Methods and apparatus are described that automate the process of mechanically interfacing with a card such as an RFID card. The mechanical interface with the card can be for the purpose of permitting some further automated interaction with the card by an exterior device. The mechanical interface with the card can be for the purpose of activating a switch on the card which, when activated, permits radio or other communication with a chip on the card or permits some other function of the card.
A system and method are described that allows a user to select the number of thermal erase passes that a thermally rewritable card will undergo in a rewritable card printer. The number of thermal erase passes can be from zero up to any desired number n (0 to n). In one exemplary embodiment, n equals 2, and the user is able to select 0, 1 or 2 erase passes.
Systems and methods that utilize a card reorienting mechanism are described. Generally, the card reorienting mechanism can transport and rotate a card without substantially contacting one of the principal surfaces of the card. The use of the card reorienting mechanism permits reorienting of the card without substantially contacting the principal surface of the card after the operation has been performed on the principal surface of the card. The card reorienting mechanism of the present disclosure can be useful where rotation of the card without contacting the principal surfaces of the card is desired moments after ink is applied to one of the principal surfaces of the card. In addition, substantially the entire principle surface is accessible for processing operations while the card is on the reorienting mechanism, such as for laser personalization or for image capture.
A remote user interface (RUI) for a personalization document printer of an instant issuance system is provided. The RUI includes a printer functionality component and a server functionality component. The server functionality component is configured to allow, for example a user to control user authentication to use the printer, control print queues of the printer, control print workflows of the printer, control RUI configuration, control remote access to printer user functions and a print preview displaying an image of the customized personalization document with image data and personalization account data, control storage and rendering of data to be placed on a customized personalization document, lock and unlock access to supplies and/or personalization documents in the personalization document printer, access administrative functions, and provide quality assurance functions.
G06F 15/16 - Combinations of two or more digital computers each having at least an arithmetic unit, a program unit and a register, e.g. for a simultaneous processing of several programs
G06F 3/048 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
H04L 9/32 - Arrangements for secret or secure communicationsNetwork security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system
G06Q 40/00 - FinanceInsuranceTax strategiesProcessing of corporate or income taxes
A method and a system that are used to indirectly read embossed characters on a personalized document for verifying or recognizing the embossed characters. The method and system digitize an image of the embossed characters that is formed on a foil when applying coloration material from the foil to the embossed characters on the personalized document. The captured image on the foil is then used to verify and/or recognize the embossed characters on the personalized document.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
6.
SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USING MOBILE DEVICES TO PERSONALIZE AND ISSUE PERSONALIZED IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS
Systems and methods are described that utilize mobile devices that are provided with applications that allow the user of the mobile device to request a personalized identification document from an issuing entity using the user's mobile device. After the issuing entity receives a request for a personalized identification document from the user, the issuing entity issues the personalized identification document to the user. The use of mobile devices in the personalized identification document issuance process is attractive because of their portability, the versatility of their operating systems, and their relatively long battery life. The use of mobile devices permits extraction of a variety of functions that are not available with the use of laptop computers.
A method, printer, and retransfer material have the capability of printing images, including multiple color images, on a retransfer material that already has a preprinted artifact on the retransfer material. The preprinted artifact can include for example a hologram or other registered artifact, More particularly, a method, printer, and retransfer material allow for printing images on a retransfer material, where such images are not printed onto the preprinted artifacts present on the retransfer material, One or more indicia marks are detected by at least one sensor, so as to obtain the position of respective preprinted artifacts before printing images onto the retransfer material. Such can avoid printing images on the preprinted artifacts, The method, printer, and retransfer material may be incorporated as part of an identification document issuance system, where the method and printer can be applied to one processing module of such a system.
A security feature for use with secure booklets, especially those having a spine, for example passports, identification booklets and other types of ID3-sized documents. In one example, the security feature is printed across the spine of the booklet onto two adjacent pages. Most conventional, commercially available printers are unable to print across the spine, and therefore would be unable to reproduce the security feature. In addition, in the case of a booklet, for example a passport, that uses a stitching thread to secure the pages together, ink from the printed image bleeds into the thread. The presence or absence of ink in the thread can then act as an indicator as to whether or not the booklet is genuine or a counterfeit. Another security feature includes registration of a pre-print portion and a variable print portion that is applied during booklet personalization to form a combined image.
B42D 15/10 - Identity, credit, cheque or like information-bearing cards (record carriers, e.g. credit or identity cards, for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings G06K 19/00)
An object processing machine for processing a plurality of objects, the machine comprising: a plurality of processing modules, each processing module having a modular structure co-operable with the modular structure of another processing module to form a modular assembly constituting the object processing machine; each processing module being operable to perform a corresponding processing operation on an object and being provided with at least one transfer unit located at a respective port of the processing module; each transfer unit being arranged to transfer an object to or from the corresponding processing module and/or to or from a transfer unit of another processing module of the modular assembly; the transfer units being arranged to co-operate with one another and/or with another processing unit such that objects can be guided from an input of the machine to an output of the machine via a plurality of different transport pathways through the machine, wherein the transport pathway taken by a said object being processed corresponds to the pre-determined processing operations to be performed on the said object. A method of processing a plurality of objects using such a machine is also described.
Embodiments of the invention provide a method of and apparatus for graphically marking a series of portable objects, such as a card, each portable object being graphically marked on a respective zone by a respective marking device, wherein the marking devices are configured to perform the same marking operation simultaneously on a plurality of portable objects.
B42D 15/10 - Identity, credit, cheque or like information-bearing cards (record carriers, e.g. credit or identity cards, for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings G06K 19/00)
B23K 26/08 - Devices involving relative movement between laser beam and workpiece
Methods and devices are described for securely destroying used ribbon from a document personalization machine in order to render any information retained on the used ribbon as unreadable. In one embodiment, the method includes tapering the used ribbon into a used ribbon strand by feeding the used ribbon through a tapering mechanism. The method also includes heating the used ribbon strand to fuse the used ribbon strand into a used ribbon string thereby rendering any data retained on the used ribbon unreadable.
A desktop card print having an improved automatic card feed hopper that employs a card picking mechanism that includes an automatic gate mechanism in combination with a card edge assist picker while providing a card exception slot for manual feeding of a card, a removable ribbon cassette that employs a magnetic encoder mechanism for tracking the motion of a ribbon mounted on the ribbon cassette, a scanning station that is configured and arranged to capture an image of one or more surfaces of the card as it passes the scanner, and a power take-off (PTO) gear adjacent the rear end of the printer for use in driving an additional processing mechanism to be mounted at the rear of the printer.
B41F 17/14 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for for printing on filamentary or elongated articles or material, or on articles with cylindrical surfaces on articles of finite length
B41J 13/00 - Devices or arrangements specially adapted for supporting or handling copy material in short lengths, e.g. sheets
13.
METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR PERSONALISING A PORTABLE OBJECT
An apparatus for performing a personalisation operation on opposing surfaces of a portable object, the apparatus comprising :a first object receptacle (T0) for holding a plurality of objects to be personalised, the objects being arranged in the first object receptacle such that a first surface of each object is exposed for the personalisation operation;a personalisation location (LM) for receiving the first object receptacle in a first personalisation configuration in which each first surface is exposed to a personalisation device (101) for performing the personalisation operation;a second unequipped object receptacle (T2) rotatably movable from a first standby position to the personalisation location and co-operable with the first object receptacle to hold the objects in a sandwich configuration between the first object receptacle and the second object receptacle, first rotation means (RP3) for rotating the first and/or second receptable individually or as a unit between the personalisation location and the standby position; and flipping means (RP2) for flipping the first object receptacle and the second object receptacle to reverse their respective positions such that the objects held between the first object receptacle and the second object receptacle are moved from facing in a first direction to facing in a second opposing direction, wherein the second object receptacle is operable to hold the objects in a second personalisation configuration at the personalisation location in which a second opposing surface of each object is exposed for personalisation.
G06K 13/077 - Transporting of cards between stations with intermittent movementBraking or stopping movement
G06K 17/00 - Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups , e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations
B42D 15/10 - Identity, credit, cheque or like information-bearing cards (record carriers, e.g. credit or identity cards, for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings G06K 19/00)
B23K 26/02 - Positioning or observing the workpiece, e.g. with respect to the point of impactAligning, aiming or focusing the laser beam
B23K 26/03 - Observing, e.g. monitoring, the workpiece
14.
SYSTEM FOR THE CALIBRATION OF OPERATING PARAMETERS OF A LASER ENGRAVER
The present invention concerns a system for the calibration of at least one parameter of a laser engraver, the laser engraver comprising on one hand an engraving system with a focusing lens positioned at a distance of the surface of an substrate intended to be engraved and on the other hand a vision system for at least the positioning and the verification of the engraving, the vision system including a camera associated with an appropriate illumination and, wherein the engraving device of the laser is arranged in such way that the engraving device works to engrave a substrate with specific engraved layout corresponding to variation of at least one parameter and wherein the vision system is connected to a comparison device of at least one measured engraved parameter with the template value of at least one stored data in a memorisation device connected to a engraving correction device.
The present invention relates to a lift device for personalization machine(s) for cards (1), in particular chip cards, placed at the output of a first transfer device (T1) of a personalization machine and at the input of a second transfer device (T2), the first transfer device (T1) being located at a height greater than the height at which the second transfer device (T2) is located, the two transfer devices conveying the cards (1) in a direction of movement (SD), characterized in that it comprises at least one pair of shafts (A) spaced apart by a distance greater than the dimensions of the cards (1) transversally to their direction of movement (SD), each of the shafts (A) being parallel to the direction of movement (SD) and equipped with a plurality of N flaps (V) oriented parallel to the shaft (A), having dimensions arranged to support at least a part of the cards (1) and radially distributed around the shaft every 3607N, the shafts (A) of a pair being driven synchronously inward in rotation (R) by at least one driving means, so that two flaps guide a card during its descent in the lift device.
The present invention concerns a system (1) for simultaneously customising a multiplicity of electronic components (2) positioned respectively in slots (100) provided on a first board (10). The customising system (1) includes a second board (11) above and more-or-less parallel to the first board (10), equipped with a multiplicity of set of contact pins (110) perpendicular to the second board (11), and a positioning finger or awl (112), more-or-less parallel to and of greater length than the contact pins (110), for each set of contact pins (110). A system for actuating the second board (11) is provided so as to move the second board (11) vertically toward the first board (10) so that each repositioning finger (112) is positioned in a receptacle present on the electronic components (2) so as to simultaneously reposition all the electronic components (2) in their respective slot (100) before contact is made with the electronic components (2).
G06K 17/00 - Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups , e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations
The present invention relates to a device (1) for customizing electronic components (Ci) characterized in that it comprises: - a programming system (10) with a rotating plate (100) intended to receive in imprints a plurality of electronic components (Ci) in order to program them with at least variable programming data; - a system (11) for conveying blank electronic components (Ci); - a system (12) for conveying customized electronic components (Ci); - a marking system (13) with a rotating plate (130) intended to receive electronic components (Ci) in order to engrave them with marking data; - a set of distinct manipulator arms (14a, 14b, 14c) intended to manipulate the electronic components (Ci) between the different systems (10, 11, 12, 13) of the customization device (1); and - a control unit (3) for controlling the different elements (10, 11, 12, 13, 14a, 14b, 14c) forming the customization device (1 ).
G06K 17/00 - Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups , e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations
A security document created by laminating a metalized foil between transparent layers, and modifying the outside of the foil to form a base color of the document, while leaving a window area formed by an unmodified portion of the foil. A laser is then used to ablate at least a portion of the unmodified portion of the foil in the window area to create an image. The window area includes the laser ablated image formed therein. The resulting image is transparent, with the image being visible from a front of the security document and visible from a rear of the security document.
B42D 15/02 - PostcardsGreeting, menu, business or like cardsLetter cards or letter-sheets
B42D 15/10 - Identity, credit, cheque or like information-bearing cards (record carriers, e.g. credit or identity cards, for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings G06K 19/00)
The present invention relates to a method for interleaving a module comprising the cutting out of the module on a strip, the gripping of the cut-out module, the conveying of the module right up to a station for affixing and adhesively bonding modules, the module being heated by heating means via heat conduction of an affixing system upon said conveying and then affixing of the preheated module consisting of positioning the head of a first guiding member on the upper portion of a second guiding member forming a mask showing the imprint of the module or chip (4), preformed on the card (3), by displacement of the affixing system (10) and of positioning the lower portion of said second guiding member (13) on the surface of the card (3) by displacement of the assembly formed by the affixing system (10) and the second guiding member (13). The invention also relates to a device (1 ) for interleaving a module with which the interleaving method may be applied.
A printer that provides improved image placement on documents including identification documents such as identification cards, credit and debit cards, and the like, and passports. The printer eliminates blind moves and mechanism errors to achieve repeatable image placement on the document surface with the correct horizontal image placement dimension. The printer senses an edge of the document to immediately initiate printing. The edge of the document can be either the leading edge or the trailing edge. The edge of the document can also be sensed by a separate sensor to initiate movement of a print head of the print station toward a print position.
B41J 3/407 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
21.
A METHOD AND A SYSTEM FOR THE CUSTOMISATION OF SMART OBJECTS
This present invention concerns a customisation method that represents a saving in time and an increase in yield, in the electronic customisation of smart objects in particular, by virtue of: - a stage for establishing communication links between a multiplicity of smart objects (OP11, OP610) held on a portable support (108), and communication interfaces, - a stage for simultaneous unlocking of the smart objects by means of a first key, - a stage for the parallel transfer into the memory of the smart objects of customisation data proper to each of the smart objects, with these data being transferred into at least one memory zone of each smart object, - a stage for the locking of each smart object by means of second keys, each proper to one of the smart objects and each associated with the customisation data proper to this object.
G06K 17/00 - Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups , e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations
G07F 7/10 - Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card together with a coded signal
22.
TERMINAL FOR READING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE MEMORY OF A PORTABLE OBJECT AND OPERATION METHOD OF SAID TERMINAL
The invention relates to a terminal for reading information available in the electronic memory (11b) of an portable object (11a), and comprising an optical reading means (2a) (OCR) for reading MRZ information on the substrate of the portable object connected, on the one hand, to a processing unit (6) and, on the other hand, to a contact or contactless reading module (3) of the identification encrypted data stored in the memory of the portable object, characterised in that the optical reading means of the OCR type is associated with a calculation means (2b) integrating a program for generating a decryption key for the data in the memory of the portable object based on the information of the MRZ type of the substrate of the portable object, and in that the reading means includes a calculation means (3b) integrating a program for decrypting the data read in the memory of the portable object using the decryption key.
G06K 7/00 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers
G06K 19/14 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code using markings of different kinds in the same record carrier, e.g. one marking being sensed by optical and the other by magnetic means at least one kind of marking being used for authentication, e.g. of credit or identity cards the marking being sensed by radiation
A method for personalizing a presentation instrument for an account holder while the account holder is present is described. The method includes transmitting to a server computer a request to personalize a presentation instrument for an account holder who has a financial account with a financial institution. The request includes the account holder's name and background information indicating a background to be placed onto the presentation instrument. The method further includes receiving, at the server computer from the financial institution, presentation instrument data to be included on the presentation instrument. The presentation instrument data comprises an account number and an expiration date. Further, the method includes transmitting from the server computer through a financial institution network, personalization information usable by a printer to place printed personalization information onto a blank presentation instrument, and to electronically store account information onto the blank presentation instrument while the account holder is present.
H04L 12/16 - Arrangements for providing special services to substations
B41F 17/00 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for
B41M 3/12 - Transfer pictures or the like, e.g. decalcomanias
G06K 19/06 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
24.
MACHINE FOR PERSONALISING CHIP CARDS AT A HIGH PROCESSING RATE
A machine for the personalising of chip cards (5) that includes a computer control system (1) fitted with first communication means (21) to send personalising data, at least one rotating device (3) with portable object (5) slots (32), and means for routing the personalising data to the slots (32). Each of the slots is equipped with means to communicate with an electronic chip on one of the portable objects. A rotating connection element (6) is used exclusively for the electrical powering of the rotating device (3), while second communication means (22) fitted in the device (3) remotely receive the personalising data transmitted by the system (1) via the first means (21) The transmission of data is therefore accomplished wirelessly with a. bit-rate that can exceed 1 Gbit/s, which renders the processing rate very high in a machine with a rotating device.
G06K 17/00 - Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups , e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations
25.
MACHINE FOR PERSONALISING SMART CARDS AT HICH RATE
The personalisation machine for smart cards (5) comprises an administration computer system (1) connected via at least one data personalisation transmission element (2, 200) to a turning device (3) equipped with routing means of personalisation data to locations (32) of a plurality of card locations (5). Said transmission element (2, 200) is of wired type and has a maximal data transmission capacity greater than 100 MBps (megabytes per second). To ensure a substantial processing rate with a compact machine, it is provided with: - means (4) for driving in rotation of bi-directional type for turning the device (3) around an axis (23) of rotation, said system (1) remaining fixed; - a control module (40) regularly inverting the direction of rotation of the turning device. Stops are provided for preventing rotation of the device (3) beyond one turn.
G06K 17/00 - Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups , e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations
The device makes it possible to count series of products (2) that are not very thick, stacked side by side, in a determined direction in a retention means, and comprises: a lighting means producing one or more light beams covering the whole length of the stack, a means (8) of detection with photosensitive elements and including an optical device, making it possible to focus light rays reflected by the stack (5), processing means (10) receiving signals originating from the detection circuit, extracting light levels from these signals in correlation with a dimension of stack thickness expressed in pixels, and computing the number of products by determining the repetition of a pattern representative of a product (2) in a noise-free signal resulting from a conversion of the signals received. A Fourier transform is respectively applied to correlation and bicorrelation functions of the signal in order to find a periodic pattern representative of a product if necessary to the nearest phase shift.
An indent printing apparatus that is capable of indent printing on both sides of a document. A desktop card printer that uses the indent printing apparatus, a method of personalizing a document in the printer, and a ribbon cartridge used with the indent printing apparatus are also disclosed. The indent printing apparatus has first and second indenting mechanisms and uses first and second indent printing ribbon cartridges to enable indent printing on both side surfaces of the document.
In a document personalization production system, an application framework is provided between a production manager and one or more machines to enable new hardware and/or new functions for the creation, production, printing, attachment, and delivery of personalized documents. The application framework provides the application program interfaces, the graphical user interfaces, and the plugins required to implement the new hardware and/or new function into an existing document personalization production system without having to reprogram the production manager. The application framework may comprise or connect a number of service modules so that production manager applications are compatible across multiple machines or stations of the document personalization production system.
Document personalization machines with a mechanism designed to operate as an in-line document puncher/voider. The document personalization machine includes a document personalization mechanism that performs a personalization operation on the document, a document transport mechanism that transports the document along a document path through the document personalization machine and a document punch mechanism that creates a punch hole on the document. The document can be, for example, a card such as a financial (e.g. credit and debit) card, drivers' license, and a national identification document, or another documents such as a passport. A punched hole can, for example, indicate that the document is void, destroy a magnetic stripe, integrated circuit chip or other information storage medium on the document, or provide access for a lanyard, a key ring and the like.
Laminates are provided which arc to be laminated onto identification documents, for example cards or passports, to provide protection for the document. Each laminate is provided with a unique code. The codes on the laminates can be read and stored with cardholder data. After issuance, the code can be read and then the stored codes accessed to determine whether or not the code, and the associated card, is correct. The codes can also be provided to the user of the laminate roll to be stored in a database accessible by the personalization equipment. The equipment can then read each code, and check the code against the database to determine whether the code is proper. If the code is not proper, the equipment operator can be alerted to that fact, and suitable action taken.
A mini patch that is laminated over a portion of an identification document surface that is significantly less than the entire surface area. The mini patch can cover a specific area of personalized information on the document surface to protect the personalized information from wear and tampering. For example, the mini patch can cover a photograph, leaving the remainder of the surface uncovered.
A machine that processes gift cards in an in-line process where the gift cards travel along a generally straight transport path from a card feed mechanism to a delivery end where the cards and carrier combinations are discharged. During the in-line processing, a magnetic stripe, integrated circuit chip or RFIID tag on the gift cards can be encoded with account information, a serial number or other information. In addition, the cards are transported to a print mechanism that personalizes the cards with a bar code. account information, serial number or other information. After printing, the cards are transported to a gluing system which applies adhesive to one side of the cards. The cards arc then transported to a feeding mechanism that feeds and applies a carrier to one or more cards.
A solenoid plunger for use in solenoid driven multi-line embossing systems is constructed of magnetic steel laminations that are attached to a center block which is machined to mount a solenoid shaft and anti-rotate pins. The laminations are attached to the center block with screws and vacuum epoxy glued for a very high cycle life. The laminated steel construction dramatically reduces eddy currents, which allows the magnetic field to rise and fall much more quickly than a conventional steel plunger. It also increases the magnetic force in the solenoid. This reduction in solenoid plunger eddy currents and increase of magnetic force in the solenoid structure itself operates to increase embosser throughput. The laminated steel construction further reduces embosser solenoid heating which also contributes to improved embossing control.
B41K 3/02 - Apparatus for stamping articles having integral means for supporting the articles to be stamped with stamping surface located above article-supporting surface
34.
PRINTING INKS WITH PROPERTY ENHANCING MICROCAPSULES
Improved printing inks that provide selectively enhanced properties when applied to substrates. In particular, the improved inks use microcapsules to improve the quality, durability, and/or security of printed inks on substrates, for example identification documents. The microcapsules contain property enhancing chemical components that can be released from the capsules before, during or after printing is completed. The property enhancing components bring about a physical interaction and/or chemical reaction at the ink-substrate interface, in the print ink composition, and/or in the print ink surface, which may result for instance in at least one of improved adhesion, abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, and cohesive strength of the printed ink.
Improvements that prevent tampering of images on identification documents for example identity cards, credit cards and the like, and passports. The document includes a full color image of a person, and a second, full, achromatic image o the person formed underneath and spaced from the color image and in congruence therewith using a laser. The second full image is not visible underneath the first full image during normal viewing of the document, and is only visible upon removal of all or a portion of the first full image. As a result, the document and the image have no outwardly apparent visual difference to the document holder or to a would-be counterfeiter. This provides a covert security feature that is not known or seen until the document is attacked by removing the first full image.
B41M 5/00 - Duplicating or marking methodsSheet materials for use therein
B41M 5/04 - Duplicating or marking methodsSheet materials for use therein by transferring ink from the master sheet using solvent-soluble dyestuffs on the master sheet, e.g. alcohol-soluble
36.
LINEAR MACHINE FOR PROCESSING PORTABLE OBJECTS AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING PORTABLE OBJECTS
A method for processing portable objects and a machine for processing portable objects including a device (1) for transferring portable objects (C), incorporating an integrated circuit and processing means consisting of at least two processing lifts (2, 2') separated by a space of a size of a portable object (C), translatory moved perpendicularly to the plane of the main surface of the portable objects (C) and sequentially on a guiding support (25) by driving and positioning means, each lift (2, 2') being formed with a parallelepipedal plate (22) provided with at least two processing devices, both lifts having determined different roles. The method consists of successively placing each portable object to be processed in contact with a processing station of the first lift and of the second lift.
The invention concerns a machine (5) for laser marking media (81) consisting in particular of plastic cards (8) optionally comprising integrated circuits (80). The invention is characterized in that it comprises: a laser chamber (59) covering at least two locations (52a, 52b, 52a', 52b') for marking media (81) on an internal transfer device, the latter moving the media (81) in the laser chamber from a first location (52a, 52a') towards a second location (52b, 52b'), a position encoder (9) sensing the movement of each medium (81) and generating position data relative to the locations (52a, 52b, 52a', 52b') of the chamber and laser marking means (50) generating a laser beam (509) and comprising optical means for deflecting de beam (509) based on the orientation data, towards a mobile marking zone moving between the two locations (52a, 52b, 52a', 52b') and comprising the medium (81) during the marking operation; a transfer device (2) outside the laser chamber transporting the media (81) towards or outside the laser chamber (59).
A system and method for continuously printing images on a web material and continuously transferring the images to identity documents. A print component prints images on the web material. A registration component registers select images to identity documents. An applicator component applies the select images to the identity documents. A controller maintains throughput of the web material through the print component, registration component, and applicator component. The controller allows the system to continuously print images on the web material and continuously transfer the images to identity documents, in that it synchronizes cycles of the components, so that the components have simultaneous processing cycles and have simultaneous intervals between processing cycles.
B41F 17/02 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for for printing books or manifolding sets
B41F 17/13 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for for printing on filamentary or elongated articles or material, or on articles with cylindrical surfaces on articles or material of indefinite length, e.g. wires, hoses, tubes or yarns for printing on rolls of material, the roll serving as impression cylinder, e.g. strip printers
A multiple line embossing apparatus that is configured to emboss characters on a document, for example a card, on a line-by-line basis. The embossing apparatus uses guides that guide the card, and a tab belt that indexes the card along a card path. A second tab on the belt is provided to move the card in a reverse direction to start a new line of embossing. The guides and the tab belt move are able to move perpendicular to the card path to move the card to a new line of embossing.
B29C 59/00 - Surface shaping, e.g. embossingApparatus therefor
B44B 5/00 - Machines or apparatus for embossing decorations or marks, e.g. embossing coins
B41J 1/22 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the mounting, arrangement or disposition of the types or dies with types or dies mounted on carriers rotatable for selection
B41J 1/30 - Carriers stationary for impression, e.g. with the types or dies not moving relative to the carriers with the types or dies moving relative to the carriers or mounted on flexible carriers
B41J 3/00 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed
B41J 3/38 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for embossing, e.g. for making matrices for stereotypes
B41J 11/50 - Apparatus for condensed record, tally strip, or like work using two or more papers, or sets of papers in which two or more papers or sets are separately fed in the same direction towards the printing position
The invention concerns a device for counting series of thin products (2), stacked side by side, and includes a means of illuminating the stack (5) producing one or more light beams covering the whole length of the stack (5),- a detection resource with a detection circuit, including a multiplicity of photosensitive elements, an optical device, associated with the detection circuit, that can be used to focus light rays reflected by the stack (5), - storage resources a separating element (1) included in the stack (5) between two adjacent series of thin products (2), where each separating element (1) has a mark placed on one part of one of its edges where a part of the marking is illuminated by a lighting resource and visible to the detection resource;- processing resources receiving signals coming from the detection circuit and arranged so as to distinguish the visual limit of the thin products (2) as well as the mark on the separating element (1).
A modular card production safety interlock system limits disruption of a modular card production system by limiting operational disturbances to a desired system module and only its neighboring system modules upon opening the hood of the desired system module.
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.
An apparatus and method for laminating personalized cards, which includes a frame that supports a supply spindle for delivering a patch film disposed on a web to a personalized card. The frame supports a platen structure for affixing a portion of the patch film to a portion of one side of the personalized card when the supply spindle delivers the patch film to the personalized card. The frame supports a take-up spindle for receiving the web after the patch film has been delivered to the personalized card. The frame supports a lamination assembly for laminating the entire patch film to the entire side of the personalized card after the personalized card has had the patch partially affixed thereto.
B29C 43/30 - Making multilayered or multicoloured articles
B29C 65/20 - Joining of preformed partsApparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated tool with direct contact, e.g. using "mirror"
An apparatus and method for de-bowing personalized cards which includes a first contact member. The first contact member can be positioned for contacting a personalized card received by the apparatus and for displacing the personalized card against a bow occurring therein. The first contact member contacts and displaces a portion of the personalized card on one side of the personalized card and at an area that is generally centered horizontally and vertically. A second contact member can be supported by the frame for contacting the personalized card on a side opposite the first contact member. The second contact member being arranged and configured to contact an opposite side of the personalized card at a plurality of positions proximate the perimeter of the personalized card. In this manner, the first and second contact members cooperate to bend substantially the entire surface area of the personalized card against the occurring bow.
A modular card issuance system comprises a plurality of sequentially ordered modules configured such that each module is in electrical communication with its adjacent modules. This system also comprises a main controller that is in electrical communication with each of the modules . Upon power-up of the system and without assistance from the main controller, each module determines its own identity, its relative position among the plurality of modules and the total number of modules in the system. This information is then reported to the main controller upon request from the main controller.
A cleaning mechanism for cleaning one or both side surfaces of a plastic card substrate prior to a processing operation occurring on the cleaned side surface. The cleaning mechanism is designed so that two cleaning rollers, one cleaning roller on a first cleaning station and one cleaning roller on a second cleaning station, are simultaneously cleaned by a single cleaning tape assembly.
The present invention concerns a high speed machine for personalizing portable objects, incorporating an integrated circuit comprising at least one memory, the machine comprising a transfer device (3) for the portable objects to be personalized and a compact rotating drum (20) containing a plurality of interface electronic circuits, called couplers, each of these couplers being connected to at least one personalization station (22i) comprising at least one linking device with the integrated circuit of a portable object, characterized firstly in that each of these couplers is removably mounted so that it can be adapted to the type of programming used for the personalization data, and secondly in that the personalization stations (22i) are also removable for their adaptation to the type of portable objects (4) to be personalized and/or to the couplers used, the rotating drum (20) comprising grooved sections containing a plurality of grooves for latching of the personalization stations (22i).
G06K 17/00 - Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups , e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations
A machine and methods for automatically opening a closed passport (32), to a particular page for subsequent processing to be performed on the page. The passport is introduced into a machine (50) in a closed state, and then the machine opens the passport at a desired page. A pin (68) is inserted between two adjacent sheets of the passport to define a first portion (94a) and a second portion (94b). The pin is used to assist in moving the first portion sway from the second portion to exposed the desired page for subsequent processing.
G06F 7/08 - Sorting, i.e. grouping record carriers in numerical or other ordered sequence according to the classification of at least some of the information they carry
G06K 19/00 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
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