Abstract: A street direction indicator for displaying both the name of the street and direction thereof includes a surface having inscribed thereon the name of the street and one or more stripes, said stripes being oriented parallel to the direction of the street indicated on the surface,

Abstract: The document or substrate containing the information to be protected is covered with a liquid crystal or other such material capable of being made transparent using a process such as heating it to a higher temperature than ambient room temperature. In this manner the information on the substrate is normally invisible and thus not accessible to individuals without special equipment. For copying, the coated substrate is then placed on a copier machine in which the transparent glass plate of the copier is heated, for instance by electrical resistance heating, to a temperature matching the temperature-transparency window of the coating on the document. The information on the substrate may also be made visible for viewing by covering the coating with a transparent plate heated to the proper temperature. A second coating of different color but substantially the same temperature transparency may be selectively applied to the first coating to provide normally visible information.

Abstract: A greeting Card having a plurality of surfaces. Sections (pages) are disclosed being unique in that the Greeting Card is personalized by the person, as to color part or all of the Greeting Card. It is designed as to be colorable. Text and/or writing is on the card as well as illustrations and/or drawings and/or cartoons, designed to be colorable.

Abstract: A greeting card is provided comprising at least one sheet of transparent, flexible plastic material that has at least one linear fold extending across the sheet from one edge to the other edge. As such, a first portion of the sheet may be folded over onto a second portion of the sheet along the linear fold. The first portion of each sheet covers at least a part of the second portion of the sheet. The linear fold enables the first portion and the second portion of each sheet to normally remain in mutual close proximity, and further enables the unfolding of the portions to uncover the second portion of the sheet. A layer of opaque material that provides a writable surface is permanently adhered on a surface of at least one area of the sheet. Preferably, both the first portion and the second portion of each sheet include the at least one area containing the opaque material such that the areas of each portion are at least partly aligned when the sheet is folded.

Abstract: A labeling system and storage and dispensing device for tab labels, for use with side tab folders for shelf filing systems or with top tab folders for drawer filing systems. The labeling system includes a plurality of tab labels having an adhesive backing. Each label has first and second side regions containing a white alpha-numeric character and a black background separated by a central colored region. The color of the central region is determined by the alpha-numeric character(s) formed on the side regions of the label. Patterns, such as lines or dots, may be combined with the solid colors, so that a given color may be used for more than one character. In further embodiments of the invention, the character(s) on the side regions may be oriented at right angles or at 180.degree. relative to each other.

Abstract: A greeting card with removable bookmark combination comprises a sheet forming at least one leaf, an ornamented, preferably rigid sheet and a connector for removably attaching the ornamented sheet to a leaf of the card without substantially increasing the thickness of the card. Preferably, a threaded loop is wound through perforations in the leaf of the folded sheet and receives an elongated tassel tied to the ornamented rigid sheet forming the bookmark. Alternatively, the bookmark may-be retained in a relatively fixed position with respect to the sheet forming the card by slits within the sheet to form a retainer for the bookmark. The slits may be made in pairs, and multiple pairs may form straps that removably connect the bookmark ornamental indicia to the card leaf.

Abstract: An imageer comprises a card printed with a negative image of a veiled woman's face and a set of instructions for use. The negative image has a generally black face with features marked in white and surrounded by a cowl, itself surrounded completely by a circular black area and further includes four white focussing target dots located in mutually spaced apart relation, two on the middle of the nose and two adjacent and below the tip of the nose. In use, a person gazes at the four dots, preferably without blinking, for approximately one minute, then looks away and stares fixedly at a fixed location on a wall or other plain background, preferably the sky at night. A positive afterimage of the negative image will gradually appear to the person.

Abstract: Electronic paper which has two sides, reverse of one another, which can be flipped over in response to user generated flip commands is described. When a piece of electronic paper is flipped over, a number of transition views of the paper are generated to give the user the impression that the paper is actually being turned over to reveal a reverse side. Different information can be stored on either side, and the composition of either side can be linked so that changes made to the graphic information on one side affects the graphic information on the other side. In addition, when the amount of graphic information on the reverse side of the paper exceeds the amount of available space normally available on the reverse side when the paper is flipped over, approximately the same amount of space available on the top side, the reverse side is expanded to fit the quantity of information to be displayed on the reverse side.

Abstract: A system and method of collecting payments uses an automated system to generate a draft, payable to the creditor and drawn on the payor's checking account, pursuant to the payor's authorization. The draft is then executed by the debt collector as authorized signatory for the payor, and deposited into the payee's account to complete payment. The automated system has a simple input screen which receives the necessary information for generation of the draft, which may be read to the system operator over the telephone by the authorizing payor. The system verifies the bank and account information by comparing the input information to records in a database associated with the system. Optionally, the system may also generate an inquiry to the bank to determine the availability of funds in the payor's account. When verification is complete, the system generates a paper bank draft payable to the payor, using MICR ink so that the draft can be processed in the banking system like an ordinary check.

Abstract: A data-written medium in which the data is readable with a light source having a main wavelength of 600 to 700 nm, the medium comprising a substrate and an ink layer containing not more than 0.1 g/m.sup.2 of a chromatic color dyestuff having absorption substantially at 600 to 700 nm and at least one other color dyestuff as the remainder. The ink layer is formed on the substrate so as to have a form constituting the data. Also provided is a data-written medium in which the data is readable with light sources having a main wavelength of 600 to 1,500 nm, the medium comprising a substrate, a first ink layer containing not more than 0.1 g/m.sup.2 of a chromatic color dyestuff having substantial absorption at 600 to 700 nm and another dyestuff as the remainder, and a second ink layer containing a substance having substantial absorption in a near infrared region. Each of the two ink layers is formed so as to individually have a form constituting to two corresponding data.

Abstract: An improved statement in which removable labels are included with the statement. These labels, although removable from the statement, adhere permanently to a negotiable instrument and provide for efficient and exacting completion of the negotiable instrument. A negotiable instrument, such as a check, contains several portions which are blank and are to be completed by the user. These blank portions include such components as: the payee's name, the amount to be paid, and a reference line. The removable labels from the statement are printed with the statement to provide permanent labels to fill-in these components by simple removal from the statement and adhesion to the check. The user simply dates and signs the check for its proper completion. Because labels are used for the critical areas of the negotiable instrument, their processing by the billing entity is more efficient (permitting machine reading of the check) and more exact since bank operators need not struggle with "poor handwriting".

Abstract: A business form which is configured to cooperate with conventional facsimile machines to minimize the amount of time required to transmit a document includes vertical lines which are broken to extend only partially along the document, rather than extending continuously along the document as was previously conventional. Such discontinuous lines leave open spaces which can take advantage of the ability of a conventional facsimile machine to operate at a faster rate for blank (open) areas than the rate which is normally encountered for "populated" (marked) areas of the document, reducing the overall transmission rate for a given document.

Abstract: A personal identifier greeting card selected by a sender includes a treated paper-like sheet construction having a greeting printed thereon and a colorless developing solution adapted to be coated on an object such that when the treated sheet construction is placed in temporary contact with the coated object, the card will immediately develop a visible personal identifier image related to the sender of the card.

Abstract: A romantic greeting card which has several distinct use zones for conveying romantic feelings from the sender to the recipient. One use zone is an adhesive zone that is covered by selectively removable sections of release paper for exposing a desired area of adhesive to be used for mounting a photograph of the sender. Another is a hair-clipping receiving zone also covered by release paper for adhering hair clippings to the card. Other zones are a scent-receiving zone and a greeting message receiving zone. A sticker in the shape of a bow may be used to mount hair clippings to the card.

Abstract: A single panel communication card whose principal function is social expression. The card comprises a card body having a front face, a back face, and no fold; multi-color graphic images of social expression imprinted on the front and back faces; and an exposed surface upon which identifying indicia may be applied. The exposed surface is divided into predetermined regions of specified light reflectance and fluorescence requirements. All colors and images used within these regions are designed to meet the appropriate light reflectance and fluorescence requirements. This enables the exposed surface to be read by light sensitive postal equipment; even when bright and dark colors are present. Prior to mailing the card, the sender signs his/her name, then applies the address and proper postage.

Abstract: A label for a blood pack comprising a microporous plastic film including a matrix of interconnected pores for allowing gas to flow into and out of the blood pack through a labeled area. The pores allow ink to be absorbed at least on an outer surface of the label allowing the label to be printed and/or written on. The labels of the present invention have breathability with respect to gas that is similar to paper. However, the label is more durable than a paper label in that it can tolerate moisture, abrasion, temperature extremes, dimensional changes, and the like. Accordingly, the labels do not crack or wrinkle as easily as paper labels.

Abstract: An assembly convertible between a raised house ID display sign configuration and a lowered support shelf configuration includes a lower base plate stationarily attached on a wall portion of a house adjacent to an entry door, an upper face plate mounting ID indicia to identify the house, and a plurality of hinges attached respectively between the lower base plate and upper face member to enable pivoting of the upper face plate relative to the lower base plate between the raised and lowered configurations. The assembly also includes an electrical light mounted at a side edge portion of the lower base plate to provide illumination to an area of the entry door adjacent thereto. The light is switched on and off by a button mounted on the lower base plate being respectively engaged and disengaged by the upper face plate when the assembly is correspondingly converted between the support shelf and ID display sign configurations.

Abstract: An aesthetically pleasing greeting card having a stained-glass window effect provided by a pattern of cut-outs in a face panel thereof and a panel of translucent material having a corresponding colored pattern rearwardly thereof, the colored pattern allowing the transmission of light therethrough to provide a stained-glass effect. The card may be attached to a window or other light source to enhance the aesthetically pleasing stained-glass window effect.

Abstract: A promotional note page includes a first page portion having space for writing notes, a second page portion in the form of a business card, and a separation line for separating the first page portion from the second page portion. Letterhead notation along at least one edge of the first page portion is preferably provided. The line of separation is preferably a series of perforations. At least one flap portion may be provided, having a line of separation for separating and/or folding the flap portion from the rest of the note page. The line of separation is preferably a series of perforations. At least one line may be provided on the first portion to guide handwriting thereon. Alternatively, at least one stripe on the first portion to guide handwriting on it may be provided. Another option is at least one tab portion which can be folded over to increase thickness for securing a fastener and for aiding alignment of an attachment.

Abstract: An improved binder attachment having a frame and an article, such as a calculator, mounted thereto. The frame includes a center portion and two arm portions. A slot engaging element is mounted to each arm portion so as to define an opening therebetween. The article is received in the opening and has a top edge surface and a bottom edge surface, each defining a slot for receiving the slot engaging elements. When the frame is attached to the binder, the article is permitted to slide along the slot engaging elements such that the article may be placed in adjacent face-up locations.

Abstract: A greeting card assembly including a basic greeting card member with a removable message insert assembly connected thereto. The basic greeting card member is provided with an insert mounting opening and insert anchor tabs which are connected to the removable message insert assembly. The removable message insert assembly includes a primary message insert member and an insert support assembly operable for connection to each other having the insert anchor tabs clamped and secured therebetween. The insert anchor tabs are operable to be severed to remove the removable message insert assembly from the basic greeting card member. The primary message insert member is connected to a cylindrical support member constructed of a magnetic material for ready attachment to an exterior surface of a refrigerator or other magnetically compatible surfaces.

Abstract: A business form is provided ideally suited for use by an organization that delivers products, and/or which relies heavily on phone orders. A first paper sheet has a face, back, and first size. Indicia is disposed on the face, and a first pattern of repositional adhesive is disposed on the back. A second sheet having a face and a back, and a size much smaller than the first size, has indicia disposed on its face including a phone number, and a second pattern of repositional adhesive is disposed on its back. The second sheet back is readily removably attached to the face of the first sheet by the second pattern of repositional adhesive. The size of the second sheet is such that it will fit on the hand set of a telephone between the ear piece and mouth piece, and the first indicia includes an illustration of how to place the second sheet on a telephone hand set. The form may also comprise a coupon portion.

Abstract: Trading cards are made interactive with the user by concealing under a coating the secondary indicia portion of an image comprising both primary and secondary indicia, and selectively altering the coating to reveal the secondary indicia in the presence of the primary indicia to complete the image. A thermochromic coating material responsive to temperature change from ambient temperature, as by rubbing the coating with the fingers, enables the local exposure of the secondary indicia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a printed can be draw-forming or draw-redraw-forming a preliminarily printed metal blank or laminate. By forming an original plate for printing by an image processing by a computer, a print image faithful to the original image can be manifested on the side wall portion of the can, and formation of an undesirable stripe pattern can be prevented. Furthermore, a print image excellent in the linearity can be displayed without an error on the draw-formed can in due consideration of the anisotropy owing to the plastic flow of the blank.

Abstract: A Garden information Kit has two elements which provide all the information necessary for successful planting, growing and harvesting of crops. The first element is a set of data cards both carrying information and having means to easily sort the cards carrying the desired information. The second element is a calendar calculation wheel used to determine when certain events are to be executed.

Abstract: A personalized heraldic shield is constructed by accessing a computer which stores and assembles heraldic emblems and figures into a coat-of-arms, inputting a selected family name, retrieving and transferring the coat-of-arms corresponding to the family name to a printer, printing the coat-of-arms onto an adhesive backed substrate, and adhering the substrate to a base. A cover is then adhered over the substrate-bearing coat-of-arms, and edging is applied around the perimeter of the shield. The base itself is of a laminate construction and includes a rigid, high strength forwardly facing wall and a layer of relatively soft foam adhered to the back surface of the wall. Handles are provided to enable the shield to be held on one arm across the front of one's torso.

Abstract: A system for organization, inventory control, and reordering of hardware items or the like. The system includes a rack to organize cartoned hardware items for easy access. End panels attached to each side of the rack displays the complete line of hardware available. Each carton includes a label attached to the carton's face. The label includes one portion that displays indica representing the particular item, e.g. a drawing of the hardware type, a description of the contents, and quantity. Each label also has a detachable perforated portion which may be peeled off from the carton and has a reusable pressure-sensitive backing. Order forms related to the labels of each hardware carton are also provided. Thus, when a carton is low, the user simply removes the perforated portion of the label from the face of the carton and affixes it to the order form to complete the order.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a chart listing medications, dosage times, and notes. Tactile and visual medication symbols and marking elements denote specific times for taking specific medications. Medication containers are similarly marked.

Abstract: A greeting card with a compatible puzzle message including a visible opening first message, a visible outline to be completed as a second visible message compatible with the first message and means associated with the card to be used by the card recipient to complete the second compatible message within the visible outline.

Abstract: A conveniently personalizable paper product is provided by a piece of folded cardstock paper having one or more die-cut doors in the front half of the paper which, when the paper is folded together, align with designated message areas located on the inside surface of the back half of the paper. A layer of adhesive disposed on the inside surface of the front half of the folded paper around the die-cut doors. A user of the product simply enters information (e.g., writing or photographs) on the designated message areas, moistens the adhesive, and folds the two halves together.

Abstract: Fluid collection system for installation underground includes a first housing having a top, a wall extending downwardly from the top, and a first pipe-receiving opening in the wall at a predetermined vertical distance from the top. There is a second housing spaced apart from the first housing that has a top, a wall, and a second pipe-receiving opening in the wall. A number of interconnected segments is defined in the wall of the second housing. A pipe extends between the first and second pipe-receiving openings that has a slope great enough to cause fluids to flow along the pipe from the second housing to the first housing. The slope of the pipe is determined by a ratio defined by the length of the pipe and the difference between the predetermined vertical distance of the first housing and the variably fixed vertical distance of the second housing.

Abstract: A reference-aid article which can be used as an index marker, game marker, or coupon marker is disclosed. The reference-aid is formed from a multi-faced substrate which is adapted to accept information on at least one of the faces. The substrate also has at least one marker member (18) and at least one removably protective substrate means (21) releasably attached to the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention includes an open-ended set of cover sheet forms that may be readily interpreted by the fax server system. In this system a first standardized cover sheet is designed to accept hand printed characters. This first cover sheet is then transmitted to a special fax server as part of this invention to create an alternative, fully detached cover sheet for automatic transmission to its specific recipient. Labor is minimized by allowing the sender to hand print a minimal amount of highly constrained telephone numbers, or the initials of the recipient onto a draft cover sheet when a mailing list has been previously stored in the memory associated with the special fax server.

Abstract: A garden planning kit including a book having a bottom panel, first spiral binder attached to a marginal edge of the bottom panel, second spiral binder attached to an opposite marginal edge of the bottom panel, and a plurality of transparent overlays. A first overlay is attached to the first spiral binder, and a second overlay and a third overlay are attached to the second spiral binder. All of the overlays may be moved on their respective spiral binders between a first position generally overlying the bottom panel and a second position away from the bottom panel. The first overlay depicts the plan view of the lower portion of preselected plants. The second overlay has blooms of said preselected plants at a first time of year depicted on it, and the third overlay depicts blooms of the plants at a second time of year different from the first time of year.

Abstract: A method making a publication for use by organizations within a particular association which includes placing generic graphic representations on a plurality of page sets. The generic graphic indicia is subsequently enhanced by superimposing added indicia to the generic graphic indicia so as to depict a particular one of the organizations. For example, color schemes and logos of one or more particular team organizations of a common association such as a sports league can be added to depict members of the one or more particular teams. This allows for the distribution of similar page sets to a plurality of locations for enhancement to suit the needs of purchasers identifying with a particular organization. The page sets can also be provided with generic, non-variable written text that is provided in each of the page sets. Variable written text pertaining to a particular one, two or more of the organizations can also be added (e.g., a team name).

Abstract: A mailing device and method including a bar coded return label removably mounted to the original communication, but attachable to a return envelope supplied by the recipient. An original document includes a letterhead having the label removably mounted thereto which duplicates the identity of the sender in both written and bar coded data appearing beneath the label on the letterhead. The label includes self-adhesive allowing the label to be removed from the document and mounted to a return envelope identifying the original sender. The removable stickers may be shaped as a business card and arranged in a vertical stack. Account indicia are printed on the label for payment of document delivery fees, such as postal fees, by the sender. Instructions are set forth on the sticker backing.

Abstract: A plurality of pairs of identifying tags are provided. Each pair is made up of two identical tags, with each tag of each pair having a main, elongated, body-portion, preferably made of plastic, such as polyvinylchloride, in which is embedded a thin, elongated strip of flexible, pliable steel wire. In the preferred embodiment, the main, elongated body-portion is formed along a portion of its length with toothed projections which serve in aiding to retain the tag in a hole, when the respective tag is to be used for identifying a hole associated with a mating screw. The embedded steel wire helps to retain the shape of the tag when the tag is bent or wrapped about a workpiece or component being identified. In one embodiment of the invention, the ends of the steel wire project outwardly beyond the ends of the plastic main body-portion, so that the ends of the wire may be twisted together to removably hold tag on the workpiece or component being identified, after the tag has been bent thereabout.

Abstract: A rotatable binder insert for supporting and holding such articles as calculators or other electronic devices, to-do lists and check lists, self-stick removable notes, etc., that are used to supplement, or in conjunction with, information written on the pages of the binder. Inasmuch as such information may be found on both sides of the binder rings, i.e., on both right- and left-hand pages, an article used therewith must similarly be visible and accessible on alternate sides of the binder rings. By being mounted on a support member capable of rotating 180.degree. on a frame insertable anywhere in the binder and readily attachable to the binder rings such articles can be placed alongside information found on either right or left-hand pages.

Abstract: A multi-sheet overlay is placed over a basic television programs listing. Two of the sheets of the overlay are removably adhered together, one sheet being a transparent sheet and the other being a non-transparent sheet. The non-transparent sheet is selectively kiss-cut so that select sections of the non-transparent sheet may be removed to expose corresponding sections of the transparent sheet and reveal selected sections of the television programs listing. Data is printed on a sheet of the overlay relating to a television system the differs from the basic television listing. By selectively removing kiss-cut sections on the overlay, multiple bits of data may be combined to provide a television programs listing for a television system differing from the system represented in the basic television programs listing.

Abstract: A greeting card includes a folder having mutually hinged front and rear rectangular panels, a tubular cookie cutter outlined to simulate an object separably attached to the front panel outside face and a cookie dry mix containing envelope separably attached to the front panel inside face. A cookie recipe using the dry mix and other information are printed on opposite faces of the rear panel and decorative material is printed on the front panel outside face. Various fastening means are disclosed for securing the cookie cutter and envelope to the front panel.

Abstract: The disclosed method relates generally to the creation of books or documents and, more particularly, to a process for rapidly generating personalized books while a purchaser waits. In carrying out the method of the present invention, a series of steps is performed that includes loading a program having a predetermined story stored therein into a computer, entering personalized data into the computer to create a personalized story therefrom, feeding into a printing device a set of sheets having a first and second side, printing the personalized story on one of the sides of the sheets, separating the sheets transversely into pages, assembling the pages in a predetermined order and the fastening the assembled pages to a book jacket to form a personalized book.

Abstract: A soft mat for placement on the bottom of a file cabinet drawer to maintain the stored files in an orderly upright position. The upper surface of the mat is provided with a series of spaced, parallel ridges defining grooves which receive edge portions of the files.

Abstract: A document is provided having a solvent sensitive and/or pressure sensitive ink printed thereon which reacts to the application of a solvent and/or pressure to form a visible stain or image. The ink includes a first composition of solvent soluble, water insoluble dye particles, a binder, and optionally, an opacifier. Alternatively, the first composition may be combined with a second composition which includes an encapsulated solvent and optionally a stilting material. The first and second compositions may be printed on the document in separate steps or printed together as a self-contained composition. The ink may be printed on the entire surface of the document or only on selected areas thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed to manually re-ink cartridge ribbons for printers, word processors, typewriters and the like. By removing a strategic portion of a top cover of the cartridge which overlies the inking pad or roller residing therein, a specific and measured amount of ink can be dropped onto the pad to effectively re-ink the cartridge. A cover having apertures therethrough to install the ink onto the ink pad or roller is provided. A method of apprising the current ink capacity of a cartridge, by comparing the printing output to a printing key is disclosed.

Abstract: A series of white greeting cards are preprinted with substantially different full color artwork in the form of pictures associated with a particular day of a celebration, and each of the cards has a set of three spaced identification zones which have the same location on all of the cards and form part of the different pictures. All of the identification zones on all of the cards are printed with corresponding information which identifies a particular organization, and the information is printed in a color associated with the organization. In the illustrated embodiment, the pictures are associated with the celebration of Christmas, and two of the identification zones on each card have the shapes of a tied ribbon bow and a scroll each enclosing the identifying information of a college or university and printed in a color associated with the college or university.

Abstract: A method of printing with at least two printing plates, or their equivalent, characterized in that associated halftone dots belonging to two distinct pluralities, each of which is printed with one of said two printing plates, and each of which are interleaved with the other and printed in a color different from the other, are separated by a gap when printed in perfect register.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of faithfully reproducing a multicolor image having three-dimensional texture utilizes a photomechanically reproduced copy of the image on a carrier substrate which is suitable for embossing and a matrix providing the three-dimensional textured characteristics of the image is used to electrolytically form a female embossing die corresponding to the shape of the matrix whereupon a complemental male embossing die is made by means of which the carrier may be squeezed between the male and female dies to produce a highly accurate copy exhibiting the coloration and fine detail of the image texture. Various end uses are contemplated.

Abstract: A greeting card with a rupturable tissue paper confetti package that spews confetti when opened by the surprised recipient. The confetti package is mounted on the inside of one of the card leaves and a water soluble transparent adhesive aligned on the other leaf is activated by moistening and then pressing it into bonded contact with the confetti package. Giver instructions are optimally positioned underneath the transparent adhesive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a patient and healthcare provider identification system which includes a database of patient and healthcare provider information including the identity of each patient and provider and some identification criteria (such as fingerprint data); a print scanner for reading the print information from a patient or provider; a control system for matching the print data read by the scanner with the print data stored in memory; and a printer for printing labels or generating stamps or other visually perceptible medium for positively identifying the patient or provider and creating a record of the identification.

Abstract: A method of making a personalized children's storybook using preprinted books and inserting stickers containing personalized, variable text to create an individualized story line.