The Bates matrix is a device used to mark and identify business or legal documents, with modern versions being self-inking. It was invented in the late 19th century and has evolved to meet the needs of advanced technology. It can create unique identification numbers, date and time stamps, and other identifying marks. Some companies have switched to electronic versions or use hash values to create unique identification numbers.
A Bates matrix is a device used to create identification marks on business or legal documents. Bates’ early printers used a traditional rubber matrix, while modern versions are self-inking. Today, the concept of Bates stamps has been transformed to meet the needs of advanced technology, computers and electronic documents.
The first Bates die was created in the late 19th century by the New Jersey-based Bates Manufacturing Company. Law firms, doctors, and businesses have quickly adapted this new technology to easily and consistently mark and identify documents. Inventor Thomas Edison realized the potential of the Bates matrix and bought the patent. Edison is credited with the widespread commercialization of this device, which made the Bates magnet a common part of daily activities. Since that time, the Bates stamp has become a staple in most law offices.
One of the most common uses for the Bates matrix is to create a unique identification number on each sheet of paper used by a company. This provides the business with a simple and effective method of referencing various documents by number. Other versions of the Bates matrix can be used to stamp the date or time as well as the page number or other identifying marks. Special versions can also be used to mark documents with company name, logo or copyright information.
From the early days of standard rubber stamps, the Bates die has evolved to meet the needs of many users. Some have a series of numbered dials, allowing the user to change the date or page number with each stamp. Others automatically change the number shown each time the stamp is pressed. Self-inking versions rotate to draw ink from a built-in well, eliminating the mess and inconvenience of a separate ink pad.
By the end of the 20th century, many companies had switched from Bates hand printers to electronic versions of this technology. Some software programs have built-in features to simulate the effect of a traditional Bates stamp. Other companies use special Bates calibration software to create the same type of identifying marks on each document before printing.
In the early 21st century, some firms began replacing Bates’ traditional trademarks with a modern system known as a hash value. Hash values are computer-generated algorithms that automatically create a unique identification number for each document. The hash value represents a kind of fingerprint for each individual document or page and can be created in different ways, depending on the needs of the company.
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