Abstract: The invention concerns a process and an apparatus for the production of a partially metallised film element and a partially metallised film element produced by means of the process. A digital data set (332) which defines the graphical shape of the partial metallisation is produced. A tool path and control data for actuation of a tool (38) are calculated from the digital data set (332). The tool (38) and a single-layer or multi-layer film body (30) are moved relative to each other in accordance with the tool path. The tool (38), controlled by the control data, produces partial digital demetallisation of a metal layer (31), in particular by applying an etching agent or an etching resist or by erosion of the metal layer (31).

Abstract: The invention concerns an optically variable element, in particular an optically variable safeguard element for safeguarding banknotes, credit cards and the like, and a security product and a foil, in particular an embossing foil or a laminating foil, with such an optically variable element. The optically variable element has a thin film layer (54, 55, 58) for producing color change by means of interference and a further layer (51, 52, 53, 59). The thin film is in the form of a partial thin film element which covers the surface region of the further layer only in region-wise and pattern-shaped manner.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus and a process for producing a marking on a substrate. Substrates marked in that way are applied to documents such as for example credit cards, personal identity cards or banknotes as security features for affording protection from forgery. Embodiments of these security features have diffractive or holographic structures. Production of the markings is produced by shaping from a mold. A change in the configuration of the marking is possible by changing the mold, which is time-consuming. The new apparatus and the new process are intended to permit the production of individualised markings on a substrate at a low level of apparatus expenditure.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optically variable element, in particular an optically variable safeguard element for safeguarding banknotes, credit cards and the like. The invention also relates to a security product and a foil, in particular an embossing foil or a laminating foil, having such an optically variable element. The optically variable element has a thin film for producing color shifts by means of an interference and/or a reflective layer. The optically variable element further has a transparent window. The interference film and/or the reflective layer include a partial element, namely a partial thin film element or a partial reflective element, respectively. The partial element or elements surround the surface region of the transparent window.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optically variable element having surface portions with achromatic surface structures and different scatter, diffraction and reflection characteristics. The achromatic surface structures are combined with a thin-film structure, whereby upon turning or tilting the optically variable element, it is not the impression of a continuous color transition, but a defined, almost discrete color change that is produced for the viewer.

Abstract: A solar installation is described. It has a solar element and a diffractively and/or refractively operating optical apparatus by way of which the incident sunlight is passed directedly perpendicularly on to the solar element. The optical apparatus is caused to track the position of the sun by way of a tracking device. The optical apparatus uses a light-deflecting foil having portions of different natures with a structure having a different optical action. By virtue of the action of the tracking device the holographic foil is moved relative to the solar element so that different portions of the foil move into an operative position above the solar element in succession during the tracking procedure.

Abstract: A device for determining a length of a middle ear prosthesis has a base part for mounting prosthesis models of different lengths, and an applicator with which the prosthesis models after being released from the base part, are introducible during an operation into the middle ear.

Abstract: A stirrup prosthesis for implantation in a middle ear has an elastic clamping member which is displaceable on a long anvil projection and formed as a clip which is open at one side, the clip having an opening, and at least one leg with a portion extending outwardly of the opening and formed as an arch with which the prosthesis is suspendable on the long anvil projection of a human middle ear before the displacement of the prosthesis onto the long anvil projection.

Abstract: There is proposed a transfer foil which makes it possible for decorative layer arrangements as are known from hot stamping foils to be transferred onto a substrate without a high level of material expenditure. For that purpose the carrier film of a hot stamping foil is fixedly joined by means of a permanent adhesive to the base foil.

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, in such a way that it can give a viewer an image impression which in particular is more homogenous and more brilliant than is possible with known structure arrangements, it is proposed that a predominant number of the portions is of strip or band configuration.

Abstract: A decorative wrapping film for application to a three-dimensional substrate includes a biaxially-oriented polyester layer which has a first surface for adhering to a three-dimensional substrate and a second surface. A decorative layer is coated on the second surface of the polyester layer, and a protective layer is coated on the decorative layer.

Abstract: Proposed are stamping foils and processes for the production thereof, which make it possible to form on a carrier film patches which are completely separate from each other and which can be transferred on to a substrate using the procedure which is usual when dealing with stamping foils, wherein the transfer operation can be effected in such a way that no flakes which interfere with subsequent overprinting are formed.

Abstract: So that a visually identifiable optical element, in particular a security element for value-bearing documents, for example banknotes, credit cards, passes or cheque documents, or other articles to be safeguarded, comprising a carrier with a diffusely reflecting visible surface and a metallization which is applied in a region-wise manner to the visible surface of the carrier and which has a surface that appears metallically shiny at a glancing angle is improved in such a way that an article provided with the element is even more effectively protected from forgery than is possible with known optical elements, it is proposed that the optical element is so designed that the visible surface of the carrier has two carrier regions with different levels of and in particular diffuse reflectivity for light, wherein a respective sub-region or a plurality of sub-regions of each of the two carrier regions is or are metallized, and that the reflectivity of the metallization in viewing directions outside a glancing angle ra

Abstract: An arrangement for coupling at least partially a hearing device implantable in a middle ear or a passive auditory ossicles prosthesis on an ascending bracket of a human ossicle chain, the arrangement has a body, and a clip provided on the body and formed so as to automatically mount on an ascending bracket.

Abstract: Described is a process for the region-wise transfer of a decorative layer of a transfer foil, which includes an activatable adhesive layer from a carrier film onto a substrate, wherein the adhesive layer of the transfer foil is partially activated before the actual stamping operation, more specifically in such a way that the adhesive layer experiences activation only in the surface regions in which the decorative layer is to be transferred onto the substrate. A transfer foil which is particularly suitable for that process has an absorption layer in the surface regions of the decorative layer, which are to be transferred onto the substrate, which absorption layer absorbs the radiation energy causing activation of the adhesive layer and activates the adhesive layer under the action of the absorbed radiation energy.

Abstract: Proposed is a value-bearing document in which the carrier is provided with a window-like opening which is closed by a cover foil which is transparent at least in a region-wise manner, wherein particularly in the region of the window-like opening, the cover foil can be provided with additional security features, for example diffraction structures.

Abstract: Proposed is a scanning image which is produced by a thermotransfer process and which has at least two kinds of scanning elements, wherein at least two kinds of scanning elements are of respectively different dimensions. In addition at least two kinds of scanning elements may respectively involve different, optically effective structures. A thermotransfer foil for the production of such a scanning image is also described.

Abstract: Proposed is a value-bearing document in which the carrier is provided with a window-like opening which is closed by a cover foil which is transparent at least in a region-wise manner, wherein in particular in the region of the window-like opening the cover foil can be provided with additional security features, for example diffraction structures.

Abstract: A decoration foil for the decoration of three-dimensional substrate surfaces with heating comprises a carrier film which is a substantially amorphous, unstretched polyester, polyamide or polyamide-copolymer film on which is arranged a decorative layer which is formed by at least one lacquer layer printed thereon, with the formation of a decoration in accurate register relationship.

Abstract: An auditory ossicles prosthesis has a head plate for abutment against an eardrum, and a shaft arranged on said head plate for bridging a tympanic cavity from the eardrum up to a stirrup or a stirrup footplate, and the head plate has a throughgoing passage through which the shaft can be pushed more or less so as to be cut at an opposite side of the head plate to a desired length, and then the passage is narrowed to fix the shaft in its final position.