Abstract: A system for automated decoration of an item comprising the steps of: installing print generating software on a computer with a memory (e.g. a server); linking an input system (e.g. a web site) to the computer; allowing a customer to select an item (customer selection), preferably a fabric item, via the input system; allowing the customer to specify a decoration (customer specification) for the item via the input system; generating a print image for the item from the customer selection and specification with the print generating software; and sending the print image from the computer to a printer, which is preferably a dye sublimation printer.

Abstract: A 3D shipping container engine may obtain item information for one or more items. Once obtained, container specifications may be determined for a container in which to store the one or more items based on the item(s) information. Based the container specifications, 3D additive manufacturing instructions may be provided for the container.

Abstract: A method and system creates a printed substrate suitable for conversion into a three-dimensional object. A template generator identifies a printing template having die line data representing a cutting path and folding position data representing a folding path. Foreground image data representative of a first image is automatically applied the selected printing template to define a target location for the first image, and also to define a second die line around a portion of the target location to form a second cutting path based on the foreground image data. A printer prints the first image onto a substrate at the target location, a cutting device cuts the substrate along the first cutting path and the second cutting path, and a scoring device scores the substrate along the folding path to generate a printed substrate that will fold into a three-dimensional object.

Abstract: A fragrance sampler having an integral applicator is disclosed in which the sampler comprises a top ply having an upper surface and a lower surface, a mid ply having an upper surface, an outer perimeter edge, a back surface, a well formed therein, a bead of adhesive surrounding the well, and an area between the bead of adhesive and the outer perimeter edge, a non-woven material applicator having a sample material incorporated therein with the applicator being sized and shaped to fit within the well, and a bottom ply having a front surface and a back surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prefabricated secure foldable multilayer label intended to be adhered onto a substrate, including built-in security means (13, 23), characterized in that it includes a first flap (1) and a second flap (2), each including a transparent substrate layer (11, 21), said flaps being separated by a folding line and capable of overlapping and being adhered along a first surface (61, 62) of said flaps (1, 2). According to one advantageous aspect, the prefabricated label includes a removable printable sheet (4), which can be used e.g. as a receipt. The invention also relates to the manufacture of said secure label.

Abstract: The post-processing device includes: a binding unit that forms a cut in a sheet stack and cuts a part of the sheet stack into a predetermined shape to form a tongue portion in the sheet stack, the tongue portion having a part where one end part of the tongue portion is not separated from the sheet stack, and binds the sheet stack by bending the tongue portion and inserting the other end part of the tongue portion into the cut; and a sheet stack transport unit that transports the sheet stack in an orientation such that the one end part of the tongue portion in the sheet stack bound by the binding unit is on a downstream side of the other end part of the tongue portion in the sheet stack transport direction.

Abstract: A process for forming an absorbent article comprising a substrate having a composite image printed thereon. The composite image includes artwork portions printed on the top and bottom surfaces of the printed article substrate, which are vertically aligned with each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for creating an electronic version of printed matter. Advantageously, the electronic version of the printed matter is such that is has the same appearance and layout as the printed matter. The electronic version of the printed matter is also such that that a viewer's interaction with the electronic version can trigger the sending of information to the viewer. The information can be in various forms including an e-mail or e-coupon. It comes with an intelligence and interactive module where viewers can read other languages' printed matter instantaneously with multi-lingual translation both in text and voice. The apparatus and method is also capable of compressing the electronic version so that it can be quickly and efficiently distributed to viewers over numerous networks. These networks can include LAN, WAN, internet, or mobile and wireless communication networks.

Abstract: Planar substrates are printed, cut, and folded to form three-dimensional cartons. Given graphics intended to appear on a carton surface or panel, printed graphics are laid-out and automatically positioned and manipulated using structural information associated with the cartons. Preferably a single computer-generated graphics file is created for use in printing the various panels and flaps. The graphics design can be overlaid on a computer image of the substrate, and graphic portions can be rotated, scaled, and aligned to properly fit printing areas on what will be panels and flaps (after cutting occurs). A computer generated three-dimensional image of the carton showing graphics printed on the panels and flaps can be manipulated by a graphics artist to confirm accuracy of the graphic file data before actual printing occurs.

Abstract: A notching unit includes a notching blade and a notching blade holder. The notching blade holder is moved between a notch forming position where the notching blade forms intermittent notches in a folded signature and a groove waiting position where the notching blade does not form the intermittent notches in the folded signature.

Abstract: A sliding assembly has a slider and at least one rail movably engaged with the slider for movement. The rail is coupled to a module operable in a number of module positions. A lever arm is connected between a pin on the slider and the module to change the module positions, such that when the module positions are caused to change, the slider is also caused to move relative to the rail. In a portable device, such as a mobile phone having a first device part and a second device part, the first device part can be fixedly mounted to the slider and the second device part can be fixedly mounted to the rail in order to achieve a sliding motion between the first and second device parts so as to allow the mobile phone to operate between closed and open positions.

Abstract: A method of making packages having a reclosable zipper construction openable and closeable by a slider device. In one embodiment, the method includes utilizing photo eyes to monitor the registration of the film web in respect to the slider device and the placement of side seams. In another embodiment, the method includes utilizing multiple sealing steps to provide seal regions and side seams.

Abstract: The invention is a process for manufacturing plastic zipper bags. In the process, zippers are disposed along both opposing edges of a pair of contiguous elongate plastic sheets. The elongate plastic sheets are then divided into individual bags by sealing the two plastic sheets to one another along spaced-apart transverse sealing lines. By these steps, the pair of elongate plastic sheets are transformed into a strip of plastic bags comprising a plurality of individual plastic bags attached to one another along abutting transverse sealing lines. Each plastic bag along the strip of plastic bags has a zippered upper edge and a zippered lower edge. Next, the upper edge of every other plastic bag along the plastic bag strip is sealed with a sealing edge disposed parallel to and proximate to the zipper along the upper edge. On each of the other bags along the plastic bag strip, the lower edge is sealed with a sealing line disposed parallel to and proximate to the zipper along the lower edge.

Abstract: Tab material which is wrapped tightly around an edge of a sheet is adhered flat to both faces of the sheet. The sheet is passed through a printer, and indicia is printed on both sides of a tab material fold line on at least a portion of the tab material on one of the faces. Then, the tab material portion is released from that face, folded onto itself on the fold line, and the end of that portion is re-adhered to that face but closer to the sheet edge. Thereby, the folded tab material portion extends out from the edge and has indicia printed on both sides thereof to define a tab. Pursuant to one embodiment, a series of these tab material portions line that face along the edge, separated from one another by die cut lines. The user can then select the portion to be released from the face, folded onto itself and its end attached to the face to define an outwardly extending tab at the desired place anywhere along the edge.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately cutting a multi-view print from a sheet of print material is disclosed comprised of a lower body portion and a cutter blade residing in the lower body portion. The cutter blade has a cutting outline corresponding to the outline of the to be cut multi-view print. An upper body portion is rigidly positioned with respect to the lower body portion and has a first opening therethrough corresponding to the outline of the cutter blade and second openings that are defined by the upper body portion for receiving a user's fingers so as to enable the movement of a sheet of print material when positioned between the upper and the lower body portions whereby a lenticular or barrier type cover sheet, positioned in the first opening, permits viewing of the multi-view print to enable the guiding of the sheet of print material into accurate alignment with the cover sheet prior to cutting with the cutter blade.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making improved folded signature for subsequent use in gathering and combining or binding in bookbinding. Each folded signature includes uniquely positioned perforated folds, sequences of folding and adhered together perforated folded edges which reduce folding time, alter folded signature orientation during gathering, eliminate the need for having a conventional backbone, and provide a binding or pulling edge.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus for stapling multiple sheets with a stapler and delivering the sheets in folio, includes a staple hitting device, a stapler having an anvil opposed to the staple hitting device with respect to a sheet path and a shifting device for shifting the sheet so as to escape a staple from a groove on the anvil after the sheet is stapled by drive of the staple hitting device.

Abstract: A process for producing a card comprising:recording variable data comprising photographic data on at least one selected from a surface of a center core to be used for the card, and a back surface of an oversheet in a sheet form supplied from a roll thereof, by variable data recording means comprising a sublimation type thermal transfer device which uses a thermal transfer sheet having a dye layer imparted with a releasability,superposing the center core and the oversheet to form an integral laminate;cutting the integral laminate into a card form having a predetermined size.

Abstract: A slide chart in which the sleeve and the slide have mutually engaging flaps which click past one another upon insertion of the slide into the sleeve but engage to prevent withdrawal of the slide from the sleeve.

Abstract: Generally speaking, a method for forming custom-printed, three dimensional structures using a computer and a computer-controlled printer, has several steps. A flexible rectangular sheet is perforated to form a removable portion. Lines of weakness are formed on the removable portion, to serve as fold lines that ultimately folding the two-dimensional removable portion into a three-dimensional structure. A user instructs a computer program to command a computer-controlled printer to print particular information onto the printing surface of said removable portion. After printing, the user removes the removable portion from the sheet along the perforations and then folds the removable portion along the lines of weakness and secures the folded sheet into a three dimensional structure. The removable portion may be provided with a pressure-sensitive, water-activated, cohesive or other type of adhesive for adhering securing the folded sheet into the three-dimensional structure.

Abstract: A method of marking a parcel (68) includes folding a label (33) about a chosen corner (123) of parcel (68) having contiguous sides (43) and converging edges (44) to permit an individual to rapidly locate the label. The label may be printed in ink and/or embossed directly on a parcel substrate (58) or as a lithographed and/or embossed sheet applied to the parcel substrate during its manufacture.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making improved folded signature for subsequent use in gathering and combining or binding in bookbinding. Each folded signature includes uniquely positioned perforated folds, sequences of folding and adhered together perforated folded edges which reduce folding time, alter folded signature orientation during gathering, eliminate the need for having a conventional backbone, and provide a binding or pulling edge.

Abstract: A device for perforating, die-cutting, cutting or creasing in printing machines comprises a supporting foil which at two of its opposite sides is provided with strips for mounting onto a rubber blanket cylinder of a printing unit, whereby a component for perforating, die-cutting, cutting or creasing is affixed to the supporting foil. An impression cylinder covered with a protection foil co-operates with the rubber blanket cylinder. The use of a relatively hard supporting foil instead of a rubber blanket allows for much cleaner and quicker perforation and punching, and the affixing of the perforating, die-cutting, cutting or creasing component to the supporting foil on the rubber blanket cylinder allows a much easier and more precise positioning of that component. As a result, the device can also be used in endless printing machines. Moreover, the use of an independent inner underlying blanket allows an exact calibration of the total thickness of the supporting foil comprising the working tools.

Abstract: A method of writing a bank draft using an electronic printer and placing the bank draft in an envelope is accomplished by providing a single sheet of paper. The sheet of paper is completely opaque and sized to be received within the electronic printer. The paper sheet has a front surface and a back surface and a perimeter which is defined by opposite side and end edges. A line of perforations extend between the opposite side edges and divide the paper sheet into an envelope portion and a bank draft portion. The paper sheet is fed into the electronic printer where recipient indicia is printed on the envelope portion and bank draft indicia is printed on the bank draft portion. The paper sheet is then discharged from the electronic printer and folded so that the envelope portion forms an envelope for the bank draft.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing pop-up action products from a single continuous web of material. A preferred form of the method includes the steps of cutting the web into two separate ribbons, defining a continuous series of predetermined shapes in one of the ribbons, marrying the two separate ribbons so that they are joined to one another at each of the series of predetermined shapes in such a fashion that, after transverse separation into individual pop-up action products, the linear movement of a slide panel member results in the elevational movement of a predetermined "pop-up" shape.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for printing and collating multiple webs of materials, particularly for use in creating personalized direct mail materials, are disclosed. The invention includes a single, highly flexible press having components capable of being driven at unequal speeds to account for different sizes of insert materials and their associated envelopes. Operating a single press in this manner reduces the amount of waste web material which otherwise would be present. The press similarly includes novel collating and inserting apparatus whereby each outgoing envelope is effectively formed around the "insertable" materials. Control mechanisms and verification systems associated with the press additionally maintain any personalized materials in registration, permitting a single press to produce the entire direct mail piece from multiple webs with minimal waste.

Abstract: A postcard mailer may also be used as a reply postcard. A sheet of paper between one-half of and the minimum weight of a postcard, is printed with reply and return address indicia on the top face of one side of an intermediate fold line, while the sheet on the other side of the fold line is printed with instructional or inquisitive indicia. A removable label printed with outgoing address indicia is disposed over the reply address indicia. A line of weakness parallel to the top edge defines the sheet into first and second panels, the second panel having at least the minimum dimensions of a postcard. Adhesive patterns are provided on the bottom face of the sheet, on both the first and second panels. The sheet is folded about an intermediate fold line and the adhesive is sealed, producing an outgoing postcard. By detachment at the line of weakness, and removing the label, the mailer is transformed into a reply postcard.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting a tab from a strip of material and fixing the tab to a fixing surface. The apparatus has a housing and a driving head associated with the housing which is operable to drive a penetrating fastener into a fixing surface. A strip of material is fed by a feed mechanism to a cutter such that a portion of the strip can be cut by the cutter to form a tab. The portion of the strip to form the tab is presented to a position where it can be brought into contact with the fixing surface and fixed thereto by impact delivery of the penetrating fastener. Fixing of the portion of the strip can take place prior to or in conjunction with the portion being cut from the strip by the cutter. The apparatus can include a printer to apply indicia to the strip.

Abstract: A pop-out slide and a method of fabricating the same from a single continuous web of material. The method comprises cutting a web of material to define a through slot and a cutout, such that the cutout in turn defines a pop-out member superimposable with and shaped and alignable for selective extension through the slot, slitting said web into two ribbons, one ribbon including said slot and the other including the cutout and the pop-out member. The method proceeds by stacking the ribbons in a position for aligning the pop-out member with the slot, applying a seam of glue adjacent the slot and marrying the ribbon carrying the pop-out member with the ribbon carrying the slot. Thereafter, the method proceeds by folding over the slot-carrying ribbon so as to fully enclose the ribbon carrying the pop-out member and such that the seam of glue extends through the cutout defining the pop-out member to adhesively secure with a facing surface of the slot-carrying ribbon to the other side thereof.

Abstract: A Forms Carrier is disclosed for use in securing preprinted business forms that are too small to engage laser printers or similar friction roller printing devices. The Forms Carrier includes a rectangular sheet of flexible material having a fold line dividing the sheet into a lower portion and a upper portion. The lower portion resembles a conventional size sheet of paper. A preprinted business form is placed upon the lower portion of the sheet and the upper portion folds over the form with a pressure sensitive adhesive on the surface of the upper portion that faces the form which securely holds the form to the Forms Carrier. The Forms Carrier with the secured form is then placed into a laser printing device or similar friction roller printing device in the ordinary and conventional manner.

Abstract: A spinning wheel type paper product and a method of fabricating the same from a single continuous web of material. The method comprises the steps of cutting the web of material to define a window and a wheel having a central aperture and slitting the web into two ribbons, one of the ribbons including said window and the other including said wheel. An area of glue is applied to the ribbon carrying the window at a location spaced apart from the window and the ribbons are stacked in a position for aligning the central aperture with the glue area. The ribbon carrying the window is folded over so as to enclose the ribbon carrying the wheel and such that the area of glue extends through the central aperture in the wheel to adhesively secure, with a facing surface of the window carrying ribbon, the other side thereof. Individual products are then formed by transversely cutting the web.

Abstract: A sheet material advancer includes a base frame with a pair of spaced-apart end plates projecting from the frame. A first cylinder is mounted between the end plates and will redirect a sheet of material from a generally vertical position to a horizontal orientation. A reciprocating cylinder is operably mounted on the base frame parallel to the first cylinder and is operable between a home position adjacent the first cylinder and an extended position spaced a predetermined distance from the first cylinder. The sheet material extends from the first cylinder around the second cylinder and then to an uptake. Pneumatic cylinders are mounted on the base frame and connected to the reciprocating cylinder so as to selectively move the reciprocating cylinder between the home and extended positions.

Abstract: A composite mailing wrapper suitable for use with a catalog or magazine is produced from an integral web and comprises front and rear cover sheets joined along a longitudinal fold line to which is detachably connected at least one preformed reply envelope, and optionally, at least one response device which is detachably connected to the envelope flap(s). When assembled to the catalog the envelope(s) and optional response device(s) are contained within the fold of the cover sheets. All of the elements comprising the composite wrapper can be personalized without risk of mismatching as they are produced from an integral web and are not detached from each other during manufacture.

Abstract: Apparatus making foldable box blanks of pre-printed corrugated material by continuously delivering pre-printed web material to a reciprocating press which is operated intermittently to cut and score the web material and utilizing an accumulator mechanism which receives the pre-printed web material continuously and delivers it intermittently.

Abstract: A construction comprising a sheet of two contiguous detachable leaf members is folded and separated to form slide and sleeve components of the calculator. Fold lines in the sheet are formed parallel to a separation or tear line that divides one leaf member from the other leaf member. In assembling the slide calculator the leaf members can be separated before or after the folding operation. A marginal portion provided on one of the leaf members enables the sheet to be secured by adhesive or other suitable form of attachment to a newspaper or magazine, a package container, or a package label. In various embodiments of the invention an information readout is provided on reverse sides of the calculator including one embodiment wherein the printed format of the slide and sleeve components is applied to one surface only of the respective leaf member.

Abstract: Stacks of individual relatively small rectangular sheets bearing printed characters are formed by first printing the characters in a grid on a substantially larger sheet, then stacking those sheets in registration, wrapping it with a transparent adhesive material, cutting it into strips along the grid line, coating the surfaces exposed in the cut with adhesive material and reconstituting the strips into a tablet or pad. Then cutting the tablet or pad laterally and removing the last layer of adhesive material applied before arranging the stacks into an index selector board for use in composing strips of type.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting box blanks into formed but collapsed cases, the apparatus comprising means (15, 16) for receiving a vertical stack(s) of blanks, means (18, 19) for elevating and supporting the stack such that the top of the stack is continually elevated into position against a feeding mechanism (17) at a fixed elevated level, the apparatus further comprising a line of casemaking machinery (10a, 10b, 11, 12, 13, 14), all arranged at the elevated level of the feeding mechanism (17).

Abstract: A method of making a display mount for holding calendars, photographs, and the like, is provided with a rectangular backing panel, an intermediate spacing panel mounted adjacent thereto, and a partial face panel mount in the front of the intermediate panel. The panels have been case bound with a facing material and die cut to form one or more mounting wells therein. The pockets for the mounting well use only a partial face panel allowing for easy removal of the die cut portions, and the reduction of the weight of the display mount. The method includes cutting a single piece of planar material and scoring parallel lines for folding into three panels.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a slide chart, utilizing high speed, straight line gluing and folding machinery, from a unitary blank having a flat sheet separated into three segments, a first and second segment being provided with openings and forming the faces of the manufactured slide chart, and a third segment having scored lines longitudinally extending therethrough to form a railed slide located between the faces of the manufactured slide chart. The method comprises applying glue to the longitudinal edges of the second or third segment, folding the second and third segment onto each other, applying glue to the longitudinal edges of the first or third segment, folding the first and third segment onto each other, and trimming the transverse edges of the resulting slide chart assembly, thereby freeing the slide to move between a pair of rails and the faces of the slide chart to provide a finished slide chart of substantial precision.