Abstract: A secure document value includes a sheet-like substrate and a thin film, optically variable security device on the substrate. The security device includes a carrier and a multilayer coating on the carrier. The multilayer coating includes a dielectric-metal stack having an exposed reflective layer that is tailored after manufacture to include security data proprietary to the issuer of the document of value thereby to deter forgery. Since the security device is tailored after manufacture, the end supplier of the document of value does not need to provide the proprietary information to the manufacturer of the security device for incorporation therein. This also enables the manufacturer of the security device to stockpile material until such time the material must be customized to include proprietary data. This results in shorter lead times and better response to market demands.

Abstract: A security substrate for a document of value comprises a laminate including a generally transparent core layer and generally transparent outer layers on opposite sides of the core layer. At least one interference filter is embedded within the laminate. The interference filter includes a highly reflective opaque layer on a surface of the core layer and an optically variable thin film multilayer overlying at least a portion of the opaque layer. The interference filter is covered by one of the outer layers.

Abstract: A method of marking a polymer-based laminate including a core layer, a cover layer on at least one side of said core layer and an adhesive layer acting between the core layer and the cover layer is provided. The core, adhesive and cover layers have different radiation transmission coefficients. The method comprises the step of selectively irradiating the laminate with laser radiation having a fluence sufficient to mark the adhesive layer at selected locations while maintaining the cover layer intact.

Abstract: Applied to a substrate such as paper banknotes is a thread which includes a PET carrier layer with release layers on both surfaces of the carrier layer, and a metallic layer outward of one release layer. An adhesive layer lies outward of the metallic layer. When a substrate is brought into contact with the adhesive layer, the result is to bond the metallic layer to the substrate. Following this, the PET carrier layer is peeled away, leaving the metallic layer bonded to the substrate. An apparatus for accomplishing these steps includes means for bringing the substrate into contact with the adhesive layer, and means for peeling the PET carrier layer away so that it separates from the metallic layer at the adjacent release layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying stripes on a carrier to a moving web includes a first drive to advance the carrier continuously from an unwind reel to a take-up reel at a generally constant speed. A nip is intermediate the unwind reel and the take-up reel through which the carrier and the web pass. The nip applies the stripes to the web. A reciprocating shuttle is moveable back and forth along a generally linear path. The shuttle includes a first set of spaced rollers thereon adjacent one end thereof and a second set of spaced rollers thereon adjacent an opposite end thereof. A first stationary set of spaced rollers is associated with the first set of rollers. The first stationary set of spaced rollers is positioned adjacent one end of the path and intermediate the unwind reel and the nip. A second stationary set of spaced rollers is associated with the second set of rollers. The second stationary set of spaced rollers is positioned adjacent an opposite end of the path and intermediate the nip and the take-up reel.