Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the optical boundary between a person's fingerprint ridges and the surface platen of a live-scan-imaging apparatus includes providing an absorbent pad containing chemicals selected from the nonvolatile oils, oil amides, fatty alcohols and fatty acid esters, placing the person's finger to be scanned on the surface of the absorbent pads to coat the fingerprint ridges and subsequently placing the person's finger with the coated fingerprint ridges on the platen of the imaging apparatus to provide a high contrast between the ridges and valleys of the fingerprint area.

Abstract: A fingerprinting system including a substrate treated with a reagent solution including an aromatic polyhydroxy compound and an antioxidant, and a developer solution including a color forming water soluble metal salt, wherein background "aging" of the substrate and coating is inhibited.

Abstract: A self-contained fingerprint kit includes first, second, and third (or more) panels each having a top face and a bottom face with panel joining adhesive along the exterior edges of at least some of the panel faces for holding them together so that the top face of the second panel engages the bottom face of the first panel, and the bottom face of the second panel engages the top face of the third panel. A first dry fingerprint chemical is disposed in an area provided on one of the first panel bottom face or the second panel top face, and a fingerprint application area (which may comprise a second dry fingerprint chemical which cooperates with the first chemical to provide a developed fingerprint) provided on the second bottom panel face or the third panel top face for receipt of fingerprints with fingerprint chemical transferred from a first dry fingerprint chemical.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for detecting tampering, comprising applying to at least a portion of a surface of an object a composition comprising at least one fluorescent material and a solvent medium for the fluorescent material, the solvent medium containing a volatile solvent, and the composition being colorless, odorless and having no feel upon application as a film to the surface of the object, and being capable of transfer from the surface of the object to another surface; and directly transferring the composition from the object to a person tampering with the object.

Abstract: Inkless skin printing apparatus and method featuring unique cooperation of common, harmless, odorless solvent in association with ordinary thermal (fax) paper material. The skin area is coated with a substance which includes the solvent and then impressed onto and withdrawn from the thermal paper, thereby visibly forming a developing impression on the thermal paper which eventually fully develops into a quality skin print. Heat application to the developing impression may serve to accelerate and/or enhance the development. Skin prints such as fingerprints are generated according to this invention with "no muss, no fuss, no-clean-up-required" neatness and efficiency, and if desired with on-location portability.

Abstract: A fingerprinting device including a hollow housing having a finger receiving entryway, a paper exit, and a charcoal-laden pad coupled thereto for receiving fingers of a user's hand thereupon; a press area coupled to the housing at a location offset below the finger receiving entryway for receiving charcoal-laden fingers of the user's hand thereupon; an axially-rotatable tubular roll of adhesive tape coupled to the housing and extended over the press area and through the paper exit and with charcoal from the user's fingers adhering to the tape to thereby create a negative print on the tape; an axially rotatable tubular roll of paper coupled to the housing and extended through the paper exit; and a pressurized roller mechanism for temporarily adhering the charcoal-laden tape with the paper and fixedly adhering the charcoal with the paper as the tape and paper travel toward the paper exit to thereby create a positive print on the paper and with the tape removable from contact with the paper to allow the positive

Abstract: A temperature indicator system includes a temperature sensing assembly attachable to a beverage container. The temperature sensing assembly includes a temperature sensor in the form of a thermometer and a temperature scale against which the user may read the temperature of the contents of the beverage container. The sensing assembly may be provided on a beverage container from the point of sale in the retail store, or may itself be purchased and attached to a beverage container by means of either an adhesive backing or a magnetic strip. In one embodiment, the sensing assembly is fitted to a beverage container-encasing insulating sleeve. Optionally the temperature sensing assembly includes a region upon which the user of the beverage container may leave a personalizing mark, such as a pen marking or a fingerprint.

Abstract: A fingerprinting system comprising means capable of releasably retaining a liquid and a liquid composition releasably retained in said means, said liquid composition comprising a leuco color-former coupound, a dialkyl phthalate wherein the alkyl group contains 1-3 carbon atoms, a substrate for receiving fingerprints associated therewith, said substrate being coated on at least a portion of one surface thereof with a color developing substance comprising a phenol/aldehyde condensation product produced by the reaction together of an alkyl-substituted salicylic acid, an alkyl-substituted phenol, and an aldehyde, said condensation product having been reacted with a metal source.

Abstract: A housing for developing latent fingerprints is formed by positioning a thermally stable porous support material in a hollow tubular member and impregnating the support material with a liquid cyanoacrylate which is allowed to cure. The housing can be placed on an end of a portable heating device having sufficient heat to vaporize the cyanoacrylate and project the vapors against an object to be tested for latent fingerprints.

Abstract: A marking system comprising a rigid container and a quantity of fabric located therein and a quantity of marking fluid to saturate the fabric, the marking fluid comprised of a two to nine percent iodine in ethanol solution and the iodine/ethanol solution being mixed with about the same amount of water.

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

Abstract: A personal identifier greeting card selected by a sender includes a treated paper-like sheet construction having a greeting printed thereon and a colorless developing solution adapted to be coated on an object such that when the treated sheet construction is placed in temporary contact with the coated object, the card will immediately develop a visible personal identifier image related to the sender of the card.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating an image such as out of a nail lacquer, picking up the image and transferring the picked up image either by a non-linear motion or a linear motion to a person's nail where it is deposited. A multicolor image can be built up on a person's nail. Stops are provided for properly indexing the pick up and deposit of the image.

Abstract: A device for applying lifting tape to imaged residues, such as latent fingerprints, is provided which comprises an arcuate base member with a means for providing a rocking motion to the arcuate base member, and with means for releasably attaching lifting tape to the outside surface of the arcuate member with the lifting surface of the lifting tape facing away from the arcuate member whereby it is applied to an imaged residue by a rocking motion of the device when in contact with the imaged residue.

Abstract: A portable latent fingerprint fuming apparatus for developing white-colored crystallized prints on nonporous, flat and uneven surfaces as well as objects has an air-tight housing. The housing has a sidewall, a ceiling, an aperture through the housing and an open bottom with an expansible, pliable boot or flange therearound extending downwardly and having a lowermost pliable flange adapted to air-tight sealably engage the nonporous, flat and uneven surfaces. A receptacle may be provided for holding super glue or cyanoacrylate within the housing. A vacuum pump is in flow communication with the aperture, suitably by tubing, for vacuuming air out of the housing sealably engaged with the nonporous surface, for creating negative pressure within the housing and about the latent fingerprint, and for vaporizing the cyanoacrylate for deposition upon, and crystallization of, the ridges of the latent fingerprint.

Abstract: A finger drying component for use with a finger print image processing apparatus is disclosed. The drying component removes moisture from the finger so that an unsmudged finger print can be imaged. A preferred embodiment involves the use of a forced air dryer to conduct a stream of air across the optical imaging surface.

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 fingerprint card holder assembly to be used with fingerprint cards having a layer of transparent adhesive material on their front surface where a person's individual fingerprints are received and recorded. The fingerprint card holder assembly has a base mounted on a support platform. A fingerprint card guide is mounted on the top surface of the base for aligning the fingerprint card. A fingerprint card locking unit is pivotally mounted on the base and it pivots from an upright position to a horizontal position that locks a fingerprint card against the top surface of the base. There is structure on the bottom surface of the fingerprint card guide and also on the rear surface of the fingerprint card locking unit to prevent the adhesive on the top surface of the fingerprint card from sticking to either of these respective members when the fingerprint card holder assembly is being used.

Abstract: A single use fingerprint inking card for use in making fingerprints including a front sheet and a back sheet, the sheets being secured together in overlapping relationship, the front sheet being cut to define a plurality of openings with hinged reclosable panels covering the openings, an inking sheet having fingerprint ink on one side and secured between the front sheet and the back sheet with the side bearing the ink facing the openings, so that the panels can be individually opened to expose the fingerprint ink and thereafter closed to cover it. The nature of the inking sheet and the ink are such that the ink tends to cling to the inking sheet, not the facing sheet.

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: Objects are protected against deposition of fluid-borne particles in a diameter range of from one-hundredth of a micron to several microns from a convection boundary layer flow, by establishing a temperature difference between surfaces of these objects and fluid adjacent thereto such that the temperature of these surfaces is higher by not more than 10K than that of the adjacent fluid, to such an extent that the thermophoretic effect dominates the combined effects of Brownian motion and gravitational deposition of the particles in the boundary layer flow. Highly advanced articles of manufacture are produced when those surfaces are changed structurally, such as during manufacture of integrated circuits, while the thermophoretic effect dominates the latter combined effects.

Abstract: A fingerprinting system comprising means capable of releasably retaining a liquid and a liquid composition releasably retained in said means, said liquid composition comprising a leuco chromogenic compound and an oleophilic solvent therefor, and a substrate for receiving fingerprints associated therewith, said substrate being coated on at least a portion of one surface thereof with a color-developing substance capable of reacting with said chromogenic compound to produce a colored reaction product. The invention also comprises the method of fingerprinting utilizing such system.

Abstract: An inkless method of recording an image of a desired object or symbol such as the print of a person's finger is described in which a recording surface is prepared by placing thereon a thermosensitive color-developing layer comprising a chromogenic dye such as a leuco dye, an organic acid developer, such as a phenolic compound, reactive with the dye to form a color and a thermosensitive barrier layer separating the dye and developer. A chemical reagent containing one or more metallic slats, such as ferric chloride, in the format of the desired object or symbol, is applied to the recording where the reagent reacts with the developer and/or dye in the thermosensitive color-developing layer to form a permanent two-dimensional image of the object or symbol such as the ridge pattern of the person's finger.

Abstract: A method for enhancing fingerprint images comprises the steps of applying a chemical compound to the fingers to be printed in which the compound contains a first constituent in the form of a conventional ink or inkless reagent. The first constituent is arranged by itself (i.e., ink) or in conjunction with a developer (i.e., inkless) to provide a visible image of a fingerprint when applied to a porous surface, such as a conventional fingerprint card under light within the visible spectrum. A second constituent is included in the compound which is arranged to fluoresce within the visible spectrum (i.e., 500 to 650 nm) when subject to U.V. radiation, preferably centered at 550 nm.The compound from the fingers is then deposited onto a porous surface and a visible image is formed therefrom representing the ridge patterns of the fingers. The surface is then illuminated with visible and ultraviolet light and the fluorescence of the second constituent enhances the brightness of the image.

Abstract: A thin film of hydrophilic hydrogel is applied to a person's skin, including hands, forearms, and face to prevent shedding of minute skin particulates, to prevent fingerprints, and to prevent transmission of toxic substances through the film.

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 self-contained liquid composition for use in making fingerprints comprising the reaction product of at least one leuco or non-leuco chromogenic compound and at least one color-developing substance in a liquid vehicle that is a solvent for said chromogenic compound and reaction product and a solvent or dispersant for said color-developing substance. The method of fingerprinting and a fingerprinting system utilizing the liquid composition are also disclosed.

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: Organometallic compounds and compositions comprising a metal, an amido carboxyl moiety bonded to the metal, and active moiety bonded to the metal, and at least one modifier moiety sufficient to satisfy the valency of the metal. These compounds and compositions are capable of combining the substantivity of the amido carboxyl metal system, functional efficacy of an active moiety, and film-forming properties in a single compound or composition.

Abstract: The fingerprints on a fingerprint card having separate uniform areas for receiving the prints of the separate fingers is examined for unclear prints. A nontransparent sheet of paper having an adhesive on one side and an area substantially matching the uniform area is placed over any area containing on unclear print and the finger represented by the unclear print is then reprinted onto the sheet.

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: 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: A kit for making permanently sealed transparent fingerprints using differential adhesion, including dry ink and means for applying the ink to fingers, a transfer strip having a backing sheet, a transparent adhesive print strip, and a protective cover, a transparent record sheet, print adhesive adhering together the protective cover and the adhesive print strip, backing adhesive adhering together backing sheet and the adhesive print strip, and the adhesives having such differential adhesion as to cause greater adhesion between the adhesive print strip and the backing sheet than between the adhesive print strip and the protective cover, and greater adhesion between the adhesive print strip and the record sheet than between the adhesive print strip and the backing sheet.

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 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.

Abstract: A compact fingerprinting system includes an applicator comprising a sealed packet (13) containing a porous pad (12) impregnated with a solution of water-soluble, color-forming, marking compound, such as iron chloride having a controlled, optimum water content. A print of a body part, such as a finger, is formed by opening the packet (60) and wiping the distal portion of a finger (76) on the pad (62), such as a folded towelette to form a non-visible, latent image pattern. The pattern is transferred to a card (40) which can contain an area (44) impregnated with developer for the marking compound. The developer reacts with the pattern to form a dark, distinct, permanent image (84). The card (40) and packet (13) can be enclosed in an envelope (64) to form a low profile, lightweight, mailable, self-administered fingerprinting system.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new means, generally in kit form, for developing into a visible form fingerprints left on a solid surface, based upon the generation of a vapor-like phase of a cyanoacrylate material, alone or with functionally enhancing additives. This invention further relates to a process utilizing the exothermic polymerization reaction of cyanoacrylate compound, to generate a conjugable vapor-like phase.

Abstract: A method and kit for developing and fixing latent fingerprints on a solid surface is disclosed. The object to be examined for latent fingerprints exposed to fumes which contact the object to develop and fix any latent fingerprints on the surface of the object. The fumes are generated by depositing liquid cyanoacrylate monomer onto a shaped, self-supporting fiber plug constituted by cellulose acetate fibers and a glycerol ester-type plasticizer.

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: The present invention is a vapor phase activator pad which produces fluorescent vapor fumes for use in a self-contained fingerprinting kit. The vapor phase activator pad is placed into an enclosed area order to fume an object in the area suspected of containing latent fingerprints. The vapor phase activator pad includes a fluorescent dye impregnated gauze pad and a composition. The composition consists of specified chlorinated organic solvents. The gauze pad is chemically treated with the composition so that when a quantity of alkyl-cyanoacrylate is placed onto the vapor phase activator pad. The vapor phase activator pad generates fluorescent vapors of the chemical cyanoacrylate wherein the latent fingerprints become exposed when an ultraviolet light source is shined on the object suspected of containing the latent fingerprints.

Abstract: The recording of surface topology is obtained by first bringing the surface into contact with the imaging material-coated side of a dry process dispersion type recording film comprising a transparent substrate on which is coated a very thin, high optical density, opaque body of imaging material, preferably coated with a thin abrasion-resistant protective layer. Radiant energy is then momentarily directed to the imaging material through the transparent substrate. When the heat generated by the absorbed radiant energy is above a given threshold value at a particular location of the imaging material, the material deforms and disperses thereat to form connected or unconnected globules with spaces therebetween. Upon termination of the radiant energy, the dispersed material becomes frozen in place.

Abstract: The present invention is a vapor phase activator pad for use in a self-contained fingerprinting kit which includes a portable vapor tank into which the vapor phase activator pad is placed in order to fume an object suspected of containing latent fingerprints, the vapor phase activator pad includes a gauze pad. The gauze pad is chemically treated with a composition which consists of specified chlorinated organic solvents so that when a quantity of alkyl-cyanoacrylate is placed onto the vapor phase activator pad, the vapor phase activator pad generates vapors of the chemical cyanoacrylate. The composition consists of a first component and a second component. The first component is a mixture of two selective chemicals, trichloroethane in the range of 1 to 96 percent and stabilized with methanol in the range of 1 to 10 percent. The second component is a mixture of four selective chemicals, nitroethane and nitromethane in the range of 1 to 5 percent and stabilized with toluene in the range of 1 to 4 percent.

Abstract: A method of and composition for developing latent fingerprints on various surfaces including but not limited to glass, plastic, various metals such as copper, brass and the like and other materials such as paper which involves subjecting the latent fingerprints to gaseous fumes produced by cyanoacrylate ester, sodium bicarbonate and sulfur which will develop the latent fingerprints in a very short period of time thereby enabling the fingerprints to be easily lifted by conventional techniques for comparison with known fingerprints. The method of developing latent fingerprints of this invention may be used at the site of a crime by providing the fumes in a pressurized container so that the fumes can be directed into contact with the surface on which the latent fingerprints appear. The method is also effective at the laboratory by providing a container of sufficient size to receive the article or articles on which the fingerprints occur and a quantity of the composition which produces the fumes.

Abstract: The recording of surface topology is obtained by first bringing the surface into contact with the imaging material-coated side of a dry process dispersion type recording film comprising a transparent substrate on which is coated a very thin, high optical density, opaque body of imaging material, preferably coated with a thin abrasion-resistant protective layer. Radiant energy is then momentarily directed to the imaging material through the transparent substrate. When the heat generated by the absorbed radiant energy is above a given threshold value at a particular location of the imaging material, the material deforms and disperses thereat to form connected or unconnected globules with spaces therebetween. Upon termination of the radiant energy, the dispersed material becomes frozen in place.

Abstract: A magnetic fingerprint dusting brush comprising a handle (10) incorporating a projecting magnet (14) at one end, and a powder cartridge which is a push fit onto the handle, said cartridge comprising a shroud (16), which includes an inner blind sleeve (18) which extends coaxially from an inner cylindrical sleeve (20) of larger diameter, whereby the section (18) receives the magnet (14) and section (20) receives the lower end of the handle (10) when the cartridge is fitted in place on the handle, and a cap (24) which assembles with the shroud (16) to form a reservoir around the shrouded magnet containing a measured quantity of ferrous powder particles (26) carrying dusting powder which align on the shrouded magnet to form a bristle like array (28) exposed when the cap (24) is removed.

Abstract: Fingerprints images are formed by applying the distal portion 29 of a finger 32 to a porous pad 10 impregnated with a solution of marking compound. The finger portion may be prewetted or cleaned with cloth 30 impregnated with detergent solution. The finger 32 is then applied to a square 36 of a fingerprint card 38 impregnated with an aqueous solution of polyhydroxy developer such as 8-hydroxy-quinoline and propyl gallate containing a high molecular weight dibasic acid such as azelaic acid. A fingerprint image 40 immediately develops. Traces of the image can be removed with a cleaning solution impregnated cloth 42.

Abstract: A coated article and method for producing the coated article are described. The article is provided with a coating system which provides protection against hot corrosion at moderate temperatures (1200-1700.degree. F.). An overlay coating based on a metal selected from the group consisting of iron, nickel or cobalt or mixtures thereof and containing chromium and optionally aluminum, yttrium and/or hafnium is applied to the article to be protected. A silicon rich surface zone is produced at the surface of the overlay coating. Methods including pack cementation and physical vapor deposition are described for producing the coating.