Abstract: This invention is directed to a plastic composite comprising color images printed onto a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate using thermal transfer (TT) printing technology. The PET layer is then bonded to a second PET layer using a thermally activated adhesive, preferably ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA). The bonded PET layers are then disposed between two layers of plasticized PVB, forming the plastic composite. The plastic composite can then be placed between two sheets of glass forming the final laminated glass product.

Abstract: Invisible different monochromatic images are inscribed in a diffractive optical element. Each of the images appears when a specific light source is on and image disappears when the specific light is off. The light sources for the different monochromatic images are spaced at different positions with respect to the diffractive optical element. A dynamic image is produced by time-varying and electronically controlling the intensity and on/off of the different light sources.

Abstract: The invention relates to a soundproofing window in which an intermediate film provides for damping of vibrations transmitted in particular by structure-borne conduction.

Abstract: A primer layer and a thermoformable film that includes the primer layer are provided. The primer layer includes a cross-linked adhesive polymer having a semicrystalline region and a polar region. The cross-linked adhesive polymer has a tensile strength at maximum elongation that is less than that of an otherwise identical adhesive polymer that has not been cross-linked. The primer layer can be an outer layer of the thermoformable film, can be positioned between two additional layers of the thermoformable film, or a combination thereof. The primer layer can be positioned in contact with a mold surface during a thermoforming process.

Abstract: A security label having one or more security elements is used on or in association with items, such as consumer products, that have value and are susceptible to counterfeiting. The security label is preferably used as a primary label directly affixed to the item or product. The security element(s) can be affixed to an outer or inner label surface, embedded within the label film or paper layer and/or laminated between two or more layers. One type of security element includes a security thread having indicia formed thereon that are not easily reproduced or duplicated. Another type of security element includes a machine-readable security element that provides encoded machine-readable verification data.

Abstract: A security element is embedded in a layer composite of plastic material and has reflecting, optically variable surface patterns which can be visually recognized from predetermined observation directions and which are formed from a mosaic of surface elements occupied by optically active structures. A part of the surface pattern is additionally covered by a regularly arranged matrix of unit cells. Each unit cell is occupied by a single elementary surface or a group of identical surface portions that contain optically active structures which are independent of the mosaic of the surface pattern. The arrangement of the elementary surfaces and the surface portions in the matrix form an item of concealed information which is not perceptible to the naked eye, in the form of graphic or alphanumeric characters which however are reproduced in a color photocopy with a color or gray value contrast which is perceptible to the naked eye.

Abstract: A thermal transfer sheet is equipped with an approval information of being approved as applicable to the predetermined printer. When the thermal transfer sheet is set on a printer and a determinator determines that the approval information is correct for the printer, the printer is interlocked with the determinator to actuate in the state where the thermal transfer sheet is set thereon. A front part of a thermal transfer sheet may be provided with a mark coded from the approval information. The mark may be formed of a material detectable with the light in a visible region or invisible region, a magnetic material, an electrically conductive material, a material responsive to microwave or a resonance circuit. The approval information may be recorded on an approval card, a resonance circuit or IC card which makes a pair with a thermal transfer sheet. In addition, a host system as a determinator may be connected to a facsimile as a printer via a communication circuit.

Abstract: According to the invention the labels (22) are produced in a broad woven fabric (21) comprising ground warp yarn (4) and ground weft yarn (5) for a ground woven fabric (11), embroidery weft yarn (12) which forms a figure and code weft yarn (10) which forms a barcode, said yarn being distinguishable from the ground warp yarn only in a light outside the visible spectrum. In the broad woven fabric (21) several labels (22) are produced whose longitudinal sides (1) adjoin each other in the weft direction and remain unfolded and whose lateral sides (2) are adjacent to each other in the warp direction and can be folded. The embroidery weft yarn (12) and the code weft yarn (10) extend parallel to each other and at a distance from the longitudinal sides (1) so that the backs of the labels (22) are evenly covered and thus uniformly transparent.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting parallel marketing of an item, include forming at least one of a coating and a code on the item, interrogating the at least one of the coating and said code, and determining from the interrogating whether the item has been transferred from an authorized merchant to an unauthorized merchant.

Abstract: An iridescent material comprises a diffraction grating incorporating a plurality of sheets (1) of a first substantially transparent material in parallel alignment and spaced away apart by quantities of a second substantially transparent material (2), the second material having a refractive index significantly lower than the refractive index of the first material, the plates being tilted at an angle &thgr; to an axis X and the grating having a period d(X) in the direction of axis X, the angle &thgr; and period d being such that a second diffraction grating is provided along an axis Z, perpendicular to axis X, the second diffraction grating having a period d(Z) and consisting of ten periods or less and whereby, the diffraction conditions of the grating can be simultaneously fulfilled by electromagentic radiation of a range of wavelength thereby causing iridescence.

Abstract: Described is a laminate body, in particular a laminate foil, comprising a laser-sensitive layer and an identification element, for example a diffraction and/or hologram structure, a reflection layer, a printed image or the like, which is provided in a second layer and/or in the laser-sensitive layer, wherein the laser-sensitive layer has a marking produced by laser action, which is positioned in accurate register relationship relative to the identification element In addition the subject of the invention is a method of enhancing the forgery-proof nature of such a laminate body in which the laminate body is irradiated by means of a laser so that produced in the laser-sensitive layer is a laser-induced marking positioned in accurate register relationship with the position of the identification element.

Abstract: In a process for manufacturing a multi-layer tube material having a barrier layer (12) situated between plastic layers (10, 14)—to hinder the passage of water vapor and gases—and featuring a pattern in one of the layers of the tube material micro-embossing created by micro-embossing (M) and producing a optical effect, the individual layers are joined to make a multi-layer tube material; in the said process one of the layers (12) in the form of a foil/film is embossed and joined up with the other layers thus forming the tube material. A multi-layer tube material manufactured using the that process exhibits a structure in which at least one single-layer or multi-layer plastic layer (10) which is transparent at least in some areas, a metal foil (12) with micro-embossing (M) on the side of the plastic layer (10), and at least one functional layer (14) in the form of a single-layer or multi-layer plastic layer.

Abstract: A marking film exhibiting good ability for tracing curved surfaces when it is to be stuck to steeply curved three-dimensional portions without entrapping air bubbles at the film edges when an over-clear coating is applied thereon after it has been stuck. The marking film has a marking component to be transferred onto an article via an adhesive layer, wherein the total thickness of the marking film is in the A range of from about 50 &mgr;m to about 300 &mgr;m, and the modulus of elasticity thereof is in the range of from about 2 kgf/mm2 to about 25 kgf/mm2 as measured under a condition where the marking film is elongated at a tension speed of 300 mm/min. into an elongation percentage in the range of 0 to about 10%.

Abstract: The invention relates to multilayer reflective films and pigments showing selective reflection of light wherein the reflection characteristics are dependent on the viewing angle, characterized in that they comprises at least one reflective layer, at least one circular polarizing layer and optionally at least one optical retardation layer. The invention further relates to the use of these multilayer reflective films and pigments in optical elements, as coatings or in lacquers, inks or paints for cosmetic, decorative or security applications, to inks and paints comprising one or more multilayer reflective pigments dispersed in a light transmissive binder, and to security markings or devices comprising one or more multilayer reflective films or pigments.

Abstract: An oil tone artificial leather sheet having a blend of an oily substance of viscosity 50-10,000 mPa·s at 30° C. and a supporting polymer on part or all of a nap surface of a napped sheet comprising a non-woven fabric of microfine fibers and polyurethane existing in the non-woven fabric, wherein raised fibers comprising the microfine fibers are present in part or all of at least one surface and are forming the nap surface, and which has a high-quality appearance, and the soft hand touch and touch of natural leather. The sheet is useful in, for example, the manufacture of shoes or the like.

Abstract: A fluorescent ink composition comprising functionalized fluorescent nanocrystals, an aqueous-based ink carrier comprising water or a water-based solution, and a binder.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a light-emitting diode with enhanced brightness and a method for fabricating the same. The light-emitting diode comprises: an epitaxial LED structure having at least one lighting-emitting active layer with a plurality of spacers inside the lighting-emitting active layer; at least one conductive contact, formed on the bottom surface where no spacer is formed inside the lighting-emitting active layer; a transparent material layer formed in the spacers; an adhesion layer formed between the transparent material layer and a permanent substrate; a bottom electrode formed on the bottom surface of the permanent substrate; and an opposed electrode formed on the top surface of the epitaxial LED structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to coating compositions, preferably printing inks for security applications comprising at least one organic resin, at least one pigment and optionally at least one organic solvent. Said pigment comprises glass ceramic composite particles, containing at least one crystalline particle embedded in a glass matrix. Said glass ceramic particles have a particle size in the range of between 0.1 &mgr;m to 50 &mgr;m. Preferably active ions selected from the group of the rare-earth elements are incorporated into the crystalline phase of the composite to provide the glass ceramics with luminescent up- and down-converting characteristics. Glass ceramic luminescent have excellent physical and chemical stability. The glass matrix permits as well the stabilization of the photophysically interesting halide host crystals which have low phonon energies. Such materials provide unusual excitation and emission properties.

Abstract: Printing inks and printing systems which contain near infrared fluorescent compounds and U.V. absorbing pigments provide print media with coatings, sense marks and data images containing NIRF compounds and U.V absorbing pigments with improved light stability. These printing inks and printing systems can be modified for use in a wide variety of printing methods. The print media obtained contains detectable NIRF compounds after the equivalent of 6 months exposure to indoor U.V. light.

Abstract: A tile with a transparent glass body having a smooth front face and a three-dimensional design impressed on the rear face that is viewed through the front face. The impressed design is further defined by a layer of decorative glass materials fused to the impressed design as well as some or all of the rear face. An overlay of glass material is fused to and follows the topography of, the decorative glass materials layer and/or the rear face of the glass tile body, sandwiching the decorative glass materials layer between the glass tile body and the glass material overlay. Once fused; the glass material overlay, the decorative glass materials layer and the glass tile body meld to become one homogenous glass layer, comprising the tile, that cannot delaminate. The resulting glass tile is similar in use and durability to ceramic tile while adding the ability to carry a protected, three-dimensional design.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for making safety labels which consists in producing a base deposit on the film (100), then in defining a label shape (101). It further consists in producing (102) a printed window preferably by photogravure with cells bordered by a stripe forming the window outline; printing (103) the printing window on the base deposit with a passivation coating, and developing the window (104) by a physico-chemical operation.

Abstract: A thin film thermometer has multiple temperature sensors that individually appear within certain concealing features of the decal under different temperature ranges, otherwise blending into the concealing features and thereby disappearing into the design. Among other uses, this thermometer may be implemented as an adhesive bandage or refrigerator magnet, and may include special features such as a hologram, heat blocking backing, and ink-preserving adhesive tie coat. Also, enhanced visual effects are achieved through the coordinated multiple activation of temperature sensors.

Abstract: A guard for a syringe that includes a needle, a needle protector cap, and a barrel with an outer diameter smaller than the needle protector cap. The guard includes a body having a cavity for receiving the syringe therein, and a shield that is slidable between an unguarded position wherein the needle is exposed and a guarded position covering the needle. One or more tabs in a wall of the body are deflectable from a first position wherein the tabs extend along the wall or radially outwardly from the wall, to a second position wherein the tabs are directed inwardly into the cavity for contacting the barrel of the syringe. In other embodiments, a collar or other radial element may be provided on the barrel of the syringe to provide lateral support within the cavity of the body.

Abstract: A dyestuff capable of undergoing a clearly visible colour change when contacted with a color-developing material is dispersed in the body of a plastics film and used in the identification of goods. The film can be used for packaging of the goods or as a label or seal affixed to the goods. When testing the authenticity of packaging goods, the plastics film is marked with the color-developing chemical to produce a colored mark on the package. The dyestuff is preferably a latent dyestuff which is colorless and invisible to the eye under ambient conditions for use of the film but which forms a clearly visible color when contacted with the color-developing material.

Abstract: Ribbon material formed from a material constructed of a layer of cloth and a layer of polymeric film wherein at least a portion of the layer of polymeric film is laminated to the layer of cloth, as well as methods for forming same, are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A three-dimensional imaging decorating sheet made by injection molding or plastic-molding and method for manufacturing the same is disclosed. The decorating sheet is a semi-transparent thin plastic plate and has non-flat embossment figures on surfaces thereof. Therefore, as a backside of the decorating sheet faces to a light source, a three-dimensional image will present to the viewer. The method for manufacturing a three-dimensional imaging decorating sheet is disclosed so that a thin plate has embossment figures at one surface or two surface. The method comprises the steps of: inputting figures to a computer for performing predetermined processing; performing chromatography to the input figures; converting the result of the chromatography into control codes; inputting the control codes to a CNC machine for machining an mold; and injecting plastics or rubbers to the mold to form a plastic decorating sheet.

Abstract: Printing inks and printing systems which contain near infrared fluorescent compounds and U.V. absorbing pigments provide print media with coatings, sense marks and data images containing NIRF compounds and U.V absorbing pigments with improved light stability. These printing inks and printing systems can be modified for use in a wide variety of printing methods. The print media obtained contains detectable NIRF compounds after the equivalent of 6 months exposure to indoor U.V. light.

Abstract: A highly elaborately designed sheet-shaped laminated structure wherein:

Abstract: A reusable, fluid-swellable absorbent composition is disclosed. The composition generally includes a superabsorbent polymer, a gum, a film-forming resin and gelatin. The composition may further include a colorant and/or reflective particles, and it is particularly well-suited for use with amusement devices, such as for use by children. The device includes at least one sample of the invented composition, preferably including colorant and/or glitter, a volume of water and a structure including a base and a closed perimeter extending outwardly from the base. The structure includes a plurality of discrete regions, and may collectively resemble an object, scene or other image. Then upon placement of a small quantity of the composition into a particular region and addition of water to the quantity, the composition swells, expands and generally conforms to the shape of the region.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method of producing an image which is visually distinct from its reproductions. This method comprises the steps of formulating an ink composition comprising a liquid vehicle and at least one modified pigment having attached at least one organic group and applying this ink composition to a substrate. Methods of determining the authenticity of an image and of verifying the date of creation of an image is also described.

Abstract: An object is to provide a fluorescent latent image transfer film which makes it possible to form a fluorescent latent image excellent in transferability and gradiation-property; a fluorescent latent image transfer method using the same; and a security pattern formed matter.

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 printed matter such as an advertisement material is provided. The printed matter includes a printing layer provided on a base plate and having various colors printed thereon such that half-tone dots of the respective colors are printed and overlap at a predetermined portion. A projection layer made of transparent epoxy resin or ultraviolet resin for covering only a particular portion of the printing layer intended to be emphasized, is formed on the printing layer. Also, a plurality of hemispherical protrusions made of transparent ultraviolet resin is formed on the projection layer using a screen printing method. The respective colors of the printing layer disposed beneath the hemispherical protrusions are refracted at different refraction angles to then be visually perceived. Thus, the colors, which are not visually perceived by naked eye, are made visible, thereby providing a three-dimensional effect to the printing layer.

Abstract: A color-change laminate comprising a substrate and formed thereon a porous layer which comprises a low-refractive-index pigment dispersed in a binder resin and tenaciously adherent thereto is disclosed. The porous layer becomes transparent or translucent upon absorption of a liquid medium, e.g., water to give a variety of visual changes. The low-refractive-index pigment contains at least a finely particulate silicic acid produced by the wet process. Toy sets consisting of the above color-change laminates with dolls or toy animals and toy sets consisting of the above color-change laminates with a means of water adhesion are also provided.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a laminated composite including an optical layer having a light reflectivity, and a latent image formation layer containing a liquid crystalline polymer material and provided on one of major surfaces of the optical layer, wherein the latent image formation layer includes at least one oriented portion in an orientation state and at least one non-oriented portion in a non-orientation state, and the oriented and non-oriented portions constitute a latent image which is unrecognizable by a direct visual observation and recognizable by a visual observation through a polarizing member. Also, according to the present invention, there is provided an information recording medium and a member of imparting a forgery-preventing characteristic including such a latent image formation layer.

Abstract: A ribbon material produced by cutting a sheet or web of flexible material into strips of flexible material having a uniform, predetermined width such that the ribbon material can be wrapped about items and formed into bows and decorative ornamentations containing ruffles, loops and curved segments. The ribbon material can be a flexible material having a holographic design on at least one surface thereof or a flexible laminated material containing a holographic design or an iridescent material. The ribbon material can also be textured, printed and/or embossed. At least a portion of the ribbon material may be provided with a matte or textured finish simulating the appearance of cloth.

Abstract: A thermal transfer sheet is equipped with an approval information of being approved as applicable to the predetermined printer. When the thermal transfer sheet is set on a printer and a determinator determines that the approval information is correct for the printer, the printer is interlocked with the determinator to actuate in the state where the thermal transfer sheet is set thereon. A front part of a thermal transfer sheet may be provided with a mark coded from the approval information. The mark may be formed of a material detectable with the light in a visible region or invisible region, a magnetic material, an electrically conductive material, a material responsive to microwave or a resonance circuit. The approval information may be recorded on an approval card, a resonance circuit or IC card which makes a pair with a thermal transfer sheet. In addition, a host system as a determinator may be connected to a facsimile as a printer via a communication circuit.

Abstract: An object is to provide a fluorescent latent image transfer film which makes it possible to form a fluorescent latent image excellent in transferability and gradiation-property; a fluorescent latent image transfer method using the same; and a security pattern formed matter.

Abstract: A hot stamping foil includes a carrier, and disposed thereon, a thermochromic layer. The thermochromic layer includes a mixture of a thermochromic compound, a sizing or adhesive compound, a release compound, and an antimicrobial compound. The hot stamping foil is useful in creating various visual effects and also preventing the growth of microbes on a medium to which the hot stamping foil is applied.

Abstract: The invention relates to multilayer reflective films and pigments showing selective reflection of light wherein the reflection characteristics are dependent on the viewing angle, characterized in that they comprises at least one reflective layer, at least one circular polarizing layer and optionally at least one optical retardation layer. The invention further relates to the use of these multilayer reflective films and pigments in optical elements, as coatings or in lacquers, inks or paints for cosmetic, decorative or security applications, to inks and paints comprising one or more multilayer reflective pigments dispersed in a light transmissive binder, and to security markings or devices comprising one or more multilayer reflective films or pigments.

Abstract: A plastic structure (208) manufactured by injection molding, comprising a surface (208A) and a decorative print (202 to 204) at least partly covering the surface (208A). The decorative print (202 to 204) comprises, starting from the surface of the plastic structure (208), the following layers: a base color (204) and a texture (202) made of a functional colorant, whereby a critical angle exists, and at viewing angles larger than the critical angle with respect to the decorative print (200 to 204), the texture is transparent such that the base color (204) is visible.

Abstract: An encoded sheet material includes a sheet of material that has a first surface, a second surface disposed opposite the first surface and an edge extending between the first and second surfaces and peripherally about the sheet of material. The edge has indicia arranged on it to form a code that identifies at least one characteristic of the sheet of material. A sheet processing apparatus uses the encoded sheet material and includes a code reader device and a processor. The code reader device reads the code. The processor communicates with the code reader device and causes the sheet processing apparatus to process the sheet of material based upon the read code. An encoded image recording medium and image recording apparatuses are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to substrates bearing visible information that is secure against unauthorized copying obtained by applying information in the form of combinations of at least one emitting colorant and at least one reflecting colorant that are selected to exhibit similar or identical hues when viewed, with no cognizance being taken of fluorescence, and are applied in such a manner that their color fields touch, wherein the color loci of the two colorants correspond to one of the trichromatic colors yellow, magenta, or cyan and the reflecting colorant is an organic or inorganic pigment.

Abstract: A method for obtaining the chromatic variation of objects, in response to external stimuli, and a product obtained thereby. The method comprises the incorporation in the desired objects of various pigments having combined effects comprising a luminescent pigment, a thermochromic pigment permitting the change in the color according to the temperature and/or a hygroscopic pigment which will provoke a variation in the chromatic characteristics according to humidity. The objects manufactured make it possible to obtain effects of luminescence and of chromatic variation as the temperature and humidity vary.

Abstract: Described are pigment flakes having a chiral liquid crystalline polymer material, the polymer material serving as a carrier material or being coated onto a carrier material. The pigment flakes have at least one dye that is chemically bound to the polymer. Also described are methods of making such pigment flakes and using them in paints, printing inks, spray paints, cosmetic products, colored plastics, optical elements and security applications.

Abstract: A thermochromatic ink covered article including a substrate, a thermochromatic ink layer disposed on the substrate, a polymer acrylic protective coating over said thermochromatic ink layer, and a design disposed at least partially in said protective coating, the design being transferred to the protective coating via a sublimation ink transfer process.

Abstract: A transfer sheet including a substrate; and an indicator.

Abstract: A thermal paper with an image derived from a U.V., visible light or electron beam curable security ink has more than one means of security. Water repelling properties of the ink are a first security. A variable light absorbing and/or transmitting pigment or dye in the ink, pseudo-water mark or both, provide one or more additional security measures. Methods of preparing the thermal paper comprise printing the security ink on thermal paper on the surface opposite the thermosensitive coating and exposing the print to a U.V., visible light or electron beam radiation.

Abstract: An EL device is provided by a method by forming a plurality of stripes of a first transparent electrode on a transparent substrate extending in one direction of the substrate, forming a plurality of stripes of an insulating partition wall on said first electrode in a direction perpendicular to said first electrode stripes, forming an organic layer and a second electrode in sequence on the partition wall stripes, adhering a sealing glass cap so as to cover all of the above layers and evacuating the inside of said sealing glass cap, and irradiating a laser light from the outside of the sealing glass cap toward the partition wall stripes so as to separate the second electrode to form a divided groove on the partition wall.

Abstract: A hanging figurine for display in a room. The hanging figurine includes a nontransparent material defining a desired shape and including a recess extending therethrough. A transparent material is positioned to cover the recess allowing light to pass through at least a portion of the figurine. A device is connected to said nontransparent material for connecting the figurine in a dangling manner within the room in which the figurine is to be displayed. The transparent material is of a desired color tinting any light passing therethrough to the desired color. The recess has a shape of one of a geometric object and a recognizable object such as the sun and moon. The connecting device is preferably a string and is connected to one of a wall, window and arm of an object with the room in which the figurine is displayed.