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: A secure property document is provided which includes an optical data set defined by radiant energy modifying elements underlying a magnetic data member for reflecting infrared radiation therethrough. Preferably, the infrared reflectors are comprised of a plurality of thin metallic elements vapor deposited onto a magnetic tape during manufacture prior to hot stamping.

Abstract: A device is provided for reading optical and magnetic data and providing signals representative thereof, said device including means for establishing a predetermined time or spacial reference between the optical and magnetic data sets. In one embodiment the optical and magnetic read heads are mounted in parallel alignment with the path of document travel to reduce timing errors due to skewing. In a second embodiment the heads are mounted side-by-side such that timing errors due to speed variations and thermal expansions are reduced.

Abstract: A secure property document and system are provided which prevents the use of fraudulent credit cards and other documents. The documents each include optical and magnetic data sets. Each data set contains data elements having a spacial relationship to at least some of the data elements contained in the other data set. The system reads and processes the data to determine whether or not the spacial relationship corresponds to that recorded for the particular document. If the spacial relationship codes do not agree within predetermined limits, the document is rejected by the system, whereby the transaction may be refused or additional information requested from the document holder.