Abstract: A plastic identity card is provided with an ink absorbent coating over a preassigned space thereon. The ink absorbent coating includes a chemical reagent capable of chemically reacting with a substantially colorless developer solution applied by a finger thereto to provide a perceivable colorant product representative of the fingerprint ridge pattern.

Abstract: The method includes the steps of inscribing or imprinting a symbol or message on a substantially flat surface of a block of plastic while the same is at an elevated temperature by the application of pressure to said surface. The plastic block is then cooled to approximately room temperature and all visible evidence of the inscription is "erased" by physically removing, as by grinding, the superficial layer of material which bears the visible inscription. The inscription is made to reappear on the surface of the remaining block of plastic by heating the same to approximately the elevated temperature at which the inscription was made until the symbol or message reappears.

Abstract: The method and arrangement according to the invention utilize an adhesive tape (1) covered with a protective layer (2) provided with openings (4).This tape is glued on a film (5) carrying contact metallizations (8) and integrated circuit chips (6) electrically connected to the said metallizations. The tape is glued on the film in such a manner that its openings (4) correspond to the positions of the integrated circuit chips (6). Subsequently, a coating varnish is applied by pulverization to the film and then the protective layer is removed with the varnish covering it. Vignettes slightly larger than the said openings are then cut in the film in such a manner that an adhesive ring is left around the integrated circuit chips. Each vignette is finally arranged in a recess ad hoc (12) of a card (10).

Abstract: A method for monitoring an individual credit card account particularly during a predetermined monitoring period. The steps of the method include the steps of setting up a form, preferably on a piece of erasable material of wallet card size. A series of numerals is provided on the card adapted to accommodate the step of being checked so as to identify a particular amount owing on the account. A series of individual purchase amounts is identified with a series or group of spaces opposite to, or related to, each monetary amount for the step of entry of indicia identifying a purchase of that amount or approximately that amount. A masking member is provided to accommodate the step of covering the spaces associated with one or more of the monetary purchase amounts to remind and warn the user of his intent not to make purchases in those amounts in order to remain within a predetermined budget.

Abstract: In an identification card to be read by a magnetic system, having two protective plates between which a plate-like data carrier is held and protected, this data carrier being made of a material acting upon a magnetic field and having zones providing the data and acting variously upon the magnetic field, it is proposed, in order to lengthen the life of the card as well as to provide greater security against counterfeiting, that the two protective plates be made from non-magnetizable metal, preferably sheet bronze, and that the data carrier be embedded between the two protective plates in a layer of adhesive, plastic or solder, the two protective plates being thereby firmly joined together.

Abstract: An identification card and method of manufacturing the same in which a holographic image is embossed on a clear polyester carrier which is then coated with ferrous oxide to form a magnetic strip with an optically viewable holographic image thereon. The strip is then mounted on a plastic substrate, and the carrier discarded.

Abstract: A credit card is made with a number of optical fibers sandwiched in the card. Some of the fibers intersect opposite edges of the card in a random fashion and provide a unique code characteristic of the card when light is directed into one edge and detected at the other. When cards are made in quantity, the fiber are added in a random fashion providing a unique code for each card.

Abstract: Data present on identification cards in a high-embossed form are protected against attempted forgery and falsification. This protection consists in providing on the identification card, along with the data record in a high-embossed form, a second identical data record which may be visually tested without auxiliary means and is inscribed in the identification card by means of a laser recorder.

Abstract: A security element for authenticating bank notes, credit cards, security passes and the like is disclosed. The security element incorporates a reflective-type diffraction grating, which grating comprises a continuous layer of reflecting material on which is deposited a layer of dielectric material. Non-continuous reflecting layer portions are embedded in the dielectric material. It is practically impossible to lay bare the diffraction grating without destroying it.

Abstract: A new process for marking currency to permit easy and positive authentication at a later date comprising exposing a small region of the currency to bombardment by high energy neutrons for a short period, treating the exposed small region with a chemical reagent which reacts with the treated area to form tiny holes which can later be used for authentication. Also provide is a method for authentication which comprises exposing the marked currency to monochromatic X-rays, allowing the transmitted beam to impinge upon a fluorescent screen which will show shiny dots where the beam has reached the screen, said dots corresponding to the tiny holes in the marked currency.

Abstract: There is disclosed a tamper-free identification system, such as an ID card, comprising an information-bearing substrate made of a flexible but substantially rigid material, a partial light reflector superposed over said substrate which produces a substantially nondepolarizing light reflection, and a substantially transparent 90.degree. retarder superposed over said reflector. Said identification card can be manufactured at low cost using techniques known in the art, and with the aid of a simple and inexpensive analyzer such as a linear light polarizer, fraudulent alternations of the identification card can readily be detected.

Abstract: A method for producing an information carrier in the form of a card, such as an identification card or pass, as well as an information carrier produced in accordance with this method. The information carrier comprises a plurality of plastic layers combined with one another into a block, at least one of which contains a photograph of the bearer and/or his fingerprint and/or other readable or machine-readable data in the form of a photographic layer. This photographic layer is produced and incorporated into the sandwich of plastic layers making up the identification card in that a specially prepared film is exposed to light, developed, fixed and dries, and then the carrier layer of this film sandwich is removed from the emulsion after the emulsion has entered into an adhesive bond with a first plastic carrier layer, this adhesion being substantially greater than the adhesion of the emulsion to the film's auxiliary carrier, which is to be removed.

Abstract: A secure and self-verifiable image is formed by an array of image dots 30 on one side of a pellucid stratum or film 10 and a corresponding array of light-transmitting apertures 21 in a dark screen 20 on the other side of film 10, with image dots 30 being offset from the axes of apertures 21 so that the image is viewable only by light passing obliquely through film 10 at an angle that intersects arrayed apertures 21 and dots 30. Both apertures 21 and dots 30 occupy up to about 15% of the total area and the array spacing is at least 40 dots per centimeter. The reflective density of the interaperture regions of dark screen 20 is at least 1.6, and pellucid film 10 is at least 0.05 mm thick.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for deterring fraud with documents having monetary value such as a PVC substrate having a signature location on the substrate. In the method, a supporting ink layer 2 including a pigment and containing a product that assures it a certain porosity with respect to the substrate is deposited on the signature location; then a transparent, porous varnish layer 3 including a dissolved powder enabling a fluorescence of the desired color to be obtained under ultraviolet light is deposited on certain zones of the first ink layer 2; next a filigree pattern is printed in zones of either the first ink layer 2 or the varnish layer 3, using a silkscreening process and a second pigmented vinyl ink 4. The signature or identifying mark of the owner of the document is executed using a felt-tip pen having an indelible ink, of the type which is indelible to a product such as that sold under the mark "CORRECTOR".

Abstract: A filament for use with identification cards to render them tamper and fraud resistant having a meltable core of twisted polymeric micro-filaments which is wrapped with metal foil in a manner to leave portions of the core exposed.

Abstract: An identification card with high-embossed data, in which the high-embossed data are superimposed by a security pattern which is inscribed in the identification card by means of a laser beam recorder. The security pattern may be present, for example, only on the high-embossed data themselves or else cover a larger area of the card. Attempted back-embossing of the high-embossed data is immediately recognizable due to distortion of the security pattern.

Abstract: Data present on identification cards in a high-embossed form are protected against attempted forgery and falsification. This protection consists in providing on the identification card, along with the data record in a high-embossed form, a second identical data record which may be visually tested without auxiliary means and is inscribed in the identification card by means of a laser recorder.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an identification card whereby information is printed on a sheet of plastic material. A raised pattern is formed on a different sheet of material to create a holographic image. The resultant raised pattern sheet is attached to the surface of the sheet of plastic material by pressure sensitive adhesive. The surface of the plastic material is overlaminated with a transparent layer to form a sandwich and heat and pressure is applied to fuse overlaminated layers. The pattern sheet has a high melting point so that the image is viewed as three-dimensional through an overlaminated layer.

Abstract: An identification card, in particular an all-plastic indentification card, written on by means of a laser, having user-related and user-neutral data such as a name, account number, etc. present on the surface of the indentification card in the form of local discolorations of the identification card material without any transition. Due to a local increase in tensile strength, these decolorized areas have greater resistance to mechanical changes and/or chemical solvents than the surrounding areas of the identification card made of the same identification card material. Thus attempted falsification by means of mechanical and chemical means is prevented in an especially effective way, since such attempts lead to destruction of the identification card in each case.

Abstract: A universal credit card is disclosed that allows a purchaser to make a credit purchase and select any one of a number of pre-established credit lines to charge the purchase to. After an imprint is made from the universal card, a number corresponding to the proper credit line is manually entered onto the charge slip in an array of dots imprinted from the credit card.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of securing simple codes (5), which are built-up of a plurality of lines, symbols or patterns, which are readable by a machine, and which codes (5) are intended to be located on documents (2), valuable documents or marked units.The invention is characterized in that in the generating or writing-down of the codes (5) one or more of said lines, symbols or patterns constituting the code (5) each are caused to transform to a line (11) or an area, which does not constitute a part of the code (5), but constitutes a part of a pattern, in order to render a falsification by altering the code after its writing-down substantially more difficult.According to a preferred embodiment the invention further is characterized in that a so-called line code (5) is generated, and in its generation or writing-down one or several of the lines associated with the code are caused to continuously or intermittently transform to a line (11) deviating from the line associated with the code.

Abstract: A tamper proof identification card. The disclosed card is made from a core of safety paper sandwiched between two top and bottom layers of polyester coated with polyethylene. The safety paper is bounded at its periphery by a polyester border similar to the top and bottom layers. The layered card is heat and pressure treated to encapsulate the paper. Should the seal be inadequate, any attempts to modify the information marked on the safety paper will be readily apparent.

Abstract: An identification card having an IC module for the processing of electrical signals. The IC module (9) and the leads (6) and contact surfaces (5, 20) necessary for the operation of the module are attached to a separate carrier (7, 17) and embedded in the identification card in such a way that the IC module is located in an area (4) of the card having the maximally permitted thickness, whereas the contact surfaces are arranged outside this area. The placement of the IC module in the elevated card area (e.g. the impressing area) allows for a thicker encapsulation of the module and correspondingly better protection against mechanical stress. On the other hand, the area of the carrier element with the contact surfaces is arranged outside the elevated area of the card, for example in the magnetic stripe area (2).

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of manufacturing a credit card including the fabrication of a plurality of plastic credit cards, as in sheet form, and then severing such cards into individual personal cards with coded information thereon for identifying the person or account to which the cards relate. Printed on such card is indicia indicating the card is "void". Fabricated separately from the respective cards are strips of hologram material which are sized to act as covers for overlying the "void" indicia and which incorporate optical images which may be characteristic of a particular account or institution to indicate the card is currently active. The indicia covers are stored separate from the cards and are only applied thereto as a last step prior to shipment of the cards from the place of storage to the customer.

Abstract: A document includes a substrate which has an outer surface and defines a plane, and a coordinate system which is defined with respect to the plane. A diffraction-optical authenticating element covers at least part of the outer surface, and generates at least one color pattern constituting a visually testable feature which verifies the authenticity of the document. The diffraction-optical authenticating element provides a color pattern moving at a predetermined velocity along a predetermined track when the document is illuminated from a first direction and viewed from a second direction, as defined with respect to the coordinate system, upon the document being rotated within the plane along a prearranged sense of rotation, and at a prearranged velocity.

Abstract: In order to form safety markings at a planar card made of a plastics material, which card may be used, for instance, as credit card, this card is built up from at least two parts. The inner border area between these two parts comprises a relief-like structure which is the carrier of the safety marking. In order to generate a watermark-like effect the upper part is made of a opaque plastic material and the other part is made of a transparent plastics material. When viewing through this card the areas of the opaque layer having the largest thickness appear as darker areas, whereby when viewing the same way the areas having a smaller thickness show a certain brightness. After being embossed the two parts of the thermoplastic material are joined to each other such that they cannot be separated such that no access from the outside is possible to this safety marking.

Abstract: An identification device in the form of a security card or anti-counterfeiting label which comprises a hologram visible by reflection in incident natural light, the film emulsion having been permanently deformed so that the interference fringe spacings differ from those in a non-deformed emulsion, thereby to change from one part of the hologram to another the wavelength of light which is visible by reflection from the hologram.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a credit card or identification card fabricated from amorphous polyester sheet material wherein at least the area of said card containing embossed numerical or letter characters and the characters themselves are composed of substantially crystalline polyester. Such characters can not readily be altered by either heat treatment or by shaving them off.

Abstract: A multilayer identification card is equipped with an IC module. The module is arranged on a carrier element which is located in a recess in the multilayer card. The card layers bordering the recess bear supporting layers which are thermoresistant in the range of hot laminating temperatures. This prevents the recess from becomming filled up with fluid card material during the hot laminating process, during which the card layers will soften and eventually become fluid. Thus, the IC module can advantageously give way within the recess when the card is bent. Further, the supporting layers have a stabilizing effect on the adjacent card layers and thereby prevent irregularities caused by incorporation of the carrier element from being passed onto the card surface.

Abstract: A photographic material capable of receiving and retaining an aqueous ink or other similar materials on the back surface, which is able to serve as a post card, is disclosed. The photographic material comprises a water-proof support comprising a paper sheet coated with a polyolefin resin on both surfaces thereof, and a photographic emulsion layer provided onto one of the surfaces of the support, in which another surface of the support is provided with a gelatin layer containing an inorganic pigment and one or more of specific gelatin hardening agents.

Abstract: An information bearing credit or identification card in which pieces of a diffraction grating, preferably an embossed hologram, are randomly distributed in a plastic or paper card so that light reflecting therefrom uniquely and visually differentiates the grating and hence the card. The pieces may be mixed in the plastic pig or with the paper prior to rolling or sprinkled in the plastic or other substrate during rolling.

Abstract: A laminating film product for applying a sealed protective cover to a document such as an identification card has a cover film of an unoriented polyester resin extruded onto a surface of a transfer film of an oriented thermoset polyester resin that has been coated with a release agent such as a soap; a film of a thermoplastic adhesive resin may be extruded onto the exposed surface of the cover film. In use, the laminating film product is laminated to a document under heat and pressure, the transfer film is stripped away, and the exposed cover film is embossed. Magnetic strips, pigment strips, and the like may also be applied to the cover film by hot stamp transfer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-layered identification card comprising a card core laminated between cover sheets with user information appearing on the card inlet. At least one of the cover sheets is transparent. The information is provided on the inlet by means of a laser beam being controlled accordingly so as to protect against forgery. When producing the card the information is provided onto the inlet through the transparent cover sheet.

Abstract: An identity card for information is provided by the imprint of security figures on the card or the exposure of features in the data carrier insert. The data carrier may be a photographic silver halide layer of a recording material. In addition to the photograph and data about the owner there is provided a film covering the information carrier with externally applied imprints. The shapes of these external imprints are identical to the security features on the insert and are positioned exactly above said features.

Abstract: A multilayered data carrier, in particular an identification card, consisting of at least one data carrier with non-user and user data, in particular with a phonograph of the authorized user, in the case of which the user data, i.e. the user's photograph, are protected by a transparent cover sheet which is glued or welded onto the card. The data carrier has a high-security printed pattern, e.g. a guilloche pattern, and the user data are copied onto the data carrier by means of an electro-photographic method, i.e. by xerography or by zinc oxide-electrophotography.

Abstract: Laminated documents, such as ID cards, including a color-coded protective assembly comprising a novel pigment composition integrated with an adhesive bond within the assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a credit card or identification card fabricated from amorphous polyester sheet material wherein at least the area of said card containing embossed numerical or letter characters and the characters themselves are composed of substantially crystalline polyester. Such characters can not readily be altered by either heat treatment or by shaving them off.

Abstract: A security document such as an identification card including a base layer having at least one surface bonded and security markings printed on that surface. The bonded surface is covered by a protective layer including a film of material fused thereto so as to form a matrix encapsulating the printed security markings (which may include a xerographically reproduced photograph).

Abstract: A data carrier, in particular check paper, having a picture theme printed on by the dot screen, grain screen, line-halftone combination or special screen techniques or as a line copy, which is printed over by a security pattern serving the purpose of protecting the data carrier. The picture theme is interrupted by a negative security pattern adapted to the security pattern, into which negative security pattern the security pattern is printed congruently. The lines of the negative security pattern are preferably wider than the lines of the security pattern, so that the lines of the security pattern integrated into the picture theme are at a certain distance from the lines of the negative security pattern in the entire picture area and do not touch the picture theme.

Abstract: This invention relates to a plastic identification card with forgery protection with respect to embossed information. There is a problem with existing credit cards in that the forgers can change the embossed information. This problem is overcome by providing in registration with the embossed information a layer of chemicals reactive under the pressure of a change in the embossed information to release a colored dye.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multilayer identification card with a transparent protective cover film made of plastic. The film is provided with a steel gravure print relief and affixed by cold adhesion to the basic unit of the identification card so that the steel gravure print remains manually fixable.

Abstract: A card is disclosed which is made of a thermoplastic material and having visually recognizable, internal safety markings. The card comprises a first sheet of a transparent thermoplastic material and a second sheet of an opaque thermoplastic material. The second sheet has an inner surface provided with a relief structure such that the varying thickness of the opaque material will influence the local absorption of transmitted light. The first sheet has an inner surface provided with a corresponding negative relief structure. The first and second sheets are laminated together with their inner faces in contact to form an interface. Thus, when viewing the card in transmitted light, the relief structure is visually recognizable as a varying brightness due to varying absorption of the light transmitted through the opaque sheet.

Abstract: A multilayer identification card bearing information such as letters, numbers, patterns, pictures and so on, in which at least part of the information is present in the form of a structure in relief in a foamable synthetic material. The foamable synthetic material is transparent or dyed in the visible spectral range and is present in the identification card in the form of a layer covering either its entire surface or part of it. The information in relief is produced by means of a laser beam recorder, the energy dosage of which is used to induce the locally controllable foaming process in the synthetic material compounded with chemical or physical blowing agents. The protection against forgery may be further increased by additionally photocuring the foamable synthetic layer.

Abstract: An optically-readable value card for use in a vending system for vending goods or services includes a plurality of heat-sensitive optically-readable value elements each of which, upon heating to a first temperature above ambient, changes its color in a reversible manner, but upon heating to a second temperature above ambient and higher than the first temperature, changes to a second color in an irreversible manner. Each of the value elements is in the form of a light window having a layer of a thermochromic material which changes its color in a reversible manner when heated to the first temperature, and a layer of a thermographic material which changes its color in an irreversible manner when heated to the second temperature.

Abstract: In a security blank which includes a substrate which has two major surfaces, a thermoplastic layer which has a predetermined refraction index and is suitable for embossing thereon a machine-readable authenticity feature in the form of an optical microstructure, and a transparent layer which has a prearranged refraction index for covering and protecting the microstructure, and wherein the prearranged refraction index has a value different from the predetermined refraction index, and the microstructure generates a characteristic diffraction effect from light incident thereonto, the improvement includes a surface of the substrate facing the thermoplastic layer, which has within a region of the microstructure diffuse reflection characteristics of a predetermined magnitude, and wherein the thermoplastic layer is transparent, and wherein the difference between the refraction indexes is sufficiently small, and the magnitude of the diffuse reflection characteristics is sufficiently large, so that the characteristic d

Abstract: A credential, such as a passport or an identification card, is provided, for example by impregnation or coating, with a phosphorescent composition which includes at least two phosphorescence activators which exhibit different emission characteristics both with respect to wavelength and lifetime so that, when the composition is irradiated, the initial afterglow changes color, for example from green to blue.

Abstract: An identification card protected against external chemical influences of the environment, having blocking layers in its outer areas to prevent plasticizers and other chemical substances which reduce stability and durability from penetrating inside the card. The blocking layers consisting of PETP (polyethylene terephtalate), PE (polyethylene), paper or other chemically resistant materials are located on the surface of the card, preferably in compound films with the construction PVC/blocking layer/PVC, between which the card core bearing the personalization data is laminated in. Thus partial embeddings such as signature stripes, magnetic stripes, photos, etc. can also be provided in the surface layer, the inner PVC layers of the card still being optimally protected by the blocking layers against the negative consequences of the influence of plasticizers, such as fatigue fracture and bending tears.

Abstract: A process for permanently imaging data on lottery tickets and the like which comprises of steps of; providing an ink receptive, non-shrinking resinous coating on a webbed coupon substrate and heat curing the same, applying to the ink receptive resinous coating, imaging data by an ink jet printer using a sublimable dye, drying the dye, applying an ultraviolet curable resinous coating over the dye, coating the ultraviolet curable resinous coating by ultraviolet light and further heating the substrate between 275.degree. Fahrenheit and 400.degree. Fahrenheit thereby causing the dye to permanently sublime into the ink receptive resinous coating and the ultraviolet curable resinous coating.

Abstract: Currency or other documents or items of value containing a liquid crystal/photovoltaic device which produces a coded display in response to artificial or ambient light. Such a device functions both as an anti-counterfeiting deterrent and also as a means for permitting the man-in-the-street easily to authenticate the validity of a document containing such a device.

Abstract: A monolithic laminate identification card which contains at least two layers (26, 27) with different optical permeability or color. The adjoining joinable surfaces of these layers are provided with complementary, interlocking embossed and debossed formations (21, 22). Under transmitted light a sign or image corresponding to these embossed and debossed formations can be seen that has a different brightness or color from the rest of the card (25).