Abstract: The invention relates to a security element for protecting documents of value, which has magnetic material. Furthermore, the invention relates to a document of value, a transfer material and method for producing such security elements and documents of value as well as a method and an apparatus for checking such a security element or document of value. According to the invention the security element has at least two magnetic materials, wherein the magnetic materials have different coercive field strengths and are applied onto and/or incorporated in the security element in such a manner that their remanence is equally high.

Abstract: A chemically etched two dimensional matrix symbol is provided on a substrate. The substrate may be metal or plastic. A process is described for forming a plurality of two dimensional matrix symbols at the same time in batches. The two dimensional data matrix symbol includes a substrate, a plurality of grooves and a plurality of raised areas, and a plurality of ink spots disposed in the grooves according to a predefined code. The matrix is readable by a scanning device.

Abstract: An index label and a method for applying an index label to a sheet or folder. A label assembly includes labels in a column, and each of the labels includes a fold line. A registration structure is adjacent the label column. Each label can be partially folded into a raised position, and the item to be label placed adjacent the raided portions, such as using the registration structure to align the item. The raised portion is lowered and adhered to the item. The remainder of the label is then removed from the label assembly and folded to adhere to itself and/or the item to form an index label on the item.

Abstract: An information page (1) of a security document, includes: an information part (3), on the upper or lower surface of which part of the information recorded on the information page (1) can be seen; and a flexible connecting part (2) with good bending strength for attaching the information page (1) to a security document. To ensure that detaching the information part and the connecting part from each other leaves visible marks, the connecting part (2) has a netlike structure, and the connecting part (2) is arranged to penetrate into the information part (3) in the immediate vicinity of the upper or lower surface of the information part.

Abstract: Detachable printed image for track and trace purpose of a product, comprising a first and a second part, the first and second part both having the same single unique number for single use, the first and second part being separable from each other, wherein optionally the first and or second part comprises one or more of a colour code, a figure, a first text item, and a second text item, for recording product information and/or wherein optionally a tear line is present between said first and second part.

Abstract: A certificate and method is provided that reduces the likelihood of counterfeiting via photocopier by providing various features that would require the use of a color duplex copier in order to effectively copy the certificate. Requiring the use of a color duplex copier is an effective deterrent because the use of such a device significantly reduces the profit margins of counterfeiting efforts.

Abstract: A set of sheet dividers comprises a first plurality of sheet dividers, each divider comprising a sheet with a tab extending therefrom at a different location and for a first length along the same side as all other dividers in the first plurality; and a second plurality of sheet dividers, each divider comprising a sheet with a tab extending therefrom at a different location and for a second length along the same side as all other dividers in the second plurality, the second length being shorter than the first length, the second plurality being divided into subsets of dividers having their tabs adjacent one another and overlaid by the tab of a corresponding one of the first plurality of sheet dividers when the subset and corresponding one of the first plurality of sheet dividers are stacked together.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security feature having a luminescent substance with the general formula AXO3:Z (I) or B0.5XO3:Z (II) or A1-2yByXO3:Z (III), where A is an alkali metal, B is an alkaline earth metal, X stands for Nb or Ta, Z is the luminescence activator, and y lies between 0 and 0.5. The invention also relates to a security element, a security paper and a value document which is equipped with the security feature according to the invention, and to the use of the luminescent substance with the general formula (I), (II) or (III) as a feature substance for authentication. The luminescent substance is obtained by annealing solid starting materials.

Abstract: A method for playing an educational card game is provided. The method comprises (a) providing a plurality of cards placed in a deck, wherein each of the plurality of cards comprises at least two unique elements and each of the plurality of cards comprises one element common with other cards of the plurality of cards and randomly assigning a card of the plurality of cards to each of the at least two players; (b) selecting a seed card from the deck by each of the at least two players; (c) placing a card from the plurality of cards between the at least two players; (d) identifying, calling the common element between the card and the seed card and collecting the card by a player of the at least two players, wherein the card is now treated as the seed card; and (e) repeating steps (c)-(d) until the deck is depleted.

Abstract: A security document has a substrate (1) with a foil element (6) applied to it. The foil element (6) comprises a security feature, such as a diffractive structure (12), for example a hologram. To easily detect a removal of the foil element (6) using conventional detection devices, markings (4, 14, 15) intersecting with the foil element (6) are printed onto the top surface (7) of the foil element (6), the bottom surface (8) of the foil element (6), or onto the substrate (1), thus that they are removed together with the foil element (6).

Abstract: Security documents often incorporate optically variable devices to prevent or hinder counterfeiters. Disclosed herein are layered optically variable devices such as colour-shift foils, and methods for their production and use. Such devices afford new techniques for a user of a security document to check quickly and easily whether the security document is a legitimate document or a counterfeit copy.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention would provide shape-customized, value-bearing item labels, such as, for example, shape-customized, postage-indicia-bearing labels and would further provide systems and methods for creating and providing shape-customized, value-bearing item labels, such as, for example, shape-customized, image-customized, postage-indicia-bearing labels. Various embodiments of the present invention would provide shape-customized labels adapted for receiving value-bearing item indicia, such as, for example, postage indicia and would provide systems and methods for creating and providing shape-customized labels, such as, for example, shape-customized, image-customized labels, adapted for receiving value-bearing item indicia, such as, for example, postage indicia.

Abstract: A media process for advertising includes positioning an insert on a front page of a periodical. The insert is removable from the periodical so that a purchaser can read any periodical content that is positioned under the insert and the insert includes instructions for the user to obtain additional advertising material. A media process for advertising also includes positioning an article onto a front page of a periodical, with the article including advertising material, such as a periodic offer. An apparatus for advertising on a front page of a periodical includes a sleeve for holding an insert, an adhesive applied to a bottom surface of the sleeve, and an insert positioned inside the sleeve.

Abstract: A method of using a folding apparatus to form an outsert having product information printed thereon comprises making a plurality of folds in a first direction in a sheet of paper; aking a plurality of folds in a second direction perpendicular to said first direction to form folded articles; making another fold in said second direction to form an outsert including causing a movable member of a folding apparatus to make contact with and move an intermediate portion of a folded article towards a pair of adjustably-spaced folding members, at least one of said adjustably-spaced folding members having a position that is adjustable to allow said adjustably-spaced folding members to be adjustably spaced apart from each other by a distance that is within a range defined by a lower boundary of 0.25 inches and an upper boundary of 0.45 inches.

Abstract: Techniques are described for authenticating security documents having security images that incorporate multiple security features. The techniques may produce robust template matching results in situations of lighting unevenness, even with stronger occluding objects. The techniques may be particularly useful in validating a security document having a security image composed of one or more “virtual” retroreflective images formed over a background of a repeating retroreflective image. The virtual retroreflective images within the security image provide strong signals that may dominate analysis and validation of the background retroreflective image, thereby resulting incorrect authentication. The techniques provide a modified normalized cross-correlation analysis that masks out the strong signals contributed by the additional security features, such as the retroreflective virtual images, while still allowing for fast and efficient template matching to be performed with respect to the background image.

Abstract: A moiré pattern display sheet is defined by a surface, with the surface being configured to be curved. A first layer has a pattern printed thereon. The pattern comprises a series of visual elements in a first row that have been distorted at least in a first direction. At least some of the series of visual elements are printed to approximately follow an arc having a sweep angle associated therewith. A light steering optical layer overlays the first layer. The light steering optical layer comprises a plurality of parallel optical features which each have a width and which change the direction of the light and thereby provide a depth effect of the visual elements to a viewer looking through the light steering optical layer.

Abstract: An image card has an image formed on a card base by engraving striped grooves having different angles according to the degree of shading of the image by the engraving.

Abstract: Security articles and methods of personalizing security articles. Specifically, this disclosure relates to security articles that contain a security feature that is a composite image, where the composite image includes laser-personalized security information.

Abstract: Improvements that prevent tampering of images on identification documents for example identity cards, credit cards and the like, and passports. The document includes a full color image of a person, and a second, full, achromatic image of the person formed underneath and spaced from the color image and in congruence therewith using a laser. The second full image is not visible underneath the first full image during normal viewing of the document, and is only visible upon removal of all or a portion of the first full image. As a result, the document and the image have no outwardly apparent visual difference to the document holder or to a would-be counterfeiter. This provides a covert security feature that is not known or seen until the document is attacked by removing the first full image.

Abstract: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds having an S atom or S(?O)2 moiety incorporated in their basic polycyclic structure that can have a nitrogen-containing heterocycloaliphatic group and/or a substituted or unsubstituted phenoxy group and/or a polymeric moiety bonded to the polycyclic structure and to compositions such as, e.g., printing inks which comprise these polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as colorants.

Abstract: A double postcard check mailer and a method of use therefore are described. The mailer is comprised of a check component and a payee data correction component detachably coupled to the check component. The mailer, when folded, has the dimensions of a double postcard. The mailer is sent to the payee of the check. The payee detaches the check component from the payee data correction component and cashes the check component. The payee further fills out the payee data correction component with updated information, such as a corrected address, and deposits the completed payee data correction component in the mail with postcard shipping postage. The original sender of the mailer receives the payee data correction component and updates the payee's information based on the data received in the completed payee data correction component.

Abstract: Described are a number of mechanisms that can reduce transaction costs and increase the economic viability of a number of products. Included is a combination instant lottery ticket and debit card that makes it possible to issue prepaid debit cards having a relatively low monetary value. Also included is a combination on-line ticket/receipt and debit card that can automate the prize paying process, simplifying the retailer's responsibilities while reducing the potential for fraud. Various cash flow and authentication techniques such as age and location verification, nano payment methods and spam filters based on these mechanisms are also described. In addition, instant lottery tickets, and in particular, losing tickets can be provided with a small residual value by placing account information on the ticket. In another version, a lottery ticket can be combined with a payment card that operates as a closed payment system whereby the payment card can only be used with a specified vendor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security feature with a luminescent pigment which has a host lattice doped with a luminophore and which is optically excitable to emit luminescent light. The luminescent light of the luminescent pigment has a luminescence spectrum with a first luminescence peak and a second luminescence peak whose peak intensities respectively depend on an amount fraction x of the luminophore in the luminescent pigment. In the luminescent pigment according to the invention, the host lattice and the luminophore and the amount fraction x of the luminophore are chosen such that even a slight increase or reduction of the amount fraction x of the luminophore causes a strong relative change of the peak intensities IA and IB. This increases the forgery-proofness of the luminescent pigment according to the invention.

Abstract: There is described a security element or document comprising a substrate (20) and at least a first dynamic-effect feature (100; 120; 121; 122; 123; 130; 135; 140; 150; 171; 181; 191; 200) provided on the substrate which includes a dynamic-effect component that is responsive to illumination stimulus of a selected excitation wavelength or wavelength band to produce an optical spectral response, which optical spectral response changes dynamically over an observable period of time between multiple color appearances (C, F, M; C1, M1) upon and while being subjected to the illumination stimulus.

Abstract: A method for deterring information copying, includes: combining a watermark serial number incorporate in a given medium with a content serial number to create a combined serial number, the watermark serial number uniquely identifies the given medium, and the content serial number uniquely identifies a content stored on the given medium; creating a digital signature by encoding the combined serial number using a private key of a public/private key pair; imprinting the content serial number and the digital signature on the given medium; decoding the digital signature imprinted on the given medium using a public key of the public/private key pair to obtain the combined serial number; comparing the decoded combined serial number with the watermark serial number and the content serial number imprinted of the given medium; and in response to determining that both match the combined serial number, determining that the content is authentic.

Abstract: A security element (1) for a security paper, value document or the like, having a carrier (8) which has an areal region (3) which is divided into a multiplicity of pixels (4) which respectively includes at least one optically active facet (5), whereby the majority of the pixels (4) respectively have several of the optically active facets (5) of identical orientation per pixel (4), and the facets (5) are so oriented that the areal region (3) is perceptible to a viewer as an area that protrudes and/or recedes relative to its actual spatial form.

Abstract: In order to produce a data carrier, a substrate is printed with a printing ink and personalized by means of a laser. The printing ink is laser-active and is converted at least in regions during the personalization in such a way that, for example, a silver-grade pigment is formed which is readily visible only when the substrate is inclined. In particular, the printing ink has a comparatively small proportion of carbon black that is converted by the laser essentially without disturbing combustion and overall formation.

Abstract: Fibers having a plurality of colored regions printed on front and rear sides of said fiber are disclosed, wherein the colors are visible only under ultra-violet light. The regions may be in the form of stripes or may be arranged in a pseudo-random pattern. The regions may be differently colored. Such fibers can be incorporated into paper products as a form of counterfeit protection.

Abstract: A discrete micro continuous tone image provided on a photosensitive media, a product containing the micro discrete continuous tone image, and a method of making same. The micro discrete continuous tone image can be formed using near field optics which results in forming images of about 20 microns in size.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of securement of a security document comprising providing a security document to be secured comprising a support on which are inscribed personalization data, an optical security component covering at least a portion of the personalization data and an adhesive layer positioned between the support and the optical security component, and applying a transparent anti-adhesive layer on the optical security component.

Abstract: A device and method for allowing secure self-capture of multifold fingerprint impressions. The device includes a strip of fingerprint labels wrapped about a tubular ergonomic roller. A subject inserts the thumb of a first hand into the ergonomic roller and grips the roller between his thumb and forefinger. The subject then rolls the inked tip of a finger on his second hand across a label in a first rotational direction while rotating the ergonomic roller in an opposite rotational direction. To prevent fraudulent substitution of fingerprinting materials that are distributed to a subject, the materials are marked with machine readable invisible barcodes that are associated with a unique identification number. After a subject captures his fingerprints and submits his materials to a trusted observer, the barcodes on the materials are compared to the identification number to determine whether the materials submitted are in-fact those that were distributed to the subject.

Abstract: It is a common problem for the typical consumer that is not highly educated or experienced in pairing wine with food, to determine what food recipe would be best suited to combine with a given bottle of wine. This invention offers the consumer a significant reduction in effort, time and risk by providing a food recipe affixed to the wine bottle. The food recipe affixed to the bottle has been selected based on its complimentary flavor and aroma to the wine, creating an attractive pairing of food and wine for the consumer. When selecting the bottle of wine, the consumer has an immediate recommendation for a food recipe to pair with the wine without requiring the consumer to further research such recommendations, thereby saving the consumer time and effort, while reducing their risk in making poor pairing decisions.

Abstract: An organization aid device, an organization aid carrier device, system, and method for organizing and retrieving cards is disclosed. The organization aid device allows for organization of plurality of card-like devices and quick identification of a particular card-like device from a stack of similar card-like devices, such that when a plurality of card-like devices are stored in a confined carrier, a desired card-like device can be accurately retrieved from the rest of the card-like devices and/or from the confined carrier.

Abstract: In apparatus for and a method of inserting a series of contents (1) into a series of containers (3), identifying magnetic indicia are printed on each one of the series of contents before insertion in the containers. After insertion and sealing of the containers the contents cannot be visually inspected without breaking the seals. The indicia are magnetically read by a reader (7) through the material of the sealed containers (3) and visible indicia corresponding to the identifying magnetic indicator retrieved from store (6), and applied to the exterior of the containers by a printer (5). The apparatus and method are applicable to automatic mailing systems where it is necessary to ensure that the correct addresses corresponding to a previously inserted series of letters in a series of respective envelopes are printed later on the exteriors of the envelopes. Instead of magnetically based systems, infra-red radio isotope or radio frequency identification based systems may also be used.

Abstract: A casualty and triage information collection form and record sheet of flexible plastic film including a writing surface and backed by a layer of an adhesive by which the record sheet can be attached to a patient's clothing or skin. The flexible plastic film is strong enough and elastic enough to serve as a wound dressing. The adhesive is protected before use by a release liner sheet.

Abstract: The present application is directed to systems and methods for delivering warnings and instructions for a container. A base label may be adhered to the container, and at least a first, a second, and a third visual representation of a warning or instruction is displayed on the base label. A top label may cover at least a portion of the base label. The top label may be rotatable about the base label. The top label may have a transparent window allowing at least one of the first, second, or third visual representations to be visible through the transparent window.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a security thread or stripe for the incorporation into or onto a value-document or currency substrate, as well as a method and means of making such thread or stripe. The thread or stripe comprises a plastic foil which carries a hardened coating comprising oriented magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles, the orientation of said pigment particles representing graphic information. Preferred are optically variable magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles. Said hardened coating may also be comprised between a first and a second plastic foil. Said graphic information is a repetitive seamless pattern of suitable repetition length, which is produced using a magnetic orienting cylinder having a corresponding repetitive seamless magnetic field pattern. A magnetic orienting cylinder and a process for process for producing such magnetic orienting cylinder are also disclosed.

Abstract: A security and/or authentication device comprising: a compressible photonic crystal having an ordered array of voids, the photonic crystal having a reflection peak, wherein compression against at least a portion photonic crystal results in a decrease of intensity of the reflection peak in at least that portion.

Abstract: In an apparatus and a method for producing diffraction- and interference-active structures by micro-pattern stamping a metal object, a micro-stamping arrangement is provided including a micro-stamping station with a micro-pattern stamp for generating a diffraction-active structure on the metal object, an application station for applying a protective layer to the diffraction-active structure and a macro-stamping station for applying a macroscopic image relief over the diffraction active structure while it is protected by the protective layer.

Abstract: A security element for a security paper, value document or the like, having a carrier which has a reflective areal region which is divided into a multiplicity of reflective pixels. The area of each pixel is smaller than the area of the reflective areal region by at least one order of magnitude. Each pixel has at least one reflective facet which is formed in a surface of the carrier, and the at least one reflective facet reflects light incident along a predetermined direction on the areal region directionally in a reflection direction predefined by the orientation of the facet. The orientations of the facets of different pixels have a substantially random variation over the reflective areal region.

Abstract: A label assembly that includes a face sheet with a label shape defined by one or more tearable lines of separation, a back sheet adjacent to the face sheet, and an adhesive material disposed between the face sheet and the back sheet. The back sheet includes at least one removable panel disposed over at least a portion of the label shape and including a grasp tab extending from the first removable panel into contact with a remaining portion of the back sheet or an edge of the label assembly. The label assembly also includes a registration structure for use in aligning and adhering the label shape to the object to be labeled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a support (100) containing at least one electronic device (50), said support comprising at least one fibrous layer (10) of paper or non-woven material including at least 15% mass of synthetic fibres. Said method comprises a step of introducing the electronic device (50), by means of a grip-release tool, at a site on said fibrous layer (10), that does not contain a cavity, by compressing said fibrous layer (10) such that, once the electronic device (50) has been introduced, it is received in the support (100) without generating any increased thickness.

Abstract: There is described a method of tracking an article (30) and protecting it against tampering and counterfeiting, the method comprising the steps of providing an article; providing a film (1c) for wrapping or labelling the article; marking the film with a code (5c); defining an area of interest (35) on the article or the film; wrapping or labelling the article with the film so that the code at least partially overlays the area of interest to define a tracking zone in the region of the at least partial overlay; imaging the tracking zone of the wrapped or labelled article; and storing the imaged date for identifying the article. There is also described, use of a frequency-tripled neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (nd:YAG) laser in marking a code (5c) on a film (1c), the code comprising an at least partly random pattern of perforations (21, 23, 25).

Abstract: A trailer includes reference marks that depict the position whereby cargo may be placed for proper installation on the trailer. The reference marks may be applied by affixing a label onto the frame of the trailer respective of the trailer axle. One or more reference marks may be applied depicting the multiple positions, one for each of differently sized cargo, which may be welding power supplies. Instructions may also be used in conjunction with the labels for instructing placement of the welding power supply at the appropriate position respective of the trailer axle.

Abstract: A label sheet, includes: a label base material; a release liner; an adhesive layer which is formed between the label base material and the release liner; and wires that are disposed between the label base material and the release liner so as to be respectively placed on lines coupling at least one of two pairs of opposed sides of the label base material in a manner that both ends of each of the wires respectively locate at positions away from the corresponding sides coupled by each of the lines by 0.2 mm or more.

Abstract: Described is a security element for increasing the forgery-proof nature of a security document, in particular an identity card or pass, a passport or an identification card. The security element (1) has a first diffractive region (15) having an open code which is visible with a naked eye. The first diffractive region further has a concealed code which is not visible with the naked eye and which can be reconstructed from the arrangement of diffractive microregions disposed in the first region (1) and/or from the structure of the first diffractive region (1). Further described is a method of increasing the forgery-proof nature of a security document.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus, capable of communicating with a plurality of printing apparatuses, for inputting insertion data to a data area of document data and sending output data processible by each printing apparatus, comprises: a classification unit adapted to classify a plurality of print data to be used for printing into a plurality of storage areas based on contents of insertion data to be inserted into document data; an output unit adapted to output output data based on the print data to an output destination associated with the storage area of the print data classified by the classification unit.

Abstract: A counterfeit pharmaceutical product detection method for detecting whether a drug is genuine or counterfeit. The method allows a consumer to check whether a drug is authentic or counterfeit by way of using personal identification number 25, a manufacturer identification number 24 and a sequential serial number 22. The method also includes a way for the consumer to test the pharmaceutical product to determine whether it is genuine or counterfeit.

Abstract: A system and method for managing sponsorships by a sponsor, in which the party requesting the sponsorship requests to use content owned and protected by the sponsor, such as trademarks, logos, and copyrighted material. An embodiment of the method involves receiving, at a computer network site, a request for sponsorship from a requester and responding to the request by sending either an approval or a rejection. If an approval is sent, the method further involves providing the requestor with access to content of the sponsor through the site. As part of providing this access, the method can involve requiring the requestor to accept an agreement posted on the site. The method can also include monitoring the requestor's actual use of the content.

Abstract: A label for a prescription pharmacy bottle includes a panel, a tab, and a flange. The panel defines a first side edge, a second side edge, and an aperture extending through the panel and positioned adjacent the second side edge. The tab extends from the first side edge away from the panel and rotates about the first side edge to selectively move between a first position, in which the tab substantially covers the panel, and a second position, in which the tab extends away from the panel. The flange is initially formed to extend from the second side edge away from the panel and defines a substantially planar surface coated with an adhesive. The flange is folded about the second side edge to extend behind the panel such that the adhesive on the flange extends across and is exposed through the aperture. Other labels, combinations, and methods are also disclosed.