Patents Examined by Alisa L. Thurston
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Patent number: 6345924Abstract: A binder ring assembly (10) for a ring binder comprises a plurality of spaced binder rings (12-16). A user operable mechanism (18) to which the rings are attached allows the user to open and close the rings to open and close the binder. A shield (22) covers the mechanism. The binder rings protrude through the shield. A recess (26) is formed in the cover adjacent each cover location where a binder ring is located. During shipment of binder ring assemblies, one layer (L1) of assemblies is placed in a container (C) with another, inverted layer (L2) of assemblies placed over them. The outer ends of the binder rings are received in the recesses of the covers, and the depth of each recess is such that the outer end of the binder rings of the mating assembly will not come out of the recesses and rub against the non-recessed portion of the cover which, if scratched, renders the assembly unusable.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2000Date of Patent: February 12, 2002Assignee: U.S. Ring Binder Corp.Inventor: Paul Whaley
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Patent number: 6257623Abstract: A printed publication having integrated labels or bookmarks, as well as a method for manufacturing same are disclosed. The printed publication includes a plurality of pages and a cover, at least one of which includes a plurality of bookmarks releasably adhered thereto. The bookmarks can be individually removed by the user, and repositioned elsewhere within the publication for marking and later reference purposes. The method includes the steps of applying an adhesive coating along a moving web of material, applying a release coating to the moving web, folding the web such that the adhesive coating is adhered to the release coating, and cutting the web into individual labels.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2000Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: RR Donnelley & SonsInventor: Brian A. Fero
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Patent number: 6244628Abstract: A Bible topic referencing system and method using adhesive-backed tabs to locate Bible verses corresponding to various pre-selected topics found in the Bible. The tabs are arranged in linear rows corresponding to a topic and picture icons are contained on the tabs and correspond to the various pre-selected topics.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2000Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Inventor: Peter D. Muller
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Patent number: 6241414Abstract: The present invention discloses a variety of pockets associated with a binder. In one embodiment, a ruler pocket that is formed from a mesh is sewn to the spine of a binder. Another embodiment discloses a mesh pocket formed over a VELCRO flap which is designed to strap the binder closed. There are two VELCRO closures involved with the flap, one VELCRO closer serving to close the pocket, and the other VELCRO pair serving to hold the two binder covers together. Yet another embodiment discloses a pocket inside of the binder where the front side of the pocket is made of fabric, the back side is made of mesh, with a center divider forming two pockets. Each pocket may be securely closed by a VELCRO book and loop system or a zipper mechanism to open and close the pockets.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 1999Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Assignee: Avery Dennison CorporationInventor: Thomas Wien
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Patent number: 6234701Abstract: An improved binder formed of two cover portions made of rigid material joined together with a living hinge is disclosed. A closure flap with a second living hinge joins the free ends of the cover opposite the binder spine. An improved method of attaching a pocket to the binder is also disclosed. The use of such a technique on rigid polypropylene material allows roll feeding of materials, eliminates the need for a chipboard, allows existing printing and sealing machinery to be employed in the manufacture of the binder, and provides improved durability and aesthetics at a low cost. One cover portion may be adapted with number design features to properly align one cover portion relative to the other cover portion. A pocket formed of rigid material may also be coupled to one of the cover portions.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1999Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Assignee: Avery Dennison CorporationInventors: Stuart Karten, Paul Kirley, Dennis Schroeder
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Patent number: 6231082Abstract: A tamper-evident form for securely carrying information includes a scrambling pattern (4) which underlies the printed information such that the printed information cannot be read. Separation of the printed information and scrambling pattern, or other disabling of the scrambling pattern, is tamper-evident and renders the information readable. In preferred embodiments the information is printed on a lamina (6) which overlies the scrambling pattern (4). The information can be printed by conventional printers and no post-processing of the form is required to render the information secure.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2000Date of Patent: May 15, 2001Assignee: Documotion Research, Inc.Inventors: Joel Bryan Van Boom, Chuck Casagrande, Bernard Willem Scheggetman
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Patent number: 6227572Abstract: A sheet material, such as a bank note, having tactile indicia therein, the tactility of which is resistant to deterioration and useful for assisting persons with impaired vision to identify one or more predetermined characteristics of the sheet material such as a bank note. The sheet material has therein at least one embossment forming the indicia and comprises a first surface and a second surface, with one of the surfaces defining a cavity in the area of the embossment. A layer of reinforcing material is provided to at least the area of that surface which comprises the cavity. Once the reinforcing material is dried and/or cured the embossment (indicia) is strengthened by the layer of reinforcing material and thereby rendered more durable when the bank note is subjected to the wear of circulation. The reinforcing material may be selected from the group consisting of varnishes, inks, adhesives and caulking compounds.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1999Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Inventor: Eric A. Lyen
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Patent number: 6227965Abstract: This particular combination of steps in the overall process; the spot coating on a single side of a page, as well as on both sides of the page, in a specific pattern are new and unique. The ability to print multiple orientations on a single side of a page or in duplex fashion is not technology, but is an integral part of the overall process. The folding both horizontally and vertically for the 4-part form, or the “Z” fold for the 3-part form, is not new technology, but is an integral part of the overall process in creating this finished product. The combination of the specific patterns and locations of the spot coatings, the printing in certain areas of the page with certain orientations, and the specific manner in which each single page is folded to become a 3 or 4-part form is unique and patentable.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1999Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Inventor: Edwin Lee Howard
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Patent number: 6224109Abstract: A credit card with driver's license for providing credit to an individual, information regarding the individual and proof of registration to operate a motor vehicle on a single form of identification. The credit card with driver's license includes a semi rigid thin piece of material having a face side, a photograph of the individual positioned on the face side, additional identifying information positioned on the face side and a magnetic strip storing information providing access to credit of the individual and personal information regarding the individual upon reading of said magnetic strip by a credit card terminal. The credit card with driver's license is registered with a department of motor vehicles in a state in which the owner resides and credit is provided by either an independent financial institution or the state government issuing the driver's license.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Inventor: James Yung Chien Yang
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Patent number: 6224106Abstract: The invention is a book which comprises a series of sculpted figures which nest within each other. The sculpted figures are preferably made of vacuum formed plastic, in a manner similar to that used in making the plastic shells for a blister package. In preferred embodiment, the figures are affixed to the basic portion of the pages of the book, with the portion of the base which lies within the perimeter of the figures removed. The remainder of each page may have text or graphics disposed on it. The figures are formed so that the figures or the lower pages nest within the figures on the upper pages. The figures will usually have graphics printed on them. However, some or all of them may be at least partially clear, and some or all of them may have text disposed on them.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1997Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Inventor: Charles Murphy
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Patent number: 6224108Abstract: A packaged data card assembly includes at least one data card having a first substrate with opposite faces and personal identifying indicia on one face correlated with a selectively activatable account. The assembly also includes a package comprising at least one panel having a second substrate separate from the first substrate, the data card being detachably connected to the panel so that the personal identifying indicia on the card are concealed by the panel. Account activation indicia are on the package in an exposed location, such activation indicia also being correlated with the account. Preferably, first account verification indicia are provided on the data card and second account verification indicia are provided on the package, both different from the personal identifying indicia on the card and both correlated with the same account.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2000Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Western Graphics and Data, Inc.Inventor: Brian Klure
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Patent number: 6220633Abstract: A tamper-evident form for securely carrying information includes a scrambling pattern (4) which underlies the printed information such that the printed information cannot be read. Separation of the printed information and scrambling pattern, or other disabling of the scrambling pattern, is tamper-evident and renders the information readable. In preferred embodiments the information is printed on a lamina (6) which overlies the scrambling pattern (4). The information can be printed by conventional printers and no post-processing of the form is required to render the information secure.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1998Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Documotion Research Inc.Inventors: Joel Bryan Van Boom, Chuck Casagrande, Bernard Willem “Wim” Scheggetman
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Patent number: 6217079Abstract: A multi-part, partially pre-printed form useful as an airbill has address information printed thereon by a non-impact printer. Different configurations of the form are described, including panels overlappingly affixed together by an adhesive having removable strips defined by cuts through the top overlapping panels. The center panel is transparent or at least translucent. The address information printed on the outer panels is in a mirror image format relative to the information printed on the transparent panel.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1999Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: Laser Substrates, Inc.Inventors: Warren M. Fabel, Glen A. Auchter
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Patent number: 6217076Abstract: A property maintenance scheduling system has a calendar for displaying a current month. The calendar has an area for listing property maintenance to be performed during the month. The maintenance system further has two pluralities of labels. The first labels are to be placed on the calendar to indicate the date that specific maintenance is due to be performed. The second labels are to be placed on each item to record the date on which an item will next be serviced. The calendar may also be electronic in nature. A notebook may further be provided in the property maintenance scheduling system. The notebook is used for detailing the procedure for each property maintenance task to be performed during the month. The notebook may further be used for recording details of the work performed for each property maintenance task.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1999Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Inventors: Barbara L. Howard, John S. Howard
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Patent number: 6213702Abstract: Method for manufacturing a booklet, such as for instance an ID, which booklet is provided with a number of sheets of paper and a cover material, each sheet having a front and a reverse side, each side comprising two pages, which method comprises connecting the sheets of paper to each other along a line between the pages, attaching the cover material to the outside of the booklet, and making a fold in the sheets of paper to form a back of the booklet, and bringing the booklet to the correct size, characterized in that the method further comprises attaching a band, which can be attached in the booklet in the same manner as in which the paper sheets are attached to each other, and mechanically attaching a plate to the band, the plate being at least partially made of synthetic material, and having a front and a reverse side, each side comprising one page. Booklet, manufactured according to a method according to the invention.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1999Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: Enschede SdU B.V.Inventor: Wilhelmus Johannes Wesselink
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Patent number: 6213669Abstract: The present invention provides an inflatable binder which has multiple air pockets which can be inflated by one or more air inlets. The binder is secured closed with a zipper or other enclosure. The material of the binder is a plastic sheet material or the like which provides for a water resistant binder. The inflated binder also provides cushioning to protect contents of the binder if dropped. In one embodiment, the front cover of the binder may have a central flat area surrounded by inflatable areas defining a frame, such that visual materials may be displayed from an inner pocket.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1999Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: Avery Dennison CorporationInventor: Norman C. Yamamoto
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Patent number: 6213668Abstract: A folder that has a spine that is hinged to two covers. At least one of the covers has a support portion that extends outwardly with respect to a portion of the cover pivotably attached to the spine. The support portion is located between the hinged portion and another portion disposed opposite therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1998Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: Acco Brands, Inc.Inventors: Julian Francis Brown, Timothy John Parsey, Timothy Edward McKeown, Fred Edward Cecala
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Patent number: 6209918Abstract: A coupon holder and presentation article comprises a band made of a flexible sheet material, such as paper and the like, that has a first planar surface and a second planar surface. The design includes a designation on the first planar surface that will imply a fold line, score or other like specification, to divide the first planar surface into plural zones, The second planar surface will reflect similar zones as the first planar surface. The band will be printed to include information and/or photographs, drawings, illustrations, graphics, and the like, about (but not limited to) any type of product, service, special offer, discount or coupon for any type of business.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1999Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Inventor: Roth K. Christopherson
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Patent number: 6209923Abstract: A security document is provided including a unique combination of covert triggers, overt triggers, and overt secure document indicators arranged to enhance the security of the document at issue. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a security document is provided including a security image and a covert trigger printed on a face of the document. The security image is defined by a collection of security image elements. The security image defines at least one document authentication scheme. The document authentication scheme is arranged to provide an indication of document authenticity. The covert trigger is defined by a collection of trigger elements. The trigger elements are arranged to resemble the security image elements so the covert trigger is not readily apparent on the face of the document. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method of authenticating a security document is provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 1999Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Assignee: The Standard Register CompanyInventors: Daniel D. Thaxton, William H. Mowry, Jr., Russell E. Hill
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Patent number: 6203229Abstract: A ring binder (100) has a center spine (102) and end leafs (104). A ring assembly (10) attaches to the spine includes a cover piece (12) and bolts (14, 16) on each of which are formed binder ring halves (18a-18b, 20a-20b, 22a-22b). The bolts are mounted on the cover piece and movement relative to each other to close and open the binder. A latching mechanism (50) formed on a distal end (44) of each ring half interlocks the ring halves together when the binder is closed. A guide finger (62) on each bolt aligns each bolt to the cover piece when the bolts are moved to close the binder rings, this action aligning the latching mechanism so the ring halves readily interlock with each other. A thumb pad (52) formed on each of the bolt releasably engages with the cover piece to lock the bolts in a binder ring closed position.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 1999Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Inventor: Charles B. Coerver