Abstract: A method and apparatus for labeling a metallic container, such as an aluminum collapsible tube (empty and open-ended for filling by the purchaser) with a flexible label, which is especially suited to short production runs and in such a manner that the label is bonded to the container such that it is able to withstand physical abuse without peeling or breaking away from the container. Both the label and unlabeled container may be manufactured in advance and stored until needed. The container comprises an enamel coating which is bonded to the surface of the container, the coating comprising an adhesive which is activated within a predetermined temperature range, and the label comprises a transparent film having reverse printing on the lower surface thereof. The enamel coating is heated to a temperature within the activating temperature range to cause the adhesive to activate. The lower surface of the label is contacted to the heated enamel coating under sufficient pressure to cause the label to bond thereto.

Abstract: A heat-transfer label suitable for use on silane-treated glass containers, refundable polyethylene terephthalate containers, and the like. According to one embodiment, the label includes a sheet of paper overcoated with a release layer of polyethylene. A skim coat of wax is overcoated onto the polyethylene-coated paper. A protective lacquer layer comprising a polyester, polyester/vinyl or polyester/vinyl with wax lacquer is printed onto the skim coat. An ink design layer comprising one or more polyester inks is printed onto the protective lacquer layer. An adhesive layer comprising a polyester, polyester/vinyl or polyester/vinyl with wax adhesive is printed onto the ink design layer.

Abstract: A multilayer film useful for making plastic adhesive labels for glass substrates such as glass bottles. The multilayer films contain a base layer, an adhesive layer, and optionally an intermediate layer to improve interlayer bonding between the base layer and the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer comprises a heat-activated thermoplastic adhesive that is not tacky at room temperature. Films of the present invention are sufficiently non blocking at room temperature so as to not require the use of a separate release liner. The film can be utilized in conventional graphics printing operations and made into labels. Labels made from films of the present invention can be thermally adhered to glass substrates and exhibit sufficient adhesion to glass substrates to withstand washing/rinsing, filling, and pasteurization processes utilized in the bottling industry.

Abstract: A demand actuated system for automatically feeding, printing, cutting and applying a garment label composed of a strip of two layer laminated thermoplastic, elastomeric, preferably, polyurethane, film includes a printer and a bonder arranged for conjoint operation. The printer prints computer controlled images, by means of a thermal ink transfer ribbon, directly onto a layer of higher melting point resin and the bonder fusion bonds the other layer, of lower melting point resin, to the garment piece substantially without distortion of the imprinted image. A special two layer thermoplastic elastomeric label film is provided for use in the system.

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

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which applies hot melt tape to substrates such as cartons or boxes which are fed through the apparatus in a timed, spaced manner. The requirement of applying the tape to each spaced carton is met by integrating the feeding and cutting of the tape to the timing of the carton or box feeding machine. The tape is applied to a predetermined location with a desired cut length determined by the configuration of the apparatus. The apparatus can be mounted on existing machines such as folder gluers or mounted on dedicated machines.

Abstract: An article feeding device is disclosed which comprises a straight scroll for feeding articles held between the scroll flights one by one along a straight path. A star wheel having peripheral pockets is arranged so that the wheel lies approximately tangentially to the scroll and rotates as the scroll turns. By this means, the articles are engaged in the star wheel pockets and are moved slightly away from the scroll at which point labels are applied thereto, and then the articles are returned to the scroll and released from the star wheel for continued feeding by the scroll.

Abstract: A thermal printer and label applicator includes a transport system for moving linerless thermosensitive paper from a stack or roll thereof to a printing station and a cutting station. Thermal print head at the printing station is provided to imprint a preselected heating pattern in the linerless thermosensitive paper in order to form desired visible images thereon. A cutter is provided to separate the linerless thermosensitive paper into individual labels, and a vacuum system transports the separated individual labels from the cutting station to an adhesive activation station and thereafter to a label ejection station. At the adhesive activation station, the adhesive is activated and thereafter a vacuum/blower system at the label ejection station causes airborne transport of the individual separated labels onto goods which have been placed in receiving position by a conveyor system. Operation of the thermal printer and label applicator is coordinated by a control system.

Abstract: A thermal printer and label applicator includes a transport system for moving linerless thermosensitive paper from a stack or roll thereof to a printing station and a cutting station. Thermal print head at the printing station is provided to imprint a preselected heating pattern in the linerless thermosensitive paper in order to form desired visible images thereon. A cutter is provided to separate the linerless thermosensitive paper into individual labels, and a vacuum system transports the separated individual labels from the cutting station to an adhesive activation station and thereafter to a label ejection station. At the adhesive activation station, a heater is provided to activate a delayed action adhesive on the label and thereafter a vacuum/blower system at the label ejection station causes airborne transport of the individual separated labels onto goods which have been placed in receiving position by a conveyor system.

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: A method of bonding a label having a thermosensitive adhesive provided on the under surface thereof which comprises providing a label from a supply roll, severing same therefrom and delivering such to a heat transferrable conveyor, providing heat to said conveyor, both during travel and interruptions thereof, for rendering said label tacky, peelingly removing said tackified label from said conveyor in timed relation to an article or object traveling thereby for disposition thereon. Apparatus for accomplishing the series of operations in the above-described method for rendering a thermosensitive adhesive equipped label tacky and automatically applying same to the object to be labeled.

Abstract: A heat-activated pressure-sensitive adhesive which comprises an aqueous emulsion of finely divided solids comprising a rubber polymer, a resin and a plasticizer, which optionally contains urea, a urea-compound and/or a polyhydroxy compound in the aqueous phase. Substrates such as plastic film, metal foil and cigarette paper may be effectively bonded.

Abstract: Conventional hot melt adhesive formulations based on A-B-A type block copolymers are improved with respect to their heat and plasticizer resistance by addition thereto of a polymeric fatty acid polyamide.

Abstract: An apparatus of applying labels coated with a thermoactivatable adhesive. The labels are stacked in a magazine, are serially withdrawn by a vacuum picker and deposited on a platform. Each label is transferred from this platform, pressed against a garment, and tacked in place by small area of adhesive on label which is heated during travel. Thereafter, entire label is heated and pressed against garment to effect final bond.