Abstract: A method of forming a mark on a substrate made of plastics material comprises the step of applying a basic solution to a surface portion having a prefixed pattern of the substrate. In a preferred embodiment, the basic solution is used in combination with at least one alkali-stable water-soluble polymer, to produce a viscous liquid composition, which is advantageously applicable to the substrate by means of pad-printing and silk-screen printing process.

Abstract: A method for temporarily revealing the presence of a watermark on cellulose-based materials. The method comprises applying one of a perfluorocarbon ard hydrofluorocarbon to at least a portion of the cellulose-based material. The method also provides applying a solution containing both perfluorocarbon and hydrofluorocarbon to the cellulose-based material to vary the rate of evaporation of the solution.

Abstract: An carrying container and method for holding and transporting evidence, the case having a base portion and a cover portion and both vertically and horizontally adjustable securing means. The base portion has multiple support bars upon which slidably affixed support racks or U-clamps are positioned. The adjustable support racks or clamps position the item to be carried and securely hold the item placed therein. A storage compartment may also be incorporated. The container has a port or vent through which fingerprint dust fixative can be injected to fix fingerprint dust that has been applied to the item so that latent fingerprints can be identified. The container protects the item from damage and minimizes physical contact with the item and thus protects and preserves any latent fingerprints that may exist on the item.

Abstract: A method and process to be utilized on any printed document, which, for example, include but are not limited to airline tickets, labels, checks, bonds, passports, green cards, prescription slips, and any other document with identification of the user or owner is critical, by providing a system for coating a portion of the document with a chemical compound, for determining an image thereupon, the system which would include the steps of first providing a document; next, applying a clear chemical coating onto at least a portion of the document; applying an non-visible image onto the chemical coated portion of the document; providing an activator solution; applying the activated solution to the chemically coated portion of the document to reveal the image thereupon; identifying the stamped image for assuring that the stamped image is not a counterfeit or the like.

Abstract: A method for etching of sub-quarter micron openings in insulative layers for contacts and vias is described. The method uses high resolution DUV photolithography. By using a thin layer of photoresist to pattern a hardmask, full advantage of the high resolution can be attained. The hardmask in turn, is sufficiently durable to withstand subsequent etching of the insulative layer. The methods taught by this invention are of particular value for the formation of contacts to semiconductive devices although they are also applied to forming via openings. DUV photoresists having thicknesses of less than 500 nm are used with a DUV stepper. The hardmask materials include Ti/TiN and amorphous silicon. Etching selectivities of these materials with respect to typical insulative materials used in integrated circuit manufacture are of the order of 50:1.

Abstract: A method and process to be utilized on any printed document, which, for example, include but are not limited to airline tickets, labels, checks, bonds, passports, green cards, prescription slips, and any other document with identification of the user or owner is critical, by providing a system for coating a portion of the document with a chemical compound, for determining an image thereupon, the system which would include the steps of first providing a document; next, applying a clear chemical coating onto at least a portion of the document; applying an non-visible image onto the chemical coated portion of the document; providing an activator solution; applying the activated solution to the chemically coated portion of the document to reveal the image thereupon; identifying the stamped image for assuring that the stamped image is not a counterfeit or the like.

Abstract: A latent image comprising a first substance formed on a substrate of a second substance having a surface tension different from a surface tension of the first substance, the first substance and the substrate having a difference of 0.1 to 100 nm in height from each other. The latent image is formed by a method comprising the-step of subjecting a substrate of a first substance to a chemical treatment or a physical treatment to form a surface of a second substance which has a surface tension different from a surface tension of the first substance and has a difference of 0.1 to 100 nm in height from the substrate on part of the substrate. The latent image is developed by a method comprising the steps of contacting a latent image comprising a first substance formed on a substrate of a second substance having a surface tension different from a surface tension of the first substance with a third substance different from the first substance and the second substance, and applying a developing ray to the latent image.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to a composition and method for enhancing the contrast of the lipid component of fingerprints and the like. The composition includes a metal chelate of the structural formula I ##STR1## wherein R is a UV-absorbing aromatic group, X is an electron attracting group, G is a synergic group containing a suitable polar functional group, and M is a metal ion, a suitable water-soluble organic solvent and water, at pH of 3 to 10.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for forming a thin film pattern having an excellent accuracy of the pattern. The method comprises the steps of:(a) exposing a polysilane layer formed from a polysilane having a structure of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 indicate a group which is independently selected from the group consisting of a substituted or non-substituted aliphatic hydrocarbon residue, an alicyclic hydrocarbon residue and an aromatic hydrocarbon residue and m and n indicate an integer, provided on a substrate, to ultraviolet light selectively to form a latent image of the thin film pattern; and(b) dipping the polysilane layer in which the latent image of the thin film pattern is formed in a metal oxide sol and then drying.

Abstract: A blank master for manufacturing an optical disc is produced by the method including steps of grinding a glass disc, cleansing the glass disc, drying the glass disc, coating a binding agent on the glass disc, coating a photo resist on the glass disc within 24 hours from the grinding, and baking the glass disc.

Abstract: The invention described in the specification relates to latent image printing and developing systems and to substrates containing latent images. High quality latent images are prepared by a printing method which deposits a layer containing organic-based dye particles and organic-based developer particles, each having a particle size of from about 2 to about 6 microns, on a substrate. The image is then developed by contacting the substantially invisible image of dye and developer particles with an oxygenated solvent from an imaging device. Multicolor, vivid images are obtained as a result of the image printing and developing system of the invention.

Abstract: The filter element comprises a filter medium which is incorporated into an assembly made of plastic components. At least one of the components incorporates titanium dioxide as a filler. The treatment of such a component with a laser produces a dark pigment within the component and thus can be used to form characters on the component to convey information regarding the filter element such as product part number, lot code, serial number or flow arrow.

Abstract: Master disks for providing dies in particular for pressing optical disks, methods of manufacturing same, pressing dies obtained from such master disks and optical disks obtained from the latter and such pressing dies, the master disks consisting of a support carrying at its surface a succession of microcups representative of the information to be duplicated and consisting of a hard, conducting material reflecting in the near infrared range and selected from a zirconium, hafnium or titanium nitride or carbonitride, a hard ceramic reflecting in the near infrared range and conducting at the surface only and a hard glass reflecting in the near infrared range and conducting at the surface only.

Abstract: A conformal, substantially uniform thickness layer of photoresist is deposited on a semiconductor wafer by causing photoresist solids to "sediment" out of solution or suspension. Generally, the more conformal the layer, the more uniform the reflectance of the layer and the less variation in underlying feature critical dimension (cd). In order to accommodate possible resulting deviations in photoresist layer thickness causing undesirable reflectance nonuniformities (and cd variations), a top antireflective coating may be applied to the photoresist layer. In the case of a point-by-point lithography process, such as e-beam lithography, the thickness/reflectance variations can be mapped, and exposure doses adjusted accordingly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a migration imaging member comprising (1) a substrate, (2) a softenable layer situated on the substrate, said softenable layer comprising a softenable material and a photosensitive migration marking material, and (3) an overcoating layer situated on the surface of the softenable layer spaced from the substrate, said overcoating layer comprising a material selected from the group consisting of: (a) polyacrylic acids, (b) poly (hydroxyalkyl methacrylates), (c) poly (hydroxyalkylacrylates), (d) vinyl alcohol-vinyl acetate copolymers, (e) vinyl alcohol-vinyl butyral copolymers, (f) alkyl celluloses, (g) aryl celluloses, (h) hydroxyalkyl cellulose acrylates, (i) hydroxyaryl cellulose acrylates, (j) hydroxyalkyl cellulose methacrylates, (k) hydroxyaryl cellulose methacrylates, (l) cellulose-acrylamide adducts, (m) poly (vinyl butyrals), (n) cyanoethylated celluloses, (o) cellulose acetate hydrogen phthalates, (p) hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose phthalates, (q) hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose succinates, (

Abstract: A means of permanently characterizing a glass workpiece (1) which is subjected to a heat treatment period during processing. An organic paint is utilized to apply identifying characteristics (3), and an inorganic bake-on paint is used to create an opaque permanent layer (5) in the region of the identifying characteristics (3). Heat treatment is utilized to create surface marks (4) on the workpiece (1) from the vaporization and burning of the organic paint into the inorganic paint.

Abstract: A security marking method and composition wherein a first marking is applied to a surface of a substrate with a mixture of a printing medium and a first composition, wherein the first marking is visible to an unaided human eye and is indistinguishable from a marking applied with the printing medium alone, to an unaided human eye when illuminated by visible light or ultraviolet light. A second composition is added either with the mixture or thereafter, wherein the second composition is reactable with the first composition to fluoresce and wherein the fluorescing is only visible to an unaided human eye when illuminated by ultraviolet light.

Abstract: The improvement in photoprinting on metallic surfaces which comprises masking the yellowish tint on the polyurethane coating on the metallic surface by including in the solution of the polyurethane coating being applied a Violet dye and a Dark Green dye.

Abstract: A method for preparing high resolution, negative-working, wash-off relief images, preferably using ink jet printing, comprising the sequential steps of: (a) providing a non-photosensitive layer comprising an acid-containing polymer; (b) applying an ink imagewise to the non-photosensitive layer to produce image areas and unimaged areas, said ink comprising an esterification agent which is capable of reacting with the acid groups in the polymer to form water-insoluble ester groups; (c) drying the non-photosensitive layer to induce or accelerate the esterification reaction between the acid groups and the esterification agent in the imaged areas; and (d) washing the non-photosensitive layer with an aqueous developer solution to remove the unimaged areas of the non-photosensitive layer is described.

Abstract: A security marking method comprises marking a portion of the substrate by applying a first marking fluid which is invisible to a unaided eye when illuminated by both visible light and ultraviolet light and activating the marked portion by applying a second marking fluid thereon. The second marking fluid is reactable with the first marking fluid to be invisible to an unaided human eye when illuminated by visible light and fluorescent when illuminated by ultraviolet light. The invention also includes the composition comprising the first and second marking fluids.

Abstract: A non-destructive laser marking method including irradiating laser light on a thermosensitive color-forming layer formed by printing with a printing ink containing a leuco dye as a color former and an acidic substance as a color developer, and at least one background color formation inhibitor selected from the group consisting of a water-soluble amino acid, an ammonium salt of an inorganic acid, a pH buffer, and water. Laser marking can be achieved with low energy and at high speed while minimizing background color formation to provide a high-contrast color image.

Abstract: A pressure and heat-sensitive composition comprising chromogen-containing pressure-rupturable microcapsules and heat-sensitive color developer useful for verification of document authenticity system when applied as a localized coating on documents, such as checks and prescriptions. Quickly striking the chromogenic composition with a fingernail or blunt object to generate pressure and heat in the coating produces a colored image by friction. The chromogenic composition possesses a fugitive characteristic, whereby the colored image gradually disappears and can be made to reappear when the chromogenic coating is again subjected to external pressure and heat. This feature can be used for repeated verification of the authenticity of the document.

Abstract: A method for rendering latent fingerprints at a site on a portion of skin detectable. The method comprises the steps of forming a cyanoacrylate vapor from a cyanoacrylate, conducting the cyanoacrylate vapor to the site on a portion of skin, and applying the cyanoacrylate vapor to the site at a sufficient concentration for a period of time of between about 15 seconds and about 30 seconds sufficient to deposit between about 0.31 mg/cm.sup.2 and about 0.78 mg/cm.sup.2 of the cyanoacrylate on the portion of skin. The present invention also provides an apparatus for rendering latent fingerprints at a site on a portion of skin detectable.

Abstract: A latent image printing process comprising applying to a substrate a latent image ink composition, with an ink jet printer. Subsequently, the latent image is activated to render it visible, by application of an activator. The present invention also provides a latent ink composition for use in ink jet applications, which is capable of being applied to a white or light colored substrate to form latent printed images that are substantially invisible until activated.

Abstract: A latent fingerprint detection method including dipping latent fingerprints in a solution, the solution including a ruthenium tetroxide and a solvent including a halogen-containing hydrocarbon and/or a halogen-containing ester compound, the solution being prepared by dissolving the ruthenium tetroxide in the solvent; or exposing latent fingerprints to a vapor generated from a solution, the solution including a ruthenium tetroxide and a solvent including a halogen-containing hydrocarbon and/or a halogen-containing ether compound, the solution being prepared by dissolving the ruthenium tetroxide in the solvent.

Abstract: A device for developing latent fingerprints is disclosed. The invention has a housing that holds either a pad of steel wool that is impregnated with liquid cyanoacrylate, or a quantity of solid granulated cyanoacrylate. The cyanoacrylate or steel wool is placed around the periphery of the housing. One end of the housing may be tapered to form a connecting tube. This connecting tube is placed on the end of a small propane torch. The torch is used to vaporize the cyanoacrylate in the housing into a vapor, which is then propelled forward from the torch by the velocity of the torch exhaust gases. This vapor is then projected onto the test object, where latent prints will appear within minutes. This invention can be used in any location, including outdoors and does not need a closed environment to work.

Abstract: A cartridge useful in detecting fingerprints includes a housing with a chamber therein and an outlet from the chamber. The chamber contains a thermally stable porous or fibrous support impregnated with both:1 ) a cyanoacrylate ester, and2) a volatile, emissive lanthanide metal-complex or actinide metal-complex. Upon the application of sufficient heat to the support, the cyanoacrylate and metal complex volatilize and co-deposit on fingerprint residue to enhance the visualization of the fingerprint.

Abstract: A braille printing apparatus utilizes non-impact printing technology to provide high-speed, high-volume production of printed braille materials. The document carrying the information to be printed in braille is scanned and read under the control of a computer. The computer outputs the object information in the form of control signals. In accordance with these control signals, a write head projects a beam of light to form a latent image on the charged surface of a rotating drum. Toner is used to develop the image and transfer it to paper, where it is fused. A coarse-grain toner is used, and is applied in a sufficient quantities thereby produce printed braille materials.

Abstract: Printed matters are disclosed, which are printed with the coloring ink that is able to do the short-time fading at which time the color is losen of itself in a relatively short time after once having developed color by interacting with the coloring assistant containing the pH-adjusting agent which loses effect with the passage of time due to the volatility or the desiccation, and further that is able to redevelop color and repeat the above-mentioned short-time fading each time when the above-mentioned coloring assistant is made to act thereon a plural number of times; and which printed matters are suitably used for printing invisibly, for example, the spaces for answers being to stand abreast of the visibly printed spaces for questions in question books.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for labeling an object for its identification. The method comprises applying a selected person's fingerprint to said object at a predetermined location upon said object. Next, the predetermined location is exposed to a vaporous agent comprising vapors of a cyanoacrylate ester. The selected person's fingerprint or said vapors of cyanoacrylate ester bear a detectable amount of an ultra-violet radiation sensitive dye. Exposing the predetermined location to said vapors create a permanent impression of the fingerprint on the object which impression is perceptible only in the presence of UV radiation. Prime objects for identification in accordance with the method of the present invention include works of art, negotiable instruments, credit card receipts, and like objects.

Abstract: A method of security coding an article which comprises applying to the article an identification mark comprising at least one colorless or weakly-colored infra-red absorbing material and an article carrying one or more identification codes applied according to the method. The method is suitable for marking documents, currency and equivalents, such as cheques, credit cards and tickets, and for the identification of copyright materials and high valued added goods, such as tapes, cassettes, books, films, cameras, perfumes, spirits and designer goods to inhibit counterfeiting.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for developing a latent magnetic image in which a layer of magnetically attractable toner powder having a specific resistance less than 10.sup.9 ohms.meter is conveyed by a toner conveyor to a developing zone past a medium carrying the latent image and an AC voltage is applied between the toner conveyor and the medium carrying the latent image.

Abstract: A high security crypto-marking method for protecting valuable objects in which a target chemical compound suitable for subsequent detection by an appropriate detection means is applied to an object to be marked, wherein the method comprises the following operations:a) preparing a solution of a target nucleic acid having a sequence selected to form a marking pattern and possessing a selected degree of fluidity;b) incorporating a chosen quantity of the solution in each object of a class of objects to be marked;thereby making it possible, subsequently, and should the occasion arise, to perform the following operation:c) identifying or authenticating the object by using means for detecting the nucleic acid in order to reveal the marking.The invention can be used, where required, to provide irrefutable proof of ownership of an object in the event of theft, resale, or forgery.

Abstract: Sympathetic ink compositions particularly adapted for use with high speed, non-impact ink printing equipment are disclosed, together with methods of use and development thereof. The inks of the invention are water-based and include of from about 4-20% by weight of a water soluble transition metal salt (e.g., nickel sulfate), together with of from about 2-4.5%, by weight of n-butanol or 2-butanol. After application using, e.g., ink jet printing equipment, the resulting inked images are invisible to the naked eye, and can be selectively developed through use of color-forming developers such as dimethylglyoxime- or oxalic acid-type aqueous compositions.

Abstract: A method for detection and visualization of latent fingerprints is provided and includes contacting a substrate containing a latent print thereon with a colloidal metal composition for time sufficient to allow reaction of said colloidal metal composition with said latent print, and preserving or recording the observable print. Further, the method for detection and visualization of latent fingerprints can include contacting the metal composition-latent print reaction product with a secondary metal-containing solution for time sufficient to allow precipitation of said secondary metal thereby enhancing the visibility of the latent print, and preserving or recording the observable print.

Abstract: Phenol/aldehyde condensation products useful in the development of colored images from colorless dyes are disclosed. The phenol/aldehyde condensation products are produced by the interaction of an alkyl-substituted salicylic acid, an alkyl-substituted phenol, an aldehyde, and a metal source. The phenol/aldehyde condensation products are particularly useful in a photosensitive imaging system in which images are formed by the image-wise reaction of the developer with one or more chromogenic materials, and in carbonless copy paper systems.

Abstract: A printer suitable for color printing which uses an ink jet printhead in which the marking fluid contains no dye so that a latent image of the desired print pattern is produced in the form of moistened spots directly on the print medium. The latent image is then developed by applying some colored powder to the print medium, and the developed image is then fixed to the print medium to produce a visible image of the desired print pattern.

Abstract: A light-sensitive material comprising a light-sensitive layer containing silver halide, a reducing agent and an ethylenic unsaturated polymerizable compound provided on a paper support. The paper support comprises a coating layer containing a hydrocarbon resin provided on a base paper sheet, and the paper support has a low water absorptiveness of not more than 1 g/m.sup.2 on the surface of the coating layer on which the light-sensitive layer is provided. The water absorptiveness being a value measured according to the Cobb test method.

Abstract: A metallized laminate and process of manufacture wherein a metallic layer or underlying ink layer appears in a pattern on the laminate. The method in a specific embodiment involves the steps of forming a laminate by coating a heat stable release coat onto a carrier sheet; coating an ink layer in a pattern on the heat stable release coating so that at least portions of the release coat remain uncovered with ink, and applying a metallic layer over the release coat so that at least a portion of the metallic layer is in direct contact with and adheres directly to the release coat. Portions of the metallic layer may be removed by an etchant. A heat activatable adhesive layer is applied over the metallic layer. The laminate so formed is heat transferable from the carrier sheet to an article.

Abstract: A developing device including a developing roller which has a resilient support layer and a dielectric layer provided on the support layer and developing an electrostatic latent image formed on a photoconductive drum through the roller by using a single-component developer, i.e. toner. The variation of development characteristics ascribable to the developing roller is suppressed by providing a resilient material which constitutes the support layer with a resistance value less than a predetermined value that is mostly determined by a relationship between the resistance value and the developing time. Further, a method is described for producing a developing roller for the developing device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for labeling an object for its identification. The method comprises applying a selected person's fingerprint to said object at a predetermined location upon said object. Next, the predetermined location is exposed to a vaporous agent comprising vapors of a cyanoacrylate ester. The selected person's fingerprint or said vapors of cyanoacrylate ester bear a detectable amount of an ultra-violet radiation sensitive dye. Exposing the predetermined location to said vapors create a permanent impression of the fingerprint on the object which impression is perceptible only in the presence of UV radiation. Prime objects for identification in accordance with the method of the present invention include works of art, negotiable instruments, credit card receipts, and like objects.

Abstract: A process for preparing a molded product of thermochromic polyvinyl chloride characterized by incorporating a thermochromic particulate material into a vinyl chloride plastisol comprising a vinyl chloride resin, plasticizer, stabilizer, lubricant and filler, and molding the resulting mixture. The thermochromic particulate material is prepared from particles of a non-thermoplastic resin having encapusated therein the three components of electron-donating chromogenic substance, electron-accepting substance and solvent by coating the particles with a hydrophilic high-molecular-weight compound.

Abstract: Imaged microcapsule-coated paper, e.g. pressure-sensitive copying paper, is produced by imaging paper by means of laser energy and then applying a coating of microcapsules over the image. The image may be a manufacturer's name, logo or trademark, and may be applied at high speed on the paper machine on which the paper is produced or on the coating machine used to apply the microcapsule coating.

Abstract: Fingerprint developers are made of woven or non-woven fabric of hydrophobic synthetic fibers which is impregnated with a 2-cyanoacrylate. The synthetic resin for the fibers may be polyethylene, polypropylene and the like. This developer is placed in a closed vessel together with an article suspected of containing a latent fingerprint with or without a cup of hot water. Rapid development of fingerprints is possible.

Abstract: A kit for producng symbols of unpredictable colors on paper including a plurality of individual sheets of paper each having a coating therein containing a reactant composition. A writing instrument is included in the kit to be usable with the various paper substrates supplied therein for writing thereon in various colors depending upon which reactant is contained within the coating of a particular piece of paper. The different paper substrates each will include a reactant chosen from one of several reactants used in the kit. Each of these individual reactants when contacted by the writing instrument will react with an agent in the fluid of the writing instrument to display a coloration on the paper substrate which is different from the reacted coloration resulting from usage with a different reactant. Each paper substrate has a base coloration which is in no way indicative of the particular reactant contained in the coating thereon.

Abstract: A developer sheet having reduced tack useful in forming reproductions having a controllable gloss finish or in forming transparencies is provided. The developer sheet has a support with a layer on the surface of the support of a finely divided thermoplastic developer material and a non-reactive, non-scattering pigment. The developer material is capable of reacting with a color precursor to produce a visible image while the pigment reduces tack. Both the developer material and the pigment are capable of forming an essentially transparent film upon the application of heat and/or pressure.

Abstract: Latent fingerprints are developed by exposing them to vapors generated from a thin film of a storage stable cyanoacrylate monomer and a thixotropic additive in sufficient amount to render the composition substantially non-flowable. The monomer film should have a surface area of at least 129 sq. cm.An envelope package for the monomer composition has inner polyethylene surfaces. The envelope may be peeled open to expose the inner surfaces coated with a film of the composition.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula I and II ##STR1## in which R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5 and R.sub.6, X, Y and n are as defined in claim 1, are latent curing catalysts for preparing relief images with acid-curable resins. They are distinguished by satisfactory solubility in the acid-curable resin systems, can be stored virtually indefinitely in the dark and, when exposed to shortwave light, make it possible to cure the resins by acid catalysis at a relatively low temperature.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, the sample surface is wetted with an aqueous solution of a fluorescent dye followed by rinses with water to remove an excessive amount of the dye so that the background fluorescence emission can be minimized to increase the efficiency of fingerprint detection. In another aspect, the fluorescent dye or a reagent to produce fluorescent substance is deposited on the sample surface by attaching a gelatin film impregnated with a solution thereof followed by peeling. In a further different aspect, a powdery fluorescent dye is deposited on to the sample surface followed by spraying of water after removing an excessive amount of the powdery dye so that the background fluorescence can be minimized. The invention also provides an apparatus for the fingerprint detection by the laser beam excitation of fluorescence, which is compact and portable as being composed of an ingenious combination of several units into an integral system.

Abstract: The present invention is a self-contained fingerprinting system which includes a spray container and a portable vapor tank. The spray container discharges into the protable vapor container a mist of atomized particles of cyanoacrylate ester in order to generate vapors thereof. The vapors in the portable vapor tank fume an object suspected of containing latent fingerprints. The portable vapor tank includes a shroud which encloses the vapors from the mist of atomized particles of cyanoacrylate ester, a first supporting member which supports the shroud and a second supporting member which supports the object in front of the spray container. The portable vapor tank also includes a timer which determines the duration of fuming with the vapors and purging apparatus which purges the vapors from the portable vapor tank. The purging apparatus is electrically coupled to the timer and activated thereby at the end of duration of fuming with the vapors.