Intellectual Property

The more than 200 labeling related patents issued to B & H Labeling Systems over the last four decades are proof positive that "Innovation For The Long Run®" is a true reflection of B & H's core competency, and not just a hollow corporate tag line. Of these patents, 115 are active today in 17 countries around the world.

As the pioneer and leader in the development of roll-fed labeling, innovation was a necessity for B & H, not an option. Innovation, with an emphasis on solving customer problems with creative, practical and functional technology, was necessary for the survival of the company. Many of these innovations remain a foundation of today's vast roll-fed labeling industry.

Here is a top line summary of key B & H development milestones and patents.

1973

B & H creates the "standard" functional configuration for roll-fed labeling: Feed Roller - Cutter - Vacuum Drum - Glue Wheel, the #3 unwind configuration for roll-fed labels, and the establishment of 6" cores for roll-fed labels.

1975

B & H develops first vertical rotary (aka turret) style roll-fed labeler and first horizontal rotary (turret) style roll-fed labelers.

1979

B & H introduces "S" container flow configuration which became the industry standard. The "S" refers to the path of a container as it moves through the labeling process,

1983

B & H introduces vacuum control for label material handling, and was first to incorporate vacuum control into the cutter. This development was essential to the successful application of the first plastic film labels to 2L PET bottles.

1984

B & H introduces and patents use of servo drives for label feed control and label registration.

B & H introduces and patents roll-on, shrink-on roll-fed labeling process which became know as Endura®.

B & H develops and patents multiport vacuum plate distribution system to enhance and improve vacuum control of labels during the labeling process.

1993

B & H develops and patents a variable speed cutting head, the first attempt to develop a universal cutter for roll-fed labeling.

B & H develops and patents computer control over the orientation and control of containers and labels in rotary or turret style labelers.

1996

B & H develops and patents constant velocity starwheel container handling system for roll-fed labeling, providing superior container handling and eliminating the need for feed screws on low to mid-speed labelers. The constant velocity starwheel system is standard on Marathon SL, Marathon SLA, and BH1600 labelers.

2003

B & H develops and introduces first all-electronic, servo driven roll-fed labeler.

2008

B & H continues to innovate, and is currently pursuing intellectual property protection for registration control systems, passive constant velocity starwheel container handling systems, adhesive application systems and universal cutters.

For more information about B & H innovations, or to discuss licensing opportunities for current B & H patents, please call Business Development at 209-556-6160, or e-mail businessdevelopment@bhlabeling.com.