Abstract: A method for forming an embossed holographic pattern comprises the following steps: A. recording the required pattern onto a photo-sensitive plate by means of laser holography to produce an optical mask plate for the holographic pattern; B. duplicating the laser holographic information on the optical mask plate onto a metal plate, to produce a metal plate for the holographic pattern; C. transferring the laser holographic pattern on the metal plate onto an information layer on a water soluble film, to form an embossed holographic water transfer printing film; D. carrying out a cubic water transfer printing on the surface of a base material by using the embossed holographic water transfer printing film, to form the holographic pattern on the surface of the base material. With the method for forming the embossed holographic pattern according to the present invention, a holographic pattern can be formed on the surface of work-piece having a complex shape.

Abstract: An identifying medium comprises a nematic liquid crystal layer for forming a latent image with gradation, and the nematic liquid crystal layer has a thickness distribution corresponding to the gradation.

Abstract: Methods and structures for reducing and/or eliminating moisture penetration in an optical package. The optical package may include (1) a layer of inorganic material placed over the points of the optical package susceptible moisture penetration of the optical package; (2) a portion of hygroscopic material placed over the points of the optical package susceptible to moisture penetration; (3) a layer of hygroscopic material placed on the interior surface of the optical package; and/or (4) a layer of hydrophobic material coated on the optical surfaces of the optical package.

Abstract: Composite cards formed in accordance with the invention include a security layer comprising a hologram or diffraction grating formed at, or in, the center, or core layer, of the card. The hologram may be formed by embossing a designated area of the core layer with a diffraction pattern and depositing a thin layer of metal on the embossed layer. Additional layers may be selectively and symmetrically attached to the top and bottom surfaces of the core layer. A laser may be used to remove selected portions of the metal formed on the embossed layer, at selected stages of forming the card, to impart a selected pattern or information to the holographic region. The cards may be “lasered” when the cards being processed are attached to, and part of, a large sheet of material, whereby the “lasering” of all the cards on the sheet can be done at the same time and relatively inexpensively.

Abstract: A method of forming a latent image portion on an overcoat layer by a difference in surface brilliance, at the time of layering an overcoat layer on a thermal transfer subject sheet by a heat transfer method, includes the steps of: setting at least two types of applied energy from the thermal head wherein a plurality of thermal elements are arrayed in line form, and layering the overcoat layer on the thermal transfer subject sheet; forming a difference in surface brilliance made up of a region of relatively high degree of brilliance and a region of relatively low degree of brilliance, based on the difference in the applied energy, to form a line pattern with a plurality of lines; and forming the lines by shifting a phase of a line pattern of the latent image portion and the line pattern of a background portion excluding the latent image portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a security device for resisting counterfeiting and verifying the authenticity of an article and, more particularly, to a nanoparticle containing coating composition applied thereon to produce a reflective layer for use with diffractive security devices.

Abstract: A housing with a soft surface device (100) includes a substrate (10), a primer coating (20) formed on a surface of the substrate, a decorative coating (30) formed on the primer coating, and a top coating (40) formed on the decorative coating and configured for protecting the decorative coating. The primer coating is made of a first resin paint containing a polyamide component. The decorative coating is made of a second resin paint. The top coating is made of a third resin paint. Both the second resin paint and the third resin paint contain an isocyanate polymer and/or reaction products of the isocyanate polymer with hydroxyl groups. A method for making a housing is also provided.

Abstract: A method of measuring density includes detecting movement of a moving member in a light path of light emitted from a light emitting member, measuring an output of a light receiving member for a case where the moving member is moved in the light path, as a first output, detecting that the moving member is not in the light path, measuring an output of the light receiving member for a case where the moving member is not in the light path, as a second output, and calculating density based on the first output and the second output.

Abstract: A donor element useful in an assemblage for imaging by exposure to radiation comprises a substrate, a transfer-assist layer disposed adjacent the substrate comprising one or more water-soluble or water-dispersible radiation-absorbing compound(s), and a transfer layer disposed adjacent the transfer-assist layer opposite the substrate.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus employing nonvolatile liquid developers is provided, which image forming apparatus exhibits high transfer efficiency in transferring images on an image carrier to a recording media and enables formation of images with sufficient fixing strength. An image forming apparatus which incorporates a squeezing mechanism which removes a part of carrier liquid from the liquid developer incorporating image visualizing particles, fine thermoplastic resin particles, and nonvolatile carrier liquid, and incorporates a transferring mechanism which transfers a visible image, in which a part of carrier liquid is removed, onto the recording medium.

Abstract: A reversible thermosensitive recording material including a support, a reversible thermosensitive recording layer, and a gas barrier layer, the reversible thermosensitive recording layer and gas barrier layer being laid over the support, wherein the reversible thermosensitive recording layer is formed of a reversible thermosensitive composition containing a mixture of an electron-accepting compound and an electron-donating color-forming compound whose color-developed state varies depending upon at least one of a heating temperature and a cooling rate after heating, and wherein the gas barrier layer contains an inorganic layered compound and a gas barrier resin which is at least one selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol polymers and ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers.

Abstract: A method for developing latent fingerprints includes placing an apparatus in an area having one or more objects. The apparatus has a breakable capsule containing a cyanoacrylate monomer disposed within an internal chamber of a housing containing a cyanoacrylate catalyst and being adapted for emitting vapors. The housing is impregnated with the cyanoacrylate catalyst or has a layer of cyanoacrylate catalyst on a portion of its interior surface. The apparatus optionally has a breakable capsule breaking mechanism for assisting a user in breaking the breakable capsule within the housing. The user breaks the breakable capsule, causing the cyanoacrylate monomer spilling from the breakable capsule to react with the cyanoacrylate catalyst contained in the housing to create vapor fumes. The vapor fumes contact an object being tested to reveal any latent fingerprints on the object.

Abstract: Paper-based security devices having printed marks or indicia on one surface that are visible from that surface and from an opposing surface of the security device, are provided. The present invention further provides a method of making such paper-based security devices as well as security documents having at least one such security device embedded therein and/or mounted thereon.

Abstract: The invention is related to polygraphy, and, in particular, to the production of polymer layers documents, security papers, banknotes as well as for manufacturing of excise documentary stamps, labels, tags and other products of the kind.

Abstract: A covert label. A substrate comprises a field of ink. Disposed within the field of ink, is ink that can be preferentially removed according to a preconfigured pattern. The preconfigured pattern comprises information associable with at least one object.

Abstract: A set of colorants for printing a multi-colored image when viewed under non-visible radiation outside of the visible spectrum can include a first colorant and a second colorant. The first colorant can be capable of absorbing non-visible radiation and shifting the wavelength of the non-visible radiation to a visible wavelength, thus producing a visible color. Likewise, the second colorant can be capable of absorbing the non-visible radiation and shifting the wavelength to a second visible wavelength, thus producing a different visible color.

Abstract: An image-bearing article comprises an opaque layer bearing an image which is coated on the image-bearing side and over the image with an adhesion promoter. A process of preparing an image-bearing article comprising a coated image-bearing white layer comprises the steps of providing an opaque layer; printing an image on the opaque layer so as to produce an image-bearing opaque layer containing an image-bearing side; and coating an adhesion promoter on the image-bearing side and over the image to produce a coated image-bearing opaque layer containing a coated image-bearing side.

Abstract: A document includes paper having an average surface roughness of at least about 0.5 microns and including one or more optical brighteners, and includes at least one image thereon wherein the at least one image includes clear binder and light absorbing material that absorbs light only at wavelengths below 350 nm. The image is substantially not detectable to a naked human eye through differential gloss or exposure to light having wavelengths of 365 nm or more, but may be revealed to the naked human eye by exposing the document to light having a wavelength at which the light absorbing material absorbs light.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for marking objects by sublimation and applying decorated film or paper to bars of profiled elements having polygonal sections and an undefined length by sublimation or by sticking the decorative layer to the bar as it passes through a die and a heated drawing plate supported by a vibrating base plate.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an impregnated paper or non-woven substrate (10) for use as or in a decorative laminate, comprises the steps of: (a) applying a monomer or oligomer to a paper or non-woven substrate (10), in a dry process step (20), which monomer or oligomer forms a film and/or filler bound to the substrate; (b) thereafter applying (30) to the substrate (10) having said film and/or filler of monomer or oligomer; a polymer resin compatible with and cross-linkable with the monomer or oligomer; and (c) treating (40) the resin whereby it forms a cross-link bond with the monomer or oligomer.

Abstract: Signage for use on a substrate having a porous surface, the signage being substantially visually indistinguishable from the substrate to an ordinary observer when the substrate is dry but readily visible when the substrate is wet. The signage is made by applying to selected portions of the porous surface a hydrophobic material, preferably silica-based compounds such as potassium methyl siliconate and polymethylsilicic acid.

Abstract: A process of MICR and non-MICR electrostatic magnetic imaging of two independent electrostatic latent images including a) optionally pre-treating a blank check with a wax-based coating comprising an aqueous polyethylene wax emulsion; (b) forming a first electrostatic latent image in a MICR printing apparatus; (c) developing the first electrostatic latent image by contacting the first electrostatic latent image with a MICR toner to produce a developed MICR toner image; (d) transferring and optionally fusing the developed MICR toner image onto a check; (e) forming a second electrostatic latent image in a non-MICR printing apparatus; (f) developing the second electrostatic latent image by contacting the second electrostatic latent image with a non-MICR toner to produce a developed non-MICR image; (g) transferring the developed non-MICR toner image to the check; (h) fusing the developed MICR toner image and the developed non-MICR toner image to the check, wherein a fuser oil is supplied to the check during fusing

Abstract: An excess temperature indicator can provide a visual indication of past exposure of perishable, maturing and other host products to an elevated temperature exceeding a threshold temperature. The indicator can have an upper layer provided with a viewing window and a wick attached to the upper layer. A reservoir of heat-fusible indicator material can be disposed in contact with the wick, to fuse and move along the wick changing the visual appearance of a first portion of the wick viewable through the window, in response to an excess temperature event. Also, the indicator can have a region of fused upper layer material attaching the wick to the upper layer. Optionally, a window seal can extend around the viewing window to prevent migration of the indicator material. The indicator can be employed to monitor vaccines, foods and other products providing an enduring visual signal of exposure to potentially damaging temperature conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved method for forming a metal pattern with low contact resistance. The metal pattern may be applied to various flat panel display devices with high resolution. Further disclosed is a flat panel display using a metal pattern formed by the method.

Abstract: A printing method wherein a lay out composition for a print sheet is defined as a hierarchical set of cells, independent of characteristics of a printing device. A printing model is generated for at least one image to be printed and/or associated annotation data by means of this lay out composition and links to data files. The printing model is converted into a bit map representation taking into account the printing characteristics of the printing device.

Abstract: An image element having an imperceptible message that becomes readily apparent when the image element is exposed to an excessive amount of heat and/or UV radiation is provided. The image element may be associated with a material such that, upon becoming readily apparent, the imperceptible message provides a warning that the material has been exposed to excessive heat and/or UV radiation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for developing latent or hidden images. The device includes a first substrate containing a hidden or latent image printed on a first surface thereof, wherein the image contains one or more chromogenic compounds. A second substrate having a first surface contains a developer coating for developing the hidden or latent image. The developer coating includes a developer compound, a micro-encapsulated solvent, and an adhesive. Upon sufficient interfacial contact between the first surfaces of the first and second substrates, a visible image is produced. The device enables production of a relatively vibrant, full color images which are substantially non-toxic and relatively inexpensive to make.

Abstract: In a method for making and evaluating a sample engraving in an electronic engraving machine for engraving printing cylinders for rotogravure, during a sample engraving, trial cups are engraved for predetermined tone values by an engraving element. After the sample engraving, a video camera is positioned at a predetermined axial measuring position, and a video image of the trial cups is recorded. The deviations of position of a measuring point of a selected trial cup are determined from a reference point as position errors ?xM, ?yM. The position errors ?xM, ?yM are then corrected by axially displacing the video camera to a new measuring position and/or by rotating the printing cylinder. Afterwards, the geometric values of the trial cup are measured and are compared with the geometric values of the predetermined tone values.

Abstract: A method for producing a painted ceramic body. A transfer material containing an inorganic pigment, or hot melt ink containing an inorganic pigment is directly or indirectly disposed on the surface of a ceramic body in an imagewise manner. Subsequently, the ceramic body with the image formed thereon is heated and the inorganic pigment contained in the image is sintered on the surface of the ceramic body.

Abstract: A photoresist-free and ARC-free lip on the periphery of the upper surface of a semiconductor substrate adjacent the end edge of the substrate is formed by the steps of: forming an ARC layer on one surface of a semiconductor substrate; chemically treating the ARC layer to chemically terminate the ARC layer a first distance from the end edge of the substrate; forming a photoresist layer over the semiconductor substrate and over the ARC layer thereon; and exposing the peripheral portion of the photoresist layer to UV light followed by development of the exposed peripheral portion of the photoresist layer to photolithographically terminate the photoresist layer a second distance from the end edge of the substrate wherein the second distance is smaller than the first distance.

Abstract: A counterfeit-resistant document comprises a contrasting layer and a dynamic camouflaging layer. The contrasting layer is highly contrastive and includes a latent message that can be reproduced over a broad range of copy device control settings. The dynamic camouflaging layer is applied over the contrasting layer to suppress the latent message. The visual density of the dynamic camouflaging layer, which comprises a camouflage pattern that is printed in thermochromic ink, inversely varies with temperature. In this manner, the dynamic camouflaging layer is inactivated at room temperatures so that the latent message is suppressed on the original document, and activated at scanning temperatures so that the latent message is exhibited on a reproduction of the original document.

Abstract: A fingerprint capture or processing apparatus incorporates a casing defining a sealable chamber, a first support in the chamber for holding a source of a chemical fingerprint fixative agent, a second support in the chamber for holding an article to be tested for fingerprints, a filtration system connected to the chamber for removing contaminants from air in the chamber, and an air circulation assembly operatively connected to the casing for circulating air from the chamber and through the filtration system. Preferably, the air circulation assembly is a closed system, ensuring that no contaminants will be spilled to the ambient atmosphere prior to complete cleansing of the air inside the casing. A humidity control device may be connected to the air circulation assembly for modifying a humidity level in the chamber to a predetermined relative humidity, thus optimizing effectiveness of the chemical fingerprint fixation agent.

Abstract: A method for producing a painted ceramic body. A transfer material containing an inorganic pigment, or hot melt ink containing an inorganic pigment is directly or indirectly disposed on the surface of a ceramic body in an imagewise manner. Subsequently, the ceramic body with the image formed thereon is heated and the inorganic pigment contained in the image is sintered on the surface of the ceramic body.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a photographic element is described comprising a support bearing one or more hydrophilic colloid layers including at least one photographic silver halide emulsion layer, wherein sequestered silver ions are incorporated into at least one hydrophilic colloid layer in the form of a silver ion containing material which sequesters silver ions prior to photographic processing and releases silver ions upon exposure to photographic processing solutions. Method for preparing and processing such photographic element are also described. In accordance with particular embodiments of the invention, the silver ion containing material comprises a silver ion-exchanged zeolite material or an intercalation composition comprising a layered host material having silver ions inserted as guest ions between the layers of the host material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the fabrication of a durable electrostatic printing plate. The electrostatic printing plate includes a substrate with an image receiving layer applied thereto. The image receiving layer includes a permanent pattern defined by an amorphous region and a polycrystalline region.

Abstract: A process for forming a three dimensional decorative pattern on a product substrate uses electrostatic forces placed on dielectric fibers and electrostatic latent images written either onto an intended product substrate or onto a transfer surface, or both, to assemble three dimensional composite structures of fibers or rod-shaped components in a matrix of a second dielectric material. The fibers or other rod-shaped components may extend from the matrix to form a surface that is either plush or relatively smooth. The transfer surface may be a photoconductor with an electrostatic latent image that is written with controlled light or it can be made of a dielectric material and be rigid and conforming to the intended product substrate or flexible and made to conform to the intended product substrate.

Abstract: A non-impact process and apparatus for coating printing cylinders with layers of a coating liquid, especially for coating flexographic printing sleeves with infrared sensitive layers.

Abstract: A viewing device comprising a media having a lineal pattern of alternating transparent and non-transparent regions printed thereon, wherein the non-transparent regions comprise edges having an Edge Roughness greater than about 2 micrometers.

Abstract: A phantom image is temporarily displayed on a body panel of a motor vehicle. The image appears under certain weather conditions and then vanish after a few moments. The image is created when a temperature dependent substance material is present on the body panel and a heat source is applied to the opposite side of the panel with an intervening insulated area in a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: The method comprises:

Abstract: A hidden image game piece and a method by which a hidden image game piece is produced and used. A first hidden image game piece is formed on a transparent or translucent substrate. A second hidden image game piece is formed electronically, and optionally printed or, alternatively, saved and distributed in electronic format. The hidden image game piece can be used to distributed either physically or electronically, and it may be used to derive demographic information from recipients, to drive them to web sites or retail outlets, and to provide a means for distributing advertising, either on the game pieces or at a game site, which may be a physical site, such as a retail outlet, or an electronic site, such as an Internet site. The methods of the present invention include the method of producing a game piece, the method of deriving demographic information from recipients of the game pieces, and the method of providing advertising to recipients of the game pieces.

Abstract: A counterfeit-resistant document comprises a contrasting layer and a dynamic camouflaging layer. The contrasting layer is highly contrastive and includes a latent message that can be reproduced over a broad range of copy device control settings. The dynamic camouflaging layer is applied over the contrasting layer to suppress the latent message. The visual density of the dynamic camouflaging layer, which comprises a camouflage pattern that is printed in thermochromic ink, inversely varies with temperature. In this manner, the dynamic camouflaging layer is inactivated at room temperatures so that the latent message is suppressed on the original document, and activated at scanning temperatures so that the latent message is exhibited on a reproduction of the original document.

Abstract: A method for producing a painted ceramic body. A transfer material containing an inorganic pigment, or hot melt ink containing an inorganic pigment is directly or indirectly disposed on the surface of a ceramic body in an imagewise manner. Subsequently, the ceramic body with the image formed thereon is heated and the inorganic pigment contained in the image is sintered on the surface of the ceramic body.

Abstract: A method for preparing a positive photoresist layer is provided. In this method, a photoresist composition is drop-wise applied on an insulator layer or a conductive metal layer formed on a substrate. The photoresist composition includes a polymer resin, a sensitizer for changing solubility of the photoresist layer when exposed and a solvent. The coated substrate is rotated at the speed of 1,250 to 1,350 rpm for 4.2 to 4.8 seconds. The coated substrate is then dried and the dried substrate is exposed to some form of radiation. Next, the exposed portion is removed by using an alkaline developing solution. The solvent preferably includes 3-methoxybutyl acetate and 4-butyrolactone, or includes 3-methoxybutyl acetate, 2-heptanone, and 4-butyrolactone.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to allowing a work piece to stabilize in regard to temperature and humidity/water content prior to precision operations so as to minimize any problems resulting from dimensional changes.

Abstract: A hidden image game piece and a method by which a hidden image game piece is produced. A first pattern of colored ink is deposited on a transparent or highly translucent substrate at 110-180 density, forming the image which is to be hidden. Then a second pattern of colored ink, of a different color than first pattern's ink, is deposited upon the substrate on top of the first pattern, at 90-170 density. When the game piece is flooded with additive light of the same color as the second pattern's ink, the previously concealed image, composed of the first pattern's ink, becomes perceptible. Because a transparent or highly translucent substrate is used for the game piece, and because the density of the ink application is controlled within specific ranges, this game piece may be used with a computer monitor, or with other low-intensity sources of additive light.

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: An endless belt for use in digital imaging systems is provided having uniform edge to edge flatness, and precise circumferential and edge to edge thickness. The layers comprising the belt may be tailored as desired for use in either latent image formation, image transfer or sheet transport operations. In one embodiment, the belt includes an elastomeric base layer, an intermediate polymer ply over the base layer, and an outer elastomeric layer. Alternatively, the belt includes an elastomeric base layer and an outer polymer layer. The belt may further include reinforcing layers which may comprise a woven or non-woven fabric layer and/or an elastomerimpregnated spun cord layer. The belt is preferably manufactured by building the layers on a workpiece and then curing the layers.

Abstract: A system for forming fingerprints comprises a substrate bearing a designated print image-forming area and a localized coating of pressure-sensitive microcapsules containing a substantially colorless, image-forming reactant in the form of a color former or color-developer for forming a latent or visible image of a fingerprint in the designated print image-forming area. An image-developing device comprising a transparent film coated with a dual-functional adhesive composition comprising a pressure-sensitive adhesive containing an image-forming co-reactant in the form of a color developer or color former is used to form a protected visible image in the designated print image-forming area when applied to the fingerprint image.

Abstract: Applications of photoerasable colorant composition include photoerasable price markings for pricing goods, documents such as gaming tickets for securely communicating concealed information, photoerasable paint for temporary markings on terrain and structures such as signs, roadways, trees, and buildings, marking instruments such as pens, and wick or felt markers, ultraviolet light exposure indicators, and dry printing. The photoerasable or mutable colorant composition comprises a mutable colorant and an ultraviolet radiation transorber which, upon irradiation with ultraviolet radiation, interacts with the colorant to irreversibly mutate the colorant and thereby render the colorant substantially colorless. The mutable colorant composition may also include a molecular includant.