Patents by Inventor Timothy T. Crane
Timothy T. Crane has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
-
Patent number: 8366879Abstract: A soil and/or moisture resistant secure document and a method for producing such a secure document, are provided. The inventive method preferably employs a size press or other similar device to force a soil and/or moisture resistant formulation into the pores of the substrate and to remove excess formulation from opposing surfaces thereof. Soil and/or moisture resistant formulations when applied this way instead of by way of standard coating techniques do not obscure optically variable effects generated by non-porous OVDs that may be employed on or within these secure documents. In addition, thin layers of fibers (e.g., papermaking fibers) overlying and thus embedding portions of security devices in windowed secure documents that have been rendered soil and/or moisture resistant in accordance with this invention demonstrate increased durability.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2007Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Crane & Co., Inc.Inventors: Timothy T. Crane, Michael Darroch, Tod L. Niedeck, Marco Maraschi, Karin Morck-Hamilton
-
Patent number: 8287993Abstract: Paper-based security devices having printed marks or indicia on one surface that are visible from that surface and from an opposing surface of the security device, are provided. The present invention further provides a method of making such paper-based security devices as well as security documents having at least one such security device embedded therein and/or mounted thereon.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2005Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Crane & Co., Inc.Inventors: Timothy T. Crane, Raj Sardararam Prehar
-
Patent number: 8284492Abstract: A micro-optic film structure that alone or together with a security document or label projects images spatially coordinated with static images and/or other projected images is provided. The inventive film structure is made up of: (a) one or more polymer film materials; (b) one or more planar arrangements of primary image icons; (c) one or more planar arrangements of focusing elements or lenses; and (d) one or more secondary image icons. The planar arrangements are configured such that when a planar arrangement of primary image icons is viewed through a planar arrangement of focusing elements or lenses, one or more first synthetic images are projected. The secondary image icons appear as static and/or other projected images. These images are spatially coordinated with the first synthetic image(s) projected by the film structure, such that when simultaneously displayed therewith, they visually enhance or cancel the projected first synthetic image(s).Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2007Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Crane & Co., Inc.Inventors: Timothy T. Crane, Karin Mörck-Hamilton, Marco Maraschi, Tod L. Niedeck
-
Publication number: 20100230947Abstract: A soil and/or moisture resistant secure document and a method for producing such a secure document, are provided. The inventive method preferably employs a size press or other similar device to force a soil and/or moisture resistant formulation into the pores of the substrate and to remove excess formulation from opposing surfaces thereof. Soil and/or moisture resistant formulations when applied this way instead of by way of standard coating techniques do not obscure optically variable effects generated by non-porous OVDs that may be employed on or within these secure documents. In addition, thin layers of fibers (e.g., papermaking fibers) overlying and thus embedding portions of security devices in windowed secure documents that have been rendered soil and/or moisture resistant in accordance with this invention demonstrate increased durability.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2007Publication date: September 16, 2010Inventors: Timothy T. Crane, Michael Darroch, Tod L. Niedeck, Marco Maraschi, Karin Morck-Hamilton
-
Patent number: 7703810Abstract: A security device that increases the number of design options available for a machine testable security feature formed in part from a light absorbing (e.g., magnetic) material, while more effectively hiding or concealing this material, is provided. The inventive security device achieves these results by physically separating this security feature from a visually detectable or public security feature. Also provided by way of this invention is a process for preparing the inventive security device as well as a security document that employs one or more such devices.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2004Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignees: Crane & Co., Inc., Technical Graphics, Inc.Inventors: Paul F. Cote, Timothy T. Crane, Stephen B. Curdo, Gerald J. Gartner, Daniel G. Leeds
-
Publication number: 20080305313Abstract: Paper-based security devices having printed marks or indicia on one surface that are visible from that surface and from an opposing surface of the security device, are provided. The present invention further provides a method of making such paper-based security devices as well as security documents having at least one such security device embedded therein and/or mounted thereon.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2005Publication date: December 11, 2008Applicant: Crane & Co., Inc.Inventors: Timothy T. Crane, Raj Sardararam Prehar
-
Patent number: 7243951Abstract: Durable security devices that are resistant to chemical attack and mechanical degradation and security articles employing such devices, are provided. By way of the durable security device of the present invention, opposing longitudinal borders adjacent an information-bearing layer are sealed, thereby preventing corrosive and/or degrading materials from reaching this layer through these sealed borders. In a preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the information-bearing layer is fully encapsulated, thereby rendering this portion or layer and the information conveyed thereby, impervious to chemical attack.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2003Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignee: Technical Graphics, Inc.Inventors: Paul F. Cote, Stephen B. Curdo, Gerald J. Gartner, Daniel G. Leeds, Brian C. Page, Gary R. Wolpert, Timothy T. Crane
-
Patent number: 6930606Abstract: A security device, such as a security thread, uses multiple security detection features provided by combining metal and metal/magnetic security features on a carrier substrate. The security detection features basically comprise an optionally repeating pattern of discrete metal/magnetic indicia and discrete metal or metal-dot formed indicia. The security detection features may also include at least one metal strip extending along the length of the carrier substrate and/or a plurality of metal dots located on metal-free portions of at least one surface of the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2001Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignees: Crane & Co., Inc., Technical Graphics Security Products, LLCInventors: Timothy T. Crane, Paul F. Cote, Stephen B. Curdo, Gerald J. Gartner, Gary R. Wolpert
-
Patent number: 6549131Abstract: A method of covering, embedding or burying magnetically encodable regions, invisible to the naked eye at least on one side, in a magnetic/metallic security device begins by providing a security device carrier substrate having an imaged metallic region. A foil film is provided on a release coated carrier film. One or more magnetic regions are provided on either the foil film layer or the carrier substrate. Patterned, flat, or roller heated dies are used to contact and bond the foil film to the security device carrier substrate in at least those regions of the magnetic regions thereby producing a security device having covered, embedded or camouflaged magnetically encodable regions.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2000Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignees: Crane & Co., Inc., Technical Graphics Security Products, LLCInventors: Paul F. Cote, Gerald J. Gartner, Stephen B. Curdo, Daniel J. Leeds, Gary R. Wolpert, Timothy T. Crane
-
Publication number: 20020014967Abstract: A security device, such as a security thread, uses multiple security detection features provided by combining metal and metal/magnetic security features on a carrier substrate. The security detection features basically comprise an optionally repeating pattern of discrete metal/magnetic indicia and discrete metal or metal-dot formed indicia. The security detection features may also include at least one metal strip extending along the length of the carrier substrate and/or a plurality of metal dots located on metal-free portions of at least one surface of the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2001Publication date: February 7, 2002Inventors: Timothy T. Crane, Paul F. Cote, Stephen B. Curdo, Gerald J. Gartner, Gary R. Wolpert
-
Patent number: 5486022Abstract: A visually verifiable and machine-readable security thread having at least two security detection means located thereon, where a first security detection means comprises a machine-readable repeating pattern and where a second security detection means comprises visually verifiable metal-formed indicia. Such security threads are suitable for use with security documents, such as banknotes and the like, labels and any other documents or means of identification used for purposes which make the verification of the authenticity of each specimen desirable at least once in its lifetime.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 1994Date of Patent: January 23, 1996Assignee: Crane & Co., Inc.Inventor: Timothy T. Crane
-
Patent number: 5434427Abstract: A photodiode and a phototransistor are positioned on opposite sides of a document subjected to verification for authenticity under transmitted light. A logic circuit determines the presence or absence of the security feature and correspondingly provides visual or audible indication thereof. The photodiode, phototransistor and related circuitry are arranged within an enclosure that is attached to a currency receiving device such as a cash register. The visual or audible indicators are mounted on the cash register for immediate indication of the currency verification to the cashier. A simplified capacitive proximity sensor can be employed, per se, for inexpensive applications or for redundant verification in combination with an optical detector. The shape of the capacitive sensor is configured to that of the security thread to discriminate between the security thread and the currency paper. Additional optical circuits are employed to detect counterfeit markings on the currency surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1993Date of Patent: July 18, 1995Inventors: Timothy T. Crane, Robert J. Danek, Steven K. Harbaugh, Richard A. Menelly
-
Patent number: 5308992Abstract: A photodiode and a phototransistor are positioned on opposite sides of a document subjected to verification for authenticity under transmitted light. A logic circuit determines the presence or absence of the security feature and correspondingly provides visual or audible indication thereof. The photodiode, phototransistor and related circuitry are arranged within an enclosure that is attached to a currency receiving device such as a cash register. The visual or audible indicators are mounted on the cash register for immediate indication of the currency verification to the cashier. A simplified capacitive proximity sensor can be employed, per se, for inexpensive applications or for redundant verification in combination with an optical detector. The shape of the capacitive sensor is configured to that of the security thread to discriminate between the security thread and the currency paper. Additional optical circuits are employed to detect counterfeit markings on the currency surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1991Date of Patent: May 3, 1994Inventors: Timothy T. Crane, Robert J. Danek, Steven K. Harbaugh, Richard A. Menelly
-
Patent number: 5279403Abstract: A security thread detector for verifying the authenticity of banknotes. In the preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a housing with a passage through which banknotes can be passed, wherein the housing also comprises a waveguide, a microwave oscillator for generating microwaves and two resonating slots on a wall of the waveguide, and a microwave detector. After a banknote is inserted through the passageway, the microwave diode produces an analog signal that is proportional to the microwave strength. The diode and the slots are arranged such that the radiated power from each slot is one hundred eighty degrees out-of-phase. If a banknote has no security thread, then the detector receives a balanced signal. If the banknote contains a security thread, the thread interferes with one of the radiating slots. This interference causes an imbalance condition and a corresponding signal is sent from the detector diode. The resulting signal is then sent to a microprocessor which activates an appropriate indicator.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1992Date of Patent: January 18, 1994Assignee: Crane & Company, Inc.Inventors: Steven K. Harbaugh, Timothy T. Crane
-
Patent number: 5151607Abstract: An automatic verification device for currency and other security paper containing an embedded security thread first determines the presence of the thread within the paper and then assures that the thread is not present on the paper surface. The device is in the form of a stand-alone currency insertion unit similar to a credit card reader and includes a metal detection circuit to verify the presence of the embedded metal thread. Photo detectors within the unit detect the presence of reflected light off either or both currency surfaces. The currency is verified when the metal is detected and there is no reflection off either surface of the currency paper.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 1991Date of Patent: September 29, 1992Inventors: Timothy T. Crane, Richard A. Menelly, Robert J. Danek
-
Patent number: 5068008Abstract: A metallized plastic strip containing security indicia is incorporated within currency paper to deter counterfeiting. The plastic strip is made difficult to detect under reflected light by selective pigmentation to match the currency inks. The presence of the security indicia is verified by detection under transmitted light.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1990Date of Patent: November 26, 1991Assignee: Crane & Co.Inventor: Timothy T. Crane
-
Patent number: 5002636Abstract: A metallized plastic strip containing security indicia is incorporated within within currency paper to deter counterfeiting. The plastic strip is made difficult to detect under reflected light by selective pigmentation to match the currency inks. The presence of the security indicia is verified by detection under transmitted light.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1990Date of Patent: March 26, 1991Inventor: Timothy T. Crane
-
Patent number: 4980569Abstract: A photodiode and phototransistor are positioned on one side of a document subjected to verification for authenticity under both transmitted and reflected light. A corresponding photodiode and phototransistor on the opposite side of the document are arranged for receiving the light transmitted through the currency if the security feature is not present. A logic circuit determines the presence or absence of the security feature and correspondingly provides visual or audible indication thereof. The photodiodes, phototransistors and circuit are arranged within an enclosure that is attached to a currency receiving device such as a cash register. The visual or audible indicators are mounted on the cash register for immediate indication of the currency verification to the cashier.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 1990Date of Patent: December 25, 1990Inventors: Timothy T. Crane, Richard A. Menelly, Robert J. Danek
-
Patent number: 4941687Abstract: A metallized plastic strip containing security indicia is incorporated within currency paper to deter counterfeiting. The plastic strip is made difficult to detect under reflected light by selective pigmentation to match the currency inks. The presence of the security indicia is verified by detection under transmitted light.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1989Date of Patent: July 17, 1990Assignee: Crane & Co.Inventor: Timothy T. Crane
-
Patent number: 4761205Abstract: Security devices in the form of metalized plastic films are incorporated within a security paper such as banknotes and other valuable documents during the papermaking process for viewing solely by means of transmitted light. The devices comprise printing of extreme fine line clarity and high opacity such that legibility is possible by means of transmitted light while remaining completely indiscernable under reflected light.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1986Date of Patent: August 2, 1988Assignee: Crane & Co.Inventor: Timothy T. Crane