Patent Publication Number: US-7909955-B2

Title: Printed planar radio frequency identification elements

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 11/099,998 filed Apr. 6, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,204,652, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/279,752 filed Oct. 23, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,994,262, claiming priority to Application No. 60/401,789filed Aug. 7, 2002, and which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/595,825 filed Jun. 16, 2000, now abandoned, itself a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/532,113 filed Mar. 21, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,769,718, and claiming priority to Application No. 60/139,684filed Jun. 16, 1999. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to sheet products and, in particular, to printed form sheet products with sets of uniquely encoded transaction cards, tags, labels and other removable identification elements. 
     Various printed sheet product including uniquely encoded identification elements removable from a larger printed sheet product with other elements and/or other unique information (e.g., name and address of individual assigned unique identifier element) are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,978,146; 5,863,016; 6,010,159 and 6,039,356. It would be desirable to provide similar or other identification elements with greater data capability and/or more diverse uses. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect, the invention is a method of making a multilayer, integral, individual planar radio frequency identification element comprising the steps of: providing a first substrate sheet having major opposing first and second sides; applying a first one of either a radio frequency identification array antenna and a radio frequency identification array printed circuit chip to the first major side of the first planar substrate sheet; separately applying a second remaining one of the radio frequency identification array antenna and the radio frequency identification array printed circuit chip to the first major side of the first planar substrate sheet in operative overlying relationship and connection with the first one to form an operative radio frequency identification array on the first planar substrate sheet; fixedly and permanently joining a first major outer side of a second planar substrate sheet to the first major side of the first planar substrate sheet overlying the applied antenna and printed circuit chip to form at least part of a multilayer planar core having first and second major outer sides, at least one of the first and second planar substrate sheets being microvoided; fixedly and permanently applying at least a first planar cover sheet to at least the first major outer side of the planar core; and scoring the planar core and at least first planar cover sheet to define at least one multilayer, integral, individual planar radio frequency identification element removable from the core and at least first planar cover sheet, the planar radio frequency identification element containing the operative radio frequency identification array and the planar radio frequency identification element having opposing major planar sides fitting into an area no greater that about three and five-eighths by about two and three-eighths inches. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. 
       In the drawings, which are at least partially diagrammatic: 
         FIG. 1  is a plan view of a first embodiment exemplary individual printed sheet product of the present invention with integral removable radio frequency responsive identification element. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the individual printed sheet product of  FIG. 1  taken along the lines  2 - 2  in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a plan view of another printed sheet product of the present invention incorporating the individual printed sheet product of  FIGS. 1-2 ; 
         FIG. 4  depicts diagrammatically a separate portable data storage element storing at least the unique codes of the individual printed sheet products of  FIGS. 1-3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a plan view of a second embodiment exemplary individual printed sheet product with integral, removable electro/magnetic identification element; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross section of  FIG. 5  taken along the lines  6 - 6  in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a plan view of a third embodiment exemplary individual printed sheet product with integral, removable, electro/magnetic identification element; 
         FIG. 8  is a plan view of the opposite side of the third embodiment of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross section of the product of  FIG. 7  taken along the lines  9 - 9  in  FIGS. 7 and 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a plan view of a fourth embodiment exemplary individual printed sheet product with integral, removable, electro/magnetic identification element; 
         FIG. 11  is a plan view of a fifth embodiment exemplary individual printed sheet product of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-section taken along the line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is a plan view of a sixth embodiment exemplary individual printed sheet product of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a plan view of a seventh embodiment exemplary individual printed sheet product of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a plan view of an eighth embodiment exemplary individual printed sheet product of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  is a plan view of a ninth embodiment exemplary individual printed sheet product of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  is a top plan view of a tenth embodiment exemplary individual printed sheet product of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  is a cross section view taken along line  18 - 18  of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of an initial stage of assembly of an intermediate sheet product used to make a plurality of the embodiments of  FIGS. 17-19  at the same time; 
         FIG. 21  is a subsequent stage of assembly using the intermediate sheet product of  FIG. 20  to make the plurality of individual sheet products like that of  FIGS. 17-19 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a top plan view of an eleventh embodiment exemplary individual printed sheet product of the present invention; 
         FIG. 23  is a bottom plan view of the element  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 24  is a top plan view of a twelfth embodiment exemplary individual printed sheet product of the present invention; 
         FIG. 25  is a top plan view of a thirteenth embodiment exemplary individual printed sheet product of the present invention; 
         FIG. 26  is a cross section taken along lines  26 - 26  in  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 27  is a cross section taken along lines  26 - 26  in  FIG. 25  of an alternate construction of the thirteenth embodiment; and 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of the RFID tag of the thirteenth embodiment exemplary individual sheet product of  FIG. 25  mounted to a conventional identification card. 
         FIG. 29  depicts a plurality of exemplary antenna printed with conductive ink on a substrate forming at least part of a core; 
         FIG. 30   a  depicts a possible layout for fabrication individual planar RFID identification elements in a larger printed sheet product; 
         FIG. 30   b  is an exploded end view of the components of the printed sheet product of  FIG. 30   a;    
         FIG. 30   c  is an exploded end view depicting a variation of the construction shown in  FIG. 30   a;    
         FIG. 31   a  depicts another possible layout for fabrication individual planar RFID identification elements in a larger printed sheet product; 
         FIG. 31   b  is an exploded end view of the components of the printed sheet product of  FIG. 31   a;    
         FIG. 32  depicts yet another possible layout for fabrication individual planar RFID identification elements in a larger printed sheet product; 
         FIG. 33   a  depicts yet another exemplary RFID assembly; and 
         FIG. 33   b  depicts part of a core of a printed sheet product including a plurality of the RFID assemblies of  FIG. 33   a.    
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right,” “left,” “lower” and “upper” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the stated component and designated parts thereof. The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar import. Furthermore, the term “electro/magnetic” is used to refer generally to devices that are electrical or magnetic or both and other than photonic in character, function and/or data storage or transmission. 
     In the drawings, like numerals indicate like elements.  FIGS. 1 and 2  depict a multilayer, integral, individual printed sheet product  10   a  of the present invention which is an application form that maintains the integrity of the identification of uniquely encoded planar identification elements when the form is completed. 
     Individual printed sheet product  10   a  is merely one of a number which would be produced at the same time as a “collection” or “set” in a manner to be subsequently described, each with a different unique code (or codes). Individual printed sheet product  10   a  is depicted in  FIG. 3  as part of a larger, printed sheet product  10  with other individual printed sheet products  10   b - 10   d , which, with individual printed sheet product  10   a , form a plurality. The plurality  10   a - 10   d  is part of a larger collection or set of individual sheet products  10   a  et seq., which typically number in the thousands and may even number in the millions. 
     The individual sheet product  10   a  of  FIGS. 1 -3  includes a planar, flexible, printable sheet core indicated generally at  12  having planar major opposing first and second sides  14  and  16 , the first or “front” major planar side  14  being seen in  FIG. 1 . Core  12  may be formed from a single, integral, one-piece sheet of a single, uniform, printable material or, as is best shown in  FIG. 2 , core  12  may be formed by separate first and second printable core strips  18 ,  20 . The core strips  18 ,  20  are each planar and flexible and, according to an important aspect of the invention, are of different materials each of which can accept printing. The strips  18  and  20  are fixedly secured together, generally edge-to-edge, side-by-side, to define a preferably monolayer core  12  of one thickness of material with a junction or joint  17 . Only strip  18  forms the upper outer edge of core  12  in  FIG. 1  and only strip  20  forms the lower outer edge. Machine or tractor feed holes (not depicted) can be located along the free side edge margins of each strip  18  and  20 , respectively, (upper and lower margins in  FIG. 1 ) for continuous manufacture of complete collections or sets of the individual sheet products from rolls of the strip materials. Alternatively, collections or sets of the individual sheet products  10  can be made from a plurality of sheets like sheet product  10  of  FIG. 3 , each of the same predetermined size (e.g., 8½×11, 14×17, etc.) and each of which constitutes a sheet product of the present invention. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1 , the second core strip  20  is printed on the first major planar side  14  of the core  12  with at least one and, more typically, a plurality of spaced-apart, variable data fields. Two variable data fields are identified at  24  and  25 . Each variable data field  24  and  25  is printed with a unique code and the codes printed in the variable data fields  24 - 25  are identical, namely, “0000000369” in the indicated example. The variable data fields  24 - 25  constitute a set, each with the same unique printed code. Referring to  FIG. 3 , each other individual printed sheet product  10   b - 10   d  also has its own set of variable data fields: code fields  24   b / 25   b ;  24   c / 25   c ; and  24   d / 25   d , respectively. Each set of the code fields is encoded with the same code unique to the set and different from each other set of printed codes of the sheet product  10  and of the larger collection of individual sheet products  10   a  et seq., only four of which are depicted. The location of the variable data fields  24 - 25  preferably remains the same in each individual sheet product  10   a ,  10   b , etc. Only the unique code printed in the variable data fields would change from individual sheet product  10   a  to individual sheet product  10   b ,  10   c , etc. The unique code may be printed in human readable characters or in machine readable formats, e.g., bar codes, or in both formats (as depicted) in either or both of the first and second variable data fields  24 ,  25 . Preferably, all printed codes are capable of being optically as well as machine read. This construction permits all of the machine readable printed variable data fields to be located on one of two core strips used. Of course, if the core  12  is formed from a single strip of core material, variable data field  25  could be located anywhere on the sheet product  10   a , including the opposite end (upper end in  FIGS. 1-3 ) of the sheet product  10   a.    
     In addition to the variable data fields  24 - 25 , the sheet product  10  includes one or more printed static graphic fields with two fields  34 ,  35 , being depicted on the first side of  14  of the core  12 . The second side  16  of the core  12  typically includes at least one or more printed static graphic fields, two fields  36  and  37  being indicated in phantom block diagram form on  FIG. 2 . Field  35  is also indicated in phantom block diagram form in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Static graphic fields generally may be a graphic image or text or a combination, which is typically repeated identically on each other individual printed sheet product  10   b ,  10   c , etc. of the collection or set. The static graphic field(s)  34 - 37  typically would remain unchanged from printed individual sheet product  10   a  to printed individual sheet product  10   b , etc. within a set or collection of such individual products  10   a  et seq. This is particularly true of static graphic fields of text providing information or creating forms. Decoration graphics need not be identical on each individual sheet product  10   a  but would typically be provided in a single pattern that might span several adjoining individual sheet products and then be repeated on consecutive adjoining individual sheet products thereafter. However, they carry no unique data. One of the advantages of the present invention is that its construction allows the printing of information (static graphic and variable data) on both sides of the sheet products and their various removable elements. 
     Static graphic fields  34 ,  35  are associated with the first and second variable data fields  24  and  25 , respectively. Static graphic field  34  preferably is an identification block preprinted to indicate where on the first core strip  18 , a name and address of an individual is manually entered to identify the individual to whom the individual sheet product and the unique code(s) of the individual sheet product  10   a  et seq. are assigned. The particular formats of the various static graphic fields  34 - 37  are not important to this embodiment of the present invention beyond the provision on the first planar strip  18  of a location (i.e., static graphic field  34 ) to manually enter an identification of an individual to whom the unique code(s) of the sheet product  10   a  et seq. is assigned. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 2 , a first cover strip indicated generally at  40  is integrally and permanently secured to the core  12  and preferably to each of the first and second core strips  18  and  20  preferably spanning joint  17  and holding the first and second core strips  18 ,  20  in generally edge-to-edge, side-by-side position as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Preferably, the first cover strip  40  only partially covers the first or “front” major planar side  14  of the core  12  but at least partially covers each of the first and second core strips  18  and  20  while extending completely across the first major planar side  14  and each of the first and second core strips  18  and  20  (left to right in  FIG. 1 ). The “upper” edge of strip  40  is noted in  FIG. 1  by the lead line from reference numeral  40 . Preferably, the first cover strip  40  covers enough of each of the first and second core strips  18  and  20  to assure that each is permanently and integrally secured with the other. The first cover strip  40  may be provided by a polymer film  42  and an appropriate adhesive layer  44 , preferably a heat or light activated adhesive for permanence. 
     In the depicted embodiment  10   a , a second cover strip  50  is preferably provided, integrally secured to each of the first and second core strips  18  and  20 , again only partially covering the second, “rear” major planar side  16  of the core  12  and each of the first and second core strips  18  and  20 . Second cover strip  50  again preferably extends completely across the second major side  16  and each of the first and second core strips  18  and  20 , again left to right in  FIG. 1  but only partially along core  12  and core strip  18  in the vertical direction. 
     Individual sheet product  10   a  further includes a planar, electro/magnetic data storage element  28 , which is encoded with a unique electro/magnetic code. The preferred data storage element  28  is a read only memory, which is part of a generally planar, radio frequency identification (“RFID”) transponder assembly  27  configured to transmit an electro/magnetic signal containing the unique electro/magnetic code and possibly other information in response to a radiated, e.g., radio frequency (“RF”) interrogation signal. Such RFID assemblies include an antenna and a small chip connected to the antenna. The chip includes the read only memory as well as RF receiver and RF transmitter circuitry and a power circuit configured to temporarily store energy from the received RF signal and use that energy to transmit the RF response. The assembly  27  may also include programmable (random access) memory and control circuitry. The assembly  27  is preferably permanently and integrally fixed together with at least one of the core  12  and the first cover strip  40 , in product  10   a  on the first side  14  of the core  12 , by being bonded between and with the polymer film  42  and the core  12  by the adhesive  44  of the first cover strip  40 . The electro/magnetic transponder assembly  27  may be first “tacked” to the core  12  before the core  12  is joined with the first cover strip  40  or even before the core strips  18 ,  20  are joined. Such RFID assemblies  27  (also sometimes referred to as “inlays”) are available from a variety of suppliers, including but not limited to, Motorola of San Diego, Calif.; Texas Instruments of Attleboro, Mass., Checkpoint Systems of Thorofare, N.J.; Gemplus Corp. of Redwood City, Calif.; Hughes Identification Devices of Tustin, Calif.; Cotag International of Wilmington, Del.; Abbhafo Incorporated of San Diego, Calif.; and Balough T.A G. of Ann Arbor, Mich. For example, Gemplus offered smart labels in three shapes: a small square approximately one-half inch square, a large square approximately one inch square and a small disk. All three sizes come in two versions, read-only and read/write. Each read-only version contains a unique, tamperproof code of sixty-four bits, which is directly programmed during manufacture. The read/write version has a 2 kb EEPROM memory that offers different access possibilities. Various additional shapes, sizes and/or capacities are and will be available and can be used. The smallest size is particularly useful on key tags and other smaller elements. Typically such devices require for interrogation the use of readers supplied by various manufacturers. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 1 , scoring indicated generally at  60   a ,  60   b  and  60   c  is provided in the sheet product  10   a  and extends at least sufficiently through and along the sheet product  10   a  and through the second core strip  20  and, in this embodiment  10   a , through the provided first cover strip  40  and the second cover strip  50 , where present, to define at least one identification element  62  removable from a remainder of the individual sheet product  10   a . The scoring  60   a  and  60   c  further separates the second printed variable data field  25  from the other printed variable data field(s)  24 . 
     The first removable identification element  62  is preferably planar and multilayer in construction and preferably includes at least the second variable data field  25  of the plurality of variable data fields  24 - 25  but only a portion of second core strip  20 , the first cover strip  40  and the second cover strip  50 , if provided. Preferably, one or more narrow bridges of continuous material  64 - 66  spanning the first removable element  62  and the remainder of the sheet product  10   a  releasably retain the first removable element  62  in the sheet product  10   a  until removed. Preferably, another portion  60   b  of the scoring defines a closed perimeter opening  68  entirely within and entirely through the first removable element  62  to enable the element  62  to be attached to a key ring, key case or other key holder (none depicted). 
     Although the element  62  is generally triangular in shape, a variety of other shapes, both non-rectangular and rectangular, could be used, although non-rectangular shapes are more distinct, and sometimes easier to use. Preferably key tag element  62  is smaller in size than a conventional credit or business card which are typically about three and three-eighths by two and one-eighth inches or more in size, with a maximum planar diagonal dimension of about three and seven-eighths inches in length. Key tag  62  is smaller than that having a maximum dimension in the plane of the tag  62  of less than three and one half inches and having no second dimension in the plane of the element  62  in a direction perpendicular to the maximum dimension greater than two inches. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 1 , according to another important aspect of the present invention, the scoring preferably further includes a line of perforations  60   c  (or other line of weakness), which extends across the sheet product  10   a  and sufficiently through the second core strip  20 , the first cover strip  40  and/or the second cover strip  50 , where provided, to define first and second separable sheet components  72  and  74 . At least one of the printed variable data fields, the first variable data field  24  in this embodiment, is separated from the removable identification element  62  and is left on an integral remainder of the individual sheet product  10   a  which includes the first core strip  18 . The first separable sheet component  72  is integral and includes the entirety of the first core strip  18  and a portion of the second core strip  20  including the first printed variable data field  24 . The second separable component  74  includes the removable identification element  62  and a scrap portion  20   a  of the second core strip  20 , which is connected to and releasably retains the removable identification element(s)  62 . The second separable component  74  can be separated from the first component  72  and given to a customer or client who keeps the removable identification element(s)  62 . The first separable sheet component  72  is retained with identification information of the individual to whom the second separable sheet component  74  was given manually entered into the static graphic field  34 . The first variable data field  24  with the unique printed code remains attached with the individual identification information manually entered into the static graphic field  34  and is kept as a permanent record by the sheet product provider. In this way, identification element(s) with pre-entered electro/magnetic codes can be easily assigned to randomly appearing individuals at a retail point of distribution and a record of that assignment easily made. 
     Specific manufacturing details and materials, including suggested materials and manufacturing techniques, as well as other configurations of printed sheet products including removable planar, printed identification elements have been disclosed in prior U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,978,146, 5,495,981 5,743,567, 5,769,457, 5,863,076, 6,010,159 and/or 6,039,356, and application Ser. Nos. 60/126,476 filed Mar. 26, 1999, 60/139,684 filed Jun. 16, 1999, 60/401,789 filed Aug. 7, 2002, 09/532,113 filed Mar. 21, 2000, and 09/595,825 filed Jun. 16, 2000, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Suggestedly, first core strip  18  comprises and, preferably, consists essentially of cellulose material, namely paper stock, to reduce the overall cost of the product  10   a . The second core strip  20  preferably comprises a polymer material stiffer and thicker than the paper sheet stock to provide stiffness and thickness to the removable key tag (or card) element(s)  62  yet still flexible for processing. The polymer material is one that accepts printing, preferably one which accepts laser printing. Strip  20  preferably consists essentially of a porous, specifically microvoided, polymer sheet material such as Teslin® of PPG Industries, Pittsburgh, Pa., or Artisyn® of Daramic, Inc., Charleston, S.C., both microvoided, polysilicate sheet materials for laser printing. Teslin® is described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 4,861,644, incorporated by reference herein. See also published U.S. Application No. 2001 0023014 also incorporated by reference herein. Teslin® is relatively very porous with a porosity of more than fifty percent. 
     The second cover strip  50  on the second or rear major planar side  16  of the planar core  12  suggestedly comprises and preferably consists essentially of a transparent polymer film carrier  52  bonded to core  12  with an appropriate adhesive  54  and is the preferred cover strip used to join the two core strips  18 ,  20  together at joint  17 . This permits laser printing of variable data fields and installation of RFID assemblies  27  directly on the first side of the core  12 , if desired before attachment of the first core strip  40 . Polyester provides good strength, wear and soil resistance properties to the outer surface of each of the removable element(s)  62  etc. However, if durability of the removable element(s) is not a factor and reduced cost would be advantageous, the polymer film carrier  52  of the second cover strip  50  can be a less expensive material such as conventional cellophane or  3 M brand Magic invisible or transparent tape or any of their industry equivalents with a pressure sensitive adhesive sufficient to hold the core strips together, at least until the first cover strip  40  is applied spanning the joint  17 . At least the first cover strip  40  on the first (front) major planar side  14  of the core  12  and individual sheet product  10   a  would suggestedly be a more durable, polyester material that is transparent to visible light or at least infrared light so that the variable data fields  24 ,  25 , etc. beneath the cover strip  40  can be seen by humans, if desired, or at least read by machine such as by an infrared scanner. 
     While both strips  40 ,  50  are shown to extend over the junction  17  between the first and second core strips  18  and  20 , only one of the two cover strips  40  or  50 , if it is actually used as the sole means to join the first and second core strips  18 ,  20  together, need span the junction  17  for purposes of the present invention. Similarly, cover strip  50  need not be provided at all. The primary purpose for providing second cover strip  50  is to protect the rear face of the removable element  62  and to further prevent tampering with the printed fields on that side of the element. For that purpose, second cover strip  50  need only span the second core strip  20  overlapping the scoring  60   a  defining the removable card element  62 . The upper edge of one of the cover strips  40 ,  50  might, for example, terminate at a location between the scoring  60   a  and the first printed variable data field  24 , or at a location just above variable data field  24  spanning the scoring  60   a - 60   c  and first variable data field  24 , if that field is to be protected as well. If desired, the upper edges of both cover strips  40 ,  50  can be terminated between scoring  60   a  and data field  24  and another adhesive strip, e.g., transparent tape, used to join the core strips. 
       FIG. 3  depicts yet another printed sheet product  10  of the present invention, which is formed by a plurality of individual sheet products  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c  and  10   d , respectively. The sheet product  10  is printed with a plurality of sets of variable fields, four being shown:  24 / 25 ;  24   b / 25   b ;  24   c / 25   c ; and  24   d / 25   d . The printed codes of each set  24 / 25 ,  24   b / 25   b ,  24   c / 25   c  and  24   d / 25   d , are identical in the set, unique to the set and to the individual printed sheet product  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c ,  10   d  and differ from each other unique set of printed codes of each other individual printed sheet product  10   a  et seq. of the set. The same is true for the data storage elements  28 ,  28   b ,  28   c  and  28   d . Each such data storage element  28 , et. seq., is encoded with its own unique electro/magnetic code, which differs from the electro/magnetic code of each other element  28 ,  28   b - 28   d  and that of each other data storage element in the total set or collection of individual sheet products of which products  10   a - 10   d  are part. The printed sheet product  110  further indicates the locations of additional score lines  160   a - 160   d  which define and separate individual printed sheet products  10   a - 10   d  from one another and from any remainder of the overall sheet product  110 , such as sections  161   a - 161   d , which are scrap. Also the core strip  18  may be made bigger to provide extended areas  18   a - 18   d  on each removable element  10   a - 10   d , preferably with another static graphic field  38   a - 38   d , respectively, which might be a logo or instructions or a coupon, etc. and may be made removable by score line  160   e  (in phantom). Equipment to write codes on and/or read codes from magnetic strip  128  can be obtained from any of a variety of domestic and foreign manufacturers, including, but not limited to, Axiohm American Magnetics of Cypress, Calif., Mag-Tek, Inc. of Carson, Calif. and Atlantic Zeiser of West Caldwell, N.J. 
     Where the unique electro/magnetic code of each individual sheet product  10   a  et seq. is different from the unique printed code, a master data set must be provided linking the two codes (electromagnetic/printed) with one another and, if known, with any individual to whom the individual sheet product  10   a - 10   d  and thus the unique printed and electro/magnetic codes of that individual sheet product are assigned. This may occur because some transponder manufacturers will only ship electro/magnetic data storage assemblies precoded according to their own code schedules. This is expected to change. Alternatively, the assemblies can be obtained with programmable memories allowing other data, including other codes, to be written into data storage.  FIG. 4  depicts diagrammatically a separate, preferably portable data storage element  100  storing at least the unique printed code and the unique electro/magnetic code of each individual sheet product  10   a  et seq. in a single data set. This information may be further combined with an identification of an individual person assigned the individual printed sheet product  10   a  et seq. and the two codes (printed and electro/magnetic) organized in a manner such that at least the two codes (printed and electro/magnetic) of each individual sheet product  10   a  et seq. and, where available, the identification of the individual person assigned the codes and the individual sheet product, can be identified from among pluralities of unique codes (printed and electro/magnetic) and preferably a plurality of individual person&#39;s identifications on the portable data storage element  100 . The printed codes of sheet products  10   a - 10   c  are indicated diagrammatically at  10   a ′- 10   c ′. The portable data storage element  100  might be any element with adequate data storage including an optical disk, a floppy disk, a hard drive, a magnetic tape, a programmable memory (e.g., ROM, RAM), etc. Alternatively, the information may be stored in a memory and accessible by phone, Internet link, satellite link, etc., to correlate the codes to an individual&#39;s identity or vice versa. This can be done as a separate step or while accessing a central data base of customers to add additional information to that maintained on the individual, for example, product purchases, visits, etc. The printed codes and electro/magnetic codes of each individual sheet product may be related to one another by an algorithm, including a one-to-one algorithm for identical printed and electro/magnetic codes on each individual sheet product. Alternatively, the codes can be random and would have to be related to one another in sets in the other data storage element  100 . 
     A collection of the individual sheet products  10   a  et seq. might be manufactured from pluralities of cut, printed sheet products like sheet product  10  of  FIG. 3  or may be made continuously from rolls of flexible component stock. Parallel alignment of the core strips  18 ,  20  and first and second cover strips  40  and  50  permits such a continuous manufacture. The RFID transponder assemblies  27  may be supplied on a suitable continuous carrier, for example a thin polymer or cellulose strip (not depicted), with the assemblies fastened to the strip at uniform spacing preferably to coincide with the appropriate position of such assembly on the individual printed sheet product  10   a , etc. on a cut sheet like product  10  of  FIG. 3  or on a continuous web. See, in particular, previously referenced U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,769,457, 5,863,076, 6,010,159 and 6,039,356 for details of the cut sheet and continuous strip manufacture of individual printed sheet products  10   a  et seq. 
       FIG. 5  is a plan view of  FIG. 1  of an alternate individual printed sheet product  110   a  including a different type of planar electro/magnetic data storage element  128 . Apart from the changes associated with this data storage element  128  and the different variable printed code fields  124 / 125 , the individual printed sheet products  10   a ,  110   a  are essentially identical in composition, form and use. The differences between the products  10   a  and  110   a  are best seen in  FIG. 6 , a cross-sectional view of the lower portion of  FIG. 5 . Everything above the joint  17  in both products  10   a ,  110   a  is identical. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , integrally and permanently applied over the outer side of first cover strip  40  is the planar data storage element  128  in the form of a conventional magnetic strip, which is fixed permanently and irremovably to the outer surface of first cover strip  40  by suitable means such as an adhesive layer  127 . Magnetic strip  128  can be electro/magnetically encoded with and can store a unique electro/magnetic code, as well as further information if a sufficient amount of the magnetic strip  128  can be provided on the removable element  162 . Unlike the limitations of the RF transducer data storage element  28 , the magnetic strip  128  can easily be magnetically encoded during manufacture of the sheet products  10   a , etc. with the same unique code printed in each of the variable data fields  124 ,  125  of the individual sheet product. In addition to this construction, it should be appreciated that the magnetic strip  128  can be embedded in an otherwise thin transparent cover strip and applied to the core as a single, composite cover strip (neither depicted). Pluralities of such individual sheet products can be fabricated together in the manner described with respect to  FIG. 3  by substituting a continuous magnetic strip  128  (in phantom in  FIG. 3 ) spanning the individual sheet products. Where a removable identification element includes either a printed unique machine readable code (e.g.  24 ) or magnetic stripe (e.g.  128 ) proximal an edge of a removable identification element (e.g.  162 ), the closed perimeter opening (e.g.  68 ) should be located at least one-half inch or more from an edge of the element along which the magnetic stripe ( 128 ) extends and at least one inch from any edge that the printed machine readable code ( 25 ,  125 , etc.) adjoins or that a magnetic strip adjoins between the printed machine readable code and the edge. This is so that the opening ( 68 ) does not interfere with the operation of a mag stripe or bar code swipe reader through which the element is passed. According to another important aspect of the invention, an RFID transponder assembly like assembly  27  in  FIGS. 1-3  can be provided in removable element  162  permanently and integrally fixed to the element, preferably between core strip  20  of core  12  and one of the cover strips  40 ,  50 . 
       FIGS. 7 and 8  are plan views and  FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view, respectively, of yet a third embodiment, multilayer, integral, individual printed sheet product of the present invention indicated generally at  210   a . It should be appreciated that individual printed sheet product  210   a  is substantially similar to that portion of individual printed product  10   a  of  FIGS. 1-4  below the junction  17  to which an additional element, an exposable, adhesive layer  280 , has been added. Referring particularly to  FIG. 9 , layer  280  is preferably a pressure-sensitive adhesive, and is further provided with a protective release strip  282  overlying the layer  280  until it is desired to expose the adhesive layer  280  for use. Scored key tag  262  constitutes the first identification element removable from the individual sheet product. The portion of the individual sheet product  210   a  above the score line  60   c , including the first variable data field  24  with unique printed code and the exposable adhesive layer  280 , constitutes a second planar identification element  270  removable from the remainder  261  of the individual printed sheet product  210   a . The second removable identification element  270  can be used as a label, for example, attached to a separate enrollment card or enrollment sheet containing an identification of the individual person to whom the remainder of the individual printed sheet product  210   a  with first removable element  262  is provided. If desired, a line of scoring  60   d  can be provided across either side of removable element  262  to remove end  261  a of the sheet product during manufacture. 
       FIG. 10  is a plan view of a fourth embodiment, individual printed sheet product indicated generally at  310   a , which is substantially identical to individual printed sheet product  10   a  of  FIGS. 1-3  but for the substitution of a new static graphic field  39  and a new variable data field  26  containing preprinted information of the unique individual person to whom the printed sheet product  310   a  and the unique printed code of the other printed variable data fields  24 / 25  and the unique electro/magnetic code of the planar electro/magnetic data storage element  28  are assigned. Element  310   a  is preferably sized to be slightly smaller than and essentially fully fill a standard size envelope (e.g., No. 9) without bending or significant movement of the sheet product  310   a  within the envelope so that the name and address of field  26  can be viewed through a window of the envelope (not depicted). A new first separate sheet component  372  is thus provided. It will be appreciated that variable data field  24  could be deleted in view of field  26  and another identification element (key tag or card) provided between the existing key tag  62  and printed fields  26  and  39 . Also, a magnetic storage element/strip  128  like that in  FIGS. 5 -6  can be added to or over either cover strip  40 ,  50  of the third embodiment printed sheet product  210  of  FIGS. 7-9  or an RFID transponder assembly  27  added to the fourth embodiment  410   a  of  FIGS. 11-12  to provide the two separate electro/magnetic data storage devices on the removable element  262  or  126 . 
     It will be apparent that various modifications could be made to the individual sheet product  210   a . For example, either or both of the first and second cover strips  40  and  50  can be terminated short of the first variable data field  24  and line of perforations  60   c  as they are not needed to secure two core strips together. This is exemplified in another possible sheet product embodiment  410   a , which is depicted in plan view in  FIG. 11  and cross-sectional view in  FIG. 12 . Sheet product  410   a  further differs from sheet product  210   a  in the substitution of magnetic strip  128  for transponder assembly  27  as done with the second embodiment  210   a . Given the fact that a unique code is encoded either into the memory  28  of the transponder assembly  27  or on the magnetic strip  128 , it will be appreciated that, if desired, printed variable data field  25 ,  125  can be omitted from the removable element  62 ,  162 ,  262 . On the other hand, the line of perforation  60   c  of  FIGS. 1-2  and  7 - 9  can be converted into a complete cut  60   e  as in  FIGS. 11 and 12  and a larger adhesive layer  480  and protective release strip  482  can be applied to span the complete cut  60   e  to releasably hold the second removable identification element  470  with the remainder of the printed sheet product  410   a , which is provided by second separable component  474  that includes key tag  162  and remainder  461 . Alternatively or in addition, adhesive layer  480  and protective strip  482  can be applied further along the sheet element  410   a  as shown in phantom in  FIG. 12  at  480 ′ and  482 ′ to span at least a proximal (upper) portion of the first removable element  162  to releasably secure each such element in the sheet product  410   a . Again, an RFID transponder assembly  27  can be added to the removable element permanently and integrally fixed together with the core  12  and one of the cover strips  40 ,  50 . 
     A larger, rectangular transaction card  562  can be substituted for the key tag  262  or a combination of planar, rigid, identification elements (card(s) and/or tag(s)) provided with the labels  570  as shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , which depict exemplary individual sheet product embodiments  510   a  and  610   a , respectively. 
     Embodiment  510   a  of  FIG. 13  includes a removable card element  562 , a removable label element  570  separated from one another and a remainder of the individual sheet product  510   a  by scoring  560   a  and  560   b , respectively. Variable data fields  524  and  525  are printed on a core  512 , which is exposed on and around label element  570 . The removable card element also bears magnetic strip  528  and printed static graphic field  534 . One or more other static graphic fields are typically provided on the hidden major side of sheet product  510   a . The overlapping lower boundaries of first and second cover strips  540 / 550  on the depicted and opposing major sides, respectively, are indicated in solid while the overlapping upper boundaries of the exposable adhesive layer  580  and overlying protective release strip  582  on the hidden major side of the sheet product  510   a  are indicated in phantom. Cover strips  540 ,  550  extend across product  510   a  completely covering both major sides of card  562 . If desired, an additional line of scoring  560   c  can be provided to permit the sheet product  510   a  to be broken into first and second separable components  572  and  574  indicated (in phantom). 
     Embodiment  610   a  in  FIG. 14  includes a removable card element  562  and a removable label  570  identical to that of  FIG. 13  and further includes a third removable element, a key tag  690 , with a third printed variable data field  526  bearing the same unique code as code fields  524  and  525 . Key tag  690  is defined by scoring  660   a ,  660   b . If desired, a second key tag could be formed nested with key tag  690  to provide three card and key tag identification elements. Again, individual sheet products  510   a  and  610   a  are designed so that each magnetic strip(s) and exposable adhesive layer(s) and protective release strip(s) can be laid with cover strips on a printed core to produce many side-by-side, individual sheet products at one time, either on cut sheets or continuous rolls of core material. 
       FIGS. 15 and 16  show other, related individual sheet product embodiments  710   a  and  810   a . Sheet product  710   a  in  FIG. 15  includes a removable card element  762 , a removable label  770  and a removable key tag element  790  in another possible configuration. Each removable element bears a separate printed variable data field  724 ,  725  and  726 , respectively, preferably in both character and bar formats. As is indicated, a first magnetic strip  728  is applied to span removable key tag element  790 . A second magnetic strip  778  may be applied in addition or in the alternative and spans the removable card element  762 . Finally, exposable adhesive layer  780  with protective release strip  782  are applied to the opposite major side of the sheet product  710   a  underlying the removable label  770 . Cover strips  740 ,  750  can span the entire sheet product as indicated or portions of the product  710   a  including card element  762  and key tag elements  790 . Individual sheet product like  710   a  could be made in continuous strips, side -by-side and separated by scoring after completion utilizing continuous lengths  728 ,  778  of the magnetic strip material and exposable adhesive layer  780  and protective release strip  782  material. Scoring  760   a ,  760   b  defines key tag  790 ; scoring  760   c  defines removable label  770  while scoring  760   d  defines removable card  762 . Additional scoring  760   e ,  760   e ′ and  760   f ,  760   f ′ can be provided to define removable scrap portions or elements  761 ,  761 ′. Sheet product  810   a  in  FIG. 16  is identical to sheet product  710   a  of  FIG. 15  but for the addition of a second removable key tag element  790 ′ defined by scoring  760   a ′,  760   b ′ and bearing printed variable data field  726 ′ and a portion of magnetic strip  728 . Again, it will be appreciated that the various removable identification elements  562 ,  762 ,  790 ,  790 ′ can be provided with an RFID transponder assembly  27   a , etc. in place of or in addition to the indicated magnetic strip data storage element  528 ,  728 ,  778 . 
     In addition, it will be appreciated that still other, different combinations of removable elements including combinations with multiple key tags, cards, labels, advertisements, application forms, etc. and other printed variable and static-graphic data fields can be provided in different configurations of the individual sheet products. 
     The uniquely, electro/magnetic encoded, identification elements of the above-described embodiments of the present invention offer certain advantages over such elements which are uniquely encoded with only conventional, optically read, printed bar coding. First, they can provide greater data storage in a given area. Second, they offer the capability to rewrite some of the data being stored, so that the card can be used transactionally. Third, because they contain their own unique machine readable code, they do not actually require printed codes (e.g.,  25 ,  125 ,  525 ,  725 ,  726 ,  726 ′). Such codes can, however, be useful at point of sale locations and to easily identify one unique code assigned to the individual receiving the individual sheet product. Finally, identification elements with the RF transducer assembly can be read remotely, that is without having to be physically swiped through a reader. Some systems are sufficiently powerful to be able to interrogate and respond, even without being removed from a pocket or purse, and provide even greater flexibility for customer or client identification and for financial transactions (e.g. credit and debit cards). 
       FIGS. 17-19  are plan, cross sectional and opposite plan views, respectively, of a tenth embodiment, multi-layer, integral, individual printed sheet product of the present invention indicated generally at  1010   a . Sheet product  1010   a  is merely one of a number that would be produced at the same time as a collection or set as depicted in connection with  FIGS. 20-21 . Referring to the  FIG. 18  cross section, the individual sheet product  1010   a  includes a planar, flexible, printable sheet core indicated generally at  1012  having major planar opposing first and second sides  1014  and  1016 , a first major planar side  1014  being seen in  FIG. 17  and the opposing, second major side  1016  being seen in  FIG. 19 . Core  1012  is preferably provided by separate first and second printable core strips  1018 ,  1020  which are planar, flexible and accept printing, and preferably are the microvoided, polysilicate sheet materials previously mentioned. The core strips  1018 ,  1020  are overlapping and coextensive in the product  1010   a . Core strips  1018 ,  1020  can be joined together with and by any means suitable for the materials selected and as intended. Preferably the microvoided polysilicate materials are permanently bonded together with a layer  1019  of suitable adhesive material such as WC9-PL, a heat activated, water based polyurethane adhesive of the Thomley Company of Wilmington, Del. Sandwiched between the core strips  1018 ,  1020  is a radio frequency transponder assembly  27 , which is preferably permanently and integrally fixed together with each of the core strips between the core strips  1018 ,  1020 . Again, assembly  27  includes electro/magnetic memory portion  28  (in phantom in  FIG. 17 ) containing the unique electro/magnetic transponder code. Preferably, first and second cover strips  1040 ,  1050  are again integrally and permanently secured to the outer facing sides  1014 ,  1016 , respectively of the first and second core strips  1018 ,  1020 , respectively. Each cover strip  1040 ,  1050  preferably is transparent and extends at least transversely entirely across the individual sheet product  1010   a  on the first and second major planar sides  1014 ,  1016 , respectively, of strips  1018 ,  1020  of the core  1012 . At least one and, more typically, a plurality of spaced-apart, variable data fields, e.g.,  1024  and  1025 , are printed on the core  1012  with a unique sixteen digit printed code which is identical to one another, namely “4215 6532 8745 9321” in this example. The variable data fields  1024 ,  1025  constitutes a set, each with the same unique printed code. Referring to  FIG. 20 , each other individual printed data sheet product  1010   b - 1010   j  of the collection or set of such individual products has its own set of variable data fields  1024   b / 1025   b ,  1024   c / 1025   c , etc., each coded with the same code unique to that set and different from that of each other set of printed codes of the larger sheet product  1010  and larger collection of individual sheet products  1010   a , etc., only ten of which are depicted. Again, each element may include a printed variable data field with other data unique to the set such as name and address or social security account number of the recipient. The location of the variable data fields  1024 ,  1025  with printed codes preferably remains the same in each individual sheet product  1010   a ,  1010   b , etc., of the set. Only the unique code printed in the variable data fields with printed codes would change from individual sheet product  1010   a  to individual sheet product  1010   b , etc. Again, the unique code is printed in human readable characters or numbers, or in machine readable format (e.g. bar codes) or in both formats (as depicted) in some of all of the variable data fields  1024 ,  1025 . In addition to the variable data fields  1024 ,  1025 , etc., the printed sheet product  1010   a  includes one or more static graphic fields with an individual field  1034  being identified on side  1014  and with all or substantially all of the exposed side  1016  being covered by a single large static field covering or essentially covering the second major planar side  1016 , which typically would be the decorated “front” side, or a plurality of individual static graphic fields as indicated in phantom at  1036 ,  1037 . It should be appreciated that this does not preclude a static graphic field from differing in appearance from element to element as where a large overall static design is applied to blocks of the individual elements (e.g.,  1010   a - 1010   j ) so no static graphic field is the same from element to element. However, such difference static graphics fields carry no information unique to the card, which could be used to uniquely identify the holder of the card. In the same way, not all printed information is variable data. The name of the entity issuing the sheet products  1010   a , etc., which appears on all of the products, is not variable data which can be used to uniquely identify the individual issued on individual sheet product  1010   a  or  1010   b  etc. 
     Scoring, indicated generally at  1060   a ,  1060   b  and  1060   c , is provided in the sheet product  1010   a  and extends at least sufficiently through and along the sheet product  1010   a  and through the core  1012  and through the first cover strip  1040  and second cover strip  1050 , where present, to define at least one identification element  1062  removable from a remainder of the individual sheet product  1010   a . Scoring  1060   a  and  1060   c  further separates the second printed variable data field  1025  from the other printed variable data field(s)  1024 . 
     The first removable identification element  1062  is, again, preferably planar and multi-layer in form and preferably includes at least the second printed variable data field  1025  of the plurality but only a portion of the core  1012  and core strips  1018 ,  1020 , the first cover strip  1040  and second cover strip  1050 , if provided. As depicted, cover strips  1040 ,  1050  extend entirely across the sheet product  1010   a  in a transverse direction but not in the longitudinal direction. At least the first cover strip  1040  could be extended as indicated in phantom at  1040 ′ to cover the remaining printed variable data field  1024  to provide long term protection to that data field. The second cover strip could also be extended but such extension is also unneeded in this sheet product. Preferred again, one or more narrow bridges of continuous material  1064 - 1066  spanning the first removable element  1062  and a remainder of sheet product  1010   a  releasably retain the first removable element  1062  in the sheet product  1010   a  until removed. Preferably, another portion  1060   b  of the scoring defines a closed perimeter opening  1068  entirely within and through the first removable element  1062  to enable that element  1062  to be attached to a key ring, key case or other key holder (none depicted). Again, element  1062  is smaller in size than a conventional credit or business card each of which is typically about three and three-eighths inches by two and one-eighth inches in size. Key tag  1062  preferably but not necessarily has a length of about two and one half inches and a height of about one and five-eights inches providing a maximal diagonal dimension between opposing corners of about three inches or less (2.98″). Again, the element  1062  has no dimension in the plane of the elements in a direction perpendicular to the maximum diagonal dimension greater than two inches. These dimensions make element  1062  an essentially reduced size version of a standard sized credit/debit (CR80) card. 
     The remaining line of scoring  1060   c  is preferably a line of perforations, but could be another form of a line of weakness, which extends across the individual sheet product  1010   a  and sufficiently through the core strip  1012 , first cover strip  1040  and/or second cover strip  1050 , where provided, to define first and second separable sheet components  1072 ,  1074 , one of which  1072  is a second removable identification element in the form of an adhesive label bearing at least the printed first data field  1024 . The remainder of portion  1074  excluding element  1062  is scrap. 
     In addition to the radio frequency transponder assembly  27 , which includes an electro/magnetic data storage element  28   a , removable identification element  1062  is preferably provided with a magnetic strip data storage element  128  encoded with its own unique electro/magnetic code, which differs from the electromagnetic code of the magnetic strip data storage element of each other individual sheet product  1010   b , etc. of the set. The unique code is preferably the same as the unique printed code, i.e. the code of variable data fields  1024 ,  1025 , but may be the same as part or all of the code of the transponder assembly  27  or have both codes or have coding entirely different from each printed variable data field code and each of transponder code of the set of individual elements  1010   a , etc. 
       FIGS. 20 and 21  depict a suggested method of construction of plurality of the individual sheet elements  1010   a , etc., in particular  1010   a - 1010   j . A single sheet  1011  of the preferred, microvoided, polysilicate material twice the needed width, is made foldable by a line of perforations  1013  along its center so as to divide the sheet  1011  into two leaves  1084 ,  1086 . The outer side of the sheet  1011 , hidden in  FIG. 19 , is preferably preprinted with both static graphic and variable data fields before assembly. Printing on the two leaves  1084 ,  1086  can be different or identical or may be provided on only one leaf. Preferably, a suitable adhesive such as WC9-PL, identified above, is applied as a layer  1088  on the inner side sheet  1011  exposed in  FIG. 20 . This adhesive is tacky when dried after application but before heat activation, so that a separate sheet  1090  containing ten RFID transponder assemblies  27   a - 27   j  on a carrier  1092  such as a thin sheet of polyester, can positioned over the exposed inner side of the first leaf  1084  such that each transponder  27   a - 27   j  will lie within the interior of each of ten individual sheet products  1010   a - 1010   j , respectively, the outlines of which are indicated in broken lines in  FIG. 20 . It may be desirable to individually place assemblies  27   a - j  etc. between the leafs  1084 ,  1086 , trimmed so as to lie well within the margins of each first removable element  1062  so that the sheets  1084 ,  1086  can bond directly together entirely around the assemblies for each element. This might be done automatically by scoring or perforating around each transponder  27   a - 27   j  and punching the transponders from the carrier  1092  onto leaf  1084  (or  1086 ) with tacky exposed adhesive. The outlines of variable data fields  1024 ,  1024   b , etc. and  1025 ,  1025   b , etc. as well as the first removable identification element  1062  and the second removable identification element  1072  are indicated for element  1010   a  and others of the elements  1010   b - j.  After the transponders  27   a - 27   j  of sheet  1090  are applied to leaf  1084 , the remaining, second leaf  1086  is folded over onto the inner side of leaf  1084  with the transferred transponders  27   a - 27   j . The remainder of carrier  1090  can be discarded. Thereafter, as shown in  FIG. 21 , a first continuous transparent cover sheet  1042 , portions of which become the first cover strip  1040  of each individual sheet product  1010   a , etc. and a pair of separate, continuous magnetic stripes  44 ′ integral with a continuous transparent cover sheet  1042  is applied to the outer side of interim sheet product  1011 ′ produced by the steps illustrated in  FIG. 20 . The outer side of leaf  1084 , which outer side constitute major planar side  14  of each of the individual sheet products  1010   a - j , is depicted. A second continuous cover sheet  1052  may be applied to the other outer surface of interim sheet product  1011 ′ (i.e. the outer side of leaf  1086 ), which becomes the major planar side  1016  of each individual product  1010   a - j . Preferably temperature activated, water based adhesives for the particular sheet materials selected are used to apply the various cover sheets  1042 ,  1052  (and magnetic data stripe(s), if separately applied provided). “MR”, a heat activated adhesive from Transilwrap Co. of Strongsville, Ohio, can be used. The entire assembly ( 1011 ′,  1042 ,  1052 ) is passed through an activator  1054 , if necessary (in phantom), and rollers (one indicated at  1056 ) to complete lamination. Continuous carrier strips  1089 , carrying the pressure sensitive adhesive forming layer  1080 , are applied to the underside of laminated intermediate sheet product  1011 ″. The laminated sheet product  1011 ″ with strips  1089  is passed through a scorer  1058 , which separates each individual sheet product  1010   a - j  from one another and from the remainder of the sheet  1011 ″, which is scrap, and further defines the individual removable elements  1062 ,  1072 , scrap  1074  and closed perimeter opening  1068  of each individual sheet product  1010   a , etc. If the unique code stored magnetically on the magnetic data strip  1028  differs from either the printed code  1024 / 1025  or the RF transponder code in storage  28 , it would be desirably and may be necessary to provide yet another data set on a portable data storage element like element  100  of  FIG. 4  with respect to the collection of the individual sheet products  1010   a  et al. It has been found possible to encode magnetic strips  128  continuously applied to a continuous sheet product like  1011 ′,  1011 ″ before the individual removable elements are scored or removed from the continuous sheet. Equipment is currently available from Atlantic Zeiser of West Caldwell, N.J., which permits the combination of optical reading of printed bar codes (e.g.  1024 ,  1025  et al.) on the continuous strip product 
     and encoding the appropriate magnetic code on the magnetic strip material  44 ′ before the continuous sheet product  1011 ″passes through the scorer  1058 . 
       FIGS. 22 and 23  show opposite major planar sides of an eleventh embodiment, multi-layer, integral, individual printed sheet product of the present invention indicated generally at  1110   a . Sheet product  1110   a  is virtually identical to sheet product  1010   a  but for a different shape and size to the first removable identification element  1162 , which is generally bullet shaped rather than rectangular like element  1062  and smaller than element  1062 . Various individual features of sheet product  1110   a  have been numbered and correspond to those of sheet product  1010   a  incremented by  100 . The cross section of the embodiment  1110   a  would be generally the same as that shown in  FIG. 18  with identical components but possibly different lengths for elements  1062 ,  1162 . Sets or collections of multiple individual sheet products  1110   a , etc. would be made in the same manner of products  1010   a , etc. as shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21 . It should be noted that the individual products  1110   a , etc. can be appropriately sized and laid out on sheet of the core material such that same carrier  1090  with multiple RFID transponder assemblies  27   a , etc. can be used in the manufacture of elements  1110   a , etc. as well as other elements  1010   a , etc. Other shapes, in particular the generally triangular shape magnetic tags of  FIGS. 7-12  can be made in the same fashion. 
       FIG. 24  depicts a plan view of a twelfth embodiment exemplary individual printed sheet product of the present invention indicated at  1210   a . This product is substantially identical to the previous products but for the shape of the base of the first removable identification element  1262  which is generally rectangular beneath a generally triangular upper portion of the element such that the lateral opposing edges  1228   a ,  1228   b  of the magnetic stripe  1228  are substantially parallel to one another. 
     Scored sections  1274  and  1275  are both scrap and can be removed separately from section  1272 . The RFID transponder assembly  1227   a  is from a different manufacture and a different shape from those shown in the devices of  FIGS. 17-24 . However, assembly  1227   a  has its own electro/magnetic storage element indicated diagrammatically at  1228   a  in phantom containing a stored unique electro/magnetic code. However, pluralities of the transponders  1227 , each with its own, unique, stored electro/magnetic code, would be supplied in sheets similar to sheet  1090  in  FIG. 20  for the production of several individual sheet products  1210   a , etc. at one time. Again, a magnetic stripe  1228  is provided for electro/magnetic data storage of various data including a separate unique electro/magnetic code which may or not be the same as the code stored in the assembly  1227   a  or printed on the core at  1224 ,  1225 , but different from each other code stored on any magnetic stripe element of any other individual sheet product (e.g.  1210   b , etc.). Finally, printed unique codes  1224 ,  1225  are provided on each individual element  1210   a , etc. The printed unique code “1154” is shown only in a numeral format but the bar code representation could be provided as well in variable data field  1225 , if desired. 
       FIGS. 25 and 26  are plan and cross sectional views, respectively, of a thirteenth individual printed sheet product of the present invention indicated and generally at  1310   a . As with embodiment  1010   a  of  FIGS. 17-19 , individual printed product  1310   a  has a core indicated generally at  1312 , which is preferably provided in the embodiment of  FIG. 26  by separate first and second flexible core strips  1318 ,  1320  of printable material, preferably a microvoided, polysilicate material like that described previously. The two core strips  1318 ,  1320  are preferably joined together and around an RFID transponder assembly  1327   a . Outer surfaces of the core strips  1318  and  1320  define major planar opposing first and second sides  1314 ,  1316 , respectively of the core. Major planar side  1314  is shown in plan view in  FIG. 25 . At least the one major side  1314  is printed with a plurality of variable data fields  1324 ,  1325 ,  1326 , each bearing the same unique printed code, in this example, 0000098. The code in each variable data field is printed in both numeral and bar formats. If desired, a first flexible preferably transparent cover strip  1340  (indicated in phantom in  FIG. 26 ) can be integrally and permanently secured to the first side  1314  of the core  1312  by appropriate means such as an appropriate adhesive layer  1341  (also in phantom). The electro/magnetic data storage element  1328   a  of the assembly  1327   a  is further indicated in phantom in  FIG. 25 . Finally, an exposable pressure sensitive adhesive layer  1380  is applied to the major planar side  1316  of the core  1312  and is covered with a removable, protective release strip  1382  which backs the entire individual sheet product  1310   a . The individual sheet product  1310   a  further includes scoring  1360   a ,  1360   b , etc. through the core  1312  and the first cover strip  1340 , if provided, to define a plurality of individual identification elements separable from one another and removable from the overall product  1310   a . Preferably, scoring  13   60   a  defines a first removable element  1362  including both the RFID transponder assembly  1327   a  and the first variable data field  1324  with unique printed code as well as the static graphic field  1336 . Scoring  1360   b  defines a second removable identification element  1373  bearing a second variable data field  1325  with the unique printed code. Finally, scoring  1360   c  defines yet a third removable identification element  1372  bearing the third variable data field  1326  with the unique printed code. Preferably, the scoring  1360  does not extend entirely through the individual printed sheet product  1310   a  but stops after passage through the core  1312  or at least before cutting entirely through the removable protective strip  1382 . Done in this fashion, each scoring  1360   a ,  1360   b ,  1360   c  can be a continuous loop. The elements  1362 ,  1372 ,  1373  are removable from the individual sheet product by peeling back a remaining portion  1374  of the individual sheet product from around each of the removable elements  1362 ,  1372 ,  1373 , which then can be applied to the surface of any desired object. 
       FIG. 27  depicts an alternate possible construction of printed sheet product  1310   a  referred to as  1310   a ′ in  FIG. 27 .  FIG. 27  is also a view taken along the lines  26 - 26  in  FIG. 25 . In this form, individual sheet product  1310   a ′ includes a flexible sheet core  1312 ′ preferably formed by only a single sheet of the microvoided, polysilicate printable material previously identified. The core sheet  1312 ′ has two opposing major planar sides, first side  1314  seen in  FIG. 25  and a second side  1316 ′. Permanently and integrally fixed together with the second side  1316 ′ of the core  1312 ′ is the RFID transponder assembly  1327   a  with its RF responsive data storage element  1328   a . Finally, an exposable pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) layer  1380  preferably is applied directly to side  1316 ′ of the core  1312 ′ and over the exposed surface of the transponder assembly  1327   a . A removable protective release strip  1382  is applied over the PSA layer  1380 . Thus, individual sheet product  1310   a ′ is substantially identical to the construction  1310   a  of  FIG. 26  but lacks a second core strip  1320 . Scoring  1360   a ′,  1360   b ′,  1360   c ′, extends only through the single layer  1318  forming core  1312  and any first cover strip  1340 , if provided, to define the three removable elements  1362 ′,  1372 ′,  1373 ′. 
       FIG. 28  depicts the use of the removable elements of the individual sheet product  1310   a  of  FIGS. 25-27 . RFID tag  1362  is applied to one side of a conventional identification card  1300  thereby providing a machine readable, permanently stored electro/magnetic unique code to the card  1300 . The other removable identification elements  1372 ,  1373  (and additional identical or similar elements, if desired) can be used to mark other documents used to record or to notify others of the identity of the individual who was assigned the unique electro/magnetic code. 
     As an example, RFID individual printed sheet products with removable RFID tag element with electro/magnetic unique code and magnetic stripe previously described have been made using Teslin® microvoided, polysilicate sheet, Texas Instrument Tag-it™ HF-I miniature, rectangular transponder inlays and high coercivity magnetic stripe material of JCP Enterprises Inc. of Gardnerville, Nev. The PSA coated cover strip material may be obtained from Enterprises Tape Co. of Dalton, Ill. among others. The transponders have 64 bit, factory installed unique codes and approximately 2000 bits of rewritable data storage. The magnetic stripe material successfully used with these transponders had a nominal write coercivity of 2750 Orsteads. There was no perceived interaction or interference between the magnetic stripe material (even the high coercivity material) and the transponder assembly. Each was able to be successfully read by conventional magnetic swipe and transponder interrogation units, even with the magnetic stripe at least partially overlying the RFID assembly. 
     The magnetic strip data storage element  128  can be of a conventionally low coercivity for writing purposes, such as about three hundred Oersted as is found on most conventional debit and credit cards, or a high write coercivity of more than one thousand Oersted, preferably more than two thousand and more preferably between about twenty-seven hundred and four thousand Oersted. Low or high coercivity magnetic strip may be obtained from various manufacturers including Green Corp Magnetics, Inc. having a business location in Havertown, Pa. or JCP Enterprises, Inc. having a business address of Gardenerville, Nev. JCP can further provide a transparent polyester cover strip with an integral low or high coercivity magnetic strip with a polyester adhesive coating on one side that can be applied directly to a core and bonded to a core by heat and pressure. Other bonding systems/steps can be used. The magnetic strip is located on the inner side of the polyester material which is only about twenty-five microns in thickness. The higher coercivity costs slightly more to provide but strongly resists demagnetization including inadvertent demagnetization by security devices commonly found in retail stores used to erase data on magnetic security devices adhered to products being sold. 
     The microvoided sheet material is superior to non-voided materials used in all other known examples of encasing RFID transponder assemblies in plastic tags because the material readily collapses over the assemblies when the individual sheet products are heated and pressed to laminate them without damage to the assemblies. Prior individual printed sheet products with just printed codes or printed code and magnetic stripe typically used the microvoided sheet product in a single layer ten mils thick for sufficient rigidity and resilience. Double sheet constructions like products  1010   a ,  1110   a ,  1210   a  and  1310   a  were made using seven mil thick Teslin®. The presence of the aforesaid RFID transponder assemblies in these individual sheet products with two core strips could not be felt, the microvoided material essentially collapsing and possibly flowing around the assemblies where the assemblies were present between the sheets. In contrast, when bonded between sheets of conventional polymer card stock such as PVC or polyester, which lack natural voids, a cavity has to be made to receive the RFID assembly or a lump is created when the sheet(s) are(is) bonded to the RFID assembly. The microvoided sheet products further bond together better than the conventional polymer sheet stock it is believed because the adhesive penetrates the porous sheet better than the conventional polymer card sheet stock, which is essentially without voids. The same is true for the outer protective polyester cover sheets and the magnetic stripe material if applied directly to the microvoided core material. Finally, the microvoided products are “softer” and less brittle. As a result individual removable identification elements, particularly cards and tags, tend not to peel, crack of break like conventional PVC cards. The closed perimeter provided in the various tags disclosed above do not require reinforcement as would similar openings through the conventional PVC material. Furthermore, this softer material transfers less pressure and stress to the transponder assemblies  27  when the removable identification elements are flexed during normal use. 
     The present application relates to another method of fabricating the aforesaid RFID planar elements. It has been found possible to print by silk screen, electrically conductive inks/toners on at least one microvoided polymer plastic, the aforesaid Teslin® microvoided polysilicate thermoplastic material. More particularly, at least the antenna portions of RFID transponder assemblies can be printed leaving only the transponder chip to be obtained from an outside source and applied. Chips can be obtained from the previously identified manufactures and applied automatically with “pick and place” equipment now commercially available from different manufacturers and /or distributors including but not limited to Mulbauer, a German company with a place of business in Newport News, Va. Mulbauer models TAL 4000, TMA 6000 and FCM 6000 can be considered to perform this task. The ability to silkscreen inkstoners directly on a microvoided polymer material like Teslin® makes manufacture of the planar ID elements (cards, tags, labels) easier. The preexisting antenna designs and geometries supplied by RFID assembly suppliers do not always fit the desired geometry of the ID element or where they do fit, they are in relatively tight registration. Even slight misalignment can result in the die cutting of an RFID assembly or its antenna when the individual ID elements are cut from larger sheets they are made in. Being able to print antennas provides manufacturing flexibility for antenna layout and design including size, shape and frequency characteristics and scheduling because end users will no longer have to await the supply of assemblies by manufacturers, where significant delays have occurred. Furthermore, the technique of applying an entire RFID assembly previously described utilizes a bed of wet glue on the substrate to receive and hold the assembly. 
       FIG. 29  depicts a plurality of exemplary antenna  29   a  printed with conductive ink on a first major planar side of a first flexible, preferably microvoided thermoplastic substrate sheet  1318 . An RFID printed circuit chip  29   b  (in phantom) is placed a first major planar on the sheet  1318 . Preferably a first major outer side of a operatively coupled with the printed antenna  29   a of a first side of the second flexible polymer plastic sheet  1320 , more preferably a microvoided thermoplastic sheet, is permanently and integrating attached to the first sheet  1318  encapsulating the antenna  29   a /chip  29   b  assembly to form a planar core  1412  of a planar sheet product.  FIGS. 30   a - 32  depict four possible layouts for fabricating planar ID elements with RFID assemblies.  FIG. 30   a  depicts a printed planar sheet product l 510  with a plurality of planar printed ISO CR80 sized (about three and five eighths by about two and three eighths inch) ID cards  1562   a  et seq. with magnetic stripes  1528   a  et seq. and RFID assemblies  29   a / 29   b  (in shaded block form).  FIG. 30   b  depicts the components of sheet product  1510  in exploded end view and includes  29   a / 29   b  RFID assemblies sandwiched between core layers  1318 ,  1320  permanently affixed by suitable means such as adhesive layers  1319  and  1321  and transparent cover sheets  1540  and  1550 . The dark interior lines in  FIG. 30   a  depict scoring to define eight individual, rectangular printed, radio frequency identification sheet products  1510   a - 1510   h , each with its own card element  1562   a - 1562   h  also defined by scoring.  FIG. 31  a depicts a printed planar sheet product  1610  with a plurality of uniformly shaped, smaller than ISO CR80 sized ID tags  1662   a  et seq., each with a portion of a magnetic stripe  1528   a ,  1528   b , an RFID assembly  29   a / 29   b  (in shaded block form) and a closed perimeter or other opening  1668  therethrough, enabling attachment of the element  1662   a ,  1662   b , etc., to by receipt of a conventional key holder key holder.  FIG. 3  lb is an exploded end view of the sheet product  1610  showing RFID assemblies  29   a / 29   b  sandwiched by core strips  1318 ,  1320  and transparent first and second cover strips  1440 ,  1450  and magnetic stripes  1628   a ,  1628   b .  FIG. 32  depicts a printed planar sheet product  1710  with a plurality of sets  1790   a - 1790   d , each including an ISO CR80 sized ID card  1762   a - 1762   d , respectively and a smaller than ISO CR80 sized tag  1763   a - 1763   d , respectively, each with a portion of a magnetic stripe  1728   a ,  1728   b . and an RFID assembly  29   a / 29   b  (in phantom block form). Sets  1790   a  etc are scored out of a larger cut sheet as indicated or a continuous web printed sheet product as previously indicated. The exploded edge view of  1710  is essentially the same as  1610  in  FIG. 31   a  except for the repositioning of magnetic stripes  1728   a ,  1728   b . Elements  1562 ,  1662 ,  1762 ,  1763  would each include printing as desired, optionally including unique codes in character and/or bar format, and transparent sheet coverings on either or both major sides of the sheet material core preferably over any printing and encasing each RFID assembly. 
       FIG. 30   c  depicts a variation on the constructions shown in  FIGS. 30   a  and  31   a.    FIG. 30   c  depicts the components of a sheet product  1510 ′ in exploded end view. Sheet product  1510 ′ looks exactly like sheet product  1510  of  FIG. 30   a  but has a different interior construction. Sheet product  1510 ′ includes  29   a / 29   b  RFID assemblies  27  applied to a first core layer  1318 ′ formed by a first flexible substrate sheet bearing the same number  1318 ′, again preferably a microvoided thermoplastic sheet  1318 ′, which sandwiched between overlapped halves of a second, larger flexible substrate sheet  1320 ′, opposite halves  1320   a ′ and  1320   b ′ of which constitute individual layers of multilayer core  1512 ′ that are permanently affixed by suitable means such as adhesive layers  1319   a ′ and  1319   b ′ to opposite sides of the first sheet  1318 ′. Again, transparent material cover sheets  1540  and  1550  are preferably permanently affixed by suitable means such as adhesive layers  1321  a′ and  1321   b ′ to opposite outer planar sides of the second sheet  1320  and core  1512 ′. Preferably, the outer sides of the halves  1320   a ′,  1320   b ′ of the second sheet  1320 ′ are printed with static graphic fields  1535  and/or variable data fields  1524 , respectively, the latter possibly including codes unique to each RFID identification element, preferably before the second sheet  1320  is folded over the first sheet  1318 ′. Thus, the printing is protected by the transparent cover sheets  1540 ,  1550  through which the printed fields are visible, while the microvoided substrate sheet(s)  1318 ′,  1320 ′ cushion and protect the circuiting  27  ( 29   a / 29   b ). 
       FIGS. 33   a  depicts an exemplary RFID assembly  1827  including an antenna  1829   a formed of extremely fine copper wire  1828  applied directly to a first major planar side of a first polymer plastic, preferably microvoided thermoplastic substrate sheet  1318 , preferably around an RFID printed circuit chip  1829   b  on a holder  1829   c  spanning the ends of the wire  1828  forming the antenna  1829   a . Chip  1829   b  is preferably previously affixed to the same first major planar side of the first sheet  1318 .  FIG. 33   b  depicts part of a printed sheet product  1810  including plurality of such assemblies  1827  all mounted on first substrate sheet  1318 . A second polymer plastic sheet, preferably a microvoided thermoplastic material sheet like sheet  1320  or  1320 ′, is permanently attached to the first sheet  1318  encapsulating the antenna  1829   a /chip  1829   b  assemblies  1827  to form a flexible planar core  1812  of a planar sheet product  1810 . Again, transparent cover sheet(s)  1540  and/or  1550  can be permanently affixed to either or both major planar sides of core  1812 . Planar sheet product  1810  may take any of the forms of the sheet products  1510 ,  1510 ′,  1610 ,  1710 , etc. of  FIGS. 30   a - 32  and the individual planar identification elements thereof including but not limited to elements having major planar sides about three and five eighths by two and three eighths inches or less in size and being provided with magnetic stripes like  1528   a  et seq. and/or closed perimeter openings like  1668 . 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention.