Abstract: The present invention relates to the authentication of fiduciary or security objects, such as official documents, contracts, banknotes, credit cards and computer diskettes.The object to be authenticated is marked with a matrix composed of an organic resin of the vinyl or acrylic type, or any other similar resin, incorporating a series of sparkling doping materials and a series of photoluminescent doping materials with long-lasting remanence.This marking is carried out by coating, transfer of a film, printing, or integration of particles into the fiduciary material. The document marked in this manner can, in addition, be covered with a substance which is transparent in the visible spectrum going from UV to IR with the exception of a given wavelength band.The object marked in accordance with the invention has a first color in daylight, a second color when it is submitted to ultraviolet radiation and a third color from long-lasting when it is placed in darkness.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a mirror which comprises the steps of selecting a former of shape complementary to the shape of the desired mirror surface, applying to such former a plurality of mirror elements each constituted by a glass element having a reflective coating on one face thereof, and applying and adhesively bonding directly to such mirror elements a preformed, substantially rigid, unitary structural support.

Abstract: A composition of matter for use as a vitreous fertilizer comprising a soluble vitreous constituent comprising the following ingredients: 35 to 55 moles %, P.sub.2 O.sub.5 ; less than 10 moles %, K.sub.2 O; and the balance to 100 moles %, CaO and/or MgO. The balance of the composition, if any, is constituted by optional additions of nutrient proportions of one or more micro-nutrients in plant assimilable form, and/or optional additions of one or more plant-inert filler materials. Such compositions have favorable nutrient release rates. The invention also encompasses compositions of matter adapted for use as a plant fertilizer which comprises soluble vitreous plant nutrient release material in expanded or cellular form, and to methods of plant cultivation using such compositions.

Abstract: A solar panel comprising at least one solar energy transducer laminated between a transparent vitreous sheet and a second sheet in which the transducer is imbedded in a layer of transparent polymeric material which bonds the sheets together. The polymeric material comprises an acrylic compound. A method of making the aforesaid solar panel in which the acrylic compound is allowed to set in situ is described.