Abstract: An improved system and method is provided for automatically tracking check transactions and generating an expenditure statement thereof using printed bank checks having a plurality of graphic icons disposed thereon. The customer marks the icon which describes the particular expense for which the check payment is being made. The payor bank or a check processing center scans each check to determine which icon(s) have been marked for each particular check transaction. Recorded expenditures are then automatically recorded in a cumulative transaction record. Periodically, this information is organized into a detailed expenditure statement that can be provided to the bank customer.

Abstract: A wallet/pocket credit card accounting book used for keeping records of credit card charges and credit card credits. The accounting book provides a convenient way of storing a credit card and storing charge and credit receipts. The wallet/pocket accounting book includes a front cover with a side of the front cover having a back cover fold line. The back cover fold line joins together the front cover and a back cover. Disposed at the bottom of the front cover is a pocket cover fold line. The pocket cover fold line joins together the front cover and a pocket cover. The pocket cover includes a credit card slit therein. The credit card slit is used for receiving a portion of a credit card therethrough and storing the credit card inside the wallet/pocket accounting book. The pocket cover also includes a first flap fold line and a second flap fold line. The first and the second flap fold lines join the pocket cover with a first and a second flap.

Abstract: A device and method for displaying advertising materials to a potential purchaser coincident with the making of a financial transaction by the purchaser. The device comprises at least one transaction recording card sized to attach to and conform to dimensions of a standard credit or debit card and includes a format for making a record of a transaction associated with the purchaser. Third party advertising material is placed on the recording card in a format which may be viewed by the purchaser at a time and place of making the record of the transaction.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems and articles of manufacture for creating and authenticating self-verifying articles. Self-verifying articles include, for example, commercial instruments (i.e., notes, drafts, checks, bearer paper, etc.), transaction cards (i.e., ATM cards, calling cards, credit cards, etc.), personal identification documents (i.e., driver's licenses, passports, personal identification papers, etc.) and labels affixed to package surfaces for identification of the package owner or sender, which, for example, may be used for verifying imported goods by customs agents. Self-verifying article creation includes receiving recipient-specific data, encoding a first selected subset of the recipient-specific data and fixing the encoded subset along with other human-recognizable data on a surface of an article.

Abstract: The invention relates to a carrier representing value provided with recognizable pattern, for instance in the form of giro checks, bankchecks, banknotes, shares, bonds and other documents representing a value, wherein the patterns are formed by parts treated by means of a laser beam. This object is reached in that the patterns have been provided by means of a laser light beam. The use of a laser beam makes it possible to apply particularly fine structures which either cannot be applied with other treating methods, or only with the greatest financial effort. The use of laser beams enables variation of the width or depth of the channels or perforations which is almost impossible with other treating methods.

Abstract: A high security removable page book, such as a check book, receipt book, etc. that protects against inadvertent removal of more than one page at a time and prevents removal of a page from the back of the book. In one embodiment, each page has at least one extension along one edge. The extensions on alternate pages are along different edges, preferably opposite edges. Pages are removed by alternately lifting opposite edges for alternate pages. Thus, the second and succeeding pages are not liftable until pages above have been sequentially removed. Pages preferably include indicia showing which end of each page is to be lifted. A copy sheet may be provided behind each page to record a copy of information written on the page. The copy pages may be folded out of the way. A card is hinged to the assembly in a manner permitting it to be introduced under a copy sheet to prevent print-through.

Abstract: A laminated multilayer film substrate for use in the production of banknotes having an oriented polypropylene layer and at least one high density polyethylene layer on each side of the oriented polypropylene layer. The resultant films exhibit good embossability, dead-fold characteristics and other properties, making them highly suited for the production of bank notes and other security documents.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a postcard check which can be automatically processed by the U.S. Postal Service and a check clearinghouse. The postcard check meets all the dimensional requirements set forth by the U.S. Postal Service to be classified as a postcard. Moreover, on one side of the postcard check, a postal bar code is placed and positioned such that the postal bar code permits the U.S. Postal Service to automatically process the postcard check through the U.S. mail system. Furthermore, on the other side of the postcard check, a MICR number is placed to allow the check to be processed automatically at a clearinghouse and the banks. Since the postal bar code and the MICR number are on opposite sides of the postcard check, the MICR number is not mutilated by the U.S. Postal Service when it automatically processes the check.

Abstract: An improved system and method is provided for automatically tracking check transactions and generating an expenditure statement thereof using printed bank checks having a plurality of graphic icons disposed thereon. The customer marks the icon which describes the particular expense for which the check payment is being made. The payor bank or a check processing center scans each check to determine which icon(s) have been marked for each particular check transaction. Recorded expenditures are then automatically recorded in a cumulative transaction record. Periodically, this information is organized into a detailed expenditure statement that can be provided to the bank customer.

Abstract: A support of paper or the like is imprinted with a security micropattern which prevents falsification of documents printed on the support by use of high resolution copier machines. The security micropattern is printed with ink which is transparent or of the same coloration as the support. The ink comprising the micropattern is either non-absorbent or hydrophilic, and the ink used for inscribing on the support is either hydrophilic or non-absorbent, respectively.

Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated check register and budget register for, among other purposes, the tracking of checks and the tracking of a budget or categorization of expenditures. The integrated register includes a plurality of data sheets longitudinally folded, with the fold forming two quadrants on each side or surface of the paper or data sheet. When adjacent data sheets are unfolded there are four quadrants, which when imprinted with check and budget register indicators, form an integrated check and budget register.

Abstract: A laminated multilayer film substrate for use in the production of banknotes having an oriented polypropylene layer and at least one high density polyethylene layer on each side of the oriented polypropylene layer which are preweakened to eliminate delamination. The resultant films exhibit good embossability, dead-fold characteristics and other properties, and are difficult to counterfeit, making them highly suited for the production of bank notes and other security documents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing security paper which includes a security feature. The method comprises forming paper in a wet state, which paper incorporates on or more security features, applying to the paper a sizing agent, thereafter applying to one or both sides of the sized paper a coating comprising an unpigmented polyurethane. The unpigmented polyurethane may optionally comprise a functional additive provided that the presence of the functional additive does not increase the opacity of the paper by more than 1%. After the polyurethane has been applied the paper is dried. The coating composition provides a film, when cast on a glass surface, having a Konig hardness of from 15 to 130 seconds.

Abstract: A secure manner for issuing travellers cheques and other instruments is provided which overcomes many of the shortcomings associated with known devices. In particular, the present invention provides a device which permits an issuer of prepaid instruments to securely provide credit, replacement, or reimbursement to a purchaser who has lost or had stolen a prepaid instrument.

Abstract: A personal check includes a substrate defined to be written on and to be transferable from a first person to a second person. The personal check also includes: check characterizing indicia printed on the substrate, and at least three different types of identification indicia printed on the substrate such that the identification indicia are not removed from the substrate when the substrate is transferred from the first person to the second person. These identification indicia include a picture of at least the face of the first person, an alphanumeric physical parameter identifying an at least approximately visually discernable physical characteristic of the first person, and a predetermined signature of the first person. In one implementation, the check characterizing indicia and the identification indicia are interposed on the substrate. A plurality of these personal checks are comprised in a checkbook.

Abstract: A book with releasable and resecurable pages is disclosed. The pages are between two covers and secured along their edges to a binding by an inherently tacky adhesive.

Abstract: A method for producing a validation mark on security paper includes printing the mark on the paper using an ink that has the same color as the paper but which has more uniform directional reflectance than the sheet of paper. That is, the dried ink is a more uniform diffuse reflector than is the paper. When the mark is illuminated by a light source located on one side of the mark, the mark appears lighter than the paper around it when viewed from the same side as the light source, but the mark appears darker than the paper around it when viewed from the side opposite the light source. An exemplary formulation is given.

Abstract: A method of writing a bank draft using an electronic printer and placing the bank draft in an envelope is accomplished by providing a single sheet of paper. The sheet of paper is completely opaque and sized to be received within the electronic printer. The paper sheet has a front surface and a back surface and a perimeter which is defined by opposite side and end edges. A line of perforations extend between the opposite side edges and divide the paper sheet into an envelope portion and a bank draft portion. The paper sheet is fed into the electronic printer where recipient indicia is printed on the envelope portion and bank draft indicia is printed on the bank draft portion. The paper sheet is then discharged from the electronic printer and folded so that the envelope portion forms an envelope for the bank draft.

Abstract: An investment administration system including a qualified money purchase plan is disclosed. The investment administration system accepts only after-tax employee contributions, direct and conduit rollovers from qualified plans and direct transfers from other qualified plans. The investment administration system does not accept employer contributions. A licensor is the central hub of the investment administration system. The licensor licenses institutional licensees, such as banks, and individual licensees, such as brokers, to market the investment administration system. The licensor provides the functions of a plan administrator/trustee for the investment administration system, provides marketing tools and information, generates standard forms, licenses the use of service marks and provides technical assistance to the licensees. Employers adopt the investment administration system through an institutional licensee or individual licensee, or become an employer licensee of the licensor.

Abstract: A prepaid transaction instrument associated with an account database having an envelope and a card insert that a user slides into the envelope. The card insert comprises various instruction in a first language, such as English. Other information such as indicia of an authorization code for accessing the account database, indicia of an access telephone number, indicia of an issuer of the transaction instrument, and the like may also be provided on the card insert. The envelope comprises information or instruction for using the transaction instrument in a language different from the language of the card insert. Appropriately placed aperture(s) on the envelope allow the user to see vital information from the card insert such as, for example, the account database number or the access telephone number.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method and apparatus, as implemented by a software program on a computer system, for digitally producing counterfeit-deterring scrambled or coded indicia images, typically in a printed form. This method and system are capable of combining a source image with a latent image so the scrambled latent image is visible only when viewed through a special decoder lens. The digital processing allows different latent images to be encoded according to different parameters. Additionally, latent images might be encoded into single component colors of an original visible image, at various angles from each other.

Abstract: An original document includes alphanumeric characters defined by an overprinted reflective layer formed on a complex patterned region, and having graphic or font size, shape and type coordinated to the particular patterns in the patterned region. The coordination of the overprinted reflective layer with the patterned region is such that if the document is electronically scanned or duplicated by xerographic photocopying, the pattern will at least partially obscure the alphanumeric characters so that they can only be read with difficulty, thereby camouflaging the text.

Abstract: A method for producing a validation mark on security paper includes printing the mark on the paper using an ink that has the same color as the paper but which has more uniform directional reflectance than the sheet of paper. That is, the dried ink is a more uniform diffuse reflector than is the paper. When the mark is illuminated by a light source located on one side of the mark, the mark appears lighter than the paper around it when viewed from the same side as the light source, but the mark appears darker than the paper around it when viewed from the side opposite the light source. An exemplary formulation is given.

Abstract: Multiple validations of printed documents incorporating image information and authorizing data on a printed document assist in the printed document validation process. This technique requires the authorized document holder to have an image identification accompany the application or production of the document. Image information is converted to a storable image that is used in one of a plurality of validating schemes that assures that the presenter of the printed document is not a substitute. Such schemes included visual comparison of the printed document presenter and extracted image information and validation that the data has not been altered. Non-reversible encryption of the data, as it is read from the document at the document presentation site is used to formulate encoded authorization data that is then compared against like encoded authorized document holder data stored at a centrally located data base.

Abstract: There is provided a method of dispensing telephone cards from automatic teller machines (ATM) and card constructions used therewith. Telephone time is apportioned to a number of sheetlets printed with random numbers which serve as a personal identification number (PIN). They are packaged in bricks and activated when installed in an ATM or when dispensed. The sheetlets are capable of being dispensed like currency and may contain the PIN on a removable zone.

Abstract: A printable sheet having a high printing quality and a high handling resistance. At least one of the sides of the sheet is treated with a composition which comprises at least one filler and at least one elastomeric binder. The elastomeric binder is selected from the group consisting of aqueous dispersions of polyurethane, acrylate copolymers, optionally carboxylated styrene-butadiene copolymers, and polymers of which one of the monomers is acrylonitrile, isoprene, or neoprene, or mixtures thereof. The sheet can be used for manufacturing protected documents.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the security of a check or negotiable document and deterring the generation of copies of the check or negotiable document. The signature area of a document is imprinted with a pantograph background design different from a pantograph background design covering the remainder of the face of a check. A warning clause describes the color and/or background of the signature area. The endorsement area of a document is also imprinted with a pantograph background design. A warning clause describes the color and/or background of the endorsement area.

Abstract: To prevent unauthorized duplication of important security documents, an improvement in security or protected documents is disclosed. The security document includes a substrate having top and bottom surfaces where at least one of the surfaces is adapted to carry printed copy thereon. A colored background is printed on at least a portion of one of the surfaces, such as the surface which is adapted to carry printed copy, using a temperature sensitive ink. The security document also includes copy printed on at least a portion of the one of the surfaces adapted to carry printed copy thereon. With these features of construction, the security or protected document contemplates the copy being printed by utilizing a temperature insensitive ink.

Abstract: A method of making a document, such as a check or stock certificate, having enhanced security against counterfeiting. The document includes a strip of foil having a three dimensional light diffracting image thereon affixed to the document. The strip of foil may be affixed to the document before or after the background printing or face printing of the document is completed. In this manner, the light diffracting strip may be printed on by the background and face printing of the document as desired.

Abstract: The invention is a bankable apparatus or post card bank check for sending payments or contributions by mail without the use of any letter envelope. The post card bank check may be used for personal check payments or it may carry with it the dollar value of the instrument of such denominations as the issuing banks may determine and as the buyer may choose for the purpose of sending money from the sender to the recipient. A security strip is provided for use when the payor wishes to conceal the account number.

Abstract: A document capable of providing multiple colors under the application of heat comprising a support having at least one surface bearing a first coating comprising a substantially colorless, heat activatable chromogenic composition capable of producing a first color under the application of heat, and a second coating comprising a localized coating of a substantially colorless, heat activatable chromogenic composition capable of producing a second color under the application of heat. Each chromogenic composition comprises a chromogenic compound and a color developer that are substantially colorless solids in physical contact prior to reaction, but which can chemically react to produce a visible colored image by application of heat at temperatures above room temperature. Under the application of heat from a thermal printer, by quickly striking the chromogenic composition with a fingernail or blunt object to produce frictional heat, or other heat application, multicolored images are provided.

Abstract: A viewing device for use by an observer to ascertain the authenticity of an instrument of value having an image formed from an optically variable device. The viewing device includes a frame structure which permits viewing of the image in a fixed spatial orientation and a reflector carried by the frame structure for permitting the observer to see simultaneously the image in first and second colors without movement of the observer, the viewing device or the image.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing any documents and making them unfalsifiable and comprising a casing fitted on the body of a printer at its part receiving the discharged and printed documents and which contains means for heating one side of the printed document for the impregnation and the transfer of the printing ink throughout the thickness of the document so as to make appear on the other side thereof an exact replica with inverted writing of the printings previously made on the document such as a bank document, cheque letter or transfer order.

Abstract: A Motor Vehicle Document Organizer made of a flexible material with interior pockets designed specifically to house vehicle registration, proof of automobile insurance, accident information card, as well as a flap to secure driver's license for presentation. Motor Vehicle Document Organizer is foldable along a middle portion to form a front and rear cover. Interior pockets are affixed on three sides and unaffixed on the fold to accommodate insertion of said motor vehicle documents. Motor vehicle documents are commonly stored loosely in glove compartment of vehicle. This invention is particularly concerned with the organization and expedient identification of motor vehicle documents in a standardized format, eliminating timely searching for documents when requested by law enforcement or other emergency personnel.

Abstract: The invention is a bankable apparatus or post card bank check for sending contributions by mail without the use of any letter envelope. The post card bank check carries with it the dollar value of the instrument of such denominations as the issuing banks may determine and as the buyer may choose for the purpose of sending money from the sender to the recipient. The post card check is for deposit only and withdrawable only with the use of the recipient's own bank check making it a safe way to transfer money from donor to recipient.

Abstract: A heat sensitive system comprises a document having a localized, non-pressure sensitive, coating of chromogenic composition activated at moderate temperatures. Quickly striking the chromogenic composition with a fingernail or blunt object produces a colored image by frictional heat. The chromogenic composition contains a chromogenic compound and a color developer which are non-pressure sensitive and nonreactive at room temperature. The chromogenic composition can be an intimate mixture of the chromogenic compound and the developer or alternatively separate layers of each of the components.

Abstract: A low Curie temperature magnetic material (such as chromium dioxide) is used as a magnetic pigment to validate valuable documents such as banknotes. CrO.sub.2 is very black in color and is an excellent magnetic recording medium, and has a Curie temperature of 128 degrees C. A region of a banknote or other valuable document is printed with an ink containing CrO.sub.2 particles. To test the validity of the document, the magnetic media on the document is subjected to magnetic field having a characteristic spatial pattern; the field of a permanent magnet having alternating magnetic poles is a convenient field source. The banknote, and its magnetized region, is then brought to a temperature of at least 128 degrees C, which is readily accomplished by use of a heat lamp, and the region inspected with a magnetic field sensitive optical reader. If it is a genuine bill whose magnetized region was printed with an ink containing CrO.sub.

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 dispenser produces negotiable money orders, traveler's checks, and the like at remote locations and prints the check amount on the check while also printing summary data of a day's activities on a blank check form, eliminating the need for a separate printer and paper supply. The dispenser prints the check amount using print icons that form a part of each character in the check amount, but are not as large as a complete character or as small as a dot print element. The check forms are connected together by perforation ties, and the dispenser feeds the forms to the printer such that the force with which the dispenser holds the forms is greater than the force needed to tear apart the forms, thus reducing the risk of unauthorized pulling of blank forms from the dispenser.

Abstract: A financial instrument that can be fully processed by automatic machinery is presented as the subject of this disclosure. Although many systems exist to facilitate processing of bank checks and the like, they arrive short of the advantages provided for in this invention. A combination of techniques in the art and new technologies taught herein provide a system that is useful to both human users, and machine processors. Since the invention is fully compatible with known processes, data from the document can be used in the old way, using old methods which include human input techniques. Alternatively, a fully automatic machine process is now possible and new processes for clearing checks can be adopted to increase the efficiency of processing. The new document also provides a mechanism that is more fraud and tamper resistant than is provided for in the art.

Abstract: This is a uniquely designed bank check which integrates the classification grid of expenditures for any household or business; whereupon the payer of the check initially marks only one applicable space from said grid; whereupon the payer's processor utilizes the image-captured, relevant information from the check; whereupon the payer's processor forwards said information, automatically produces a finalized financial report, and sends it to the payer of the check at the end of any monthly/annual check processing cycle.

Abstract: A heat sensitive system comprises a document having a localized, non-pressure sensitive, coating of chromogenic composition activated at moderate temperatures. Quickly striking the chromogenic composition with a fingernail or blunt object produces a colored image by frictional heat. The chromogenic composition contains a chromogenic compound and a color developer which are non-pressure sensitive and non-reactive at room temperature. The chromogenic composition can be an intimate mixture of the chromogenic compound and the developer or alternatively separate layers of each of the components.

Abstract: A pressure and heat-sensitive composition comprising chromogen-containing pressure-rupturable microcapsules and heat-sensitive color developer useful for verification of document authenticity system when applied as a localized coating on documents, such as checks and prescriptions. Quickly striking the chromogenic composition with a fingernail or blunt object to generate pressure and heat in the coating produces a colored image by friction. The chromogenic composition possesses a fugitive characteristic, whereby the colored image gradually disappears and can be made to reappear when the chromogenic coating is again subjected to external pressure and heat. This feature can be used for repeated verification of the authenticity of the document.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method of producing an anti-counterfeiting document or currency which acts and feels like existing paper currencies. The method of the present invention laminates two sheets of currency paper on each side of a thin durable substrate film, thereby forming a durable document which maintains a paper-like feel. The currency of the present invention exhibits unique and powerful anti-counterfeiting features compared to those presently available. The currency of the instant invention also lasts significantly longer than conventional "paper" money.

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 method for producing a validation mark on security paper includes printing the mark on the paper using an ink that has the same color as the paper but which has more uniform directional reflectance than the sheet of paper. That is, the dried ink is a more uniform diffuse reflector than is the paper. When the mark is illuminated by a light source located on one side of the mark, the mark appears lighter than the paper around it when viewed from the same side as the light source, but the mark appears darker than the paper around it when viewed from the side opposite the light source. An exemplary formulation is given.

Abstract: A check book is disclosed which includes checks arranged such that if any one or more of the checks is removed from the check book other then the top, or next check, a stripe printed on a subsequent check will become visible, thus warning that the check has been removed out of turn. An invisible authenticating signature is placed on each check. This can be easily rendered visible after the check is signed. The comparison of the two signatures provides a means for identifying a forgery. A set of symbols are printed on the face of the check. When cashing the check, the bearer may select certain of the symbols. This selection may be compared with a similar set previously chosen by the account holder to assure a bank teller that the bearer is in fact the true account holder.

Abstract: A security-printing device comprising: (i) a substrate; (ii) a toner image adhered to said substrate; and, (iii) a layer of an optically variable material adhered solely to said toner image, whereby said optically variable material is selected to provide a distinct visual appearance and is not readily reproducible or readily available in the general market-place.

Abstract: A system and method for taking and developing a fingerprint wherein the subject's fingers are not dirtied or exposed to chemicals. The fingerprint is recorded on a layer of adhesive adhered to a sheet of transparent material. The print is developed by making a copy of it on a sensitized surface by back reflecting radiant energy through the adhesive whereby the print is imaged.

Abstract: In a system for carrying out financial transactions via facsimile machines, account customized transaction vouchers are completed by at least one party to a transaction. The transaction vouchers issued to that party contain thereon in bar code format a series of pseudo random alphanumeric characters with a different set of characters on each voucher. The party transmits by facsimile an image of the completed voucher to a facsimile machine at a central facility. A character reader at the central facility reads the incoming data and authorizes the requested transaction based on the pseudo random alphanumeric set of characters on the voucher when confirmed by a comparison to a list of pseudo random alphanumeric sets of characters in the account record of that party. Used sets of alphanumeric characters are deleted from the list in the account data to permit onetime usage of a voucher. A credit voucher is sent from the central facility to a facsimile machine at the site of the other party to the transaction.