Abstract: A method of personalizing identification cards having erasable and/or overwritable and non-overwritable data. The neutral identification cards, before being written on, are first fed from an input stack to a unit in which the overwritable storage medium, e.g. a magnetic stripe, is written on with the erasable or overwritable data. After the writing process has been checked, the card is removed from the process if its writing is defective, and possibly reinserted in the input stack. If the writing is in order, however, the card is fed to another unit in which it is provided with the non-erasable or non-overwritable data.Data records are made available by a card-issuing agency in order to personalize the identification cards. One data record is kept on hand in a buffer memory for the writing of each identification card.

Abstract: An identification card or similar data carrier having an IC module for the processing of electrical signals, whereby the IC module along with its leads and contacts is arranged on a separate carrier element which is embedded in the card. An anchoring element is arranged in the area of the carrier element, which anchoring element extends beyond the edge of the carrier element and is connected with the material of the body of the card. This anchoring element is preferably an integrated component of the carrier element.The anchoring element has high tensile strength relative to the material of the identification card. The connection of the carrier or anchoring element with the material of the identification card can be established by recesses or perforations in the edge of the anchoring element, which are penetrated by the material of the identification card during the laminating process, by appropriate laminating adhesives or by specific designing of the anchoring element.

Abstract: This invention relates to a plastic identification card with an improved signature panel. There is a problem with existig credit cards in that the existing signature can be obscured by printing over with a patch of clay composition similar to that used to provide the original signature panel. A new signature can then be applied. This problem is overcome by providing a signature panel which is sandwiched between the core stock and a protective transparent film. The signature panel comprises a layer of chemicals reactive under the pressure of a signature to release a colored dye conforming with the signature.

Abstract: The tamperproof document consists of a photographic material as information carrier which is laminated on one or both sides with a transparent foil. The foil is attached to the surface of the information carrier by a layer of adhesive containing poly-1,2-alkyleneimine. The document is eminently saft against falsification.

Abstract: The tamper-proof document consists of a photographic material as information carrier comprising front- and back gelatine layers, the outer of the gelatine layers of which contain particles of a homo- or copolymer of an acrylic and/or methacrylic acid ester. The information carrier is laminated on one or both sides to a transparent foil by means of a hardenable adhesive. The document is remarkably safe against falsification.

Abstract: Documents are encoded with at least one thin, transparent coating, normally invisible, but having a readily detectable physical characteristic such as, electrical conductivity, electrical impedance, electrical capacitance, electroluminescence. Each document consists of a substrate on which is applied (1) at least one of the thin coatings, and (2) conventional printing, preferably intaglio. The thin coating may be applied before or after the printing. The coating includes particles driven into the surface to a substantial depth. The uncoated substrate is free of the detectable physical characteristic. The coating is confined to a limited area of the substrate surface and itself constitutes a code or is laid down in a pattern for identification. A second coating can be applied so that all areas of the surface have the same appearance to mask visual detection of the first coating.

Abstract: An engraved image identification card has a translucent planar base member with a multiplicity of engraved scores extending into one of its surfaces with an opaque layer positioned adjacent either the engraved side of the translucent member or the non-engraved side of the translucent member opposite the engraved side to provide enhancement of the contrast between the engraved and non-engraved regions in the translucent member.

Abstract: One or more miniaturized credit indicators are affixed to a wallet-size primary plate bearing the name, signature, picture and account number of an authorized user. Each of the indicators represent a different credit account. The indicators are locked into recessed spaces on the face of the plate. Magnetic tapes, microprocessor chips or integrated circuits imbedded in the indicators and plate provide identifying information. Means are provided for reading and decoding information stored in the plate or indicator.

Abstract: The authorization card has one or more storing zones for storing a predetermined information defining the type and/or extent of authorization, for example credit information in case of a credit card, and at least one storing zone for storing variable information associated with the owner of the card. These storing zones are adapted for automatic reading of the fixed and variable information in an automatic reading device. The authorization card has means for generating a coded information to be compared with the variable information. This coded information is manually adjusted on the authorization card by its user and is also adapted for automatic reading by the automatic reading device. Manual adjustment of the coded information is facilitated by a scale provided on the authorization card.