Abstract: An apparatus is provided for producing magnetically encoded articles such as credit cards. Data from a master or other source is recorded on an elongated web carrying magnetically encodable material which is secured to a card blank or other article. Data from the master tape is stored in a memory and held for comparison with recorded data to verify correct recording. In the absence of a proper comparison the data is inserted from memory and recorded on the next card blank, which is then placed in the proper sequential position in the output stack.

Abstract: In production of a credit card or other magnetically encodable articles, a thermoplastic surface laminate layer is thermally tacked to a core stock layer and a magnetically encodable stripe is printed, for example, silk screened, on the laminate-core stock assembly. The resulting assembly is laminated to provide a smooth magnetic stripe having minimal distortion.

Abstract: Hydrophilic surfaces on lithographic duplicators are cleaned by light rubbing with a liquid composition comprising levigated alumina of small particle size, a surfactant, an aluminum salt and an acidifying agent all dispersed in water. The surface is then rinsed with water to remove the cleaning composition, and is found to be in an ink-free moisture receptive condition.

Abstract: A secure property device utilizing radiant energy reflectors applied to a magnetic data member is provided in which the specularity of reflections from the reflectors is enhanced by means of a polymeric primer which is chemically and optically compatible with the reflectors and with the magnetic data member to which it is applied.

Abstract: An ion modulator having a bias electrode is capable of producing copies in which the contrast and background are controllable. Such modulator functions in a process which utilizes an adjustable charge density applied to set up uniform fringing fields of the desired magnitude which block ions directed towards background (light) areas. Funneling fields are set up in image (dark) areas in opposition to the original fringing fields by simultaneous imaging and ion projection, decreasing the effect of such fringing fields and permitting ions to pass through the modulator in image areas.