Abstract: A method is described for producing a character, pattern, symbol and/or image (8) on a substrate (2) by way of pigment particles (1) which are arranged thereon and lose their color effect under the action of a laser (23), wherein different pigment particles (1) with at least three different color effects are arranged on and/or in the substrate (2). The invention is distinguished by the following method steps: (a) production of a color chart (14), in which the individual color effect of individual pigment particles (1) or individual clusters of pigment particles is contained as a function of their spatial coordinate on and/or in the substrate (2); (b) spatially resolved irradiation, which changes the color effect of only individual pigment particles (1) or individual clusters of pigment particles, by way of a laser (23) at a single frequency on the basis of the color chart (14) in order to produce a resulting color effect.

Abstract: A hard laminate sheet for security booklets and method of making the same. The laminate sheet comprises at least two hard core layers (e.g. of polycarbonate) and a flexible component (e.g. nylon) there between and extending beyond an outer edge of the core layers to form a flexible band. The flexible component may be provided as an intermediate layer also comprising a hard component (e.g. of polycarbonate) juxtaposed with the flexible component and laminated to the adjacent core layers. The flexible component comprises a plurality of apertures within which material of the adjacent core layers is laminated together and affixes the flexible component to the laminate sheet. Additional hard core layers may be laminated to the core layers which sandwich the intermediate layer. Optionally, the laminate sheet may be used for a travel document (such as a passport) and may be laser engraved.

Abstract: Disclosed are sets of ink components, and ink compositions, useful for printing markings, on security documents, that are relatively resistant to counterfeiting. Also disclosed are the security documents formed, a method of printing and a method of authenticating the printed material. The markings, formed of the ink compositions have a spectral response that deviates from a predicted spectral response when linearly additively combining spectral responses of components of the ink composition, so that it becomes difficult to reverse-engineer the ink composition from the markings. Use of plural different markings, with each marking being a microdot, increases difficulty in counterfeiting. By forming a template of spectral responses of the original pattern, spectral responses of a pattern on an unknown document can be compared to the spectral responses on the template for determining whether the unknown document is authentic. Formation of the markings is facilitated using an inkjet printer.

Abstract: A mailer type business form intermediate, and method of producing a mailer from the intermediate, effect folding in a novel manner in order to produce a business form that is particularly advantageous for providing a negotiable instrument, such as a bank check or money order. The intermediate has conventional components, but with first, second and third fold lines defining a sheet of paper comprising the intermediate into first through fourth panels. The fourth panel has indicia defining the negotiable instrument and at least one line of weakness separating the negotiable instrument from the rest of the fourth panel. Tacking adhesive patterns may be disposed substantially parallel to the top and bottom edges of the intermediate to hold the first panel second face to the second panel second face adjacent the top edge and second fold line, and to hold the fourth panel second face to the second panel first face adjacent the first and third fold lines, when the intermediate is folded about the fold lines.

Abstract: Sulfur-containing phosphor powders, methods for making phosphor powders and devices incorporating same. The powders have a small particle size, narrow particle size distribution and are substantially spherical. The method of the invention permits the continuous production of such powders. The invention also relates to products such as display devices incorporating such phosphor powders.