Abstract: A security document or other device including a substrate (2), a smooth highly reflective layer (1) applied thereto and having a reflectivity of at least 60 gloss units, and a raised printed image (3) applied to said reflective layer by a printing process such as the gravure process, the raised printed image having a height of at least 10 microns and being printed using a translucent ink having a large value of 85 to 95 as measured on an XL 211 Hazegard haze measuring instrument, which render it substantially transparent or translucent while causing scattering of the light reflectance and transmittance in at least a partially specular manner. A method of producing a document is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating a transaction is disclosed. In one form, a transaction facilitator includes a rear panel sized relatively close to a currency card. The front panel is coupled to the rear panel and includes a width slightly greater than the rear panel. The front panel is coupled to the rear panel at a distance from the rear panel to secure the currency card. The front panel further includes a height slightly less than the rear panel and an aperture positioned relative to allow viewing of a portion of the currency card. A fold is coupled to the rear panel to secure the front panel to the rear panel at a position relative to the aperture to display information associated with the currency card.

Abstract: The invention relates to documents of value, such as bank notes, checks, passports, ID cards or the like, with increased fitness for circulation, to a security paper for producing them, and to a method for producing said security paper and such documents of value.

Abstract: Preprinted forms are used in a general purpose printing device to allow for the subsequent verification of the authenticity of a printed document such as a ticket for transportation services. In operation, the user accesses the seller of the goods/services and during an information exchange with the seller the user inputs at least a portion of the preprinted data from the form. The seller then uses this information to formulate a printable control indicia which is then printed on the form at the user's location. When the form is subsequently presented to the seller, for example when the user attempts to board an aircraft using the form he/she printed, the preprinted portion of the form is used to obtain a decipher key which in turn is used to decipher the control indicia. Inability to decode the control indicia indicates that the printed material on the form may not be authentic.

Abstract: A data package assembly includes at least one data card having a first substrate with opposite faces, and indicia correlated with a prepaid account. A package has a second substrate separate from the first substrate, the data card being detachably connected to the second substrate. Personal identifying indicia correlated with the account are concealed by the package. In addition, first account verification indicia on the card, and second account verification indicia on the package, both different from the personal identifying indicia and both correlated with the same account, are visibly exposed, the package including an aperture visibly exposing the first account verification indicia.

Abstract: Apparatus and related methods align magnetic flakes in a carrier, such as an ink vehicle or a paint vehicle to create optically variable images in a high-speed, linear printing operation. Images can provide security features on high-value documents, such as bank notes. Magnetic flakes in the ink are aligned using magnets in a linear printing operation. Selected orientation of the magnetic pigment flakes can achieve a variety of illusive optical effects that are useful for decorative or security applications.

Abstract: Quantum dots are used as fluorescent taggants in security inks, papers, plastics, explosives, or any other item or substance in which it is desired to provide a distinct signature or marking. Quantum dots of specific sizes, compositions and structures may be used to produce specific fluorescence, mixtures of quantum dots can be used to produce random patterns of spectrally varying fluorescence, and particular quantum dot structures can be used to provide desirable physical and optical properties. The quantum dots may be read with an optical reader, which may be combined with readers using other technologies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security paper for producing documents of value, such as bank notes, certificates, etc., with at least one multilayer security element. The security element is disposed at least partly on the surface of the security paper and has at least one visually checkable optical effect and at least one integrated circuit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a printed data carrier having a printed surface and at least one printed partial surface enclosed thereby on all sides, the surface and the partial surface being printed by intaglio printing and contrasting visually due to an ink layer of varying thickness. The invention likewise relates to the method for producing the data carrier, the printing plate used therefor, and the method for producing the printing plate.

Abstract: A security document or device having a substrate (2), a smooth highly reflective layer (1) applied to the substrate (2) and having a reflectivity of at least 60 gloss units, a raised printed image (3) of lines or dots applied to said reflective layer (1) by a printing process and having a height of about 10 to 100 &mgr;m, and typically about 30 &mgr;m, and a similar spacing being adjacent lines or dots, the hue chroma value of the ink used to print the image being between 30 and about 50 chroma units tending towards a saturation value of 60 chroma units, the lightness of the ink being at least 50 L degrees (lightness units), and typically between 70 and 100 L degrees.

Abstract: A mailer type business form, including: first, second, third and fourth panels defining a sheet prior to folding the form, the first, second and third panels being substantially the same size and shape and being interconnected at first and second panel fold lines in a manner that enables the first, second and third panels to be z-folded onto each other. The first panel includes outgoing address indicia on a lower portion of the front surface of the first panel. The fourth panel is interconnected to the third panel at a third fold line, and the fourth panel is shorter than the first panel by an amount that causes the fourth panel to extend to a location that is just slightly above the outgoing address indicia on the first panel when folded against the first panel.

Abstract: A three-dimensional check image viewer comprises a display device and a processing unit. The processing unit includes means for (i) displaying on the display device an image of a first check, and (ii) displaying on the display device an image of a second check such that the images appear three-dimensional relative to each other. An input device is provided for allowing an operator to manipulate the images such that any relative movement between the images on the display device appears three-dimensional to the operator.

Abstract: A currency note includes an identification and/or authentication element including an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit can store, securely in electronic form and accessible from outside, such information as: the value, serial number, issuer, and date of issuance.

Abstract: A data package assembly comprises a substrate which includes a panel portion and a data card portion detachable from each other. The data card portion has an exposed face and a concealed face on opposite sides of the substrate, with personal identifying indicia on the concealed face correlated with a prepaid account. The data card portion is folded into an overlapping relationship with the panel portion so that the panel portion faces the concealed face of the data card portion and thereby conceals the personal identifying indicia without requiring folding of the panel portion. The data card portion is detachably retained in overlapping relationship with the panel portion, at least a major portion of the exposed face of the data card portion being visibly exposed.

Abstract: A security system for a document utilizing a plurality of fluorescent snippets on the document with other encryption data printed thereon with visible and invisible inks that becomes bright when subjected to certain light. The system combines visible and invisible data that is encrypted, totaled and when subjected to an algorithm will match a selected component of said data.

Abstract: Proposed is a value-bearing document in which the carrier is provided with a window-like opening which is closed by a cover foil which is transparent at least in a region-wise manner, wherein particularly in the region of the window-like opening, the cover foil can be provided with additional security features, for example diffraction structures.

Abstract: The invention concerns a printed valuable document with at least one authentication feature in the form of a luminescent substance based on a host lattice doped with at least one rare earth metal. The host lattice largely absorbs in the visible region of the spectrum, is excitable at least in parts of the visible region of the spectrum and transparent at least in partial areas of the IR spectral region. The luminescent substance is present in the volume of the valuable document in such a concentration that the characteristics of the valuable document just remain unimpaired. The rare earth metal concerned is thulium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a printed valuable document with at least one authenticity mark in the form of a luminescent substance based on a host lattice doped with at least one rare earth metal. The host lattice largely absorbs in the visible region of the spectrum and is excitable in the visible region of the spectrum, and is transparent in at least parts of the IR spectral region. The rare earth metal is holmium. The luminescent substance is present in the volume of the valuable document in such a concentration that the properties of the valuable document just remain unimpaired.

Abstract: Vouchers and methods for providing vouchers configured to assist in distinguishing unauthorized duplicate or counterfeit vouchers are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a voucher can include a substrate, a first indicia on the substrate, and a thermally responsive second indicia on the substrate. At least one of the first indicia and the second indicia indicating a value of the voucher. In another embodiment, a method is provided to assist in distinguishing duplicate or counterfeit vouchers. The method includes providing a substrate with a thermally responsive first indicia, and printing on the substrate at the coin-counting machine at least a second indicia. The second indicia containing at least an indication of a value of the voucher.

Abstract: The invention concerns a printed valuable document with at least one authentication feature in the form of a luminescent substance based on a host lattice doped with at least two rare earth metals. The host lattice largely absorbs in the visible region of the spectrum, is excitable in large parts of the visible region of the spectrum and transparent at least in partial areas of the IR spectral region. The luminescent substance is present in the volume of the valuable document in such a concentration that the characteristics of the valuable document just remain unimpaired. The rare earth metals concerned are thulium and holmium.

Abstract: A laminated multilayer film substrate for use in the production of banknotes having an oriented polypropylene core layer and at least one high density polyethylene layer on each side of the oriented polypropylene layer. The core layer contains microcavities formed by the addition of a cavitating agent. The resultant films exhibit good embossability, dead-fold characteristics and other properties, making them highly suited for the production of bank notes and other security documents.

Abstract: A novel substrate for the manufacture of security documents, said substrate comprising conductive polymer particles.

Abstract: A mailer type business form intermediate, and method of producing a mailer from the intermediate, effect folding in a novel manner in order to produce a business form that is particularly advantageous for providing a negotiable instrument, such as a bank check or money order. The intermediate has conventional components, but with first, second and third fold lines defining a sheet of paper comprising the intermediate into first through fourth panels. The fourth panel has indicia defining the negotiable instrument and at least one line of weakness separating the negotiable instrument from the rest of the fourth panel. Tacking adhesive patterns may be disposed substantially parallel to the top and bottom edges of the intermediate to hold the first panel second face to the second panel second face adjacent the top edge and second fold line, and to hold the fourth panel second face to the second panel first face adjacent the first and third fold lines, when the intermediate is folded about the fold lines.

Abstract: A sheet mailer construction including a standard size paper sheet having two horizontal score lines and two horizontal perforation lines, forming a top flap, first and second panels, a tear-off panel and a bottom tear-off strip. Left and right vertical perforation lines define left and right sheet side edge tear-off strips. The user on his personal computer formats the desired indicia to be printed on the three panels using his (desk top ink jet) printer. After printing, the left side, right side and bottom tear-off strips are torn off, the tear-off panel is folded up towards the second panel, the first and second panels are folded together, and the top flap is folded onto the outside of the second panel. The mailer is mailed to the recipient who breaks the seal of the sticker holding the top flap to the second panel, unfolds the mailer, reads the printed information on the inside surfaces of the first and second panels, and tears off the tear-off panel.

Abstract: In order to protect a paper-thin valuable document or identification document on which an identification mark has been placed, for example by means of a printing technique or by a laser technique, in such a way that counterfeiting is extremely difficult, at least part of said identification mark is repeated at another point by changing the thickness of the document locally. At least part of the identification mark is thus clearly liked to the paper substrate.

Abstract: The invention is an account management system using an adhesive transaction receipt, provided at the point of transaction, which can be directly transferred to an account register. In this system, the adhesive transaction receipt contains a printed record of information relating to the transaction, such as the transaction type and the amount of the transaction. The adhesive transaction receipt is temporarily affixed to a more complete transaction receipt and includes an adhesive so that it can be permanently attached to the account register. The adhesive transaction receipt simplifies bookkeeping and eliminates errors by relieving an account user of the requirement of entering individual transactions by hand.

Abstract: There is provided a method of dispensing telephone cards from automatic teller machines (ATM) and card constructions used therewith. Telephone time is apportioned to a number of sheetlets printed with random numbers which serve as a personal identification number (PIN). They are packaged in bricks and activated when installed in an ATM or when dispensed. The sheetlets are capable of being dispensed like currency and may contain the PIN on a removable zone.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for authenticating a unique article utilizing a generated unique data signature. The unique data signature is generated by encrypting a received data set representative of a unique identification number fixed to a substantially unforgeable document. The unique data signature is fixed to the unique article or to an optionally generated ownership certificate or the like. The unforgeable document is retained, possibly as the ownership certificate, or the like, or as a part thereof, to thereby authenticate the unique article.

Abstract: A method of preventing counterfeiting of an item, comprising the steps of: providing an item, the authenticity of which is to be verified; providing a bank note having a serial number marked thereon; physically associating the bank note with the item; and marking at least a part of the serial number on the item.

Abstract: A check writing system for providing a compact convenient system for carrying checks. The check writing system includes a main cover member which includes a front surface and a back surface and is used substantially to provide rigidity for the check writing system to facilitate writing checks, a plurality of check blanks each of which is detachably coupled to the main cover member, and a front cover member which is coupled to the main cover member and used to provide protection for the plurality of check blanks from creasing, stray marks, and wear due to rubbing.

Abstract: The invention concerns a printed valuable document with at least one authentication feature in the form of a luminescent substance based on a host lattice doped with at least one rare earth metal. The host lattice largely absorbs in the entire visible region of the spectrum, is excitable in large parts of the visible region of the spectrum and at least partially transparent in at least the wavelength range between 0.8 &mgr;m and 1.1 &mgr;m. In addition, the host lattice contains chromium as an absorptive substance in such a concentration that amplification of the emission by the luminescent substance takes place. The rare earth metal emits in the wavelength region between 0.8 &mgr;m and 1.1 &mgr;m.

Abstract: In a novel financial transaction system, a consumer exchanges payment means for goods or services provided by a retailer. The retailer then feeds the payment means, which may be in the form of bills or coinage, into a device which reads the value of the payment means. The value is transmitted to a financial institution for crediting to the account of the retailer. The retailer then destroys the payment means. The monetary value may be sent to the financial institution by electronic transmission, or may be written to a smart card. For security purposes, the information may be encrypted to require at least one code to allow writing and/or reading.

Abstract: A laminated multilayer film substrate for use in the production of banknotes having an oriented polypropylene core layer with print features and at least one high density polyethylene layer on each side of the oriented polypropylene layer. The resultant films exhibit good embossability, dead-fold characteristics and other properties, and are difficult to counterfeit, making them highly suited for the production of bank notes and other security documents.

Abstract: A laminated multilayer film substrate for use in the production of banknotes includes a first layer comprising (a) a first layer having inner and outer sides, comprising at least about 50 weight percent of a high density polyethylene having a density of at least about 0.94, said first layer being oriented in the transverse direction (TD) to a degree which is at least three times greater than the degree of orientation present in the machine direction (MD); (b) a second layer having inner and outer sides, comprising at least about 50 weight percent of a high density polyethylene having a density of at least about 0.

Abstract: A security document is prepared by designating specialized tiling elements to be printed in selected image element cells across the face of the document. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method of preparing a security document is provided comprising the steps of: (i) designating a security image area on a face of a document; (ii) dividing the security image area into a plurality of image element cells, such that the image element cells define an array of image element cells across the security image area; and (iii) designating respective printed tiling elements to be printed in selected ones of the image element cells to define a printed security image and a printed complementary security image within the security image area. Individual ones of the respective printed tiling elements comprise printed units positioned within the respective image element cells.

Abstract: A bank deposit plastic bag made with two separable compartments, one for checks identifying the depositor, and the other for cash using as an insert a depositor-identifying flap, in the manufacture of which different heat seals, strategically located lines of perforations and an adhesive deposit cooperate to accommodate a range of banking needs of the user, characterized by the use of components and parts of the bag, as exemplified by the noted depositor-identifying flap, and adhesively sealable closure flaps for the two compartments.

Abstract: The invention is an account management system using an adhesive transaction receipt, provided at the point of transaction, which can be directly transferred to an account register. In this system, the adhesive transaction receipt contains a printed record of information relating to the transaction, such as the transaction type and the amount of the transaction. The adhesive transaction receipt is temporarily affixed to a more complete transaction receipt and includes an adhesive so that it can be permanently attached to the account register. The adhesive transaction receipt simplifies bookkeeping and eliminates errors by relieving an account user of the requirement of entering individual transactions by hand.

Abstract: A sheet material, such as a bank note, having tactile indicia therein, the tactility of which is resistant to deterioration and useful for assisting persons with impaired vision to identify one or more predetermined characteristics of the sheet material such as a bank note. The sheet material has therein at least one embossment forming the indicia and comprises a first surface and a second surface, with one of the surfaces defining a cavity in the area of the embossment. A layer of reinforcing material is provided to at least the area of that surface which comprises the cavity. Once the reinforcing material is dried and/or cured the embossment (indicia) is strengthened by the layer of reinforcing material and thereby rendered more durable when the bank note is subjected to the wear of circulation. The reinforcing material may be selected from the group consisting of varnishes, inks, adhesives and caulking compounds.

Abstract: Unauthorized alteration of a document can be avoided in a secure document that includes a substrate (10) defining the body of the document. Indicia (24, 26, 30, 32, 36 and 40) located on the substrate (10) designate an area (42) to receive variable information by an impression. The variable information is that whose alteration is to be avoided. A chemical, carbonless imaging system (44) is disposed on the substrate (10) at the area (42) and is operative to form a visible image upon receipt of an impression and a transparent film (46) is located on the substrate (10) to cover the area (42). As a consequence of the construction, any attempt to alter an image appearing on the film (46) will be apparent from the original imaging of the chemical carbonless imaging system (44) or by smudging thereof indicating an alteration attempt.

Abstract: A credit card with driver's license for providing credit to an individual, information regarding the individual and proof of registration to operate a motor vehicle on a single form of identification. The credit card with driver's license includes a semi rigid thin piece of material having a face side, a photograph of the individual positioned on the face side, additional identifying information positioned on the face side and a magnetic strip storing information providing access to credit of the individual and personal information regarding the individual upon reading of said magnetic strip by a credit card terminal. The credit card with driver's license is registered with a department of motor vehicles in a state in which the owner resides and credit is provided by either an independent financial institution or the state government issuing the driver's license.

Abstract: A security document or token such as a banknote is provided which has a transparent portion of plastics material which includes a security device. The region surrounding the transparent portion and preferably all the remaining part of the banknote is printed with indicia. The security device includes regions of embossed lines extending at different angles to each other defining different shapes that are visible to a greater or lesser extent upon transmission and reflection of light as the note is tilted, rotated or viewed from different angles relative to the light source. The embossed lines in some of the regions are finer than coarser and deeper and more widely spaced lines in the other regions. The coarser, deeper lines are of such a thickness and width as to be detectable by touch in addition to being visible by the naked eye.

Abstract: To improve the security in data carriers, such as papers of value, bank notes, ID cards, etc., a numbering apparatus is proposed for individualizing the data carrier whereby the characters are engraved in the engraved blocks present on the numbering apparatus such that the serial number extends along a line having a curvature.

Abstract: A document, for example a bank note, a check, a credit card, an identification document or a ticket, bears an optical safety mark in the form of a light-reflecting and light-diffracting and/or refracting layer, for example a hologram, an interference layer, a (computer-generated) refracting structure, located on at least parts of the document. The optical safety mark is arranged in a sandwich structure which is fixed to the document by means of an adhesive layer and if required has one or several transparent layers arranged in the sandwich structure. The adhesive layer and/or transparent layer in the sandwich structure is doped with at least one luminescent substance.

Abstract: A document of value such as a banknote comprises a substrate having a security feature in or on one region of the substrate. The security feature has at least one machine authenticatable high security entity (HSE) and at least one further machine authenticatable entity comprising a low security entity (LSE) or a high security entity, the at least two entites providing different detectable characteristics. The or each HSE is an homogeneous mixture of at least two components exhibiting different detectable characteristics, and the LSE is a single component exhibiting a detectable characteristic different from those exhibited by the HSE.

Abstract: A machine-readable check comprising a check and a machine-readable image block printed on the check. Preferably, the image block is a two-dimensional print code.

Abstract: A method for preventing fraudulent use of a document which is intended to be used by a designated individual, by the steps of, digitally photographing the face of an individual who has possession of the document to form a digital representation of the face; processing the digital representation to generate digital printer input data; and printing a visually observable image of the face of the individual on the document, using the digital printer input data.

Abstract: A security system for a document utilizing a plurality of fluorescent snippets on the document with other encryption data printed thereon with visible and invisible ink that becomes bright when subjected to certain light. The system combines visible and invisible data that is encrypted, totaled and when subjected to a algorithm will match a selected component of said data.

Abstract: A method of making a document, such as a check or stock certificate, having enhanced security against counterfeiting. The document includes a strip of foil having a three dimensional light diffracting image thereon affixed to the document. The strip of foil may be affixed to the document before or after the background printing or face printing of the document is completed. In this manner, the light diffracting strip may be printed on by the background and face printing of the document as desired.

Abstract: A negotiable document having enhanced security for deterring fraud includes at least one thermochromatic fingerprint image printed with thermochromatic ink, wherein said thermochromatic fingerprint image will fade when heat is transferred to the image from a live human hand. The negotiable document further includes a warning clause that the negotiable document may be fraudulent without the thermochromatic fingerprint image.

Abstract: A financial and/or a commercial enterprise, such as a mutual funds operator and/or a general merchandise/product sales establishment, prices its various financial and/or commercial goods in certain basic pricing units and sells uniquely coded certificates denominated in such pricing units; which pricing units are of such nature as to be substantially unaffected by inflation. Then, at any later time the holder of such a certificate is entitled to exchange this certificate for financial and/or commercial goods equivalent in total pricing units to the denomination specified on the certificate, regardless of any intervening changes in dollar pricing of the various items of financial and/or commercial goods. Since the purchaser of a certificate helps pay for the inventory of financial and/or commercial goods underlying the certificates, each holder of such a certificate periodically receives an interest payment in the form of a pre-established probabilistic chance to win additional certificates.