Having Revealable Concealed Information, Fraud Preventer Or Detector, Use Preventer Or Detector, Or Identifier Patents (Class 283/72)
  • Publication number: 20020149196
    Abstract: A mailing form constructed of a single ply of substrate material which is configured such that it can be folded to form a financial document, such as an accounts payable or payroll check and check voucher, and wherein the ply is further folded to form an outgoing mailer envelope in which the financial document is enclosed for mailing to a recipient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Applicant: fabel
    Inventor: Warren M. Fabel
  • Patent number: 6450538
    Abstract: A two-part token for business purposes includes an inner part and an outer part. Both parts are assembled by similarity of form; namely, the token has corresponding indents and projections for indexing the inner part on the outer part. A code is stamped on each part such that, when the parts are assembled, both codes are mutually extending from each other, preferably, adjacent to each other to allow a barcode reader to readily scan both codes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: Emmanuel Errard
  • Patent number: 6450536
    Abstract: An anti-forgery method and anti-forgery products using micro-holes or pits are disclosed. The micro-holes or pits are formed in a respective protective pattern on each protected solid article. This random distribution of the micro-holes or pits has a predefined measurable distribution characteristic providing corresponding information that is registered, and used to identify the distribution of micro-holes or pits in the protective pattern on each protected solid article. Because the distribution of the micro-holes or pits formed in accordance with the invention is highly complex and randomly generated, it is unique and cannot be reproduced. Therefore, the effectiveness of the anti-forgery method is highly reliable and, unlike other methods, it is applicable to certificates and bills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Beijing Superenergetic Heavy-Ion S&T Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhiqing Chen, Yuanjiu Gong
  • Publication number: 20020127394
    Abstract: An advertising arrangement applicable to laminar strips of plastic material for shrink-wrapping and protecting luggage, which consists of incorporating inside the tunnel (3) of a machine for protecting luggage means for positioning labels (5) and (5′) of any shape considered appropriate, provided with means for fixing in the central area of the luggage (9). The labels to be incorporated or the similar means are made up of a spool (6) and (6′) situated in the upper part and tensioned in the lower part by appropriate means (7) and (7′).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventor: Norberto Chinique Pena
  • Patent number: 6447014
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multilayer label comprising at least one authenticity feature (5), which authenticity feature (5) consists of at least two parts (51, 52) positioned on different layers (1, 2) of the label. The authenticity feature (5) can be a barcode which can consist of at least two parts (51, 52) positioned on different layers (1, 2) of the label. The barcode can have m lines of which n lines are arranged on one layer (1) of the label and m-n lines are arranged on another layer (2) of the label, where m>n>0. The label can have a lower layer (2) and an upper layer (1), with the lower layer (2) having a greater surface area than the at least one layer (1) positioned on top of it. The upper side and/or lower side of at least one of the layers (1, 2) can be coated with an adhesive at least in sections and/or at least in points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Schreiner Etiketten und Selbstklebetechnik GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Peter Seidl
  • Publication number: 20020117845
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a security document and/or value document, in particular banknote, with security features and with a verification element for verifying the security feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Applicant: BUNDESDRUCKEREI GMBH
    Inventors: Benedikt H. Ahlers, Frank Kappe, Roland Gutmann, Ralf Paugstadt, Armim Franz-Burgholz
  • Publication number: 20020117846
    Abstract: The invention relates to a security device having at least one plastic layer and one specularly reflecting metal layer. An inorganic auxiliary layer is disposed between the plastic layer and the metal layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Applicant: Giesecke & Devrient GmbH
    Inventors: Wittich Kaule, Gregor Grauvogl, Jurgen Schutzmann, Friedrich Kretschmar
  • Publication number: 20020112833
    Abstract: A novel substrate for the manufacture of security documents, said substrate comprising conductive polymer particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Luciano Beghello, Martti Toivakka
  • Publication number: 20020084648
    Abstract: Images, particularly colored images, are precisely registered with respect to each other when printed at spaced locations in the direction of movement of a web or sheet. Invisible sense marks are provided at spaced locations along the direction of movement and are opto-electronically sensed at each location where an imaging device is provided. The sense marks may be provided so as to define a rule to provide substantially an absolute measure of the position of the web or sheet. The sense marks may be spaced from each other about 0.01 inches or less, e.g. about one pixel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Robert Pierce, Anthony Moscato
  • Publication number: 20020074795
    Abstract: A diffractive anti-counterfeiting tag structure with capabilities of naked-eye inspection and machine inspection and its method of manufacture. The anti-counterfeiting tag structure has a naked-eye inspection component and a machine inspection non-grating diffractive component. The naked-eye inspection component and the non-grating diffractive component are formed on separate mold-boards and then joined together to form a mold-board using a board-joining technique. Alternatively, a plurality of naked-eye inspection blocks and a plurality of non-grating diffractive blocks are randomly mixed together to form a pixel-like diffractive anti-counterfeiting tag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: ying-tsung
    Inventors: YING-TSUNG LU, JENG-FENG LIN, PONG LAI, PAI-PING HUANG, WANN-DIING TYAN, HOANG-YAN LIN
  • Patent number: 6396927
    Abstract: A counterfeit-resistant document comprises a contrasting layer and a dynamic camouflaging layer. The contrasting layer is highly contrastive and includes a latent message that can be reproduced over a broad range of copy device control settings. The dynamic camouflaging layer is applied over the contrasting layer to suppress the latent message. The visual density of the dynamic camouflaging layer, which comprises a camouflage pattern that is printed in thermochromic ink, inversely varies with temperature. In this manner, the dynamic camouflaging layer is inactivated at room temperatures so that the latent message is suppressed on the original document, and activated at scanning temperatures so that the latent message is exhibited on a reproduction of the original document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Verify First Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: George K. Phillips
  • Patent number: 6375225
    Abstract: The invention relates a combined sample dispenser and order form comprising a backing sheet that may be prepared from cardboard and a generally planar retaining member, such as a clear plastic sheet, attached to the backing sheet along at least a portion thereof. The retaining member or plastic sheet defines a distention or pocket along a portion of its broad surface, that may contain samples of the product being dispensed, such as sample medications provided to physicians by pharmaceutical manufacturers. The invention is also useful for the sale of certain consumable items, including hardware, where the order form may be used by the consumer to directly request additional quantities of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Promex Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Joshua Lapsker
  • Patent number: 6368455
    Abstract: This invention pertains to security paper and methods of making such security paper. The invention comprises a light-colored base paper having a non-protection area of a first thickness, and a protection area of a second thickness on at least one major surface of the base paper wherein the first thickness is greater than the second thickness. The base paper comprises colorant whereby the protection area exhibits a translucence when viewed using transmitted light, and exhibits the colorant as a darker color indication, relative to the non-protection area, when viewed using reflected light. Transmission of light through a combination of paper fibers and the colorant of the invention, both being disposed at the protection area, is discernibly different from transmission of light through the non-protection areas of the base paper, when viewed with a human eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Appleton Papers Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Vincent Missell, Joseph John Tremblay, Kathleen Elizabeth Wyles
  • Patent number: 6364363
    Abstract: An optionally laminated film of plastics is described, characterised in that the film is printed on one side with a security ink. A process for the production of such a film and the use thereof as a packaging material are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Wolff Walsrode AG
    Inventors: Olaf Stöber, Christian Kuckertz, Adolf Ahrens
  • Patent number: 6361079
    Abstract: A commercial product has a label to help detect counterfeit ones of the product. The product includes an item having commercial value and a label adhered to the item. The label includes a printable substrate having first and second sides, indicia on the first side that is visible with illumination by visible light and that is of a nature to inform customers or potential customers about the item. Adhesive on the second side causes the label to adhere to the item, and printing on the second side is visible only upon upon illumination by electromagnetic waves outside of the visible light spectrum and is of a nature to indicate genuineness of the label and thereby to indicate genuineness of the item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Wayne Trademark Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Stephen D. Kirkman
  • Patent number: 6357800
    Abstract: A data carrier with at least one halftone images 10 represented by structural elements 12, whereby a predetermined symmetrical widening of structural elements 12 represents a corresponding gray level of halftone image 10. Image 10 has predetermined areas 14, 16 and 22 each having a predetermined number or screen frequency of structural elements 12, the screen frequency of structural elements 12 per unit area of area 14, 16 and 22 being different between at least two areas 14, 16 and 22 and/or structural elements 12 being offset from each other in at least two areas 14, 16 and 22. A data carrier with such a halftone image 10 acquires a moiré pattern in at least predetermined areas of halftone image 10 when copied, so that a copy of the data carrier is recognizable immediately and with the naked eye (FIG. 1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Giesecke & Devrient GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Müller, Stefan May
  • Patent number: 6357799
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a printed matter in which it is difficult to confirm an image in the state before the image appears, and by scratching the print surface with a coin a brilliant image appears. On a print substrate, an image of a ink composition containing a material having a greater hardness than that of the metal of a coin or medal, and a print layer having a contrast with respect to the print substrate or the image are printed. By effectively using human visual recognition characteristics, the print layer having a contrast is recognized very strongly, so that the masking effect and the effect of attention occur. This makes it difficult to recognize what image is printed not only when the printed matter is seen from front, but also when it is seen sidewise. Thus, even if light is shed on the printed matter, the image cannot be seen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Etsuo Shibata
    Inventors: Masaaki Shibata, Tohru Hayano
  • Publication number: 20020030360
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventors: Jurgen Herrmann, Werner Reinhart
  • Publication number: 20020030361
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventor: Jonathan D. Greene
  • Patent number: 6355140
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thread-inserted window paper produces paper in which a thread is exposed to windows which are intermittently formed, and have clear contours, and in which thread is exposed surely at the window portions to make the thread clearly recognizable visually. The method is capable of being carried out with a relatively simple apparatus. Wet paper (1) in which a thread (T) is embedded in the paper layer is guided while being in intimate contact with a center roll (3) having protrusions (2) arranged on the surface thereof intermittently at a predetermined distance, the surface of the wet paper on the protrusions is frictionally rubbed by a friction roll (4) thereby moving fibers at the surface of the wet paper on the protrusions to form exposed portions of the thread intermittently on the surface of the wet paper and the wet paper is then dried by a customary method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Tokushu Paper Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Murakami, Masaaki Suyama
  • Publication number: 20020027361
    Abstract: A security document (1), such as a bank note, is formed from a sheet-like substrate (10) of clear plastic material with layers (13, 14, 15, 16) of opacifying ink applied to the surfaces (11, 12) of the substrate (10). The security document (1) includes a security device (20) which is at least partially obscured by the layers (13, 14) of opacifying ink on a flat surface (11) of the substrate (10). The layers (15, 16) on the second surface (12) of the substrate (10) are applied in such a manner so as to leave a “half-window” area uncovered by opacifying ink through which the security device (20) is visible for one side of the document (1). The security device (20) may extend transversely outside the half-window area and be visible in transmission, enabling a different contrasting effect to be observed from both sides of the document.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: Securency Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Bruce Hardwick, Wayne Kevin Jackson, Paul Zientek, Cameron Rex Hibbert
  • Patent number: 6352287
    Abstract: A planar form or structure is used to create a thin card capable of receiving and retaining printed indicia, including written signatures, on both opposing surfaces. The structure and related method allow the exposed carrier surface and the underlying release agent layer to receive and retain printed indicia, including written signatures, while retaining an extremely thin, yet tear-resistant, card structure. The release agent layer solidifies from a liquid to form a film capable of receiving and retaining printed indicia, written signatures, and the like which may be printed or written upon through the peeling away of the transparent lamina layer to expose the underlying release agent layer for receiving the indicia. The resulting structure preferably exhibits a flexibility due to its thickness lying within the range of 15-30 microns plus the thickness of the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Strata-Tac, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles L. Casagrande
  • Publication number: 20020024215
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventor: Kam Fu Wong
  • Patent number: 6349972
    Abstract: Anti-counterfeiting and counterfeit detection devices and procedures are provided particularly usable in connection with vouchers issued by coin discriminator or coin counting machines. Paper stock may be preprinted with inks which are not readily photocopied without apparent alteration. Preprinting is preferably in two or more orientations such as longitudinal and lateral and preferably some preprinting is positioned closer to the paper stock edge than can typically be achieved using ordinarily available laser printers or inkjet printers. A pattern of perforations, preferably micro perforations, are provided in a curved, preferably tightly radiused shape or configuration. Serial numbers or other identifiers may be preprinted on portions of the paper stock and matching or correlatable numbers printed on such preprinted paper stock substantially at the time of printing the voucher value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Coinstar, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Geiger, David J. Brown, Timothy J. Manion, Scott J. Scherer
  • Publication number: 20020014768
    Abstract: Display information is revealed from behind a metal film that can be cleared upon effective contact with a clearing agent. The metal film, while opaque, is generally less than 1000 Angstroms thick and can be cleared by exposure to innocuous agents including food or other household products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Applicant: Timer Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Shadle, David M. Good, Gerrit L. Verschuur, Chauncey T. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 6344261
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Giesecke & Devrient GmbH
    Inventors: Wittich Kaule, Gerhard Schwenk, Gerhard Stenzel
  • Publication number: 20020008380
    Abstract: A self-verifying security document, such as a banknote (1) comprises a flexible sheet formed from a plastics substrate (2) bearing indicia (3). The sheet has a window (5) of transparent plastics material which includes self-verification means (11) for verifying a security device (4) provided at a laterally spaced second portion of the sheet when the sheet is bent or folded to bring the window (5) into register with the security device (4). The self-verification means may be an optical lens (11) for reading an area of microprinting (10). In another embodiment, the self-verification means may be an optical filter (21) for viewing an area (22) printed with metameric inks. In other embodiments, the self-verification means and the security device (4) may be polarizing windows (31, 32) or Moire inducing patterns (41, 42).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Applicant: Securency Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: John Charles Taylor, Bruce Alfred Hardwick, Wayne Kevin Jackson, Paul Zientek, Cameron Rex Hibbert
  • Patent number: 6325421
    Abstract: The authenticity attribute for an object to be protected is formed by an elongate profile which produces characteristic oscillations upon scanning with the edge or the tip of a scanning object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Inventor: Stefan Huebner
  • Patent number: 6318758
    Abstract: The invention relates to a security document with a security element having at least a first layer with gaps in the form of characters or patterns or the like, and a discontinuous magnetic layer in the form of a coding disposed below said first layer. In the areas where the gaps and the magnetic layer overlap, the gaps are also present in the magnetic layer. The invention further relates to a security element and to methods for producing said element and the document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Giesecke & Devrient GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Stenzel, Wittich Kaule
  • Patent number: 6318760
    Abstract: A metal layer cleared by contact with a chemical clearing agent to reveal an underlying graphics layer is at least partially covered by a buffer material that delays contact with the clearing agent. The buffer material can be applied in a pattern that forms a temporary image in the metal layer prior to more completely revealing the underlying graphics layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Timer Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Shadle, David M. Good, Chauncey T. Mitchell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6317226
    Abstract: A moire pattern technology about a dot matrix hologram for hiding a moire pattern is invented. In the moire pattern hidden region of a dot matrix hologram, the moire pattern foreground area and the moire pattern background area are formed identically by interlacing bright lines and dark lines. While position shifting is formed between the lines of the two areas. This position shifting is several times of the size of the grating dots. Thus, a moire pattern hidden in the moire pattern hidden region without being processed specially has a poor hiding ability. Often the above moire pattern can be identified by eyes directly without using a decoding film. Therefore, such kinds of moire patterns have poor hidden effects. However, the moire pattern of the present invention can prevent the aforesaid phenomenon by a well designed pretended pattern. Moreover, the appearance of such a dot matrix hologram can be beautified by the addition of the pretended patern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Ahead Optoelectronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Sheng-Lie Yeh, Jie-Tsuen Lan, Hsiu-Hung Lin
  • Patent number: 6316082
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of laminated materials and, in particular, to laminates (1) for stamping foils and security threads (1). In one aspect there is provided a laminate (1) for a stamping foil comprising a carrier layer, a translucent or transparent coloured first lacquer layer (5), a translucent or transparent second lacquer layer (10) disposed between the carrier layer and the first lacquer layer and a light-reflecting layer (20) adjacent to the first lacquer layer, wherein the first lacquer layer is incomplete in a region substantially in register with an incomplete region in the light-reflecting layer such that the carrier layer is partially covered by the first lacquer layer and the light-reflecting layer (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: API Group PLC
    Inventors: Donald William Tomkins, Thomas Anthony Bleasdale, Lynn Shona Hardie Fergusson
  • Patent number: 6305718
    Abstract: A protected/security document is provided that foils counterfeiting even if a laser photocopy machine (such as a Canon 500 color copier) is utilized. The document has at least three discrete half-tone printed bands disposed on its surface, provided by dots or lines. Each printed band has a different screen density and within each bands the dots or lines comprise a warning word or symbol (e.g. “Void”), or a background. The dots or lines of either the “Void” or background drop out when photocopied, while the dots or lines of the other do not. The dots or lines that do not drop out may be dimensioned so that there are about 24-34 per centimeter, while for those that do drop out there are about 52-64 per centimeter. The bands are typically arranged either linearly or in concentric circles, and interband areas having density gradually transitioning between the densities of adjacent bands are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Moore Business Forms, Inc.
    Inventor: Jimmy Ray Kendrick
  • Patent number: 6303211
    Abstract: Tamper-evident electric paper is made of two sheets of electric paper bonded together, the bottom sheet of which includes a pattern. Any attempt to erase a writing on the top sheet of electric paper results in the pattern on the bottom sheet of electric paper being erased. Therefore any tampering by erasure of a writing on the tamper-evident electric paper is revealed by the absence of a portion of the pattern on the bottom sheet of electric paper. Single sheet tamper-evident electric paper has a complex pattern, such as an encryption, printed on a single sheet of electric paper. Any attempt to erase a writing on the electric paper also erases a portion of the encryption, thereby providing evidence of tampering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Jock D. MacKinlay, Daniel G. Bobrow, Daniel H. Greene, L. Charles Hebel, Nicholas K. Sheridon, Craig A. Smith, William C. Emerson
  • Patent number: 6303202
    Abstract: A secure sticker is provided comprising a waterproof base portion including a paper ply, static printed matter, and a resin, wherein the paper ply and the static printed matter are sealed within the resin, and wherein the resin is substantially transparent to light in the visible spectrum. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a secure sticker is provided comprising a substantially waterproof base portion, a liner ply, and an adhesive interface. The substantially waterproof base portion includes a paper ply, static printed matter, and a resin. The paper ply and the static printed matter are sealed within the resin. The resin is substantially transparent to light in the visible spectrum. The liner ply defines a label portion and a removable portion, wherein the label portion includes variable printed matter thereon. The adhesive interface is arranged to adhere the liner ply to the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: The Standard Register Company
    Inventors: David E. Washburn, Rajendra Mehta, Khristopher J. Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 6303213
    Abstract: The invention relates to substrates bearing visible information that is secure against unauthorized copying obtained by applying information in the form of combinations of at least one emitting colorant and at least one reflecting colorant that are selected to exhibit similar or identical hues when viewed, with no cognizance being taken of fluorescence, and are applied in such a manner that their color fields touch, wherein the color loci of the two colorants correspond to one of the trichromatic colors yellow, magenta, or cyan and the reflecting colorant is an organic or inorganic pigment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Bayer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Horst Berneth, Uwe Claussen, Rolf Richter, Harro Träubel, Günter Franke
  • Patent number: 6302444
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fraud-proof document comprising a carrier and at least one marking arranged on the carrier, wherein at least a part of the surface of the marking or along at least a part of the periphery of the marking a weakening pattern is arranged in the carrier which, when detached, results in a permanent an easily visible distortion of the pattern. When removing the glued-on passport photo or foil a forger will irrevocably distort the weakening pattern, this such that the regularity is permanently and visibly disturbed so that it is easy to ascertain that the document in question has been subjected to an attempted fraud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Industrial Automation Integrators (I.A.I.) B.V.
    Inventor: Johannes I. M. Cobben
  • Patent number: 6296281
    Abstract: A latent image structure of a highly secure nature in which two latent image are superimposed. Each of the superimposed latent images is viewable from a different line of sight. Relief elements define, for each latent image, portions of respective linear relief structures providing an image and a background which cooperate to generate the latent image. Relief elements are only provided at locations where the linear relief structures of the first and second latent images intersect. The resultant latent image structure, when viewed normally, has the advantage of a relatively flat appearance, making it difficult to discern the presence either of the superimposed latent images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: De La Rue International Limited
    Inventor: David Allen Stone
  • Publication number: 20010020785
    Abstract: Variable confidential information (12) is printed over scrambling pattern (14) which is formed of thermochromatic ink. Information (12) cannot be read due to the presence of the underlying scrambling pattern. The information becomes readable when heat is applied to the thermochromatic ink and the optical properties of the thermochromatic ink are altered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Inventors: Joel Bryan Van Boom, Chuck Casagrande, Bernard Willem ?quot;Wim?quot; Scheggetman
  • Patent number: 6283509
    Abstract: A data carrier with an optically variable structure is described having an embossed screen which is combined with a coating contrasting with the surface of the data carrier in such a way that different optically variable effects occur at different angles. Embossed screen and/or coating are executed in such a way that especially striking or additional effects occur which are suitable for determining the authenticity of the data carrier but cannot be reproduced, or reproduced true to the original, with the help of copying machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Giesecke & Devrient GmbH
    Inventors: Eckhard Braun, Johann Muller, Reinhard Plaschka, Franz Daniel
  • Patent number: 6284396
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multilayer foil, in particular a transfer foil. The transfer foil consists of a carrier. foil, a one- or multilayer transfer layer containing an optically variable structure, and an intermediate layer located between the carrier foil and the transfer layer, the intermediate layer being a metal oxide or semiconductor oxide layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Giesecke and Devrient GmbH
    Inventors: Wittich Kaule, Gregor Grauvogl
  • Patent number: 6273473
    Abstract: A self-verifying security document, such as a banknote (1) comprises a flexible sheet formed from a plastics substrate (2) bearing indicia (3). The sheet bas a window (5) of transparent plastics material which includes self-verification means (11) for verifying a security device (4) provided at a laterally spaced second portion of the sheet when the sheet is bent or folded to bring the window (5) into register with the security device (4). The self-verification means may be an optical lens (11) for reading an area of microprinting (10). In another embodiment, the self-verification means may be an optical filter (21) for viewing an area (22) printed with metameric inks. In other embodiments, the self-verification means and the security device (4) may be polarising windows (31, 32) or Moire inducing patterns (41, 42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Securency Pty Ltd
    Inventors: John Charles Taylor, Bruce Alfred Hardwick, Wayne Kevin Jackson, Paul Zientek, Cameron Rex Hibbert
  • Patent number: 6270122
    Abstract: Display information is revealed from behind a metal film that can be cleared upon effective contact with a clearing agent. The metal film, while opaque, is generally less than 1000 Angstroms thick and can be cleared by exposure to innocuous agents including food or other household products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Timer Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Shadle, David M. Good, Gerrit L. Verschuur, Chauncey T. Mitchell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6269169
    Abstract: Apparatus and a method are disclosed for reading documents, such as identity documents, including passports, and documents of value, to obtain and verify information recorded thereon, and to read and/or detect security information thereon to determine if such documents are counterfeit or have been altered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Imaging Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E Funk, Daryl A. White
  • Patent number: 6259506
    Abstract: In a first aspect this invention provides a security article comprising an electrically actuated optical switch comprised of a liquid crystal material. In one embodiment the liquid crystal material is disposed in a layer of polymer dispersed liquid crystal material. In a second embodiment the liquid crystal material is micro-encapsulated with an orientable dye. In a second aspect this invention provides a document or currency that comprises a paper matrix that includes at least one security article, i.e. a security thread. In a third aspect this invention provides a device for verifying an authenticity of a document or currency of a type that includes at least one security article, i.e. at least one security thread. The at least one security thread includes the liquid crystal material having a visual characteristic that is switched between two states as a function of a presence or absence of an electric field between first and second electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Spectra Science Corporation
    Inventor: Nabil M Lawandy
  • Patent number: 6254139
    Abstract: The invention relates to a security envelope (20) for an article, the envelope being constituted by a sleeve (21) of heat-shrinkable plastics material that is fitted on its inside face with a holographic element (30) and with a tear strip (22) passing behind said holographic element (30). According to the invention, the holographic element (30) is organized to be transferable onto the facing wall (13) of the article and to adhere to said wall via zones situated on either side of the tear strip (22) so as to hold a portion of said tear strip captive, such that any fraudulent manipulation of the envelope heat-shrunk onto the article has the effect of displacing the tear strip (22) and consequently of automatically and visibly destroying the transferred holographic element (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Sleever International Company
    Inventor: Eric Fresnel
  • Patent number: 6254007
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: The Standard Register Company
    Inventor: William H. Mowry, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6231082
    Abstract: A tamper-evident form for securely carrying information includes a scrambling pattern (4) which underlies the printed information such that the printed information cannot be read. Separation of the printed information and scrambling pattern, or other disabling of the scrambling pattern, is tamper-evident and renders the information readable. In preferred embodiments the information is printed on a lamina (6) which overlies the scrambling pattern (4). The information can be printed by conventional printers and no post-processing of the form is required to render the information secure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Documotion Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Bryan Van Boom, Chuck Casagrande, Bernard Willem Scheggetman
  • Patent number: 6233340
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for enhancing the security of selected information associated with a negotiable document, such as the monetary value of a cheque. In the invention, one or more security features are printed or applied onto the cheque. One such security feature is an encrypted control code. The preferred embodiment employs a secret key cryptographic scheme to encrypt the monetary value and thereby generate a first control code which is printed on tile cheque. When the cheque is presented for payment, a validator, such as bank or cheque cle aring house, employs a verification system having a copy of the encryption key to read the monetary value from the cheque and re-encrypt it according to said scheme to generate a second control code. The cheque is not honoured if the first and second control codes are not identical. Another security feature is a security image, composed, for instance, from a foreground image of the monetary value superimposed over a background motif image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Calin A. Sandru
  • Patent number: RE37491
    Abstract: An information storage medium has a base portion and a code storage portion. The code storage portion is disposed on the base portion and contains an infrared absorber which absorbs substantially only infrared rays within a narrow wavelength band. If a real information storage medium is produced like that, subject mediums are judged real or not by a method includes the steps of emitting rays to the subject medium, receiving rays reflected from the subject medium, detecting a first reflectance at the peak absorption wavelength and a second reflectance at a comparison wavelength near the peak wavelength, and judging if the subject medium is real or not. The rays at the comparison wavelength are not very much absorbed by the absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Noriyuki Itoh, Masahiko Wakana, Manabu Suzuki, Haruki Ohta