Abstract: A color-coded packaging system is provided where a set of different colors are selected with each color designated to signify a varying feature of a product such as a dimensions of a pouch for receiving instruments for sterilization. Printed information or indicia printed on that pouch are printed in a colored ink designating the size of that pouch. Multiple pouches of the same size are packaged in boxes which have information or indicia printed thereon in the same color so that the size of box contents can be readily determined by the color of the printing thereon. The storage area can also include designated color coded areas for placement of like colored boxes. The color coding of the storage area, the boxes and the content of boxes provides for easy selection of a desired product as a means for a quick visual inventory.

Abstract: There is provided a method of marking truss systems including the steps of: inputting project/customer data at point of sale into a mass-customized truss system design engine; generating manufacture information by the design engine; providing a plurality of truss members; and marking each of the plurality of truss members with the manufacturing information. In another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of marking truss systems comprising the steps of: determining a plurality of roll formed members for a particular truss system having a plurality of in-plane trusses and out-of-plane members connected to the in-plane trusses; and roll forming, cutting and marking at least a portion of the plurality of roll formed members providing detailed and complete information for: assembling the in-plane trusses; erecting the in-plane trusses; and installing the out-of-plane members.

Abstract: Method of individualizing labels, in which a plurality of labels is formed from a label tape, characterized in that the shape of each label is formed individually.

Abstract: A device for holding and carrying important papers and more particularly for travel documents, such as a photo ID and boarding passes, is disclosed. The device is designed for easy handling, placement and removal of the documents, and for permitting ticket counter agents, and airport gate and security check inspectors to readily view these documents. It utilizes envelope designs that are currently available on the market to which several modifications are made. A transparent pouch for holding and displaying a photo ID is laminated onto the front of the envelope and a strip is partially cut out from the front side of the envelope to form an aperture in the envelope. The aperture is used for inserting a boarding pass that is visible to allow ready inspection. The strip is used to seal the open side of the pouch to prevent the ID from accidentally falling out.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for matching of mothers' milk to the correct baby in hospitals or other institutions where mothers' milk is expressed in advance and stored for feeding to the baby at a later time. Electronically readable indicia are used to confirm the identity of the baby, the milk units, and caregivers when the mother's milk is fed to a baby. Apparatus and methods for the collection, storage, and communication of information relevant to handling of the mother's milk are detailed such that complete audit trails are recorded and guidance to the caregiver is provided in order to ensure that all required procedures are executed properly.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method comprises: providing a card sized to fit within a card personalization machine, the card including a surface defining at least a portion of a recess; inserting at least a portion of a sub-card into the recess; providing adhesive between the surface and the sub-card to releasably retain the at least a portion of the sub-card within the recess; and personalizing the sub-card, using the card personalization machine, while the at least a portion of the sub-card is within the recess. According to some embodiments, apparatus comprises: a card defining a recess; a sub-card, at least a portion of the sub-card being inserted into the recess; adhesive to releasably retain the at least a portion of the sub-card within the recess; and a card personalization machine to personalize the sub-card while the at least a portion of the sub-card is within the recess; wherein the card is sized to fit within the card personalization machine.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus-information indicator, which includes an indication surface, an underlying segment formed on the indication surface by a first dot pattern, and a character area formed on the underlying segment by a second dot pattern different from the first dot pattern to indicate given apparatus information. Respective colors of the underlying segment and the character area are substantially equal in hue, and substantially different in lightness.

Abstract: A bi-positional cellaring label for attaching to a wine bottle and displaying wine information. The label includes a first portion affixed to a wine bottle containing wine, and a second portion operably connected to the first portion and non-permanently affixed to the wine bottle, The second portion is adapted to be adjusted from a first position to a second position, and the second portion in the pre-cellaring position is located substantially adjacent the wine bottle, and in the cellaring position is located substantially perpendicular to the wine bottle. The label also includes indicia conveying information about the wine, printed upon the second portion, such that when the wine bottle is in a substantially horizontal position and the second portion is in the cellaring position, the indicia is viewable.

Abstract: A security deterrent mark includes one or more areas of interest, and at least one entropy-enhancing region within the one or more areas of interest.

Abstract: The Invention is directed to a system and method for facilitating the retrieval of lost objects and payment of rewards to the finders of lost objects, while protecting the privacy and security of the owner of the lost object.

Abstract: A container identifying apparatus and method are provided for distinguishing easily confusable containers in social settings. In particular, an apparatus having a charm attached to a flexible band may be stretched around a beverage bottle neck or body, stretched around a beverage can tab, or wrapped around the handle of a beverage mug. The container identifying apparatus may also be beneficially used to identify containers other than beverage containers, such as lip balm containers, sunscreen containers, lotion containers, deodorant containers, snack containers, and any other container that may be confused with a similar container in a social situation.

Abstract: Vouchers and methods for providing vouchers configured to assist in distinguishing unauthorized duplicate or counterfeit vouchers are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a voucher can include a substrate, a first indicia on the substrate, and a thermally responsive second indicia on the substrate. At least one of the first indicia and the second indicia can indicate a value of the voucher. A system which assists in detecting alteration of value documents or transmissions, such as a coin counter voucher is provided. Voucher information such as the voucher value is included in the voucher in an encrypted or otherwise modified form. When the voucher is presented for redemptions, the encrypted information is decrypted and compared to independently available voucher information. Failure of the information to match indicates that the voucher has been altered or should otherwise be further checked.

Abstract: The present invention relates to packaged oral delivery systems for delivery of actives into the oral cavity. In particular, the packaged pharmaceutical product contains a complexate including a complexing agent and an active, an oral delivery system for delivery of the complexate and a package for containing the oral delivery system. The package includes indicia associated therewith. The indicia identifies the complexate as the active ingredient contained in the oral delivery system, which is as a regulatory approvable chemical entity. The present invention also relates to methods of labeling, pricing, marketing and satisfying governmental regulations for such packaged pharmaceutical products.

Abstract: This invention includes a method for providing enhanced child safety for a child including subscribing to a child safety service provider, receiving child safety material from the child safety service provider, submitting child identifying material relating to the child to the child safety service provider, associating the child identifying material with a unique identifier, determining that the child is missing, retrieving the child identifying material utilizing the unique identifier, and disseminating the child identifying material to one or more persons conducting a search for the missing child wherein it is preferable for at least one of the persons conducting the search to be a private investigator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for securing a public or private place where luggage is stored by or carried through by its holder. The invention is characterized by the fact that inside this place, the required means of identification of luggage is by affixing a portrait of the holder to the luggage in order to consistently establish a direct and unequivocal visual link between the aforementioned portrait of the aforementioned holder. The public or private place is delimited by appropriate means for announcing the obligation or lack thereof to have the said luggage identification. The invention also relates to a mechanism or device for implementing this method.

Abstract: A label for marketing of goods, particularly for identifying vehicles by attachment thereto, specifically to a vehicle window. The label may comprise at least one printable sheet having at least one removable and typically punch-out key label portion. The key label portion has an elongated attachment portion and a perforation that is proportioned to receive the elongated attachment portion through the perforation, for attachment of the key label portion to a key after it has been removed from the label. The printable sheet may be made of flexible plastic material that is stronger than a cellulose paper sheet of corresponding thickness when wet with water. The label also may be of multiple layers.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for detection of miniature security mark configurations within documents and images, wherein the miniature security marks are in the form of dispersed miniature security marks and may include data marks or a combination of data marks and anchor marks. The method includes sub-sampling a received image, which is a digital representation possible recipient(s) of the miniature security marks, to generate a reduced-resolution image of the received image. Maximum/minimum points detection is performed and the maximum/minimum points are grouped into one or more clusters according to location distances between the maximum/minimum points. Group configuration is checked to match the clusters with a pre-defined template configuration. Dot parameter verification is then performed to verify mark location and configuration between the received image and a pre-defined template dot specification.

Abstract: A method is described for managing a generally automated, multilevel process for verifying both an already identified document type and the identity of a person presenting the document. A plurality of levels of document and identity verification checking steps are performed in real time. Each level of verification checking consists of additional, predetermined, ever more rigorous document and/or bearer identity verification checking steps performed in real time that vary depending on what type of document is involved, the authority that issued the document, why and where the document is being presented and other information about known problems with the types of documents.

Abstract: A method includes identifying a liquid within a vessel using an object located in the liquid that is not attached to the vessel. The object is, for example, a metal plate inscribed with an identifier, such as the name and strength of a medical solution. The plate rests against the bottom of the vessel, and the liquid is identified by reading the name through the liquid. A method of forming a label includes inscribing a metal object configured for placement within a vessel with the name and strength of a liquid medical solution, for example, laser etching a stainless steel plate. A label includes a metal plate configured for placement within a vessel and having a name and a strength of a liquid medical solution inscribed thereon. The plate includes, for example, stainless steel, and does not include an adhesive or have a fastener interface to receive a mechanical fastener.

Abstract: The invention teaches a paper substrate having a laser treated area which has benefits for anti copy, copy deterrence and/or copy detection applications. The laser treatment may be in the form of a dense array of a plurality of microperforations which may or may not be visible to the naked eye or in form of fine graphics on the paper surface incorporated via partial ablations. The laser treated area serves as an authenticated field. In one aspect, the authentication field when copied on reprographic equipment reproduces as a field of dark separated dots. The authentication field optionally can take the form of various shapes including alphanumeric characters or other patterns. In an alternate aspect the laser treated area is an area of laser-formed partial ablations creating a synthetic watermark.

Abstract: A layer that assumes either opaque or transparent state depending on the applied voltage is utilized to secure printed matter. The layer may also require an electrical or optical switching signal to switch between the opaque and transparent states. The layer is provided above the document to be secured and is set to the opaque state so as to obscure the contents of the document. When a prescribed voltage is applied, the layer turns to its transparent state. However, the voltage can only be applied to the security layer in the presence of a security key. A recording system may be employed to log all key-enabled access to the document.

Abstract: A coordination system and method for organizing and moving objects is disclosed, including: a first label housing, having a first opening; a first plurality of labels, disposed substantially within the first label housing, having a first visual appearance, and sized to enable one of the first plurality of labels to pass through the first opening; a second label housing, having a second opening; a second plurality of labels, disposed substantially within the second label housing, having a second visual appearance substantially different than the first visual appearance, and sized to enable one of the second plurality of labels to pass through the second opening; and an index system, coordinated to the first and second plurality of labels, respectively, configured to index the first and second visual appearances, respectively.

Abstract: Provided is a method for shipping a parcel from a primary to a secondary location in a reusable container, and returning the container to a tertiary location. The parcel is packaged in the container which includes a label construction. The label construction includes a base substrate for securing to the container, a sleeve overlaying the base substrate, and a transparent viewing window having an exposed surface for removably receiving an address label. A first removable label is adhered to the transparent viewing window and includes information corresponding to an address for the secondary location. A second removable label is placed inside the sleeve and includes information corresponding to an address for a tertiary location. The package is delivered to the secondary location where it is un-packed and the first label is removed thereby exposing the second label for viewing through the window for delivery to the tertiary location.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification connector is configured and arranged to retrofittably connect a radio frequency identification device to a device such as a fall protection and fall arrest safety device.

Abstract: A pharmacy label includes a patient section, a first drug section, and a second drug section. The patient section has patient-specific information printed thereon, and the first and second drug sections have first and second drug-specific information printed thereon, respectively. The patient section further contains a prescription number printed thereon. The prescription number is correlated to the patient-specific information, the first drug-specific information, and the second drug-specific information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting digital data. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving data input by scanning a sheet of paper using a scanner on a machine, identifying the sheet of paper as a form having one or more fields of user entered data to validate, validating the user entered data using a user interface on the machine, and sending the user entered data to a backend system.

Abstract: A vehicle locator and service hang card for vehicle parking and servicing establishments includes an upper portion with a tag number and space for entering customer information and a lower portion made of synthetic paper which an ignition key tag is die cut. The key tag retains its strength when wet. The lower portion may be attached to the upper portion by an adhesive tape.

Abstract: A labeling assembly and method of using same for releasably supporting a label and identifying a feature of an object upon which the labeling assembly is adapted for installation. The labeling assembly includes a protective layer having a release surface for releasably supporting the label and an information storage device located adjacent to a contacting surface of the protective layer such that the information storage device is disposed between the protective layer and the object when the labeling assembly is installed on the object. The information storage device is adapted for transmitting a signal comprising information. The method of the present invention includes using the labeling assembly for releasably supporting a label and identifying a feature of an object upon which the labeling assembly is adapted for installation.

Abstract: A method of forming a printable media sheet construction, including: (a) cutting cross-direction lines through a cardstock web; (b) after step (a), laminating a plurality of strips to the web; and (c) after step (b), cutting machine-direction lines through the web and to the strips on the opposite side of the web.

Abstract: A combination magnetic tag (10) is described comprising an optical part (20) and a magnetic part (30), the optical part including a plurality of optical elements for conveying an optical code and the magnetic part including a plurality of magnetic elements for conveying a magnetic code, the optical and magnetic codes being mutually complementary for verifying authenticity of the tag (10). Incorporation of both optical and magnetic codes into the tag is of advantage in that they are capable of rendering the tag less susceptible to copying. The tag (10) is relevant to appropriate to anti-counterfeiting applications.

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.

Abstract: A method for cryogenic specimen identification employs marking a stretchable pressure-sensitive vinyl label, and placing it on a storage vial or other container that can withstand a temperature of approximately ?80 degrees C. or lower, preferably contact with the liquid and/or vapor phases of liquid nitrogen at a temperature of approximately ?196 degrees C. The method includes providing a sized portion of the label that includes a waterproof soft flex vinyl facestock material containing a non-mobile plasticizer agent. The printing is also resistant to the moisture and ice that form on the container when it is removed from the liquid nitrogen. At room temperature, the label must be capable of being stretched without breaking at least 10% in both the MD and TD. Labels are sized, cut, the release liner is removed, and the label with its adhesive surface is applied to the container.

Abstract: A locking apparatus has improved operability and is manufacturable at low cost. The locking apparatus has a fingerprint reader (23), a fingerprint verifier (11), and a power supply circuit. The fingerprint reader reads a fingerprint. The fingerprint verifier verifies the read fingerprint based on registered fingerprint data, and according to a result of the verification, authenticates a person who entered the fingerprint. If the person is authenticated, the locking apparatus unlocks a door locked with the locking apparatus. The locking apparatus comprises a chamber (19) configured to contain the fingerprint reader, a lid (25) configured to open and close the opening of the chamber, and a switch (41) provided for the power supply circuit and configured to interlock with the lid so as to turn on and off the power supply circuit in response to the opening and closing of the lid.

Abstract: A discrete micro particle having a micro image, a method of making discrete micro particles and use in authentication of products. The micro images are printed on a photo sensitive layer on a media and the media is ground into small discrete particles on which the micro images can be viewed for verification of the authenticity of a product on which the micro particles have been placed.

Abstract: Radio frequency identification labels are made in a high speed and effective manner in a variety of different ways utilizing a number of different sources of RFID inlets, each inlet including an antenna and a chip. A plurality of webs are matched together and RFID labels are die cut from the webs, to produce lined RFID labels. Alternatively linerless RFID labels are produced from a composite web with a release material on one face and pressure sensitive adhesive on the other, the labels formed by perforations in the web.

Abstract: The invention relates to fingerprint sensors. A fingerprint sensor has a plurality of sensor electrodes below a surface intended for contacting the underside of a finger. At least one protective electrode is mounted on the surface. The sensor electrodes can have a first AC voltage at a prescribed frequency applied to them. The protective electrode can have a second AC voltage, which is essentially at the prescribed frequency, applied to it.

Abstract: A method of and system for labeling containers of prescribed medicine is provided wherein a photograph of a patient is taken using a camera. The photograph is then stored on a computer as a computer software object. When a prescription is filled for the patient, the photograph is printed on the label along with prescription information and the label is attached to the container.

Abstract: In order to verify the authenticity of manufactured goods, a smart tag is attached to the goods containing encrypted authentication information, such as a serial number, a description of the good's physical appearance or chemical decomposition, its color, or digital images of the good etc. The encryption procedure comprises public/private key encryption with zero-knowledge protocols. Zero knowledge protocols allow a smart tag to be authenticatable and yet be duplication resistant by allowing the verifying agent to convince him/herself that the smart tag is authentic without revealing its authentication information. The verification procedure can be done using a reader at a point of sale (POS) machine equipped with the appropriate public key and zero-knowledge protocols to decrypt the authentication information. A printed version of the serial number or other authentication information may be placed on the goods in human readable form to quickly verify the information electronically read from the smart tag.

Abstract: A peel-off coupon redemption card includes a plurality of coupons releasably adhered to a base with a release liner. The release liner is composed of a material, such as a dry release adhesive or evaporative adhesive, such that when a coupon is removed from the base substantially no effective adhesive remains on the removed coupon. Each coupon preferably includes promotion indicia and an electronic redemption indicia. The electronic redemption indicia is preferably printed on a face of the coupon facing the base so that each coupon can be electronically redeemed while having sufficient space for the promotion indicia on the opposite face of the coupon.

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.

Abstract: A human machine interface (10) for use in situations requiring authorized access. The human machine interface (10) includes a validator controller (12) and a data transmitter (14). The validator controller (12) includes a validator status actuator (16) in communication with a validator receiver (18) via a validator logic circuit (20). The validator status actuator (16) is configured to process and perform actions based upon data signals (22) received by the validator receiver (18). The data transmitter (14), which is in contact with a human nail (24), transmits the data signal (22) to the validator controller (12).

Abstract: Display information is revealed from behind a metal film that can be cleared upon effective contact with a clearing agent. The metal film, while opaque, is generally less than 1000 Angstroms thick and can be cleared by exposure to innocuous agents including food or other household products.

Abstract: A method and system for providing owners, potential buyers and other users of autographed items such as sports and other entertainment memorabilia visual evidence for verifying the authenticity of the autograph are described. A method of the present invention involves capturing an image of the signature as it is being placed on the item. The image so captured is then stored on a computer readable medium. In addition to the item itself, the owner of the item may be provided with a computer readable medium containing computer readable instructions for accessing the image and other information about the item, the signing process, the autographer, etc. The image may be captured by a camera mounted on a pen or other writing instrument.

Abstract: A device verification method includes the steps of providing a device including a memory and a print pattern generator communicatively coupled to the memory, the print pattern generator generating image data based at least in part on a first value actually stored in a first memory location in the memory; printing the image data to produce a printed verification pattern; scanning the printed verification pattern to generate a verification value; reading a memorized value purportedly stored in the first memory location of the memory; comparing the memorized value with the verification value; and evaluating the device based on a result of the comparing step.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting parallel marketing of an item, include forming at least one of a coating and a code on the item, interrogating the at least one of the coating and said code, and determining from the interrogating whether the item has been transferred from an authorized merchant to an unauthorized merchant.

Abstract: A printed product including an image with visual effects and a method for obtaining the printed product, the method comprising providing a photographic image, printing the image on a front transparent sheet and adhering the transparent sheet to a light-reflecting front surface of a back support sheet for providing a visual effect resulting from the combination of the light-reflecting surface and the image.

Abstract: A secure plastic card and method for manufacturing the secure plastic card are disclosed. The secure plastic card includes a lenticular lens surface having a filmed image printed thereon. The lenticular lens surface is bonded to a core stock layer. The bonding is accomplished with an thermally bondable coating layer which is preferably capable of migrating through lithographic ink. The lenticular lens material and the core stock layer are assembled together and are laminated to form the secure plastic card. The exposed surface of the lenticular lens material is preferably covered with a temporary protective film during lamination.

Abstract: The invention relates to a document of value consisting of a substrate of predetermined surface area with a printed image visible to the naked eye and a marking in the form of characters, patterns or the like at least partly superimposed on the printed image. The marking is represented by a feature substance having at least one mechanically detectable physical property and extends over the predominant part of the surface of the document. The marking additionally has a given measurable regularity which makes it possible, by mechanical scanning of the marking, to detect the correctness of the distribution and recognize gaps or added partial elements of other authentic documents as disturbances.

Abstract: This invention converts commercially available plastic ID cards, usually made of PVC, and/or electronically printed documents, e.g., laser printed documents, photo copier printed documents, dye-sublimation printed documents, ink jet printed documents, into time dependant, self-expiring badges or documents that display a visual indicia, e.g., change of color, appearance of a word, e.g., VOID after a specified or predetermined period of time. Broadly, a pressure sensitive security sticker is applied to these commercially available plastic ID cards and/or electronically printed documents. The sticker changes color, typically from white to red, after a predetermined period of time. This change in color is caused by the toner/dye/color pigment contained in these documents. The sticker provides a time dependent indicator for these documents.

Abstract: A method of systematizing a process for a user, in which the process has steps. Each step has a corresponding tab. The user sequentially performs the steps of the process in a sequence defined by an order of tabs. One step is linked to a subsequent step. Performing the step will affect the subsequent step.