Patent ID: 6054090
Filing Date: 2000-04-25
Classification: B65B,G09F,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of preventing transfer of printed labels on stacked containers during steam-sterilization, comprising the steps of:a) providing a label on an exposed surface of the container, the label comprising a first layer comprising a metal or a polymer, said first layer having a predetermined apparent color; a second layer affixed to said metal layer and comprising a polymer, said second layer having two opposing surfaces, one of said surfaces being a proximal surface affixed to said first layer and the other of said surfaces being a distal surface spaced away from said first layer when affixed, one or both of said surfaces bearing a coating of ink or dye, an area of any ink or dye on said distal surface being selected from a color that is in contrast to said predetermined color and an area of any ink or dye on said proximal surface being of a color that is in contrast to said ink or dye on said distal surface or to said predetermined color of said first layer; a portion of said second layer being ablated away at said area of ink or dye by a laser in accordance with a label pattern in an amount sufficient to expose, in the ablated portions, either ink or dye on said proximal surface, or said first layer;b) stacking at least some of the containers so that the label of at least one of the stacked containers contacts the surface of an adjacent container; andc) while maintaining the stack, subjecting the stack to steam at a temperature, pressure and exposure time sufficient to sterilize the stacked containers and their contents;so that said label in contact with said next adjacent container does not transfer in whole or in part and remains legible.