License Plates Patents (Class 40/200)
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Publication number: 20030182829Abstract: A front and/or rear plate-holder (1) for vehicles in general is provided with at least a supporting means (6, 6′, 8, 8′, 8″), either integral or fastened to said plate-holder and containing at least a seat (7) for the containment and fastening of apparatuses or devices (3), positioned on the outside of vehicle. The supporting means (8″) may be integral or fastened to an external frame (11) of standard size for the coupling to the plate-holder.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2002Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventor: Giuseppe Simonazzi
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Publication number: 20030182828Abstract: A mounting kit for securing a license plate removably to a vehicle includes a pair of fasteners having a tapered screw thread shank, a hand-turnable fastener head, and a grommet captured between the head and the screw thread portion. The grommet is installable in an associated fastener opening of a license plate to capture the grommet within the fastener hole and in turn to capture the fasteners within the grommet, while enabling the fasteners to be turned relative to the grommets and license plate for releasably mounting the plate on the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventor: Tyson Schmidt
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Patent number: 6628209Abstract: A vehicle identifier having a substantially flat carrier with at least one labeling field and an identification to identify a vehicle. The identification is applied on the at least one labeling field. An electronic data carrier carries data associated with the identification and is mounted on the identification carrier. The data are at least readable by a reading device in a contact-free manner. A process for manufacturing a vehicle identifier includes, in a first step, adhering an electronic data carrier carrying data associated with an identification to identify a vehicle to a protective covering. Furthermore, the electronic data carrier is applied onto an identification carrier such that the electronic data carrier is sandwiched between the protective covering and the identification carrier.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2000Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: Siemens AGInventor: Bernhard Rother
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Patent number: 6594926Abstract: A decorative and durable vehicle license plate cover is a flat, rigid, relatively thick, mar-resistant plate of optically transparent stable plastic, such as acrylic plastic. The plate has a solid body, with a front surface, a rear surface and sides interconnecting the front and rear surfaces. At least one and preferably all of the sides slope at about 30-60 degrees forwardly from the larger area rear surface to the smaller area front surface. The sloped sides are smooth and light reflective to enhance the appearance of the cover. Spaced holes are drilled or otherwise formed in the perimeter of the front surface and extend to the rear surface for attaching the cover to a vehicle license plate. The plate includes at least one of laser etching or engraving and printed indicia. The laser etching is disposed on the front and/or rear surface and/or interior of the plate.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 1999Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Inventor: Edward J. Wujciga
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Patent number: 6556337Abstract: A device and system for selectively obfuscating the specific indicia of at least one of a vehicle's license plates having a tinting plate that is capable of becoming opaque upon the input of energy and that fits over the indicia on the vehicle's license plate, a regulation means that controls the energy input into tinting plate, and an attachment means for attaching the tinting plate to the front of a vehicle's license plate.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2002Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Inventor: Michael D. Wright
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Patent number: 6519882Abstract: License plate frame structure with knockdown decorative articles for shading the screws for locking the license plate frame. The license plate frame structure includes a license plate frame and multiple decorative articles. The license plate frame body is formed with several locating holes in each of which a locating plate is locked. Each of the decorative articles is composed of a decorative cover and a pivot plate locked on inner face of the decorative cover. The pivot plate is such connected with the locating plate that the decorative cover is permitted to be turned and opened within a certain range of angle and locked with and located on the license plate frame. The decorative articles can be easily replaced without being damaged. Also, the decorative articles are designed with various patterns to shade the pivot plate and locating plate and achieve a decorative and beautifying effect.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2000Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: Janchy Enterprise Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shun-Tian Shuen
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Patent number: 6364994Abstract: A method of protecting an informational article including providing an informational article substrate having a zone for inserting variable information and a refractive image disposed within the zone, inserting the information in the zone so that at least a portion of the information is over the image, and securing a transparent tape having a write-resistant exposed surface over the information. The image resist photocopy duplication of the article and the write-resistant exposed surface resist alteration of the information.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1996Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: Applied Opsec, Inc.Inventor: Yoram Curiel
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Patent number: 6324778Abstract: A flexible plastic license plate-like panel for bonding to a motor vehicle with a pressure sensitive adhesive. The panel has a main, approximately rectangular, area on which the conventional license numbers and letters are printed, with an area above or below that area for purchaser personalized information provided. The panel has a central extension extending beyond the top of the approximately rectangular area for stickers showing information such as state identification, or month, year of expiration, etc. One of the front and back surfaces of the panel is coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive. Where the adhesive is on the back, the panel will be bonded to the vehicle bumper or other exterior part. Where the adhesive is on the front, the panel will be bonded to the inside surface of a window, to be visible from outside the vehicle. A security strip may be formed by using a strip having a different tack across the adhesive coated surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1999Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Inventor: Robert Gall
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Publication number: 20010023009Abstract: To provide a retroreflective sheet which is suitable for co-molding by injection molding or the like, wherein the retroreflective sheet can be laid within a mold and molded with a resin to form a molded product, and, after molding, the sheet retains a significant portion of its reflection luminance and appearance as compared with the reflection luminance value before molding.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2001Publication date: September 20, 2001Inventor: Yutaka Mori
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Patent number: 6243977Abstract: A knockdown license plate frame. The frame includes upper, lower, left and right members which can be freely assembled as desired in order to improve the appearance of a license plate of a motorcycle or a car.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1999Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Assignee: Janchy Enterprise Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shun Tian Shuen
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Patent number: 6221496Abstract: To provide a retroreflective sheet which is suitable for co-molding by injection molding or the like, wherein the retroreflective sheet can be laid within a mold and molded with a resin to form a molded product, and, after molding, the sheet retains a significant portion of its reflection luminance and appearance as compared with the reflection luminance value before molding. A retroreflective sheet used for a co-molding, comprising a metallic reflective layer, a microspherical lens layer disposed as a single layer, and a transparent focal resin layer disposed between the reflective layer and the microspherical lens layer, in which the focal resin layer comprises a mixture of cellulose ester and polyvinyl butyral resin.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1997Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: Yutaka Mori
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Patent number: 6167645Abstract: A license plate bracket includes a pair of resilient hooks for hooking the bracket to the grille of a vehicle. The hooks, in part, replace conventional hardware such as screws and bolts which are incompatible with the thin plastic ribs found on modern vehicle front grilles. The entire bracket, including the hooks, can be formed as a one-piece plastic molding.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventors: David J. Gasko, Paul A. Martin, Michael N. Fisher
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Patent number: 6158154Abstract: The present invention is a locking device having a renewal sticker theft prevention window locking device that is applicable for license plates which display such renewal stickers in any corner of the license plates. The license plate locking means has the lock shackle positioned such that it would not be readily attachable or exposed to cutting such as by a hacksaw or other cutting device-that is the lock shackle is protected therefrom by enveloping the shackle in a protected enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1998Date of Patent: December 12, 2000Inventor: Steve Parenti
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Patent number: 6132883Abstract: Powder coating compositions are described containing a blend of ionomers and polyethylene copolymers which fuse at temperatures of about 150.degree. C. or below and are durable, weatherable, solvent-resistant, and thereby provide transparent protective coatings on substrates such as signs, particularly traffic signs and license plates.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 1997Date of Patent: October 17, 2000Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Joseph M. McGrath, Suman K. Patel
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Patent number: 6098855Abstract: A system for mounting a spare tire and a license plate to a motor vehicle includes a tire mounting member having a bracket fixedly attached to a rear surface of the motor vehicle. The system further includes a license plate carrier pivotally connected to the bracket for rotation about a pivot axis. The license plate carrier includes a display portion oriented in a substantially vertical plane and spaced from the rear surface of the motor vehicle. A plurality of threaded shafts rearwardly extend from the tire mounting member for mounting the spare tire thereto. The license plate carrier includes a boss portion for receiving one of the threaded shafts to thereby selectively prevents rotation of the license plate carrier about the pivot axis.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1998Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventors: Norbert E. Grabowski, Joseph M. Geraci, Timothy W. Anness, Carl Mather
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Patent number: 6032983Abstract: An emergency color and tactile coded identification plate comprising a face plate, a clear tamper resistant plastic center, and a back plate is used to control access to and from locations within and around a secured facility. The face plate has configured openings that correspond to configured markings on the back plate such that the configured markings on the back plate fill the configured openings of the face plate when the identification plate is assembled by aligning and bringing the face plate, the clear plastic center, and the back plate into contact with each other to form a single unit. The present invention provides a multiple indicia emergency plate that allows fast identification of the correct key for a specific door in a secured facility that uses both visual and tactile indicia.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1998Date of Patent: March 7, 2000Inventor: Steven S. Lanter
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Patent number: 6006459Abstract: A transparent vehicle license plate cover member having an outwardly projecting curved shape is described exhibiting distinctive performance advantages when mounted on the vehicle. The mounted cover enhances aerodynamic operation of the vehicle while reducing glare when viewing the covered license plate.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 1997Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Inventor: Jerry C. Kosmach
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Patent number: 5875575Abstract: A license plate cover is provided with laser absorptive features. As a laser beam, having a predetermined wavelength which matches the absorptive properties of the plate cover, impinges on the plate cover the laser beam energy is absorbed on a molecular level and converted to heat thereby decreasing or eliminating the reflection of the transmitted laser beam.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 1994Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Inventor: Scott N. Pember
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Patent number: 5870841Abstract: A license plate holder provided with a flat backing plate to which a transparent cover is hinged at the base thereof and which may be readily removable from the backing plate at the top thereof.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 1997Date of Patent: February 16, 1999Inventors: William M. Brody, II, James R. Willis
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Patent number: 5819449Abstract: A protective nonstick cover for a standard automobile license plate having a nonstick surface which is easy to clean, protects the license plate, and enhances and/or improves the appearance of the license plate. The standard license plate is generally rectangularly-shaped and has a front surface with identification characters embossed therein. The protective nonstick cover includes a generally rectangularly-shaped and generally flexible plastic film sized to closely match the front surface of the license plate and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer applied directly to a rear surface of the plastic film. The adhesive layer secures the plastic film to the entire front surface of the license plate to form a laminate. The plastic film and the adhesive layer are transparent when attached to the license plate so that the identification characters of the license plate are visible therethrough. Preferably, the plastic film is an ethylene based unplasticized ionomer film.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 1997Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Inventor: William Molson
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Patent number: 5813640Abstract: Improved devices and methods for mounting a license plate on a vehicle are described. The mounting system of the invention includes a mounting bracket having a horizontal base portion adapted to extend underneath an overhanging portion of a vehicle, such as a bumper or grillwork. The base portion includes cut-outs and tabs, if required, to accommodate mounting to a particular model of truck, automobile or bus or an adjustment system to allow mounting holes to be moved so as to accommodate mounting on a variety of vehicles. Fasteners adapted to interact with holes in the horizontal underside of the portion of the vehicle to which the bracket will be mounted are provided. These fasteners are installed without tools and can be released without tools, if desired. The mounting system can be made either removable by hand or more permanent, being installed by hand but requiring tools and effort to remove it.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1994Date of Patent: September 29, 1998Inventors: Albert C. Koch, Donald C. Gay
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Patent number: 5671556Abstract: A license plate mounting bracket (10) for mounting of at least one license plate (11) thereto including an elongated frame member (12) providing a mounting surface (13) formed for supportably seating the license plate (11) thereon. The frame member (12) includes a mounting groove (16) formed in the mounting surface (13) which is dimensioned for sliding receipt of an enlarged head (17) of a releasable fastener (15). This sliding receipt enables sliding movement along the groove (16) at a plurality of positions when the fastener (15) is released relative to the mounting surface (13). Further, the groove (16) is formed to secure the head (17) of the fastener (15) in a manner enabling tightening of the fastener (15) at the plurality of positions to secure the license plate (11) to the mounting surface (13) at a desired location therealong.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1996Date of Patent: September 30, 1997Assignee: Paccar Inc.Inventor: Robert I. Huntley
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Patent number: 5672381Abstract: A weather resistant sign and a method of printing a sign including the steps of providing a sign component and an image definition, applying dry toner powder to surface portions corresponding to the image definition, and fusing the applied toner. Preferably, the fused toner is protected from weather by a transparent protective layer. A toner composition and a computer program for printing are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: September 30, 1997Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventor: J. Sundar Rajan
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Patent number: 5634670Abstract: Validation sticker mounting system and components for such a system. The components include stickers and substrates adapted in a coordinated manner. The substrates have a surface portion having a recessed segment into which the sticker is to be applied. The stickers, which are adapted for presentation of readable information and bonding to the substrate, have one or more security openings through which a post on the surface of the substrate extends.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1994Date of Patent: June 3, 1997Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Bruce D. Orensteen, Joseph R. Zwack, David L. Meyer
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Patent number: 5587036Abstract: In order to provide, during final production, the raised symbols of reflectorized motor vehicle license plates permanently with paint in the hot-embossing process, and to be able to use therein a narrower and thus less expensive, heat-releasable paint layer provided on a synthetic resin carrier film, it is suggested to create the coloring of the rim already prior to cutting off the blank of the license plate and prior to embossing the plate rim.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1991Date of Patent: December 24, 1996Assignee: Joachim UtschInventors: Joachim Utsch, Gerhard Utsch, Manfred Utsch
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Patent number: 5556686Abstract: Disclosed herein is a street address display designed to provide easier identification of property. The street address display is especially effective at night. The street address display includes a housing with transparent viewing faces, anchoring platforms attached to the housing, figures, and a background used as a mounting surface for the figures. The figures and the background are of contrasting coloration so that the figures can be seen by day as well as by night. The street address display is designed to be mounted directly to a mounting surface, such as a vehicle entranceway, using an anchoring means. The street address display is mounted on the mounting surface proximate to a roadway so that the street address display can be easily seen by oncoming traffic. The placement of the street address display near an adjacent roadway, along with the low profile of the street address display, allows for the street address display to be readily visible in an automobile's low beam headlights.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1994Date of Patent: September 17, 1996Inventor: Christian D. O'Shea
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Patent number: 5494247Abstract: A license plate holding apparatus for securing a license plate on an automobile. The apparatus comprises a holder which is attached to the bumper. The holder has openings at each end, (left and right) where a screw may be secured. Tabs slide along a track in connection with each aperture. The tabs have a smaller opening than the aperture which enable the screw to be secured to the tab. The tabs are spring biased toward the openings so that each tab is in the left and right openings when in the normal position. The tabs are connected by a wire to a central pull ring located in the middle of the holder. The pull ring may be pulled out in order to pull the tabs along the track and away from the openings. This allows the screw to be detached from the openings in order to remove the license plate.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1993Date of Patent: February 27, 1996Inventor: Robert Louder
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Patent number: 5408772Abstract: A rectangular vehicle license plate frame includes side columns which mount printed circuit boards internally. The printed circuit boards mount yellow dot transformers and an integrated chip and light a number of light emitting diodes mounted on the external surface of the columns proportionate to the strength of the signals received. The strength of the signals received is dependent on the output of the respective channels of the vehicle's stereo system to which the printed circuit boards are connected by appropriate wires. Connections to the vehicle's battery provide power for energizing the respective diodes. Thus the license plate frame displays an unlimited variation of patterns in which various numbers of LEDs are illuminated in accordance with the strength of the outputs of the stereo system in rhythmic-like fashion.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1991Date of Patent: April 25, 1995Inventor: Brad M. Pettyjohn
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Patent number: 5370763Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a tamper evident informational article such as a temporary vehicle registration which may be made of paper or paperboard. The informational article has a zone for inserting information and a pattern within said zone which will resist effective counterfeiting. A transparent tape which preferably has a silicone resin coating which contains a wax is adhesively secured over information contained within the zone.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1994Date of Patent: December 6, 1994Assignee: TSL IncorporatedInventor: Yoram Curiel
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Patent number: 5201592Abstract: A reinking color ribbon cassette for a printer is described. The cassette has plural, independent ink ribbons of different colors - such as the primary colors and a black color - and a ribbon feeder for driving only the ink ribbon of a selected color to perform printing through the ink ribbon of the selected color. The ink ribbons can be used repeatedly by feeding their corresponding inks by a color ink feeder. The color ink feeder is constructed of ink tanks, in which inks of the different colors are contained respectively, and ink feeding members. These plural ink ribbons, color ink feeder and ribbon feeder are enclosed within a cassette casing constructed of a lower cover and an upper cover.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1991Date of Patent: April 13, 1993Assignee: Oki Elecric Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Minoru Mizutani, Masanori Maekawa
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Patent number: 5149571Abstract: A multi ply laminae which provides weather resistance, tamper resistance and is a sturdy and legible temporary license plate. A printed serialized plate is affixed by a pressure sensitive adhesive to the upper portion of a transparent polymeric sheet by removing the protective liner and affixing the back of the plate to the polymeric sheet. An expiration date is applied to the face of the plate and the protective liner is removed from the bottom portion of the transparent polymeric sheet and the bottom portion of the transparent polymeric sheet is folded along a perforated portion centered on the transparent polymeric sheet sealing the upper portion to the bottom portion forming the temporary plate which is attached to a motor vehicle through the retention receptors in any conventional manner.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 1990Date of Patent: September 22, 1992Inventor: Richard C. Croell
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Patent number: 4956930Abstract: The license plate cover prevents viewing of the license plate identifying numbers and symbols from the sides of the plate, but does not prevent viewing thereof from directly in line with the plate. The cover includes a frame adapted to overlie the plate and defining a central opening through which the plate numbers can be seen. To the frame are connected a number of spaced vanes which project outwardly thereof and obscure side viewing of the plate numbers. For this purpose, it is preferred to have the vanes parallel with each other and running from the top to the bottom of the frame across the opening, and perpendicular to the main plane of the frame. The vanes can be opaque or transparent. In the latter case, the collective effect of side viewing through the array of vanes is to obscure such viewing.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1989Date of Patent: September 18, 1990Inventor: Vincent F. Troncoso
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Patent number: 4924611Abstract: A frame comprising upper, lower, and side bars outlines a space to display a license plate. At least one of the bars, preferably the lower, has a depressed track in which a number of message elements or strip is carried which bear message indicia on its front surface. The track has upper and lower lips depending from and extending up from respectively the upper and lower margins of the track. A resilient, transparent cover slipped between the lips holds the message elements in place against the track back and with the indicia exposed to view. The lips may be frangmented into one or more sections, and only one lip may serve. The number of message elements may be reduced to a single, integral strip.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 1989Date of Patent: May 15, 1990Inventor: Stuart Shaw
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Patent number: 4736539Abstract: A bumper sticker holder comprises a base, base fastening means for fastening the base to an automobile bumper or other support, and a peripheral frame dimensioned to overlie the peripheral area of the base and with it defining a longitudinal guideway dimensioned to receive and mount a bumper sticker or like display item. Frame fastening means fasten the frame to the base. As an alternative application, the base fastening means may be employed as a stand for mounting the holder on a desk or other supporting surface. When combined with suction cup fasteners, the holder may be applied to mounting the display item on the interior of an automobile window or like location.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1986Date of Patent: April 12, 1988Assignee: N. L. Dickinson Co.Inventor: Nathan L. Dickinson
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Patent number: 4077145Abstract: Each of a set of three flexible number plates for racing motor-bicycles consists of a base material, such as polyvinyl chloride of approximately 20 mil thickness, with a first color applied or sheet laminated to one side of the base material and a second color applied or sheet laminated to the opposite side of the base material. Imprinting or identifying logos are applied to the color material on both sides of the plate and then an overlaminate material, such as 5 mil clear plastic, is applied over both sides of the base, color material and imprinting. Then the actual identifying numbers are applied to the overlaminate on both sides of the plate.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1976Date of Patent: March 7, 1978Inventor: Frank E. Smoczynski