Abstract: A method for checking and combining separate documents having sections of text imprinted thereon for ensuring that documents taken from two or more groups possess the same identical sections of text includes the steps of conveying the documents taken from the groups of documents along a conveyor to a scanning position in front of an opto-electrical scanning device and scanning the documents with the opto-electrical scanning device in order to produce a series of digital signals. The digital signals associated with documents from two different groups of documents are then compared in a comparator to determine if the signals are identical.

Abstract: A light-polarizing element for use in a security document to permit authentication of the security document includes an intermediate layer of water-absorbing polymer material laminated between two outer layers of transparent material. The intermediate layer contains polarizing crystals that are absorbed in the intermediate layer and that are oriented in a predetermined direction through mechanical stretching. The two outer layers are sealed to one another in a liquid-tight manner along their longitudinal edges.

Abstract: A deckle-edge-simulating apparatus generally comprising a conveyor system for transporting a web of paper through the apparatus, and a novel deckle-edge-simulating assembly operatively associated with the conveyor system. The deckle-edge-simulating assembly generally includes a configured transport roller or anvil in association with a deckling fixture. The anvil is disposed beneath the web of paper, and includes one or more circumferential grooves in its surface. The deckling fixture includes a blunt-edged blade extending from and between a pair of nip forming rollers disposed on either side of the blade, and into one of the grooves of an anvil. As the web of paper passes across the anvil, the blunt-edged blade operates to burst the fibers of the paper to create a simulated deckled edge. The nip forming rollers serve to firmly hold the web of paper in position during this deckling procedure.