Abstract:
The invention provides for the processing of information and the imprinting of labels (111) within a print housing (110), using information that is controlled externally beyond the housing (110). This can be attached to the print housing (110). The external housing (120) for the control of printing information can include a display (124) for information transmitted from the control housing (120) to the print housing (110).
Abstract:
Method and apparatus for ion projection electrographic imaging using a self-limiting discharge ion source (10). A pool of ions is generated by a high voltage time-varying potential (17) between two electrodes (14 and 18) separated by a solid dielectric (16); ions are extracted by means of an electrical field between one of the electrodes and a further electrode member (160). An apertured ion-modulating plate (20) is interposed between the ion source (10) and an image receptor surface (150) in order to modulate the cross-section of ion flow, thereby forming a desired electrographic image. This device enjoys the advantages of high print uniformity, simplicity of construction, and reliable, durable operation.
Abstract:
A decorative laminate (5) and method of transferring designs onto article (60). The laminate is formed of a transfer substrate (7) affixed to a support member (10). The transfer substrate (7) is composed of a protective layer (40), an ink layer (30), and an adhesive/release layer (20). Optionally, a barrier layer (35) is provided between the resinous layer and the ink layer. In many applications the protective coating layer may be omitted. The laminate is applied to an article using a heated silicone rubber transfer pad (50) to which the transfer substrate adheres during the transfer process.
Abstract:
Cover folders (230) having binders (201) that securely retain the cover and inserted sheets, without the use of external fasteners. The binder (201) is an elongated bar (203) with an interior channel (208) for receiving and holding a folded cover (230). The bar (203) includes within the channel (208) slanted ribs (215a) which engage the folded edge of the cover sheet along an overlapping flap (235). The overlapping flap (235) of the cover sheet (230) may be made more rigid by heat treatment and/or by a reinforcing coating.
Abstract:
Fastener dispensers receive an assemblage of the fasteners (20) and are able to expel them individually through, for example, a slotted hollow needle (30). The dispensed fasteners can be used generally in the attachment of items to one another and, in particular, for the labeling of textile goods and the like with information bearing tags. These dispensers have cumbersome control levers that actuate both the feed and expulsion mechanisms. These dispensers also have jam release mechanisms that operate only when the trigger is depressed. Therefore, this fastener dispenser (10) includes a trigger operated feed mechanism (13) and a simultaneously operable expulsion mechanism (15). Both mechanisms are controlled by the tip of a lever (16) which is proportioned and disposed in the device to execute linear motion. The feed mechanism is disengageable from the remainder of the device by a release slide (23) to permit clearance of the inserted assemblage or the removal of jams. The feed mechanism additionally is operated by a planar pawl (19w) having a tooth (19t) that extends into contact with indentations on the periphery of a feed wheel (19f).
Abstract:
Bundling of objects using a harnessing device with a locking head (20) and a strap (30) with teeth (32-a, 32-b) that are controlled by stretching. The locking head (20) contains a pawl or tang (22) that engages the teeth (32-a, 32-b) of the strap (30) by wedging. One or more wedging teeth (22t-1, 22t-2, 22t-3) are desirably located on the locking tang (22) as well. A further tooth (23t) to promote locking is desirably included in the locking head (20). The strap (30) is advantageously molded of stretch reorientable material which is subsequently stretched to control the profile of the teeth (32-a, 32-b) which are engaged by the locking tang (22) and head (20). The teeth (32-a, 32-b) are spaced on the strap to permit use of the teeth (32-a) near the head for the harnessing of small bundles. The pawl (22) is provided with specified pivot points (P1, P2) for both the insertion and loading of the strap (30) in the head (22).
Abstract:
A fastener dispensing needle (32) is manufactured by a machining process which includes bending a metal tube to assist in obtaining a favorable configuration for the tip (35) of the needle (32). A flared portion (39) of the needle tip (35) determines the diameter of the hole made through the material of the object being penetrated by the needle (32). In addition, the area of the needle (32) where the central bore (36) and longitudinal groove (38) merge into the tip portion of the needle (32) is configured to minimize cutting action on the filament (24) of the fastener (22), again resulting in fewer undesired breakages. This is achieved by manufacturing the needle (32) from hollow metal tubing, and cutting the longitudinal groove (38) in the side of the tubing so that the groove edges have surfaces by radial sections of the tubing.
Abstract:
A metallized laminate and process of manufacture wherein a metallic layer (4) or underlying ink layer (3) appears in a pattern on the laminate. The method in a specific embodiment involves the steps of forming a laminate by coating a heat stable release coat onto a carrier sheet (1); coating an ink layer (3) in a pattern on the heat stable release coating so that at least portions of the release coat remain uncovered with ink, and applying a metallic layer (4) over the release coat so that at least a portion of the metallic layer is in the direct contact with and adheres directly to the release coat. Portions of the metallic layer (4) may be removed by an etchant. A heat activatable adhesive layer (5) is applied over the metallic layer (4). The laminate so formed is heat transferable from the carrier sheet (1) to an article.
Abstract:
A writing instrument which can be used as a broad line marking instrument or as a fine line writing pen. The instrument has a marking nib (60) and a fine line writing nib (35) located at the same end of the instrument. The fine line writing nib is retractable and can be activated by the press of a button (45). When the fine line writing nib is retracted the instrument can be used as a conventional permanent marker or highlighting marker depending upon the type of ink employed. When the fine writing nib is activated, it protrudes through the marking nib and automatically locks into writing position. Only one protective cap (90) is needed to protect the nibs when the instrument is in nonuse.
Abstract:
An improved release coating for heat transferable laminates wherein an ink design layer is transferred from a carrier web onto an article such as a plastic or glass container upon application of heat and pressure. The improved release coating (20) transfers with the ink design layer (30) and forms an optically clear protective coating over the transferred ink design layer. The transferred release coating upon resolidification has an exceedingly high optical clarity, with no hazing, spotting, or halo discernible over the transferred ink design layer. The improved release coating incorporates a tackifying resin in a wax base. The wax base includes a montan wax and a crystalline wax such as paraffin wax. The wax base may also include a microcrystalline wax component. The tackifying resin is a transparent hydrogenated hydrocarbon resin.