Abstract: An improved apparatus and method employ a printing press which normally includes a plurality of printing stations and a plurality of heating stations. An adhesive, rather than ink, is applied to a continuous web at at least one of the printing stations and heat is subsequently applied to the web at at least one of the heating stations in order to initiate curing of the adhesive. Roll leaf is pressed against the web with a pressure sufficient to transfer colored (i.e., metallic or non-metallic) material from the roll leaf to the adhesive which has been applied to the web and which is undergoing curing.

Abstract: A material with holographic and non-holographic displayable indicia thereupon has an embossed holographic microtexture upon a surface thereof for forming a reflection hologram and resulting in an associated visible holographic pattern. A non-holographic pattern is primed with a priming press upon the embossed holographic microtexture at a predetermined orientation relative to the holographic pattern. The pattern may have several colors primed in registration and in registration with the holographic pattern which may include 2D and 3D indicia. A reflective coating overlies the microtexture and the primed pattern.

Abstract: A phase hologram is embossed in a mylar web having a reflective layer which is made from tin tungsten oxide, zinc sulfide, or a mixture thereof. The embossed microtexture produces a hologram that is semi-transparent, thereby allowing the visualization of indicia underlying the hologram.

Abstract: A phase hologram is embossed in a mylar web having a tin tungsten oxide reflective layer deposited upon. The embossed microtexture produces a hologram that is semi-transparent, thereby allowing the visualization of indicia underlying the hologram.

Abstract: A method for increasing the authentication effect of a verification hologram to be affixed to a protected document includes laser etching individualized indicia into the reflective layer of each hologram produced en masse on a moving, continuous web. The laser is finely focused and guided by a computer which records the data used to form the selected indicia, such data being referenced for comparison to provide verification of authenticity upon presentation by a bearer. In one embodiment, the data used to create the indicia is generated by a computer program which may include a random number generator.

Abstract: A decorative multi-colored material and method of making same using rainbow gratings simultaneously evidence different color patterns which change through the color spectrum. The patterns are formed from separate impressions from different portions of a common rainbow grating to provide color differentiation. The multi-colored material may be used for a variety of applications, for example, decorative package wrappings, stickers, product enhancement and the like.

Abstract: Compositions and matrices comprising aspartame, microcrystalline cellulose and glycerin which stabilize the aspartame against decomposition are disclosed. Also disclosed are compositions and matrices comprising an ingestible anhydrous metal salt, aspartame and glycerine which stabilize the aspartame against decomposition. These compositions and matrices are useful in various comestibles, particularly chewing gum, and prolong the sweetness shelf life of the comestible incorporating them.

Abstract: Magnetic stripes are applied to magnetically readable credit cards by incorporating the magnetic stripes in a cover sheet and laminating this cover sheet to a core stock sheet and then severing the laminated assembly into individual cards. The magnetic material bearing cover sheet is made by feeding the cover sheet without stripes continuously through a nip along with a plurality of tapes. Each tape is a laminate originally including a release layer, a magnetic layer, an adhesive layer, in that order, on a carrier layer. Heat and pressure applied to the nip releases the magnetic layer from the carrier layer and activates the adhesive layer to bond the magnetic layer of each tape to the original cover sheet, thus forming a stripe on the cover sheet. Distortion of the cover sheet by substantial shrinkage or wrinkling due to the heat effects resulting from the bonding operation are effectively eliminated by the use of a chill roller.