Abstract: Methods and devices are described for securely destroying used ribbon from a document personalization machine in order to render any information retained on the used ribbon as unreadable. In one embodiment, the method includes tapering the used ribbon into a used ribbon strand by feeding the used ribbon through a tapering mechanism. The method also includes heating the used ribbon strand to fuse the used ribbon strand into a used ribbon string thereby rendering any data retained on the used ribbon unreadable.

Abstract: A system and method for continuously printing images on a web material and continuously transferring the images to identity documents. A print component prints images on the web material. A registration component registers select images to identity documents. An applicator component applies the select images to the identity documents. A controller maintains throughput of the web material through the print component, registration component, and applicator component. The controller allows the system to continuously print images on the web material and continuously transfer the images to identity documents, in that it synchronizes cycles of the components, so that the components have simultaneous processing cycles and have simultaneous intervals between processing cycles.

Abstract: A modular card issuance system comprises a plurality of sequentially ordered modules configured such that each module is in electrical communication with its adjacent modules. This system also comprises a main controller that is in electrical communication with each of the modules. Upon power-up of the system and without assistance from the main controller, each module determines its own identity, its relative position among the plurality of modules and the total number of modules in the system. This information is then reported to the main controller upon request from the main controller.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for removing acetylene from a gasoeus mixture comprising hydrogen, methane, ethane, ethylene, acetylene, propane, propylene, butane, butenes, butadiene, and other C4 or higher hydrocarbons. The method of the invention utilizes a front-end acetylene removal unit (“ARU”) located after a charge gas compressor in which acetylene is selectively reduced. The method of the invention achieves selective reduction of acetylene by using a proprietary Chevron Phillips E series palladium based catalyst. The method of the invention also utilizes a novel startup procedure, a novel emergency shutdown procedure, a novel maximum cool down procedure, and a novel carbon monoxide monitoring procedure.

Abstract: A system and method for continuously printing images on a web material and continuously transferring the images to identity documents. A print component prints images on the web material. A registration component registers select images to identity documents. An applicator component applies the select images to the identity documents. A controller maintains throughput of the web material through the print component, registration component, and applicator component. The controller allows the system to continuously print images on the web material and continuously transfer the images to identity documents, in that it synchronizes cycles of the components, so that the components have simultaneous processing cycles and have simultaneous intervals between processing cycles.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image transfer section of a printer having a control system controlling the operation thereof, as well as a control system and method for controlling the operation of the image transfer section. In particular, the control system and method of the present invention ensures that horizontal and vertical registration of the card and web is attained. The control is adaptive, so as to automatically adjust to differing speeds and gear drives of the independent systems. The control system of the present invention also automatically adjusts the speed of the web take-up roll and the card drive rollers so as to match the speed of the applicator rollers, thereby eliminating the need for slip clutches in the various systems as well as guaranteeing speed matches between the independent systems.

Abstract: A variable speed print apparatus and method provide for adjustment of the effective print speed for each print line being printed on the work piece by determining a maximum shade value to be printed on each print line and adjusting the print speed for each line accordingly. When there is no printing on a given line of the work piece, that print line may be effectively skipped altogether.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a print module for use with a thermal printer. The print module includes a carriage including fastening structure for detachably fastening the carriage to the printer. The carriage is sized and shaped to receive print heads of various sizes and geometries from any number of manufacturers. A specific print head is mounted on the carriage along with a source of non-volatile memory. The source of non-volatile memory contains operational values characteristic of the specific print head. The operational values can be utilized by the printer to make operational adjustments that are customized with respect to the specific print head.

Abstract: A graphics printer apparatus and method using sensors to detect the position of a work piece relative to a print head. A single drive motor driving the feed rollers and a print roller.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dynamically assigning addresses and determining the configuration of a plurality of programmable function modules connected to an electrical conductor, such as a serial bus. The programmable function modules are electrically interconnected by a control line in a point-to-point connection between one another. A programmable controller will first transmit an enabling signal on the control line and then will transmit predetermined addressing information on the serial bus. The first function module will then access the serial bus and retrieve the addressing information, assign itself a unique address as determined by the addressing information, modify the addressing information in a predetermined manner, return the modified addressing information to the serial bus, and enable the adjacent function module on the control line. Each function module connected to the serial bus will be assigned an address in a similar fashion.

Abstract: A hand-holdable apparatus is provided for polishing and buffing shoes. The apparatus is comprised of a housing, the upper side of which is provided with a handle, and the lower side of which is provided with a channel through which the spindle of a rotary brush or buffing wheel may be inserted for releasable engagement. The housing encloses an electric motor and gear mechanism for driving said spindle. A releasing mechanism operable from a site adjacent the handle effects removal of the spindle when a change of the brush or buffing wheel is desired.