station (41), a printing/application device for printing characters and bar codes on the labels and applying the printed labels to the respective test tubes and a delivery device for delivering the test tubes with applied bar code labels.

Abstract: A label printing apparatus includes a printing unit for printing an image on a front surface of a label tape having a back surface bearing an adhesive layer via an ink ribbon having a back surface bearing a removal layer. The apparatus further includes a superposed-travelling guiding mechanism for guiding traveling of the label tape and the used label tape together, with the removal layer of the ink ribbon being contacted with and superposed on the adhesive layer of the label tape.