Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for applying flat punched elements in the desired position to the surface of a carrier material, the elements being present in multiple copies on a sheet. The multiple copies are fed to an applying device and positioned therein. At the same time as individual elements are separated out or punched, these elements are fixed in position with respect to the carrier material.

Abstract: A separating apparatus, to which the sheet material is transported in stacks via a stack transporting system, comprises a movable retaining means which reduces the separating gap before the stack is fed and is restored to its original width immediately before separation begins. This allows for the prevention of sheets being wedged in the separating gap, which would otherwise lead to a disturbance of the separation process. The design of a stationary retaining element having an integrated second, movable element allows for the formation of a stopping surface which protrudes beyond the stopping surface of the stationary part and is hit by the leading edges of the sheets in the stack. A toothed design of the new stopping surface allows for the leading edge of the stack of sheet material to be influenced selectively.

Abstract: A multilayer identification card is equipped with an IC module. The module is arranged on a carrier element which is located in a recess in the multilayer card. The card layers bordering the recess bear supporting layers which are thermoresistant in the range of hot lamination temperatures. This prevents the recess from becoming filled with fluid card material during the hot laminating process, during which the card layers will soften and eventually become fluid. Thus, the IC module can advantageously give way within the recess when the card is bent. Further, the supporting layers have a stabilizing effect on the adjacent card layers and thereby prevent irregularities caused by incorporation of the carrier element from being passed onto the card surface.

Abstract: An identification card having an IC module for the processing of electrical signals. The IC module (9) and the leads (6) and contact surfaces (5,20) necessary for the operation of the module are attached to a separate carrier (7,17) and embedded in the identification card in such a way that the IC module is located in an area (4) of the card having the maximally permitted thickness, whereas the contact surfaces are arranged outside this area. The placement of the IC module in the elevated card area (e.g. the impressing area) allows for a thicker encapsulation of the module and correspondingly better protection against mechanical stress. On the other hand, the area of the carrier element with the contact surfaces is arranged outside the elevated area of the card, for example in the magnetic stripe area (2).

Abstract: A device for stacking sheets comprises several disks arranged adjacent to each other on a driving shaft, the disks having spiral slots running from the outside towards the inside. The spiral slots of the disks overlap in an axial direction and together form a pocket into which the sheets conveyed. In order to guarantee trouble-free stacking of the sheets, the spiral slots of adjacent disks are staggered at least in the inner area of the stacker. Therefore, almost all the kinetic energy of a sheet which is inserted into the shot is issipated by frictional and flexing. The spiral slots of one or more disks may additionally be provided with elastic boundary walls.