Abstract: An optical security feature, e.g. for a banknote or other security documents, comprises a first and a second holographic layer arranged on top of each other. Each layer comprises a comparatively simple reflective volume hologram, such as it can e.g. be recorded by the interference pattern of two Gaussian light beams. The volume holograms have different grating spacing and/or orientation as well as different extension such that the observer can distinguish and verify them easily. The simple nature of the holograms make the security feature easy to manufacture, while its two-layer structure makes it hard to copy and yields high diffraction efficiency.

Abstract: A security document is provided with a light source and with a light-processing device, e.g. in the form of a hologram, which processes the light emitted by the light source by deflecting, reflecting, polarizing and/or partially absorbing it. The properties of the light source downstream of the light-processing device which are recognized by the tester or a test device as characteristic increase the security of the document.

Abstract: A security object has a substrate (1) carrying a first motif (6) and mutually aligned thereto a second motif (7). The first motif (6) is formed by a volume hologram (8) and visible under a given viewing condition only. The second motif (7) can e.g. be a dye, a surface hologram, a perforation or any other non-variable or optically variable device. The first and the second motif (6, 7) combine to form a third motif, e.g. a legible text.

Abstract: The security object comprises a substrate, a surface structure and a hologram layer. A volume hologram is arranged in the hologram layer. The hologram layer is deformed in homogeneously by the surface structure, which gives rise to readily detectable changes in the reflections from the volume hologram. These changes can be used to verify the authenticity of the object. The surface structure can e.g. be applied using intaglio printing techniques or embossing. Alternatively or in addition to the deformation of the hologram layer by means of the surface structure, the hologram layer may also be deformed by embossing.

Abstract: A banknote or another security document comprises a carrier (1), on which, inter alia, an electric resonant circuit (5) is arranged, which allows a verification of the security document. It can also be used to store information. Preferably, it is manufactured by means of printing techniques.

Abstract: A container filling apparatus for filling containers with discrete articles is disclosed. The apparatus has a container conveyor for transporting containers to and from the apparatus and a rotatable filling head adjacent the conveyor. The head has a plurality of circumferentially spaced metering stations for metering and dispensing a stream of a predetermined number of articles into a container. A container carousel with a plurality of container receiving zones is mounted for rotation with the head and the containers are filled as the head and the carousel rotate in synchronism.