Substrates including tape and radio frequency identification devices, and methods and apparatus for making the same

An apparatus for applying reinforcing tape to a substrate, comprising:

• a feeder configured to feed or guide reinforcing tape having a plurality of RFID devices attached to the reinforcing tape;
• a homing system configured to selectively position the tape in a home position;
• and
• an applicator configured to receive the tape from the feeder, the applicator further configured to introduce the tape to the substrate.

A method of making a reinforced paper board construct, comprising:

• applying reinforcing tape to at least a portion of at least one first paper layer, wherein the reinforcing tape comprises at least one RFID device attached thereto;
• pairing a second paper layer with the first paper layer such that the reinforcing tape and the at least one RFID device are positioned between the first and second paper layers to form a reinforced paper board construct;
• and
• selectively positioning the reinforcing tape in a home position using a homing system prior to applying the reinforcing tape to at least a portion of the at least one first paper layer.

A method for making a container blank, comprising:

• transporting a paper board substrate on a container blank production line, the paper board substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface opposing the first major surface;
• applying a hot melt adhesive-coated reinforcing tape to at least one of the first major surface or the second major surface of the paper board substrate as it is transported on the container blank production line, wherein the reinforcing tape comprises at least one RFID device attached thereto, such that the paper board substrate is formed into a plurality of container blanks, each of which container blanks includes at least one RFID device;
• and
• selectively positioning the reinforcing tape in a home position using a homing system prior to applying the reinforcing tape to at least one of the first major surface or the second major surface of the paper board substrate.