Method and apparatus for production of RF labels

Abstract

The present invention includes a method for producing individual folded labels incorporating a radio frequency device, the method comprising the steps of providing a ribbon of labels containing a woven logo or text. A carrier strip with a plurality of radio frequency devices spaced thereon is provided and the plurality of radio frequency devices are joined to the ribbon of labels. The ribbon of labels is then folded so as to form at least one folded portion. The folded ribbon is subjected to sufficient heat and pressure to set the at least one folded portion. The ribbon of labels is subdivided into individual folded labels. The present invention also relates to a label-making apparatus including a dispenser for a carrier strip having a plurality of radio frequency devices disposed thereon at spaced intervals. A mechanism linearly advances a ribbon of labels, the ribbon of labels containing a woven logo or text. Means join the plurality of radio frequency devices with the ribbon of labels. A cutting station subdivides an individual label from the ribbon of labels and plurality of radio frequency devices. A sensor in communication with the linear advance mechanism controls the advance of a length of the ribbon of labels to provide proper spacing between the radio frequency devices, cut-edges and a logo on the label. The sensor can sense the position of the RF device or the logo or text of the ribbon of labels.

1 - 16 . (canceled)  
   
   
       17 . A label-making apparatus comprising: 
 a dispenser for a carrier strip having a plurality of radio frequency devices disposed thereon at spaced intervals;    a mechanism for linear advance of a ribbon of labels;    means for joining the plurality of radio frequency devices with the ribbon of labels;    a cutting station for subdividing an individual label from the ribbon of labels and plurality of radio frequency devices; and    a sensor in communication with the linear advance mechanism for controlling the advance of a length of the ribbon of labels to provide proper spacing between the radio frequency devices, cut-edges and a logo on the label.    
   
   
       18 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the cutting station includes ultrasonic means for sealing and bonding the cut edges of the label.  
   
   
       19 . The apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein the ribbon of labels has at least one folded portion and further comprising a press station for subjecting the folded ribbon to sufficient heat and pressure to set the at least one folded portion.  
   
   
       20 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the means for joining the plurality of radio frequency devices to the ribbon of labels comprises a pair of drive rollers adjacent the cutting station, the length of ribbon of labels and the carrier strip passing through the drive rollers to sandwich the radio frequency devices between the ribbon of labels and the carrier strip.  
   
   
       21 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , further comprising a device for separating the plurality of radio frequency devices from the carrier strip.  
   
   
       22 . The apparatus of  claim 21 , further comprising a dispenser for providing a ribbon of material.  
   
   
       23 . The apparatus of  claim 22 , further comprising means for applying the separated radio frequency devices to the ribbon of material at spaced intervals.  
   
   
       24 . The apparatus of  claim 23 , where the means for applying the separated radio frequency devices comprises an ultrasonic welder which welds the radio frequency devices to the ribbon of material.  
   
   
       25 . The apparatus of  claim 24 , wherein the means for joining the plurality of radio frequency devices to the ribbon of labels comprises a pair of drive rollers adjacent the cutting station, the length of ribbon of labels and the ribbon of material with the plurality of radio frequency devices disposed thereon passing through the drive rollers to sandwich the radio frequency devices between the ribbon of labels and the ribbon of material.  
   
   
       26 . The apparatus of  claim 21 , further comprising means for applying the separated radio frequency devices to the ribbon of labels at spaced intervals.  
   
   
       27 . The apparatus of  claim 26 , wherein the means for applying the separated radio frequency devices to the ribbon of labels comprises a blower which blows the radio frequency devices onto the ribbon of labels at spaced intervals and a press unit adjacent the blower for adhering the same to the ribbon of labels.  
   
   
       28 . The apparatus of  claim 27 , further comprising a folding station adjacent the press unit for providing the ribbon of labels with the at least one folded portion, the plurality of radio frequency devices being encapsulated within the at least one folded portion.  
   
   
       29 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the sensor senses the position of the radio frequency device disposed on the ribbon of labels.  
   
   
       30 . A label made according to the method of  claim 28 .  
   
   
       31 . A label-making apparatus comprising: 
 a dispenser for a carrier strip having a plurality of anti-theft devices disposed thereon at spaced intervals;    a mechanism for linear advance of a ribbon of labels;    means for joining the plurality of anti-theft devices with the ribbon of labels;    a cutting station for subdividing an individual label from the ribbon of labels and plurality of anti-theft devices; and    a sensor in communication with the linear advance mechanism for controlling the advance of a length of the ribbon of labels to provide proper spacing between the anti-theft devices, cut-edges and a logo on the label.    
   
   
       32 . The label-making apparatus of  claim 31 , wherein each of the plurality of anti-theft devices include adhesive for attachment to the ribbon of labels.  
   
   
       33 . The label-making apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein each of the plurality of radio frequency devices include adhesive for attachment to the ribbon of labels.