Abstract: A method for using void pantographs involves generating a test sheet including multiple void pantographs, where each of the multiple void pantographs includes a pantograph foreground and a pantograph background. The test sheet is printed, and from the printed test sheet, at least one of the multiple void pantographs having a covert or semi-covert pantograph foreground and background is identified. The printed test sheet is scanned, and from the scanned test sheet, at least one of the multiple void pantographs having an overt pantograph foreground is identified. A workflow is developed for the at least one of the multiple void pantographs having both i) the covert or semi-covert pantograph foreground and background after printing, and ii) the overt pantograph foreground after scanning.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an approach to constructing and implementing risk rating products that provides a number of advantages. Instead of hard-coding attributes of a risk rating scheme, which requires the assistance of a trained programming specialist for any modifications, adjustments, or new products, the present invention provides a set of modular tools that assist non-specialists in on-the-fly generation and implementation of risk rating products. The modularity of this approach facilitates the modification and/or updating of a system component without affecting the operation of other components. Described herein are embodiments of system tools configured to read a risk rating scheme data-structure and generate a user interface whereby a user may enter information characteristic of an insurable risk and receive risk assessments, evaluations, and/or financial metrics associated with a candidate insurable risk.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an approach to constructing and implementing risk rating products that provides a number of advantages. Instead of hard-coding attributes of a risk rating scheme, which requires the assistance of a trained programming specialist for any modifications, adjustments, or new products, the present invention provides a set of modular tools that assist non-specialists in on-the-fly generation and implementation of risk rating products. The modularity of this approach facilitates the modification and/or updating of a system component without affecting the operation of other components. Described herein are embodiments of system tools configured to read a risk rating scheme data-structure and generate a user interface whereby a user may enter information characteristic of an insurable risk and receive a quote indicative of a price for binding an insurance policy to the candidate risk.

Abstract: A document comprising a substrate with a surface having cellulose hydroxy groups, an adhesion promoter present on at least a first portion of the substrate surface, and a magnetic ink image formed over the first portion of the substrate surface. The adhesion promoter comprises a silane component including at least one amino functional group and at least one of a second type of functional group that is configured to bond with cellulose hydroxyl groups in the substrate. The magnetic ink image has a magnetic signal strength of at least 80%. A corresponding printing system and a method of printing also are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method of preparing a transfer document for a client to transfer services provided by counterparties that require recurring transactions using a first account to use a second account is provided. A cashflow analysis for the first account and a cashflow analysis for the second account are performed to determine for each counterparty and each service the desired date to effect the transfer to avoid undesirable cashflow spikes or interruptions in both accounts. A transfer document for transferring services requiring recurring transactions for each counterparty is electronically generated via at least one computer. Each transfer document identifies at least the service to be transferred, the client, the second account, the desired date for the transfer and proof of authorization from the client. A replica of an account document selected according to the service being transferred and the second account is included on the transfer document.

Abstract: A method of settling trades includes the steps of obtaining an authenticated delivery instrument, wherein the authenticated delivery instrument is authenticated by a first exchange and may be used to settle a trade undertaken on the first exchange. An electronic proxy is issued for the delivery instrument, wherein the electronic proxy may be exchanged for the authenticated delivery instrument and where the electronic proxy is used to settle a trade undertaken on a second exchange.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an approach to constructing and implementing risk rating products that provides a number of advantages. Instead of hard-coding attributes of a risk rating scheme, which requires the assistance of a trained programming specialist for any modifications, adjustments, or new products, the present invention provides a set of modular tools that assist non-specialists in on-the-fly generation and implementation of risk rating products. The modularity of this approach facilitates the modification and/or updating of a system component without affecting the operation of other components. Described herein are embodiments of a risk evaluation product builder, which allows users to manipulate visual tools to generate a data-structure comprising an embodiment of a risk rating scheme and insurance quoting product.

Abstract: The invention relates to documents of value, such as bank notes, checks, passports, ID cards or the like, with increased fitness for circulation, to a security paper for producing them, and to a method for producing said security paper and such documents of value.

Abstract: A method of settling trades includes the steps of obtaining an authenticated delivery instrument, wherein the authenticated delivery instrument is authenticated by a first exchange and may be used to settle a trade undertaken on the first exchange. An electronic proxy is issued for the delivery instrument, wherein the electronic proxy may be exchanged for the authenticated delivery instrument and where the electronic proxy is used to settle a trade undertaken on a second exchange.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security paper for producing value documents, such as bank notes or the like, which includes a creasable, multilayer substrate having at least one paper layer and at least one film, and to a method for producing such a security paper.

Abstract: A method of settling trades includes the steps of obtaining an authenticated delivery instrument, wherein the authenticated delivery instrument is authenticated by a first exchange and may be used to settle a trade undertaken on the first exchange. An electronic proxy is issued for the delivery instrument, wherein the electronic proxy may be exchanged for the authenticated delivery instrument and where the electronic proxy is used to settle a trade undertaken on a second exchange.

Abstract: A system and method of providing a client with cashflow monitoring during a transfer of services (e.g. pre-authorized debits and credits) from a first account to a second account, the method comprising the steps of: (i) determining an effective date for the transfer of each service, said effective dates creating a transfer window; (ii) determining cashflows for said first account and said second account during said transfer window; (iii) adjusting effective dates for transfer of each services to avoid cashflow interruptions in said first and said second accounts; and (iv) providing a cashflow analysis to the client that lists all the effective dates for each service transfer and predicted cashflows for said first and said second account during said transfer window.

Abstract: There is described a process for numbering substrates having security prints printed thereon, each of the substrates comprising a plurality of security prints which are arranged in k columns and n rows on the substrate, wherein product k*n is an integer multiple of ten or of twenty-five.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an approach to constructing and implementing risk rating products that provides a number of advantages. Instead of hard-coding attributes of a risk rating scheme, which requires the assistance of a trained programming specialist for any modifications, adjustments, or new products, the present invention provides a set of modular tools that assist non-specialists in on-the-fly generation and implementation of risk rating products. The modularity of this approach facilitates the modification and/or updating of a system component without affecting the operation of other components. Described herein are embodiments of a risk evaluation product builder, which allows users to manipulate visual tools to generate a data-structure comprising an embodiment of a risk rating scheme and insurance quoting product.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an approach to constructing and implementing risk rating products that provides a number of advantages. Instead of hard-coding attributes of a risk rating scheme, which requires the assistance of a trained programming specialist for any modifications, adjustments, or new products, the present invention provides a set of modular tools that assist non-specialists in on-the-fly generation and implementation of risk rating products. The modularity of this approach facilitates the modification and/or updating of a system component without affecting the operation of other components. Described herein are embodiments of system tools configured to read a risk rating scheme data-structure and generate a user interface whereby a user may enter information characteristic of an insurable risk and receive a quote indicative of a price for binding an insurance policy to the candidate risk.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an approach to constructing and implementing risk rating products that provides a number of advantages. Instead of hard-coding attributes of a risk rating scheme, which requires the assistance of a trained programming specialist for any modifications, adjustments, or new products, the present invention provides a set of modular tools that assist non-specialists in on-the-fly generation and implementation of risk rating products. The modularity of this approach facilitates the modification and/or updating of a system component without affecting the operation of other components. Described herein are embodiments of system tools configured to read a risk rating scheme data-structure and generate a user interface whereby a user may enter information characteristic of an insurable risk and receive risk assessments, evaluations, and/or financial metrics associated with a candidate insurable risk.

Abstract: A multilayer security element with at least two security features exactly disposed to each other is produced by the security features being present on separate carrier foils (100, 200) and the carrier foils being laminated with each other in such a way that the security features in the layer compound are disposed to each other in register. As to achieve an exact register of the security features, each carrier foil has register marks, with the help of which the foils are controlled relative to each other. The controlling is effected by stretching that carrier foil, the security features of which are running behind relative to the security features of the respective other carrier foil.

Abstract: A system comprises a memory operable to store market data. The system further comprises a processor communicatively coupled to the memory and operable to buy a plurality of index futures. The plurality of index futures are held as long positions in a trust, and a particular index future is publicly traded on a commodity exchange. The processor is further operable to issue a plurality of trust receipts associated with the trust, wherein the plurality of trust receipts are publicly traded on at least one security exchange. The processor is further operable to post a margin with a futures commission merchant (FCM), wherein the margin is based at least in part on the plurality of index futures and the FCM makes at least one interest payment associated with the plurality of index futures.

Abstract: A method of settling trades includes the steps of obtaining an authenticated delivery instrument, wherein the authenticated delivery instrument is authenticated by a first exchange and may be used to settle a trade undertaken on the first exchange. An electronic proxy is issued for the delivery instrument, wherein the electronic proxy may be exchanged for the authenticated delivery instrument and where the electronic proxy is used to settle a trade undertaken on a second exchange.

Abstract: A system and method of providing a client with cashflow monitoring during a transfer of services (e.g. pre-authorized debits and credits) from a first account to a second account, the method comprising the steps of: (i) determining an effective date for the transfer of each service, said effective dates creating a transfer window; (ii) determining cashflows for said first account and said second account during said transfer window; (iii) adjusting effective dates for transfer of each services to avoid cashflow interruptions in said first and said second accounts; and (iv) providing a cashflow analysis to the client that lists all the effective dates for each service transfer and predicted cashflows for said first and said second account during said transfer window.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synthetic funds for purchase by investors. A structured note is structured to provide customized equity returns/exposure. Terms of each structured note may be specified by the purchaser and the structured notes may be unsecured liabilities of the obligor, e.g., there are no underlying assets upon which the structure note is based. Thus, there will be no limits on the use of structured note proceeds and management of assets and liabilities will be left entirely to the obligor's discretion. Structured note payment obligations may be related to the performance of an objective valuation, but structured note holders will depend on the good credit of the obligor for payment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synthetic funds for purchase by investors. A structured note is structured to provide customized equity returns/exposure. Terms of each structured note may be specified by the purchaser and the structured notes may be unsecured liabilities of the obligor, e.g., there are no underlying assets upon which the structure note is based. Thus, there will be no limits on the use of structured note proceeds and management of assets and liabilities will be left entirely to the obligor's discretion. Structured note payment obligations may be related to the performance of an objective valuation, but structured note holders will depend on the good credit of the obligor for payment.

Abstract: A method of issuing a ticket, paid for with illegal payment means during a transaction between a user and a ticket vending machine, where if the payment means are identified as being illegal, the printed ticket is marked in such a manner as to enable the marked ticket to be distinguished from a regular ticket during an inspection operation.

Abstract: An automated banking machine system and method includes ATMs which accept checks and dispense cash to users. The ATMs are operated to acquire image and magnetic data from deposited checks to determine the genuineness of checks and the authority of a user to receive cash for such checks. Cash may be dispensed to the user from the ATM in exchange for the deposited checks.

Abstract: In an e-commerce context, a method and system are provided for exchanging documents in transactions between partners. The partners are joined in an exchange network and are communicating with each other via a hub entity. The documents are transformed from one partner's native format to another partner's native format via an interim standard document to which a common process is applied. The common process applies partner-specific rules to the standard document.

Abstract: A fibrous security substrate for use in producing documents includes at least one aperture extending therethrough and contains an elongate impermeable element at least partially embedded therein such that at least one edge thereof is exposed in the aperture.

Abstract: Multilayer optical films are comprised of materials with glass transition temperatures below room temperature (<30° C.). The high refractive index polymers are unique in that they exhibit mechanical properties similar to other low Tg semi-crystalline polymers, yet have significant birefringence (>0.05) when strain induced oriented. Novel combinations of comonomers for thermoplastics control the rate of crystallinity for improved processability and flexibility, giving the films crease and crumple recovery advantages.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for enhancing the security of selected information associated with a negotiable document, such as the monetary value of a cheque. In the invention, one or more security features are printed or applied onto the cheque. One such security feature is an encrypted control code. The preferred embodiment employs a secret key cryptographic scheme to encrypt the monetary value and thereby generate a first control code which is printed on the check. When the check is presented for payment, a validator, such as bank or cheque clearing house, employs a verification system having a copy of the encryption key to read the monetary value from the cheque and re-encrypt it according to said scheme to generate a second control code. The cheque is not honored if the first and second control codes are not identical. Another security feature is a security image, composed, for instance, from a foreground image of the monetary value superimposed over a background motif image.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for enhancing the security of selected information associated with a negotiable document, such as the monetary value of a cheque. In the invention, one or more security features are printed or applied onto the cheque. One such security feature is an encrypted control code. The preferred embodiment employs a secret key cryptographic scheme to encrypt the monetary value and thereby generate a first control code which is printed on the cheque. When the cheque is presented for payment, a validator, such as bank or cheque clearing house, employs a verification system having a copy of the encryption key to read the monetary value from the cheque and re-encrypt it according to said scheme to generate a second control code. The cheque is not honored if the first and second control codes are not identical. Another security feature is a security image, composed, for instance, from a foreground image of the monetary value superimposed over a background motif image.

Abstract: Proposed is a value-bearing document in which the carrier is provided with a window-like opening which is closed by a cover foil which is transparent at least in a region-wise manner, wherein particularly in the region of the window-like opening, the cover foil can be provided with additional security features, for example diffraction structures.

Abstract: A laminated multilayer film substrate for use in the production of banknotes having an oriented polypropylene core layer and at least one high density polyethylene layer on each side of the oriented polypropylene layer. The core layer contains microcavities formed by the addition of a cavitating agent. The resultant films exhibit good embossability, dead-fold characteristics and other properties, making them highly suited for the production of bank notes and other security documents.

Abstract: A laminated multilayer film substrate for use in the production of banknotes having an oriented polypropylene core layer with print features and at least one high density polyethylene layer on each side of the oriented polypropylene layer. The resultant films exhibit good embossability, dead-fold characteristics and other properties, and are difficult to counterfeit, making them highly suited for the production of bank notes and other security documents.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for enhancing the security of selected information associated with a negotiable document, such as the monetary value of a cheque. In the invention, one or more security features are printed or applied onto the cheque. One such security feature is an encrypted control code. The preferred embodiment employs a secret key cryptographic scheme to encrypt the monetary value and thereby generate a first control code which is printed on tile cheque. When the cheque is presented for payment, a validator, such as bank or cheque cle aring house, employs a verification system having a copy of the encryption key to read the monetary value from the cheque and re-encrypt it according to said scheme to generate a second control code. The cheque is not honoured if the first and second control codes are not identical. Another security feature is a security image, composed, for instance, from a foreground image of the monetary value superimposed over a background motif image.

Abstract: To improve the security in data carriers, such as papers of value, bank notes, ID cards, etc., a numbering apparatus is proposed for individualizing the data carrier whereby the characters are engraved in the engraved blocks present on the numbering apparatus such that the serial number extends along a line having a curvature.

Abstract: A machine-readable check comprising a check and a machine-readable image block printed on the check. Preferably, the image block is a two-dimensional print code.

Abstract: A counterfeit-resistant document comprises a validation mark with relief markings according to a unique pattern that identifies the source of the document. The source of the document can be identified by detecting the unique pattern on the validation mark of the document, thus verifying the authenticity of the document. The validation mark further comprises a unique chemical signature that identifies the source of the document. The source of the document can be identified by detecting the unique chemical signature on the validation mark of the document, thus further verifying the authenticity of the document.

Abstract: A method of making a document, such as a check or stock certificate, having enhanced security against counterfeiting. The document includes a strip of foil having a three dimensional light diffracting image thereon affixed to the document. The strip of foil may be affixed to the document before or after the background printing or face printing of the document is completed. In this manner, the light diffracting strip may be printed on by the background and face printing of the document as desired.

Abstract: A counterfeit-resistant document comprises a validation mark with a unique chemical signature that identifies the source of the document. The source of the document can be identified by detecting the unique chemical signature on the validation mark of the document, thus verifying the authenticity of the document. The unique chemical signature is applied to the document as ink, so that the validation mark provides information. The validation mark is latent in that the color of the coating matches that of the document, but the directional reflective properties of ink is more uniform than that of the document. In this manner, the letters cannot be readily ascertained by viewing them at an angle perpendicular to the surface of the document, but can be readily ascertained by viewing them at an angle different from that perpendicular to the surface of the document.

Abstract: A system and method for issuing and clearing traveler's checks that are paid for by credit card. A quantity of traveler's checks having a total value are sold to a buyer. An account identifier is received from the buyer. A lock is placed against the identified account for a lock value of at least a portion of the total value. Preferably, the identified account is a credit card account. The lock value and the credit card account number are communicated to a credit card clearing house and an authorization that a lock equal to the lock value has been placed against the credit card account is then received from the credit card clearing house. Information identifying the credit card account of the buyer of each traveler's check that is sold is communicated to the traveler's check issuer, which stores the information in a database. When the buyer cashes a traveler's check, the traveler's check issuer obtains payment on the check.

Abstract: Multiple validations of printed documents incorporating image information and authorizing data on a printed document assist in the printed document validation process. This technique requires the authorized document holder to have an image identification accompany the application or production of the document. Image information is converted to a storable image that is used in one of a plurality of validating schemes that assures that the presenter of the printed document is not a substitute. Such schemes included visual comparison of the printed document presenter and extracted image information and validation that the data has not been altered. Non-reversible encryption of the data, as it is read from the document at the document presentation site is used to formulate encoded authorization data that is then compared against like encoded authorized document holder data stored at a centrally located data base.

Abstract: A printable sheet having a high printing quality and a high handling resistance. At least one of the sides of the sheet is treated with a composition which comprises at least one filler and at least one elastomeric binder. The elastomeric binder is selected from the group consisting of aqueous dispersions of polyurethane, acrylate copolymers, optionally carboxylated styrene-butadiene copolymers, and polymers of which one of the monomers is acrylonitrile, isoprene, or neoprene, or mixtures thereof. The sheet can be used for manufacturing protected documents.

Abstract: A financial instrument that can be fully processed by automatic machinery is presented as the subject of this disclosure. Although many systems exist to facilitate processing of bank checks and the like, they arrive short of the advantages provided for in this invention. A combination of techniques in the art and new technologies taught herein provide a system that is useful to both human users, and machine processors. Since the invention is fully compatible with known processes, data from the document can be used in the old way, using old methods which include human input techniques. Alternatively, a fully automatic machine process is now possible and new processes for clearing checks can be adopted to increase the efficiency of processing. The new document also provides a mechanism that is more fraud and tamper resistant than is provided for in the art.

Abstract: A tamper evident document comprising a support bearing an autogenous coating including chromogenic material isolated from an electron-acceptor color developer material in which the autogenous coating bears a principal image comprising visible indicia of a transfer medium imprinted on the surface of the localized autogenous coating. Tampering with the principal image causes chromogen to react with the electron-acceptor color developer material to provide a color indication of tampering.

Abstract: A process controlling the use of a document reserved to the titleholder along or to the authorized bearer, and is characterized by consisting prior to the activation of the document in integrating into a predetermined zone of the document a predetermined and random coded transcription of a set of letters and/or digits constituting a secret "word" known only to the titleholder, the coded data being spread across a matrix of n rows and p columns, in comparing at the time the document is used the coded data with a "word" issued by the document bearer following the transcription in the same code, and in determining and displaying whether in there is coincidence or not.The process applies in particular to checks or the like. The invention also relates to the documents and the coding and reading means designed or developed to implement this process.

Abstract: A financial instrument has an amount printed on its face in which the digits making up the amount are printed in a negative pattern. The digits are formed by a series of rows of printed dots which define the outlines of the digits. To make alteration of the amount more difficult, each of the digits includes a boundary portion formed by a single row of dots which makes up a portion of the outline of each of the adjoining digits.

Abstract: A cheque book assembly comprises carrier leaves arranged one above another and bound together at their right hand ends. Cheques making up a sub-set are bound detachably to each carrier leaf at their left hand ends with a staggered overlap between the cheques. A pressure sensitive strip causes an inscription on an elongated field of a first cheque to be reproduced on a corresponding field on the first carrier leaf to provide a journal entry for the first cheque. Other pressure sensitive strips cause inscriptions on the other cheques to be reproduced on other fields of the carrier leaf, these fields being offset from one another by the stagger of the cheques to form a journal for the sub-set of cheques.

Abstract: An interest-bearing financial instrument kit is provided comprising a travelers check having a format for the entry and collection of interest due on the check, and a calculator for the calculation of the interest due on the check. The calculator comprises a first and second flat, circular, planar member concentrically affixed to each other at their centers to allow rotation of each member with respect to each other and having concentrically aligned scales representing the total value of the check relative to the time elapsed from date of purchase to date of redemption, and representing the face value of the check, whereby the second member can be rotated relative to the first member to visually obtain the total value of the travelers check when cashed.

Abstract: A data carrier, in particular check paper, having a picture theme printed on by the dot screen, grain screen, line-half-tone combination or special screen techniques or as a line copy, which is printed over by a security pattern serving the purpose of protecting the data carrier. The picture theme is interrupted by a negative security pattern adapted to the security pattern, into which negative security pattern the security pattern is printed congruently. The lines of the negative security pattern are preferably wider than the lines of the security pattern, so that the lines of the security pattern integrated into the picture theme are at a certain distance from the lines of the negative security pattern in the entire picture area and do not touch the picture theme.

Abstract: One of the most effective methods of marketing a new product is to sample it, get it into the hands of millions of prospective customers so they can test it, feel it, taste it or smell it. Product sampling is practiced, however, only when it can be done economically. The present invention relates to the economical sampling of thin absorbent tissues such as toilet tissue, paper toweling, facial tissue and similar thin, lightweight products. The present invention reduces the cost of hand tipping samples of absorbent paper tissues from approximately $60.00 per 1,000 to below $9.00 per 1,000. This 85% reduction in costs will enable tissue producers to sample their products to more consumers so they can test them prior to buying. In the present invention, a printed front cover, the tissue sample or samples, and a printed back cover are delivered to a collator in continuous ribbons.

Abstract: A combination payment and receipt form and method of using the same has a first top thin sheet with printed indicia areas that are filled in by the user. Transfer means are provided to transfer this information in a first predetermined color to a second bottom sheet of a size and thickness suitable for use as a postcard. The second lower card sheet has a background camouflage area printed in another predetermined color located in the area where the information is transferred, with the transferred information normally not readily distinguishable against the background pattern. The upper and lower sheets are then mailed to a second party who indicates an acknowledgment on the card sheet and returns the same as a postcard to the user. The user then views the returned card through a filter medium that freely transmits the other predetermined color and renders the information transferred in the first color darker than the background pattern.