CA1103716A - System for alphabetically labelling articles - Google Patents
System for alphabetically labelling articlesInfo
- Publication number
- CA1103716A CA1103716A CA306,813A CA306813A CA1103716A CA 1103716 A CA1103716 A CA 1103716A CA 306813 A CA306813 A CA 306813A CA 1103716 A CA1103716 A CA 1103716A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- label
- printed
- indicia
- labels
- machine
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
- B42F—SHEETS TEMPORARILY ATTACHED TOGETHER; FILING APPLIANCES; FILE CARDS; INDEXING
- B42F21/00—Indexing means; Indexing tabs or protectors therefor
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65C—LABELLING OR TAGGING MACHINES, APPARATUS, OR PROCESSES
- B65C9/00—Details of labelling machines or apparatus
- B65C9/40—Controls; Safety devices
- B65C9/42—Label feed control
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65C—LABELLING OR TAGGING MACHINES, APPARATUS, OR PROCESSES
- B65C9/00—Details of labelling machines or apparatus
- B65C9/46—Applying date marks, code marks, or the like, to the label during labelling
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
- G06K1/00—Methods or arrangements for marking the record carrier in digital fashion
- G06K1/12—Methods or arrangements for marking the record carrier in digital fashion otherwise than by punching
- G06K1/121—Methods or arrangements for marking the record carrier in digital fashion otherwise than by punching by printing code marks
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- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F3/00—Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication means; Seals; Postage or like stamps
- G09F3/02—Forms or constructions
- G09F3/0297—Forms or constructions including a machine-readable marking, e.g. a bar code
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Alphabetic labelling of articles includes the use of a label having on a portion of it's face a first set of indicia and on another portion of it's face a second set of indicia which relate to the same subject matter as the first set. The second set of indicia is oriented in reverse and upside down relative to the first set. A machine readable code unique to the subject matter of the sets of indicia is located on one of the face portions of the label. The label when folded about it's length isolates the two fields and on application to an article, provides visual identification of the article from two of it's sides. The label may be provided with a machine readable indicia code which is representative of at least one indicium of either of the sets. An article labelling system may be adapted to read the indicia code and apply as controlled by the reading operation, one or more labels having letters corresponding to the coded indicia. alphabetic labelling of articles by use of this special printed label may be done auto-matically by the system or the label may be applied manually.
Alphabetic labelling of articles includes the use of a label having on a portion of it's face a first set of indicia and on another portion of it's face a second set of indicia which relate to the same subject matter as the first set. The second set of indicia is oriented in reverse and upside down relative to the first set. A machine readable code unique to the subject matter of the sets of indicia is located on one of the face portions of the label. The label when folded about it's length isolates the two fields and on application to an article, provides visual identification of the article from two of it's sides. The label may be provided with a machine readable indicia code which is representative of at least one indicium of either of the sets. An article labelling system may be adapted to read the indicia code and apply as controlled by the reading operation, one or more labels having letters corresponding to the coded indicia. alphabetic labelling of articles by use of this special printed label may be done auto-matically by the system or the label may be applied manually.
Description
This invention relates to labels for alphabetic labelling of article shelf filings, to printing such label and -to label-ling the articles with such labels.
~ACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
_ . .
Broadly speaking there are two ways to file correspondence and other documents in offices. One way is in folders placed in drawer files; and the other way is in folders placed on shelf files. The drawer file system is a standard adopted by many business and government offices. In recent years, however, there has been a distinct trend away from drawer files to shelf files. Shelf files have several worthwhile advantages. There is the saving of space, because shelf iles can go higher in view of reaching up to folders on shelves instead of having to reach over the top of the drawer to retrieve files from drawers.
The drawers must be pulled out into an aisle, thus re~uiring wider aisles between rows. Usually there is a 30~ space saving when changing from drawer files to shelf files. The shelf files eliminate the need to pull drawers out or push them ir.
so that little physical effor-t is expended in withdrawing files from the shelf system and since all files are visible, access to them is fast and direct. With shelf filing systems, the file room is more compact so that there is less walking.
With the shelf filing system, the folder used is that commonly referred to as "End Tab" or "Side Tab" folder to distinguish i-t from the "Top Tab" folder used in drawer files.
The end referred to is the edge of the folder that is visible whén folders are positioned on a shelf. End tab folders may have the tab in several positions, for example, four inch top tab, four inch bottom tab, and full end tab. ~ y ~`i~"
1 There are two main systems or classes of coding Elles;
that is, by the use of reference numbers, or by the use of the alphabetic names or subjects~ The system -to be discussed with respect to shelf filing to which this invention relates is alphabetic filing systems.
Computers are starting to be used for file room control where the file whereabouts is recorded and stored in computer memory. This is presen-tly accomplished by ~eyboard entry of file reference numbers and its whereabouts is recorded in the computer memory. Such a system is subject to error and requires a great deal of time and a number of typists in the file room and at other locations throughout the office to record Eile "pass-ons".
The alphabetic labelling of file folders is usually based on a name or subject in association with which the file is opened. The label for the file may therefore show the person's name or the identity of the company, government offlce, etc.
together with location such as City and Province or State and with subject files the main classification and sub-classifica-tion. Two such labels are usually printed in a typewriter and subsequently applied to both sides of the end tab folder.
That system of alphabetic labelling of files requires consider-able manual input and is slow and combersome.
The label according to this invention overcomes the above problems to provide an alphabetic label for articles such as files, envelopes, guidecards and anything that may be placed on shelves for reference. When applied to such an article, the label permits identification of the article from -two of it's sides. The label may be provided with a code which is machine readable and mav be read by a reading device connected 1 to a compu-ter which is adapted to record the file whereabouts.
The label may also be provided with a machine readable code that may programme a labelling machine to apply other labels for identification.
~- 5 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`~ The label for alphabetically labelliny files has on a portion of it's face a first set of indicia and on another portion of ,~ it's face a second set of indicia which relates to the same , subject matter as the first set. The second set of indicia "
~` 10 is oriented in reverse and upside down relative to the first set. A machine readable code unique to the subject matter of -~
; the sets of indicia may be located on one of the face portions.
The arrangement is such that when the label is folded along it's length the portions of the face are isolated or remote from one another when the label is applied to an article. With this arrangement, the article is visually identifiable by the label from two of it's sides.
The process for printing along a label, two sets of the indicia, comprises printing at least one line of a first set of indicia wi~hin a first field and in the same operation of printing along such label, printing at least one line parallel to the other lines of a second set of indicia backwards and upside down relative to the first set within a second field of the label. In the same printing operation, printing within one of said fields, a machine readable code unlque to the subject matter of the sets of indicia. The machine readable ; code as it appears on the label, when applied to an article may be machine read to provide for computerized control of the file room. ~dditional information may be input to the computer manually or from summary sheet bearing machine readable inform-~3~
l ation concerning the person or department to whom the folder is charged out. The particulars are machine read from the summary sheet and stored in computer memory. To facilitate security, people may be issued with cards bearing particulars ~;5 which are machine readable. When a person re~uests a file, he has to produce his card which is machine read and if cleared the flle is charged out and the person's particulars stored concerning file whereabouts.
The system for labelling articles wi~h alphabetical labels comprises a printing device in which the descrihed process can i be practiced. Means is provided for passing label material through the printing device. Data input means is provided for directing the printing device in the subject mat~ter to be printed on each label. The printing device is adapted to print along an upper first field of a label at least one line of a first set of indicia and print along a lower second field at least one line of a second set of indicia. The printing device prints each line of the second set backwards and upside down relative to the first set. l'he arrangement of fields is such that when a label is folded along it's length, the first field is isolated from the second. The printing device also prints on the first field a machine readable indicium code represent-ative of one or more indicium of a set. A label applying device may be provided for applying the printed labels to articles. The label applying device ~olds each such printed label along it's length to isolate the fields and applies it.
The label applying device has a reading device for reading such machine readable indicium code on the label applied. The label applying device has a supply of filing code labels, each representative of an alphabetical letter. The reading device r . . , ~
reads the machine readable indicium code to determine the selection by the label applying device of a filing code label from the supply which has a letter corresponding to a read coded indicium and applies the selected label on the article.
The produced article therefore has a label identifying the subject matter of the article with one or more individual labels having letters corresponding to for example the first two let-ters of the person's name associated with the file. This provides ready access to an article in shelf filing systems where the individual labels having the letters may be colour coded to provide bands of colours along the filing system so that an article or a small group of articles may be visually recogniz-able from other articles in the system due to the combination of colour coded labels.
Alternatively, the labels as prepared by the printer device may be applied to the folders manually~ The manual application may be further extended to include manually app-lying the addition~lcolour coded labels according to a prede-termined selection of the printed indicia.
The process for labelling a file folder by alphabetical listing comprises printing a label of the type discussed and applying the label to the side tab of a file folder with each field of the label on a side of the folder flap. The machine readable indicium is read; and applied to the file folder flap as controlled by the machine reading step, at least one colour coded label having an indicium corresponding to one of the coded indicium.
The system according to this invention provides an article such as a file folder having a listing on a label of the subject matter of the file and the addition as controlled by the mach-1 ine readable indicium code on the printed label, of one or more individual flling code labels to provide a shelf filed article which has all the distinct advantages of shelf filing.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a view of a label according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 is a block diagram of the components of the system for labelling of files according to a preferred embodi-ment where segments of the file folder tab have the file labels built up -thereon;
Figure 3 is a view from one side oE a file older panel;
and Figure 4 is a view from the other side of the file folder panel of Figure 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
:
Figure 1 shows a label printed in a manner according to a preferred embodiment of this inven-tion. The label 10 is rectangular in shape. On a portion of a first field or it's face 12 it has a first set of indicia encompassed by bracket 14. On the outer line, the name of the City and State, Keen New Hampshire is printed. On the first line ad~acent ~he-central portion of the label 10, the name of the person, Williams, Bill, in association with which a file folder has been opened, is printed. The second set of indicia is encompassed by bracket 16 is identical to and printed in rows parallel -to the rows of the first set of indicia 14. The second set of indicia is printed upside do~m and backwards relative to the first set of indicia.
37~6 1 In locating the two sets of indicia in the manner shown in Figure 1, they are positioned in upper and lower fields as identified on each side of an imaginery fold line shown in dot and designated 18. The two fields extend the length of label lO and in this particular embodiment, they are beside one ~, another and are co-extensive with each other. In the upper right hand corner of the label's first field 13, the machine readable indicium code 20 represents the first two initials WI of the person's name. The code is shown in "Code 39" bar code format including start-stop portions and intermediate portions indicating and representative of, when machine read, the designated preselected letters WI. In the lower left hand corner of the label's second field 15, a machine readable code 22, in this embodiment made up of optical character recognition markings, represents the subject matter of the label and there-fore the subject matter of the article to which the label is to be applied. The code 22 is read during charge out of, for example, file folders in the control of the file room.
The label 10 when used on a file folder is preferrably coated with a protective layer of material which may be laid over the label after printing. The protec-tive material may be of a thin transparent sheet with an adhesive backing such as a sheet of "Mylar" (trade mark) which adheres to the surface of the label. To assist in,the application of a label to an article, the back of the label may have an adhesive material applied thereto which is pressure sensitive. During the printing and handling of the label, it may have a protective backing. The backing is peeled thereform to expose the adhesive for application of the label to the article. In applying the label as mentioned, it may be folded along line 1 18 extending the labe~'s length to isolate Eie].cls 13 and .l5.
The label 10 as shown in l'igure 3 ls applied to an encl ~ tab of a file folder generally designated 24 havillg file :Eolder :~ flaps 26 and 28. The end tab o:E -the folcler 24 ju-ts outwardly ~ S of flap 26 in the form of tab 30 which is integral with flap ~:~ 26. I.abel 10, as folded about imaglnery line 18, LS appl~ed to the folder sP that when read from it's rearside the first set of indicia 14 is readily read. As shown in Figure 4, the second set..of indicia 16 is readily read from the other side : 10 of the file. This facilitates file folder reference from.eit}ler : ~ ~
direction when looking for files in shelf Eiling systems.
The bar code 20 on label 10 as mentioned designates the initials WI of the name and contro]s the labelling machille , . application of singular filing code labels 32 and 34. As can .
:be seen in Figures 3 and 4, labels 32 and 34 have the inltials repeated on each side of it's central fold -to provide reference to the flle from either side. The labels. may be colour coded and of the type described and claimed in applican-t's .. United.Sta-tes Patent 4,204,639, issued May 27, 1980.
The label 10 may according to a-preferred embodimen-t of the inventlon, be printed in a single operation. As -the printer passes along relative to the label 10 from left to right, vertical segments of both rows of first se-t of indicia 14 are simultaneously printed. On movin~ across the label ln, the first indlci.um "L" of -the second set is printed upside down and reverse order inline ~.~i.th the indicium "L" of the first set. Similarly, as the first set of indici..a 14 is being printed, the code 22 is also being prin-ted in it's upside down and reverse order manner direc-tly below and in line with the 1 upper indicium columns. The bar code 20 is printed as the second set of indicia 16 is being printed. The process there-fore prints the entire label in a single pass.
An apparatus which has been found to be particularly suit able for this type of printing operation is that sold by Markem Corporation of Keen, New EIampshire, and sold under the trade mark "Scanmark". This printer a model U.1235 has been modified to print two rows of indicia in an upright manner and two under-lying rows of indicia in an upside down manner. This device as it has been modified has the capacity to type four lines of the label in the following manner. A constantly revolving cylinder has four lines of type embossed on the surface. The cylinder -~
is positioned vertically. The lines of type are positioned ; horizontally around the cylinder so that they print the four lines of typing required to produce the combined label 10. The top two lines are embossed on the cylinder in their standard upright position and the bottom two lines are embossed upside down and backwards. For example, the A on the second line of embossed type would be ln perpendicular alignment with the A
on the first line. On the third line of embossed type~ the A
would also be in perpendicular alignment but would be upside down. The fourth line of type would be identical to the third.
All the alphabet letters A through Z and the numbers 0 through 9 together with special characters such as bar code would be on the drum. The bar code type may be that well ]~nown in the field as "Code 39". The letters A through Z and 0 through 9 may be in machine readable optical character recognition ~OCR) format. This permits printing of machine readable sets of indicia and code 22.
; 30 The Markham printer has been designed so tha~ the rolls ~ of self adhesive labels attached to the backing paper are fed g _ ,' ~
3~
l across the cylinder. In front of the label, a one time carbon-like ribbon is also fed across the cylinder. The labels and the one time carbon-like material are pulled past the cylinder by the action oE a stepper motor in an intermitent start-stop movement. Four hammers on -the printer are timed -to strike the four lines of embossed letters on the constantly revolving cylinder. The label and carbon-like ribbon are held in position until the printing requirements of all four lines of type have been met. The printing sequence for each label is stored in the buffer memory of the printer. This buffer memory for each label is programmed from the keyboard of the Markham printer or alternately from a computer generated mag-netic tape by a tape device such as a "Mitron" (trade mark) MDRS-9 Unit. This is distributed by Mitron Systems Corporation of Columbia, Maryland. The embossed cylinder is kept at a constant high temperature so that when the hammer strikes the carbon-like paper there is an actual transfer of carbon-like coating to the label. Thus printed in this hotstamp-like process, the carbon-like material is permanently bounded to the paper. As mentioned, when the label is used on the files in other fields where permanence is re~uired, immediately following the printing operation, the label may be laminated with a transparent film of "Mylar" to protect the label from wear.
Use of the Markham printer or similar device therefore provides in a single pass on the label the printing of both sets of indicia and machine readable codes. It is understood however, that the label 10 may also be prepared where the upper half is typed and the label withdrawn from the printing unit inverted or turned upside down and then the second half of ~ f~
7~.~
1 the ma-terial printed.
Turnlng to Figure 2 according to a preferred emi~odimellt, -the aforementioned Miltron System MDRS-9 is used for clata input designated by block 36 to direc-t the printer 38 which according to a preferred embodi~en-t is -the above discussed modified "Scanmark" printer. The memory of the data input terminal 36 may include on a magnetic tape or disc a listing of several clients by name, address and other pertinent info-rmation which may be included in the se-ts of indicia to be prin-ted. The printer 38 is activated and on receivill~J ill~Ut from the data bank 36, commences printing the two sets oE
indicia to`gether with code 22. The printer is programmed to .
determine the coded indicia frorn the input and prints bar code 20 to represent the first two initials of -the person's name.
On completion of the printlng of the label, the printed labels may remain on -the paper backing and re-rolled.
As mentioned, the printed labels may be applied to file ~ . .
folders by hand where each label would be removed from the roll, folded and affixed to the end tab. Alternatively the ~ 20 label appllcation can be mechanized by the use of an automatic `I labeller such as the unit described in applicants' ~nited States patent 4,183,779 issued January 15, 1980.
The roll of printed labels are loaded on the machine or labeller designated by block 42. The labeller applies the : , .
labels 10 to -the files to place the label on the file tab 30.
:
~` I~mediately after -the label is applied to i-ts folder it is . ,-, , .
routed -through a bar code reader. The bar code on the rear . ~
- of the label is read to determine what indicia were coded.
~ The labeller 42 has a supply of filing code labels which are . . , ~ 30 on separate rolls/ each roll having labels of a particular . , , . : . 1:. ~- :
/~
~3~7~
1 let.ter of tlle alphabet. 'I'he bar code reacler is atlapted -to signal -the :Labeller to apply l.abe].s hav.il-g tl-le coded .i.ndicla on the file folder~ To decrease the number of label applylng stations Oll labellèr 42, the alphabet may be dlvi.ded :in two.
S In the folder's first pass through the labeller, the pri.nted label 10 and any of the coded letters of the group A through M
~: are applied at their proper posi-tions as ShOWII in Fiyure 3A. ~:
;:; On the second pass through the labeller as represented by - dotted line 40, the bar code is read again and any of the .remaining coded le-tters of the group N through Z are applied at their proper position as shown in.E'igure 3B.
The labeller 42 can be programmed such -tha-t it positions the l:abels 32 and 34 in their respective positions as deter- : .
mined by the sequence of the letters as they are coded in the bar code 20.
This automatic ~abelling process provides a totally mechanized system fo~r labelling files according to the alpha-. bet wh:ere each file tab has a label 10 indicating visually and in.machine readable form the subject mat-ter of the file.
. Toge-ther with colour coded labels 32 and 34, a shelf filing system provides an advanced form of file reference in the ar-t :~ of colour coding~of files as discussed in applicant's ~: , - United States patent 4,204,639, issued May 27, 1980.
,' , ' ' ' ; ,. . . . ..... .
' 25 It lS appreciated that -this description of the preferred . embodiment is.not intended to be restrictive of -the kind of ::
~ labels that may be produced in -the manner described. For example, if the address is not needed, only -the two centre .
l.ines of the embossecl type would be activated on the Markham - printer, in which case, the -top and bot-tom lines of -the type 1 in label 10 would be eliminated.
Another variation of the labelling of alphabetic folders is for subject Eiling applications having primary subjec-t classification, secondary classification and tertiarv class-ification. The printer is provided with alternate programming buffered memory and an alterna-te embossed cylinder with the top three lines of embossed type right side up and the bottom line upside down. The top printing position of the label would print the primary classification, the second printing position print the secondary classification and the third printing pos~
ition on the drum, print the tertiary classification. The label would be applied to the folder with only the fourth I n line showing on the back of the folder, with the primary, secondary and tertiary classifications in a first field and other tertiary classification in a second field so that the label is folded about it's length offset from it's centre.
As mentioned~ the sets of indicia may be printed in machine readable form such as OCR. This may be useful in some computerized file control systems where there is no data base to relate the read code 22 to the subject matter of the file. It is therefore useful in such instances to read into : the computer memory the code 22 and the machine readable ~
indicia on -the label. On recall, the computer print-out will therefore show the code and the subject matter corresponding to that code. However, where the computer installation permlts, a data base may be built up containing code 22 and the corres-` ponding subj~ct matter for all fi.les concerned. rl~lith this set-up it would be necessary to read into the computer memory : the indicia printed on the label.
1 A further variation of the label shown is to provide a narrow colour band along the fold area 18 of the label 10.
When such a label is applied to a file folder tab, the colour bar provides colour identiEication of the folder when viewed from its end. This is particularly useful in large Eiling systems where mistakes are readily visually noticed. Due to wrap around feature of the label as applied to a folder tab, the colour band is not damaged, nor removed, nor dislocated during handling of the folder.
The label according to this invention therefore provides a label for a file where the subject matter of the file is readily identifiable from either side of the file. The bar code on the label or other machine readable code indicative of the selected indicia directs a labeller to apply a label selected from the supply of filing code labels to the file tab. The file label 10 may also carry a code which is machine readable and representative of the subject matter of the label 10. This computerized code which may be in OCR format can be machine read to facilitate computerized control of the file room. This can be accomplished by providing a device which can read the OCR markings 22 and by buffer transfer such ;
information to computer memory storage and with this reading of the file coder manual entry or machine reading of particulars from a summary sheet with corresponding bar code may be done to record information file whereabouts.
Several preferred embodiments of the invention have been described herein in detail. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of -the invention or the scope of the appended claims. - 14 -~ 3~
1 SUPPLEMENTARY_DISCLOSURE
The process, according to this invention, overcomes a number of the above problems to provide a label which no~
only permits identification of the article, but also permits machine reading of informaton from the labels. In this reading of the infoxmation, a labeller may be programmed, in accordance with input of the read information, to apply other labels to the same file folder. Such additional labels may be of the colour coded type to provide all the attendant advantages thereof, as defined in Applicant's United States patent 4,204,639.
A process for labelling a system of file folders comprises printing a set of indicia in a field on a label face. The printed indicia are each both machine and visually readable, where such printed indicia is machine read. A labeller's application of labels to a file folder flap is controlled by input from such machine reading step in the application of individual colour coded labels to the file folder flap. Each colour coded label, as applied, has indicium corresponding to one of the machine read indicia.
The produced article, -therefore, has a label identifying the subject matter of the article with one or more individual labels having letters or numbers corresponding to, for example, the first two letters of the ~; person's name associated with the file, or a portion of the person's associated numeric information. This provides ready access to an article in shelf filing systems where the individual labels having the letters may be colour coded to provide bands of colour along the filing system, so that an article or a small ~roup of articles may be visually ;
l recogni~able from other articles in the system d~e to the combination of colour coded labels.
Figure 5 is a view of another embodiment of a label according to the invention; and Figure 6 is a view of another embodiment of the invention illustrating labels applied in another manner.
As mentioned, the sets of indicia may be printed in machine readable form, such as OCR. Referriny to Figure 5 ~; of the drawings, the first set of indicia 50 is printed in a 10 first field 52 of a label 54. The first set of indicia 50 is printed in OCR format which enables both visual and machine reading of each indicium of the set. As with the ;
other labels, the second set of indicium 56 may be printed in a second field 58 in an upside down backwards manner relative to the first set.
For purposes of f ile room control, instead of using a machine readable code 22, such as on the label of Figure l, ` the needed information may be taken directly from the first set of indicia 50 of the label by simply reading the person's name 60 or a numerical code 62 which accompanies the person's name. For that matter, both sets of information may be machine read if needed. Thus, in control of the file room, the printed label may be directly machine read without the addition of any further characteri~ing code to provide for the computer control of the file room in the manner previously discussed. Also, with the printing of label 54, it may be printed in the same way as the label of Figure l, where pertinent information is printed in both fields, one set upside down and backwards relative to the other.
~.. ...
1 The machine readable information may also be read in controlling a labeller's applicat:ion of subsequent labels to a file Eolder. As with the process of Fiyure 2, the label 54 may have its numeric code 62, or the name 60, machine read and, according to the labeller's program, extract from input of the machine read information the pertinent data for purposes of application of additional labels in the colour coding of the file folder. With the label shown in Figure 5, the numbers 6, 7, 9, 2 may be selected and colour coded to provide alony the Eile edge, colour coded numeric labels 6, 7, 9 and 2 which are each individual of the other and may be of the type disclosed in Applicant's United States patent 4,204,639.
In following the above approach for numerically colour coding a file folder which includes alphabetic listing of the subject matter on the main label, it results in a combination alphabetic/numeric filing system for folders.
In large file systems involving thousands and perhaps hundreds of thousands of folders relating to individual people, a label, such as that shown in Figure 5, may be prepared where the person's name is printed along with a numerical code, where a section of the numerical code is totally random such as the number 6, 7, 9, 2,for that particular person. Thus in systems involving hundreds of thousands of files, there may be ten or twenty files having the same randomly selected number 6, 7, 9, 2. ~owever, in the sub-group the files, as numerically colour coded, may be alphabetically arranged. Therefore, in attempting to find a ; file in a system, one initially searches by number and then once locating the sub-group searches by the person's name in 3~
1 alphabetical order. This combined approach of numeric/alphabetic Eiling coding is superior to a straight alphabetic or numeric system, since it narrows down the search more quickly. For example, with an alphabetic system, there may be in a system of 100,000 or more groups 50 to 100 Jones. Thus, in an alphabetic system it would be time consuming to search out one file of all the Jones files. As to a numeric system, for hundreds of thousands of file folders, the numeric order is quite large, thus requiring more complex numeric colour coding than would be used in this particular random four number combination numeric/alphabetical system.
On the other hand, if it is desired to code the file alphabetically, the first two initials M~ may be selected from the machine read name to thus, control application according to the labeller's program of the letters M~ in colour coded format to the folder edge.
In using such printed labels having machine readable information, this avoids the use of computer cards and the 20 like to direct a random application of labels to files for :r purposes of coding the file folders in the numeric or alphabetical arrangement. The labels, as printed, may be rolled. The roll of labels may then be unrolled, read, input to the labeller to control application of colour coded labels and then rerolled. On the other hand, the read label may be applied to the folder. In its application to the folder, the label may be read either before it is applied to the folder or afterwards depending upon the particular type of labeller used and its ability to respond quickly to the reading of the machine readable indicia. For example, in 1~
,....
.. .
1 instances where it is desired to immediately apply the label to the folder which i5 to also receive colour coded labels, the printed labels may be set up on the first oE several labellers. As the printed label is bein~ applied or just before it is applied, the machine readable informaton may be read, input to the controller for the labeller and, according to its program, make a selection of the numbers or letters to be applied by the remaining labellers downstream of the first labeller.
Referring to Figure 6, a further variation in the application oE labels, according to this inventon is illustrated. A printed label 64 has been prepared where in its single field 66, a first row of indicia 68 and a second indicia 70 have been printed. As illustrated, both rows of indicia are printed in OCR format and may be printed in a manner similar to a label 50 where in this instance for label 64, there is only a single face. For a filing system, several of these labels may be prepared where each label is peculiar to its own data and is different from all other labels. Such labels may be rerolled after printing and then used in a manner similar to the other printed labels for directing a computerized labeller in the application of numeric label to a file folder.
As shown, the labels, as printed, may be unrolled and each of them machine read where input of the machine read information to the labeller controller directs the applicatïon of colour coded numerical labels 5, 6, 7, and 8 in the manner shown. The printed label 64 may be rerolled, since with the type of labeller as disclosed in applicant's United States patent 4,183,779, the direction of movement of ~ ., 3~
1 the file folder 72 is such to apply the individual colour coded labels 74, 76, 78 and 80. Therefore, the application of label 64 to the upper edge 82 of flap B4 would be impossible. Thus, the Eolder 72 is ta~en from the labeller which has applied labels 74 through 80 and moved to another station where label 6g may be applied. Of course, the ; files, as they come off the first labeller, may be kept in order and subsequently placed on another labelling machine adapted to apply the printed label to the front face of flap '34 along upper edge 82. The arrangement of Figure 6 is particularly useful where the edge flap 86 of the file folder is needed to accommodate several labels, or it may be a situation where the file folders are filed such that the label to be read is visual along the upper edge of folder flap 84. In any event, the printed label 64 is used to ~; control, by machine reading the indicia thereon, the application of numeric labels to edge portion 84 of the file -~
:',. -~.
folder 72.
Thus, the process of the invention provides the use of a label to direct application of other labels onto the folder in a simple economic manner which affords application of random arrangements of labels to file folders.
Preferred embodiments of the invention have been described herein in detail. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations may be made thereto : without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.
~' ; 30 ~ 20
~ACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
_ . .
Broadly speaking there are two ways to file correspondence and other documents in offices. One way is in folders placed in drawer files; and the other way is in folders placed on shelf files. The drawer file system is a standard adopted by many business and government offices. In recent years, however, there has been a distinct trend away from drawer files to shelf files. Shelf files have several worthwhile advantages. There is the saving of space, because shelf iles can go higher in view of reaching up to folders on shelves instead of having to reach over the top of the drawer to retrieve files from drawers.
The drawers must be pulled out into an aisle, thus re~uiring wider aisles between rows. Usually there is a 30~ space saving when changing from drawer files to shelf files. The shelf files eliminate the need to pull drawers out or push them ir.
so that little physical effor-t is expended in withdrawing files from the shelf system and since all files are visible, access to them is fast and direct. With shelf filing systems, the file room is more compact so that there is less walking.
With the shelf filing system, the folder used is that commonly referred to as "End Tab" or "Side Tab" folder to distinguish i-t from the "Top Tab" folder used in drawer files.
The end referred to is the edge of the folder that is visible whén folders are positioned on a shelf. End tab folders may have the tab in several positions, for example, four inch top tab, four inch bottom tab, and full end tab. ~ y ~`i~"
1 There are two main systems or classes of coding Elles;
that is, by the use of reference numbers, or by the use of the alphabetic names or subjects~ The system -to be discussed with respect to shelf filing to which this invention relates is alphabetic filing systems.
Computers are starting to be used for file room control where the file whereabouts is recorded and stored in computer memory. This is presen-tly accomplished by ~eyboard entry of file reference numbers and its whereabouts is recorded in the computer memory. Such a system is subject to error and requires a great deal of time and a number of typists in the file room and at other locations throughout the office to record Eile "pass-ons".
The alphabetic labelling of file folders is usually based on a name or subject in association with which the file is opened. The label for the file may therefore show the person's name or the identity of the company, government offlce, etc.
together with location such as City and Province or State and with subject files the main classification and sub-classifica-tion. Two such labels are usually printed in a typewriter and subsequently applied to both sides of the end tab folder.
That system of alphabetic labelling of files requires consider-able manual input and is slow and combersome.
The label according to this invention overcomes the above problems to provide an alphabetic label for articles such as files, envelopes, guidecards and anything that may be placed on shelves for reference. When applied to such an article, the label permits identification of the article from -two of it's sides. The label may be provided with a code which is machine readable and mav be read by a reading device connected 1 to a compu-ter which is adapted to record the file whereabouts.
The label may also be provided with a machine readable code that may programme a labelling machine to apply other labels for identification.
~- 5 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`~ The label for alphabetically labelliny files has on a portion of it's face a first set of indicia and on another portion of ,~ it's face a second set of indicia which relates to the same , subject matter as the first set. The second set of indicia "
~` 10 is oriented in reverse and upside down relative to the first set. A machine readable code unique to the subject matter of -~
; the sets of indicia may be located on one of the face portions.
The arrangement is such that when the label is folded along it's length the portions of the face are isolated or remote from one another when the label is applied to an article. With this arrangement, the article is visually identifiable by the label from two of it's sides.
The process for printing along a label, two sets of the indicia, comprises printing at least one line of a first set of indicia wi~hin a first field and in the same operation of printing along such label, printing at least one line parallel to the other lines of a second set of indicia backwards and upside down relative to the first set within a second field of the label. In the same printing operation, printing within one of said fields, a machine readable code unlque to the subject matter of the sets of indicia. The machine readable ; code as it appears on the label, when applied to an article may be machine read to provide for computerized control of the file room. ~dditional information may be input to the computer manually or from summary sheet bearing machine readable inform-~3~
l ation concerning the person or department to whom the folder is charged out. The particulars are machine read from the summary sheet and stored in computer memory. To facilitate security, people may be issued with cards bearing particulars ~;5 which are machine readable. When a person re~uests a file, he has to produce his card which is machine read and if cleared the flle is charged out and the person's particulars stored concerning file whereabouts.
The system for labelling articles wi~h alphabetical labels comprises a printing device in which the descrihed process can i be practiced. Means is provided for passing label material through the printing device. Data input means is provided for directing the printing device in the subject mat~ter to be printed on each label. The printing device is adapted to print along an upper first field of a label at least one line of a first set of indicia and print along a lower second field at least one line of a second set of indicia. The printing device prints each line of the second set backwards and upside down relative to the first set. l'he arrangement of fields is such that when a label is folded along it's length, the first field is isolated from the second. The printing device also prints on the first field a machine readable indicium code represent-ative of one or more indicium of a set. A label applying device may be provided for applying the printed labels to articles. The label applying device ~olds each such printed label along it's length to isolate the fields and applies it.
The label applying device has a reading device for reading such machine readable indicium code on the label applied. The label applying device has a supply of filing code labels, each representative of an alphabetical letter. The reading device r . . , ~
reads the machine readable indicium code to determine the selection by the label applying device of a filing code label from the supply which has a letter corresponding to a read coded indicium and applies the selected label on the article.
The produced article therefore has a label identifying the subject matter of the article with one or more individual labels having letters corresponding to for example the first two let-ters of the person's name associated with the file. This provides ready access to an article in shelf filing systems where the individual labels having the letters may be colour coded to provide bands of colours along the filing system so that an article or a small group of articles may be visually recogniz-able from other articles in the system due to the combination of colour coded labels.
Alternatively, the labels as prepared by the printer device may be applied to the folders manually~ The manual application may be further extended to include manually app-lying the addition~lcolour coded labels according to a prede-termined selection of the printed indicia.
The process for labelling a file folder by alphabetical listing comprises printing a label of the type discussed and applying the label to the side tab of a file folder with each field of the label on a side of the folder flap. The machine readable indicium is read; and applied to the file folder flap as controlled by the machine reading step, at least one colour coded label having an indicium corresponding to one of the coded indicium.
The system according to this invention provides an article such as a file folder having a listing on a label of the subject matter of the file and the addition as controlled by the mach-1 ine readable indicium code on the printed label, of one or more individual flling code labels to provide a shelf filed article which has all the distinct advantages of shelf filing.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a view of a label according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 is a block diagram of the components of the system for labelling of files according to a preferred embodi-ment where segments of the file folder tab have the file labels built up -thereon;
Figure 3 is a view from one side oE a file older panel;
and Figure 4 is a view from the other side of the file folder panel of Figure 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
:
Figure 1 shows a label printed in a manner according to a preferred embodiment of this inven-tion. The label 10 is rectangular in shape. On a portion of a first field or it's face 12 it has a first set of indicia encompassed by bracket 14. On the outer line, the name of the City and State, Keen New Hampshire is printed. On the first line ad~acent ~he-central portion of the label 10, the name of the person, Williams, Bill, in association with which a file folder has been opened, is printed. The second set of indicia is encompassed by bracket 16 is identical to and printed in rows parallel -to the rows of the first set of indicia 14. The second set of indicia is printed upside do~m and backwards relative to the first set of indicia.
37~6 1 In locating the two sets of indicia in the manner shown in Figure 1, they are positioned in upper and lower fields as identified on each side of an imaginery fold line shown in dot and designated 18. The two fields extend the length of label lO and in this particular embodiment, they are beside one ~, another and are co-extensive with each other. In the upper right hand corner of the label's first field 13, the machine readable indicium code 20 represents the first two initials WI of the person's name. The code is shown in "Code 39" bar code format including start-stop portions and intermediate portions indicating and representative of, when machine read, the designated preselected letters WI. In the lower left hand corner of the label's second field 15, a machine readable code 22, in this embodiment made up of optical character recognition markings, represents the subject matter of the label and there-fore the subject matter of the article to which the label is to be applied. The code 22 is read during charge out of, for example, file folders in the control of the file room.
The label 10 when used on a file folder is preferrably coated with a protective layer of material which may be laid over the label after printing. The protec-tive material may be of a thin transparent sheet with an adhesive backing such as a sheet of "Mylar" (trade mark) which adheres to the surface of the label. To assist in,the application of a label to an article, the back of the label may have an adhesive material applied thereto which is pressure sensitive. During the printing and handling of the label, it may have a protective backing. The backing is peeled thereform to expose the adhesive for application of the label to the article. In applying the label as mentioned, it may be folded along line 1 18 extending the labe~'s length to isolate Eie].cls 13 and .l5.
The label 10 as shown in l'igure 3 ls applied to an encl ~ tab of a file folder generally designated 24 havillg file :Eolder :~ flaps 26 and 28. The end tab o:E -the folcler 24 ju-ts outwardly ~ S of flap 26 in the form of tab 30 which is integral with flap ~:~ 26. I.abel 10, as folded about imaglnery line 18, LS appl~ed to the folder sP that when read from it's rearside the first set of indicia 14 is readily read. As shown in Figure 4, the second set..of indicia 16 is readily read from the other side : 10 of the file. This facilitates file folder reference from.eit}ler : ~ ~
direction when looking for files in shelf Eiling systems.
The bar code 20 on label 10 as mentioned designates the initials WI of the name and contro]s the labelling machille , . application of singular filing code labels 32 and 34. As can .
:be seen in Figures 3 and 4, labels 32 and 34 have the inltials repeated on each side of it's central fold -to provide reference to the flle from either side. The labels. may be colour coded and of the type described and claimed in applican-t's .. United.Sta-tes Patent 4,204,639, issued May 27, 1980.
The label 10 may according to a-preferred embodimen-t of the inventlon, be printed in a single operation. As -the printer passes along relative to the label 10 from left to right, vertical segments of both rows of first se-t of indicia 14 are simultaneously printed. On movin~ across the label ln, the first indlci.um "L" of -the second set is printed upside down and reverse order inline ~.~i.th the indicium "L" of the first set. Similarly, as the first set of indici..a 14 is being printed, the code 22 is also being prin-ted in it's upside down and reverse order manner direc-tly below and in line with the 1 upper indicium columns. The bar code 20 is printed as the second set of indicia 16 is being printed. The process there-fore prints the entire label in a single pass.
An apparatus which has been found to be particularly suit able for this type of printing operation is that sold by Markem Corporation of Keen, New EIampshire, and sold under the trade mark "Scanmark". This printer a model U.1235 has been modified to print two rows of indicia in an upright manner and two under-lying rows of indicia in an upside down manner. This device as it has been modified has the capacity to type four lines of the label in the following manner. A constantly revolving cylinder has four lines of type embossed on the surface. The cylinder -~
is positioned vertically. The lines of type are positioned ; horizontally around the cylinder so that they print the four lines of typing required to produce the combined label 10. The top two lines are embossed on the cylinder in their standard upright position and the bottom two lines are embossed upside down and backwards. For example, the A on the second line of embossed type would be ln perpendicular alignment with the A
on the first line. On the third line of embossed type~ the A
would also be in perpendicular alignment but would be upside down. The fourth line of type would be identical to the third.
All the alphabet letters A through Z and the numbers 0 through 9 together with special characters such as bar code would be on the drum. The bar code type may be that well ]~nown in the field as "Code 39". The letters A through Z and 0 through 9 may be in machine readable optical character recognition ~OCR) format. This permits printing of machine readable sets of indicia and code 22.
; 30 The Markham printer has been designed so tha~ the rolls ~ of self adhesive labels attached to the backing paper are fed g _ ,' ~
3~
l across the cylinder. In front of the label, a one time carbon-like ribbon is also fed across the cylinder. The labels and the one time carbon-like material are pulled past the cylinder by the action oE a stepper motor in an intermitent start-stop movement. Four hammers on -the printer are timed -to strike the four lines of embossed letters on the constantly revolving cylinder. The label and carbon-like ribbon are held in position until the printing requirements of all four lines of type have been met. The printing sequence for each label is stored in the buffer memory of the printer. This buffer memory for each label is programmed from the keyboard of the Markham printer or alternately from a computer generated mag-netic tape by a tape device such as a "Mitron" (trade mark) MDRS-9 Unit. This is distributed by Mitron Systems Corporation of Columbia, Maryland. The embossed cylinder is kept at a constant high temperature so that when the hammer strikes the carbon-like paper there is an actual transfer of carbon-like coating to the label. Thus printed in this hotstamp-like process, the carbon-like material is permanently bounded to the paper. As mentioned, when the label is used on the files in other fields where permanence is re~uired, immediately following the printing operation, the label may be laminated with a transparent film of "Mylar" to protect the label from wear.
Use of the Markham printer or similar device therefore provides in a single pass on the label the printing of both sets of indicia and machine readable codes. It is understood however, that the label 10 may also be prepared where the upper half is typed and the label withdrawn from the printing unit inverted or turned upside down and then the second half of ~ f~
7~.~
1 the ma-terial printed.
Turnlng to Figure 2 according to a preferred emi~odimellt, -the aforementioned Miltron System MDRS-9 is used for clata input designated by block 36 to direc-t the printer 38 which according to a preferred embodi~en-t is -the above discussed modified "Scanmark" printer. The memory of the data input terminal 36 may include on a magnetic tape or disc a listing of several clients by name, address and other pertinent info-rmation which may be included in the se-ts of indicia to be prin-ted. The printer 38 is activated and on receivill~J ill~Ut from the data bank 36, commences printing the two sets oE
indicia to`gether with code 22. The printer is programmed to .
determine the coded indicia frorn the input and prints bar code 20 to represent the first two initials of -the person's name.
On completion of the printlng of the label, the printed labels may remain on -the paper backing and re-rolled.
As mentioned, the printed labels may be applied to file ~ . .
folders by hand where each label would be removed from the roll, folded and affixed to the end tab. Alternatively the ~ 20 label appllcation can be mechanized by the use of an automatic `I labeller such as the unit described in applicants' ~nited States patent 4,183,779 issued January 15, 1980.
The roll of printed labels are loaded on the machine or labeller designated by block 42. The labeller applies the : , .
labels 10 to -the files to place the label on the file tab 30.
:
~` I~mediately after -the label is applied to i-ts folder it is . ,-, , .
routed -through a bar code reader. The bar code on the rear . ~
- of the label is read to determine what indicia were coded.
~ The labeller 42 has a supply of filing code labels which are . . , ~ 30 on separate rolls/ each roll having labels of a particular . , , . : . 1:. ~- :
/~
~3~7~
1 let.ter of tlle alphabet. 'I'he bar code reacler is atlapted -to signal -the :Labeller to apply l.abe].s hav.il-g tl-le coded .i.ndicla on the file folder~ To decrease the number of label applylng stations Oll labellèr 42, the alphabet may be dlvi.ded :in two.
S In the folder's first pass through the labeller, the pri.nted label 10 and any of the coded letters of the group A through M
~: are applied at their proper posi-tions as ShOWII in Fiyure 3A. ~:
;:; On the second pass through the labeller as represented by - dotted line 40, the bar code is read again and any of the .remaining coded le-tters of the group N through Z are applied at their proper position as shown in.E'igure 3B.
The labeller 42 can be programmed such -tha-t it positions the l:abels 32 and 34 in their respective positions as deter- : .
mined by the sequence of the letters as they are coded in the bar code 20.
This automatic ~abelling process provides a totally mechanized system fo~r labelling files according to the alpha-. bet wh:ere each file tab has a label 10 indicating visually and in.machine readable form the subject mat-ter of the file.
. Toge-ther with colour coded labels 32 and 34, a shelf filing system provides an advanced form of file reference in the ar-t :~ of colour coding~of files as discussed in applicant's ~: , - United States patent 4,204,639, issued May 27, 1980.
,' , ' ' ' ; ,. . . . ..... .
' 25 It lS appreciated that -this description of the preferred . embodiment is.not intended to be restrictive of -the kind of ::
~ labels that may be produced in -the manner described. For example, if the address is not needed, only -the two centre .
l.ines of the embossecl type would be activated on the Markham - printer, in which case, the -top and bot-tom lines of -the type 1 in label 10 would be eliminated.
Another variation of the labelling of alphabetic folders is for subject Eiling applications having primary subjec-t classification, secondary classification and tertiarv class-ification. The printer is provided with alternate programming buffered memory and an alterna-te embossed cylinder with the top three lines of embossed type right side up and the bottom line upside down. The top printing position of the label would print the primary classification, the second printing position print the secondary classification and the third printing pos~
ition on the drum, print the tertiary classification. The label would be applied to the folder with only the fourth I n line showing on the back of the folder, with the primary, secondary and tertiary classifications in a first field and other tertiary classification in a second field so that the label is folded about it's length offset from it's centre.
As mentioned~ the sets of indicia may be printed in machine readable form such as OCR. This may be useful in some computerized file control systems where there is no data base to relate the read code 22 to the subject matter of the file. It is therefore useful in such instances to read into : the computer memory the code 22 and the machine readable ~
indicia on -the label. On recall, the computer print-out will therefore show the code and the subject matter corresponding to that code. However, where the computer installation permlts, a data base may be built up containing code 22 and the corres-` ponding subj~ct matter for all fi.les concerned. rl~lith this set-up it would be necessary to read into the computer memory : the indicia printed on the label.
1 A further variation of the label shown is to provide a narrow colour band along the fold area 18 of the label 10.
When such a label is applied to a file folder tab, the colour bar provides colour identiEication of the folder when viewed from its end. This is particularly useful in large Eiling systems where mistakes are readily visually noticed. Due to wrap around feature of the label as applied to a folder tab, the colour band is not damaged, nor removed, nor dislocated during handling of the folder.
The label according to this invention therefore provides a label for a file where the subject matter of the file is readily identifiable from either side of the file. The bar code on the label or other machine readable code indicative of the selected indicia directs a labeller to apply a label selected from the supply of filing code labels to the file tab. The file label 10 may also carry a code which is machine readable and representative of the subject matter of the label 10. This computerized code which may be in OCR format can be machine read to facilitate computerized control of the file room. This can be accomplished by providing a device which can read the OCR markings 22 and by buffer transfer such ;
information to computer memory storage and with this reading of the file coder manual entry or machine reading of particulars from a summary sheet with corresponding bar code may be done to record information file whereabouts.
Several preferred embodiments of the invention have been described herein in detail. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of -the invention or the scope of the appended claims. - 14 -~ 3~
1 SUPPLEMENTARY_DISCLOSURE
The process, according to this invention, overcomes a number of the above problems to provide a label which no~
only permits identification of the article, but also permits machine reading of informaton from the labels. In this reading of the infoxmation, a labeller may be programmed, in accordance with input of the read information, to apply other labels to the same file folder. Such additional labels may be of the colour coded type to provide all the attendant advantages thereof, as defined in Applicant's United States patent 4,204,639.
A process for labelling a system of file folders comprises printing a set of indicia in a field on a label face. The printed indicia are each both machine and visually readable, where such printed indicia is machine read. A labeller's application of labels to a file folder flap is controlled by input from such machine reading step in the application of individual colour coded labels to the file folder flap. Each colour coded label, as applied, has indicium corresponding to one of the machine read indicia.
The produced article, -therefore, has a label identifying the subject matter of the article with one or more individual labels having letters or numbers corresponding to, for example, the first two letters of the ~; person's name associated with the file, or a portion of the person's associated numeric information. This provides ready access to an article in shelf filing systems where the individual labels having the letters may be colour coded to provide bands of colour along the filing system, so that an article or a small ~roup of articles may be visually ;
l recogni~able from other articles in the system d~e to the combination of colour coded labels.
Figure 5 is a view of another embodiment of a label according to the invention; and Figure 6 is a view of another embodiment of the invention illustrating labels applied in another manner.
As mentioned, the sets of indicia may be printed in machine readable form, such as OCR. Referriny to Figure 5 ~; of the drawings, the first set of indicia 50 is printed in a 10 first field 52 of a label 54. The first set of indicia 50 is printed in OCR format which enables both visual and machine reading of each indicium of the set. As with the ;
other labels, the second set of indicium 56 may be printed in a second field 58 in an upside down backwards manner relative to the first set.
For purposes of f ile room control, instead of using a machine readable code 22, such as on the label of Figure l, ` the needed information may be taken directly from the first set of indicia 50 of the label by simply reading the person's name 60 or a numerical code 62 which accompanies the person's name. For that matter, both sets of information may be machine read if needed. Thus, in control of the file room, the printed label may be directly machine read without the addition of any further characteri~ing code to provide for the computer control of the file room in the manner previously discussed. Also, with the printing of label 54, it may be printed in the same way as the label of Figure l, where pertinent information is printed in both fields, one set upside down and backwards relative to the other.
~.. ...
1 The machine readable information may also be read in controlling a labeller's applicat:ion of subsequent labels to a file Eolder. As with the process of Fiyure 2, the label 54 may have its numeric code 62, or the name 60, machine read and, according to the labeller's program, extract from input of the machine read information the pertinent data for purposes of application of additional labels in the colour coding of the file folder. With the label shown in Figure 5, the numbers 6, 7, 9, 2 may be selected and colour coded to provide alony the Eile edge, colour coded numeric labels 6, 7, 9 and 2 which are each individual of the other and may be of the type disclosed in Applicant's United States patent 4,204,639.
In following the above approach for numerically colour coding a file folder which includes alphabetic listing of the subject matter on the main label, it results in a combination alphabetic/numeric filing system for folders.
In large file systems involving thousands and perhaps hundreds of thousands of folders relating to individual people, a label, such as that shown in Figure 5, may be prepared where the person's name is printed along with a numerical code, where a section of the numerical code is totally random such as the number 6, 7, 9, 2,for that particular person. Thus in systems involving hundreds of thousands of files, there may be ten or twenty files having the same randomly selected number 6, 7, 9, 2. ~owever, in the sub-group the files, as numerically colour coded, may be alphabetically arranged. Therefore, in attempting to find a ; file in a system, one initially searches by number and then once locating the sub-group searches by the person's name in 3~
1 alphabetical order. This combined approach of numeric/alphabetic Eiling coding is superior to a straight alphabetic or numeric system, since it narrows down the search more quickly. For example, with an alphabetic system, there may be in a system of 100,000 or more groups 50 to 100 Jones. Thus, in an alphabetic system it would be time consuming to search out one file of all the Jones files. As to a numeric system, for hundreds of thousands of file folders, the numeric order is quite large, thus requiring more complex numeric colour coding than would be used in this particular random four number combination numeric/alphabetical system.
On the other hand, if it is desired to code the file alphabetically, the first two initials M~ may be selected from the machine read name to thus, control application according to the labeller's program of the letters M~ in colour coded format to the folder edge.
In using such printed labels having machine readable information, this avoids the use of computer cards and the 20 like to direct a random application of labels to files for :r purposes of coding the file folders in the numeric or alphabetical arrangement. The labels, as printed, may be rolled. The roll of labels may then be unrolled, read, input to the labeller to control application of colour coded labels and then rerolled. On the other hand, the read label may be applied to the folder. In its application to the folder, the label may be read either before it is applied to the folder or afterwards depending upon the particular type of labeller used and its ability to respond quickly to the reading of the machine readable indicia. For example, in 1~
,....
.. .
1 instances where it is desired to immediately apply the label to the folder which i5 to also receive colour coded labels, the printed labels may be set up on the first oE several labellers. As the printed label is bein~ applied or just before it is applied, the machine readable informaton may be read, input to the controller for the labeller and, according to its program, make a selection of the numbers or letters to be applied by the remaining labellers downstream of the first labeller.
Referring to Figure 6, a further variation in the application oE labels, according to this inventon is illustrated. A printed label 64 has been prepared where in its single field 66, a first row of indicia 68 and a second indicia 70 have been printed. As illustrated, both rows of indicia are printed in OCR format and may be printed in a manner similar to a label 50 where in this instance for label 64, there is only a single face. For a filing system, several of these labels may be prepared where each label is peculiar to its own data and is different from all other labels. Such labels may be rerolled after printing and then used in a manner similar to the other printed labels for directing a computerized labeller in the application of numeric label to a file folder.
As shown, the labels, as printed, may be unrolled and each of them machine read where input of the machine read information to the labeller controller directs the applicatïon of colour coded numerical labels 5, 6, 7, and 8 in the manner shown. The printed label 64 may be rerolled, since with the type of labeller as disclosed in applicant's United States patent 4,183,779, the direction of movement of ~ ., 3~
1 the file folder 72 is such to apply the individual colour coded labels 74, 76, 78 and 80. Therefore, the application of label 64 to the upper edge 82 of flap B4 would be impossible. Thus, the Eolder 72 is ta~en from the labeller which has applied labels 74 through 80 and moved to another station where label 6g may be applied. Of course, the ; files, as they come off the first labeller, may be kept in order and subsequently placed on another labelling machine adapted to apply the printed label to the front face of flap '34 along upper edge 82. The arrangement of Figure 6 is particularly useful where the edge flap 86 of the file folder is needed to accommodate several labels, or it may be a situation where the file folders are filed such that the label to be read is visual along the upper edge of folder flap 84. In any event, the printed label 64 is used to ~; control, by machine reading the indicia thereon, the application of numeric labels to edge portion 84 of the file -~
:',. -~.
folder 72.
Thus, the process of the invention provides the use of a label to direct application of other labels onto the folder in a simple economic manner which affords application of random arrangements of labels to file folders.
Preferred embodiments of the invention have been described herein in detail. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations may be made thereto : without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.
~' ; 30 ~ 20
Claims (19)
OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A system for labelling articles comprising a printing device, means for passing label material through said printing device, data input means for directing said printing device in the subject matter to be printed on each label, said printing device being adapted to print along an upper first field of a label at least one line of a first set of indicia and print along a lower second field at last one line of a second set of indicia where said printing device prints each line of the second set of indicia parallel to the other lines and prints the second set of indicia backwards and upside down relative to the first set of indicia, the arrangement of the fields being such that when said label is folded along its length the first field is isolated from the second field, said printing device also printing on such first field a machine readable indicium code representative of one or more indicium of a set, a label applying device for applying such printed labels to articles to be identified by such labels, said label applying device folding each such printed label along its length to isolate such fields and applying it to an article, said label applying device having a reading device for reading such machine readable indicium code on the label applied, said label applying device having a supply of filing code labels, each representative of an alphabetical letter, said reading device reading the machine readable indicium code to determine the selection by said label applying device of a filing code label from the supply which has a letter corresponding to a coded indicium, said label applying device applying such selected label on such article.
2. A system of claim 1, wherein such article is a file folder, the printed label and one or more filing code labels being applied to a panel of such file folder.
3. A system of claim 2, further comprising a device for applying a thin transparent pliable protective material over the print on each printed label prior to its application to a file folder.
4. A system of claim 2, wherein the printed label has two rows of indicia in each set, both sets being to the same subject matter, said printed machine readable indicium code representing the first two indicia of the first set row adjacent the label fold line.
5. A process for labelling a system of file folders comprising printing labels for the system where each printed label is different from other printed labels, each label having first and second fields extending its length and printed in a first field a first set of indicia and printed in a second field a second set of indicia where said second set is printed backwards and upside down relative to the first set, the first and second set of indicia being the same and peculiar to that printed label, in the same operation printing in said first label field a machine readable indicia code representative of a portion of said first set of indicia and oreinted for machine reading along label's length, applying such label to a file folder by folding and locating it on a folder flap with said first label field located for application to the rear side of such folder flat; each set of indicia having been printed to appear upright in its respective field with said label folded along a fold line between said fields as applied to such folder flap, machine reading such machine readable indicia code on the label and controlling by such reading step a labeller's application to such file folder flap of individual colour coded labels, each colour coded label as applied having an indicium corresponding to one of such coded incidia, said process making all file folders of said system distinguishable from one another by their labelling.
6. A process of claim 5, wherein prior to applying such labels to a folder flap, applying to such label a thin transparent protective coating to cover and protect the label print.
7. A process of claim 5, wherein said machine readable indicium code represents two indicia of said first set, two of said colour coded labels being arranged on such file flap in the order determined by the sequence of the indicia in said machine readable indicium code.
8. A process of claim 7, wherein for each indicia set two rows are printed.
9. A process of claim 8, wherein the first row is printed adjacent the fold area when such label is folded along its length.
CLAIMS SUPPORTED BY THE SUPPLEMENTARY DISCLOSURE
CLAIMS SUPPORTED BY THE SUPPLEMENTARY DISCLOSURE
10. A process for labelling a system of file folders comprising printing labels for the system where each printed label is different from other printed labels for the system, each label having a field in which a set of indicia is printed where the indicia are both machine and visually readable, machine reading such printed indicia and controlling by input from such reading step a labeller's application to a file folder flap of individual colour coded labels, each colour coded label, as applied, having an indicium corresponding to selected ones of the machine read indicium.
11. A process of claim 10, wherein said indicia are in optical character recognition format.
12. A process of claim 10, wherein each said printed label is machine read prior to applying such label to a file folder flap.
13. A process of claim 10, wherein each said printed label is machine read after applying such label to a file folder flap.
14. A process of claim 10, wherein each label has first and second fields extending its length, printing a first set of such machine and visually readable indicia in said first field and printing a second set of such machine and visually readable indicia in said second field where said second set is printed backwards and upside down relative to said first set, machine reading either said first or second set of indicia to control said application of colour coded labels.
15. A process of claim 14, wherein said printed label is applied to a folder flap by folding and locating it on such flap with said first label field located on one side of such flap and said second label field located on the other side, each set of indicia having been printed to appear upright in its respective field with said label folded along a fold line between said field as applied to such flap.
16. A process of claim 10, wherein prior to applying such printed label to a folder flap, applying a thin transparent protective coating to cover and protect the label print.
17. A process of claim 10, wherein said printed indicia includes machine readable numbers, the machine reading of such printed numbers controlling the application of colour coded numeric labels to a folder in a sequence determined by their printed sequence.
18. A process of claim 10, wherein said printed indicia includes machine readable letters, the machine reading of such printed letters controlling the application of colour coded alphabetic labels to a folder in a sequence determined by the sequence they are printed in said field.
19. A process of claim 10, wherein a plurality of such printed labels are in rolled form, unrolling such roll of printed labels, machine reading each label to control the labeller's application of colour coded labels to each file folder and rerolling the machine read printed labels for subsequent application to the respective colour coded labelled file folder.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA306,813A CA1103716A (en) | 1978-07-05 | 1978-07-05 | System for alphabetically labelling articles |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA306,813A CA1103716A (en) | 1978-07-05 | 1978-07-05 | System for alphabetically labelling articles |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1103716A true CA1103716A (en) | 1981-06-23 |
Family
ID=4111842
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA306,813A Expired CA1103716A (en) | 1978-07-05 | 1978-07-05 | System for alphabetically labelling articles |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1103716A (en) |
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0239273A2 (en) * | 1986-03-07 | 1987-09-30 | Cetus Corporation | Blind label |
| US5284362A (en) * | 1990-02-21 | 1994-02-08 | Esselte Pendaflex Corporation | Reinforced shelf filing folders |
| EP0597470A1 (en) * | 1992-11-13 | 1994-05-18 | Fnac S.A. | Automatic labelling system and its utilisation in stock management |
| WO2000038933A1 (en) * | 1998-12-11 | 2000-07-06 | Esselte Corporation | Printable file folder |
| US6352286B1 (en) | 1995-04-07 | 2002-03-05 | The Smead Manufacturing Company | File folder and method |
| US6581971B1 (en) | 1995-04-07 | 2003-06-24 | The Smead Manufacturing Company | Desktop printable file folder blank and filing system |
-
1978
- 1978-07-05 CA CA306,813A patent/CA1103716A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0239273A2 (en) * | 1986-03-07 | 1987-09-30 | Cetus Corporation | Blind label |
| EP0239273A3 (en) * | 1986-03-07 | 1988-08-03 | Cetus Corporation | Blind label |
| US5284362A (en) * | 1990-02-21 | 1994-02-08 | Esselte Pendaflex Corporation | Reinforced shelf filing folders |
| EP0597470A1 (en) * | 1992-11-13 | 1994-05-18 | Fnac S.A. | Automatic labelling system and its utilisation in stock management |
| FR2698071A1 (en) * | 1992-11-13 | 1994-05-20 | Fnac Sa | Automatic labeling system and use of said system for inventory management. |
| US6352286B1 (en) | 1995-04-07 | 2002-03-05 | The Smead Manufacturing Company | File folder and method |
| US6581971B1 (en) | 1995-04-07 | 2003-06-24 | The Smead Manufacturing Company | Desktop printable file folder blank and filing system |
| US6764101B2 (en) | 1995-04-07 | 2004-07-20 | Smead Manufacturing Company | File folder and method |
| US6969092B2 (en) | 1995-04-07 | 2005-11-29 | Smead Manufacturing Company | Desktop printable file folder blank and filing system |
| WO2000038933A1 (en) * | 1998-12-11 | 2000-07-06 | Esselte Corporation | Printable file folder |
| US6193457B1 (en) | 1998-12-11 | 2001-02-27 | Esselte Corporation | Printable file folder with custom label tab |
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