Abstract: Stamps and methods of making stamps for applications in anti-counterfeiting and authentication. The stamps are relatively small in size and feature nanoscale and microscale identification regions and features. High throughput manufacturing and high resolution methods are used to make the stamps including electron beam lithography and optical lithography. Anti-fouling coatings can be applied.

Abstract: Semi-automated or automated manufacturing of micro- or nanostructured identification features on objects and compositions, and especially pharmaceutical compositions. In particular, a motorized stamping apparatus capable of precise hot embossing with or without closed-loop control of the loading; a modular stamp head for a high-throughput parallel stamping apparatus that comprise an array of compact, error-tolerant, individually temperature-controllable stamping elements; inexpensive stamp holders for said elements, as well as associated methods. The inventive features do not reside in the method of making the stamps.

Abstract: Methods for providing pharmaceutical compositions and objects with identification regions and identification features which are difficult to detect. Microlithography, nanolithography, and stamping methods are used. The identification features can be positive protrusions or negative indentations with respect to the surface. The identification regions can comprise bar codes and holograms. DPN printing or other lithographies such as electron beam lithography, optical lithography, or nanoimprint lithography can be used to prepare stamps, which are then used to prepare the identification features. Redundant patterns can be formed. The invention is useful for counterfeit prevention. An apparatus for stamping the identification features is also described.

Abstract: Stamps and methods of making stamps for applications in anti-counterfeiting and authentication. The stamps are relatively small in size and feature nanoscale and microscale identification regions and features. High throughput manufacturing and high resolution methods are used to make the stamps including electron beam lithography and optical lithography. Anti-fouling coatings can be applied.

Abstract: Stamps and methods of making stamps for applications in anti-counterfeiting and authentication. The stamps are relatively small in size and feature nanoscale and microscale identification regions and features. High throughput manufacturing and high resolution methods are used to make the stamps including electron beam lithography and optical lithography. Anti-fouling coatings can be applied.

Abstract: Methods for providing pharmaceutical compositions and objects with identification regions and identification features which are difficult to detect. Microlithography, nanolithography, and stamping methods are used. The identification features can be positive protrusions or negative indentations with respect to the surface. The identification regions can comprise bar codes and holograms. DPN printing or other lithographies such as electron beam lithography, optical lithography, or nanoimprint lithography can be used to prepare stamps, which are then used to prepare the identification features. Redundant patterns can be formed. The invention is useful for counterfeit prevention. An apparatus for stamping the identification features is also described.

Abstract: Overt anti-counterfeiting features on objects and compositions, especially pharmaceutical compositions. In a preferred embodiment, a counterfeiting-proof overt feature that presents a visually distinctive optical variable or invariable effect is manufactured on a pharmaceutical composition using a purely physical process. Further preferred are counterfeiting-proof, overt features that comprise at least one engineered array of micro- or nanostructures. Also provided are methods and apparatus for the manufacturing of said overt features on said objects and compositions, including pharmaceutical compositions, and for verifying the authenticity of said features. The inventive features do not reside in the method of making the stamp or the instrument used for stamping.

Abstract: The various embodiments provide methods and apparatus high-throughput reading and decoding of information-encoding features (especially identification features) on pharmaceutical compositions for the purpose of e.g. counterfeiting detection and inventory tracking/tracing. A preferred embodiment provides high-throughput imaging of regular arrays of pharmaceutical tablets with a scanning electron microscope. Another preferred embodiment provides video-rate scanning probe imaging of pharmaceutical compositions and especially atomic force microscopy imaging thereof.

Abstract: Semi-automated or automated manufacturing of micro- or nanostructured identification features on objects and compositions, and especially pharmaceutical compositions. In particular, a motorized stamping apparatus capable of precise hot embossing with or without closed-loop control of the loading; a modular stamp head for a high-throughput parallel stamping apparatus that comprise an array of compact, error-tolerant, individually temperature-controllable stamping elements; inexpensive stamp holders for said elements, as well as associated methods. The inventive features do not reside in the method of making the stamps.

Abstract: To improve anticounterfeiting protection, a method for imprinting pharmaceutical unit compositions comprising: providing a pharmaceutical unit composition, partially coating the exterior of the composition with a coating, stamping the coating with a stamp comprising a plurality of identification features, wherein identification features from the stamp are at least partially transposed in the coating and form a barcode, wherein the plurality of identification features comprise at least one lateral dimension of about 1,000 nm or less. Other objects can be coated and stamped including currency and luxury goods.

Abstract: Methods for providing pharmaceutical compositions and objects with identification regions and identification features which are difficult to detect. Microlithography, nanolithography, and stamping methods are used. The identification features can be positive protrusions or negative indentations with respect to the surface. The identification regions can comprise bar codes and holograms. DPN printing or other lithographies such as electron beam lithography, optical lithography, or nanoimprint lithography can be used to prepare stamps, which are then used to prepare the identification features. Redundant patterns can be formed. The invention is useful for counterfeit prevention. An apparatus for stamping the identification features is also described.

Abstract: Stamps and methods of making stamps for applications in anti-counterfeiting and authentication. The stamps are relatively small in size and feature nanoscale and microscale identification regions and features. High throughput manufacturing and high resolution methods are used to make the stamps including electron beam lithography and optical lithography. Anti-fouling coatings can be applied.