Abstract: A vehicle identification and locator card for vehicle parking and servicing establishments includes an upper portion made of paper board and a lower portion made of synthetic paper. The outline of an ignition key tag is die cut in the lower synthetic paper portion, which retains its strength when wet. The lower portion has a backing of either a dry release laminate patch or a polyester reinforcing tape.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to validating and providing physical objects. In one implementation, a physical object includes a first digital watermark carried thereon. The first digital watermark includes a first plural-bit message representing at least a reduced-bit representation of a biometric corresponding to an authorized bearer of the physical object. The physical object further includes semantic information carried thereon. At least a portion of the semantic information corresponds to the authorized bearer of the physical object. In another implementation, an apparatus is provided to validate physical objects. In some cases the objects include identification documents.

Abstract: A business form particularly adapted for generalized use, although it may be used in a medical or hospital environment includes in a first embodiment a wristband that is provided with a face stock imaging area and an overlying laminate portion with each having one or more cinch slots through which the free end is inserted for securing the wristband about a person's appendage. The labels and the wristband may each be imprinted with identifying indicia such as bar coding and the form is laid out to be arranged in a continuous, relatively narrow, web for convenient processing through a thermal printer. A second embodiment of the invention includes a self laminating wristband similar in construction to other embodiments and comprised of a layer of face stock and a laminate, with the laminating portion having its overlapping half adjoined at the end of the first lamination portion instead of at its side.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a printing system for printing identification cards with durable full-color images using an inkjet printing device. In general, the present invention provides an inkjet printing device that is used to print images on a plastic identification card. The images are printed reversibly on a transparent media. The transparent media is then laminated onto a plastic card with the side with the images being adhered to the card. As a result, the images are viewed as being printed correctly on the transparent media. Further, the images are protected on one side by the transparent media itself and on the other side by the plastic card.

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

Abstract: A business form particularly adapted for use during medical emergencies includes in a first embodiment a wristband/label assembly that is readily separable from a carrier, with the wristband including a single end for looping around a victim's appendage through a cinch and a tab carrying a plurality of labels with the wristband and each label having an identifying indicia such as a bar code printed thereon. The wristband bar code thus becomes associated with the victim and the labels are used to identify items associated with the patient such as his possessions, medical charts, medicines, etc. The wristband may be color coded so that as the medical personnel triage victims they are categorized by color as to their need for medical care, with the color coding thus being readily ascertainable by others as multiple victims are processed.

Abstract: In a method of forming an ink-receptive card substrate, an ink-receptive material is provided. The ink-receptive material includes a backing layer and an ink-receptive coating on a surface of the backing layer. Next, a card member is provided. Finally, the ink-receptive material is laminated to a surface of the card member with the ink-receptive coating facing the surface of the card member. This results in the bonding of the ink-receptive coating to the surface of the card member. Additional embodiments of the present invention are directed to devices that are configured to perform the above-identified method.

Abstract: A business form particularly adapted for use in a medical or hospital environment includes in a first embodiment a wristband assembly that is readily separable from a carrier comprised of a layer of face stock and a laminate, with the wristband including a printable face stock region die cut into the face stock and a strap portion, a laminating portion, and a cinch die cut into the laminate layer. The laminating portion includes two halves which fold together about a fold line to enclose the face stock, with the strap portion extending from one of said halves. The cinch may be located in one of two locations, either in an extension from the other side of the face stock or intermediate the face stock and the strap portion. In either case the cinch comprises a slot through which the strap portion is inserted and then adhered to itself after its length has been adjusted by the medical professional.

Abstract: A card and business form assembly and method for making same. The assembly includes a printable carrier sheet having a card that is releasably attached to the sheet by a backer.

Abstract: A business form particularly adapted for generalized use, although it may be used in a medical or hospital environment includes in a first embodiment a wristband that is provided with a laminate backing including a tab portion at the opposite end of a free end, with the tab portion having a cinch slot through which the free end is inserted for securing the wristband about a person's appendage. Several self adhering labels are provided inboard of the tab and may be individually separated from the wristband. The labels and the wristband may each be imprinted with identifying indicia such as bar coding. A second embodiment of the invention includes a page sized form with one or more self laminating wristbands readily separable from a carrier with each wristband comprised of a layer of face stock and a laminate, with the wristband including a printable face stock region die cut into the face stock and a strap portion, a laminating portion, and a cinch die cut into the laminate layer.

Abstract: A printable form is disclosed having a first layer including a detachable portion in the form of a wristband with an incorporated electronic identifier. A second layer is bonded to the first layer by an adhesive and has labels die cut into it. The bond between the first layer and the die cut labels is a releaseable bond allowing the labels and the adhesive contained thereon to be removed from the first layer.

Abstract: An article of sports memorabilia having collectable attractiveness attributes is disclosed wherein common and personalized attributes are displayed on an article such as a home plate, tee shirt, glass or picture. The common attributes indicate the name of a stadium or field, a team, and a team player striking or kicking a sport ball such as a baseball, football or soccer ball. The personalized attributes indicate the name and address of a person or entity for whom the article is personalized, and the number of feet between the stadium or field, or home plate or other location on the field, and the address of the person for whom the article is personalized. A logo “From Our Home To Yours” on the article indicates the personalized distance between the field or stadium and the personalized address.

Abstract: A method of making a printed identification card core, a printable sheet for manufacturing cores for laminated identification cards and a core for a laminated identification card. The method includes the steps of extruding polyethylene onto one side of a release film, laminating a porous, printable polyolefin film to the polyethylene side of the release film, die cutting the polyolefin film and the polyethylene film to form rectangular bodies each having a die cut transversely extending fold line dividing each of the rectangular bodies into two identically sized rectangular panels, printing on the porous, printable polyolefin film within said panels, removing a rectangular panel from the release sheet and folding the rectangular body about the fold line to locate the printed polyolefin surfaces on the exterior of the core. The core so manufactured can be inserted into a laminatable pouch and laminated to the core to form a tamper resistant identification card.

Abstract: A business form with an integrated label and/or fold-over card is provided. The form includes a form layer having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a periphery, at least one die cut though the top and bottom surfaces within the periphery of the form layer defining at least one portion of the form layer within the die cut, and an adhesively but removably secured patch layer. The patch layer may be secured over the entire die cut and form layer portion to form an integrated label intermediate, or half of the patch layer may be secured over the die cut and form layer portion to form a fold-over card intermediate. In both embodiments the adhesive layer remains on the bottom surface of the patch when the label or card intermediate is removed from the form. By avoiding the use of any release materials, liners, layers and coatings, the remaining form layer is completely recyclable.

Abstract: A document and card holder has a semi-rigid backing element. Flexible transparent sheets are mounted on the front and back sides of the backing element. Side and bottom edges of the transparent sheets are attached to the side and bottom edges of the backing element to form pouches for retaining documents and cards. Some of the pouches are formed by transparent sheets mounted over or directly on pouches which are mounted directly on the backing element. The pouches are made of different sizes to accommodate different size documents and cards. Bias cuts are formed in the tops of pouches to facilitate the installation and removal of documents and cards. Two backing elements having pouches installed thereon are hinged together so they can be folded over each other.

Abstract: A holder for a carrying and displaying a variety of travel related documents. The holder has clear pockets where the travel related documents placed therein are easily accessible by the user, easily viewed by security and boarding personnel, and the documents securely retained both within the holder and by an attachment means to the traveler. The document holder may be configured with a variety of pockets, each pocket being coverable with a flap. The holder may be worn about the traveler with a lanyard directly attached to the document holder.

Abstract: A genetic identification card having read only memory (ROM) for storing identity related information, a microcircuit, a magnetic recordable strip and an incorporated capsule adapted for storing a biological sample of the individual. The card is waterproof and may include a laminated or printed photograph, developed fingerprint, point of contact telephone number, magnetic recordable strip, and capsule containing a sample of biological origin. The identification system facilitates the production of a permanent identification card containing information necessary to positively identify a human being. The system will also include a means to check and verify the identity of the card owner through DNA sampling and testing.

Abstract: An identification badge assembly for identifying products and employees. The identification badge assembly includes a holder assembly including a support member having a main wall, and also including a pouch being attached to a front side of the main wall, and further including writing utensil holders being attached to the front side of the main wall, and also including an eyeglass support member being attached to the main wall; and also includes a neck strap being attached to the support member and being adapted to be worn about a user's neck; and further includes an identification card having a front side and also having indicia displayed upon the front side thereof; and also includes product samples including pills and capsules being attached to the front side of the identification card.

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

Abstract: An information band for mounting an electrically conductive circuit, such as a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag. The band comprises a base strip and a top strip. A single sheet of label stock can include a plurality of such bands such that the sheet can be passed through a conventional printer to accept printed indicia onto a surface of one or more bands. These bands can be die cut to facilitate individual removal. The top strip can be either integral with the base strip or a separate piece that can be affixed to a surface of the base strip. Once indicia has been printed to the band, the RFID tag may be manually affixed between the base strip and the top strip, where adhesive disposed therebetween secures the RFID tag. The adhesive may be peripherally deposited such that an adhesive-free zone is formed between the two layers so that when the RFID tag is attached, it does not come in contact with the adhesive.

Abstract: A badge device for identifying a person or object is provided. The badge device comprises a card substrate, a photo-luminescent marking applied to the card substrate, and a reflective marking applied to the card substrate.

Abstract: A printable form is disclosed having a detachable wristband and removable labels. The form includes a first layer having a separable area in the form of a wristband which allows the wristband to be separated from the form. A second layer is bonded to the first layer by an adhesive and has labels which are die cut out of the material of the second layer. The bond between the first layer and the die cut labels is a releaseable bond, allowing the labels and the adhesive contained thereon to be removed from the first layer.

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

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

Abstract: A method of charting a race course comprises the steps of applying an adhesive fastener (116-118) on the strip (110) for adhesively interconnecting the first (112) and second (114) ends and disposing a column of marker indicia (120) extending along the strip (110) between the ends thereof with each marker indicia (120) signifying a mile marker along a course. The method includes the steps of forming the station indicia (122) to portray the availability of first aid, a toilet, and/or a prominent landmark along the course. A topographical outline (129) is formed to extend along the strip (110) parallel to the column of marker indicia (120) for indicating variances in elevation above sea level along the course. The back of the strip is formed with a legend and advertising indicia.

Abstract: A uniquely shaped plate may be transmitted through a card printer designed to print on only a card having a standard size and shape. The plate includes a laminate including a card having a sheet of backing material affixed thereto, preferably by an easy release adhesive. For example, the card may have a backing, such as release paper. If the plate is a flexible material, the backing material is a rigid sheet. The standard card is kiss cut through its thickness to form segments having contours for making said unique shape. However, the kiss cut does not cut the sheet of backing material, which continues to hold the segments in place. Therefore, the card retains its standard size and shape so that it may be sent through the card printer with the segments in place. Then, the segments are separated.

Abstract: A system for reducing health-insurance costs including fraud for patients uses an identification card to allow doctors to obtain a patient's medical history. The identification card can either hold the medical history itself or can link the provider to a database containing the medical history. A method of using the card requires the card to be present to bill; this prevents fraud by the provider. A method of using the card requires the card to be matched to a photograph of the user; this prevents fraud by the card holder. The system includes a database of patients. According to a method, the database of patients can be monitored to check the frequency of diseases.

Abstract: An electronic identification tag or card is indicated, which may be equipped with a rupture joint that has a vertical, diagonal, undulated, zigzag, meander-shaped or other type of design or pattern. The electronic identification tag or card may have two sections which may have a mirror-inverted design, and, in which, the same data may stored in the same manner. Integrated, embedded, or implanted memory or microprocessor chips may have the same structure, and one section of the identification tag or card is provided with punched holes for a necklace. Moreover, visually readable data, such as a personal identification number (PKZ), blood type (A Rh+), a nation and name (NN), may be introduced into is both sections. The electronic identification tag or card can be made of a very resistant plastic, glass, ceramic, or a similar material, the particular data carrier or memory device being embedded with or without intelligence in the form of a chip, magnetic strip or hologram.

Abstract: A form with a well has a form layer with a top and a bottom surface and a perimeter, a die cut through the form layer that defines a portion of said form layer within said die cut, a patch layer having a perimeter and top and bottom surfaces, and an adhesive layer that is repositionable and peelable. The patch layer is adhesively but removably secured to the bottom surface of the form layer such that the die cut and form layer portion are entirely within the perimeter of the patch layer. The form has a well, that is created by removal of the form layer portion from within the die cut. The bottom of the well is the top surface of said adhesive layer and the sides of the well are the edges of said die cut. The adhesive layer has a greater affinity for the patch layer than the form layer portion such that when the form layer portion is removed from the form, the adhesive stays adhered to the patch layer. Articles such as photographs may then be inserted into the well.

Abstract: An identification card that carries information about an implant, medical device or prosthesis associated with a holder the card. The card includes a substrate that carries a computer-generated representation of a name of the holder; a type or name of the implant, medical device or prosthesis; characteristics of the implant, medical device or prosthesis; a place and date on which the implant, medical device or prosthesis was implanted, installed or given to the holder; and a surgeon or medical profession that implanted, installed or provided the implant, medical device or prosthesis to the holder. A computer implemented system for generating the cards is also provided.

Abstract: A form comprises a cellulosic sheet having a perforation defining a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may define either a card or alternatively a label, and is impregnated with a waterproofing polymerizable composition. The first portion is preferably resistant to water, and is receptive to inks. As such, user variable indicia may be applied anywhere on the sheet including the first portion. For applications requiring a label, an adhesive and liner ply may be applied to the back of the sheet. The liner ply includes a release coating in register with the first portion defining the label, such that, upon removing the label from the sheet, a substantial portion of the adhesive remains with the label.

Abstract: A form that incorporates either a label or card such that the form can be reliably printed on by the end user and manufactured less expensively. The integrated label form includes a top printable substrate and a liner substrate mated together by an adhesive. The top printable substrate serves at least partially as removable portions capable of being reapplied. Weakened lines of substrate may be provided to define removable portions on the top printable substrate. The form also may include a similar printable substrate mated to the other side of the liner by adhesive. Weakened lines of substrate also may formed in the second substrate to define removable portions. The integrated card form includes a printable substrate and a first and second laminate mated to the substrate and together by an adhesive. Weakened lines of substrate and first laminate define an integrated removable portion capable of being held in the form by the second laminate and easily removed manually when desired.

Abstract: The invention concerns a tamper-resistant and indelible method for marking objects, in particular labels, providing marking with good contrast and enhanced visibility. Said method is essentially characterised in that the marking is carried out in two operations: integral marking, i.e. in the thickness of the object; surface marking; said surface marking being superposed on the integral marking. The invention also concerns a marking label.

Abstract: A multi-layer, multi-web, laser printable, form with an identification band blank comprises a multi-layered web die cut with a first paper label portion for receiving a printed image and an adhesive backed transparent film layer approximately twice the width of the paper layer so that upon separation from a carrier, the transparent film may be folded over and completely encapsulate the paper layer to moisture proof it and protect it. The transparent film layer includes a pair of adhesive backed tabs at the ends to facilitate its attachment about a patient's wrist or ankle. Multiple wristbands, or identification band blanks, are included on the same sheet to provide a form that is particularly suited for a pediatric admission. In an alternate embodiment, a panel is die cut into the transparent film layer so that upon separation of the wristband from the form, the panel remains adhered and it pulls away to form a window.

Abstract: A thin flat plastic card, which is colored in the form of a rectangular configured card. With front and back surfaces, made of a flexible material so that it can be bent. An anti-fraud credit card that is of the utmost simplicity, ease of use and minimum cost to make. A card that uses ones telephone number and address as its numbers, to prevent misuse of the credit card.

Abstract: A uniquely shaped plate may be transmitted through a card printer designed to print on only a card having a standard size and shape. The plate includes a laminate including a card having a sheet of backing material affixed thereto, preferably by an easy release adhesive. For example, the card may have a backing, such as release paper. If the plate is a flexible material, the backing material is a rigid sheet. The standard card is kiss cut through its thickness to form segments having contours for making said unique shape. However, the kiss cut does not cut the sheet of backing material, which continues to hold the segments in place. Therefore, the card retains its standard size and shape so that it may be sent through the card printer with the segments in place. Then, the segments are separated.

Abstract: A laminated product is provided including a carrier sheet, a polymeric film ply, a polymeric card ply, and a radiation-curable laminating adhesive. The polymeric film ply is secured to the carrier sheet and extends over a cut-out portion formed in the carrier sheet. The polymeric card ply is positioned within the cut-out portion. Either the film ply, the card ply, or both, are transparent to electromagnetic radiation. The radiation-curable laminating adhesive is positioned to secure the polymeric card ply to the exposed ply portion and comprises a bonding agent, a monomer, an oligomer, a tackifier, and a photocatalyst. The bonding agent is present in a quantity sufficient to improve the bonding characteristics of the adhesive composition. The monomer is present in a quantity sufficient to (i) increase the flexibility of the adhesive composition, and (ii) increase the tendency of the adhesive composition to release substantially cleanly from a surface to which it is bonded.

Abstract: An identification unit for checking and/or access authorization of a person includes a representation of the person and of personal data as visually readable alphanumeric data and/or machine readable codes. The identification unit includes a unitary woven product of at least two woven sections, wherein a first woven section includes a specific woven image for visually representing the person, wherein a thread pattern on a visible side of the first woven section simultaneously has a code function which may be machine readable. A second woven section includes at least one of a woven text and woven code with data which relate to the person and/or determine a validity range of the identification units.

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: A chain of custody form with an associated wireless (e.g., RFID) chip results in data being monitored and filed electronically, minimizes the need for a multi-part form and results in reduced consumable costs to the customer. Samples are no longer lost in transit or within a testing laboratory, as the RFID chip allows for complete tracking of the specimen. Positive location identification is always available. All data may be tracked using the RFID chip which may prompt the collector or other custodian to correctly enter data. The chain of custody is always accurate and is never broken. All data may be shared with all parties electronically including, for example, an employer, a collection site, a medical review officer, a third party administrator, etc. No re-keying of the information is necessary, eliminating multiple steps, reducing the potential for error, and providing increased efficiencies and decreased processing time at reduced costs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly which includes a display card-forming section and an identification card-forming section. The identification card-forming section includes a first backing sheet and contains an identification card backing region. Further included is a first adhesive layer, a first release layer joined to the first side of the backing sheet and to the first adhesive layer except at the identification card backing region where there is an opening in the first release layer, and a transparent lamination sheet. The transparent lamination sheet has a first side, joined to the first adhesive layer.

Abstract: A multi-layer, multi-web, laser printable, form with an identification band blank comprises a multi-layered web die cut with a first paper label portion for receiving a printed image and an adhesive backed transparent film layer approximately twice the width of the paper layer so that upon separation from a carrier, the transparent film may be folded over and completely encapsulate the paper layer to moisture proof it and protect it. The transparent film layer includes a pair of adhesive backed tabs at the ends to facilitate its attachment about a patient's wrist or ankle. Multiple wristbands, or identification band blanks, are included on the same sheet to provide a form that is particularly suited for a pediatric admission. In an alternate embodiment, a panel is die cut into the transparent film layer so that upon separation of the wristband from the form, the panel remains adhered and it pulls away to form a window.

Abstract: An article of manufacture associated with a celebrity includes a collectible item, a relic fragment, and a certificate of authenticity. The relic fragment is formed from a relic associated with the celebrity. The collectible item is joined with the relic fragment. A unique identifier is assigned to the relic fragment. The certificate of authenticity attests to the authenticity of the relic fragment and includes the unique identifier.

Abstract: An information tag is secured to an article worn or carried by a user and provides identification information about the user in a cost-effective and reliable manner. The tag includes a plurality of layers including a body and a protective layer. The body has a top surface and an opposing bottom surface. The protective layer includes a domed upper surface and a substantially planar lower surface that is attached to at least a portion of the body top surface. At least one opening extends through at least one of the body and the domed protective cover. The tag body bottom surface provides identification information about the user.

Abstract: A multi-layer, multi-web, laser printable, page-sized form with an identification band blank comprises a multi-layered web die cut with a first paper label portion for receiving a printed image and an adhesive backed transparent film layer approximately twice the width of the paper layer so that upon separation from a carrier, the transparent film may be folded over and completely encapsulate the paper layer to moisture proof it and protect it. The transparent film layer includes a pair of adhesive backed tabs at the ends to facilitate its attachment about a patient's wrist or ankle. The band blank web is joined to a second multi-layer web with an overlapping glued joint, the second multi-layer web having a plurality of adhesive backed labels die cut into it.

Abstract: A laminator for laminating sheets of lamina onto substrates such as cards uses a web of lamina material that preferably has a bondable and printable layer on the reverse side and can then be printed with information and laminated onto a blank card. The web also preferably has a series of spaced transverse lines of reduced strength so the web can be separated into individual sheets of lamina by creating a tension in the web across the transverse line of reduced strength.

Abstract: A transactional control system, a promotional system, and a redemption system including a set of a card and a removable and reusable label. The removable and reusable label having a first side printed with indicia thereon, and a second side coated with a reusable adhesive layer suitable for affixing the label to either a first or a second planar side of the card. The label, printed with a registration indicia thereon, can be removed from the transaction card without leaving residue on the card and can be affixed to a registration form for registration of a holder of the transaction card. Alternatively, the label printed with a redeemable coupon indicia thereon, can be removed from a promotion card and affixed to a transaction receipt for associating a particular transaction with the redeemable coupon. In another embodiment the label is printed and scored to form individually removable segments which can be removed from the redemption card and redeemed.

Abstract: A new adaptable luggage identification system and methods for its use is disclosed. The system includes luggage recognition devices including adhesive stickers, tape, firm plastic tags, flexible plastic labels, business card carriers, tags, envelopes and cards, each bearing its own distinctive pattern, which can be affixed to luggage either singularly or in combination to provide a distinctive pattern or combination of patterns. The luggage recognition devices can be used to aid in the rapid identification of individual pieces of luggage, groups of luggage, contents of luggage or any combination thereof.

Abstract: The authenticity attribute for an object to be protected is formed by an elongate profile which produces characteristic oscillations upon scanning with the edge or the tip of a scanning object.

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.