Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
296 words
A modified instrument of the type used for the transfer of funds and to be automatically processed by apparatus which monitors and decodes encoded indicia on the modified instrument, said modified instrument comprising, in combination, a. a generally rectangular shaped information bearing instrument having a pair of substantially parallel longitudinal edges thereof, a first set of encoded indicia being disposed upon a front face thereof along and adjacent one of said longitudinal edges, and b. an elongated tab member adhesively secured to said information bearing instrument, said tab member comprising a first information bearing portion having a front face for imprinting a second set of encoded indicia similar to the first set of encoded indicia on said information bearing instrument, said first information bearing portion being disposed immediately adjacent the said one longitudinal edge and being in edge abutting relationship therewith, the front face of said information bearing instrument and the front face of said first portion thereby being substantially coplanar; said tab member also comprising a second adhesive bearing strip portion thinner than said first information bearing portion for adhesively securing said first portion to said instrument, said adhesive bearing strip portion extending between said information bearing instrument and said first portion across the locus of intersection of said first portion and said instrument, said first information bearing portion being separable from said information bearing instrument along said locus of intersection after said monitoring and decoding, whereby the total thickness of said modified instrument during said monitoring and decoding is less than the combined thickness of said information bearing instrument and said first information bearing portion, and the total thickness of said modified instrument after the separation of said information bearing portion from said information bearing instrument is substantially equal to said information bearing instrument.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
296 words
A modified instrument of the type used for the transfer of funds and to be automatically processed by apparatus which monitors and decodes encoded indicia on the modified instrument, said modified instrument comprising, in combination, a. a generally rectangular shaped information bearing instrument having a pair of substantially parallel longitudinal edges thereof, a first set of encoded indicia being disposed upon a front face thereof along and adjacent one of said longitudinal edges, and b. an elongated tab member adhesively secured to said information bearing instrument, said tab member comprising a first information bearing portion having a front face for imprinting a second set of encoded indicia similar to the first set of encoded indicia on said information bearing instrument, said first information bearing portion being disposed immediately adjacent the said one longitudinal edge and being in edge abutting relationship therewith, the front face of said information bearing instrument and the front face of said first portion thereby being substantially coplanar; said tab member also comprising a second adhesive bearing strip portion thinner than said first information bearing portion for adhesively securing said first portion to said instrument, said adhesive bearing strip portion extending between said information bearing instrument and said first portion across the locus of intersection of said first portion and said instrument, said first information bearing portion being separable from said information bearing instrument along said locus of intersection after said monitoring and decoding, whereby the total thickness of said modified instrument during said monitoring and decoding is less than the combined thickness of said information bearing instrument and said first information bearing portion, and the total thickness of said modified instrument after the separation of said information bearing portion from said information bearing instrument is substantially equal to said information bearing instrument.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The modified instrument as defined by claim 1 wherein said elongated tab member is adhesively secured to said information bearing instrument by heat sensitive adhesive.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
70 words
The modified instrument as defined by claim 1 wherein said information bearing instrument has a first area on the front and back faces thereof for receiving recorded information, a second area adjacent said first area and adjacent said one longitudinal edge in which said first set of encoded indicia is disposed, said adhesive bearing strip portion extending on said information bearing instrument to a location outside of said first area.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The modified instrument as defined by claim 2 wherein said adhesive bearing strip portion is so constructed to be easily tearable at the said locus of intersection.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The modified instrument as defined by claim 4 wherein said adhesive bearing strip portion has a weakened portion at said locus of intersection.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The modified instrument as defined by claim 5 wherein said weakened portion is a score line.