Abstract: There is described a system for producing prints based on digital image data and for packing the prints. The system includes an inputting section to input a plurality of print-order information including customer-identifying information for identifying each of customers and a print-producing section to produce the prints based on digital image data corresponding to the print-order information. The prints includes a first print including the customer-identifying information and second prints including objective images, and the prints are arranged in such an order that the first print is disposed at an uppermost position of the prints while the second prints are disposed under the first print, when a printed surface of each of the prints is regarded as an upward surface.

Abstract: A method for printing a label pair made up of a destination address label and a corresponding destination Information-Based Indicia Program (IBIP) indicia label on a label stock in a system for printing one or more labels uses a unique identifying mark for each label of the label pair. The unique identifying marks allow a user to match a destination address label to a corresponding destination address IBIP indicia label. The software defines the method used to generate the unique identifying marks and the positioning of the labels with respect to each other.

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: Methods of creating tamper resistant informational articles and related products are disclosed. In one embodiment, a lens has a preformed transparent hologram, metallized portions are provided and may be altered through selective application of heat to predetermined parts thereof to create information which may be fixed or variable. Printing may be provided on the hologram before metallizing. A base portion underlies the metallized layer. In yet another embodiment of the invention, an opaque base portion has a hologram formed in the upper surface thereof with portions of the hologram being made readily visible by partial metallization covering only portions of the hologram with or without information provided as by printing overlying or underlying portions of the metallized sector or both. A transparent overlying lens is secured in overlying relationship. Metallizing may be such as to permit viewing underlying hologram portions or information or not. A corresponding method is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for authenticating an object on the basis of incorporating onto the object at least one security feature known as a microdot which includes plural unique microscopic patterned markers each of which include indicia and the method of making such microdots.

Abstract: A stereolithographically fabricated marking for a semiconductor device component, such as a packaged or unpackaged semiconductor device or another substrate. When formed on a semiconductor device with a stereolithographically formed package structure, the marking may be integral with the package. The marking may be formed as apertures through or recesses in one or more stereolithographically fabricated layers of material, or the marking may include one or more stereolithographically fabricated layers that protrude from a surface of a semiconductor device component. Raised markings may also be formed on the surfaces of packaged or bare semiconductor device components. Alternatively, the marking may be fabricated separately from a semiconductor device component, then secured thereto. Methods for stereolithographically marking semiconductor device components are also disclosed.

Abstract: An autograph verification and authentication process. The process includes having a representative of an authentication system provider witness an individual autographing an item and generate a unique label for each signed item. The tamper-proof label includes two forms of coding. The first is visible and provides unique identifying information. The second one is embedded and can only be observed by the authentication service provider. The second code includes the unique identifying information as well. The label includes Information associated with the signing and that information may be entered into a database. The process further includes the step of having the individual sign a statement that identifies the items(s) signed, the date and location of the signing, and reference to the label(s) affixed to the item(s). The unique information may be accessed through the database under control of the provider.

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: 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 indicating a value of the voucher. In another embodiment, a method is provided to assist in distinguishing duplicate or counterfeit vouchers. The method includes providing a substrate with a thermally responsive first indicia, and printing on the substrate at the coin-counting machine at least a second indicia. The second indicia containing at least an indication of a value of the voucher.

Abstract: An envelope that enables personal computer printers to be able to print a Facing Identification Mark (FIM) as part of a Information-Based Indicia (IBI) registered along the top edge of the envelope. The personal computer printers will also be able to print the FIM, IBI, the recipient's address and the sender's address without the glue on the envelope closure flap adhering to the body of the envelope, which would seal or partially seal the envelope, potentially rendering the envelope useless.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for discerning false from genuine. The method increases the difficulty of imitation by means of using the intrinsic stochastic structural vein of the material itself as identification. According to the method, it is advisable to select the material with clear stochastic structural vein as marker, and to select the stochastic structural vein of the marker as identification information, the information is recorded by scanner and then is stored into the database of the computer identification system. Consumers may obtain relevant information of structural vein by telephone, fax or computer on line to testify whether a product is genuine or a counterfeit.

Abstract: The present invention recognizes and takes advantage of the fact that there is a correlation between a consumer's overall like or dislike of two particular products (hedonic test results), each evaluated individually, and the likelihood that the consumer will choose one product over the other (forced choice test results) in a forced choice comparison. Taking advantage of this correlation, it is possible to determine the likelihood that a consumer will choose one product over another product of the same type simply by conducting hedonic testing and without specifically conducting forced choice testing.

Abstract: Authenticity/security identification consists of an optical marking and an (acoustic/electro)magnetic marking. The optical marking can comprise a hologram. The two identification marks are produced as a single entity during the production in a number of immediately successive steps. During this process a layer of soft magnetic material is provided with an additional layer of metal which contains the hologram.

Abstract: A personal identification instrument (PII) including a naked-eye-viewable image of a legitimate PII owner and an encoded image of said legitimate PII owner disposed on a substrate, wherein the naked-eye-viewable image and the encoded image comprise different aspects of the legitimate PII owner.

Abstract: A device for laterally aligning a sheet in a sheet-processing machine, includes a marking device for automatically identifying a sheet side edge.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for labeling three-dimensional objects. A sheet comprising at least one tag, each tag consisting of a thin piece of resilient, print-treated polyester, or other material, and a method of attaching the tag to a three-dimensional object, such as a glass or plastic vial, is described. The tag identifies each individual object, and permits transfer of the object throughout a series of analytical processes without losing object identity. The tag is marked by offset printing, laser engraving, or another marking process such that the marking does not become unreadable during handling and testing. Labeling of individual objects is accomplished by inserting an object through an aperture in the tag resulting in the tag being attached to the vial. Removal of the vial from the sheet causes the tag to be separated from the sheet and to remain attached to the vial. Alternatively, a sheet holder, such as a rack, could be used to hold the sheet of tags during the labeling process.

Abstract: A reusable information tag is provided with a substrate bonded on its top surface to a middle layer which has graphics and indicia disposed upon its top surface, the middle layer being bonded to a transparent or translucent top layer of a nonporous writable and erasable film. A reusable means for attachment is provided. The tag may be written upon with a pen and attached to a gift, luggage or other article. It may then be easily detached, erased and reused. An unlimited variety of tags containing different graphics and indicia for every holiday, occasion, event, use and interest may be easily and inexpensively manufactured. A kit for making the tag is also provided. Alternative embodiments provide for disposing the graphics and indicia on either the top surface of the substrate or the bottom surface of the top layer.

Abstract: In producing a film by printing on a top sheet with non-glossy surface, a first glossy varnish imprint adheres on the surface. A second continuous imprint produced on the first, adheres neither on the top sheet nor on the varnish, and the film is completed. A glossy imprint is thus provided in the film external surface which is then applied on a document to protect it from being reproduced by optical scanning.

Abstract: A method (50) of identifying and restoring an object to an owner who has lost the object includes the steps of affixing a pre-assigned identification number associated with the owner and a toll-free telephone number or website to the object (52). An information center is provided that contacts the owner (62) in response to receiving the pre-assigned identification number (56) from a finder. The owner is then enabled to receive information regarding the object and the finder after entering an owner personal identification number with the information center (63).

Abstract: Confidential information is printed on an upper transparent laminate. A scrambling pattern is associated with a lower laminate. The upper surface of the lower laminate and the lower surface of the upper laminate are complementary in shape such that the upper laminate appears transparent, but alters to appear translucent when separated from the lower laminate. This provides a tamper-evident mechanism for indicating separation of the laminates.

Abstract: It is possible to accurately and conveniently determine the origin, contents, position, and/or destination of a reusable container (such as a tote or bin, particularly for a manufacturing process) by applying a permanent adhesive label with embedded programmable RFID to the reusable container at a location where the RFID may be detected and reprogrammed. The RFID is programmed with accurate variable information including relating to at least one of the origin, contents, position, and destination of the container, and at at least one location the variable information of the RFID is detected. After a first use of the reusable container it is reprogrammed with other accurate variable information, and the detecting and reprogramming are repeated multiple times. Preferably the label is of a substantially moisture impermeable material such as a plastic film, or synthetic paper.

Abstract: An informational label prepared to be and thus advantageously attached by static electricity to a wine glass in a restaurant and readily peeled off for transfer to a cooperating wallet surface of the patron to facilitate making subsequent purchasing reference to the label.

Abstract: A method for forming a securing label including affixing a security activating material to a substrate to form a sub-assembly label, attaching the sub-assembly label to a top label material, and cutting the top label material to form a top label where the sub-assembly label and the top label form the securing label. Attaching of sub-assembly layer includes inserting the sub-assembly layer between a paper layer and a carrier layer of the top label material which have been separated from each other and then remarried after insertion.

Abstract: A label for attachment to a substrate, including a flexible magnet having printed material on one surface. The label consists of a thin, flat, flexible magnet having a first surface and a second surface, printed material attached to the first surface of the flexible magnet, a transparent covering attached to the printed material, a clear base material attached to the second surface of the magnet, a clear film easily separable from the clear base material, an adhesive backing attached to the clear film, and a liner material covering the adhesive backing. The liner material may be removed from the adhesive backing whereby the label may be applied to a substrate by means of the adhesive backing. After separating the clear film and clear base material the clear base material covers the second surface of the magnet and the clear film covers the adhesive backing applied to the substrate.

Abstract: A process for producing any photoluminescent printed polychromatic image (8), and the image obtained thereby. At least one set of at least three monochromatic filtered images (6a, 6b, 6c) is prepared from any original polychromatic image (1) visible in visible light which is filtered with a spectral pass-band below or equal to 15 nm, according to at least three wavelengths of fundamental colors equal to the wavelengths of the luminescent pigments used, with the corresponding monochromatic filtered images (6a, 6b, 6c), in order to print separately, one above the other, three monochromatic printed images (8a, 8b, 8c). The invention concerns the image obtained, a protective device and a document carrying such an image.

Abstract: A stereolithographically fabricated marking for a semiconductor device component, such as a packaged or unpackaged semiconductor device or another substrate. When formed on a semiconductor device with a stereolithographicaily formed package structure, the marking may be integral with the package. The marking may be formed as apertures through or recesses in one or more stereolithographically fabricated layers of material, or the marking may include one or more stereolithographically fabricated layers that protrude from a surface of a semiconductor device component. Raised markings may also be formed on the surfaces of packaged or bare semiconductor device components. Alternatively, the marking may be fabricated separately from a semiconductor device component, then secured thereto. Methods for stereolithographically marking semiconductor device components are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for creating and using a business referral card that includes personalized before and after images of an object that has been improved by the goods or services rendered by a vendor. Included on the business referral card is a vendor identifier which will allow potential customers to contact the vendor and customer identification information that allows the vendor to reward a present customer for successfully referring new business to the vendor.

Abstract: An anodized micro-pore aluminum tag bearing indicia thereon wherein the micro-pore anodized aluminum has its micro-pores filled with the cured reside of a composition, which contains silicone resin having pendant groups selected from one or more of methyl groups or phenyl groups. The composition in the micro-pores was cured to a degree effective for marking by blackening thereof with a, e.g., CO2, laser beam, in the form of indicia thereon. The surface of the tag preferably is substantially free of said composition. The method for treating the surface of the anodized micro-pore aluminum tag for forming indicia thereon commences by applying the composition to the surface. Excess of the composition from the surface is removed to leave composition resident in said micro-pores. The composition in the micro-pores then is at least partially cured. A laser then can create the indicia by blackening the composition in the micro-pores.

Abstract: An anti-forgery method and anti-forgery products using micro-holes or pits are disclosed. The micro-holes or pits are formed in a respective protective pattern on each protected solid article. This random distribution of the micro-holes or pits has a predefined measurable distribution characteristic providing corresponding information that is registered, and used to identify the distribution of micro-holes or pits in the protective pattern on each protected solid article. Because the distribution of the micro-holes or pits formed in accordance with the invention is highly complex and randomly generated, it is unique and cannot be reproduced. Therefore, the effectiveness of the anti-forgery method is highly reliable and, unlike other methods, it is applicable to certificates and bills.

Abstract: An anodized micro-pore aluminum tag bearing indicia thereon wherein the micro-pore anodized aluminum has its micro-pores filled with the cured reside of a composition, which contains silicone resin having pendant groups selected from one or more of methyl groups or phenyl groups. The composition in the micro-pores was cured to a degree effective for marking by blackening thereof with a, e.g., CO2, laser beam, in the form of indicia thereon. The surface of the tag preferably is substantially free of said composition. The method for treating the surface of the anodized micro-pore aluminum tag for forming indicia thereon commences by applying the composition to the surface. Excess of the composition from the surface is removed to leave composition resident in said micro-pores. The composition in the micro-pores then is at least partially cured. A laser then can create the indicia by blackening the composition in the micro-pores.

Abstract: Individual glyph frames for providing simple data blocks that may be read individually. A frame is usually on the order of ⅙th of an inch in size and can be used as a pointer to anywhere on the page or can contain a small piece of data such as the page or form number.

Abstract: A method of forming a label for displaying information includes providing a release liner having an upper surface. A discrete patch of leaflet adhesive is applied to the upper surface of the release liner. The leaflet adhesive patch has an end edge. A leaflet is provided having a bottom panel and a top panel overlying and connected to the bottom panel along a fold line. The leaflet is applied to the release liner and the leaflet adhesive patch such that a first portion of the bottom panel overlies the leaflet adhesive patch and a second portion of the bottom panel adjacent the fold line extends beyond the end edge of the leaflet adhesive patch.

Abstract: A device for laminating labels disposed upon a continuous strip of liner. The device includes a plurality of spindle structures for supplying a continuous strip of protective film and the continuous strip of liner to a laminating structure which adheres the continuous strip of protective film to the continuous strip of liner over the labels disposed thereon to form a single continuous strip of laminated liner. The laminating structure has a drive wheel with a plurality of teeth arranged upon the surface of the drive wheel so as to engage a plurality of tractor feed holes formed into the continuous strip of the laminated liner. The drive wheel rotates to bring the continuous strip of laminated liner into contact with a plurality of laminate cutting blades that rotate in registration with the drive wheel so as to cut the protective film in registration with the labels disposed upon the strip of liner.

Abstract: A form is provided for attaching portions thereof to a mailpiece for shipping of the mailpiece by a special service. The form consists of two special service designation sections. The sender may desire to send an article by one of the two special services. The form provides a choice for the sender with regard to the type of special service desired. Detachable parts are provided on a sheet for subsequent attachment to the mailpiece or shipping item following printing thereof. The form includes a number of adhesively backed label sections and a return postcard section for selective attachment to selected areas of a mailpiece or shipping item to identify the mailpiece or shipping item and simplify the task of designating special services for a particular mailpiece or shipping item. The form is designed so that information unique to the mailpiece, such as the identification of the sender and addressee and special handling requests, can be printed on one side of the form only.

Abstract: Methods are provided for forming a label product made up of first and second types of labels formed integrally together in which the first type includes primary information to be used on a first type of substrate and the second type includes secondary information to be used on a second type of substrate.

Abstract: A method for encoding, on an imprintable medium, identification information for identifying the imprintable medium in a manner detectable by a print-monitoring system includes the steps of defining an identification pattern. The identification pattern is imprinted on a print control region so as to be relatively inconspicuous to an unaided human reviewer of the printed matter while remaining detectable to a print monitoring system. The method includes the step of imprinting, at a plurality of locations in the print control region, a plurality of bit characters detectable by the print control system. The spatial distribution of the bit characters encodes information about the identity of the document.

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.

Abstract: A promotional display structure has a plurality of elongate strips of stiff but bendable material assembled in a pack with their obverse and reverse faces alternating in the pack, the first face having textual display including promotional matter and in some cases also cartoon matter, the second face having illustrative cartoon matter and in some cases also promotional matter, the pages of the pack being releasably connected at one end of their elongation, for example by gumming or other form of binding, and being readily detachable by hand from the remainder of the pack. One or more lines of weakness may be formed in the strips, for example by perforation or crimping, to facilitate folding of a part of the strip against the remainder of the strip, and a releasable fastening may be provided to retain that part in the folded condition. There are also provided a method of forming the promotional display structure, and a method of disassembly thereof.

Abstract: There is a problem: At a gathering, individual identical pieces of drinkware of different users are indistinguishable from each other. Consequently, they are misidentified and one person mistakenly picks up the drinkware of someone else. Band devices, each with a unique aspect that distinguishes an individual piece of drinkware, are wrapped around a portion of individual pieces of drinkware. The individual pieces of drinkware so identified with a band device are each unique, and thus the individual pieces of identical drinkware are distinguished.

Abstract: Printed matter has printed informational content. This refers to the content of a given document which is relevant to the intended reviewer, e.g., the printed text of the letter or pictures. According to the invention, the printed matter also, however, comprises a print control symbol. This symbol is located at a predetermined position on the printed matter, which is separated from the printed informational content. The print control symbol is hidden such that it is not apparent to a reviewer of the printed matter and encodes information concerning the printed matter such as sequencing information, which is relevant to the printing system during printing and mailing, for example.

Abstract: A metal layer cleared by contact with a chemical clearing agent to reveal an underlying graphics layer is at least partially covered by a buffer material that delays contact with the clearing agent. The buffer material can be applied in a pattern that forms a temporary image in the metal layer prior to more completely revealing the underlying graphics layer.

Abstract: Methods for detecting fraudulent documents utilizing a plurality of fluorescent snippets on the document with other encryption data printed thereon with visible and invisible inks that becomes bright when subjected to certain light. The system combines visible and invisible data that is encrypted, totaled and when subjected to a algorithm will match a selected component of said data.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plastic card comprises the steps of providing a sheet of lenticular lens material; coating the back side of the lens material with a vinyl resin base; printing the back side of the lens material with a composite lithographic image; coating the back side of the lens material with an adhesive such that it can adhere to a sheet of plastic which serves as the back of the plastic card; and laminating the sheets together.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for organizing large amounts of photographs and for readily identifying storage volumes and their contents. Multiple binders are used in a series to store photographs. Each binder has photograph-receiving sheets for storing the photos to be viewed. Each binder in the series has information pertaining to the yearly span, date, family surname, subject matter, or other information to identify the material in the particular binder and in the series of binders to index the information into a readily usable form. Rapid increases in efficiency of indexing and usefulness of the photo albums is achieved by the orderly attachment of information to the pictures, binders, and series.

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 apparatus that produces shaped and laminate articles and recovers the excess material or flash as a part of the manufacturing process. The apparatus uses a combination of rotary die and anvil roller assemblies in successive multiple stations to cut and separate each raw material into final product portions and recyclable flash portions as each raw material enters the apparatus. The apparatus separately reclaims each raw material flash portion and delivers the flash of each material in a recyclable form to an auxiliary recycling operation. In recovering the flash, the apparatus does not adversely affect the speed or quality of production of the final shaped or laminated product. To ease removal of the flash, the apparatus applies lubricant to the blades of the rotary die. To avoid damage to web material, the apparatus uses vacuum belts to convey the web material and web product through the apparatus.

Abstract: A coupon card assembly (10) having a first card half (12) and a second card half (14). Both the first (12) and second (14) card halves include a liner (20, 26) and two layers of card stock (22, 24, 28, 30) sandwiching the respective liner (20, 26) therebetween. A number of mini-coupons (36) are detachably cut into each of the card halves (12, 14) through an inner layer of card stock (24, 30). The card assembly (10) is characterized by a living hinge (40) interconnecting the first card half (12) with the second card half (14) to define a dual coupon card assembly (10) wherein the first card half (12) may be folded upon the second card half (14). The subject invention provides a structurally sound coupon card assembly (10) with numerous mini-coupons (36) wherein the coupon card assembly (10) may be folded to form a relatively compact card preferably the size of a standard credit card.

Abstract: The invention refers to a advertising and marketing coupon used in the field of the commerce with products and services. The advertising and marketing coupon is made of a base coupon [1], a plurality of detachable affixed tickets[D′] and a detachable affixed universal ticket [E′] all made of a material suitable to be imprinted. The front side of the base coupon [1] comprises: an identification zone [A] where the denomination [A ZONE or A], the identification number of the coupon [COUPON NO. . . .

Abstract: A photograph-personalized card for seating attendees at a social function, such as a restaurant sit-down retirement dinner, in which the cards are positioned at the possible 2-5 tables being used for the occasion, and thus distinguishes these tables from other tables being used by other diners. The attendees are instructed that the cards, being rectangular in shape, can be used as bookmarks, thus contributing to a keepsake value.

Abstract: A method for deterring forgeries and authenticating signatures placed on any document or other object (collectively “Item”) is disclosed. A first two dimensional bar code or forgery-proof diffraction grating pattern or similar information bearing medium (Electronic Fingerprint or “EF”) is issued to a person whose signature is being protected (“Principal”) by a central registrar (“CR”). A personal identification number (“PIN”) which has been assigned by the CR to the Principal is encoded on the EF. The PIN remains constant and is encoded on all EFs distributed to the Principal.