A method of printing variable data in which a succession of documents are prepared by first printing the variable data along with control symbols manifestive of the document format of fixed data, and then reading the symbols to select the appropriate background data instrumentality and overprinting the appropriate forms background over the variable data in a second step employing the selected background data instrumentality, preferably by means of xerographic electrophotography.

A document identification and protection system in which a stamplike patch is adhesively attached to a document such as a check, credit purchase invoice, and the like at the time of making the purchase, or writing the check. After peeling away a protective backing from the patch, a fingerprint is impressed on the exposed tacky surface, and a transparent cover sheet is then laid down over the print and adhered to the tacky surface, to protect and preserve the print. If the document is later quest...

A device for storing documents is provided with a flat rectangular member. A rectangular strip is disposed above and overlies one side of one surface of said member. A plurality of posts are employed, said posts being disposed between and secured to said strip and said member in spaced apart positions. A flexible rectangular sheet has at least one section having on one side thereof a like plurality of notches. Each notch is aligned with and detachably engages a corresponding post. The section ca...

A limpness detector for examining documents at high speed. A pair of rollers having star-like cross-sectional configurations comprised of substantially V-shaped projections and interspaced V-shaped grooves are cooperatively arranged so that the projections of one of said rollers at least partially enter into the grooves of the other. The rollers are rotated in a synchronous manner. One swingably mounted roller is preferably yieldably urged toward the other. Documents to be examined are fed betwe...

Device for programming and selecting documents from data registered as a binary information by means of tabs which are present or not under feeler means. The feelers are mounted on a carriage which moves above the documents. Means are provided for actuating or not the feelers in view to the desired programming or selecting by simply displaying the desired program on the carriage.

An apparatus is provided for validating documents bearing optically readable data. The apparatus includes a solenoid which brings a marking wheel into engagement with each document to mark such prior to exit from the reading unit. During each marking operation, rotary motion is imparted to the wheel, whereby usage of the marking substance is evenly distributed around the wheel's circumference to realize maximum wheel life.

A safety paper composition is provided for protective documents in which a stabilized dye in the colloidal size range is dispersed. The dye which is substantially masked from view is sensitive to liquid ink eradicators such as bleach solutions and organic solvents in which the dye is soluble. A dye formulation is also provided, the dye being alcohol-soluble but which is stabilized with an alkaline agent, e.g., caustic soda, to render it water insensitive so that it can be easily dispersed togeth...

Machine for destroying documents, of the kind which contains two parallel shafts driving cutting discs or cutting tools engaging one another, characterized in that there is used two pairs of shafts equipped with cutting tools, said pairs of shafts being disposed one above the other, and a means is introduced between them to pivot the shreds cut out by the upper cutting tools in such a way that said shreds will fall in a substantially horizontal direction of the lower cutting tools.

A process and printer are described for the rapid printing of documents, wherein the paper is continuously moved in front of static pinpoint printing heads covering the entire section of the printing surface, transverse to the direction of movement of the paper, and the printing heads are controlled by coded pulses. The printed document is legible by the naked eye and at the same time directly assimilable by machine. Certain characters may be selected, and simultaneously printed on the documents...

Methods for treating or producing original documents to inhibit, if not preclude, the reproduction of such documents by copying processes. The documents so produced favor the visual response of the human eye over the physical response of a copying machine so that the graphical information imprinted on the document background is readily perceptible by the human eye but imperceptible by the sensor and associated processes of a copying machine.