Markem Corporation

Jonathan P Oakes

David Benjamin

Jeffrey B Brooks

David A Kearney

Jason W Dean

Methods and systems for programming programmable transponders are disclosed. An apparatus for programming programmable transponders can include a label supply for supplying labels, a programing zone into which the labels are conveyed, a feed-system for transporting a label to the programming zone, a source of radiation for communicating tag-information to the transponder, and a shield mechanism. The source can be disposed to illuminate a programming zone into witch the lable is transported. The shield mechanism can substantially enclose the source of radiation and a first one of the labels in the programming zone and exclude at least a second one of the labels.

Merchandise marking with programmable transponders

A method for allocating serial numbers among packaging sites includes receiving, from a packaging site, a query directed to a first server for the identity of a second server, providing the packaging site with information, from the first server, the information leading to the second server, receiving, from the packaging site, a query directed to the second server for the identity of a third server, providing the packaging site information, from the second server, the information leading to the third server. The method also includes receiving, from the packaging site, a query directed to the third server; and providing the packaging site at least one serial number from the third server.

Serial number allocation

An apparatus for applying a programmable transponder to a target includes an applicator disposed adjacent to a tagging zone into which the target is conveyed and a feed-system for transporting a label to the applicator, each of the labels having a programmable transponder. A radiation source is disposed to illuminate a programming zone into which the label is transported. This radiation source communicates tag-information to the transponder. The communication of tag-information can occur either before or after the transponder is applied to the target.

Improvements are provided to improve an apparatus and method for processing a substantially constant velocity flow of a web of material, including a cutting mechanism and a web accumulator upstream of the cutter. The improvements include stopping the web by a side surface of the movable blade and configuring the accumulator dimensions and cutting speed to cause an appropriate level of force between the upstream severed end of the web and the blade. Several features achieve a low cutting time and modify cutting force to cut web regions with different characteristics, such as for cutting through splices. A low inertia rotary solenoid accelerates a blade through the web and against a resilient stop. The blade bounces off of the stop to its spring-biased home position. A permanent magnet or electromagnet holds the blade in the home position as solenoid current develops. These features result in reduced noise and shorter cutting time, thereby allowing an increase in web speed.

Apparatus for cutting a continuously flowing material web

Methods and apparatus are provided for the accumulation, cutting, and stacking of continuously moving web material such as fabric tape that is to be printed and cut by appropriate processing apparatus into a plurality of discrete labels. The method and apparatus provide for the accumulation of the continuously-supplied web between a base and an overlying resilient spring member while other processing steps such as web cutting are being performed on the web. The spring member engages the tape to temporarily suspend its forward advancement while allowing the tape to accumulate between the spring member and the base. The cut labels are stacked in a bottom-fed stacking assembly having a stacker chute that is angled both rearwardly with respect to the machine front and backwardly in the direction of label advancement to permit the removal of previously processed labels during operation of the processing apparatus.

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Winchester, NH, United States of America

Jonathan P Oakes