OPTICALLY VARIABLE TACTILE SECURITY FEATURE

A security document and method of manufacturing the security document are disclosed. The security document includes a substrate including a laser reactive material and data. The security document also includes an optically variable tactile security feature formed in the laser reactive material, the optically variable tactile security feature including a non-tactile portion and a tactile portion. When viewed at a first viewing angle, the optically variable tactile security feature appears to be a first color, and at a second viewing angle different from the first viewing angle, the optically variable tactile security feature appears to be a second color. 1. A security document , comprising:a substrate including a laser reactive material and data;an optically variable tactile security feature formed in the laser reactive material, the optically variable tactile security feature including a non-tactile portion and a tactile portion, wherein when viewed at a first viewing angle the optically variable tactile security feature visually appears to be a first color, and at a second viewing angle different from the first viewing angle, the optically variable tactile security feature visually appears to be a second color.2. The security document according to claim 1 , wherein the laser reactive material is a laser reactive film disposed on the substrate.3. The security document according to claim 2 , wherein the laser reactive film has a thickness from about 50 μm thick to about 200 μm thick.4. The security document according to claim 1 , wherein the security document is one of a plastic card and a passport.5. The security document according to claim 1 , wherein the data is produced using a laser at a first power level claim 1 , and the optically variable tactile security feature is produced using a laser at a second power level different than the first power level.6. The security document according to claim 1 , wherein the data includes alphanumeric text or characters claim ...

Booklet spine guidance system in a booklet processing mechanism

A booklet processing mechanism is described that includes a spine guidance system that is configured to hold the area adjacent to the spine of an opened, multiple sheet booklet against a backing plate during processing on a page of the booklet, for example by a laser or during vision verification. The spine guidance system is configured so that it resides closely adjacent to the spine of the booklet, below the field of lasing by the laser or other processing operation, so that it does not interfere with the processing operation.

BOOKLET GUIDE AND CLAMP SYSTEM IN A BOOKLET PROCESSING MECHANISM

A booklet processing mechanism is described that includes a booklet guide and clamp system that is configured to act as the guide during entry and exit of the booklet into and from the mechanism, as well as clamp and hold the booklet in its proper position during a processing operation, for example by a laser or during vision verification. The booklet guide and clamp system is moveable between a first position for guiding an upper, free edge of an opened booklet and a second position where the upper, free edge is clamped against a backing plate. At the second, clamping position, the mechanism is out of the way so that it does not interfere with the processing operation. Because the guiding and clamping functions are combined into one mechanism, only one actuator and one sensor are needed for the guiding and clamping functions. 1. A booklet processing mechanism configured to process a booklet , comprising:a backing plate;a guide and clamp mechanism that is mounted on the backing plate for movement relative to the backing plate between a first position at which the guide and clamp mechanism is spaced from the backing plate to guide a booklet and a second position at which the guide and clamp mechanism is closer to the backing plate to clamp the booklet against the backing plate; andan actuating mechanism that is engageable with the guide and clamp mechanism to actuate the guide and clamp mechanism to the first position.2. The booklet processing mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the guide and clamping mechanism is rotatably movable relative to the backing plate between the first position and the second position.3. The booklet processing mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the backing plate includes an upper edge and a lower edge; and the guide and clamping mechanism is positioned adjacent to the upper edge.4. The booklet processing mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the guide and clamping mechanism is biased toward the second position.5. The booklet processing mechanism of claim 3 ...

Booklet spine guidance system in a booklet processing mechanism

A booklet processing mechanism is described that includes a spine guidance system that is configured to hold the area adjacent to the spine of an opened, multiple sheet booklet against a backing plate during processing on a page of the booklet, for example by a laser or during vision verification. The spine guidance system is configured so that it resides closely adjacent to the spine of the booklet, below the field of lasing by the laser or other processing operation, so that it does not interfere with the processing operation.

IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENT AND METHOD OF PRODUCING THE SAME

An identification document includes a first surface, at least a portion of the first surface being made of foamable synthetic material, and a tactile relief marking having a bubble structure formed in the foamable synthetic material. A method is used for producing at least one tactile relief marking on an identification document by an irradiation source. The identification document includes a surface having foamable synthetic material that has a property of increasing its volume by foaming upon application of energy. The method includes selectively irradiating the foamable synthetic material with energy to cause the foamable synthetic material to foam, thereby forming a tactile relief marking 1. An identification document , comprising:a first surface, at least a portion of the first surface being made of foamable synthetic material, anda tactile relief marking having a bubble structure formed in the foamable synthetic material.2. The identification document of claim 1 , wherein the bubbles contained in the tactile relief marking have diameters that are in a range of up to about 100 um.3. The identification document of claim 1 , further comprising a second surface opposite from the first surface claim 1 , the second surface being devoid of a negative relief marking directly opposite to the tactile relief marking formed on the first surface.4. The identification document of claim 1 , wherein the relief marking is non-black.5. The identification document of claim 1 , wherein the relief marking has a generally white claim 1 , generally gold or generally brown color.6. The identification document of claim 1 , wherein the synthetic material comprises polycarbonate.7. The identification document of claim 1 , wherein the relief marking has a color different from other portions of the foamable synthetic material of the first surface.8. The identification document of claim 1 , wherein the identification document contains a plurality of layers claim 1 , and a marking composed ...

BACKGROUND IMAGE SECURITY FEATURE

A security document and a method for producing a security document are described. The security document includes a plurality of spaced spots integrally formed in the security document. The plurality of spaced spots and printed data overlap. The spaced spots are arranged to form an image. The method includes controlling a laser of a laser marking printer to integrally form the plurality of spaced spots in the security document. The plurality of spaced spots and printed data overlap on the security document. 1. A security document , comprising:printed data;a plurality of spaced spots integrally formed in the security document, wherein at least some of the spaced spots and the printed data overlap one another and at least some of the spaced spots do not overlap the printed data; andthe spaced spots are arranged to form an image.2. The security document according to claim 1 , wherein the security document includes a core and a laser reactive material claim 1 , the plurality of spaced spots being integrally formed in the laser reactive material.3. The security document according to claim 1 , wherein the spaced spots that overlap with the printed data vary in size from the spaced spots that do not overlap the printed data.4. The security document according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of spaced spots are produced using a laser.5. The security document according to claim 4 , wherein at least some of the plurality of spaced spots are produced using different laser powers.6. The security document according to claim 1 , wherein the image is a portrait image.7. The security document according to claim 1 , wherein the image is alphanumeric text or characters.8. The security document according to claim 1 , wherein the spaced spots include non-tactile microscopic bumps.9. The security document according to claim 1 , wherein the spaced spots include tactile microscopic bumps.10. A method of producing a plurality of spaced spots forming a background image security feature on ...

Magnetic encoding device for cards

An encoding apparatus (20) encodes or reads information on a magnetic stripe on a card (50). The encoding apparatus (20) advances the card (50) along a card transport path defined by a frame (24), side support members (42 and 44), and top guide member (46). The card (50) advances by reversible drive means (26) having a single drive roller (28). Encoding is accomplished by an encoding head (36) in communication with an encoder (22) coupled to an idler roller (34) for encoding by position.

Magnetic encoding apparatus and method

Transport system and method for embossing apparatus

Abstract A card transport apparatus (12) carries cards along a card transport path through card processing stations (14, 74, 76). The transport apparatus (14) includes a vertically adjustable card carriage (16) for retaining cards along a card transport path throughout the entire card processing operation through the card processing stations (14, 74, 76). The card carriage (16) grips the cards with independently pivoting gripping arms (52, 54), actuated open by push solenoids (18, 20, 22) for picking up and releasing cards.

Ribbon tensioning mechanisms

Identity document processing equipment with a mechanism designed to maintain tension in a ribbon used in a processing operation in the processing equipment. The tension maintaining mechanism is separate from the supply roll and the take-up roll for the ribbon, eliminating the need for clutches or brakes attached to the supply or take-up rolls to achieve tensioning. Since the tension maintaining mechanism is separate from the supply roll and the take-up roll, the inertia of the supply roll or the take-up roll does not affect the tension on the ribbon during use of the processing equipment.

Manufacture of superconducting coil

(57)【要約】 【課題】 磁気ストライプの正確な位置に情報をエンコ ードする。 【解決手段】 カードの端からスタート標識までの磁束 変化の回数を求め、スタート標識の位置を求める（１４ ２）。この磁束の変化回数と理論値とを比較し、この変 化回数が正しいかどうかを判断する（１４８）。この比 較の結果に基づいて、必要ならばオフセット値を変更或 は設定して（１５０）、常に磁気ストライプの正確な位 置からエンコードが開始される。

Magnetic encoding device for cards

An encoding apparatus (20) encodes or reads information on a magnetic stripe on a card (50). The encoding apparatus (20) advances the card (50) along a card transport path defined by a frame (24), side support members (42 and 44), and top guide member (46). The card (50) advances by reversible drive means (26) having a single drive roller (28). Encoding is accomplished by an encoding head (36) in communication with an encoder (22) coupled to an idler roller (34) for encoding by position.

Booklet guide and clamp system in a booklet processing mechanism

A booklet processing mechanism is described that includes a booklet guide and clamp system that is configured to act as the guide during entry and exit of the booklet into and from the mechanism, as well as clamp and hold the booklet in its proper position during a processing operation, for example by a laser or during vision verification. The booklet guide and clamp system is moveable between a first position for guiding an upper, free edge of an opened booklet and a second position where the upper, free edge is clamped against a backing plate. At the second, clamping position, the mechanism is out of the way so that it does not interfere with the processing operation. Because the guiding and clamping functions are combined into one mechanism, only one actuator and one sensor are needed for the guiding and clamping functions.

Card embossing apparatus and method

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An embossing apparatus (22) includes an embossing wheel (28) having a punch side (30) and a die side (32). The embossing wheel (28) has punch blocks (50) and die blocks (52) spaced around its periphery. A card (20) is carried to an embossing position by card transport (24) and aligned by a guide plate (36). The embossing is done by pushing the punch blocks (50) and die blocks (52) against the card (20) by a hammer (42, 42a) driven by a solenoid (38, 38a). Character return plates (46, 46a), located on the outer sides of the embossing wheel (28) engaging the inside of character blocks (35), spring the character blocks (35) and solenoid shaft (40, 40a) back to a home at rest position when the embossing stroke is completed. The solenoids (38, 38a) have bumpers (54, 54a) mounted thereon for controlling the motion of the shaft (40, 40a).

Method and apparatus for driving and controlling an improved solenoid impact printer

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A method and apparatus for a two-pulse solenoid embossing system implementing an amplitude feedback circuit, i.e., current monitor (48), to provide precise amplitude and timing control over two current pulses (4, 5), and thereby provide precision control over the position and velocity of the embossing system's print elements (64a, 64b). To maintain the current amplitude during the second current pulse (5), the method and apparatus alternatively switches the power on and off to the solenoid coils (55) with a frequency such that a substantially constant current amplitude is maintained in the solenoid coils (55). The embossing system provides an improved solenoid body assembly (61) including a first stack of steel laminations (93), a center block (82) and a second stack of steel laminations (81). A plunger (62) is slidably connected to the solenoid body assembly (61) by shaft (63). Cavities (79) receive dowel pins (71) which are attached to plunger (62). The cavity and dowel pin arrangement (79, 71) prevents the plunger (62) from rotating.

Modular card processing system

Standardized card processing modules (44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50) are mechanically and electrically interconnected to form an application specific card personalization machine. A controller (43) is coupled to a communication bus which permits the controller to download card data to the card processing modules and to upload status information from the card processing modules. Each one of the card processing modules performs a different encoding or personalization function under the control of local processor.

Magnetic stripe read/write head

Security document with a background image security feature and method

Ribbon tensioning mechanisms

Identity document processing equipment with a mechanism designed to maintain tension in a ribbon used in a processing operation in the processing equipment. The tension maintaining mechanism is separate from the supply roll and the take-up roll for the ribbon, eliminating the need for clutches or brakes attached to the supply or take- up rolls to achieve tensioning. Since the tension maintaining mechanism is separate from the supply roll and the take-up roll, the inertia of the supply roll or the take-up roll does not affect the tension on the ribbon during use of the processing equipment.

Ribbon tensioning mechanisms

Identity document processing equipment with a mechanism designed to maintain tension in a ribbon used in a processing operation in the processing equipment. The tension maintaining mechanism is separate from the supply roll and the take-up roll for the ribbon, eliminating the need for clutches or brakes attached to the supply or take- up rolls to achieve tensioning. Since the tension maintaining mechanism is separate from the supply roll and the take-up roll, the inertia of the supply roll or the take-up roll does not affect the tension on the ribbon during use of the processing equipment.

Card feeding, transfer and output apparatus for an automatic embossing system

An apparatus for feeding cards from a storage magazine to an automatic embossing system including an input hopper (12) and card picking mechanism (46) for engaging a card after it is stripped from a supply stack in the input hopper. The card is positioned by a transfer mechanism to receive embossed data from rotating embossing wheels. An output hopper (14) receives good cards and rejected cards are deposited into a reject box.

Zufuhr-, transport- und ausgabeeinrichtung fuer karten in einer automatischen praegevorrichtung.