An auto sort and label (ASL) system includes a conveyor, a controller, a sensor, and a label, print, and apply (LPA) system. The conveyor conveys articles through the ASL system. The sensor is positioned along the conveyor and identifies an article. The controller receives sensor data from the sensor. The LPA is positioned alongside the conveyor and prints labels in sequence with the corresponding article as it travels along the conveyor and applies the labels to the corresponding articles as the article passes the LPA. The controller controls the conveyor such that a gap and/or pitch between a first article and a second article is adjusted to an optimal distance to match the operation capability of the LPA. The controller verifies placement and contents of the label upon the article as defined by sensor data and accepts or rejects the labeled article for further handling based on the verification.

An auto sort and label (ASL) system includes a conveyor, a controller, a sensor, and a label, print, and apply (LPA) system. The conveyor conveys articles through the ASL system. The sensor is positioned along the conveyor and identifies an article. The controller receives sensor data from the sensor. The LPA is positioned alongside the conveyor and prints labels in sequence with the corresponding article as it travels along the conveyor and applies the labels to the corresponding articles as the article passes the LPA. The controller controls the conveyor such that a gap and/or pitch between a first article and a second article is adjusted to an optimal distance to match the operation capability of the LPA. The controller verifies placement and contents of the label upon the article as defined by sensor data and accepts or rejects the labeled article for further handling based on the verification.

In an attachment device, the atmospheric pressure of a lower space which is formed by a container and an attachment film and the atmospheric pressure of an upper space which is formed by a lid and the attachment film are varied to cause elastic deformation of the attachment film, so that a decorative sheet is attached to a cowl. Disposed inside the container are: a jig that puts the cowl in place; and a restriction plate which is disposed at a location close to the cowl so as to cause at least a part of the cowl to be exposed to the attachment film side, and which has a reception surface that restricts the elastic deformation of the attachment film. In addition, the reception surface is provided with a small through-hole that allows the air inside the lower space to flow therethrough.

In an attachment device, the atmospheric pressure of a lower space which is formed by a container and an attachment film and the atmospheric pressure of an upper space which is formed by a lid and the attachment film are varied to cause elastic deformation of the attachment film, so that a decorative sheet is attached to a cowl. Disposed inside the container are: a jig that puts the cowl in place; and a restriction plate which is disposed at a location close to the cowl so as to cause at least a part of the cowl to be exposed to the attachment film side, and which has a reception surface that restricts the elastic deformation of the attachment film. In addition, the reception surface is provided with a small through-hole that allows the air inside the lower space to flow therethrough.

A bag includes a flexible web that is shaped into the shape of a bag and a communication member attached to the flexible web with an adhesive. When the communication member is removed from the web, substantially no adhesive remains on the web. An advertising medium includes a packaging material made of a first material and a communication member applied to the packaging material. The communication member has a first part that is positioned directly adjacent the packaging material and a second part positioned on the first part that is made of the same material or a different material as the first part. One or both of the first part and second part are removable from the packaging material without substantially marring the surface of the packaging material.

A bag includes a flexible web that is shaped into the shape of a bag and a communication member attached to the flexible web with an adhesive. When the communication member is removed from the web, substantially no adhesive remains on the web. An advertising medium includes a packaging material made of a first material and a communication member applied to the packaging material. The communication member has a first part that is positioned directly adjacent the packaging material and a second part positioned on the first part that is made of the same material or a different material as the first part. One or both of the first part and second part are removable from the packaging material without substantially marring the surface of the packaging material.

A system combining a machine for blow-molding articles with a universal in-mold labeling apparatus. The apparatus has a frame on which turntables are mounted. Each turntable has an air rotary union, facilitating rotation of the respective turntable, and suction cups adapted to pick, hold, and release labels. The turntables deliver labels to the open molds of the machine. The apparatus also has a vertical slide positioned between the turntables. A placement head engages the turntables and moves up the vertical slide to a position in the open molds. At least one label magazine is affixed to the frame and retains the labels. Strategically placed air valves provide air and vacuum to pick, hold, and release labels. A human machine interface facilitates communication between an operator of the system and the system. Finally, a control system is provided to allow the operator to program and control both the machine and apparatus.

A system combining a machine for blow-molding articles with a universal in-mold labeling apparatus. The apparatus has a frame on which turntables are mounted. Each turntable has an air rotary union, facilitating rotation of the respective turntable, and suction cups adapted to pick, hold, and release labels. The turntables deliver labels to the open molds of the machine. The apparatus also has a vertical slide positioned between the turntables. A placement head engages the turntables and moves up the vertical slide to a position in the open molds. At least one label magazine is affixed to the frame and retains the labels. Strategically placed air valves provide air and vacuum to pick, hold, and release labels. A human machine interface facilitates communication between an operator of the system and the system. Finally, a control system is provided to allow the operator to program and control both the machine and apparatus.

A system for labeling a container includes a label forming section, a buffer section, and a bonding section. The label forming section includes a first rotatable turret having a plurality of forming mandrels. The buffer section includes a second rotatable turret having a plurality of buffer receptacles. The bonding section includes a third rotatable turret having a plurality of bonding stations. The label forming section forms a label in a frustoconical shape using one of the forming mandrels and transfers the label to one of the buffer receptacles of the buffer section. The buffer section receives, in a buffer receptacle, the label followed by a container blank, and transfers the label and the container blank together to one of the bonding stations of the bonding section. The bonding section bonds the label to the container blank in the bonding station.

A system for labeling a container includes a label forming section, a buffer section, and a bonding section. The label forming section includes a first rotatable turret having a plurality of forming mandrels. The buffer section includes a second rotatable turret having a plurality of buffer receptacles. The bonding section includes a third rotatable turret having a plurality of bonding stations. The label forming section forms a label in a frustoconical shape using one of the forming mandrels and transfers the label to one of the buffer receptacles of the buffer section. The buffer section receives, in a buffer receptacle, the label followed by a container blank, and transfers the label and the container blank together to one of the bonding stations of the bonding section. The bonding section bonds the label to the container blank in the bonding station.