Abstract: There is described a process for numbering substrates having security prints printed thereon, each of the substrates comprising a plurality of security prints which are arranged in k columns and n rows on the substrate, wherein product k*n is an integer multiple of ten or of twenty-five.

Abstract: The present invention relates to printable security paper that includes a region capable of receiving printed indicia on the front side and on the reverse side which are observable in reflected light and form an image observable in transmitted light, as security element protecting against two-sided copying, characterized in that such region is a screened region having an average overall opacity less than the opacity of the vellum part of the rest of the paper, said screened region being made up from alternations of vellum miniregions, having an approximately constant thickness equal to that of the vellum part of the rest of the paper, and of miniregions of reduced opacity because of their smaller thickness compared with the vellum miniregions. The invention also relates to the security document obtained with this paper.

Abstract: A method for increasing adhesion between a security element (e.g., a security strip or band) and a fibrous sheet material such as paper is provided. Also provided by way of this invention is a security element laminated to one or more activatable adhesive films, a fibrous sheet material having such a laminated structure contained on or within a surface thereof, or at least partially embedded therein, and a document (e.g., a security document such as a banknote) made from such a fibrous sheet material.

Abstract: Pigment flakes are blended together wherein some are magnetically alignable and exhibit a color shift from a first color to a second color with a change in viewing angle; and some are pigment flakes which exhibit a color shift from the first color to a third color or vice versa with a change in viewing angle, wherein the first, second and third colors are three different colors. The flakes are coated upon a substrate and magnetically alignable flakes are magnetically aligned. The non-magnetically alignable flakes are not aligned by the magnetic field and lie flat upon the substrate they are coated on. By judiciously selecting the angle upon which the magnetic flakes are oriented, an effect is created whereby an observer sees a color shift from a first color to a second or a first color to a third, when orienting the substrate by tilting it at different particular angles. The coated substrate can be used in security applications such as on currency or secure instruments.

Abstract: An ink for the engraved copperplate intaglio printing Hyperbranched polyesters inks is disclosed, which comprises high-molecular-weight dendritic polymer as a binder component. Inks comprising such polymer can be formulated so as to contain a significantly reduced amount of organic solvent (volatile organic components, VOC) whilst still being in the appropriate viscosity range required by the intaglio printing process. The printed and cured intaglio ink of the present invention has improved chemical and mechanical resistance properties.

Abstract: A financial transaction device is disclosed. The device includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface comprises a writable field enabling a writing instrument and/or a printing device to write on the first writable field. The writable field allows transaction device purchasers to include a custom note, picture, design, logo, pattern and/or any other indicia on the device. The writable field creates an added element of thoughtfulness to make the gift exchange more special.

Abstract: Vouchers and methods for providing vouchers configured to assist in distinguishing unauthorized duplicate or counterfeit vouchers are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a voucher can include a substrate, a first indicia on the substrate, and a thermally responsive second indicia on the substrate. At least one of the first indicia and the second indicia can indicate a value of the voucher. A system which assists in detecting alteration of value documents or transmissions, such as a coin counter voucher is provided. Voucher information such as the voucher value is included in the voucher in an encrypted or otherwise modified form. When the voucher is presented for redemptions, the encrypted information is decrypted and compared to independently available voucher information. Failure of the information to match indicates that the voucher has been altered or should otherwise be further checked.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in security documents, and a method for making such security documents. The security document made from a fibrous security substrate comprising at least one watermark and a background wiremark pattern. At least one of the said watermark or watermarks comprises at least one machine detectable pattern and, the at least one machine detectable pattern comprises a series of regularly repeating elements in which the pitch of the elements of the pattern is selected to be different from that of the background wiremark pattern formed in the substrate and lies in the range of (5) to (100) elements per cm.

Abstract: The invention concerns a security document comprising, as security element against recto/verso copying, indicia present on both sides and capable of being viewed under reflected lighting and forming an image capable of being viewed under transmitted light. The invention is characterized in that said indicia comprise lines and form said image with 3D effect.

Abstract: A value document, such as a banknote, is printed using a printing ink or varnish comprising an aqueous dispersion of a preferably aliphatic polycarbonate polyurethane and/or a polyether or polyester polycarbonate polyurethane copolymer having a particle size range from 10 to 400 nm and an acid value no greater than 10 mg KOH/g.

Abstract: A security laminate comprising a plurality of lamellae and layers, wherein at least one of the lamellae is a biaxially stretched polyethylene terephthalate film, and wherein the ratio of the thickness of the one or more biaxially stretched polyethylene terephthalate films over the total thickness of the security laminate is at least 0.21. A method for detecting the falsification of such security laminates by a sound characteristic is also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-adhesive security label for a data carrier, such as a security document or document of value, with a substrate (40), to the front of which security features (12-18, 42) are applied and the back of which is provided with a cold adhesive foil (34). The security label contains an integrated circuit (30) disposed in a recess (36) of the adhesive foil (34) for storing security data and an antenna (32) disposed intermediate between substrate (40) and adhesive foil (34) and connected with the integrated circuit (30) for a contactless communication with the integrated circuit (30).

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an approach to constructing and implementing risk rating products that provides a number of advantages. Instead of hard-coding attributes of a risk rating scheme, which requires the assistance of a trained programming specialist for any modifications, adjustments, or new products, the present invention provides a set of modular tools that assist non-specialists in on-the-fly generation and implementation of risk rating products. The modularity of this approach facilitates the modification and/or updating of a system component without affecting the operation of other components. Described herein are embodiments of a risk evaluation product builder, which allows users to manipulate visual tools to generate a data-structure comprising an embodiment of a risk rating scheme and insurance quoting product.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an approach to constructing and implementing risk rating products that provides a number of advantages. Instead of hard-coding attributes of a risk rating scheme, which requires the assistance of a trained programming specialist for any modifications, adjustments, or new products, the present invention provides a set of modular tools that assist non-specialists in on-the-fly generation and implementation of risk rating products. The modularity of this approach facilitates the modification and/or updating of a system component without affecting the operation of other components. Described herein are embodiments of system tools configured to read a risk rating scheme data-structure and generate a user interface whereby a user may enter information characteristic of an insurable risk and receive risk assessments, evaluations, and/or financial metrics associated with a candidate insurable risk.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an approach to constructing and implementing risk rating products that provides a number of advantages. Instead of hard-coding attributes of a risk rating scheme, which requires the assistance of a trained programming specialist for any modifications, adjustments, or new products, the present invention provides a set of modular tools that assist non-specialists in on-the-fly generation and implementation of risk rating products. The modularity of this approach facilitates the modification and/or updating of a system component without affecting the operation of other components. Described herein are embodiments of system tools configured to read a risk rating scheme data-structure and generate a user interface whereby a user may enter information characteristic of an insurable risk and receive a quote indicative of a price for binding an insurance policy to the candidate risk.

Abstract: A value document, in particular a bank note, has a value document substrate and at least one feature substance for authenticity recognition and at least two different feature substances for checking the value document. First and second feature substances are present on or in the value document substrate in the form of mutually independent codings which render, at least partly, the same information, e.g. statement of value, currency, etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to a film element for protecting an object, in particular a valuable document, a data carrier or a product, wherein the film element has a diffractive relief structure which produces an optically variable effect, wherein the film element has, when viewed perpendicularly to the film plane, a basic shape having a contour, wherein recesses in the form of a pattern are provided in the region of at least 25% of the contour of the basic shape at the circumference of the film element, which recesses form an information item which is superposed on the basic shape and provide the circumference of the film element with notches.

Abstract: There is described process for producing security papers, in particular banknotes, comprising the step of sealing the surface of the security papers by applying a protective pattern on the surface of the security paper, which sealing comprising printing the security papers by intaglio printing using an intaglio printing plate with engraved areas such that at least 80% of the whole surface of each security paper is covered with embossed intaglio patterns produced by engraved areas of the intaglio printing plate which are inked or with a combination of embossed intaglio patterns and flat intaglio patterns, which flat intaglio patterns are produced by unengraved areas of the intaglio printing plate which are inked after wiping of the intaglio printing plate, at least a part of the embossed intaglio patterns and/or flat intaglio patterns being printed with a transparent or semi-transparent intaglio ink.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method and apparatus, as implemented by a software program on a computer system, for digitally producing counterfeit-deterring scrambled or encoded indicia images. This method and system are capable of combining a source image with a latent image so the scrambled latent image is visible only when viewed through a special decoder lens. The digital processing allows different latent images to be encoded according to different parameters. Additionally, latent images might be encoded into single component colors of an original visible image, at various angles from each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a see-through security element (12), for security papers, value documents and the like, having at least one micropattern having a visual appearance that is viewing-angle dependent when looked through (26, 28). According to the present invention, the at least one micropattern is formed from an arrangement of a plurality of pattern elements (24) having a characteristic pattern spacing of 1 ?m or more, and the see-through security element (12) exhibits a total thickness of 50 ?m or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to printing inks for the intaglio printing process, also referred to as engraved steel die printing process. In particular, oxidatively curing inks comprising a combination of fusible wax and a UV curing binder component are disclosed. These inks can be printed on a standard printing press, and, through a short UV irradiation after printing, allow to significantly reduce or eliminate the undesired set-off which can occur after printing and stacking the printed sheets. Using the inks of the present invention results in less set-off contaminated printed sheets, allowing for a higher pile-stacking of the printed good, for the use of increased engraving depths, of a more challenging intaglio design, and for the printing on less porous substrates, whilst enabling the printing on a standard printing press, and offering the possibility of using a lower printing plate temperature.

Abstract: A tactile orientation indicator is positioned along the periphery of a bill, and a tactile denomination indicator is positioned elsewhere along the periphery of the bill. The user of the bill may then use their tactile senses to feel along the edges of the bill to orient the bill to a pre-determined orientation based on the location of the orientation indicator. The user then feels along the periphery of the bill to locate the denomination indicator. Using a predetermined system associating the location of the denomination indicator with a particular bill denomination, the user may then identify the denomination of the bill even if blind or otherwise visually impaired.

Abstract: A multilayer security element with at least two security features exactly disposed to each other is produced by the security features being present on separate carrier foils (100, 200) and the carrier foils being laminated with each other in such a way that the security features in the layer compound are disposed to each other in register. As to achieve an exact register of the security features, each carrier foil has register marks, with the help of which the foils are controlled relative to each other. The controlling is effected by stretching that carrier foil, the security features of which are running behind relative to the security features of the respective other carrier foil.

Abstract: Magnetic ink and toner compositions traditionally comprise magnetic materials in fine particulate form, either as a dry composition or a liquid suspension. Often such materials are black or dark in colour. Disclosed herein are particles compositions suitable for use as inks or toners, that exhibit desirable magnetic properties, and furthermore which include particles coated so they appear white substantially white, or coloured. Such compositions present new opportunities for the production of corresponding magnetic layers, when the compositions are deposited in an appropriate manner to a substrate.

Abstract: A system comprises a memory operable to store market data. The system further comprises a processor communicatively coupled to the memory and operable to buy a plurality of index futures. The plurality of index futures are held as long positions in a trust, and a particular index future is publicly traded on a commodity exchange. The processor is further operable to issue a plurality of trust receipts associated with the trust, wherein the plurality of trust receipts are publicly traded on at least one security exchange. The processor is further operable to post a margin with a futures commission merchant (FCM), wherein the margin is based at least in part on the plurality of index futures and the FCM makes at least one interest payment associated with the plurality of index futures.

Abstract: A method of settling trades includes the steps of obtaining an authenticated delivery instrument, wherein the authenticated delivery instrument is authenticated by a first exchange and may be used to settle a trade undertaken on the first exchange. An electronic proxy is issued for the delivery instrument, wherein the electronic proxy may be exchanged for the authenticated delivery instrument and where the electronic proxy is used to settle a trade undertaken on a second exchange.

Abstract: The check carrier consists of an envelope of translucent material that is dimensioned to closely conform to the dimensions of a standard check. The back of the check carrier includes an endorsement window through which a bank or other financial institution can apply its endorsement stamp directly to the check. The bottom of the check carrier may be provided with an area for receiving the MICR printing such that the MICR can be read directly off of the carrier. The MICR area can be removed. The open end of the check carrier can be sealed closed using a repositionable adhesive. The adhesive can also be used interior of the check carrier such that the adhesive contacts the check to fix the check within the carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of printing, an apparatus for printing and to products obtained therefrom. In particular, the present invention relates to optically variable images, or devices applied to a substrate, such as a hologram, kinegram and the like. More particularly, the present invention concerns sub-microscopic, holographic, electron beam, mechanically ruled or other diffraction or straight line gratings.

Abstract: A system and method of providing a client with cashflow monitoring during a transfer of services (e.g. pre-authorized debits and credits) from a first account to a second account, the method comprising the steps of: (i) determining an effective date for the transfer of each service, said effective dates creating a transfer window; (ii) determining cashflows for said first account and said second account during said transfer window; (iii) adjusting effective dates for transfer of each services to avoid cashflow interruptions in said first and said second accounts; and (iv) providing a cashflow analysis to the client that lists all the effective dates for each service transfer and predicted cashflows for said first and said second account during said transfer window.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a crumple-resistant security sheet comprising fibers; an anionic polymer in a proportion lying in the range 5% to 45% by dry weight relative to the total dry weight of the fibers, and presenting a glass transition temperature greater than 40° C.; and a main cationic flocculation agent in a quantity lying in the range 1% to 5% by dry weight relative to the total dry weight of the fibers.

Abstract: The invention concerns an object of value (15), for example a credit card, banknote or identity card. The object of value (15) has a carrier layer (1), at least one first layer (21) containing a moiré pattern and at least one second layer (31, 33) containing a moiré analyzer for the moiré pattern of the first layer (21). That second layer is arranged above or beneath the first layer in a fixed position relative to the first layer in such a way that the moiré pattern of the first layer (21) and the moiré analyzer of the second layer (31, 33) are permanently optically superimposed at least in region-wise fashion, whereby a permanent moiré image is generated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a printed data carrier having a printed surface and at least one printed partial surface enclosed thereby on all sides, the surface and the partial surface being printed by intaglio printing and contrasting visually due to an ink layer of varying thickness. The invention likewise relates to the method for producing the data carrier, the printing plate used therefor, and the method for producing the printing plate.

Abstract: Security element 2, 4 to be embedded in or applied to a security document so that it is visually recognizable from both sides of security document 1 is of multilayer construction and includes interference element I with a color shift effect and diffraction structures 8. Depending on the arrangement of the layers and existing diffraction structures 8 on transparent substrate S the color shift effect and/or the diffractive effects are perceptible from one or both sides of security element 2, 4. The security element is suitable in particular as two-sided windowed thread 4 and as label or transfer element 2 over hole 3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synthetic funds for purchase by investors. A structured note is structured to provide customized equity returns/exposure. Terms of each structured note may be specified by the purchaser and the structured notes may be unsecured liabilities of the obligor, e.g., there are no underlying assets upon which the structure note is based. Thus, there will be no limits on the use of structured note proceeds and management of assets and liabilities will be left entirely to the obligor's discretion. Structured note payment obligations may be related to the performance of an objective valuation, but structured note holders will depend on the good credit of the obligor for payment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synthetic funds for purchase by investors. A structured note is structured to provide customized equity returns/exposure. Terms of each structured note may be specified by the purchaser and the structured notes may be unsecured liabilities of the obligor, e.g., there are no underlying assets upon which the structure note is based. Thus, there will be no limits on the use of structured note proceeds and management of assets and liabilities will be left entirely to the obligor's discretion. Structured note payment obligations may be related to the performance of an objective valuation, but structured note holders will depend on the good credit of the obligor for payment.

Abstract: A method of issuing a ticket, paid for with illegal payment means during a transaction between a user and a ticket vending machine, where if the payment means are identified as being illegal, the printed ticket is marked in such a manner as to enable the marked ticket to be distinguished from a regular ticket during an inspection operation.

Abstract: In an e-commerce context, a method and system are provided for exchanging documents in transactions between partners. The partners are joined in an exchange network and are communicating with each other via a hub entity. The documents are transformed from one partner's native format to another partner's native format via an interim standard document to which a common process is applied. The common process applies partner-specific rules to the standard document.

Abstract: An automated banking machine system and method includes ATMs which accept checks and dispense cash to users. The ATMs are operated to acquire image and magnetic data from deposited checks to determine the genuineness of checks and the authority of a user to receive cash for such checks. Cash may be dispensed to the user from the ATM in exchange for the deposited checks.

Abstract: A self-service deposit terminal for bank notes, in the deposited notes are subjected to an acceptance procedure in which the deposited notes are passed through a note validator and a decision is made regarding the validity of the notes, so as to differentiate between: a) authentic notes; b) counterfeit notes; and c) suspect notes. Reject notes are then separated from authentic notes and diverted to a purge bin. On route to the purge bin counterfeit notes are marked, so as to render them unusable and suspect notes are marked without rendering them unusable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a data carrier having a security element that is at least visually testable and has an embossing in at least a partial area, the embossing being a halftone blind embossing executed by inkless intaglio printing, and to a method for producing the data carrier and a printing plate for blind-embossing a security element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a data carrier with a security printed image produced by intaglio printing. The security printed image consists of a plurality of contrasting structural elements disposed in exact register. A first part of the structural elements is designed to be relieflike and tactile and a second part of the structural elements flat and nontactile.

Abstract: A stored-value card includes an electrical assembly, a housing, and decorative indicia. The electrical assembly stores an audio file and includes at least one light and a speaker. The housing generally encloses the electrical assembly and includes an account identifier and an activation area. The account identifier signifies a financial account or record linked to the stored-value card. Decorative indicia correspond with the audio file and the at least one light. The activation area and the electrical assembly are adapted such that depressing the activation area activates the electrical assembly to play the audio file via the speaker and to illuminate the at least one light to provide an audio and visual presentation. Stored-value card assemblies, methods of promoting sales of stored-value cards, methods, of using a stored-value card and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A stored-value card includes a housing and a light circuit. The housing defines a first primary panel and a second primary panel spaced from the first primary panel. The first primary panel defines an account identifier signifying a financial account linked to the stored-value card. A side is defined between the first primary panel and the second primary panel. The light circuit includes a light and a switch and is generally enclosed within the housing but for the light. The light extends from the side of the housing and is configured to be illuminated upon application of a force to the switch. Stored-value card assemblies and methods of using a stored-value card are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fibrous security substrate for use in producing documents includes at least one aperture extending therethrough and contains an elongate impermeable element at least partially embedded therein such that at least one edge thereof is exposed in the aperture.

Abstract: The check carrier consists of an envelope of translucent material that is dimensioned to closely conform to the dimensions of a standard check. The back of the check carrier includes an endorsement window through which a bank or other financial institution can apply its endorsement stamp directly to the check. The bottom of the check carrier may be provided with an area for receiving the MICR printing such that the MICR can be read directly off of the carrier. The MICR area can be removed. The open end of the check carrier can be sealed closed using a repositionable adhesive. The adhesive can also be used interior of the check carrier such that the adhesive contacts the check to fix the check within the carrier.

Abstract: A pre-paid purchasing system comprises a pre-paid purchasing card and a plurality of single use access codes on the card. Each access code is usable to authorize one payment of an amount which is subtracted from the pre-paid amount of the card. After use, an access code becomes null and void. Moreover, a method for managing purchases of goods and services from the Internet, mail-order catalogs, any merchant, etc. is proposed.

Abstract: Multilayer optical films are comprised of materials with glass transition temperatures below room temperature (<30° C.). The high refractive index polymers are unique in that they exhibit mechanical properties similar to other low Tg semi-crystalline polymers, yet have significant birefringence (>0.05) when strain induced oriented. Novel combinations of comonomers for thermoplastics control the rate of crystallinity for improved processability and flexibility, giving the films crease and crumple recovery advantages.

Abstract: A checkbook cover has an exterior cover, an interior check and register holder affixed adjacent to the cover, and a slot formed through the exterior cover. A writing instrument, preferably with a pocket clip thereon, passes partially through the exterior cover slot to a chamber between exterior cover and interior check and register holder. The pocket clip encompasses at least a part of the exterior cover. The checkbook cover is formed using standard sheet processing techniques, but includes the additional step of severing at a selected strategic internal location to form the slot. Additional force distributors, preferably in the form of circular cut-outs, may be formed at the terminations of the slot. Heat stamped reinforcements are provided in the preferred embodiment about the slot and force distributors, to further strengthen the cover.

Abstract: A security feature, by which a genuine document can readily be visually distinguished from a reproduction, employs finely detailed, laterally spaced structures to yield the illusion of a 3D texture. When replicated using commonly-available scanning or printing devices, the fine detail is lost, and with it the 3D illusion.

Abstract: A safety paper with an embedded electronic circuit (1, 4, 7) is used to create more effective forgery-proof securities such as bank notes. In order to check authenticity, a carrier-frequency signal is transmitted to the circuit and an output signal representing an authenticating feature is emitted from raid circuit in response to said input signal and detected.