An adhesive label application system is disclosed. The adhesive label application system may detect that a label has been received within an adhesive application zone of a robotic device. The adhesive label application system may remove, via a first mechanism, a portion of the label from the adhesive application zone. The adhesive label application system may convey, via a second mechanism, an adhesive, of an adhesive-carrying tape, to the adhesive application zone. The adhesive label application system may position, via the first mechanism, the portion of the label within the adhesive application zone after the adhesive is positioned within the adhesive application zone. The adhesive label application system may press, via a third mechanism, the portion of the label to the adhesive to apply the adhesive to the label. The adhesive label application system may configure the label to be adhered to a receiving surface via the adhesive.

A printing device includes a platen roller, a guide, and an adhesion reduction portion. The platen roller is positioned to contact with a liner-less label. The guide is positioned adjacent to the platen roller and the conveying passage of the liner-less label and downstream of the printing position in a conveying direction of the liner-less label. The guide is configured to guide the liner-less label. The guide has a first area and a second area. The first area is closer to the conveying passage than the second area is to the conveying passage. The second area is closer to the platen roller than the first area is to the platen roller. The adhesion reduction portion is provided at the first area and the second area. The adhesion reduction portion is configured to reduce adhesion of gluing agent to the first area and the second area.

A printing device includes a platen roller, a guide, and an adhesion reduction portion. The platen roller is positioned to contact with a liner-less label. The guide is positioned adjacent to the platen roller and the conveying passage of the liner-less label and downstream of the printing position in a conveying direction of the liner-less label. The guide is configured to guide the liner-less label. The guide has a first area and a second area. The first area is closer to the conveying passage than the second area is to the conveying passage. The second area is closer to the platen roller than the first area is to the platen roller. The adhesion reduction portion is provided at the first area and the second area. The adhesion reduction portion is configured to reduce adhesion of gluing agent to the first area and the second area.

Apparatuses and methods for applying a transfer material onto the surface of an article are disclosed, including methods of transfer printing on and/or decorating three-dimensional articles, as well as the articles printed and/or decorated thereby. Three-dimensional articles have a surface having two or more portions that each have a radius of curvature that are at least partially separated by an intermediate portion that has a lesser radius of curvature. The transfer material may be pre-formed and transferred to the surface of the articles and may extend continuously across at least parts of the two portions and the intermediate portion.

Apparatuses and methods for applying a transfer material onto the surface of an article are disclosed, including methods of transfer printing on and/or decorating three-dimensional articles, as well as the articles printed and/or decorated thereby. Three-dimensional articles have a surface having two or more portions that each have a radius of curvature that are at least partially separated by an intermediate portion that has a lesser radius of curvature. The transfer material may be pre-formed and transferred to the surface of the articles and may extend continuously across at least parts of the two portions and the intermediate portion.

A method of applying a linerless label to an article wherein a web of joined labels is die cut from a web of label material in which the adhesive is protected by a water-soluble coating which provides a cushion between an anvil and die cutting means. The water-soluble coating is at least partially removed by exposure to water in a press following die-cutting, in a label applicator, or in an off-line unit. The web of joined labels may be wound and unwound between each of the above options. The web of joined labels may be separated in a label applicator by breaking a weakened boundary between adjoining labels or by cutting at a boundary between the label and the adjoining label. The linerless label may contain anti-counterfeit means that may be subsequently identified overtly and/or covertly.

An apparatus for and a process of applying labels to boxes are disclosed. A box (1) is received in a labeling zone. A label carrier (30) is vertically moveable relative to the labeling zone to place the center portion of a label (5) onto the upper side of the box. Two presser elements (21, 21) arranged on two mutually opposite lateral sides of the labeling zone are downwardly moveable both relative to the labeling zone and relative to the label carrier so as to fold and apply end portions of the label onto the lateral sides of the box.

An apparatus for and a process of applying labels to boxes are disclosed. A box (1) is received in a labeling zone. A label carrier (30) is vertically moveable relative to the labeling zone to place the center portion of a label (5) onto the upper side of the box. Two presser elements (21, 21) arranged on two mutually opposite lateral sides of the labeling zone are downwardly moveable both relative to the labeling zone and relative to the label carrier so as to fold and apply end portions of the label onto the lateral sides of the box.

A machine (328) is selectively operative to transport containers and apply markings such as labels, sleeves, decorations and indicia to the containers (340). The machine includes a suspended container conveyor (SC) (320). SC shuttles (336) are engaged with and selectively independently movable around an SC track (330). The SC shuttles include a respective container engagement fixture (338) and are selectively movable to engage an upper portion of a container. In the container engaged position each container is selectively vertically, rotatably and linearly movable so as to be positioned in operative connection with applicators (434, 436). The applicators are selectively operative to apply markings to respective containers that are in operative connection therewith in a precise and repeatable manner.

A machine (328) is selectively operative to transport containers and apply markings such as labels, sleeves, decorations and indicia to the containers (340). The machine includes a suspended container conveyor (SC) (320). SC shuttles (336) are engaged with and selectively independently movable around an SC track (330). The SC shuttles include a respective container engagement fixture (338) and are selectively movable to engage an upper portion of a container. In the container engaged position each container is selectively vertically, rotatably and linearly movable so as to be positioned in operative connection with applicators (434, 436). The applicators are selectively operative to apply markings to respective containers that are in operative connection therewith in a precise and repeatable manner.