Abstract: The present invention is a card for displaying information and a method for making the same. The present invention includes printing the desired information in reverse onto a transparent piece of silicon coated vinyl. The vinyl is then fused to a plastic substrate sealing the printed ink between the vinyl and the plastic substrate and allowing the ink to leach into, and permanently mark, the plastic substrate.

Abstract: A personal information packet to be carried by a child or other person to provide identification and relevant information to authorities in the event of an emergency comprises a folded information card bearing personal information on the shielded inwardly folded side of the card sealed within a transparent plastic envelope to secure the card against outward view of the personal information and against unauthorized removal of the card without breaching the sealed integrity of the envelope. A notice is printed on the outward side of the card to alert authorities that personal information is contained within the packet and a broken line shows authorities where to cut open the packet without obliterating the information.

Abstract: A system for marking a plurality of separate electrical wires and electrical outlet locations in electrical construction wiring between a circuit breaker panel and a plurality of outlet boxes pursuant to a wiring diagram, including a marker carrier for carrying a plurality of separably adhered markers, a first set of wire markers comprising a first plurality of pairs of separable wire markers distinctively coded in a first manner and divided into a second plurality of subsets with wire markers of each subset further distinctively coded in a second manner, and a second set of outlet box markers comprising a corresponding second plurality of separable box markers distictively coded in the first manner, and further distinctively coded in the second manner. A method for installing electrical wires using the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forestalling counterfeiting is disclosed which allows a counterfeit document to be identified relatively easily by an average person. The present invention employs a fluid jet applicator to record a unique, random pattern on each of a set of documents (e.g., paper currency, corporate or government bonds or any other document or important paper). Thus, a fluid jet applicator is controlled to produce a truly unique pattern on a set of original documents. Any counterfeiter who merely copies one (or a number) of the genuine documents would be left with a plurality of identical (i.e., non-unique) documents which may then be readily identified by a recipient as not being genuine.

Abstract: A garment indicia strip and method for size labeling a pair of folded pants. A strip of flexible material has indicia repeatedly printed along a first major surface thereof. The indica are printed using symbols having a height no greater than the width of an edge of said folded pants. A second major surface of said strip has a pressure sensitive adhesive material bonded thereto. In use, the second surface of the strip is affixed to a pair of pants at a predetermined position whereby sizing information of said pants can be determined by reading said strip when said pants are folded.

Abstract: An autographed photograph of a baseball player or other person and method of making the autographed photograph. The autographed photograph has a standard photograph and has a signature sheet affixed to the standard photograph. The signature sheet is at least one of a plurality of separable clear flexible plastic material sheets having an adhesive layer on a back surface thereof to attach to any memento.

Abstract: An applique for affixation to a surface of a video game cartridge. The applique is a thin profile sheet so that, when it is affixed to the game cartridge, it does not appreciably alter the dimensions of the cartridge. The applique is provided with a first side on which indicia is printed and spaces are provided where information can be recorded with respect to the highest score achieved by a player playing the game. The first surface of the applique can be plasticized so that information can be written in the appropriate locations and erased once a particular high score is surpassed. An opposite side of the applique is provided with an adhesive to effect affixation of the applique to the game cartridge body.

Abstract: A coupon redemption card and tracking system includes a credit card size redemption coupon card used by the customer, and a tracking sheet used by the redemption center such as a restaurant. The redemption card has a plurality of mini coupons, which can be peeled off individually. Each redeemed coupon is affixed to the tracking sheet, which has dimensions of a dollar bill so that it can be placed in the till of a cash register. The tracking system facilitates the accounting and inventory of redeemed coupons. The coupon card is formed as two laminated layers of special paper joined together by a layer of adhesive material, and a layer of clear plastic film on the top face of the card. The base layer is fabricated from a special paper. An adhesive coating is applied to one side of the base layer. The peel off coupon layer is affixed to the adhesive coating. The finished layered sheet is printed on both sides, die-cut on the coupon side, and then laminated with the film on the other side.

Abstract: A data processing system, and method combine two alphanumeric data streams into a single bar code representation. Storing a first conversion table converts a first sequence of alphanumeric characters into a corresponding sequence of first bar code characters having character widths modulated in a first direction. A second conversion table converts a second sequence of alphanumeric characters into a corresponding sequence of second bar code characters having character heights modulated in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The system outputs a composite bar code sequence to represent both the first and the second sequence of alphanumeric characters.

Abstract: A method of coding gifts including a set of stickers all with one symbol which are attached to gifts with a card given to the child identifying the symbol and indicating that all gifts with that symbol belong to that child. Clue cards are used to allow the child to locate the identifying card and colored filter decoders are used to uncover the symbol on camouflaged stickers.

Abstract: A system and method for automated processing of articles include a plurality of storage units separated by aisles through which customers can pass to select articles for processing. The selected articles are identified by tags applied thereto from identification record members provided to the customers, and are placed on conveyors located adjacent to the storage units for transportation to a checkout station where they are collected, their prices are totalled, and payment is made. The articles are then further transported to a plurality of bagger stations where they are bagged and released to the customer after verification that payment has been made.

Abstract: An article is disclosed for displaying a machine readable character having a predetermined location for receiving a manually marked character and an indicia which is not machine readable formed at the predetermined location. The indicia is formed in a guide pattern capable of being selectively traced manually with a machine recognizable marking material in a plurality of differing traced conformations over respectively differing portions of the guide pattern for selectively producing a corresponding plurality of differing machine readable characters. The guide pattern of the indicia may be arranged for selective formation of the traced conformations in the form of differing numerals or letters.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling a small child to easily and reliably place his shoes on the correct feet. At least one of the toenails from the child's right foot is painted with a first color from a first bottle of paint, and at least one of the toenails from the child's left foot is painted with a second, contrasting color from a second bottle of paint. A stick-on label having said first color is removed from a first paper strip and applied to the inside of the child's right shoe above the heel thereof, and a stick-on label having said second color is removed from a second paper strip and applied to the inside of the child's left shoe above the heel. The child then matches his right shoe to his right foot, each being marked with the first color and his left shoe to his left foot, each being marked with the second color.

Abstract: A print verification method and apparatus verifies the integrity of information printed on a document. The information to be verified is printed on a document in a first color. Desired information is printed on the document in a second color which is different from the first color. The desired information is printed directly above the information printed in the first color. It is detected whether any of the information printed in the first color is exposed following printing of the desired information in the second color. If any of the information printed in the first color is detected to be exposed, an indication is made that improper printing has occurred. If, however, no information printed in the first color is exposed following printing of the desired information in the second color, it is verified that proper printing has occurred.

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

Abstract: An alphanumeric color-coded filing system comprising a plurality of coded labels of different sizes having visually-perceptible characteristics corresponding the specific alphanumeric information and a folder having a front and back cover. The back cover has a unitary flap extending substantially the entire length thereof outwardly of the corresponding edge of the front cover, and the flap has a unitary tab extending outwardly therefrom along a portion of its length. The flap including the tab is marked with a plurality of placement guides corresponding in size to the front section of the labels. The placement guides on the tab are all the same size for guiding placement of labels of the same size. The tab defines a location for the placement of primary information, while the remaining portions of the flap defines locations for the placement of supplemental information.

Abstract: An emergency medical data card for private individualized and convenient creation and the process of making thereof that can also be provided in a kit form so that individuals can create their own emergency medical data card. The emergency medical data card is created by initially providing a blank form that includes indicia having individualized, personalized information, such as name, address, and a series of medical indicia information that includes lines from each word so that an individual can fill in the particular information required, along with particular boxes that can be checked. The letter size form is then reduced a predetermined amount so that its size ultimatey is slightly smaller than a credit card which conveniently fits in a wallet. The sheet, once reduced, is then attached to a blank rigid plastic card that does say "Emergency Medical Data" on it permanently, all of which can be laminated together.

Abstract: A set of drinking cups is provided with a series of individual identifying indicia, which serve to distinguish one cup of the set from another. The indicia may be printed or otherwise applied to the cups. The indicia may also be hidden as the cups are supplied, to be revealed when a mask is removed therefrom.

Abstract: A device for uniquely recording a vehicle parking lot location including a printed card identifying a parking location having a plurality of parking areas. A like plurality of characters are on the printed card with at least one character representing a corresponding one of the plurality of parking areas. A friable removable mask covering is associated with each character such that the friable mask is easily removed from over the character designating a particular parking area in which a vehicle is parked.

Abstract: A method and articles by which registered lost personal acessory items such as keyrings containing keys can be returned by U.S. Mail to their owner without compromise of security, consisting of an identification tag with a unique barcode indicia or similar identifier, a registration card with identical barcode and owner-written address information requiring no transcription, and a central registry capable of entering, storing, and retrieving one from among an unlimited number of registrations by laser and computer technology, with separate, redundant storage methods for registry protection.

Abstract: Art objects are authenticated by using a pair of sealed radioactive sources emitting identical gamma ray spectra unique to that pair. One of the sources is attached to a particular, assigned art object. The surface of the other source is engraved with information relevant to the identity of the particular art object. At a late date, the gamma ray spectra of both sources are obtained and compared, and if they are identical, the art object is authenticated.

Abstract: Stamps such as postage stamps, fee stamps, etc., involve the problem of being machine testable with respect to their position on the carrier and their authenticity, and of assuring that they can only be used once. A stamp is proposed with characterizing printing thereon and an adhesive layer for attaching it to a carrier, said stamp containing a machine-testable marking material suitable for automatic processing, the marking material being provided in the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A composition for rendering materials fluorescent substantially without visible trace comprises an organic fluorescent compound dissolved in a solvent characterized by a boiling point or distillation range at atmospheric pressure of between about 12.degree.-35.degree. C. The preferred composition comprises fluorescent azoles, such as 2-(o-Hydroxyphenyl)benzoxazole, 2-(o-Hydroxyphenyl)benoxazole, and derivatives thereof dissolved in volatile halocarbon solvents, such as Fluorotrichlormethane, 1,1-Dichloro-1-Fluoroethane, and 2,2-Dichloro-1,1,1-Trifluoroethane. The resultant product is particularly suited for marking currency, papers, fabrics, and other porous webs and surfaces. Treated surfaces appear normal in white light, are highly fluorescent under UV light and feature excellent transfer of the fluorescent compound to fingertips and other surfaces in direct or glancing contact.

Abstract: A label for marking an article for identification and description includes a sheet of material such as paper or vinyl having one surface coated with an adhesive material, and at least one closed peripheral cut formed through the sheet defining the external boundary of identification and descriptive indicia. A method for marking an article for identification and description includes making at least one closed peripheral cut through a sheet of material in selected portions of the sheet to define the external boundary of identification and descriptive indicia, adhesively attaching the closed peripheral cut out portions of the sheet to a surface of the article, and covering the closed peripheral cut out portions and an area of the article surface beyond the external boundary of the closed peripheral cut out portions with a covering material thereby producing a three-dimensional image of the closed peripheral cut out portions.

Abstract: There are disclosed herein methods and systems for affecting the accounting functions of debiting and crediting a bank's account records, a payer's bank account records and a corporation's accounts receivable records with their customer's payments, and are based upon the combination of data from two or more sources to prepare an integrated document comprising an invoice (bill) and a negotiable instrument, usually a bank check. These documents form an integrated document and contain all necessary pre-printed machine readable data and are combined to effect a variety of multi-function transactions. By combining all of the required data elements in a single document at the time of initial preparation of the integrated document, including an accounts receivable invoice and the payer's check, the requirement for subsequent redundant, labor intensive processes are eliminated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of protecting a philatelic item for alteration, which philatelic item bears a mark identifying an expert or owner of the item and possibly an additional distinguishable mark specific to the philatelic item. The invention further relates to a method of preventing fraudulent reuse of stamps.

Abstract: Apparatus useful in preventing or reducing risks of transmitting an infectious disease, primarily AIDS, or genetic disorder, comprises identification means such as a personal card bearing identity particulars of a first participant and security feature(s) and a storage medium such as a certificate or data based, bearing legible or retreivable test result data concerning the particular defect. A second participant consults the result before permitting intimate contact or accepting a donation of blood, body tissue or similar material.

Abstract: A protective label form and carrier is disclosed which includes a carrier (A) having individual label forms (B) carried horizontally spaced on the carrier. Each label form (B) includes a first panel (C) and a coplanar panel (D) which pass between a platen of the printer in a single plane. A label (K) is releasably carried by panel (C) and is printed. As the labels pass continuously through the printer, serial printing of serial numbers and other matter is easily done. Once printed, the individual label forms (B) are removed, panel (D) folds over panel (C) by means of a hinge (F) provided by plastic film attached to a backside (34) of panel (C). A perforated marginal tab (G) separates from plastic film (E) to expose an adhesive alignment margin (26). Adhesive margin (26) adheres to the left margin of panel (C) so that plastic film (E) is evenly overlaid over label (K) as panel (D) is peeled off by pulling tab (G).

Abstract: An antitheft security system is disclosed for automotive, marine, and other valuable personal articles such as objects of art and valuable collectible objects. A dealer/installer is provided with equipment comprising a main unit having a memory, a keyboard for data entry, and a visual screen for monitoring the data entry procedure and also for displaying to the dealer the precise locations on the article where it is to be marked. The unit randomly selects different marking locations on the article by calling up form its memory a programmed universe of several hundred possible marking sites for each particular type of item. An image of the item is displayed on the visual screen, which indicates the exact location where each marking is to be made. The security codes are applied by a portable hand-held marking head containing an electrostatic, noncontact ink jet spraying nozzle which invisibly microprints a unique, classified security code in a dot matrix format of alphanumeric characters onto the surface.

Abstract: A process for serially index-marking a system of publications for filing paginated and non-paginated publications for the system comprises imprinting directly one or both faces (11, 12) of marker members (10) or imprinting a label (20) to indirectly apply the field information to a marker's face or faces. Each of the marker members having a primary field and/or at least one sub-field on at least one marker's face. The primary field (25) and sub-field (26) comprising at least one pair of readable indicia elements being mutually corresponding in each field. Each machine readable imprinted marker member for a certain publication is differentiated from other publication markers for the same publication and different publications for the system by assignment of different pairs of readable indicia to each marker member being peculiar to and representative of each marker.

Abstract: An apparatus for visual logging of programs recorded on videocassettes includes a plurality of log sheets including a plurality of adjacent identical recording time areas representing consecutive recording time intervals on a videocassette. A plurality of markable program description labels each have an area corresponding to a preselected recording time interval, whereby information about a recorded program can be marked on a program description label corresponding in size to the duration of the recorded programs. The program description labels are attached on the recording time areas of the log sheet corresponding to portions of the videocassette on which programs marked on the recording time areas are recorded, respectively by means of "magnetic" transparent adherent plastic film sheets. The log sheets provide a visual representation of the portions of the videocassette on which identified programs are pre-recorded and portions available for recording other programs.

Abstract: A form including user modifiable fields and an encoded description of the location, size, type, etc. of the fields allows direct programming of a form interpreter. Other information including the processing of the form, encoded data, etc., may be included in the encoded information. A system for creating forms carrying an encoded description of selected attributes of the fields includes means for selecting or creating fields and locating the fields on a form while generating, substantially simultaneously, the encoded description of the selected attributes. A form composer then allows merging of the form and its encoded description for printing or electronic transmission. A system for reading such forms includes a scanner, decoding device, and processor. By reading such forms, data may be entered into or recalled from a data processing system, or a form interpreter may be programmed, locally or remotely, for subsequent handling of forms.

Abstract: A system for identifying a lost pet and locating its owner includes a central clearing house and a pet collar or tag having a telephone number and a unique code number imprinted thereon. Information about the pet and its owner is stored at the central clearing house under the unique number and is retrievable in response to a telephone call from a finder of the pet.

Abstract: An airline luggage tag and jacket therefor and method wherein a central claim check is removable leaving a generally U-shaped remainder, this U-shaped remainder having arm portions that are equipped with slits for capturing the remainder of the tag when the tag is looped around the handle of a piece of luggage, the check having transversely extending ears for insertion into slits in the jacket.

Abstract: A label formed of a plastic film having a mottled background on its lower surface, which is covered by a layer of adhesive and a backing strip. The label has an invisible identifier on its upper surface which becomes visible when a marking pen is applied to it and the excess material around the identifier is wiped away.

Abstract: There are disclosed herein methods and systems for affecting the accounting functions of debiting and crediting a bank's accound records, a payor's bank account records and a corporations's accounts receivable or balance forward records with their customer's payments, and are based on the ability of a payment coupon with appropriate payor's authorization and necessary pre-printed machine readable data to create a variety of multi-function transactions. By combining all of the required data elements in a single payment coupon document at either the time of preparation or at the time of receipt of the payment coupon by the corporation, the requirement for subsequent redundant, labor intensive processes are eliminated.

Abstract: A label-log having pairs of sheets wherein the upper sheet has peelable labels and the two sheets constituting a carbonless system whereby information indicia as to sender, recipient, date and the like when entered on the upper sheet is permanently recorded on the lower sheet.

Abstract: An admission ticket is designed to increase both the betting interest and attendance by the public at a parimutuel event such as a horse race. The ticket includes a pass stub used to gain entry to the parimutuel event and a wagering stub which may be exchanged for a bet at the parimutuel event. Preferably, the pass stub and wagering stub are printed on a single piece of paperboard material and are separated by a perforation line. The wagering stub includes a concealed wager and a concealed means for limiting the use of the wager by a patron at the parimutuel event. The method of the invention includes a step of printing an admission ticket to a parimutuel event with a wager being awarded to a patron and a means for limiting the use of the wager by the patron.

Abstract: There are disclosed herein methods and systems for affecting the accounting functions of debiting and crediting a bank's account records, a payer's bank account records and a corporation's accounts receivable records with their customers's payments, and are based upon the combination of data from two or more sources to prepare an integrated document comprising an invoice (bill) and a negotiable instrument, usually a bank check. These documents form an integrated document and contain all necessary pre-printed machine readable data and are combined to effect a variety of multi-function transactions. By combining all of the required data elements in a single document at the time of initial preparation of the integrated document, including an accounts receivable invoice and the payer's check, the requirement for subsequent redundant, labor intensive processes are eliminated.

Abstract: For issuance of travelers' checks, the checks themselves are provided, as is a record sheet containing validation stamps, in serial number order, corresponding to the serial numbers on the issued travelers' checks. In order for a check to be negotiable, a matching validation stamp must be affixed to the check. Removal of each validation stamp from the record sheet provides a tally of unused checks.

Abstract: A fingerprint sensitive pad is disclosed for affixing a fingerprint to a document. The pad includes a base sheet adhesively attached to the document. The base sheet, which may be reflective, has an adhesive-like coating which receives the fingerprint image when a finger is pressed upon it. The pad has a hinged cover, which removably adheres to the adhesive-like coating to protect the fingerprint image.

Abstract: Security papers according to the invention comprise opposed surfaces for the provision of printing to identify a document formed from the paper, and positioned at least partially between the two surfaces of the paper as a public security feature a security device of not more than 5 mm width, which device comprises a flexible, water-impermeable substrate with a layer of metal on one or both sides of the substrate, there being present on one side of the device a continuous metal path along its length, wherein said device has metal-free portions of between 10% and 50% of the area of the device, said metal-free portions along the length of the device providing a repeating pattern, design, indicia or the like with at least some of the metal-free portions across the tranverse direction of the device being wholly surrounded by metal. The metal-free portions may provide characters of a language, such as letters of the English alphabet.

Abstract: An optically-readable identity card has an inner core layer of material which inhibits light from the optical reader from passing through the body of the card. The inner core material is a plastic vinyl colored either black, gold, silver or any metallic color.

Abstract: Methods for preventing or reducing the likelihood of successful alteration of information printed on a document, wherein a detectable substance is released from ruptured microcapsules onto the document in image areas. The substance penetrates through the document to form a confirming image on the reverse surface. Another detectable substance of lesser penetrating ability simultaneously may be released onto the document in the image areas. Spreading of the first substance outside the boundaries of the image area created by the second substance may produce a halo effect around the image area. Documents as treated by the methods are disclosed, as well as articles comprising a document to be treated in contact with a sheet coated with the detectable substance. The first substance is microencapsulated, the second substance may or may not be microencapsulated.

Abstract: A label for marking an article for identification and description including a sheet of material such as paper or vinyl. In one embodiment, selected closed peripheral portions of the sheet material are removed from selected areas of the sheet defining identification and descriptive indicia. One surface of the sheet is coated with an adhesive material for attaching the label to a substrate. In another embodiment, at least one closed peripheral cut is made through the sheet defining the external boundry of identification and descriptive indicia.

Abstract: The invention relates to marking of industrial products or individual parts thereof by burnt-in alphanumeric symbols and/or company symbols. To be able to apply in a space-saving and cost effective way a machine-readable, informationally identical additional coding, this additional coding is applied, integrated in the symbol, in such a way that distinctly deeper burnt-in locations, which are in themselves machine-detectable, are arranged along the trace of each and every symbol at several predetermined places distributed in a manner individual to the symbol. The deeper burnt-in locations may take the form of a blind hole, for example in the case of cast workpieces, or of a through-hole, for example in the case of sheet metal components. The additional coding can be applied in the same operation as the basic marking without noticeable time loss and without requiring additional space.

Abstract: A method of marking an article or substrate with a mark or device which is made visible or is enhanced on exposure to U.V. light which comprises printing onto the article or substrate a photochromic ink containing a photochromic compound which is reversibly converted to a colored form on exposure to U.V. light and reverts to a substantially colorless form in the absence of U.V. light and applying a superficial protective layer to said mark or device which protects the phototochromic compound against degradation by atmospheric moisture and oxygen. In addition the invention includes a security device in the form of a label, document or card which incorporates a mark or device which is partially or wholly invisible in light which does not contain a U.V.

Abstract: A system for verifying the authenticity of documents such as negotiable instruments wherein a field of photoactive microcapsules is provided in a localized area on the document. By image-wise exposing the document, a latent image of a verification meand such as a signature, fingerprint, or the like can be produced on the document which can be instantly developed upon rupturing the microcapsules to verify the authenticity of the document when it is presented.

Abstract: A document security article is disclosed in which a light polarizing element is contained within a flexible sheet element. A region of the light polarizing element is exposed at a window at both faces of the sheet element and optionally at a further window at one face of the sheet element. Folding the article to align the windows produces cross polarization between the exposed regions of the light polarizing element.

Abstract: A credit card system for providing verification of authority of a credit card bearer to use the credit card for a credit transaction. Initial authorization of card use is given to the authorized user upon selection by the user of one of a set of supplemental characters appearing on the card as the authorized user's private identifier. Presentation of the card at a point of sale initiates a check of this private identifier against a supplemental character identified by the presenter of the card as his/her private identifier.