Abstract: An optical information carrier is in the form of a composite laminate having a carrier foil. The underside and the top side of the carrier foil are provided with optically effective structures. The carrier foil is approximately transparent for light in a predetermined spectral range. The structures allow light impinging on the top side to penetrate at least partially into the composite laminate. The structures on the underside are microscopically fine relief structures which are covered with a base layer whose refractive index differs from the refractive index of the carrier foil in at least a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum so that the structures on the underside at least partially reflect and diffract the light which has penetrated into the composite laminate. The structures on the top side in turn modify the diffracted light. The interplay of the two structures provides manifold characteristic optical effects such as moire effects and light guide effects.

Abstract: A material and a method for forming a tamper-indicating identification coating are provided. The components of the coating are selected such that the coating exhibits a characteristic absorption spectrum with distinct features in individual regions during Fourier-transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy. The coating components are selected to provide a distinct spectrum while, at the same time, providing a sufficiently complex spectrum such that the coating is difficult to duplicate. Also, a blowing agent in the coating decomposes to change the FTIR spectrum due to the heat associated with resoldering of an out-of-warranty electronic part marked with the identification coating to an in-warranty circuit card. In addition, the coating may contain a fluorophore to reveal the presence of a tamper-indicating identification coating, allowing a manufacturer to check the card by exposure with ultra-violet (UV) light. Further, the coating composition may be changed periodically and tracked to provide a date marker.

Abstract: An authenticatable paper product is prepared by adding to a papermaking furnish fibers treated with from about 50-200 lb/ton of a fluorescent whitening agent (FWA). The paper made from the papermaking furnish will include fluorescent cellulosic fibers in an amount ranging from between 0.1-4.0 lb/ton to achieve FWA concentrations within the range of 1-20 ppm.

Abstract: For applying a security code to an article, such as a cheque guarantee card, credit card, identity card or component of a motor or machine, use is made of a hologram or kinegram wherein personification or identification symbols, letters, numerals or figures are or will be cut out by burning-in using a laser beam, said hologram or kinegram being affixed to an underlying hologram or kinegram which is affixed to the article directly or via one or more holograms or kinegrams, the various features being such that the optical effect of an underlying hologram or kinegram is visible through the cut-out symbols.

Abstract: A self-wound, self-adhesive, resealable tamper-evident tape is provided. The tape is used to seal any container requiring a self-adhesive closure, such as bags or pouches, and provides clear visual evidence if the self-adhesive seal is peeled apart. The tape comprises a backing sheet, the upper surface of which is coated with a release layer, and the bottom surface with an adhesive. The release layer is relatively non-adherent to the adhesive so that the tape may be wound or rolled up without a separating liner. A non-visible patterned varnish layer is applied to the adhesive to create a hard surface onto which an colored ink layer is subsequently applied. The colored ink layer breaks or chips when the self-adhesive seal is peeled apart and retains this appearance if the tape is reapplied to seal the container, thereby providing visible evidence of tampering.

Abstract: An antifalsification paper having a security element in the form of a thread or band that consists of a translucent plastic film with an at least partly opaque coating. The coating has translucent areas in the form of visually and/or machine readable characters or patterns that form first information. In addition second information in the form of visually and/or machine readable characters or patterns is disposed on the plastic film, differing from the first information with respect to its size and/or visual impression.

Abstract: An ultraviolet-curable adhesive composition which comprises (A) a bisphenol type epoxy (meth)acrylate having a molecular weight of 450 to 3,000, (B) a urethane (meth)acrylate having a molecular weight of 400 to 10,000, (E) a (meth)acrylate monomer other than (A) and (B), and (F) a photopolymerization initiator, and an article having a cured layer of the above adhesive composition.

Abstract: A color changeable device that has been partially activated. The device comprises a flexible substrate with a first major surface and a second major surface and an interference color generating laminate on the first major surface. The color generating laminate comprises a first layer and a second layer in intimate contact. When the first and second layers are in intimate contact, the laminate generates an interference color. When the first and second layers are not in intimate contact, the laminate does not generate the interference color. The substrate and laminate include a first permanent deformation causing separation of the first and second layers at a first portion of the device while retaining the first and second layers in intimate contact at a second portion of the device. The device is particularly useful for confirming the authenticity of an article without having to remove the color change device from the article.

Abstract: A security document according to the present invention includes a document substrate having a surface for receiving printed indicia. A half tone warning image is printed on first areas of the surface and a half-tone background image is printed in second areas surrounding the first areas. The half-tone a warning image includes at least one word indicating a status of a copy of the document. A camouflage image extending over the document surface for confusing the eye of an observer such that said warning image is not readily observed. The camouflage image includes at least one word indicating to an observer a status of the original document. One of the half-tone warning image and the half-tone background image are printed with half-tone elements of such a line spacing and element size that it is not readily reproducible by a photocopier. As a consequence, the half-tone warning image becomes apparent on photocopies of the original document.

Abstract: Label assemblies are produced which obscure confidential information that is part of each label assembly, while allowing ready exposure of the confidential information in a tamperproof manner. A web of label components having a face ply with a top surface, underlying pseudo adhesion layers, an underlying image ply, an underlying adhesive layer, and a bottom release paper carrier ply are acted upon to non-impact print a security pantograph and readable indicia on the web face ply, and with an impact element generate a confidential information image on the image ply, which image is not visible from the face ply. Labels are die cut out of the web and matrix material formed by die cutting is removed so that the web then includes a bottom release paper carrier ply with a plurality of spaced labels, each having a confidential information image. The labels may be applied to a mailer or other substrate.

Abstract: Security paper, security documents made from the security paper, and processes for making the security paper, are provided. A filament is bonded and embedded into paper which has previously been manufactured. The filament is bonded to the paper by an adhesive, or by heat and pressure. The filament is embedded into the paper by pressure applied by rolls. The filament may be imprinted with printed matter for visual confirmation of document authenticity. The filament may include any combination of security features, such as reflective filaments, fluorescent filaments, and high tensile strength filaments.

Abstract: In a toll gate system in which the toll is automatically and electronically collected through wireless communication between an on-board electronic device and a stationary electronic device installed at the toll gate, illegitimate or fraudulent actions committed in the system are detected by the on-board device. When such actions are detected, a communication function of the on-board device is made inoperative. After disposing the illegitimate actions properly, the communication function of the on-board device is restored so that the on-board device can be used again thereafter. The illegitimate action such as opening the on-board device for changing or reading the data contained therein can be detected by sensing removal of screws fastening a circuit board to a case of the on-boar device.

Abstract: Security paper, security documents made from the security paper, and processes for making the security paper, are provided. A groove is formed in paper and a security element is positioned or bonded within the groove. A coating is applied over the security element so that the coating covers at least a portion of the security element and is coplanar with the surface of the paper. The security element may include any combination of security features for verification of document authenticity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a data carrier which contains a novel pigment composition which is preferably applied to the data carrier in the form of a coding. The pigment composition comprises a dye and a solid resin. The dye is bound in the solid resin. The resin is produced as the reaction product obtained from an oligomerized polyisocyanate and a mixture of polyfunctional compounds with active hydrogen.

Abstract: A card medium having embossed patterns, which is capable of preventing forgery of the embossed patterns by charging a resin into each of concave portions defined in the back of the card medium according to the embossing of the patterns or affixing a film for covering a concave-portion region to the back thereof.

Abstract: A security label has a bar code on the outer surface of an outer layer which is permanently bonded to an inner layer. A pull tab defined in the material of the outer and second layers is joined to a detachable portion extending across the length of the label whereby removal of the pull tab will tear out the detachable portion to prevent recognition of the optically readable pattern.

Abstract: Sheets used to indicate when tampering has occurred are described. Such sheets are composed of envelopes with generally thin cross sections containing compressed resilient cores which expand upon envelope breach. Expansion of the resilient core results in an obvious visual change to all or some of the envelope surfaces. Such envelopes may also contain a translucent liquid which greatly aids in amplifying the visual changes such envelopes may exhibit. Embodiments may take the form of applied labels, adhesive tape, wrapping paper, mail envelopes, bottle caps, document enclosures, blister packs, etc. Applications include not only signaling tampering but decorative and other applications as well. Processes for fabrication of embodiments are also described.

Abstract: This invention relates to a marking for painted objects, preferably motor vehicles, as well as to a method for producing the marking. For this purpose, a paint coat, preferably having several paint layers, is applied to the object and the spectral course of a partial spectrum of the electromagnetic spectrum of the paint coat arranged within an electromagnetic measuring range is changed in a targeted manner such that it has narrow-band extremes of at least 5% relative intensity change.

Abstract: A forgery-preventive fretwork paper comprising a support layer and an engraving coating layer, the support layer being a stretched laminate which comprises a biaxially stretched propylene resin film layer as a base layer and, laminated thereto on each of front and back sides thereof, a uniaxially stretched propylene resin film layer containing fine inorganic powder, wherein said support layer has (1) an opacity (JIS P-8138) of from 50 to 100% and (2) a density (JIS P-8188) of from 0.70 to 1.4 g/cm.sup.3, and the paper bearing an engraving extending into the engraving coating layer or to one of the uniaxially stretched films of the support layer.

Abstract: A release coated liner and security labels containing such release coated liners are described. In one embodiment the labels comprise(A) a sheet having an upper and a lower surface;(B) an adhesive layer having an upper surface and a lower surface and having its upper surface in contact with the lower surface of the sheet; and(C) a liner with a release coating removably affixed to the lower surface of the adhesive layer (B) wherein the release coating contains a microencapsulated material which is capable of marking a substrate when (a) at least some of the capsules are broken, (b) the liner with release coating is removed from the label, and (c) the label, without liner and release coating is applied to a substrate.The sheet (A) may be a multilayer sheet. In preferred embodiments, the microencapsulated material is an etchant or a fluorescent agent. The security labels may be applied to glass or metal and is preferably applied to painted glass or metal.

Abstract: The method is disclosed for producing a tamper respondent enclosure (10). A flexible tamper respondent laminate (32) is folded to define an inner enclosure (26) which is then potted within an outer enclosure in the form of a molding (28).

Abstract: The invention relates to interference pigments comprising molecules fixed in a cholesteric configuration, and to the use thereof. The pigments of the invention have a plateletlike structure and a thick ness of from 1 .mu.m to 20 .mu.m. They contain oriented, crosslinked substances with a liquid-crystalline structure having a chiral phase.

Abstract: A card, such as an ID card, is composed of the following layers: at least one core layer containing at least one first core component layer of a first composition, consisting of a polypropylene block polymer and/or polyropylene homopolymer or a mixture thereof and a second core component layer provided on at least the exterior face to which an outer layer has been laminated and is made of a second composition, consisting of unoriented polypropylene or an unoriented copolymer; at least one outer layer containing at least one outer component layer made of a third composition of polypropylene homopolymer and a second outer component layer provided on at least the exterior face with which the outer layer is laminated to the core layer and which contains a fourth composition of unoriented-polypropylene or an unoriented copolymer. The first and second core component and outer component layers are solidly connected with each other by coextrusion.

Abstract: A security document such as a bank note, identity card or the like, includes at least one multilayer security element made of at least two layers of reaction lacquer or adhesive between which diffraction structures, in particular holographic structures, exist in the form of a relief. A reflective layer is additionally disposed between the layers of lacquer. The reaction lacquer of adhesive is the type curable or cross-linkable under physical (e.g. radiation) and/or chemical activation.

Abstract: Rubber articles are produced by applying a first latex to a former and then applying either a second latex, or a separation material followed by a latex which may be the same as, or different to, the first latex, curing both latices, and removing both layers jointly, so as to make an article with an outer translucent layer and an inner darker layer, with capillary action permitted between the layers.

Abstract: Photochromic printing inks are disclosed which are in particular used for the printing of security documents. Prints are normally nearly colorless and become colored when energy irradiated, such as by ultraviolet light. This photocoloration is reversible. The printing inks contain photochromic compounds which are protected against other ink components. Methods are described to prepare the inks, to print security documents, and to detect counterfeiting.

Abstract: An anticopying film or layer consists of a film or of a layer of transparent material having a large number of completely or partially nontransparent regions which are arranged distances apart and whose planes are arranged in about the same predetermined position relative to the surfaces of the film or of the layer so that, from a predetermined viewing angle onto the surfaces of the anticopying film, the latter is essentially transparent. The regions consist at least partially of photosensitive material which is converted by the action of radiation into nontransparent or reflecting material, it also being possible to provide, in the transparent plastics material, furrows or grooves in which the photosensitive material is present.

Abstract: Security devices which are difficult to reproduce include a grid screen metallization pattern. The grid screen metallization pattern may be laid down over a hologram or diffraction grating formed as a surface relief pattern on a substrate, to form a visually identifiable, semi-transparent security device. Additionally, the metallization pattern may include resonant structures in which information about the security device is encoded. In some embodiments of these security devices, the metallization pattern is disposed in accurate registration with the underlying hologram or diffraction grating. These security devices are made by methods which include printing an oil pattern on the substrate. Areas on which oil is deposited do not receive metal during a metallization step. Since these methods do not use caustics, metallization patterns including features which would otherwise trap and hold caustics are possible.

Abstract: An antifalsification paper is described having an embedded safeguarding thread which is embedded in the paper so as to be freely accessible in some areas. The safeguarding thread has a width greater than 2 mm. The antifalsification paper comprises at least two paper layers produced on separate paper machines. The safeguarding thread is embedded in the first paper layer which has openings or recesses in its surface through which the thread is partly accessible on both sides. This first paper layer is covered with at least one second paper layer and firmly connected therewith, the second paper layer having a thickness of 10 to 50%, preferably 20%, of the total thickness of the antifalsification paper. The use of particularly wide safeguarding threads and the resulting possibility of equipping the threads with certain optical effects can improve the resistance to forgery of the antifalsification paper provided therewith.

Abstract: A tamper-indicating label which includes (i) light-transmissive facestock, (ii) a light-transmissive imaged release coating covering a portion of the facestock so as to provide indicia, (iii) a contrast enhancement coating over the release coated surface of the facestock, and (iv) an adhesive coated upon the contrast enhancement layer where the indicia provided by the release coating is not visible until the facestock is forcibly separated from the release coating after which the indicia becomes permanently visible and the label is provided with sufficient assembly cohesive strength to keep the label together as a single unit after the facestock is separated from the release coating and the indicia is rendered visually perceptible.

Abstract: An optically variable article comprising of a substrate and at least one non-overlapping pair of optically variable structures on the surface of the substrate, the optically variable structures having the same color at one angle of incidence and different colors at all other angles of incidence. The optically variable structures are formed from optically variable pigments, optically variable opaque foils, or optically variable multilayer thin film interference stacks.

Abstract: The present invention includes a pattern of fine slits formed in the material of document where sensitive information is intended to be printed or imprinted, wherein the slit pattern modifies the tensile strength of the substrate. In addition, the slit pattern modifies the toner or ink permeability of a substrate to facilitate the penetration of the toner or ink printed or imprinted on the surface of document into the substrate. Further, the design of the slit pattern can be coordinated with a latent image pattern to comprise optical properties such that the physical response of a typical duplicating or photocopy device to the validation mark will allow a copy to be easily discerned from an original.

Abstract: In order to improve a structure arrangement comprising a plurality of portions having a relief structure with an optical-diffraction effect, in particular for visually identifiable optical security elements for value-bearing documents, for example banknotes, credit cards, passes or cheque documents, or other articles to be safeguarded, with a first group of portions with a first structure having an optical-diffraction effect, which first group is disposed on a surface region of the structure arrangement, and at least one further group of portions with a further structure which has an optical-diffraction effect and which is different from the first structure, in such a way that a given item of information can be imparted to a viewer of the structure arrangement with a high level of intensity and uniformly over the entire extent of a preselected viewing angle range, it is proposed that the structure of the portions of the first and the at least one further group respectively is such that, upon illumination of t

Abstract: A large number of magnetic polymer elements are distributed at random in a base material of a object to be checked. Each magnetic polymer element includes an element main body formed of a high-molecular material, such as an acrylic resin, and magnetic metal powder contained therein. The base material is formed mainly of paper, and the magnetic polymer elements are incorporated together with wood pulp fibers in the base material. The elements and the fibers are tangled with one another in three dimensions. Indication data including figures, symbols, etc., such as post position numbers and bet numbers on betting tickets for publicly-managed gambling, are printed on the object.

Abstract: The present invention provides a security document comprising (1) a laminate comprising two laminating elements serving as support and covering element and (2) an information carrier laminated between the laminating elements, at least one laminating element comprising two transparent or translucent plastic sheets serving as outer resin layer and inner resin layer characterized in that in the said at least one laminating element comprising an outer resin layer and an inner resin layer a fluorescent dye is comprised between said outer resin layer and said inner resin layer, said fluorescent dye giving light piping in said laminating element containing said fluorescent dye when irradiated with light having a wavelength between 200 and 1000 nm.

Abstract: Optical security articles and methods of making same are described comprising a first layer substantially transparent to visible light and having a first refractive index, the first layer having a relief pattern on a first surface thereof and a substantially smooth second surface, and an adhesive layer coterminating with the first layer. The adhesive layer substantially completely fills and makes contact with a first portion of the plurality of geometric concavities, the adhesive layer having a second refractive index which is substantially similar to the first refractive index of the first layer. A second portion of the plurality of geometric concavities are precluded from contact with the adhesive layer by a corresponding plurality of separation layers, each separation layer having a separation layer refractive index which is different from the refractive index of the first layer.

Abstract: A security element for the authentication of a substrate has a pattern comprising optical diffraction elements which are embossed in a carrier material of plastic material and unembossed neutral areas. On the embossing side of the carrier material a reflecting layer covers only surfaces with relief structures of the diffraction elements while the neutral areas which lie between are free of the reflecting layer and are therefore non-reflecting. If the security element is stuck in the form of a stamp onto the substrate and the carrier material is transparent, image portions, which are covered by the stamp, of a feature on the substrate can be discerned through the neutral areas.

Abstract: The invention relates to an antifalsification paper having a security element in the form of a thread or band that consists of a translucent plastic film with an at least partly opaque coating. The coating has translucent areas in the form of visually and/or machine readable characters or patterns that form first information. In addition second information in the form of visually and/or machine readable characters or patterns is disposed on the plastic film, differing from the first information with respect to its size and/or visual impression.

Abstract: The present invention is a tamper evident container sealing system for sealing a cap to a container. The system includes a shrink band, shrinkable at a shrink temperature, positioned about the cap and container circumferentially, a colorant bonded to the shrink band and an adhesive bonded to the colorant. The adhesive is thermally activatable at the shrink temperature. The adhesive is in contact with the container.

Abstract: A method of making a document, such as a check or stock certificate, having enhanced security against counterfeiting. The document includes a strip of foil having a three dimensional light diffracting image thereon affixed to the document. The strip of foil may be affixed to the document before or after the background printing or face printing of the document is completed. In this manner, the light diffracting strip may be printed on by the background and face printing of the document as desired.

Abstract: A tape is adapted to be secured to a container or other object which when removed therefrom causes the display of a message which was formerly not visible, such as a notification that the object has been tampered with, the tape being provided on one surface with an adhesive layer so that it can be attached to the object and provided on its opposite surface with a release layer so that it can be wound upon itself and readily dispensed without having to remove a protective liner therefrom, the message displayed by the tape both when initially secured to said object and after removal therefrom being located on said one surface of said tape, whereby said tape may be readily and inexpensively manufactured and readily dispensed from appropriate mechanical equipment in large quantity applications.

Abstract: A release agent is first applied to a target article and on top of the release agent is applied an ultraviolet radiation fluorescent material to enable fraud detection. To prevent fraud, a security label may also be used comprising a label substrate, a release layer, a layer of ultraviolet radiation fluorescent material, and an adhesive layer for adhering to a target article. When the substrate is peeled off, part of the ultraviolet sensitive material will be peeled off also to enable detection.

Abstract: Cards and methods of securing hidden symbols on cards are disclosed. The cards, such as instant-win lottery tickets, utilize continuous overprint inks that mask the boundaries between their "secure" and "unsecure" portions to inhibit unscrupulous players from successfully tampering with them. By reformulating the overprint inks to permit a single set to be applied to both portions of a card, more vibrant and aesthetically-pleasing graphics may be displayed as well while utilizing fewer printing stations during the printing process.Alternatively or additionally, the cards may be embossed for added security. Raising portions of the secure area of a card above the remainder of its surface produces irregular features, thereby inhibiting both improper removal of the upper latex or other coating and photo reproduction of the card. The varying card height caused by embossing further inhibits heat-based tampering, as heat transfer to the irregular surface is no longer uniform.

Abstract: A photocopy-resistant document which has a background pattern or logo which is printed with solvent-sensitive, dye based ink and a method of making such a document. The presence of this photocopy-resistant background pattern or logo makes it impossible for a would-be forger of a face-value note such as a bank check to duplicate the original document as a color photocopy. It also makes it impossible for a printing plate to be made based on a photocopy of the document. Besides being photocopy-resistant, the indicia printed with the solvent-sensitive ink are washed away when acetone or bleach solvent is applied to the surface of the document. A fluorescence material can also be added to the solvent-sensitive ink to make the indicia printed with the ink fluorescent under black light.

Abstract: A large number of magnetic polymer elements are distributed at random in a base material of a object to be checked. Each magnetic polymer element includes an element main body formed of a high-molecular material, such as an acrylic resin, and magnetic metal powder contained therein. The base material is formed mainly of paper, and the magnetic polymer elements are incorporated together with wood pulp fibers in the base material. The elements and the fibers are tangled with one another in three dimensions. Indication data including figures, symbols, etc., such as post position numbers and bet numbers on betting tickets for publicly-managed gambling, are printed on the object.

Abstract: A viewing device for use by an observer to ascertain the authenticity of an instrument of value having an image formed from an optically variable device. The viewing device includes a frame structure which permits viewing of the image in a fixed spatial orientation and a reflector carried by the frame structure for permitting the observer to see simultaneously the image in first and second colors without movement of the observer, the viewing device or the image.

Abstract: A tamper resistant label having two layers. The first layer is a patterned layer in direct or indirect contact with an adhesive layer and the second layer is a protective film with visible indicia applied over the patterned layer. A portion of the protective layer with visible indicia has no adhesion to the patterned layer which allows the protective film to readily separate from and destruct portions of the patterned layer when the film is removed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tamper-evident tape for applying over the flap or other opening in cellulosic substrates such as paper products, corrugated containers, cardboard boxes, shipping cartons and the like, which tape will provide evidence of tampering with its contents over a wide temperature range from above to below the Tg of the adhesive layer adhering the tape to the substrate. The tape has a transparent backing layer carrying on one side thereof a discontinuous layer of deposits of a transparent barrier material which is bonded to the backing layer and which prevents bonding of an underlying colored layer to the backing layer in areas where the barrier material is present.

Abstract: The invention relates to an antifalsification paper having a security element in the form of a thread or band which consists of a transparent plastic film with an at least partly opaque coating. The security element has at least a first opaque coating and a transparent area bordering on this opaque coating, and information extending from the first opaque coating into the transparent area.

Abstract: A method for protecting against duplication of a document with a color copier comprises providing a background color on a document having an average reflectance value and printing on the background with a contrast color having a spectral characteristic which modulates the average reflectance value by no more than 5% and has an average value equal to the average reflectance value. The contrast color is printed with a printing medium that allows activation by a rub and reveal action or by application of intense light.