A method and apparatus for applying stamps to a group of packages wherein the stamps are arranged in a predetermined pattern and the packages in the group are arranged in a different pattern, using an apparatus having one or more carriages moveable in the x- and/or y-directions.

Apparatuses and methods for applying a transfer material onto the surface of an article are disclosed, including apparatuses and methods of transfer printing on and/or decorating three-dimensional articles, as well as the articles printed and/or decorated thereby. In some cases, the apparatuses and methods involve providing a deposition device, such as a printing device; providing a transfer component; depositing a material onto a portion of the transfer component with the deposition device; modifying the portion of the transfer component with the transfer material thereon to conform the transfer component to at least a portion of the surface of the three-dimensional article; and transferring the transfer material onto the surface of the article.

Apparatus and methods for reducing the tack of adhesive ooze around components and other materials associated with articles and labeling and packaging of articles. In some embodiments, the packaging includes a substrate, an adhesive, a component, a de-tackifying agent, and an ooze zone. The substrate may be a shrink sleeve label. The adhesive may be a pressure sensitive adhesive used to attach the component to the substrate. The component may be a smart component or a promotional material. The de-tackifying agent may reduce the tackiness of the adhesive that oozes (i.e., progresses) beyond the interface of the component and the substrate into an adjacent ooze zone when heat, pressure, or heavy coat weight is applied to the packaging.

Apparatus and methods for reducing the tack of adhesive ooze around components and other materials associated with articles and labeling and packaging of articles. In some embodiments, the packaging includes a substrate, an adhesive, a component, a de-tackifying agent, and an ooze zone. The substrate may be a shrink sleeve label. The adhesive may be a pressure sensitive adhesive used to attach the component to the substrate. The component may be a smart component or a promotional material. The de-tackifying agent may reduce the tackiness of the adhesive that oozes (i.e., progresses) beyond the interface of the component and the substrate into an adjacent ooze zone when heat, pressure, or heavy coat weight is applied to the packaging.

The invention relates to a method for tagging (101) products or product packages by applying hot-melt adhesive (103) to removably or permanently attach (104) a remote-readable tag (202) with an identification element (102) onto the product or product package. Hot-melt adhesive is targeted as a shot onto a surface of the product or product package. Hot-melt adhesive removes moisture and/or layer of ice from the surface of the product or product package thereby facilitating removable or permanent attachment (104) of the remote-readable tag (102) onto the product or the product package. A corresponding product or product package tagged according to the method is presented.

The invention relates to a method for tagging (101) products or product packages by applying hot-melt adhesive (103) to removably or permanently attach (104) a remote-readable tag (202) with an identification element (102) onto the product or product package. Hot-melt adhesive is targeted as a shot onto a surface of the product or product package. Hot-melt adhesive removes moisture and/or layer of ice from the surface of the product or product package thereby facilitating removable or permanent attachment (104) of the remote-readable tag (102) onto the product or the product package. A corresponding product or product package tagged according to the method is presented.