Abstract: An identification card and method and apparatus for producing and authenticating such an identification card. An object or other entity for which the identification card will evidence identity, status or characteristics is scanned to produce a digital signal a portion of which is compressed, encrypted, and coded and which is recorded on a magnetic strip on the identification card. The image is also printed or otherwise embodied onto another portion of the identification card. A text message maybe appended to the signal before it is encrypted and also printed as plain text on the identification card. In one embodiment the signal representing the image is encrypted using a public key encryption system and the key is downloaded from a center. This key maybe changed from time to tome to increase security. To facilitate authentication the corresponding decryption key is encrypted with another key and incorporated on the card.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for enhancing the security of mechanical postage meters through use of an encapsulated fluorescence quenching substance. An encapsulated quenching substance is blended with red fluorescent inks that are used to print postage indicia. The fluorescent quenching substance that is encapsulated has the characteristic of reacting with the fluorescent dye in the ink to cause a bathochromic shift of the wave length where reflectance occurs. By designing the printhead of the postage meter in an appropriate way, a portion of the encapsulated substance can be ruptured during printing of the postage indicia, thereby providing an area where the bathochromic shift has occurred. Thereafter, the indicia can be exposed to ultraviolet light and a determination can be made whether the postage indicia has been printed by a postage meter by inspecting the portion of the indicia where a bathochromic shift is expected.

Abstract: A postage dispensing apparatus that prints a postage indicia using a two step process. A thermal ribbon is provided which has pre-formed images on a major portion of the thermal ribbon. A blank area is provided on the thermal ribbon so that an image is generated by a dot matrix thermal printer on the blank portion on a mail piece. The pre-formed images represent non-variable portion of a postage indicia whereas the images formed by the thermal printer represent variable data of the postage indicia.

Abstract: A document secure against tampering or alteration and method and apparatus for producing and authenticating such a document. A document is scanned to produce a digital signal which is compressed, encrypted, and coded as a two dimensional barcode or as some other appropriate form of coding, which is incorporated into a label which is the affixed to the document. In one embodiment the signal representing the image is encrypted using a public key encryption system and the key is downloaded from a center. This key maybe changed from time to time to increase security. To facilitate authentication the corresponding decryption key is encrypted with another key and incorporated on the card. To validate the document the coded signal is scanned from the label, decoded, decrypted, expanded and displayed. The card may then be authenticated by comparison of the displayed representation of the image and the document.

Abstract: An identification card and system and apparatus for producing and authenticating such an identification card in a controlled manner. An object or other entity for which the identification card will evidence identity, status or characteristics is scanned to produce a digital signal a portion of which is compressed, encrypted, and coded and which is recorded on a magnetic strip on the identification card. The image is also printed or otherwise embodied onto another portion of the identification card. A text message may be appended to the signal before it is encrypted and also printed as plain text on the identification card. In one embodiment the signal representing the image is encrypted using a public key encryption system and the key is downloaded from a center. This key maybe changed from time to time to increase security. To facilitate authentication the corresponding decryption key is encrypted with another key and incorporated on the card.

Abstract: A thermal printing postage dispensing apparatus that is able to print a postage indicia on a mail piece in a secure manner. A thermal ribbon is provided which has pre-formed images thereon that are of a reduced size in the longitudinal direction. When the images are to be transferred to an envelope to print a postage indicia by a dot matrix thermal printer, the envelope is driven at a greater speed than the ribbon. This results in the indicia being printed on the envelope with a standard size. The preformed images represent the non-variable portion of a postage indicia; whereas, the variable data of the postage indicia is printed by a thermal printer in blank areas left by the pre-formed images.

Abstract: This invention relates to reading and analyzing the contents of sealed mail. The invention has utility in the sorting of sealed mail and in the matching of mail envelopes and its contents. The contents of sealed mail are read by having a light in the near infrared directed to the sealed envelope and creating an image of the printed matter on the contents by directing the light to an optical detector. The image thus received is analyzed and a determination can be made whether contents are of high value or whether the addresses on the envelope match the addresses of the contents. If the envelopes are not addressed, the address can be printed on the envelope after analysis of the address block of the contents.

Abstract: An article of manufacture adapted for use with printing apparatus of the type which includes structure for thermally transferring ink from a ribbon. The article includes a frame defining a printing station, a ribbon including a backing layer and an ink donor layer, a ribbon supply spool rotatably mounted on said frame, a ribbon take-up spool rotatably mounted on said frame, the ribbon extending in a feed path from the supply spool to the take-up spool, and apparatus in the feed path for perforating the ribbon.

Abstract: In printing apparatus of the type which includes structure for thermally transferring ink from a ribbon to a workpiece, wherein the ribbon includes a backing layer and an ink donor layer, there is provided a printing process which includes the step(s) of transferring ink from the ink donor layer to the workpiece and perforating the ribbon. Moreover, it is a feature of the invention to include the processing step of sensing perforating.

Abstract: In printing apparatus of the type which includes a ribbon having a backing layer and an ink donor layer supported on the backing layer, wherein the apparatus includes a first thermal printhead for transfer printing a first ink pattern from the ink donor layer to the backing layer at a first printing station, a second thermal printhead for transfer printing a second ink pattern from the ink donor layer to a workpiece at a second printing station, there is provided a process including the steps of: sensing a letter being fed to the second printing station; starting feeding the ribbon; starting printing at the first printing station; moving the second printhead from a non-printing position to a printing position; starting printing at the second printing station; stopping printing at the first and second printing stations; stopping feeding the ribbon; and moving the second printhead from the printing position to the non-printing position.