US5439255A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus and method for the xerographic printing of information cards
Assignee: InfoSeal LLC
•
Filing: 1994-08-17
•
Granted: 1995-08-08
•
Expires: 2014-08-17
Abstract
Abstract A card assembly permits xerographic printing of information cards, such as identification or authorization cards. The card assembly comprises a carrier sheet having a cavity. An information card is detachably bonded within the cavity. The foregoing card assembly can be passed through any conventional xerographic printer so that the information card can be printed with high quality xerographic print. The card assembly may be forwarded to the designated cardholder as an attractive package. Furthermore, a xerographic printer or other apparatus is provided with a magnetic encoder which is adapted to encode a magnetic strip situated on the card assembly passing through the xerographic printer or apparatus. Finally, a bar code may be disposed on the card assembly for encoding information regarding the card assembly and/or information card. The magnetic strip may be encoded in accordance with information decoded from the bar code.
Inventors
- 👤 Harley J. McIntire
- 👤 Stevenson M. Givens
- 👤 James P. Harman, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 14:21
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06K; G06K19/00; G06K19/06; G06K19/08; G06K1/00; G06K1/12; G06K1/125
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 108
Claim 1
Independent Claim
109 words
A card assembly for use with a printer, said card assembly comprising: a carrier sheet having an aperture; a suspension sheet attached to said carrier sheet over said aperture, said suspension sheet comprising a material of the type capable of permitting viewing therethrough, said suspension sheet and said aperture collectively defining a cavity; and an information card having a first surface detachably bonded within said cavity to said suspension sheet so that information on said first surface of said information card can be viewed through said suspension sheet, and having a second surface exposed to receive print from said printer while said information card resides in said card assembly.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
109 words
A card assembly for use with a printer, said card assembly comprising: a carrier sheet having an aperture; a suspension sheet attached to said carrier sheet over said aperture, said suspension sheet comprising a material of the type capable of permitting viewing therethrough, said suspension sheet and said aperture collectively defining a cavity; and an information card having a first surface detachably bonded within said cavity to said suspension sheet so that information on said first surface of said information card can be viewed through said suspension sheet, and having a second surface exposed to receive print from said printer while said information card resides in said card assembly.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
The card assembly of claim 1, wherein said carrier sheet comprises paperboard.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The card assembly of claim 1, wherein said suspension sheet comprises a transparent acetate material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The card assembly of claim 1, wherein said information card comprises paperboard.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The card assembly of claim 1, wherein said information card comprises vinyl with a surface layer for receiving xerographic print.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The card assembly of claim 1, further comprising a magnetic strip on said information card for encoding information.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
The card assembly of claim 1, further comprising a bar code on said carrier sheet, said bar code for encoding information regarding said information card.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
44 words
The card assembly of claim 1, wherein said carrier sheet further comprises a recess situated adjacent to said aperture, said recess for receiving said suspension sheet so that said suspension sheet is either flush with or recessed from said surface of said carrier sheet.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
32 words
The card assembly of claim 1, wherein said carrier sheet comprises a periphery recess about said aperture and wherein said suspension sheet is attached to said carrier sheet within said periphery recess.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
71 words
A card assembly for permitting printing of an information card by passing the information card through a printer while residing in the card assembly, comprising: a carrier sheet having a cavity depressed within a surface; and an information card detachably bonded within said cavity so that said information card is substantially flush with said surface of said carrier sheet and externally exposed to permit printing on said card by the printer.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
71 words
A card assembly for permitting printing of an information card by passing the information card through a printer while residing in the card assembly, comprising: a carrier sheet having a cavity depressed within a surface; and an information card detachably bonded within said cavity so that said information card is substantially flush with said surface of said carrier sheet and externally exposed to permit printing on said card by the printer.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
12 words
The card assembly of claim 10, wherein said carrier sheet comprises paperboard.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
12 words
The card assembly of claim 10, wherein said information card comprises paperboard.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
21 words
The card assembly of claim 10, wherein said information card comprises vinyl with a printable surface layer for receiving xerographic print.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
18 words
The card assembly of claim 10, further comprising a magnetic strip on said information card for encoding information.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
25 words
The card assembly of claim 10, further comprising a bar code on said carrier sheet, said bar code for encoding information regarding said information card.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
100 words
A method for permitting printing of information cards by producing a card assembly for carrying the information cards through a printer, the method of comprising the steps of: cutting an aperture in a carrier sheet; affixing a suspension sheet to said carrier sheet over said aperture to thereby define an open cavity; providing an information card; removably bonding said information card within said open cavity to said suspension sheet; and externally exposing a surface of said information card so that said information card can be printed by the printer, said steps of cutting and forming being performed at different times.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
100 words
A method for permitting printing of information cards by producing a card assembly for carrying the information cards through a printer, the method of comprising the steps of: cutting an aperture in a carrier sheet; affixing a suspension sheet to said carrier sheet over said aperture to thereby define an open cavity; providing an information card; removably bonding said information card within said open cavity to said suspension sheet; and externally exposing a surface of said information card so that said information card can be printed by the printer, said steps of cutting and forming being performed at different times.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 16, wherein said carrier sheet comprises paperboard.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 16, wherein said suspension sheet comprises a transparent acetate material.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 16, wherein said suspension sheet is affixed to said carrier sheet via a glue.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 16, wherein said information card comprises paperboard.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 16, wherein said information card comprises vinyl with a printable surface layer for receiving xerographic print.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of using a die press to cut said aperture in said carrier sheet.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of disposing a magnetic strip on said information card for encoding information.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of disposing a bar code on said carrier sheet, said bar code encoding information regarding said information card.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of hammering a recess in a surface of said carrier sheet for affixation of said suspension sheet so that said suspension sheet is either flush with or recessed from said surface of said carrier sheet.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of hammering a periphery recess within said carrier sheet about said aperture and attaching said suspension sheet to said carrier sheet within said periphery recess.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of magnetically encoding said magnetic strip while passing said carrier sheet and said information card through a xerographic printer.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
68 words
A card assembly for permitting xerographic printing of information cards, comprising: a carrier sheet having an aperture; a suspension sheet affixed to said carrier sheet over said aperture, said suspension sheet and said aperture collectively defining a cavity; an information card detachably bonded within said cavity to said suspension sheet; and a bar code on said carrier sheet, said bar code for encoding information regarding said information card.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
68 words
A card assembly for permitting xerographic printing of information cards, comprising: a carrier sheet having an aperture; a suspension sheet affixed to said carrier sheet over said aperture, said suspension sheet and said aperture collectively defining a cavity; an information card detachably bonded within said cavity to said suspension sheet; and a bar code on said carrier sheet, said bar code for encoding information regarding said information card.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
12 words
The card assembly of claim 28, wherein said carrier sheet comprises paperboard.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
12 words
The card assembly of claim 28, wherein said suspension sheet is transparent.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
12 words
The card assembly of claim 28, wherein said information card comprises paperboard.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
20 words
The card assembly of claim 28, wherein said information card comprises vinyl with a surface layer for receiving xerographic print.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
18 words
The card assembly of claim 28, wherein said information card further comprises a magnetic strip for encoding information.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
37 words
The card assembly of claim 28, wherein said carrier sheet further comprises a recess for receiving said suspension sheet so that said suspension sheet is either flush with or recessed from said surface of said carrier sheet.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
31 words
The card assembly of claim 28, wherein said carrier sheet comprises a periphery about said aperture and wherein said suspension sheet is attached to said carrier sheet within said periphery recess.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
64 words
A card assembly for permitting xerographic printing of information cards, comprising: a carrier sheet having a cavity within a surface; an information card detachably bonded within said cavity so that said information card is either flush with or recessed from said surface of said carrier sheet; and a bar code on said carrier sheet, said bar code for encoding information regarding said information card.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
64 words
A card assembly for permitting xerographic printing of information cards, comprising: a carrier sheet having a cavity within a surface; an information card detachably bonded within said cavity so that said information card is either flush with or recessed from said surface of said carrier sheet; and a bar code on said carrier sheet, said bar code for encoding information regarding said information card.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
12 words
The card assembly of claim 36, wherein said carrier sheet comprises paperboard.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
12 words
The card assembly of claim 36, wherein said information card comprises paperboard.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
21 words
The card assembly of claim 36, wherein said information card comprises vinyl with a printable surface layer for receiving xerographic print.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
17 words
The card assembly of claim 36, wherein said information card comprises a magnetic strip for encoding information.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
12 words
The card assembly of claim 36, wherein said suspension sheet is transparent.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
80 words
A method for permitting xerographic printing of information cards by producing a card assembly for passage through a xerographic printer, the method comprising the steps of: cutting an aperture in a carrier sheet; affixing a suspension sheet to said carrier sheet over said aperture to thereby define a cavity; removably bonding an information card within said cavity to said suspension sheet; and disposing a bar code on said carrier sheet, said bar code for encoding information regarding said information card.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
80 words
A method for permitting xerographic printing of information cards by producing a card assembly for passage through a xerographic printer, the method comprising the steps of: cutting an aperture in a carrier sheet; affixing a suspension sheet to said carrier sheet over said aperture to thereby define a cavity; removably bonding an information card within said cavity to said suspension sheet; and disposing a bar code on said carrier sheet, said bar code for encoding information regarding said information card.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 42, further comprising the step of using a die press to cut said aperture in said carrier sheet.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 42, further comprising the step of disposing a magnetic strip on said information card for encoding information.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 42, further comprising the step of hammering a recess in a surface of said carrier sheet for affixation of said suspension sheet so that said suspension sheet is either flush with or recessed from said surface of said carrier sheet.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 42, further comprising the step of hammering a periphery recess within said carrier sheet about said aperture and attaching said suspension sheet to said carrier sheet within said periphery recess.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 42, wherein said carrier sheet comprises paperboard.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 42, wherein said suspension sheet is bonded to said carrier sheet.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 42, wherein said information card comprises paperboard.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 42, wherein said information card comprises vinyl with a printable surface layer for receiving xerographic print.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 42, wherein said suspension sheet is transparent.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 44, further comprising the step of magnetically encoding said magnetic strip while passing said carrier sheet and said information card through the xerographic printer.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
78 words
A card assembly for permitting printing of an information card by passing the information card through a printer while residing in the card assembly, comprising: a carrier sheet having a cavity within a surface; and an information card having top and side surfaces detachably bonded within said cavity so that said information card top and side surfaces are recessed from said surface of said carrier sheet and externally exposed to permit printing on said card by the printer.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
78 words
A card assembly for permitting printing of an information card by passing the information card through a printer while residing in the card assembly, comprising: a carrier sheet having a cavity within a surface; and an information card having top and side surfaces detachably bonded within said cavity so that said information card top and side surfaces are recessed from said surface of said carrier sheet and externally exposed to permit printing on said card by the printer.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
14 words
The card assembly of claim 1, wherein said suspension sheet is a glassine material.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
12 words
The card assembly of claim 5, wherein said carrier sheet comprises paperboard.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
99 words
A card assembly for use with a printer, said card assembly comprising: a carrier sheet having an aperture; a suspension sheet attached to said carrier sheet over said aperture, said suspension sheet and said aperture collectively defining a cavity; and an information card detachably bonded within said cavity to said suspension sheet, one surface of said information card being exposed to the exterior of said card assembly through said aperture of said carrier sheet so that print can be applied to said card by the printer, said information card and said carrier sheet being produced from separate material pieces.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
99 words
A card assembly for use with a printer, said card assembly comprising: a carrier sheet having an aperture; a suspension sheet attached to said carrier sheet over said aperture, said suspension sheet and said aperture collectively defining a cavity; and an information card detachably bonded within said cavity to said suspension sheet, one surface of said information card being exposed to the exterior of said card assembly through said aperture of said carrier sheet so that print can be applied to said card by the printer, said information card and said carrier sheet being produced from separate material pieces.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
12 words
The card assembly of claim 56, wherein said carrier sheet comprises paperboard.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
14 words
The card assembly of claim 56, wherein said suspension sheet comprises a transparent material.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
14 words
The card assembly of claim 58, wherein the transparent material includes an acetate material.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
14 words
The card assembly of claim 59, wherein the transparent material includes a glassine material.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
12 words
The card assembly of claim 56, wherein said information card comprises paperboard.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
20 words
The card assembly of claim 56, wherein said information card comprises vinyl with a surface layer for receiving xerographic print.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
12 words
The card assembly of claim 62, wherein said carrier sheet includes paperboard.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
18 words
The card assembly of claim 56, further comprising a magnetic strip on said information card for encoding information.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
25 words
The card assembly of claim 56, further comprising a bar code on said carrier sheet, said bar code for encoding information regarding said information card.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
44 words
The card assembly of claim 56, wherein said carrier sheet further comprises a recess situated adjacent to said aperture, said recess for receiving said suspension sheet so that said suspension sheet is either flush with or recessed from said surface of said carrier sheet.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
32 words
The card assembly of claim 56, wherein said carrier sheet comprises a periphery recess about said aperture and wherein said suspension sheet is attached to said carrier sheet within said periphery recess.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
98 words
A card assembly for use with a printer, said card assembly comprising: a carrier sheet having an aperture; a suspension sheet attached to said carrier sheet over said aperture, said suspension sheet and said aperture collectively defining a cavity; and an information card detachably bonded within said cavity to said suspension sheet, one surface of said information card being exposed to the exterior of the card assembly through said aperture of said carrier sheet so that print can be applied to said card by the printer, said information card and said carrier sheet being produced from different materials.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
98 words
A card assembly for use with a printer, said card assembly comprising: a carrier sheet having an aperture; a suspension sheet attached to said carrier sheet over said aperture, said suspension sheet and said aperture collectively defining a cavity; and an information card detachably bonded within said cavity to said suspension sheet, one surface of said information card being exposed to the exterior of the card assembly through said aperture of said carrier sheet so that print can be applied to said card by the printer, said information card and said carrier sheet being produced from different materials.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
12 words
The card assembly of claim 68, wherein said carrier sheet comprises paperboard.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
14 words
The card assembly of claim 68, wherein said suspension sheet comprises a transparent material.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
14 words
The card assembly of claim 70, wherein the transparent material includes an acetate material.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
14 words
The card assembly of claim 70, wherein the transparent material includes a glassine material.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
20 words
The card assembly of claim 68, wherein said information card comprises vinyl with a surface layer for receiving xerographic print.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
20 words
The card assembly of claim 68, wherein said information card comprises vinyl with a surface layer for receiving xerographic print.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
12 words
The card assembly of claim 74, wherein said carrier sheet includes paperboard.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
18 words
The card assembly of claim 68, further comprising a magnetic strip on said information card for encoding information.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
25 words
The card assembly of claim 68, further comprising a bar code on said carrier sheet, said bar code for encoding information regarding said information card.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
44 words
The card assembly of claim 68, wherein said carrier sheet further comprises a recess situated adjacent to said aperture, said recess for receiving said suspension sheet so that said suspension sheet is either flush with or recessed from said surface of said carrier sheet.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
32 words
The card assembly of claim 68, wherein said carrier sheet comprises a periphery recess about said aperture and wherein said suspension sheet is attached to said carrier sheet within said periphery recess.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
83 words
A card assembly for use with a printer, said card assembly comprising: a carrier sheet having an aperture; a suspension sheet dimensionally smaller than said carrier sheet, attached to said carrier sheet over said aperture, said suspension sheet and said aperture collectively defining a cavity; and an information card having a first surface detachably bonded within said cavity to said suspension sheet, and having a second surface exposed to receive print from the printer while said information card resides in said card assembly.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
83 words
A card assembly for use with a printer, said card assembly comprising: a carrier sheet having an aperture; a suspension sheet dimensionally smaller than said carrier sheet, attached to said carrier sheet over said aperture, said suspension sheet and said aperture collectively defining a cavity; and an information card having a first surface detachably bonded within said cavity to said suspension sheet, and having a second surface exposed to receive print from the printer while said information card resides in said card assembly.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
12 words
The card assembly of claim 80, wherein said carrier sheet comprises paperboard.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
14 words
The card assembly of claim 80, wherein said suspension sheet comprises a transparent material.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
14 words
The card assembly of claim 82, wherein the transparent material includes an acetate material.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
14 words
The card assembly of claim 82, wherein the transparent material includes a glassine material.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
12 words
The card assembly of claim 80, wherein said information card comprises paperboard.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
20 words
The card assembly of claim 80, wherein said information card comprises vinyl with a surface layer for receiving xerographic print.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
18 words
The card assembly of claim 80, further comprising a magnetic strip on said information card for encoding information.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
25 words
The card assembly of claim 80, further comprising a bar code on said carrier sheet, said bar code for encoding information regarding said information card.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
44 words
The card assembly of claim 80, wherein said carrier sheet further comprises a recess situated adjacent to said aperture, said recess for receiving said suspension sheet so that said suspension sheet is either flush with or recessed from said surface of said carrier sheet.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
32 words
The card assembly of claim 80, wherein said carrier sheet comprises a periphery recess about said aperture and wherein said suspension sheet is attached to said carrier sheet within said periphery recess.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
73 words
A card assembly for use in a printer, said card assembly comprising: a carrier sheet having an aperture, and first and second surfaces; an information card exposed to receive print from the printer; and an adhesive sheet mounted to said carrier sheet, removably attached to said information card to hold said information card from protruding beyond the first and second surfaces, said carrier sheet and said information card being formed from different materials.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
73 words
A card assembly for use in a printer, said card assembly comprising: a carrier sheet having an aperture, and first and second surfaces; an information card exposed to receive print from the printer; and an adhesive sheet mounted to said carrier sheet, removably attached to said information card to hold said information card from protruding beyond the first and second surfaces, said carrier sheet and said information card being formed from different materials.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
12 words
The card assembly of claim 91, wherein said information card is vinyl.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
12 words
The card assembly of claim 92, wherein said carrier sheet includes paperboard.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
12 words
The card assembly of claim 91, wherein said adhesive sheet is transparent.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
18 words
The card assembly of claim 91, wherein said carrier sheet is recessed at portions contacting said adhesive sheet.
Claim 107
Independent Claim
100 words
A method for permitting printing of information cards by producing a card assembly for carrying the information cards through a printer, the method comprising the steps of: cutting an aperture in a carrier sheet; affixing a suspension sheet to said carrier sheet over said aperture to thereby define an open cavity; providing an information card formed from a material piece which is separate from said carrier sheet; removably bonding said information card within said open cavity to said suspension sheet; and externally exposing a surface of said information card so that said information card can be printed by the printer.
Claim 108
Independent Claim
100 words
A method for permitting printing of information cards by producing a card assembly for carrying the information cards through a printer, the method comprising the steps of: cutting an aperture in a carrier sheet; affixing a suspension sheet to said carrier sheet over said aperture to thereby define an open cavity; providing an information card formed from a material piece which is separate from said carrier sheet; removably bonding said information card within said open cavity to said suspension sheet; and externally exposing a surface of said information card so that said information card can be printed by the printer.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-08-07 | 1999-02-06 | 1999-08-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-08-07 | 2003-02-06 | 2003-08-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-08-07 | 2007-02-06 | 2007-08-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |