Abstract: A scratch layer transfer sheet comprising a substrate film and a transferable scratch layer disposed on one surface of the substrate film, the transferable scratch layer comprising a hiding layer, being able to be thermally transferred to the print surface of a transfer-receiving material and being able to be removed from the print surface by scratching it after it is transferred. The scratch layer transfer sheet is overlapped on a transfer-receiving material such that the transferable scratch layer faces the print surface of the transfer-receiving material to transfer said transferable scratch layer to the print surface by heating.

Abstract: Described herein is a break-open lottery ticket where the ticket is formed by laminating two substrate sheets. The lottery ticket includes variable imaged lottery indicia printed directly onto the inside surface of both sheets the ticket and covered by a layer of scratch-off material. The indicia and the scratch-off material are enclosed within the sheets allowing the outside surfaces to be used for game and promotional information. Either just the first substrate sheet or both sheets are perforated to define a perforated tear line thereon arranged to define a portion of the first substrate sheet which can be opened relative to the second substrate sheet, by the player tearing through the perforated tear line, to expose game data. The perforated tear line defining the portion extends only part way around the periphery of the portion of the first substrate sheet so that when the perforation lines are torn the portion of the first substrate sheet remains attached to the second substrate sheet.

Abstract: A flexible container with a wall structure comprised of multi-layer, flexible thin films, including a first film layer that is affixed to the wall structure by a releasable adherence and that incorporates a removable promotional piece. The removable promotional piece is incorporated into the first film layer such that, other than a continuous cut facilitating removal and any conspicuous printing on the removable portion, it is indistinguishable from the rest of the exterior of the package. The continuous cut allows for full detachment of the removable portion from the first film layer so that only the releasable adherence prevents it from separating from the container. The promotional piece is removed by peeling it away from the container, where the peeling is facilitated by the action of the continuous cut and releasable adherence. The removable piece may function as a gaming piece or redeemable coupon, or may be designed to retain a tacky surface and function as a sticker.

Abstract: A method of forming a debit card and a debit card formed by the method are disclosed. A planar card member has opposing surfaces. A PIN is printed on one of the surfaces. The planar card member is advanced along a predetermined path of travel such as on a conveyor. A radiation cured, opaque scratch-off coating is applied onto the surface having the PIN such that the PIN is covered by the applied scratch-off coating. The scratch-off coating is radiation cured, preferably by ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: An adhesive leaflet assembly is provided having a carrier web and a plurality of lengthwise oriented leaflet sub-assemblies releasably adhered on the web. The leaflet sub-assemblies have adhesive wing-like extensions that are oriented in a longitudinal direction relative to the carrier web. Longitudinal orientation of these wing-like extensions facilitates application of the leaflet sub-assemblies onto articles having a flat or planar surface in a high-speed continuous labeling operation. A method of providing a leaflet assembly, as well as a method for applying leaflet sub-assemblies are also provided.

Abstract: A solder ball pad for mounting and connecting of electronic devices and, more particularly, apparatus and methods providing an improved solder ball pad structure on a substrate, such as a printed circuit board (“PCB”) or a semiconductor die, while enabling better use of the spaces between adjacent solder ball pads and at the same time providing increased surface area for bonding to a solder ball. Substrates, electronic device assemblies and systems incorporating the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-adhesive label for displaying information includes a leaflet, a tab member, and an adhesive layer. The leaflet has a lower surface and an end edge. The tab member is separately formed from the leaflet. An exposed portion of the tab member is disposed alongside the leaflet adjacent the end edge. The tab member has a lower surface. The adhesive layer includes a first adhesive portion engaging the lower surface of the leaflet and a second adhesive portion engaging the lower surface of the tab member. At least a portion of the leaflet does not overlie the tab member. The label may include a laminate cover overlying the upper surface of the leaflet and including a laminate tab portion overlying the exposed portion of the tab member.

Abstract: A sheet-like printing medium with easy-separating means which enables one to easily separate the printing medium into separate portions. When an image is formed on the printing medium having easy-separating means disposed inside and entirely along the peripheral edge thereof, a print area is extended slightly to the peripheral edge beyond the easy-separating means. When the width of a non-print area left in the peripheral edge of the print area is separated at a part of the easy-separating means, an image is formed spaced from the sides of each of the non-print areas by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A polymeric film structure having a removable scratch off layer particularly suitable for use on “scratch and reveal” devices including instant lottery tickets, “scratch and win” game cards, and various other promotional items. The film structure includes an opaque cavitated layer secured to an adjacent layer along a weakened interface. The cavitated layer initially conceals certain preprinted indicia, e.g., prize information, but may be subsequently removed by scratching and/or rubbing to allow viewing of such indicia.

Abstract: A method of forming a debit card and a debit card formed by the method are disclosed. A planar card member has opposing surfaces. A PIN is printed on one of the surfaces. The planar card member is advanced along a predetermined path of travel such as on a conveyor. A radiation cured, opaque scratch-off coating is applied onto the surface having the PIN such that the PIN is covered by the applied scratch-off coating. The scratch-off coating is radiation cured, preferably by ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: A substrate removably attached to a container that can be linked electronically to the operating stations in a laboratory and/or removed and subsequently attached to a document or another container. More particularly, the substrate is a partitioned label with human readable information and electronically readable information.

Abstract: A label includes a base label having upper and lower opposed surfaces and first and second opposed ends. A base adhesive coats the lower surface of the base label. A top panel overlies the upper surface of the base label and is joined to the base label adjacent the first end. The top panel has an upper surface. A tab having upper and lower opposed surfaces overlies the upper surface of the base label. An adhesive patch is interposed between the base label and the tab adjacent the second end. The adhesive patch secures the lower surface of the tab to the upper surface of the base label. A laminate cover overlies the top panel and the tab. A laminate adhesive secures the laminate cover to the upper surface of the top panel and releasably joins the laminate cover to the upper surface of the tab.

Abstract: A label for an optical disc having a non-circular perimeter includes a sheet having a non-circular having a non-circular perimeter and a central aperture disposed in a sheet which has a perimeter for enabling registration of a label with an optical disc in order to provide for balanced rotation of the optical disc in order to provided for balanced rotation of the optical disc with the label fixed thereto. The sheet may be provided with an adhesive for fixing a sheet to the optical disc.

Abstract: Confidential information is printed on an upper transparent laminate. A scrambling pattern is associated with a lower laminate. The upper surface of the lower laminate and the lower surface of the upper laminate are complementary in shape such that the upper laminate appears transparent, but alters to appear translucent when separated from the lower laminate. This provides a tamper-evident mechanism for indicating separation of the laminates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multilayer label comprising at least one authenticity feature (5), which authenticity feature (5) consists of at least two parts (51, 52) positioned on different layers (1, 2) of the label. The authenticity feature (5) can be a barcode which can consist of at least two parts (51, 52) positioned on different layers (1, 2) of the label. The barcode can have m lines of which n lines are arranged on one layer (1) of the label and m-n lines are arranged on another layer (2) of the label, where m>n>0. The label can have a lower layer (2) and an upper layer (1), with the lower layer (2) having a greater surface area than the at least one layer (1) positioned on top of it. The upper side and/or lower side of at least one of the layers (1, 2) can be coated with an adhesive at least in sections and/or at least in points.

Abstract: A telephonic-interface lottery system D interfaces with a multiplicity of individual terminals T1-Tn of a telephone network facility C to enable lottery players to call and play for at least one additional chance to possibly win by dialing a pay-to-dial telephone number indicated on a “scratch-off” or online game lottery ticket for use in the system. At the terminals, callers are prompted by voice-generated instructions to provide digital data, such as their telephone number, age, social security number, and/or drivers license number. In addition, the sequence number of the caller as well as the date and time of the call is recorded for positive association with a caller and is stored for processing. The caller's identification data is confirmed using various techniques and callers may be ranked and accounted for on the basis of entitlement-and sequence.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in security features in paper and other substrates and in particular to an activatable feature to warn of tampering. The invention further relates to a security feature for a security document comprising at least one activatable layer and at least one visually apparent masking layer, said at least one activatable layer comprising a composition which is generally non-mobile but which becomes mobile when wetted with a liquid, said composition further including at least one detectable component, in which under dry conditions said at least one masking layer wholly covers the activatable layer and renders it non-detectable.

Abstract: A label laminate includes a release liner and label bonded thereto by an adhesive. The liner includes a skip in the release thereof, and the label includes a skip in the adhesive thereof aligned therewith. The label is removable from the liner, and the release skip may be printed thereon.

Abstract: A planar form or structure is used to create a thin card capable of receiving and retaining printed indicia, including written signatures, on both opposing surfaces. The structure and related method allow the exposed carrier surface and the underlying release agent layer to receive and retain printed indicia, including written signatures, while retaining an extremely thin, yet tear-resistant, card structure. The release agent layer solidifies from a liquid to form a film capable of receiving and retaining printed indicia, written signatures, and the like which may be printed or written upon through the peeling away of the transparent lamina layer to expose the underlying release agent layer for receiving the indicia. The resulting structure preferably exhibits a flexibility due to its thickness lying within the range of 15-30 microns plus the thickness of the carrier.

Abstract: A self-adhesive label for displaying information includes a leaflet, a tab member, and an adhesive layer. The leaflet has a lower surface and an end edge. The tab member is separately formed from the leaflet. An exposed portion of the tab member is disposed alongside the leaflet adjacent the end edge. The tab member has a lower surface. The adhesive layer includes a first adhesive portion engaging the lower surface of the leaflet and a second adhesive portion engaging the lower surface of the tab member. At least a portion of the leaflet does not overlie the tab member. The label may include a laminate cover overlying the upper surface of the leaflet and including a laminate tab portion overlying the exposed portion of the tab member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of laminated materials and, in particular, to laminates (1) for stamping foils and security threads (1). In one aspect there is provided a laminate (1) for a stamping foil comprising a carrier layer, a translucent or transparent coloured first lacquer layer (5), a translucent or transparent second lacquer layer (10) disposed between the carrier layer and the first lacquer layer and a light-reflecting layer (20) adjacent to the first lacquer layer, wherein the first lacquer layer is incomplete in a region substantially in register with an incomplete region in the light-reflecting layer such that the carrier layer is partially covered by the first lacquer layer and the light-reflecting layer (20).

Abstract: A packaging assembly for at least one article including wrapping material for the article and an elongated tape to assist in removing the wrapping material from the article, the elongated tape including a visible gripping portion positioned externally of the wrapped article and a hidden portion positioned within the wrapped article, each portion of the tape having messages associated therewith which are intellectually compatible.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multilayer foil, in particular a transfer foil. The transfer foil consists of a carrier. foil, a one- or multilayer transfer layer containing an optically variable structure, and an intermediate layer located between the carrier foil and the transfer layer, the intermediate layer being a metal oxide or semiconductor oxide layer.

Abstract: An advertising or promotional brochure is disclosed that is to be mailed in conjunction with a magazine or periodical. The brochure may include high-quality, glossy photographs, and be personalized with text and/or images that relate specifically to the magazine subscriber. In addition, the brochure may include coupons for sales discounts, bank promotional checks, and other promotions that may be redeemed by the magazine subscriber. The brochure may be embodied as a multi-page pamphlet and may have an appearance and cover similar to the magazine to which it is attached.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for marking solid, liquid or gaseous substances, whereby the substance to be marked is provided with at least one synthetically produced nucleic acid sequence. Said nucleic acid sequence contains a first sequence section constructed with the 5′ terminal end, a second sequence comprised of at least two bases and connected to said nucleic acid sequence, and a third sequence section constructed with the 3′ terminal end and connected to the said nucleic acid sequence. In order to simplify the identification of the marking, the invention provides that a first primer group is used with a first primer section corresponding to the first sequence section and a second primer group is used with a third primer section corresponding to the third sequence section.

Abstract: A label includes a bottom panel and a top panel overlying the bottom panel. A tear line is formed in the top panel. A hole is formed in at least one of the top and bottom panels. An exposed adhesive is disposed in the hole. The label may be opened by tearing along the tear line and the label may be resealed using the exposed adhesive.

Abstract: Described herein is a lottery ticket composed of two ticket portions, each having a rear surface and a front surface. The front surfaces include promotional graphics and lottery information whereas the rear surfaces include lottery indicia, some of which are covered with a scratch-off layer. The lottery ticket is formed by connecting the rear surfaces together such that the lottery indicia are facing one another and are not visible without separating the lottery ticket into its two portions. The ticket assembly thus forms in effect a pouch enveloping the lottery indicia but without the wastefulness of a separate pouch material.

Abstract: A tamper-evident form for securely carrying information includes a scrambling pattern (4) which underlies the printed information such that the printed information cannot be read. Separation of the printed information and scrambling pattern, or other disabling of the scrambling pattern, is tamper-evident and renders the information readable. In preferred embodiments the information is printed on a lamina (6) which overlies the scrambling pattern (4). The information can be printed by conventional printers and no post-processing of the form is required to render the information secure.

Abstract: A method for permanently marking a photoreceptor surface includes the steps of irradiating a surface of a photoreceptor with an irradiation source to permanently mark the photoreceptor, and ablating material from the photoreceptor to at least one controlled depth in the photoreceptor with the irradiation source.

Abstract: A tamper-evident form for securely carrying information includes a scrambling pattern (4) which underlies the printed information such that the printed information cannot be read. Separation of the printed information and scrambling pattern, or other disabling of the scrambling pattern, is tamper-evident and renders the information readable. In preferred embodiments the information is printed on a lamina (6) which overlies the scrambling pattern (4). The information can be printed by conventional printers and no post-processing of the form is required to render the information secure.

Abstract: A business card assembly having a standard wallet-sized card with top and bottom surfaces. Business card identification information is printed on the top surface. Two or more adhesive-backed removable labels are secured to the bottom surface of the business card, and each of these labels has the business card identification information printed on it. The labels may be peeled off and placed, for example, in one's personal planner, file, or other convenient location. The card may be a traditional flat style, or a tent style. The card may also include a release liner beneath the removable labels, the release liner also optionally including additional printed information.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coloring mechanism in which hidden letters (including numbers), figures, symbols, images etc. appear by rubbing the surface with metal such as coins etc., and to a recording material provided with this mechanism. In the coloring mechanism of the invention, letters etc. are indicated on a recording face by an ink etc. containing an inorganic pigment with a Mohs hardness of 2 or more, so as to have the same color as or a similar color to the recording face, and the letters etc. are colored to be readable by rubbing with metal the recording face containing the letters etc.

Abstract: A method and system for creating game cards incorporates a removable scratch-off coating to hide printed symbols. The card is constructed so that the scratch-off coating is selectively retained by the card, in the form of symbols, when the scratch-off coating is removed. The selective retention of scratch-off coating material to the card is accomplished by incorporating into the card, between the substrate and the scratch-off coating, a clear release coat laser-engraved to form symbols. A laser creates the desired symbols in the release coat. The laser may be manually controlled or computer-controlled using software and drivers for the laser assembly. When the scratch-off coating material is applied to the card during construction, it adheres directly to the substrate in the form of symbols. When a player rubs the scratch-off coating material, it releases from the release coat and remains adhered to the substrate to create the symbols.

Abstract: A coupon catalogue comprising a pack of equal sized cards which is readily concealable and carried on the person in a clothing pocket or a purse or a wallet, which can be fanned to expose all of the cards in the pack for simultaneous viewing, and which can be utilized to obtain complimentary goods and services without requiring that portions of the catalogue be torn, punched, marked, or located by using a table of contents in the coupon catalogue.

Abstract: A display assembly uses a particular point of purchase label construction associated with a point of purchase display construction associated with a displayed item for purchase that does not take up valuable area that is covered by price stickers, or the like, and in a manner that allows a retail establishment to save up to several hours a week in prominently displaying point of purchase messages. The label construction includes a label face stock having first and second faces, an opaque release liner stock also having first and second faces, the first face of the release liner ply having an adhesive release coating (such as silicon), and the second face of the release liner having first, point of purchase, indicia imaged thereon (such as "As Advertised"), and a pressure sensitive adhesive (preferably repositional) between the adhesive release coating the label face stock to releasably hold the plies together.

Abstract: An improved scratch card instant lottery ticket includes micro-encapsulated chemical reactants which, when released, irreversibly form one of a visual color change or a fluorescence signature at a location of the card. Both the visual color change and fluorescence signature indicate that the location has been played. Scratch cards are also marked to indicate that they have been read. Cards are marked by either automatically activating chemical reactants to form a visual color and a fluorescence signature, heating a thermofluorescent material to alter a fluorescence signature, or applying a heat-responsive material to the scratch card in such that when the identification code is read, an altered material is detected. Also taught are a method and apparatus for evaluating the scratch card to determine which locations on the card have been played.

Abstract: Information can be retrieved from documents such as game cards and document security can be improved by printing electronic circuits or circuit elements on the ticket. Conductive or semiconductive ink can be printed on the document by using gravure, relief, planographic, letter press or flexographic methods to form the circuit elements. In one lottery ticket embodiment the circuit elements are printed over play indica and under a scratch-off coating so that they are removed when the ticket is played. An electronic verification machine can then be used to determine which portions of the scratch-off coatings covering the play indicia have been removed. A second group of circuit elements can also be printed under the play indicia which improves security by blocking light that may be shined through the ticket and by being tested, along with the first group of circuit elements, for integrity by the electronic verification machine.

Abstract: A bonded lottery stamp ticket book having a plurality of stiff tickets secured to each other, each ticket having a first layer, the first layer having an upper surface and a binding region, the upper surface having indicia, the indicia being numbers, letters, symbols, figures or combinations thereof. Each ticket also has a second layer wherein the second layer has a border, a tab and a lower surface. The lower surface of the second layer is attached to the upper surface of the first layer at the border. The tab is frangibly attached to the border covering the indicia so that opening the tab reveals the indicia. The tickets are stacked upon and bonded to each other at the binding region to form the ticket book. The tickets are sufficiently flexible so that each ticket may be bent away from adjacent tickets.

Abstract: A material sheet assembly in which a label base attached to a release liner by means of an adhesive is set in roll form is used. In a step in which the material sheet assembly is continuously fed out, the release liner is released by leaving the adhesive on the label base, and the release liner is consecutively taken up. By using a noncontact-type printer, printing is effected on the adhesive surface of the label base separated from the release liner to form a printed label. The printed label is in such a form that the printed surface is disposed between the label base and an adherend. The labels can be attached immediately after they are manufactured, and they can be stored or transported by being taken up in roll form while an additional release liner is attached to the printed surface side.

Abstract: A carrier card of standardized size has a base body with at least one cutout for receiving a value chip. The cutout has securing elements forming a snap connection for detachably securing the value chip. The cutout is positioned such on the base body of the carrier card that the value chip in the cutout is usable with standardized application devices. The value chip is removable so as to be used as a minichip card with processing devices that are smaller than the application devices. The cutout has wave-shaped edges with alternating projections and depressions. The base body has a bore for each one of the projections, wherein each one of the bores is arranged perpendicular to the respective projection such that an elastic stay is formed. A cover foil is connected to one face of the base body so as to cover the cutout. At least one of the wave-shaped edges is undercut such that the cutout widens toward the cover foil.

Abstract: The invention relates to an information display device which attaches to a tubular conduit. The tubular conduit has a longitudinal axis for transporting liquids. A display member having lateral and vertical edges and a display area for displaying information is attached to said tubular conduit by a tubular portion having a longitudinal vertical axis substantially parallel with the vertical edge of the display member. The attachment mechanism has an opening in the exterior wall along said longitudinal axis for inserting the tubular conduit therein. The display area is used for recording information. An extension member extends beyond the display area wrapping around the attachment tubular conduit for securing said information display device to said tubular conduit.

Abstract: A test booklet and method of administering a test used to receive instant continuing education credit. The test booklet includes a number of multiple choice questions where each question includes a plurality of answer selections. The question designations and answer selections are reproduced on an answer sheet that is attached to the booklet by a perforation. Each answer selection is covered by an opaque scratch-off material such that the applicant selects his or her answer by scratching off the appropriate material covering a particular answer selection. To receive the continuing education credit, the applicant tears the answer sheet from the booklet and mails in the answer sheet to an accreditation agency to be graded.

Abstract: A game ticket assembly is provided with a printed band whereby game symbols printed on the ticket are obscured and a commercial entity associated with the ticket is promoted. The trade name or logo of the commercial entity is printed on the band in a repeating confusion pattern and is observable by players.

Abstract: A secure mailer/receipt business form including a top and bottom ply and at least one intermediate ply constituting a separable receipt part which receipt part is associated with image transfer material for imparting information onto the bottom ply, the rear face of the top ply including a coated adhesive material covering at least part of the surface, adhesive being coated with a releasable non-adhesive backing materials connected to the separable receipt part such that withdrawal of the separable receipt part will release the backing material to expose the adhesive layer to adhere the top ply to the top face of the bottom ply thereby sealing the top and bottom plies together after removal of the receipt part to restrict tampering with the remaining business form without damage to the form.

Abstract: A security label has a bar code on the outer surface of an outer layer which is permanently bonded to an inner layer. A pull tab defined in the material of the outer and second layers is joined to a detachable portion extending across the length of the label whereby removal of the pull tab will tear out the detachable portion to prevent recognition of the optically readable pattern.

Abstract: An electronic shelf label has a housing which is formed oversized and later shaped to fit securely into a C channel of a targeted shelf, without requiring any additional hardware fixtures for mounting.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a variety of articles which include a sheet of microcellular foam material. Exemplary articles include release liner sheets, face stock, label stock, and the like. The cell density of the sheet of microcellular foam material lies in a range from about 10.sup.9 to about 10.sup.15 cells per cubic centimeter of the sheet, and the average size of the cells is less than about 10 microns. The invention also provides processes for the manufacture of articles which include a sheet of microcellular foam material as a component thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for achieving accurate positioning of freight in a freight receptacle, without requiring skill on the part of the material handling equipment operator. The method and apparatus uses specially marked forms, a Freight Placement Index, and can be used in conjunction with a computer software program, computer, and a scale/scanner. The computer program identifies the correct load position, with respect to the Freight Placement Index inside the freight container after the load description has been entered into the computer. The scanner/scale enter the height, width, length, and weight of load materials. One method is for the load planner or material handling equipment, operator to input information about freight i.e. by use of a computer program and the scale/scanner unit. This program instructs the operator to position the load respective to the Freight Placement Index inside of the freight container or receptacle.

Abstract: A label strip comprising a longitudinally divided strip of release paper and a plurality of labels disposed at intervals along the strip and spanning the division in the release paper. Imperfectly printed labels are also divided preferably in the same location as the release paper, so that upon separation of the parts of the release paper, the imperfectly printed labels are also separated and remain adhered to the release paper.

Abstract: A payment coupon is prepared by stacking a plurality of individual sheets of paper atop one another and then slitting or cutting the stacked array into a plurality of segments. Each individual sheet has a plurality of spaced apart perforation lines such that there is provided a first area, a second area, a third area, a fourth area and a fifth area. The first area defines a first binding area,; the second area defines a payment portion,; a portion of the third area defines a mailing label and the other portion of the third area defines a second binding area; the fourth area defines a payment portion; and the fifth area defines a mailing label area. Each sheet is cut into at least four segments, and preferably, eight segments. When the segments are stacked and bound along their respective edges, they provide payment coupon books whereby each coupon has its own mailing label associated therewith which can be separated from the sheet along a perforation line.