Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating customized labels having electronic circuitry such as RFID circuitry. A printing system generates the label by selectively transfer printing elements (e.g., electronic circuitry, physical components, etc.) and donor layers (e.g., conductive materials, non-conductive materials, etc.) from a ribbon to a receiver (e.g., an item that receives the indicia). In addition, the printing system can program and test the label or indicia thereof, thereby providing the ability to customize each label according to predetermined criteria and to ensure that each label functions properly.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating customized labels having electronic circuitry such as RFID circuitry. A printing system generates the label by selectively transfer printing elements (e.g., electronic circuitry, physical components, etc.) and donor layers (e.g., conductive materials, non-conductive materials, etc.) from a ribbon to a receiver (e.g., an item that receives the indicia). In addition, the printing system can program and test the label or indicia thereof, thereby providing the ability to customize each label according to predetermined criteria and to ensure that each label functions properly.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating customized labels having electronic circuitry such as RFID circuitry. A printing system generates the label by selectively transfer printing elements (e.g., electronic circuitry, physical components, etc.) and donor layers (e.g., conductive materials, non-conductive materials, etc.) from a ribbon to a receiver (e.g., an item that receives the indicia). In addition, the printing system can program and test the label or indicia thereof, thereby providing the ability to customize each label according to predetermined criteria and to ensure that each label functions properly.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating customized labels having electronic circuitry such as RFID circuitry. A printing system generates the label by selectively transfer printing elements (e.g., electronic circuitry, physical components, etc.) and donor layers (e.g., conductive materials, non-conductive materials, etc.) from a ribbon to a receiver (e.g., an item that receives the indicia). In addition, the printing system can program and test the label or indicia thereof, thereby providing the ability to customize each label according to predetermined criteria and to ensure that each label functions properly.

Abstract: A method for applying surface modifications in at least two patterns that differ in spectral emissivity by known amounts. The patterns form an information-encoding sequence of transitions of differential emissivity along a scan path over the patterns, that encodes a set of information. This information is decoded by a scanner sensitive to emissivity in the given portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, and sensitive to transitions in emissivity of the known amounts, when scanned along the scan path, combined with knowledge of the expected emissivity values of the patterns. This provides secure informational marking of articles and documents, including mail. The patterns may be visible, or hidden, but the emissivity values are not duplicated by standard office equipment, so authenticity of the patterns can be determined using the special emissivity scanner.

Abstract: A method for applying surface modifications in at least two patterns that differ in spectral emissivity by known amounts. The patterns form an information-encoding sequence of transitions of differential emissivity along a scan path over the patterns, that encodes a set of information. This information is decoded by a scanner sensitive to emissivity in the given portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, and sensitive to transitions in emissivity of the known amounts, when scanned along the scan path, combined with knowledge of the expected emissivity values of the patterns. This provides secure informational marking of articles and documents, including mail. The patterns may be visible, or hidden, but the emissivity values are not duplicated by standard office equipment, so authenticity of the patterns can be determined using the special emissivity scanner.

Abstract: Detection systems that detect and decode machine-readable information and other indicia having varying spectral emissivity values are provided. The detection systems include a sensor, circuitry, and temperature influencing mechanism. The system may be connected to other hardware, such as a computer display screen, or audio emitting device. Meanwhile, the sensor detects differential emissivity values by measuring energy emitted from the targets of interest.

Abstract: Labels that are conducive to the detection of bar-codes and other indicia having varying spectral emissivity values are provided. The labels include a substrate, a background layer, a thermally conductive layer and an adhesive layer. The background layer is preferably similar in visual appearance to the indicium that the label is to receive. Meanwhile, the thermally conductive layer is made from a material with high thermal conductivity that is used to substantially equalize the temperature across the label surface, thereby enabling a faster and cheaper detection of transitions of differential emissivity on the indicium surface. The adhesive layer is used for attaching the label to a document or other product.

Abstract: A method for verifying the source of an article of manufacture. A label having information relating to the article is prepared and digitally signed or otherwise encrypted to authenticate the information. The label and a tangible representation of the digital signature or other encrypted information are then securely associated with the article. The information relating to the article can include verifying information such as an expiration date, unique identification of the article, identification of an authorized provider of the article or a description of the article to protect against unauthorized use of duplicate labels. The label can also include an unreproduceable pattern such as a pattern of magnetic fibers embedded in the label and a digitally signed description of the pattern.

Abstract: A method and system for tracking the time spent by an employee at a job site. The employee is provided with an identification card which includes an encrypted representation of a biometric characteristic of the employee. When the employee arrives at, or leaves, the job site the biometric characteristic recorded on the identification card is compared to the characteristic as directly sensed from the employee and, if the comparison is successful, the approximate time as derived from a secure clock, is recorded.

Abstract: A writing pen that forms a line of ink from a sequence of small line segments of at least two lengths in a pattern that encodes information in the line. The information includes the location and time of writing, a pen identifier, and a pen usage counter. This allows a signature to be authenticated by scanning the signature, extracting the information, and comparing it to known times, locations, and pen uses of a claimed signatory. Autographs of famous persons can be authenticated this way. The pen has an ink jet head that produces the encoded line under control of a logic and data processor. A global positioning system, internal clock, pressure-sensing stylus, pen motion detector, event counter, and pen identification number, all in the pen body, provide inputs to the processor. The rate of production of the line segments is proportional to the writing speed.

Abstract: An enclosed tank with a water inlet, a water outlet, an air inlet, and an air outlet. A flavor additive cartridge is attached in-line with the air inlet. It evaporates flavoring or other additives into the air inlet. Water is forced to flow turbulently through the tank. Simultaneously air is pumped through the tank via the additive cartridge. Turbulence induced in the water encourages pollutant gases dissolved in the water to transfer to the pumped air and then to exit the air outlet. It also encourages flavoring and/or homeopathic medicine in the additive cartridge to dissolve from the pumped air into the water. Water pressure is provided externally to the invention, such as by a water utility or house water pump. The water level in the tank is stabilized by controlling the air pressure in the tank, via various alternative means.

Abstract: A method for applying surface modifications in at least two patterns that differ in spectral emissivity by known amounts. The patterns form an information-encoding sequence of transitions of differential emissivity along a scan path over the patterns, that encodes a set of information. This information is decoded by a scanner sensitive to emissivity in the given portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, and sensitive to transitions in emissivity of the known amounts, when scanned along the scan path, combined with knowledge of the expected emissivity values of the patterns. This provides secure informational marking of articles and documents, including mail. The patterns may be visible, or hidden, but the emissivity values are not duplicated by standard office equipment, so authenticity of the patterns can be determined using the special emissivity scanner.

Abstract: A writing pen that forms a line of ink from a sequence of small line segments of at least two lengths in a pattern that encodes information in the line. The information includes the location and time of writing, a pen identifier, and a pen usage counter. This allows a signature to be authenticated by scanning the signature, extracting the information, and comparing it to known times, locations, and pen uses of a claimed signatory. Autographs of famous persons can be authenticated this way. The pen has an ink jet head that produces the encoded line under control of a logic and data processor. A global positioning system, internal clock, pressure-sensing stylus, pen motion detector, event counter, and pen identification number, all in the pen body, provide inputs to the processor. The rate of production of the line segments is proportional to the writing speed.

Abstract: An apparatus for issuing money orders and similar instruments and for securing payment therefor is provided as a subsystem of an existing kiosk of a type including, but not limited to postal kiosks, informational kiosks, Automated Teller Machines (ATM), Point of Sale terminals (POS), vending machines and the like, or any combination thereof. Payment is secured by drawing funds directly from a customer's bank account; by drawing funds from a smart card, or by accepting currency through a bill acceptor. The apparatus further includes facilities for redeeming money orders and dispensing cash amounts corresponding thereto.

Abstract: A system implemented with user software, running either stand-alone or in conjunction with a web site and central server, that enables a user to input identifying information about himself, and then be guided through a methodical process to find personal information regarding himself in various external databases on a network such as the Internet. Once records about the user have been located at a database, the system, upon authorization by the database owner, may be used to access that database, to the extent possible, subject to the restrictions of the owner, and to erase, modify, or correct the pertinent personal data found therein. Thus, an individual is provided with a system for finding, accessing, and searching external databases containing information of interest and particularly personal information of interest that may be inaccurate and can be corrected.

Abstract: An enclosed tank with a water inlet, a water outlet, an air inlet, and an air outlet. A flavor additive cartridge is attached in-line with the air inlet. It evaporates flavoring or other additives into the air inlet. Water is forced to flow turbulently through the tank. Simultaneously air is pumped through the tank via the additive cartridge. Turbulence induced in the water encourages pollutant gases dissolved in the water to transfer to the pumped air and thence to exit the air outlet. It also encourages flavoring and/or homeopathic medicine in the additive cartridge to dissolve from the pumped air into the water. Water pressure is provided externally to the invention, such as by a water utility or house water pump. The water level in the tank is stabilized by controlling the air pressure in the tank, via various alternative means.

Abstract: An enclosed tank with a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet, a gas inlet, and a gas outlet. A liquid is forced to flow turbulently through the tank. Simultaneously a scrubbing gas is pumped through the tank. Turbulence induced in the liquid encourages gasses dissolved in the liquid to transfer to the scrubbing gas and thence to exit the gas outlet. Liquid pressure is provided externally to the invention, such as by a water utility or house water pump. The liquid inlet has a nozzle that injects the liquid against baffles in the tank to create turbulence. The liquid level in the tank is stabilized by controlling the scrubbing gas pressure. A lower layer of liquid and an upper layer of scrubbing gas are maintained in the tank as they flow through the tank together. Various liquid level stabilizing means are shown as examples. An electronic feedback system optionally controls the scrubbing gas flow rate according to the contamination level of the liquid.

Abstract: Apparatus for verifying an identification card; the card having an imaged of an object or other entity to be identified on a first portion, and a coded representation of an encrypted signal comprising a representation of the image on a second portion. The apparatus includes a controller, a scanner for reading the coded representation, a decoder for decoding that representation, a decrypter for decrypting the decoded signal and a display for displaying the representation of the information. In one embodiment the information includes an image of the object or other entity to be recognized and the card may be verified by comparing the displayed representation with the image printed on the card while the card is held in a card holding station adjacent to the display so that the image is visible to an operator. The apparatus also includes a replaceable memory, printer, or communications link for recording at least a portion of this text message.

Abstract: A system that scans and reads IBI in accordance with the United State Postal Service Specification. This invention also improves both the readability and security of the Information-Based Indicia. The apparatus of this invention utilizes a postage meter that prints an Information-Based Indicia, scans and checks the Information-Based Indicia and prints an invisible, secure message, i.e., bar code over the Information-Based Indicia. The apparatus may also audit the franking process by immediately scanning and verifying the bar code that was printed over the Information Based-Indicia.