Abstract: In a method of forming an identification card, a card substrate having a surface is provided. A film laminate comprising a backing layer and one or more dried transferable layers attached to the backing layer is provided. One of the transferable layers comprises a coating comprising an inorganic ceramic-like material and a water insoluble polymer binder. The film laminate is laminated to the surface of the card substrate such that an exposed surface of the one or more transferable layers adheres to the surface of the card substrate. The backing layer is then removed from at least a portion of the one or more transferable layers that remain adhered to the surface of the card substrate. Additional embodiments are generally directed to a method of protecting a surface of an identification card and identification card manufacturing devices for performing the methods.

Abstract: A laminator comprises a laminating head and a processor. The laminating head comprises a plurality of heating elements. Each heating element has an activated state, in which the heating element is powered by a current, and a deactivated state, in which the heating element is not powered by a current. The processor selectively places the individual heating elements in the activated or deactivated state. The selective activation and deactivation of the heating elements is used to bond at least a portion of an overlaminate material to a surface of a substrate.

Abstract: In a method of forming an ink-receptive card substrate, an ink-receptive material is provided. The ink-receptive material includes a backing layer and an ink-receptive coating on a surface of the backing layer. Next, a card member is provided. Finally, the ink-receptive material is laminated to a surface of the card member with the ink-receptive coating facing the surface of the card member. This results in the bonding of the ink-receptive coating to the surface of the card member. Additional embodiments of the present invention are directed to devices that are configured to perform the above-identified method.

Abstract: A credential product is provided. The credential product includes a credential substrate, a translucent layer and an imageable layer. The imageable layer is positioned between the credential substrate and the translucent layer. At least a portion of the imageable layer is configured to form an image upon exposure to electromagnetic radiation. The image is visible through the credential substrate and is considered an imaged watermark.

Abstract: In a method of forming an ink-receptive card substrate, an ink-receptive material is provided. The ink-receptive material includes a backing layer and an ink-receptive coating on a surface of the backing layer. Next, a card member is provided. Finally, the ink-receptive material is laminated to a surface of the card member with the ink-receptive coating facing the surface of the card member. This results in the bonding of the ink-receptive coating to the surface of the card member. Additional embodiments of the present invention are directed to devices that are configured to perform the above-identified method.

Abstract: In a method of forming an ink-receptive card substrate, an ink-receptive material is provided. The ink-receptive material includes a backing layer and an ink-receptive coating on a surface of the backing layer. Next, a card member is provided. Finally, the ink-receptive material is laminated to a surface of the card member with the ink-receptive coating facing the surface of the card member. This results in the bonding of the ink-receptive coating to the surface of the card member. Additional embodiments of the present invention are directed to devices that are configured to perform the above-identified method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective film for application to a card member and forming identification cards having protective films. The method of applying protection to a card member includes providing a protective film. The protective film includes a protective overlay and an ink-receptive material. The ink-receptive material includes an ink-receptive coating on a backing layer. The ink-receptive coating is bonded to the protective overlay. The method also includes removing the backing layer from the ink-receptive coating and laminating the ink-receptive coating to a surface of a card member.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for forming identification cards. The methods and systems incorporate a patch laminate transport for transporting a patch laminate along a patch laminate path and a card transport for transporting a card substrate along a card path. The patch laminate path and card path are substantially perpendicular to each other and intersect at an intersecting junction. A middle portion of the patch laminate is aligned with the intersecting junction. An intersecting edge of the card substrate is driven into the middle portion. A lamination mechanism laminates a first laminate portion to a first face and a second laminate portion to a second face of the card substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective film for application to a card member and forming identification cards having protective films. The method of applying protection to a card member includes providing a protective film. The protective film includes a protective overlay and an ink-receptive material. The ink-receptive material includes an ink-receptive coating on a backing layer. The ink-receptive coating is bonded to the protective overlay. The method also includes removing the backing layer from the ink-receptive coating and laminating the ink-receptive coating to a surface of a card member.

Abstract: In a method of forming an ink-receptive card substrate, an ink-receptive material is provided. The ink-receptive material includes a backing layer and an ink-receptive coating on a surface of the backing layer. Next, a card member is provided. Finally, the ink-receptive material is laminated to a surface of the card member with the ink-receptive coating facing the surface of the card member. This results in the bonding of the ink-receptive coating to the surface of the card member. Additional embodiments of the present invention are directed to devices that are configured to perform the above-identified method.

Abstract: Transparent, smooth, fracture resistant, discreet, refractory oxide fibers of homogeneous chemical composition comprising 96 to 100 weight percent of a mixture or chemical combination of 67 to 77 parts by weight alumina and 23 to 33 parts by weight silica, said fibers having a predominant polycrystalline phase of mullite, transitional alumina, or a mixture of both, said refractory fibers being made by fiberizing a viscous liquid of oxide precursors comprising a silica sol and a water dispersible alumina sol or water soluble or dispersible organic aluminum salt, and drying, collecting, and calcining the resulting green fibers.