Abstract: A label (1) made from a layer composite (15) includes at least one machine-readable diffractive bar code (3) consisting of narrow rectangular fields (4) occupied by the optically active structures and intermediate surfaces (5). The optically active structures which are covered by a reflection layer are embedded between layers of the layer composite (15). The diffractive relief structure used in the diffractive bar code (3) for the fields (4) diffracts and polarizes incident light and scatters the diffracted light into a half-space above the diffractive relief structure. A second diffractive relief structure differs at least in respect of the polarization of the polarizedly backscattered light with respect to the first diffractive relief structure. The second diffractive relief structure can be used for example for field surfaces of a second bar code in the bar code field (9) on the label (1) or for the intermediate surfaces (5).

Abstract: A label (1) comprising a layer composite (15) includes at least one machine-readable diffractive bar code (3) consisting of narrow rectangular fields (4) occupied by the optically active structures and intermediate surfaces (5). The optically active structures which are covered by a reflection layer are embedded between layers of the layer composite (15). The diffractive relief structure used in the diffractive bar code (3) for the fields (4) diffracts and polarizes incident light and scatters the diffracted light into a half-space above the diffractive relief structure. A second diffractive relief structure differs at least in respect of the polarization of the polarizedly backscattered light with respect to the first diffractive relief structure. The second diffractive relief structure can be used for example for field surfaces of a second bar code in the bar code field (9) on the label (1) or for the intermediate surfaces (5).

Abstract: In a system for optical display and photo-electric scanning of the contents of a counter equipped with counting wheels, and wherein each counting wheel includes a plurality of numeral members visually distinguishable from the periphery thereof, a coded optical marking member is associated with each numeral member of a respective counting wheel. The coded optical marking member includes at least one optical surface element, and the optical marking members of the counting wheels extend along respective rows, and may be scanned by a light ray moving along a corresponding row. The improvement includes one of the members being superimposed at least in part onto another of the members in a corresponding row, and being partially light-transmitting, while each optical surface element is light-reflective, so that the numeral members are visible upon being illuminated with diffuse light, but wherein a light ray directed onto a respective optical surface element is reflected therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus for embossing a high resolution relief pattern such as a phase hologram or diffraction grating from a mold onto a thermoplastic material is disclosed.The apparatus comprises first and second adjacent disks adapted to rotate in opposite senses, the disks serving to define an embossing zone therebetween in which the circumferences of the disks exert pressure on one another. The first disk serves to transport the thermoplastic material to the embossing zone. To preheat the thermoplastic material, a preheating band of limited length is mounted under tension on the circumference of the first disk, the preheating band being resistively heated by a longitudinally flowing electric current. A resistively heated band-shaped embossing mold is mounted on the circumference of the second disk. The embossing mold and the thermoplastic carrier come into contact with one another in the embossing zone.