Abstract: A label applicator, easily mounted on a desktop in association with a label printer, has a compact configuration with no external power requirements since the components are electrically powered and the power is received from the printer. Preferably the label does not move during application, providing a high degree of accuracy and placement. The applicator may be used with both linered and linerless labels and associated printers, and uses inexpensive components. Positive stops are provided for stopping the movement of a label into the applicator housing, and the manual movement of a mailpiece into the applicator housing. Sensors sense the label and the mailpiece when accurately aligned, and cause actuation of a linear solenoid with tamp pad to move the mailpiece vertically upwardly into contact with the label pressure sensitive adhesive. The label is held in place in the desired position by one or more electric fans exhausting air from the opposite face of an apertured plate from the label.

Abstract: A label useful in delivering packages and articles via many different mailing services. The label is adapted to indicate thereon mailing and address information relating to the mailing, shipping or handling of packages or articles. The label is constructed as a laminate having at least a primary layer and a secondary layer wherein each layer has a surface confronting and adjoined to the other layer. The label has an exposed front side defined on the primary layer and an exposed back side defined on the secondary layer. Pertinent mailing information is included on the exposed front side and may include a plurality of printed instructions and information and also include spaces for receiving additional mailing information thereon. The label has a tear line provided on the primary layer which defines a removable receipt flap on the label. The receipt flap contains a portion of the mailing information and is also adapted to receive thereon additional information as well.

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 to 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: A device for preparing and applying labels and a method of operating said device is provided. The device includes three parts: a roller transport track, a label dispenser and a label manipulator. The latter can pick up a label deposited by the label dispenser on the roller transport track and stick it at a predetermined point onto an object arranged in any desired way in a three-dimensional space.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for labeling documents uses an electronic computer to generate the sequential information required to be placed on each label. This information is then transferred to a printing device which transfers this sequential information onto each individual label. Once the labels are printed in a sequential manner, they are fed into a dispenser which individually or in groups, dispenses the labels in a sequential manner. In order to eliminate any turning of the labels or the documents, the printing device prints the labels in an inverted manner such that they exit the dispenser in an upright legible manner.

Abstract: A compact disc labeling device for manual application of a label to a compact disc includes an assembly having a circumferential flange with an upper flange surface, a piston, a first rod having a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the label's central aperture and that extends from the upper surface of the piston, and a second rod having a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the disc's central aperture and that extends from the first rod. In use, a label is placed on the flange with the first rod projecting through its central aperture and the disc positioned on the second rod through its central aperture. When the piston is moved from an upper first position to a lower second position, the disc is applied to the label.

Abstract: A labeler for the near-perfect manual placement of self-adhesive labels onto compact disks which has a positioning cone with an elongated stock member, a flat surface with a diameter greater than that of the elongated stock member, and a point on an end of the positioning cone opposed from the elongated stock member. The labeler also has a positioning plate with a positioning hole in the center, a surface area upon which a self-adhesive label can be placed and a side area to add strength to the positioning plate. The labeler further has a cylindrical base with a flat lip member upon which the positioning plate can rest substantially flat, a flat bottom to keep the cylindrical base substantially flat when used on a substantially flat surface, a wall to keep the flat lip member lifted substantially off of the substantially flat surface and a hollow cavern into which a substantial portion of the positioning cone can fit. A method for affixing a label to a compact disk using the labeler is also described.

Abstract: A labeling head (22) has an applicator surface (24) having an outward curvature for holding a label (12) and applying it to a labeling surface (16) of an article (14). The labeling head is rotatable about a pivot pin (38) which passes through a pivot end (28) of the labeling head, allowing a free end (26) of the labeling head to be biased toward the article at an initial angle of bias, as determined by, for example, an adjustment screw (40). The initial angle of bias and the curvature of the labeling head are such that the portion of the label nearest the free end is parallel to the labeling surface. As the labeling head is lowered, the label is applied with a substantial rolling motion to avoid trapped air bubbles.

Abstract: A label strip for applying labeling to the edge portions of sheet products, such as plywood and other lumber sheets comprises a label strip having a series of individual labels connected together by fragile lines of perforations so as to enable easy separation of adjacent labels from one another. The label strip is adhesively backed to facilitate its application to the side edges of a stack of sheets. The strip is attached so that at least one label is retained on each sheet as the sheets are removed from the stack. The label strip may include Bar Coding and written indicia.

Abstract: A labeler for the placement of self-adhesive labels onto compact disks, having a positioning cone with a cylindrical extension, a flat surface with a diameter greater than that of the cylindrical extension, and a tapered end opposite the cylindrical extension, a positioning plate having a central positioning hole, and a surface upon which a self-adhesive label can be placed, and a base supporting the positioning plate, having a hollow space below the positioning plate.

Abstract: A printing/applicator station (10) for use in for printing labels and attaching labels to unlabeled objects (11) at a rate of at least 200 objects per minute includes conveyors (12, 13) feeding the objects (11) at a rate of at least 200 objects per minute past a labeling machine (24) that applies labels at a rate of at least 200 per minute. The objects (11) are then fed past a printing machine (15) at the rate of at least 200 per minute. A supervisory computer (16) stores information corresponding to different titles and different customers, and transmits this information over a network (17) to the printer (15), where it is printed on the labels (37) already attached to the objects. One of the conveyors (12) is oriented at an angle of approximately twenty degrees from perpendicular to the first conveyor (13) to support the objects as they are fed at high speed.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically applying trasfers to packages in any size of cartons, such as revenue stamps to cigarettes while in cartons. Initially, cigarette cartons of any size are loaded onto a conveyor belt where they are carried to the various stations of the apparatus. The apparatus is automatically adjustable to any size of carton by means of photoelectric cells. As the cartons are pushed through the apparatus, an improved plow head opens the cigarette cartons in preparation for stamping. Just before stamping, any improperly opened cartons are automatically ejected. An improved stamp indexer scans the stamps photoelectrically so a motor advances the correct number of stamps so that waste is reduced and defective stamping is avoided. Next, a gluing station applies glue to ensure that flaps stay down when the cartons are reclosed. Finally, the cartons are discharged onto a conveyor where a packing station aligns them and pushes them row by row into a case for shipment.

Abstract: Manually operable label-transfer apparatus characterized by a transit path for a tractor-feedable backing strip which has labels or similar adhesive-backed pieces laminated thereon, and also providing a bin. The path has up-path first and down-path second stations, and the bin adjoins the first station. The apparatus has tractors at the second station, a pusher in the bin, and manual crank-drive means associated with the tractors and the pusher. The tractors engage the strip and, driven by the drive means, advance the strip down-path from the first station and over a delaminator with an edge and around a sharp turn. The strip, as drawn past the turn, is bent and experiences a direction reversal of between 160.degree. and 180.degree.; and, in this action, the labels successively separate or peel from the strip, and, a guide on the apparatus successively guides each separated label toward an operably proximal position relative to the first station.

Abstract: An apparatus which coacts with a fitment supply station to effect continuous motion transfer and application of fitments to carton blanks on a conveyor line. The apparatus includes a rotatable drum having at least one vacuum transfer station disposed in rotational alignment between the fitment supply station and a conveyor release station, and an adjustable backup roll disposed in alignment with the drum and the release station for application of the fitments to cartons. A variable speed drive train matches drum and conveyor line speeds to effect continuous motion fitment transfer.

Abstract: Indicia such as tax stamps are applied to objects such as cigarette packs by driving a heated ram against the back of an indicia supply tape to cause the indicium to transfer from the tape to the object. If the object is contained in outer packaging such as cigarette carton packaging, that outer packaging is opened prior to applying the indicia to the objects. Then the outer packaging is reclosed. The indicia supply tapes are contained in cartridges which are easily removed for reloading and storage in a secure place. The cartridges are mounted on heads in the machine which are movable to facilitate applying indicia with various spacings and in various arrangements.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying labels at selected locations thereon to such diverse artifacts as audio and video cassettes, compact and floppy discs, and envelopes and to a wide variety of other artifacts. The labels are peeled from a continuous backing supplied in roll or fanfold form by pulling the backing around the sharp edge of a peeler which is automatically elevated at an appropriate point in the operating cycle of the apparatus to facilitate the loading and unloading of the artifacts being labeled. A roller cooperates with the peeler in stripping the labels from the backing; and that roller, a second roller, or a brush is used to press the label onto the artifact being labeled. The artifact is supported by an interchangeable insert from a rectilinearly displaceable carriage.

Abstract: A labeling apparatus holds an article to which a label is to be stuck, on a holder and then moves the holder carrying the article from a home position via a waiting position and a labeling position back to the home position. In a label peeling and issuing section, the article is moved up toward a label being issued in the label peeling and issuing section and is brought into contact with the label so that the label is peeled from the supporting strip and stuck to the article as the holder holding the article is moved toward the home position along guide paths. Reverse movement preventing plates prevent the reverse movement of the holder as the holder is moved along the guide paths. With the labeling apparatus the label can applied to the article simply and automatically without requiring a manual labeling operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for attaching tax stamps to the ends of packages of cigarettes in open cartons. The stamps are fed one at a time from a roll of stamps. The end stamp is cut from the strip and is immediately applied by a heater to the end of a package. The heater remains in contact with the stamp for a preset time. The cartons containing the packages are fed manually. The cutter means and the heater are actuated simultaneously by a switch means which may be operated either manually, or by a cam means which is moved by the carton as it advances past the stamp applying apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, utilizing electromagnetic levitation, for producing low density, porous metal structures and hollow metallic spheres, using particulate material as a starting point. As an initial step, a porous article of sufficient green strength to be substantially self-supporting is formed of a particulate material containing at least one electrically-conductive metal. The green porous article is subjected to an electromagnetic field which has a field strength and frequency sufficient to levitate the green article in space against the force of gravity, and which has a frequency sufficient to induce in the article an eddy current of such intensity to produce heat sufficient to melt the electrically conductive metal, thereby entrapping the pores of the green article and any gases or non-electrically conductive particulate material contained therein. The next steps vary, depending on whether a porous metal structure or a hollow metallic sphere is to be produced.

Abstract: There is disclosed a composite label web and method of labeling. The composite label web has a flexible, longitudinally extending carrier web with cuts to provide feed registration, flexible labels carried on the carrier web, non-tacky adhesive releasably adhering the labels at their undersides to the carrier web, a longitudinally extending line of weakening spaced between side edges of the labels and dividing the labels into detachably connected first and second label parts, pressure sensitive adhesive on the outer sides of the first label parts, and flexible masking material adhered to and masking off the pressure sensitive adhesive on the first label parts. The disclosed method can be practiced using a hand-held labeler which effects printing on the second label parts, effects separation of the labels from the carrier web at its delaminator and dispenses the labels. When the masking material is removed, the first label part can be adhered to the underside of a marginal side edge of a tag.

Abstract: The present invention provides a label jig adapted to guide accurate manual application of an adhesive label or label cover at an edge of a file panel. The jig includes a file edge guide, a label edge guide, raised relative to the file edge guide and a seat portion between and at generally right angles to the edge guides at the top of the file edge guide and at the base of the label edge guide. The seat portion which is used to seat only part of the label has low affinity for the adhesive on the label so as not to detract from its adhesiveness when the seated part of the label is removed from the seat portion of the jig.

Abstract: A labelling device, particularly for applying a label to cigarette packets, and in which a shaft having at one end a label retaining member is mounted in a rotatable and axially slidable manner through a casing, which is supported by a support member so as to be oscillable relative thereto through an angle about an axis at right angles to said shaft; said support member being adjustable in position, and said casing enclosing first transmission means cyclically displacing said shaft axially relative to said casing to bring said label retaining member into a label application position, and second transmission means which are adjustable to a position in which they connect said casing and said shaft to one another so as to transform the oscillations of the casing into rotations of the shaft about its axis and relative to the casing.

Abstract: A machine for automatically applying transfers such as tax stamps to multiple packages contained in a carton is disclosed. The transfer applying machine comprises a conveyor for intermittently and sequentially advancing cartons through an opening station, where the carton is opened to expose the packages therein, through a stamping station, where tax stamps in the form of heat or water transfers or ink printing are applied to each of the packages, and through a closing station where the carton is closed and resealed. The machine is adjustable to accommodate a variety of carton and package sizes and to apply the transfers to each package in the carton accurately while using stock rolls of transfers on which the transfers are mounted with a predetermined spacing that does not necessarily correspond to the spacing of packages within the carton.

Abstract: A labeling machine particularly adapted for use in applying address labels to envelopes and similar mailing pieces which is characterized by a magazine for accommodating an upright stack of envelopes, with a bottom shuttle plate for feeding successive bottommost envelopes to pinch rolls which deliver the envelopes to a transport system which includes a horizontally disposed, lug-type transport conveyor which advances the envelopes to a label applying head, the latter being operable to feed address labels from a supply source and to apply the same to the desired spot on each successive envelope, with provision for quickly converting the machine for handling envelopes of different length by varying the spacing between the lugs on the conveyor and changing the speed of operation of the shuttle plate and the label applying head.

Abstract: Vacuum controlled apparatus for automatically applying a label to an item which may not lie desirably along a given plane. A label head consists of two separate elements forming a chamber to which a source of vacuum is connected. One of the elements contains openings extending between a label holding surface and the chamber. When the label head is moved to the item to be labeled, overtravel is provided, causing the two elements to separate, which reduces the vacuum and allows the element holding the label to align the label holding surface with the surface of the item to be labeled. Also disclosed is a device for enhancing the stripping of a label from a label carrier.