Abstract: A combination embosser and printing system. The combination embosser and printing system creates a raised seal or image having one or more areas of inked image in and/or around the raised image. The combination embossing and printing system is adapted to emboss and print a substrate in a single actuation of the system. The system generally includes an embossing assembly adapted to form at least one raised image area on a substrate and a printing assembly adapted to form at least one inked image area on the substrate.

Abstract: A stored-value product includes a toy automobile and a panel. The toy automobile includes a body and wheels rotatably coupled to the body. The panel is coupled to the body and includes an account identifier signifying a financial account or record linked to the stored-value card assembly. Stored-value product assemblies, methods of promoting sales of stored-value products, methods of using a stored-value product and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A stored-value product includes a toy automobile and a panel. The toy automobile includes a body and wheels rotatably coupled to the body. The panel is coupled to the body and includes an account identifier signifying a financial account or record linked to the stored-value card assembly. Stored-value product assemblies, methods of promoting sales of stored-value products, methods of using a stored-value product and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A stored-value product includes a toy automobile and a panel. The toy automobile includes a body and wheels rotatably coupled to the body. The panel is coupled to the body and includes an account identifier signifying a financial account or record linked to the stored-value card assembly. Stored-value product assemblies, methods of promoting sales of stored-value products, methods of using a stored-value product and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods of embossing flat pieces (such as thin cards and similar materials) that prevent the embossed pieces from sticking to each other during subsequent handling. In some embodiments, pieces are manufactured in rows and columns on a large sheet, with (typically) the distance between text embossed on adjacent rows and (particularly) the distance between texts embossed on cards from adjacent columns being constant. Cards that will be stacked immediately adjacent each other after the cards are cut from the large sheet have text embossed on them that varies, so that the cards cannot tightly nest against each other and stick together.

Abstract: A card and a process for making the card are provided. The card includes a card substrate and a flock transfer attached to a first surface of the card substrate. The flock transfer includes a plurality of flock fibers oriented predominately perpendicular to the first surface and bound together as a unit at a first end of each fiber by a binder adhesive layer positioned between the flock fibers and the first surface.

Abstract: The present invention includes a process for making a magnetically readable card. The process includes providing a polymeric extrudable substrate material and one or more magnetic strips. The substrate is extruded in an extruder. The magnetic strips are aligned and coextruded with the polymeric substrate in the extruder to form a continuous length of magnetic strips and polymeric material.

Abstract: A stored-value product includes a toy automobile and a panel. The toy automobile includes a body and wheels rotatably coupled to the body. The panel is coupled to the body and includes an account identifier signifying a financial account or record linked to the stored-value card assembly. Stored-value product assemblies, methods of promoting sales of stored-value products, methods of using a stored-value product and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods of embossing flat pieces (such as thin cards and similar materials) that prevent the embossed pieces from sticking to each other during subsequent handling. In some embodiments, pieces are manufactured in rows and columns on a large sheet, with (typically) the distance between text embossed on adjacent rows and (particularly) the distance between texts embossed on cards from adjacent columns being constant. Cards that will be stacked immediately adjacent each other after the cards are cut from the large sheet have text embossed on them that varies, so that the cards cannot tightly nest against each other and stick together.

Abstract: A writing instrument is provided that includes an elongated body having a length, an outer surface, a proximal end, and a distal end, and a clip extending along at least a portion of the length of the body. The clip includes an outwardly facing display surface with a lenticular image. The display surface can include a lenticular lens material insert positioned on a base portion of the clip and the lenticular lens material insert can be removably attached to the base portion of the clip, such as with at least one retaining clip. Alternatively, the lenticular lens material insert can be permanently attached to the clip.

Abstract: The present invention includes a process for making a magnetically readable card. The process includes providing a polymeric extrudable substrate material and one or more magnetic strips. The substrate is extruded in an extruder. The magnetic strips are aligned and coextruded with the polymeric substrate in the extruder to form a continuous length of magnetic strips and polymeric material.

Abstract: The present invention includes a process for making a magnetically readable card. The process includes providing a polymeric extrudable substrate material and one or more magnetic strips. The substrate is extruded in an extruder. The magnetic strips are aligned and coextruded with the polymeric substrate in the extruder to form a continuous length of magnetic strips and polymeric material.

Abstract: The present invention includes a process for making a magnetically readable card. The process includes providing a polymeric extrudable substrate material and one or more magnetic strips. The substrate is extruded in an extruder. The magnetic strips are aligned and coextruded with the polymeric substrate in the extruder to form a continuous length of magnetic strips and polymeric material.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus for making a magnetically readable card. The apparatus includes a mechanism for providing a polymeric extrudable substrate material and one or more magnetic strips. The substrate is extruded in an extruder. The apparatus also includes a mechanism wherein the magnetic strips are aligned and coextruded with the polymeric substrate in the extruder to form a continuous length of magnetic strips and polymeric material.

Abstract: A closed loop function selector valve which directs high pressure hydraulic fluid to any one of several hydraulic related devices wherein the low pressure drains or returns of all of the devices are directed back to the valve. The valve comprises a hollow valve body having a cylindrical or arcuate inside surface wherein function selector ports are located. A valve drain output port is also located within the valve body. A selector rotor is moveably seated within the valve body having a line pressurized chamber therein which is in flow communication with the pressurized hydraulic line pressure directed into the valve. A chamber exit port is located in the body portion of the selector rotor arranged to be sealably alignable with one of the function selector ports for directing the hydraulic line pressure to any one of the various hydraulic devices connected to a functional selector port. The valve drain output port is always in flow communication with the remaining function selector ports.