A method for connecting thermoplastic components, in which the opposing surfaces thereof are at least partially melted by introducing energy.

The invention discloses a decoration apparatus for decorating a web of labeling material. The decoration apparatus comprises conveyor for advancing the web of labeling material between a first station and a second station, an activation unit adapted to apply an activation energy at a activation station for selectively activating activatable pigments comprised in the web of labeling material or to locally ablate the web of labeling material and a temperature-conditioning unit which is adapted to actively cool and/or heat the web of labeling material, in particular, in use, prior, during and/or after selectively activating the activatable pigments or ablating the web of labeling material.

The invention discloses a decoration apparatus for decorating a web of labeling material. The decoration apparatus comprises conveyor for advancing the web of labeling material between a first station and a second station, an activation unit adapted to apply an activation energy at a activation station for selectively activating activatable pigments comprised in the web of labeling material or to locally ablate the web of labeling material and a temperature-conditioning unit which is adapted to actively cool and/or heat the web of labeling material, in particular, in use, prior, during and/or after selectively activating the activatable pigments or ablating the web of labeling material.

Provided is a layer transfer film cartridge, such that even if the layer transfer film cartridge is heavy in weight, the installation and removal of the layer transfer film cartridge can be performed with ease. The layer transfer film cartridge includes a supply reel on which a multilayer film having a transfer layer and a supporting layer supporting the transfer layer is wound, a supply case that houses the supply reel, and a take-up reel on which to take up the multilayer film, and a first handle supported by the supply case or the supply reel.

Provided is a layer transfer film cartridge, such that even if the layer transfer film cartridge is heavy in weight, the installation and removal of the layer transfer film cartridge can be performed with ease. The layer transfer film cartridge includes a supply reel on which a multilayer film having a transfer layer and a supporting layer supporting the transfer layer is wound, a supply case that houses the supply reel, and a take-up reel on which to take up the multilayer film, and a first handle supported by the supply case or the supply reel.

In a foil transfer device for transferring a transfer layer from a foil film onto a sheet laid on the foil film, the foil film is wound on a supply reel, and taken up on a take-up reel. A heating member heats the foil film, and a pressure member is provided to press the foil film and the sheet between the pressure member and the heating member. A separator changes a traveling direction of the foil film having passed through between the heating member and the pressure member into a direction different from a direction of conveyance of the sheet, to thereby separate the foil film from the sheet. A first fan blows air toward the foil film positioned between the heating member and the separator.

A method for improving the heat sealability of a packaging material and a method for manufacturing a heat-sealed container or package are described. The material can be polymer-coated packaging paper or cardboard, or a polymeric packaging film. The material includes a polymer layer that contains polyester, particularly polylactide, the heat sealability of which is improved by ultraviolet radiation. Polylactide is useful as such or when blended, for example, with other biodegradable polyester. The containers and packages thus manufactured include disposable drinking cups and cardboard carton and box packages.

The present invention bonds a label to an adherend with a heat-sensitive adhesive layer disposed therebetween, by sufficiently activating the heat-sensitive adhesive layer. Prepared is a label which comprises a label base and a heat-sensitive adhesive layer disposed on the back surface of the label base, wherein an ultraviolet-absorbing heating agent is contained in an area of the label base which at least includes the disposed heat-sensitive adhesive layer and/or in the heat-sensitive adhesive layer. Before or after the label is applied to an adherend, irradiation with ultraviolet is conducted to activate the heat-sensitive adhesive layer.

The present invention bonds a label to an adherend with a heat-sensitive adhesive layer disposed therebetween, by sufficiently activating the heat-sensitive adhesive layer. Prepared is a label which comprises a label base and a heat-sensitive adhesive layer disposed on the back surface of the label base, wherein an ultraviolet-absorbing heating agent is contained in an area of the label base which at least includes the disposed heat-sensitive adhesive layer and/or in the heat-sensitive adhesive layer. Before or after the label is applied to an adherend, irradiation with ultraviolet is conducted to activate the heat-sensitive adhesive layer.

An apparatus, system, and method for applying a graphic or decal to a car window or other three-dimensional surface using a stretchable film and associated mounting frame is described. In some embodiments, a frame is mounted to the edge of a car window (or other target surface). The frame, which can be flexible or bendable, includes attachment points at various locations to facilitate attachment of a stretchable and/or shrinkable film to the frame. The film can include corresponding holes or other attachment openings, which generally align with the attachment points of the frame when the film is stretched (and/or shrunk) to conform to the shape of the frame (and, thus, the window).