Method Patents (Class 283/67)
  • Publication number: 20090039640
    Abstract: An advertising method comprising having one or more advertisement messages for placing on a medication reminder card; and forming the medication reminder card to create visible means for advertising the one or more messages and reinforcing medication usage compliance. The advertisement messages are any message capable of being visibly placed upon the medication reminder card. The medication reminder card formed to create visible means for advertising the one or more messages reinforces medication usage compliance through one or more visible means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Jay Nijjer, Beverley Elizabeth Alexandra Ward, Lee White
  • Publication number: 20090033085
    Abstract: This invention provides an information recording patch that allows accurate authenticity discrimination, a printed sheet, and an authenticity discrimination method therefor. An information recording patch includes a protective layer (1), intermediate layer (2), metal layer (3), and adhesive layer (4). The protective layer (1) made of a material having a predetermined dielectric constant is arranged at the uppermost layer. The intermediate layer (2) made of a material having a predetermined dielectric constant has, on its surface, a three-dimensional pattern corresponding to the design of a hologram forming layer including the intermediate layer and the metal layer. The metal layer (3) made of a material having a predetermined conductivity is arranged on the three-dimensional surface of the intermediate layer to form a conductive film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Noriyuki Suto, Kenichi Kimura
  • Publication number: 20090008922
    Abstract: The invention relates to a security element for protecting documents of value, which has magnetic material. Furthermore, the invention relates to a document of value, a transfer material and method for producing such security elements and documents of value as well as a method and an apparatus for checking such a security element or document of value. According to the invention the security element has at least two magnetic materials, wherein the magnetic materials have different coercive field strengths and are applied onto and/or incorporated in the security element in such a manner that their remanence is equally high.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Jurgen Schutzmann, Lothar Schutt
  • Publication number: 20090008923
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a security element (20) for security papers, value documents and the like, having a micro-optical moiré magnification arrangement having a motif image that consists of a periodic or at least locally periodic arrangement of a plurality of micromotif elements (28) that is planar or applied on a curved surface, and a periodic or at least locally periodic arrangement of a plurality of microfocusing elements (24) that is planar or applied on a curved surface, for moiré-magnified viewing of the micromotif elements (28) of the motif image, the arrangement of micromotif elements (28) and/or the arrangement of microfocusing elements (24) exhibiting, in the planar case, no symmetry axis in the plane of the arrangement in its periodic or at least locally periodic regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: Giesecke & Devrient GMBH
    Inventors: Wittich Kaule, Wolfgang Rauscher
  • Patent number: 7467111
    Abstract: The present invention implements an auction in which multiple types of goods may be auctioned in a dynamic process. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is a system and method for a computer implemented dynamic multi-unit auction in which the price paid or received by bidders tends to be independent of their own bids, in which participants may be provided with information concerning their competitors' bids as the auction progresses, and in which the confidentiality of high values may be maintained. Participants' quantities bid at a given time may be restricted to be less than or equal to the quantities bid at an earlier time. These features provide the advantage of improving economic efficiency of the auction design over the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Efficient Auctions LLC
    Inventor: Lawrence M. Ausubel
  • Publication number: 20080296885
    Abstract: A method and system is provided for providing a variable data guilloché shaped pattern comprised of variable data differential line pattern fonts comprising decodable template symbols which are capable of being selectively assembled into a predetermined variable data code. The code representations are embedded in the guilloché pattern amongst a plurality of unvaried standard base patterns. The representation can be decoded with a digital scan capable of identifying the embedded patterns and communicated it to a user for verifying a document containing the code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Zhigang Fan, Reiner Eschbach, Judith E. Stinehour
  • Publication number: 20080277917
    Abstract: A bookmark comprises a device sheet having first and second panels foldable between closed and open orientations. Each panel has an aligned weakened or cut region forming a clasp element manipulatable between a first orientation aligned with the panel and a second orientation extending from the panel. The clasp elements are aligned with one another when the panels are in the closed orientation and are simultaneously movable to the second orientation to create a multi-layer page clasp. Pages of a bound volume can be inserted between the page clasp and an outer surface of one of the first and second panels. A note sheet may be located between the inner surfaces when in the closed orientation. In some examples the note sheets comprise pre-printed matter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Antonio C. White
  • Publication number: 20080272585
    Abstract: The present application relates to a method for authenticating and tracking of documents. More specifically the present application relates to authenticating and tracking of a document throughout its lifecycle without reliance upon or requirement for any unique identification characters, barcodes and/or objects that were added to the document specifically for the purpose of identification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Walter S. Conard, Roger Spitzig
  • Publication number: 20080258454
    Abstract: A method of security printing can comprise the steps of printing a transparent ink onto a portion of a coated substrate resulting in printed region and an unprinted region, where the transparent ink is devoid of dyes, pigments, ceramics, metallics, and fluorescents; illuminating both the printed region and the unprinted region of the substrate, where the printed region scatters more light than the unprinted region creating a contrast; and detecting the contrast with a sensor that is sensitive to detecting light scattering differences between the printed region and the unprinted region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Jayprakash C. Bhatt, Matthew Thornberry, Tienteh Chen, Erick B. Kinas
  • Publication number: 20080250954
    Abstract: The invention relates to a data carrier, especially a value document or security paper, having a substrate (20) and, applied on the substrate, a coating (12) into which, through the action of laser radiation, markings (14) are introduced in the form of patterns, letters, numbers or images. According to the present invention, it is provided that the coating (12) includes a laser-radiation-absorbing layer (22) and a printing layer (24) that is disposed over the absorbing layer and that is at least partially transmissive to the laser radiation, and that the printed substrate is pressed (26) during or after the imprinting of the at least partially transmissive layer (24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: GIESECKE & DEVRIENT GMBH
    Inventors: Georg Depta, Peter Franz
  • Publication number: 20080252067
    Abstract: The invention concerns a security marking system for producing a secure marking label, comprising a support sheet (1) such as a silicon-containing sheet having two separate flaps (4, 5) on a first folding line (2), the first flap (4) supporting on the recto side a first holographic component (6) whereof the surface contacting the support sheet is coated with an adhesive film (7). The second flap (5) supports on the same recto side a second component formed by a film (8) whereof the surface contacting the support sheet is coated with an adhesive film (9) and the opposite surface bears personalizing indicia (10), and the first flap comprises a second folding line (3) substantially parallel to the first folding line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: Hugues Souparis
  • Patent number: 7433500
    Abstract: A digital fingerprint recognition method providing the steps of activating an image distortion software program on a computer, displaying a digital fingerprint image on a screen of the computer in a presentation environment for the image distortion software, and distorting the digital fingerprint image so as to correct a fault in the fingerprint detected on the digital fingerprint image. The computer system having a man/machine interface, a processing unit that is used to analyze a digital fingerprint image, coupler for accessing one or more files containing at least one digital fingerprint image and an image distortion software program that is used to display a digital fingerprint image on the man/machine interface and to distort the digital fingerprint image by the man/machine interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Sagem SA
    Inventor: Luc Bornes
  • Patent number: 7422244
    Abstract: An identification document which includes card specific information printed on the card in a first location at a relatively large scale which permits the information to be read without magnification and duplicates the card specific information at a second location on the card at a significantly smaller scale which requires magnification to clearly read the small scale information. The micro-printing of small scale card specific information, such as a person's date of birth on a driver's license, at a second location on the identification card allows the micro-printed text to be compared to the large scale text to determine if the large scale text has been altered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
    Inventors: James D. Redmond, Dawn E. DePrey
  • Publication number: 20080197618
    Abstract: The method is for adding images or text on a beverage can lid. A beverage can lid is provided that has a handle member, the handle member attached to a top surface of the beverage can lid. An image is printed on the foil member. The printed foil member is placed on top of the top surface of the beverage can lid so that a first cut out segment is placed above the handle member and a second cut out segment is aligned with a weakened segment of the beverage can lid. With the foil member placed on top of the weakened segment, the handle member is lifted to engage the weakened segment and push the second cut out segment and a portion of the weakened segment through the beverage can lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Magnus Ronnberg
  • Publication number: 20080169637
    Abstract: In an application to organize and store decals, an apparatus includes a back portion, a spine, and a cover. A first end of the spine is attached to the back portion. A set of sheets is attached between the back portion and the spine. Each of the sheets is cut to include strips that extend out from the spine. A set of decals is contained on each of the sheets. A first edge of the cover is attached to the back portion. The second edge of the cover is capable of engaging a second end of the spine. The cover is sized to cover the sheets and engage the spine in a closed position and is capable of rotating into an open position to reveal the sheets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: American Crafts, LC
    Inventors: David Ryan Page, Sarah Jacqueline Champion, Mandy Dudley Douglass, Nicole LaRue, Britt Jane Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20080156862
    Abstract: A vote-by-mail return envelope includes a pouch for receiving a ballot. The pouch is formed from a front sheet and a rear sheet. A signature space is provided to be signed by the voter. The envelope also includes an adhesion region at which the front sheet is adhered to the rear sheet to define a boundary of the pouch. The adhesion region separates the signature space from the pouch. Further, the envelope includes a flap to be attached to at least one of the rear sheet and the front sheet to cover the signature space. The signature space may be on the flap, the rear sheet or front sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: Pitney Bowes Incorporated
    Inventors: Bertrand Haas, Douglas B. Quine, Clare E. Woodman, Valentino Guyett
  • Publication number: 20080150276
    Abstract: A method for producing a continuous web of printed material for use in creating mailpieces. The continuous web has a width and a length, the length comprised of a series of attached sheets. The series of attached sheets are comprising envelope sheets and rectangular content pages. The content pages are rectangular in shape and may be oriented relative to the envelope sheets in a number of different configurations. In some configurations, two sets of content pages and/or envelope sheets can be printed across the width of the web. Sheets for forming business return envelopes may be printed in series with the content pages and envelope sheets. BREs may include individualized return addresses. A control code may be printed on one or more of the sheets for a given mailpiece, providing information for controlling assembly of the mailpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Denis J. Stemmle, Clare E. Woodman, John W. Sussmeier, Michael J. Cummings
  • Publication number: 20080143094
    Abstract: A label may include a transparent layer, and a back side viewable indicia layer on the front side of the transparent layer and being viewable through the back side of the transparent layer. The label may also include an opaque layer on the back side viewable indicia layer and blocking viewing of the back side viewable indicia layer from the front side of the transparent layer. In addition, the label may include a front side viewable indicia layer on the opaque layer to be viewable from the front side of the transparent layer. An adhesive layer may be on the back side of the transparent layer. Prior to dispensing, the label may include a carrier layer on the adhesive layer. Label stock may also be provided including a plurality of labels, and with the carrier layer supporting the plurality of labels until application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Goetz
  • Publication number: 20080136159
    Abstract: A lifting strip containing titanium dioxide has been successful in the lifting and enhancement of bloody impressions from nonporous and semiporous surfaces. The lifting strip is best when activated with a surfactant. When the lifting strip has dried after application it can easily be removed from the surface lifting the bloody impression onto a contrasting white background for examination. This method is safe, easy, and effective on several nonporous and semiporous surfaces of contrasting colors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Jessica Lynn Zarate
  • Publication number: 20080129035
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process of personalizing or customizing a container or dispenser for a customer or shopper. More specifically, the present invention relates to a process of mass personalization or customization of containers or dispensers containing useable products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Duane Lyle McDonald, Raymond Paul Pitsch, Shiva Nicole Scotti, Cynthia Watts Henderson, Allen Jerry Marquardt, Andrew Peter Bakken, Thomas Gerard Shannon, Timothy Patrick Clare
  • Publication number: 20080129036
    Abstract: The invention provides a thread and counterfeit preventive paper satisfying the conditions that, when the micro-character of the thread is viewed from one side and opposite side of the paper or printed material, the image of micro-character can be recognized in the same direction from any side, not in opposite direction to each other, and that, when viewed from the opposite side, the image of the corresponding micro-character is not visible. The counterfeit preventive paper and counterfeit preventive printed material have a structure in which a thread having metal deposition layers formed in a pattern of micro-character and colored printed layers formed thereon provided on both sides of a strip-like and light permeable substrate is inserted between paper layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: TOPPAN PRINTING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kanako Seki, Makoto Maehira, Toru Murakami, Takashi Shimamura
  • Publication number: 20080129034
    Abstract: A manufacturing system for manufacturing a personalized photo book includes a computer configured to receive image data from a user, a digital offset printer configured to print a first image on a book page in response to the image data received from the user, a digital silver-halide printer that can print a second, image on a book cover in response to the image data received from the user, and a book binder configured to bind the book page and the book cover to form a personalized photo book.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Sean Kevin Anderson, Jennifer Maria Dean, Kenneth Ray Niblett, Russ Ennio Muzzolini
  • Publication number: 20080116213
    Abstract: A container having a scented label attached using an in-mold label process and methods of making the same. A scented material is supplied to the label, and the label is attached to the container using an in-mold label process. In another embodiment, a container comprises an interior cavity for retaining a substance, and a label adapted to dispense a scent, wherein the label is disposed on an exterior surface of the container using an in-mold label process. The scent may be suggestive of the content of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventors: Robert Samuel Schlaupitz, Timothy P. Clare, Marilyn A. Roberts
  • Patent number: 7344160
    Abstract: Anti-counterfeiting and counterfeit detection devices and procedures are provided particularly usable in connection with vouchers issued by coin discriminator or coin counting machines. Paper stock may be preprinted with inks which are not readily photocopied without apparent alteration. Preprinting is preferably in two or more orientations such as longitudinal and lateral and preferably some preprinting is positioned closer to the paper stock edge than can typically be achieved using ordinarily available laser printers or inkjet printers. A pattern of perforations, preferably micro perforations, are provided in a curved, preferably tightly radiused shape or configuration. Serial numbers or other identifiers may be preprinted on portions of the paper stock and matching or correlatable numbers printed on such preprinted paper stock substantially at the time of printing the voucher value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Coinstar, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Geiger, David J. Brown, Timothy J. Manion, Scott J. Scherer
  • Publication number: 20080054623
    Abstract: A printed article is disclosed having a light transmissive substrate having a reverse printed region on a surface thereof in the form of a plurality of very closely spaced printed lines or regions. The printed regions and spaces therebetween are subsequently flood coated with special effect ink such as optically variable ink wherein the ink particle size is on average greater than the gap between reverse printed regions. The image is viewed from the non-printed side of the substrate and very fine lines of the special effect flood coated special effect ink appear as very clear sharp lines having a fine resolution. This eliminates the typical jagged edges that would otherwise be seen if the inked region was not present. This effect is due to the first printed inked regions or lines forming a mask through which the flood coated ink is seen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: JDS Uniphase Corporation
    Inventors: Wilfred C. Kittler, Neil Teitelbaum
  • Publication number: 20080048432
    Abstract: A printed matter inspection system, which includes: an image forming device including; a first identification information generation section that generates identification information for each printed matter based on user data, an identification information conversion section that converts the identification information into a printable identification image, a variable printing section that performs variable printing of the printed matter to which the identification image is added, using the user data, and a list printing section that prints out a list having the user data and the identification information both of which are associated with each other, and an inspection device including; an identification image read section that reads the identification image, and an inspection processing section that converts the identification image into identification information to inspect a printed matter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kentaro Tsuchiya
  • Publication number: 20080048431
    Abstract: A method of advertising using a mechanical fastener comprising a pair of cooperating strips, including the steps of: fabricating the mechanical fastener comprising the pair of cooperating strips, wherein one strip is a stationary strip and the other strip is a removable strip; annotating the stationary strip with the advertising; attaching the stationary strip to a stationary object and the removable strip to a removable object; and concealing the advertising on the stationary strip by the removable strip so as to allow the advertising on the stationary strip to not be visible when the removable strip is engaged with the stationary strip, but when the removable strip is removed from the stationary strip, the advertising on the stationary strip is allowed to be visible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Shlomo Yosef, Avraham Shachar
  • Publication number: 20080042423
    Abstract: A computer network system and method for printing accompanying information and prescription labels in pharmacies, comprises: a central CS; a PMS; a data transmission network through which said PMS and said central CS can communicate; wherein said PMS includes an I/O terminal, a scanner, and a first printer; wherein said PMS includes a PMS SO and a Catalina SO; said PMS SO is configured to receive and store prescription information for a prescription, and to associate a prescription identification with said prescription; said Catalina SO is configure to select accompanying information for said prescription, to format and save said accompanying information in an accompanying information print file; and said PMS is configured to print a prescription label for said prescription and said accompanying information print file.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: Michael Roberts, Simon Banfield
  • Publication number: 20080036193
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for printing a security item on a substrate of which at least a part is made of a transparent material, whereby the method comprises following steps: printing a first image, which is visible or can be visualized, on one side of the transparent material; printing a second image, which is visible or can be visualized oh the opposite side of the transparent material, wherein the first and second image at least partially overlap; printing a third image, which is visible or can be visualized in transmission on the zones of the transparent material that are not covered by the first and/or second image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Monique Golaire, Maryke Degryse, Nathalie Paquot, Paul Van Braeckel, Beni Haeyaert
  • Patent number: 7328919
    Abstract: A system to reduce error in procurement of over-the-counter medications that has a prescription drug dispensing container that contains a prescription medication, an over-the-counter drug dispensing container that contains an over-the-counter medication, indicia displayed on the over-the-counter drug dispensing container, and a procurement guide that links the procurement of the over-the-counter medication to the procurement of said prescription medication and allows identification of said over-the-counter medication by matching indicia on the procurement guide to the indicia on the over-the-counter drug dispensing container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: Robert E. Weinstein
  • Patent number: 7322465
    Abstract: A transparent or partially transparent polymer packet is described containing a hand sanitizing fluid in which floats a printed insert. Inclusion of the message-bearing insert promotes the distribution and use of the hand sanitizing fluid for improving hand hygiene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventor: William Anthony Harper
  • Publication number: 20080018095
    Abstract: A patient starter kit for distributing a product sample together with educational materials or additional product samples is disclosed. Integral to the kit is a one or a two-compartment packaging technique that provides pharmaceutical product samples in the same container as other patient drug information, disease state material and consumer product samples, coupons, other forms of media and/or related consumer products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventor: John Garett
  • Publication number: 20080018093
    Abstract: The printer as an image forming apparatus supplies a plurality of types of tab sheet, and distinguishably discharges the tab sheets that became no longer necessary according to the type of tab sheets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Applicant: KONICA MINOLTA BUSINESS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Toshimi Shinchi, Tamotsu Sakuraba
  • Patent number: 7320483
    Abstract: A medication reminder system is provided for allowing patients, especially those with memory or eyesight problems, to improve compliance with a medication regimen that has been prescribed by their physician. The system is organized for ease of patient identification by recording medications in blank or color-coded fields upon a sheet to match an indicator associated with a medication container. The sheet also includes markings associated with some or all of the medications which provide a way for the patient to gain more information about the medication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Inventor: Greg Eippert
  • Publication number: 20070288308
    Abstract: A method and system of establishing affinity of two job listings is disclosed. A first job listing is identified. The first job listing has a first job listing attribute. A second job listing is identified. The second job listing has a second job listing attribute. A first job listing attribute value and a second job listing attribute value are compared to determine if the first job listing attribute and the second job listing attribute are similar according to a predefined set of rules. The first job listing and the second job listing are affiliated if the first job listing attribute and the second job listing attribute are determined to be similar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: Yahoo Inc.
    Inventors: Changsheng Chen, Adam Hyder
  • Publication number: 20070278784
    Abstract: A personalized fan certificate having a displayable sports/entertainment/event logo, a team/entertainer/event name, as well as a personalized fan name or affiliation printed on the certificate. The personalized fan certificate allows a fan to have an entertainer/team/event/season/ticket holder status/charity sponsored certification of loyalty, and includes on the certificate the selected logo, decal, or indica of the object of the loyalty, along with text that represents a particular sport, athlete, or entertainer. Each certificate may contain a gold seal with embossed text, and may be printed on certificate paper which in any size. The certificate may in addition contain logos or insignia of larger organizations to which the object of fan loyalty in turn belongs, such as logos of sports leagues, studios, event sponsors or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: John Alan Aragon
  • Patent number: 7267371
    Abstract: A correspondence kit and method for continued and repeated mailing or sharing or exchanging of a journal between two or more participants. The kit includes a journal of blank writing pages, multiple mailing envelopes, a primary sending envelope and accessories such as photo corners, stickers and labels. One participant will write in the book, add mementos, photographs and similar items. The book will be mailed, with return envelopes to another participant, who will add to the book, and return it to the original sender, or to another participant. The journal is exchanged between the participants until it is complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventor: Paul Westrick
  • Patent number: 7264582
    Abstract: Improved methods of disseminating advertising messages to consumers are provided for. In particular, the subject invention provides for methods for disseminating manufacturer coupons to a target consumer group. The method comprises packaging a product in a pouch container having associated therewith a manufacturer coupon pertaining to products or services other than the packaged product. The packaged product is a single-serve food product. The manufacturer coupon is redeemable by a consumer of the product and a member of a target consumer group. The manufacturer coupon also includes machine readable code associated therewith to facilitate automated processing of the coupon. The packaged product is then packaged in a shipping carton. The shipping carton has a machine readable indicator assigned to the manufacturer coupon. The indicator is read and, in response thereto, the carton with the packaged product is shipped to consumer food service outlets associated with the target consumer group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: 2004Adploy Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Marcus L. Thuesen, Lejo C. Brana
  • Patent number: 7240793
    Abstract: A multiple medication management system and method enables patients and caregivers to accurately track medications on a compact chart. The system and method use a plurality of containers for storage of current medications, medications needing refills, and medications discontinued by a physician. Thus, patients and caregivers are able to efficiently and accurately track medications, including which medications need refilling. Furthermore, discontinued medications can be safely retained in case they are later prescribed again by a patient s physician.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Dalene June McBain
  • Patent number: 7225052
    Abstract: A method for preparing both main label and warning label portions for a container useful in dispensing drugs by a pharmacist in which the main label portion contains specific drug or patient information and the warning label portion contains one or more warnings specific to the drug or patient information includes the steps of providing a backing sheet having the main label portion and the warning label portion releasably adhered thereto, printing the drug or patient information on the warning label during only one printing pass, and then affixing both the main label portion and the warning label portion to a drug container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: ABP Patent Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Richard W. Foote, Richard Young
  • Patent number: 7113929
    Abstract: The present invention allows verification of a voucher or token prior to redemption. The voucher or token has a code associated therewith so that a value of the voucher or token may be stored in a database. Later when the voucher or token is presented to a cashier for redemption, the code is submitted to the database in order to retrieve the value associated with that voucher or token. In this way, the voucher or token is verified before redemption. In one embodiment, a verification system includes a voucher or token database, a recognition subsystem and two transceivers. The database knows the code and value associated with the voucher or token. A recognition subsystem reads the code from the voucher or token. The transceivers couple together the database and the recognition subsystem in such a way that the a query can be made by the recognition system to determine the value associated with the code or otherwise verify the validity of the voucher or token.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Coinstar, Inc.
    Inventors: Kirk Beach, Christopher A. Pesch
  • Patent number: 7090253
    Abstract: A customizable theme calendar includes a set of date cells corresponding to an arbitrarily designated time period (e.g., a starting date and a target date), and a theme applied to the calendar. The theme corresponds to an event associated with the arbitrarily designated time period. The time periods and themes may correspond to recognized holidays such Halloween, Thanksgiving, Easter and so on, or to arbitrarily designated events having personal or familial significance, such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. Such customized calendars may be designed and generated in connection with a computer system and calendar generation software.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventors: Jacob L. Phillips, Karen Gardner, Richard L. Phillips, Betty J. Phillips, John C. Phillips
  • Patent number: 7086666
    Abstract: An information-bearing laminar assembly, suitable for use as an identification card, is disclosed. The assembly is characterized by the provision therein of an embedded halftone image security feature that becomes visible essentially only when the assembly is view in transmitted light. The information-bearing laminar assembly comprises an inner information-bearing layer interposed between a first and a second light-transmissive protective outer layer. The inner layer contains both visible information-bearing indicia and an imagewise halftone pattern of laser-ablated microholes. The light-transmissivity of the information-bearing inner layer within said half-tone pattern is imagewise differentiated at each microhole as a function of the microhole's penetration depth. Sandwiched between the protective outer layers, the halftone pattern is imperceptible when the information-bearing laminar assembly is viewed in reflections and perceptible when the information-bearing laminar assembly is viewed in transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
    Inventor: Jack T. Richardson
  • Patent number: 7007979
    Abstract: Advertising materials are provided for cooperative promotions. The materials comprise of a set of print or electronic coupons printed on removable tabs and a promotional piece or flare. Each coupon entitles its purchaser to a substantial discount on a product. Selected coupons entitle its purchaser to a prize. Multiple break-open windows are formed on the coupons and are movable between closed and open positions respectively concealing and revealing outcome-determining indicia. The indicia comprise symbol combinations and identify respective coupons as either losers or winners entitled to pre-determined awards. A cooperative promotional method utilizing the advertising materials is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Adams Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7007853
    Abstract: A gift card system includes a gift card imprinted with indicia identifying the issuer, an adhesively coated security label permanently adhered to the card and imprinted on one surface with the value of the gift, and a gift record for recording information concerning the gift including the date of issuance and the value thereof. A recording sheet providing the gift record and the opposite surface of the substrate and the face of the recording sheet have cooperating interactive coatings thereon to imprint the recording sheet. A second security label is substantially permanently adhered on the first security label and imprinted with a reduced value to reflect a partial charge against the value on the first mentioned security label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventors: Suzanne D. Corcoran, Brian D. Gallagher, Daniel A. Hincks
  • Patent number: 6962371
    Abstract: An assembly for mailing an article requiring delivery by a special service and a method for mailing same are provided. The assembly includes a return postcard and anchor portions removably attached to the return postcard. The anchor portions include adhesive that allows the anchor portions to be attached to a mailpiece. The return postcard includes a special services designator section indicative of the special service required for delivery of the mailpiece. The return postcard is integrally formed, but removably attached, such that the return postcard remains attached to the envelope until received by the addressee, at which time the return postcard may be removed. The assembly is designed to incorporate a form into the return postcard to simplify preparation of the mailpiece for delivery by the special service. Alternatively, the postcard may contain a machine readable code that aids in the delivery and tracking of the mailpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Inventor: Glenn Petkovsek
  • Patent number: 6945565
    Abstract: A form assembly formed by front and back plies for creating a postcard having printing on both faces from a single pass through a non-impact printing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Laser Substrates, Inc.
    Inventor: Warren M. Fabel
  • Patent number: 6905755
    Abstract: A security document or other device including a substrate (2), a smooth highly reflective layer (1) applied thereto and having a reflectivity of at least 60 gloss units, and a raised printed image (3) applied to said reflective layer by a printing process such as the gravure process, the raised printed image having a height of at least 10 microns and being printed using a translucent ink having a large value of 85 to 95 as measured on an XL 211 Hazegard haze measuring instrument, which render it substantially transparent or translucent while causing scattering of the light reflectance and transmittance in at least a partially specular manner. A method of producing a document is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Note Printing Australia Limited
    Inventor: Joshua Robert Nemeth
  • Patent number: 6902197
    Abstract: A method of producing a folded item having printed information thereon to provide information to the user of a product is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventors: Joseph M. Vijuk, Robert Vijuk
  • Publication number: 20040232691
    Abstract: A method for customising security documents, particularly banknote, checks and documents representing a value in general. The method is suitable to prevent their forgery and alteration and comprises the steps that consist in superimposing at least two materials (10, 20) having different resistances to laser and being arranged adjacent to each other onto a substrate (30) having a higher resistance to laser than each of the superimposed materials (10, 20) and treating said superimposed materials (10, 20) with a laser beam which is guided along a preset path in order to modify by sublimation a part of each superimposed material (10, 20) by subjecting it to said laser beam without substantially burning or sublimating said substrate (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Maurizio Lazzerini