Patent Abstract:
The specification and drawing figures describe and show a sleeve for capturing check images that is formed from a sheet of anti-static image transferable material. A plurality of leaves are cut or formed from the anti-static image transferable material. Using an adhesive, the leaves are assembled into a sleeve having an opening to accommodate insertion of a check. A correction strip is attached adjacent at least one longitudinal edge of the sleeve on which information may be printed or imprinted. The sleeve is processed through an imaging machine for reading and recording the image of the check and any information added to the check and/or the sleeve.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/736,625 filed on Apr. 18, 2007 entitled COATED CARRIER FOR CAPTURING IMAGES FROM A CHECK, that itself is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/492,453 filed on Jul. 25, 2006 entitled CARRIER FOR CAPTURING DIGITAL IMAGES FROM A CHECK (the parent application), the contents of which are incorporated into this document by reference (collectively, the “pending applications”). 
     
     FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY 
       [0002]    The apparatus and method disclosed, illustrated, and claimed in this document pertain generally to enabling an imaging machine to capture images from a sleeve and the contents of a sleeve that passes through the imaging machine. More particularly, the new and useful sleeve that allows images to be captured during processing from one or both sides of a check as well as from additional information printed and imprinted on the sleeve, is advantageous for processing a damaged check and portions of a damaged check through imaging machines. The sleeve is particularly, but not exclusively, useful for meeting and exceeding standards and criteria established by the  Check Clearing for the  21 st Century Act.    
         [0003]    While the apparatus and method disclosed and claimed in the pending applications have proven useful for the intended applications described in those documents, additional contributions to the art as disclosed, illustrated, and claimed in this document provide optimizations and embodiments in which the principles of operation and differing configurations result in additional advantages. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0004]    Banks and other financial institutions process approximately 50 billion checks annually. About two percent of those checks are damaged, and approximately another two percent are returned to a bank of first deposit because an account has insufficient funds. Accordingly, processing checks to numerous banks on data processing machines and imaging machines, and complying with the  Check Clearing for the  21 st Century Act  signed into law on Oct. 23, 2003, effective on Oct. 28, 2004, present a number of challenges not currently satisfied by all check carriers. 
         [0005]    Check carriers have been used in various forms for at least forty years to handle and process not only undamaged but also damaged and mutilated items through imaging machines, and to correct magnetic code lines printed generally along the bottom of a check. Carriers are used because high-speed check readers and sorters may further damage or mutilate damaged checks unprotected by a carrier. 
         [0006]    Accredited Standards Committee X9 has provided specifications for both documents and carriers. Patents have issued in connection with carriers that accompany checks through data processing machinery. Exemplary carriers are described and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,576,972 to Daniel J. Wood, the inventor named in this document, U.S. Pat. No. 3,702,924 to Daniel J. Wood, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,927,071 to Daniel J. Wood, U.S. Pat. No. 5,419,588 to Daniel J. Wood, and in the pending applications described in this document. 
         [0007]    Advances in the technology associated with image capturing machines, and heightened concerns in the United States since the events of Sep. 11, 2001 that disclosed a need to process checks despite interruptions due to man-made and natural catastrophes, have created a need for new carriers, pouches and sleeves for processing checks, including damaged checks. The  Check Clearing for the  21 st Century Act  (referred to in the industry as “Check 21”) is designed to foster innovation in the payments system and to enhance efficiencies by reducing legal impediments to check truncation. The Act facilitates check truncation by creating a new negotiable instrument called a “substitute check” which enables banks to truncate original checks, to process check information electronically, and to deliver substitute checks to banks that desire to continue receiving paper checks. Under the Act, a substitute check is deemed the legal equivalent of an original check and includes all information contained on an original check. 
         [0008]    Instead of physically moving paper checks from one bank to another, Check 21 allows banking institutions (“banks”) to process checks electronically. Banks may capture an image of the front and/or back of a check, along with payment information, identifying information, and/or additional information desired by a bank and/or required by law, and to transmit the captured information electronically. If a receiving bank or its customer requires a paper check, the bank may use the electronic image and payment information to create a paper “substitute check.” This process enables banks to reduce the cost of physically processing, handling and transporting original paper checks, a very expensive procedure. 
         [0009]    The apparatus and methods disclosed and claimed in this document achieve the goals of Check 21 and the financial and banking industry by providing a sleeve capable of allowing a data processing machine, a document processing machine, a image capturing machine, an image-enabled reader, an image-enabled sorter, an automatic magnetic character recognition sorting machine, or similar imaging machine (collectively in this document, “imaging machine”) to obtain or capture desired and/or necessary images of data and information associated with a check, substitute check, or similar document. 
         [0010]    To meet not only the legal developments, but also the ever-increasing speed of imaging machines, a sleeve for capturing check images and check-related images is needed. The sleeve disclosed and claimed in this document is capable of processing both damaged and undamaged checks through conventional currently available imaging machines. 
         [0011]    Earlier carriers did not always provide a means for capturing a clear, accurate image of the front and back of the document during passage of the carrier through modern imaging machines. Some carriers use solid color paper or a waxy paper that may distort a clear image of the document. Some carrier sheets do not lay flat against the check, preventing a clear image of the check. Different positions of a check relative to a carrier might alter the focus of the image as a check in a sleeve is processed past a camera or other device for capturing images. 
         [0012]    In addition, the size and construction of some carriers increased the difficulty of placing an unconventional large-sized check or document in a carrier without folding them, another problem solved by the carrier disclosed, shown and claimed in the earlier pending applications and in this document. European checks, for example, may be considerably larger than conventional United States checks. As will be evident to one skilled in the art, a folded check does not provide a complete view of the check. In addition, the new substitute check (sometimes referred to in the industry as an “IRD”) may not fit into some carriers. Some carriers are constructed so that a check is not secure within the carrier as it passed through data processing equipment, causing movement within the carrier that distorted an image obtained of the check. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0013]    Many challenges posed by the Check Clearing Act and caused by changes in imaging machines through which checks are processed were addressed and solved by the apparatus and methods disclosed, shown and claimed in the pending prior applications as shown in  FIGS. 1A through 6B , and in the pending applications described in this document. This document and the sleeve illustrated in  FIGS. 7A-7C  add to the art and advance the technology as described, illustrated and claimed in this document. For example, the sleeve disclosed, shown and claimed in this document is less expensive to produce, more quickly manufactured, and may be more quickly and simply used by an end-user. The sleeve disclosed, shown and claimed in this document minimizes mistakes, both human and machine-induced, that may occur during a check imaging process. 
         [0014]    The representation-passable coating that may be applied to the outer surface of at least a leaf of the sleeve identified in this document as the “back leaf” permits application, printing, and imprinting (collectively, “printing”) of endorsements and other information on the back leaf that may be read and imaged by an imaging machine as the sleeve passes through the imaging machine. 
         [0015]    In addition, attaching a correction strip adjacent the lower longitudinal edge of at least the leaf of the sleeve identified in this document as the “front leaf” enables printing of encoding, such as MICR codes, and other information on the correction strip that may be read and imaged by the imaging machine as the sleeve passes through the imaging machine. The term “MICR” is an acronym for Magnetic Ink Character Recognition, which describes a procedure for printing codes along one edge of a document or a band in magnetic ink. The code line is divided into fields that inform banks and other institutions about the amount of the check, account numbers, and other data. 
         [0016]    Also, the sleeve disclosed, shown and claimed in this document provides for use of an appropriate adhesive, as defined in this document, to connect the leaves formed from the image transferable material to form a pouch into which a check may be placed for processing through an imaging machine to securely hold a damaged or undamaged check in place during passage of the sleeve through the imaging machine. At least one technical advantage of the appropriate adhesive is its capability to fixedly connect plastic-to-plastic materials such as the opposing leaves made from an image transferable material. 
         [0017]    The image transferable material is preferably an anti-static plastic that provides the technical advantage of avoiding material-induced and/or machine-induced “static” electricity problems that might arise during passage of the sleeve through an imaging machine. The sleeve for capturing check images disclosed and claimed in this document is capable of holding portions of a paper check in a specific place with a specific orientation relative to the sleeve that is representative of the check&#39;s actual location and orientation in the check&#39;s original undamaged form. This is achieved in part by using a material to make the sleeve that is both anti-static and image transferable; also in part by applying a coating to at least one of the outer surfaces of the sleeve formed from the image transferable material; and in part by applying an appropriate adhesive to portions of the leaves of the sleeve to form a pouch having one open end for insertion of a check as described, shown, and claimed in this document. 
         [0018]    The apparatus disclosed and claimed in this document also keeps damaged document edges with folds or tears from jamming in an imaging machine by compressing the damaged check between a set of opposing leaves of the sleeve. The opposing leaves, made of anti-static image transferable material, contribute to keeping a check flat during processing by an imaging machine, which in turn keeps the check in focus as the check and sleeve are processed rapidly through image machines. 
         [0019]    The sleeve for capturing check images that is disclosed, illustrated and claimed in this document achieves the advantages recited in this document by forming a sleeve from image transferable material. Preferably, the image transferable material also is anti-static. The sleeve is cut or formed into at least two substantially identically dimensioned and substantially rectangular leaves. Each leaf has an inner surface, an outer surface, opposing longitudinal edges, and opposing lateral edges. An appropriate adhesive is applied to at least one inner surface of the at least two leaves adjacent the two opposing lateral edges and adjacent one of the opposing longitudinal edges to fixedly connect the at least two leaves into the sleeve formed with an opening through which a check may be inserted into the sleeve. In addition, a representation-passable coating is applied to the outer surface of the back leaf to enable printing of endorsement information that may be read by an imaging machine. A correction strip is attached adjacent the longitudinal edge of the bottom longitudinal edge of the front leaf on which MICR and other information may be printed and read by the imaging machine. 
         [0020]    It will become apparent to one skilled in the art that the claimed subject matter as a whole, including the structure of the apparatus, and the cooperation of the elements of the apparatus, combine to result in a number of unexpected advantages and utilities as will become apparent to those skilled in the art when read in conjunction with the following description, drawing figures, and appended claims. 
         [0021]    The foregoing has outlined broadly the more important features of the invention to better understand the detailed description that follows, and to better understand the contributions to the art. The sleeve for capturing check images is not limited in application to the details of construction, and to the arrangements of the components, provided in the following description or drawing figures, but is capable of other embodiments, and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. The phraseology and terminology employed in this disclosure are for purpose of description, and therefore should not be regarded as limiting. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the conception on which this disclosure is based readily may be used as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems. The claims, therefore, include equivalent constructions. Further, the abstract associated with this disclosure is intended neither to define the sleeve for capturing check images, which is measured by the claims, nor intended to limit the scope of the claims. The novel features of the sleeve for capturing check images are best understood from the accompanying drawing, considered in connection with the accompanying description of the drawing, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which: 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
         [0022]      FIG. 1A  of the drawing is a front side perspective view of the carrier for capturing digital images from a check of the Parent Application; 
           [0023]      FIG. 1B  is an obverse bottom side perspective view of the carrier for capturing digital images from a check of the Parent Application; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the carrier for capturing digital images from a check of the Parent Application; 
           [0025]      FIG. 2B  is an end view of the carrier for capturing digital images from a check of the Parent Application; 
           [0026]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the carrier for capturing digital images from a check of the Parent Application; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3B  is an end view of the closed top configuration illustrated in  FIG. 3A  of the carrier for capturing digital images from a check of the Parent Application; 
           [0028]      FIG. 4A  of the drawing is a front side perspective view of the coated carrier for capturing images from a check as disclosed, illustrated and claimed in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/736,625 filed Apr. 18, 2007 for a COATED CARRIER FOR CAPTURING DIGITAL IMAGES FROM A CHECK (“pending application”); 
           [0029]      FIG. 4B  is an obverse bottom side perspective view of the of the coated carrier for capturing images from a check; 
           [0030]      FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the coated carrier for capturing images from a check in an open top configuration; 
           [0031]      FIG. 5B  is an end view of the open top configuration illustrated in  FIG. 5A ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the coated carrier for capturing images from a check in a closed top configuration; 
           [0033]      FIG. 6B  is an end view of the closed top configuration illustrated in  FIG. 6A ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of the sleeve for capturing check images; 
           [0035]      FIG. 7B  is an end view of the sleeve for capturing check images; 
           [0036]      FIG. 7C  also is an end view of the sleeve for capturing check images; and 
           [0037]      FIG. 7D  is a perspective view of the components of a sleeve partially connected. 
       
    
    
       [0038]    To the extent that the numerical designations in the drawing figures include lower case letters such as “a,b” such designations include multiple references, and the letter “n” in lower case such as “a-n” is intended to express a number of repetitions of the element designated by that numerical reference and subscripts. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Definitions 
       [0039]    As used in this document the term “appropriate adhesive” means an adhesive especially suitable for or compatible with the material used to manufacture the sleeve for capturing check images disclosed, illustrated, and claimed in this document. The adhesive is a substance tending to cause one component, such as the opposing leaves of the sleeve to adhere and/or bind to another component including, but not limited to, substances such as glue. An adhesive is “appropriate”, in the context of this document, for manufacturing the sleeve for capturing check images if capable, when applied to one or more surfaces of the leaves of the sleeve to enable imprinting check endorsement information, MICR encoding information, and any other information desired. In addition, a quality of the appropriate adhesive is that, following application to the sleeve, it substantially eliminates effects of static electricity during use of the sleeve in connection with an imaging machine during operation of the imaging machine. Accordingly, an appropriate adhesive may be a water-based adhesive, a hot melt adhesive, or any other adhesive that enables imprinting such information. 
         [0040]    The term “item” and “check” mean a damaged or undamaged check, a document, a substitute check, and/or similar document. 
         [0041]    The term “lateral edge” means one of two sides or edges of each of the two leaves that in part form the sleeve, are opposite or opposed to one another, and generally have a dimension less than the longitudinal edges of the two leaves. The opposing lateral edges are substantially parallel to one another. 
         [0042]    The term “longitudinal edge” means one of two lengthwise edges of each of the two leaves that form the sleeve, are opposite or opposed to one another, and generally have a dimension greater than the lateral edges of the two leaves. The opposing longitudinal edges are substantially parallel to one another. 
         [0043]    The term “imaging machine” means a data processing machine, a document processing machine, a digital image capturing machine, an image-enabled reader, an image-enabled sorter, and/or an automatic magnetic character recognition sorting machine, capable of capturing images concurrently from either one or both sides of a check (damaged or undamaged) and from a sleeve. 
         [0044]    The term “image transferable” means the capacity or characteristic of the material used to make the sleeve to preserve a likeness or image of a document such as a check that may be captured or recorded by digital imaging machines. The material, therefore, may be clear, transparent, or translucent, depending on the photographic capabilities and efficiencies and photographic light receptivity of the apparatus used to make images of a check passing through the digital imaging machine within the sleeve described and claimed in this document. 
         [0045]    The term “representation-passable coating” is used to avoid possible confusion with the term “image transferable material” and means the coating applied to the outer surfaces of the sleeve leaves as described, shown, and claimed in this document. Thus, as used in this document, the term “representation-passable coating” means a coating through which an image is transferable or passable without altering the likeness of the image to produce a representation of the image readable by digital imaging machines, and allows data and characters to be printed directly on the coated surfaces of a sleeve. The term “representation-passable coating” includes, but is not limited to, the coating disclosed and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,762,766 issued Aug. 9, 1988 to Kenneth M. Melbye (“Melbye patent”). As indicated, the term “representation-passable coating” is not limited to the coating of the Melbye patent, but instead includes any coating that may be applied to a sleeve that allows an image or representation printed directly on a sleeve to be transferred through the representation-passable coating and thus also read and captured by digital imaging machines. 
         [0046]    The term “carrier” and “sleeve” are used interchangeably in this document. 
         [0047]    The term “endorsement” has a variety of meanings in this document which may not match precisely its meaning in the law of negotiable instruments. The term means any information that a user of the sleeve for capturing check images wants to add to the sleeve. The term is not limited to a signature of a check issuer or payee to make a check payable to another, or to an accommodation endorser. The term includes, but is not limited to, the several meanings “endorsement” has under the Uniform Commercial Code, such as endorsement in blank, special endorsement, conditional endorsement, qualified endorsement without recourse, and/or restrictive endorsement. 
         [0048]    The term “exemplary” means serving as an example, instance, or illustration; any aspect described in this document as “exemplary” is not intended to mean preferred or advantageous over other aspects of the invention. 
       Description 
       [0049]    As shown in  FIGS. 1A through 3B , the carrier  10  for capturing digital images concurrently from opposing sides of a check  12  is provided that in its broadest context includes a sheet of image transferable material  14 . 
         [0050]    The sheet of image transferable material  14  is formed into two leaves  16   a,b . As shown, each leaf  16   a,b  is substantially rectangular, but the rectangular shape as shown is not a limitation of the carrier  10 . The two leaves  16   a,b  are formed with an inner surface  18  and an outer surface  20 . In addition, means  22  for bending one leaf  16   a  against the other leaf  16   b  is provided. An adhesive  24  is disposed on inner surface  18   a  of leaf  16   a , or on inner surface  18   b  of leaf  16   b , or on both inner surface  18   a  of leaf  16   a  and on inner surface  18   b  of leaf  16   b  for removably securing the check  12  in carrier  10 . 
         [0051]    A clear band or correction strip (collectively, “correction strip”) is included. In the embodiments shown by cross-reference between  FIGS. 2A-2B , illustrating carrier  10  in what the legend on  FIG. 2A  denotes as the “open top configuration,” the correction strip  26  is shown attached to the outer surface  20   a  of one leaf  16   a  of carrier  10 . In the configuration illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-2B , opposing leaves  16   a,b  is formed with a leading edge  28  and a trailing edge  30 . Trailing edge  30  is adjacent the means for bending  22  formed in sheet of material  14  to form leaves  16   a,b . As shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the correction strip  26  is attached to trailing edge  30  and a portion of correction strip  26 , shown diagrammatically in  FIG. 2B  as distance D 1  extends from trailing edge  30  of carrier  10 . 
         [0052]    In the embodiment shown by cross-reference between  FIGS. 3A-3B , illustrating carrier  10  in what the legend on  FIG. 3A  denotes as the “closed top configuration,” the correction strip  26  is shown attached to one leaf  16   b ′ of carrier  10 . In the configuration illustrated in  FIGS. 3A-3B , opposing leaves  16   a′,b′  are formed with opposing ends  32   a,b . As shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the correction strip  26  is attached to inner surface  18   b ′ adjacent opposing end  32   b . As shown diagrammatically in  FIG. 3A , the dimension D 2  of leaf  16   a ′ is substantially equal to dimension D 3  of leaf  16   b′.    
         [0053]    The correction strip  26  is attachable to carrier  10  by use of a glue. Correction strip  26  is made of material that is receptive at least to application of MICR codes readable by a digital imaging machine. 
         [0054]    In the embodiment shown by cross-reference between  FIGS. 1A-1B , carrier  10  permits a user to reassemble and repair a damaged or mutilated check  12  and to prepare it for processing by a digital imaging machine (not shown). The digital imaging machine scans and captures images concurrently from the primary side  34  and the secondary side  36  of check  12 . A digital imaging machine also has the capability to read the attached correction strip  26  containing a repaired MICR code line. The digital imaging may also have the capability of endorsing secondary side  36  of check  12  with tracking information, and to sort one or more checks  12  for storage and handling. 
         [0055]    As shown by cross-reference between  FIGS. 2A-2B , means  22  for bending leaves  16   a,b  toward one another is shown in  FIG. 2A  as a series of perforations  38 . As a person skilled in the art will recognize, means  22  may also be a single scored line or other means  22 . The leaves  16   a,b  of carrier  10  is folded over by a user. Carrier  10  arrives for use by a user in flat, unfolded sheets of image transferable material  14  that have been formed into a carrier  10  not yet bended along the means  22  for bending leaves  16   a,b  into carrier  10 . On arrival, a user will find a thin release paper (not shown) in between one or more unfolded carriers  10 . As a person skilled in the art will recognize, the thin release paper is used with many items that are pre-coated with an adhesive  24  to keep the products from sticking. 
         [0056]    As also shown by cross-reference between  FIGS. 2A-3B , adhesive  24  is shown diagrammatically. Adhesive  24  may be coated on inner surface  18   a  of leaf  16   a , or on inner surface  18   b  of leaf  16   b , or on both inner surface  18   a,b  of leaves  16   a,b . A check  12 , or the damaged portions  40   a - c  of check  12 , are arranged and oriented on the adhesive  24 . One or more pre-printed alignment markings  42   a,b  may be formed or printed on leaves  16   a,b  of carrier  10  to assist the user in orienting damaged portions  40   a - c  of check  12 , or check  12 , on the inner surface  18   a,b  of check  12 . 
         [0057]    In operation and use of carrier  10 , a user lays an unfolded sheet of image transferable material  14  on a flat surface. The user removes the release paper (not shown) and places the check  12  or damaged portions  40   a - c  of check  12  on the inner surface  18   b  of leaf  16   b . The user will straighten and flatten any folds or tears in the check  12 . The user folds the leaf  16   a  along the means  22  for bending so that leaf  16   a  is aligned with leaf  16   b . The check  12  is thereby enfolded between leaves  16   a,b  on the inner surfaces  18   a,b  of leaves  16   a,b . The check  12 , even if damaged, is flat and firmly held in place adjacent the alignment marks  42   a,b  for processing. The correction strip  26  would typically be applied as shown in  FIGS. 2A-3B . 
         [0058]    As shown in  FIGS. 4A through 6B , the coated carrier  10  for capturing images from opposing sides of a check  12  is provided that in its broadest context includes a sheet of image transferable material  14 . 
         [0059]    A representation-passable coating  15 , shown diagrammatically in  FIGS. 4A-4B , is applied to the sheet of image transferable material  14 , shown best in  FIG. 5A , that will be manufactured as the outer surfaces  20   a,b  of each of the carriers  14   a - n  as shown in  FIG. 5B . 
         [0060]    The sheet of image transferable material  14  is formed into two leaves  16   a,b . As shown, each leaf  16   a,b  is substantially rectangular, but the rectangular shape as shown is not a limitation of the carrier  10 . The two leaves  16   a,b  are formed with an inner surface  18  and, as stated, an outer surface  20   a  and  20   b . In addition, means  22  for bending one leaf  16   a  against the other leaf  16   b  is provided. An adhesive  24  is disposed on inner surface  18   a  of leaf  16   a , or on inner surface  18   b  of leaf  16   b , or on both inner surface  18   a  of leaf  16   a  and on inner surface  18   b  of leaf  16   b  for removably securing the check  12  in carrier  10 . 
         [0061]    Unlike the carrier shown in the Parent Application, a clear band or correction strip (individually, a “correction strip”  26 ) is excluded from carrier  10 , as shown diagrammatically by broken lines in FIGS.  4 A and  5 A- 6 B. 
         [0062]    In the embodiments shown by cross-reference between  FIGS. 5A-5B , illustrating carrier  10  in what the legend on  FIG. 2A  denotes as the “open top configuration,” because of the representation-passable coating  15  applied to outer surfaces  20   a  and  20   b , data and information that otherwise might be applied or printed on a correction strip  26  is instead applied or printable on the outer surfaces  20   a,b  discussed below and shown in  FIG. 4A . The representation-passable coating  15  shown in  FIG. 4A  permits a digital imaging machine to receive and read the data and information appearing on the outer surfaces  20   a,b  of carrier  10 . 
         [0063]    In the configuration illustrated in  FIGS. 5A-5B , opposing leaves  16   a,b  are formed with a leading edge  28  and a trailing edge  30 . Trailing edge  30  is adjacent the means for bending  22  formed in sheet of material  14  to form leaves  16   a,b.    
         [0064]    In the embodiment shown by cross-reference between  FIGS. 6A-6B , illustrating carrier  10  in what the legend on  FIG. 6A  denotes as the “closed top configuration,” because of the representation-passable coating  15  data and information that otherwise might be applied or printed on a correction strip  26  is instead applicable to or pintable on the outer surfaces  20   a,b  as shown in  FIG. 4A . The representation-passable coating  15  permits a digital imaging machine to receive and read the data and information appearing on the outer surfaces  20   a,b  of carrier  10 . In the configuration illustrated in  FIGS. 6A-6B , opposing leaves  16   a′,b′  are formed with opposing ends  32   a,b.    
         [0065]    In the embodiment shown by cross-reference between  FIGS. 6A-6B , carrier  10  permits a user to reassemble and repair a damaged or mutilated check  12  and to prepare it for processing by a digital imaging machine (not shown). The digital imaging machine scans and captures images concurrently from the primary side  34  and the secondary side  36  of check  12 . A digital imaging machine also has the capability to read data and information appearing on the outer surfaces  20   a,b  of carrier  10 , including a repaired MICR code line. The digital imaging may also have the capability of endorsing secondary side  36  of check  12  with tracking information, and to sort one or more checks  12  for storage and handling. 
         [0066]    As shown by cross-reference between  FIGS. 5A-5B , means  22  for bending leaves  16   a,b  toward one another is shown in  FIG. 5A  as a series of perforations  38 . As a person skilled in the art will recognize, means  22  may also be a single scored line or other means  22 . The leaves  16   a,b  of carrier  10  is folded over by a user. Carrier  10  arrives for use by a user in flat, unfolded sheets of image transferable material  14  that have been formed into a carrier  10  not yet bended along the means  22  for bending leaves  16   a,b  into carrier  10 . On arrival, a user will find a thin release paper (not shown) in between one or more unfolded carriers  10 . As a person skilled in the art will recognize, the thin release paper is used with many items that are pre-coated with an adhesive  24  to keep the products from sticking. 
         [0067]    As also shown by cross-reference between  FIGS. 5A-5B , adhesive  24  is shown diagrammatically. Adhesive  24  may be coated on inner surface  18   a  of leaf  16   a , or on inner surface  18   b  of leaf  16   b , or on both inner surface  18   a,b  of leaves  16   a,b . A check  12 , or the damaged portions  40   a - c  of check  12 , are arranged and oriented on the adhesive  24 . One or more pre-printed alignment markings  42   a,b  may be formed or printed on leaves  16   a,b  of carrier  10  to assist the user in orienting damaged portions  40   a - c  of check  12 , or check  12 , on the inner surface  18   a,b  of check  12 . 
         [0068]    In operation and use of carrier  10 , a user lays an unfolded sheet of image transferable material  14  on a flat surface. The user removes the release paper (not shown) and places the check  12  or damaged portions  40   a - c  of check  12  on the inner surface  18   b  of leaf  16   b . The user will straighten and flatten any folds or tears in the check  12 . The user folds the leaf  16   a  along the means  22  for bending so that leaf  16   a  is aligned with leaf  16   b . The check  12  is thereby enfolded between leaves  16   a,b  on the inner surfaces  18   a,b  of leaves  16   a,b . The check  12 , even if damaged, is flat and firmly held in place adjacent the alignment marks  42   a,b  for processing data and information may be applied and/or printed directly on the outer surfaces  20   a,b  of carrier  10  and read by a digital imaging machine through which the carrier  10  passes. 
         [0069]    The carrier  10  for capturing digital images concurrently from both sides of a document  12  shown in drawing  FIGS. 1A through 6B  illustrates more than one embodiment that are not intended to be exclusive, but merely illustrative of the disclosed but non-exclusive embodiments. Claim elements and steps in this document have been numbered and lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Claim elements and steps have been numbered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. The numbering is not intended to, and should not be considered as intending to, indicate the ordering of elements and steps in the claims. Means-plus-function clauses in the claims are intended to cover the structures described as performing the recited function that include not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. 
         [0070]    As shown by cross-reference between  FIGS. 7A-7D , additional contributions to the art are shown and claimed in this document. The additional contributions provide additional optimizations and embodiments, and different principles of operation, differing configurations, and different structures and co-operation of structure as shown, illustrated and claimed in this document. 
         [0071]    As shown by cross-reference between  FIGS. 7A-7C , a sleeve  100  for capturing images of a check  12  is illustrated. As shown, the sleeve  100  is formed from a sheet of image transferable material  102 . Preferably, the image transferable material also is anti-static. The sleeve  100  is cut or formed into at least two substantially identically dimensioned and substantially rectangular leaves  104   a,b . Each leaf  104   a,b  has an inner surface  106   a,b , an outer surface  108   a,b , opposing longitudinal edges  110   a - d , and opposing lateral edges  112   a,b . An appropriate adhesive  14  is applied to at least one inner surface  106   a,b  of the at least two leaves  104   a,b  adjacent two opposing lateral edges  112   a,b  and adjacent one of the opposing longitudinal edges  110   a , to fixedly connect the at least two leaves  104   a,b  into the sleeve  100  formed with an opening  115  through which a check  12  may be inserted into the sleeve  100 . In addition, a representation-passable coating  116  is applied to the outer surface  108   b  of the back leaf  104   b  to enable printing of endorsement information  118  that may be read by an imaging machine (not shown). Representation-passable coating  116  is shown in  FIG. 7D  diagrammatically in an irregular substantially oval shape. However, it should be understood that representation-passable coating  116  is applied substantially to the entire outer surface  108   b , and that the shape as illustrated in  FIG. 7D  is for illustrative purposes only, and is not a limitation of the sleeve  100  for capturing images of a check  12 . 
         [0072]    A strip of material  120 , commonly referred to as a “correction strip,” generally in the shape of an elongated indicia-receiving strip as illustrated by cross-reference between  FIGS. 7A-7D , which is formed separately from the front leaf  104   a  and the back leaf  014   b , is adhesively secured directly to the sleeve  100  adjacent the bottom longitudinal edge  110   a  of front leaf  104   a.    
         [0073]    The adhesive used to adhesively secure the correction strip  120  to front leaf  104   a  is not shown diagrammatically, and is not a material limitation of sleeve  100 . The correction strip is useful for providing a surface on which MICR and other information may be printed and read by an imaging machine during passage of the sleeve  100  containing the check  12  through the imaging machine. Another technical advantage of the correction strip  120  is that the correction strip  120  is dimensioned to enable a plurality sleeves  100  to be stacked substantially evenly on top of one another during shipment to a user and until deployed for passage through an imaging machine. 
         [0074]    As illustrated by cross-reference between  FIGS. 7A-7D , the generally rectangular planar back leaf  104   b  and the generally rectangular planar front leaf  104   a  are adhesively joined directly to each other along the lateral edges  112   a - d  and along a line  122 . Line  122  is spaced from the bottom longitudinal edges  110   a  and  110   b , as perhaps best illustrated by the arrow in  FIG. 7B  marking the general location of the line  122 . As shown, line  122  is spaced from the bottom longitudinal edges  110   a  and  110   b . At least one technical advantage is achieved by applying the appropriate adhesive  114  along line  122 , which is to allow the lower edge  124  of check  12  to be carried by the sleeve  100 , as perhaps best shown by cross-reference between  FIGS. 7B-7C , and to be supported a predetermined distance from the bottom longitudinal edges  110   a,b  of the sleeve  100  during passage of sleeve  100  through an imaging machine. 
         [0075]    As indicated, in one aspect of the sleeve  100  for capturing images when processed through an imaging machine (not shown) includes the appropriate adhesive  114  to connect the leaves  104   a,b  formed from the image transferable material  102  to form a pouch into which a check  12  may be placed for processing through an imaging machine to securely hold a damaged or undamaged check in place during transit through the imaging machine. At least one technical advantage of a water-based adhesive is its capability to connect plastic-to-plastic leaves  104   a,b  made from the image transferable material  102 . Water-based adhesives include compounds that can be dissolved or dispersed in water. These adhesives generally develop a bond by losing water through evaporation or penetration into the substrates. At least one substrate must be absorbent or porous in order to form a strong bond. Water-based adhesives come in a variety of chemistries and compositions, and can be categorized as either natural or synthetic polymers. 
         [0076]    A water-based adhesive is not a limitation of the sleeve  100  for capturing images, but is but one adhesive appropriate for use because of the properties of such an adhesive. Water-based adhesive are made from both natural and synthetic polymers. Such adhesive include polyvinyl acetate “PVAc”, a synthetic polymer and a member of the vinyl ester family; PVAc homopolymers, hard and brittle, with high molecular weight, high tensile strength and rapid speed of set. Other “water based” adhesives include vinyl acetate copolymer emulsions (“VAE, VAA”) because they offer the advantage of being able to bond difficult-to-bond substrates such as plastics, coated papers, and metal surfaces; acrylics available as emulsions and dispersions as well as liquids containing 100% polymer, because of their use as a multipurpose adhesive; polyurethane a synthetic polymer derived from isocyanate reactions; polychloroprene, because it is an extremely versatile synthetic elastomer that offers a unique combination of adhesive properties. Polychloroprene-based adhesives provide outstanding toughness, chemical resistance, weathering resistance, heat resistance, oil and chemical resistance, as well as very rapid bond strength development. 
         [0077]    Also, the image transferable material is preferably an anti-static plastic that provides the technical advantage of avoiding material-induced and/or machine-induced “static” electrical problems that might arise during passage of the sleeve through the image-reading machines including a digital imaging machine. Conductive thermoplastic compounds offer reliability and value for applications that require dissipation of static and/or protection from electrostatic discharge (“ESD”). Multiple technologies are available to impart conductive properties to thermoplastic resins. Each offers different approaches to providing the exact degree of conductivity required for an application, whether anti-static, static dissipative, ESD protection, conductive, or EMI/RFI shielding. 
         [0078]    Electrostatics (also known as static electricity) is a branch of physics that deals with the phenomena arising from what seem to be stationary electric charges. This includes phenomena as simple as the attraction of plastic wrap to a hand after removal from a package to apparently spontaneous explosion of grain silos, to damage of electronic components during manufacturing, to the operation of photocopiers. Electrostatics involves the buildup of charge on the surface of objects due to contact with other surfaces, such as the outer surfaces  108   a,b  of sleeve  100  as the sleeve  100  passes through an imaging machine, particularly at high speed. Although charge exchanges happens whenever any two surfaces contact and separate, the effects of charge exchanges are usually only noticed when at least one surface has a high resistance to electrical flow. This is because the charges that transfer to or from the highly resistive surface are more or less trapped there for a long enough time for their effects to be observed. These charges then remain on the object until they either bleed off to a ground or are quickly neutralized by a discharge, such as the familiar phenomenon of a static “shock” is caused by neutralization of charge built up in the body from contact with nonconductive surfaces. 
         [0079]    Claim elements and steps in this document have been numbered solely as an aid in understanding the description. The numbering is not intended to, and should not be considered as intending to, indicate the ordering of elements and steps in the claims. In addition, a sleeve for capturing check images and check-related images shown in drawing  FIGS. 7A through 7C  shows at least one aspect of the a sleeve for capturing check images and check-related images, not intended to be exclusive, but merely illustrative of the disclosed embodiments. Of course, method steps may be interchanged sequentially without departing from the scope of the claims. 
         [0080]    Means-plus-function clauses in the claims are intended to cover the structures described as performing the recited function that include not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1