Abstract: Systems and methods for processing distribution items having unique identifiers affixed thereon. The unique identifiers can include computer readable codes and written alphanumeric strings generated by a user. A system receives the unique identifier and requests payment information from a user, and stores an association between the unique identifier and the payment information, and processes the item according to the payment information.

Abstract: A stretchable ink composition comprising a polyester; a polyurethane elastomer; water; a co-solvent; an optional surfactant; and an optional colorant.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a structure constructed by a sheet includes a sheet body. The sheet body has a plurality of enclosed paths. A plurality of slits and connection portions are arranged along each enclosed path. Each connection portion is located between two adjacent slits. The sheet body is flexible. In an extended state, the slits form extended openings. At least one extended opening is a symmetric opening, so that the sheet body is extended to form a structure constructed by sheet. The structure constructed by sheet forms a stereoscopic curved surface, and the plurality of connection portions is located on a plurality of contours of the stereoscopic curved surface.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention would provide shape-customized, value-bearing item labels, such as, for example, shape-customized, postage-indicia-bearing labels and would further provide systems and methods for creating and providing shape-customized, value-bearing item labels, such as, for example, shape-customized, image-customized, postage-indicia-bearing labels. Various embodiments of the present invention would provide shape-customized labels adapted for receiving value-bearing item indicia, such as, for example, postage indicia and would provide systems and methods for creating and providing shape-customized labels, such as, for example, shape-customized, image-customized labels, adapted for receiving value-bearing item indicia, such as, for example, postage indicia.

Abstract: A computerized method for intelligently distributing computer processing of mail piece scan images across a plurality of mail piece scan image processors. The method can include receiving a mail piece scan image from a mail piece scan image job requestor and selecting one of a plurality of scan mail piece scan image processors to process said mail piece scan image. The mail piece scan image can be transmitted to said one of a plurality of plurality of mail piece scan image processors and a mail piece scan image processing result can be received from said one of a plurality of plurality of mail piece scan image processors. Post-processing operations can be performed based on said mail piece scan image processing result. The mail piece scan image processing result can be transmitted to said mail piece scan image processing requestor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surface-treated copper foil capable of imparting the profile shape of the substrate surface after removal of the copper foil, the profile shape maintaining fine wiring formability and achieving satisfactory adhesion of electroless copper plating coating. The present invention also provides a resin substrate provided with a profile shape of the surface maintaining fine wiring formability and achieving satisfactory adhesion of electroless copper plating coating. The surface-treated copper foil of the present invention is a surface-treated copper foil having a surface-treated layer formed on a copper foil, and the surface roughness Sz of the surface of the surface-treated layer is 2 to 6 ?m.

Abstract: A computerized method for intelligently distributing computer processing of mail piece scan images across a plurality of mail piece scan image processors. The method can include receiving a mail piece scan image from a mail piece scan image job requestor and selecting one of a plurality of scan mail piece scan image processors to process said mail piece scan image. The mail piece scan image can be transmitted to said one of a plurality of plurality of mail piece scan image processors and a mail piece scan image processing result can be received from said one of a plurality of plurality of mail piece scan image processors. Post-processing operations can be performed based on said mail piece scan image processing result. The mail piece scan image processing result can be transmitted to said mail piece scan image processing requestor.

Abstract: Labels that may selectively provide signaling are shown. In one example, a fluorescent signaling section of a label may be perforated and may be mechanically removed from the main portion of the label to selectively provide a label that does not emit a fluorescent signal. In another example, a thermal printer is used to quench a fluorescent section of a label so that it does not emit a fluorescent signal.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention would provide shape-customized, value-bearing item labels, such as, for example, shape-customized, postage-indicia-bearing labels and would further provide systems and methods for creating and providing shape-customized, value-bearing item labels, such as, for example, shape-customized, image-customized, postage-indicia-bearing labels. Various embodiments of the present invention would provide shape-customized labels adapted for receiving value-bearing item indicia, such as, for example, postage indicia and would provide systems and methods for creating and providing shape-customized labels, such as, for example, shape-customized, image-customized labels, adapted for receiving value-bearing item indicia, such as, for example, postage indicia.

Abstract: Embodiments include luminescent materials and associated production methods. The material includes a crystal borate having a first substitutable element, neodymium substituted for the first substitutable element at a first substitution percentage of at least about 20 percent, and ytterbium substituted for the first substitutable element at a second substitution percentage. The material also may include chromium substituted for a second substitutable element. The material also may include a medium within which particles of the borate are incorporated. The medium, with the luminescent material particles, may form a security feature of an article. Embodiments of methods for identifying whether such a luminescent material is incorporated with an article include exposing a portion of the article to excitation in a chromium absorption band, and determining whether a detected emission produced by the article as a result of the excitation indicates an ytterbium emission after termination of the exposing step.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide image-customized postage labels, and systems and methods for providing image-customized postage labels, in rolls adapted for high-speed application to mail pieces. The output of the exemplary systems and methods of the present invention is one or more exemplary rolls of liner-backed, self-adhesive, image-customized postage labels per an order placed by a customer. Each of the exemplary rolls comprises a label roll core and an exemplary length of liner-backed, self-adhesive, image-customized postage labels rolled around the label roll core.

Abstract: Postage stamp assembly includes a backing substrate having a front face and indicia relating to a game of chance on the front face, a postage stamp having a printed postage value thereon, and adhesive for removably adhering the postage stamp to the front face of the backing substrate. The indicia relating to a game of chance is exposed only when the postage stamp is removed from the backing substrate. The postage stamps are sold at a price higher than the printed postage value and money from the difference between the printed postage value of the postage stamps and the price thereof forms a pool, at least a part of which is used for prizes for the game of chance. Part of the pool might also be used for a charitable purpose or societal benefit, and an indication to this effect printed on the postage stamps.

Abstract: Pasty ink for the engraved steel die printing process, having a viscosity value above 3 Pa·s, preferably above 5 Pa·s at 40° C., and comprising an infrared absorbing material, wherein said infrared absorbing material is a transition element compound whose IR-absorption is a consequence of electronic transitions within the d-shell of transition element atoms or ions.

Abstract: A moiré pattern display sheet defined by a surface is described. A first layer has a pattern printed thereon. The pattern includes a series of visual elements in a first row that have been distorted at least in a first direction. The series of visual elements is generated from an electronically saved file of vector based graphics. A light steering optical layer overlaying the first layer. The light steering optical layer comprising a plurality of optical features which change the direction of the light and thereby provide a depth effect of the series of visual elements to a viewer looking through the light steering optical layer.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and hardcopy document are provided. The method provides for separating and categorizing documents and includes receiving a scanned batch of documents. The batch includes a plurality of scanned documents to which document separator stamps have been applied before scanning. Each document separator stamp includes first and second machine recognizable patterns applied on a same page of a document, the first and second patterns being spaced by a designated field for receiving a user-applied category code. The scanned batch of documents is processed to identify pages that contain a document separator, the processing including identifying at least one of the first and second spaced patterns. For each of a plurality of document pages for which a document separator is identified, the method includes locating the corresponding designated field and identifying the category code associated with the designated field.

Abstract: A postage payment label is provided which includes a substrate having an image provided thereon and a postage mark. The substrate and the image are able to transmit light of one or more first wavelengths (e.g., infrared or ultraviolet light) while the postage mark is able to absorb or reflect light of the one or more first wavelengths. Moreover, the image that is provided on the substrate is able to absorb and/or reflect light of one or more second wavelengths (e.g., visible light). Accordingly, when the image is illuminated with light of the one or more second wavelengths (e.g., visible light), the image conceals a portion or all of the postage mark. The postage mark (or relevant portion thereof), however, may be viewed when the image is illuminated with light of the one or more first wavelengths and not illuminated with light of the one or more second wavelengths.

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide for distributed printing of personalized postage indicia are shown. Embodiments facilitate printing of personalized postage indicia at various distributed printing locations, such as user sites, retail locations, consumer kiosks, etc., while implementing techniques to avoid widespread availability of live (e.g., active or representing postage value) postage barcodes, prevent printing of fraudulent postage indicia, and/or preventing approved images from being replaced with unapproved images in printed postage indicia. Embodiments facilitate distributed printing of personalized postage indicia through implementation of a technique wherein a manufacturer, such as a postage service provider or a postal authority, provides a centralized print of unassigned tokens on postage stock. The unassigned tokens are configured or otherwise able to form a complete postage indicia when appropriate personalized content is associated therewith.

Abstract: A signaling label for use in postage payment evidencing is described including a luminescent signaling section having a primarily green fluorescent ink coating. In one configuration, a primarily green fluorescent ink includes approximately 12 weight percent of a pigment selected from the quinazolinone class of pigments mixed with an acrylic varnish base to provide a primarily green fluorescent signal having with sufficient red fluorescent response to a short UV excitation to trigger a USPS facing system is described.

Abstract: A label assembly that includes a face sheet with at least one label shape defined by one or more tearable lines of separation, a back sheet adjacent to the face sheet, and an adhesive material disposed between the face sheet and the back sheet. The back sheet has a removable panel disposed over the label shape adhesive material and a registration structure aligned with the label shape. The registration structure is raised or raisable above the back sheet to allow an object for labeling to be positioned against the registration structure for proper alignment with the label. Once positioned against the registration structure, the object can be rolled over the adhesive coated back of the label to apply the label to the surface of the object.

Abstract: A method for increasing adhesion between a security element (e.g., a security strip or band) and a fibrous sheet material such as paper is provided. Also provided by way of this invention is a security element laminated to one or more activatable adhesive films, a fibrous sheet material having such a laminated structure contained on or within a surface thereof, or at least partially embedded therein, and a document (e.g., a security document such as a banknote) made from such a fibrous sheet material.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical label for placement on a medicinal container, the label includes a front printing face having an adhesive backing and a length that is substantially greater than a perimeter of the medicinal container. The adhesive backing covers substantially an entire area of a backside of the front printing face. A backing sheet liner covers the adhesive backing. The front printing face has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a length corresponding substantially to the perimeter of the container. A border is between the first portion and the second portion. The border defines the length of the first portion. The backing sheet liner has a liner score line formed therein corresponding to the border for removing the backing liner from the first portion and for defining an intact portion of the backing liner on the second portion. The second portion projects from the container when the first portion is attached to the container.

Abstract: A printable and imprintable multi-component form is described that features detachable components including a correspondence piece, an envelope, and a variable element. The multi-component form is formed from two plies of material such as paper, plastic, foil, or paperboard. The correspondence piece can be a greeting card or a post card. The variable element can be a scrip, a customizable component, e.g., a wallet-sized photograph, or a product stamp. The scrip can be any non-monetary certificate exchangeable for currency, goods, or services including, for example, a gift card or a gift certificate. The assembled envelope can be used to mail the correspondence piece and variable element to a recipient. The detachable components can be separated from one another and from the sheet of material of the form at a plurality of lines of separation such as perforations.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide image-customized postage labels, and systems and methods for providing image-customized postage labels, in rolls adapted for high-speed application to mail pieces. The output of the exemplary systems and methods of the present invention is one or more exemplary rolls of liner-backed, self-adhesive, image-customized postage labels per an order placed by a customer. Each of the exemplary rolls comprises a label roll core and an exemplary length of liner-backed, self-adhesive, image-customized postage labels rolled around the label roll core.

Abstract: A label including a main section forming a blank label section and including a fluorescent signal section on the blank label section. The label is adapted to have an indicium subsequently printed on the blank label section by a printing device without the fluorescent signal section substantially interfering with reading of the indicium on the label.

Abstract: In the image forming apparatus, a plurality of pages of data are reduced and created as collected data, and specific information corresponding to a sheet of print medium is created. The collected data and the specific information are edited in a data editing section and transmitted to a printing section. Even when a plurality of the pages of data is printed in a sheet after reduced, the specific information is printed on non-reduced condition, thus making it possible to print the specific information which is easily distinguished.

Abstract: The present invention relates to printing inks for the intaglio printing process, also referred to as engraved steel die printing process. In particular, oxidatively curing inks comprising a combination of fusible wax and a UV curing binder component are disclosed. These inks can be printed on a standard printing press, and, through a short UV irradiation after printing, allow to significantly reduce or eliminate the undesired set-off which can occur after printing and stacking the printed sheets. Using the inks of the present invention results in less set-off contaminated printed sheets, allowing for a higher pile-stacking of the printed good, for the use of increased engraving depths, of a more challenging intaglio design, and for the printing on less porous substrates, whilst enabling the printing on a standard printing press, and offering the possibility of using a lower printing plate temperature.

Abstract: A printable postage sheet includes a plurality of substantially equally sized preprinted postage labels arranged in a matrix of n rows by m columns, where n and m are integers. The plurality of preprinted postage labels are symmetrically arranged in the printable postage sheet with respect to a first axis and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. Preprinted indicia on each of the preprinted postage labels are preprinted on generally the same location on all of the preprinted postage labels. The preprinted indicia are all oriented in a same orientation relative to the sheet. A printable area of each preprinted postage label is positioned on the label such that when indicia are printed on one or more of the preprinted postage labels, the indicia are positioned within the printable area irrespective of a right side up or upside down feeding orientation of the printable postage sheet into a printer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for thermally cancelling postage and a thermally cancellable picture postage stamp for use therein. A picture postage stamp is disclosed wherein the design and postage information are affixed on thermally reactive paper. Alternatively, the indicia may be comprised of thermally reactive inks or dyes. Cancelling a thermally cancellable picture postage stamp is accomplished with a heat source such as a cancellation write head. Hidden text of code can be embedded in the thermal paper and the cancellation mark can be any indicia or information that can be generated by a thermal print head. Cancelling the thermally cancellable picture postage stamp may also be accomplished manually with a pointed instrument or any semi hard edge such as a pen cap, ring or fingernail.

Abstract: A custom postage has an artwork region and an adjacent cancellation region that includes a meter mark. The artwork region contains an original image having a top edge adjacent to the cancellation region. The custom postage may be placed onto an item of mail with a delivery address thereon, with the custom postage oriented to the upper right of the delivery address and with the image in a vertical orientation relative to the delivery address. The custom postage may be offered for sale as a fundraising effort, optionally via a website. The website may also include a social citizenship program and/or it may promote literacy.

Abstract: A value document, in particular a postage stamp, which contains an optically recognizable security element in the form of a two-dimensional structure. Accordingly, the security element has a resolution of at least 300 dpi which makes it difficult to electronically reproduce the security element and therefore protect against the production of counterfeit postage stamps.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a combination stamp and advertising booklet. Particularly, a combination postage stamp and advertising booklet having dimensions of paper currency so that it can be readily placed in the till of a checkout register for easy dispensing thereof by the cashier. Each page of the booklet may include one or more removably attached stamps and one or more forms of advertisement, thereby exposing the potential customer accessing the stamps to the advertising material located on the page and adjacent pages. This configuration minimizes the risk that the advertising material will be overlooked or discarded by the consumer.

Abstract: A postage stamp includes digital information that can be played by the recipient of the letter or parcel bearing the stamp. The information can be digital in format and can be pictures, audio and/or a video presentation that the country issuing the stamp wishes to disseminate.

Abstract: A postage sheet includes a face sheet adhesively bonded to a release liner. The face sheet includes a removable internet stamp having a diecut perimeter. A visible security indicium is disposed on the front side of the stamp and has a different color than the face sheet, and is not reproducible by photocopying.

Abstract: A method includes establishing a coded representation of postage stamp values using luminescence wavelength bands, and producing postage stamps with luminescence characteristics so that each of the postage stamps indicates the respective value of the postage stamp in accordance with the coded representation.

Abstract: An on-line VBI printing system that includes one or more cryptographic modules and a central database. The cryptographic modules are capable of implementing a variety of required security standards. A client system provides a user friendly GUI for facilitating the interface of the user to the system. The GUI system includes wizards that help the user step-by-step with processes of registration, logging into the system, and printing the VBI. In one aspect, the invention describes an on-line system for securely printing an advertisement on a VBI.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus, system, and method for postage stamp generation. The apparatus includes print module configured to print a customized image or text based stamp, and a communication module for receiving verification from a server. The apparatus may include a creation module for creating an image or text based stamp, and a selection module for selecting a stamp from a pre-approved selection of stamps. In one embodiment, the apparatus may comprise a personal computer configured for postage stamp generation. Alternatively, the apparatus may include handheld electronic devices, notebooks, or the like. The system may comprise the apparatus, a verification server, and a printer operatively coupled to the apparatus. The method comprises selecting or creating a stamp, sending the stamp to the server for verification, receiving verification, previewing the stamp, purchasing the stamp, and printing the stamp.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing an information-based indicia program (IBIP) postage in a computer printing subsystem is disclosed wherein a third-party word processing software with mail merge capabilities generates text and a matching address as the input for a client application in high-volume document processing and mail systems without programmatically altering the word processing program to accommodate the printing subsystem. Addresses are validated and corrected in the printing subsystems prior to creation of the indicia image and address image to be printed on the mailpiece.

Abstract: A postal assembly and method of making the assembly. The assembly includes an official postal product have a designated area which is modified so as to provide a desired visual affect with an personal image that is to be placed in said designated area.

Abstract: A method of assuring integrity of a personal information in a data base containing personal information provided by multiple users uses in various embodiments physiological identifiers associated with each of the users. Related systems are also provided.

Abstract: A method for positioning an indicium for printing on substrate. The indicium can be an IBIP type indicium and the substrate can be the surface of an envelope. The substrate has printable and complementary unprintable areas and a reserved clear area where printing is possible but unacceptable. The unprintable area is determined as function of printer characteristics and substrate dimensions. If the indicium overlaps the reserved clear area the indicium is modified by shifting portions of the indicium with respect to each other so that none overlaps the reserved clear area.

Abstract: An official postal product, and a method and apparatus for making the official postal product. The official postal product includes a first image area having an official postal indicia a second image area having a personal image. A protective coating is placed over the second image area such that official cancellation mark placed over the second area will not permanently adhere to the personal image.

Abstract: A form is provided for printing mailpiece information relating to mail handling for attachment to a mailpiece as well as a method for preparing a mailpiece for delivery by a special service. The form may have sections that may be removably secured to a backer and may be capable of receiving printed information regarding a sender, recipient, or mailing service. In addition, the form may receive various types of electronic postage accessed via the internet, for example. After mailing information is printed on the form, the section may be removed and secured to a mailpiece.

Abstract: A postage meter system includes a postage meter and a data center. The postage meter is registered to a specific customer at a designated location for printing a postal indicium on a mail piece. The data center is remotely located from the postage meter and includes a locator application and a customer account file corresponding to the postage meter. The customer account file includes specific customer identification data and designated location data. The postage meter enters selective operative communication with the data center via the internet for establishing a transaction session.

Abstract: In the attribute detection apparatus in the system of the present invention, an inputted image is transformed by DCT means to extract an estimation value of the embedded electronic watermark data in frequency space. Then, the statistical similarity between known electronic watermarks and the extracted electronic watermark data are calculated. The attribute change apparatus in a system of the present invention comprises a selector, an insert data register for storing the output of the selector, a brightness register for storing the brightness signal of the inputted image, a color difference register for storing the color difference signal of the inputted image, and adder for adding the output of the color difference register and the output of the insert data register. Here, the selector selects one of the insert data stored in a plurality of memory areas on the basis of the attribute inputted from attribute detection apparatus.

Abstract: A distribution unit is formed from a plurality of postage items, each of the postage items having a tracking number printed thereon. The distribution unit includes a machine readable tracking identifier indicative of the tracking number printed on the postage items which form the distribution unit. A machine reader is provided for reading the machine readable tracking identifier as the distribution unit is distributed and for determining the tracking number therefrom. A computer system receives the tracking number from the machine reader and stores in a memory the tracking number along with a time and date the distribution unit was distributed.

Abstract: A security label having one or more security elements is used on or in association with items, such as consumer products, that have value and are susceptible to counterfeiting. The security label is preferably used as a primary label directly affixed to the item or product. The security element(s) can be affixed to an outer or inner label surface, embedded within the label film or paper layer and/or laminated between two or more layers. One type of security element includes a security thread having indicia formed thereon that are not easily reproduced or duplicated. Another type of security element includes a machine-readable security element that provides encoded machine-readable verification data.

Abstract: Postal stamps are steganographically encoded with plural bit data. This data can represent information such as value, or zip code. Or it can serve as a pointer to a remote data repository, where additional information is stored.

Abstract: A limited edition stamp and method for printing limited edition stamps from a plurality of different printers and locations. The limited edition stamps each having a unique ID not visible under normal viewing conditions. The unique ID number is allocated to different printers by a single computer that is communication with all of the printers.

Abstract: A method for printing a large invisible luminescent bar code on a mail piece addresses the problem of obscuration of modules by printed text such as the address. The bar code is printed large enough so that the line width of the characters is substantially less than the module size of the bar code components. Overprinting does not then completely obscure any module and so the bar code is still readable. The readability is especially enhanced by the high contrast of the luminescent image. When a fluorescent bar code is viewed under UV illumination, the bar code emits fluorescence in the areas of printed modules without text overprinted. Because the modules are wider than the text line width, the text does not completely obscure any module. The contrast of the bar code is reversed in fluorescence—that is, printed areas emit light.

Abstract: A postage sheet includes a face sheet adhesively bonded to a release liner. The face sheet includes a removable internet stamp having a diecut perimeter. A visible security indicium is disposed on the front side of the stamp and has a different color than the face sheet, and is not reproducible by photocopying.