Abstract: The present invention provides self-disabling tamper evident gift cards, and methods for making and using the gift cards. The gift cards comprise a hidden lower level activation code, and an upper level activation code that is visible. The gift cards incorporate one or more features that render either the lower level or upper level, or both, activation codes unreadable once the lower level activation code is revealed. This prevents card activation at a later time after a first instance when the activation code is accessed.

Abstract: Described herein are polymer-encapsulated materials and a method for encapsulating materials with polymer via emulsion polymerization. The encapsulated materials include colorants (e.g., pigments and dyes, and in particular fluorescent dyes), optical brighteners, downconverters and upconverters. The encapsulated materials are produced by the emulsion polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomers. The polymer-encapsulation method described herein does not require the preparation of a miniemulsion homogenized with special equipment, such as an ultrasonification device, and the resulting polymer-encapsulated materials exhibit optical properties superior to polymer-encapsulated materials prepared by processes that include the preparation of a miniemulsion prepared with such special equipment, such as an ultrasonification device.

Abstract: Described herein are polymer-encapsulated materials and a method for encapsulating materials with polymer via emulsion polymerization. The encapsulated materials include colorants (e.g., pigments and dyes, and in particular fluorescent dyes), optical brighteners, downconverters and upconverters. The encapsulated materials are produced by the emulsion polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomers. The polymer-encapsulation method described herein does not require the preparation of a miniemulsion homogenized with special equipment, such as an ultrasonification device, and the resulting polymer-encapsulated materials exhibit optical properties superior to polymer-encapsulated materials prepared by processes that include the preparation of a miniemulsion prepared with such special equipment, such as an ultrasonification device.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a product, the dispenser comprising a base unit (2) into which a refill (1) containing the product is removably insertable in a fixed position. The refill has a taggant ink (12) on part of its external surface. The base has a light source (13) to illuminate the ink. The light source has a first wavelength and the taggant ink is arranged to cause the ink to emit light at a second different wavelength. A sensor (14) receives light emitted by the taggant ink upon illumination by the light source. A control circuit receives signal indicative of the wavelength of the detected light from the sensor, compares it with stored data, and prevents operation of a dispensing mechanism unless the refill is authentic.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a product, the dispenser comprising a base unit (2) into which a refill (1) containing the product is removably insertable in a fixed position. The refill has a taggant ink (12) on part of its external surface. The base has a light source (13) to illuminate the ink. The light source has a first wavelength and the ink is arranged to cause the ink to emit light at a second different wavelength. A sensor (14) receives light emitted by the ink upon illumination by the light source. A control circuit receives signal indicative of the wavelength of the detected light from the sensor, compares it with stored data, and prevents operation of a dispensing mechanism unless the refill is authentic.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a product, the dispenser comprising a base unit (2) into which a refill (1) containing the product is removably insertable in a fixed position. The refill has a taggant ink (12) on part of its external surface. The base has a light source (13) to illuminate the ink. The light source has a first wavelength and the ink is arranged to cause the ink to emit light at a second different wavelength. A sensor (14) receives light emitted by the ink upon illumination by the light source. A control circuit receives signal indicative of the wavelength of the detected light from the sensor, compares it with stored data, and prevents operation of a dispensing mechanism unless the refill is authentic.

Abstract: A liquid can be marked for identification purposes with at least first and second miscible markers. The markers are mixed in the liquid so that the ratio of the concentration of the first marker to the concentration of the second marker is substantially equal to a predetermined value. Thus, by comparing the ratio of the measured concentration of the first marker to the measured concentration of the second marker with predetermined values the liquid can be uniquely identified. The detectors can be connected to a processor and control unit (22) for initiation of testing, for processing of detection signal from the detectors, and for display of readout information. Processor and control unit (22) can include a look up table (23) for storing information about marking patterns, a comparison element (35) for comparing measured values with values supplied by look up table (23), and a display (30).

Abstract: Methods for marking a liquid and methods and systems for identifying marked liquids. A liquid can be marked for identification purposes with at least a first marker and a second marker. Each of the markers is miscible with the liquid. The markers are mixed in the liquid so that the ratio of the concentration of the first marker to the concentration of the second marker is substantially equal to a predetermined value. Thus, when a system according to the invention measures the concentrations of the first and second markers, the system can compare the ratio of the measured concentration of the first marker to the measured concentration of the second marker with a look up table of the predetermined values to provide information concerning the identity of the liquid. In a preferred embodiment, the concentration of the markers is measured using an absorption spectrometer.