And Electrically Conductive Material Patents (Class 283/83)
  • Publication number: 20020113430
    Abstract: A durable non-metallic security element, such as a security thread, foil stripe or patch, is manufactured from a conductive polymer. Magnetic polymers are added, either evenly over the entire length or area of the security element, or according to a predetermined pattern. The security element may further comprise printed information, visible in transmitted or incident light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Luciano Beghello, Martti Toivakka
  • Patent number: 6382677
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Giesecke & Devrient GmbH
    Inventors: Wittich Kaule, Gregor Grauvogl, Jürgen Schützmann, Friedrich Kretschmar
  • 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: 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
  • Patent number: 6347813
    Abstract: An interactive game is disclosed which may take the form of a board game, a hand held game or a yard game. It includes a series of printed circuits or devices which may be concealed within a playing surface and an electronic detector for the circuits. Easily as many as 8 or 16 different discrete device may be detected and distinguished. Stored messages associated with each device or combinations of devices is displayed or audibly reproduce the messages. This invention is also applied to interactive books and games which have multiple layers with superimposed pages or boards. Interference between superimposed pages or boards is eliminated by surrounding each concealed device with a conductive pattern which has no resonant frequency in the range of detection of the electronic detector or probe. Likewise, concealed devices are not located on immediately following pages or boards at the same location on the page. The method of manufacturing such interactive games or books is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Inventors: Jack Star, Hal H. Berger
  • Patent number: 6346321
    Abstract: A plastic film comprising a plastic resin having imprinted on one of its surfaces a microtyped marking is disclosed. The film, optionally in the form of a laminate with a film of polymeric material, paper or metal foil is useful as packaging material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Wolff Walsrode AG
    Inventors: Olaf Stöber, Christian Kuckertz, Adolf Ahrens
  • 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: 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: 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: 6255948
    Abstract: A security device having multiple security features is used with an item, such as a secure document, ticket, label or tag, to authenticate the item and/or encode data pertaining to the item. One example of the security device includes a carrier substrate, a metallic layer disposed on the carrier substrate, and a magnetic layer disposed on the metallic layer in substantial registration with at least a portion of the metallic layer, thereby providing both metallic security features and magnetic security features. The metallic layer and the magnetic layer also form graphic or visually identifiable indicia on the carrier substrate to provide a visual security feature. According to one method, the metallic layer is applied to the carrier substrate, the magnetic layer is applied to the metallic layer, and the layers are etched to form the graphic indicia. The magnetic layer can, in one embodiment, include a magnetic chemical resist that is printed on the metallic layer in the form of the graphic indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Technical Graphics Security Products, LLC
    Inventors: Gary R. Wolpert, Gerald J. Gartner, Stephen B. Curdo, Paul F. Cote
  • Patent number: 6224109
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: James Yung Chien Yang
  • Patent number: 6199911
    Abstract: The invention relates to a security element for security paper for banknotes and the like having both aesthetic and anti-counterfeitable qualities. The invention comprises a security element for wholly or partially embedding in security paper comprising an elongate strip of a light transmitting polymeric substrate. The substrate bears a reflective metallic layer on at least one surface thereof in the form of a design. The design comprises at least one repeating geometric pattern of which one of more of the frequency, instantaneous amplitude and/or maximum amplitude of the pattern varies along the length of the element and design having at least one non-linear boundary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: De la Rue International Limited
    Inventors: Roland Isherwood, John Martin Haslop
  • Patent number: 6176522
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Securency Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Wayne K. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6171734
    Abstract: A paper substrate is laminated with a metalized layer forming a mirrored surface. A partially transparent black diffraction grating is applied by stochastic screening to the mirrored surface. The diffraction grating forms a random pattern from selected geometric shapes. Information, such as alphanumeric indicia or graphics, is printed on the stochastic screen to thus form a reflective diffraction device which is printable in a conventional manner while inhibiting reproduction of the printed information by conventional techniques, including black and white and color photo-reproduction and facsimile machines. The partially transparent black stochastic screen forms a diffraction grating on the metalized layer so that when illuminated from the light source of either a specular or diffuse illumination-type photocopier, random interference patterns of light occur at the interface of the metalized surface and the stochastic screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Graphic Arts Technical Foundation
    Inventors: Richard D. Warner, John T. Lind
  • Patent number: 6155605
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: De la Rue International Limited
    Inventors: Robin Bratchley, Andrew Nutton, Malcolm Robert Murray Knight, Duncan Hamilton Reid
  • Patent number: 6139065
    Abstract: Security paper, security documents made from the security paper, and processes for making the security paper, are provided. A filament is bonded and embedded into paper which has previously been manufactured. The filament is bonded to the paper by an adhesive, or by heat and pressure. The filament is embedded into the paper by pressure applied by rolls. The filament may be imprinted with printed matter for visual confirmation of document authenticity. The filament may include any combination of security features, such as reflective filaments, fluorescent filaments, and high tensile strength filaments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: The Standard Register Company
    Inventors: David Ernest Washburn, Rajendra Mehta, Harry Allen Seifert
  • Patent number: 6118377
    Abstract: A security system includes a security article and a corresponding detector. The security article comprises a substrate layer having a top surface and a bottom surface. The substrate layer is composed of an electrically nonconductive material. Deposited on the top surface of the substrate layer is a conductive thin film coating having a predetermined electrical resistance between two spaced apart points. In one embodiment, the conductive thin film coating is comprised of a transparent conductive compound and has a thickness in a range between about 7 nanometers to about 700 nanometers. Printing can be positioned either on top of the substrate layer or on top of the thin film coating. The detector corresponds to the security article and has a light source and a pair of spaced apart probes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Flex Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Bonkowski, Christopher W. Lantman
  • Patent number: 6085903
    Abstract: A security packaging incorporates security features as an integral part thereof. A blank made from a substantially rigid material incorporates at least one repeatedly verifiable authenticating security feature which cannot be separated from the material without causing damage to it. The security feature may comprise a multilayer laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Portals (Bathford) Limited
    Inventors: Richard Bryan Jotcham, David Edwards
  • Patent number: 6030691
    Abstract: An antifalsification paper having a security element in the form of a thread or band that consists of a translucent plastic film with an at least partly opaque coating. The coating has translucent areas in the form of visually and/or machine readable characters or patterns that form first information. In addition second information in the form of visually and/or machine readable characters or patterns is disposed on the plastic film, differing from the first information with respect to its size and/or visual impression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Giesecke & Devrient GmbH
    Inventors: Theo Burchard, Christian Schmitz, Michael Bohm
  • Patent number: 6031457
    Abstract: A security article comprises a substrate layer having a top surface and a bottom surface. The substrate layer is composed of an electrically nonconductive material. Deposited on the top surface of the substrate layer is a conductive thin film coating having a predetermined electrical resistance between two spaced apart points. In one embodiment, the conductive thin film coating is composed of a transparent conductive compound and has a thickness in a range between about 7 nanometers to about 700 nanometers. Printing can be positioned either on top of the substrate layer or on top of the thin film coating. An adhesive can be applied on the bottom surface of the substrate layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Flex Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Bonkowski, Christopher W. Lantman
  • Patent number: 5997044
    Abstract: Information can be retrieved from documents such as game cards and document security can be improved by printing electronic circuits or circuit elements on the ticket. Conductive or semiconductive ink can be printed on the document by using gravure, relief, planographic, letter press or flexographic methods to form the circuit elements. In one lottery ticket embodiment the circuit elements are printed over play indica and under a scratch-off coating so that they are removed when the ticket is played. An electronic verification machine can then be used to determine which portions of the scratch-off coatings covering the play indicia have been removed. A second group of circuit elements can also be printed under the play indicia which improves security by blocking light that may be shined through the ticket and by being tested, along with the first group of circuit elements, for integrity by the electronic verification machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Scientific Games Inc.
    Inventors: William F. Behm, Kenneth E. Irwin, Jr., Mark C. Tevis
  • Patent number: 5961152
    Abstract: Security paper, security documents made from the security paper, and processes for making the security paper, are provided. A filament is bonded and embedded into paper which has previously been manufactured. The filament is bonded to the paper by an adhesive, or by heat and pressure. The filament is embedded into the paper by pressure applied by rolls. The filament may be imprinted with printed matter for visual confirmation of document authenticity. The filament may include any combination of security features, such as reflective filaments, fluorescent filaments, and high tensile strength filaments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: The Standard Register Company
    Inventors: David Ernest Washburn, Rajendra Mehta, Harry Allen Seifert
  • Patent number: 5895075
    Abstract: A security label has a bar code on the outer surface of an outer layer which is permanently bonded to an inner layer. A pull tab defined in the material of the outer and second layers is joined to a detachable portion extending across the length of the label whereby removal of the pull tab will tear out the detachable portion to prevent recognition of the optically readable pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Aquasol Limited
    Inventor: David Brian Edwards
  • Patent number: 5871615
    Abstract: Security paper carries an intricate tactile surface profile pattern which has been imparted to the paper during its manufacture, at a stage after initial de-watering but before final drying, by passing the paper through a nip between a forming surface corresponding to the desired pattern and a backing surface. The tactile pattern is of excellent durability, and its intricacy offers a high degree of security. The tactile pattern is visible when viewed under low angle light, which facilitates verification or authentication of security documents made using the patterned paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: The Wiggins Teape Group Limited
    Inventor: Colin Austin Harris
  • Patent number: 5869160
    Abstract: A release coated liner and security labels containing such release coated liners are described. In one embodiment the labels comprise(A) a sheet having an upper and a lower surface;(B) an adhesive layer having an upper surface and a lower surface and having its upper surface in contact with the lower surface of the sheet; and(C) a liner with a release coating removably affixed to the lower surface of the adhesive layer (B) wherein the release coating contains a microencapsulated material which is capable of marking a substrate when (a) at least some of the capsules are broken, (b) the liner with release coating is removed from the label, and (c) the label, without liner and release coating is applied to a substrate.The sheet (A) may be a multilayer sheet. In preferred embodiments, the microencapsulated material is an etchant or a fluorescent agent. The security labels may be applied to glass or metal and is preferably applied to painted glass or metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel T. Mason, Thomas C. Epple
  • Patent number: 5867102
    Abstract: An integrated pressure sensitive adhesive backed label assembly includes a security device such as an electronic article surveillance device, security tag or other antitheft device on a bottom side of the label so that the security device is not readily noticeable to the consumer. The label assembly can have the security device bonded to the adhesive backing of the label by separating the release liner from the label, placing the security device on the label and reapplying the release liner. Alternatively, as portions of the release liner can be cut and removed to expose a small area of the adhesive so that the security device can be attached directly to the label. The small area of the release liner can be cut and the security device attached to the cut portion so that the remaining portion of the release liner can be separated while leaving the cut portion and the security device attached to the label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Wallace Computer Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward D. Souder, Janusz Szczepaniec, Ronald R. Garrison
  • Patent number: 5837153
    Abstract: A method and system for providing specialized contacts for electronic information on a smart card in the pattern of a source identifier and such that a machine may contact and read the information upon placement of the card in a reading device. The contact points for reading information on the card are formed by etching a substrate attached to the logic element of the smart card. The etching allows both the foreground and the background of an image, in two selected colors, to be included within the contact area of the smart card, with the foreground constituting the conductor and the background the resist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Inventor: Joseph C. Kawan
  • Patent number: 5837367
    Abstract: The invention relates to a memory card and its method of manufacture. The memory card has a flexible composite substrate formed from a top film, a base film, and an adhesive layer deposited between and bonding together the base film and the top film. Preferably, the thickness of such composite substrate is between 8 and 12 mils. A layer of metal is adhered to the exposed surface of the top film. A circuit layer is provided to form at least one site on the memory card which is readable by an external reading device. A protective layer is provided to overlie and protect the circuit layer of the memory card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Interprint Formularios Ltda.
    Inventors: Fernando Ortiz, Jr., James T. Faris
  • Patent number: 5830609
    Abstract: A paper substrate is laminated with a metalized layer forming a mirrored surface. A partially transparent black diffraction grating is applied by stochastic screening to the mirrored surface. The diffraction grating forms a frequency modulated pattern from selected geometric shapes. Information, such as alphanumeric indicia or graphics, is printed on the stochastic screen to thus form a reflective diffraction device which is printable in a conventional manner while inhibiting reproduction of the printed information by conventional techniques, including black and white and color photo-reproduction and facsimile machines. The partially transparent black stochastic screen forms a diffraction grating on the metalized layer so that when illuminated from the light source of either a specular or diffuse illumination-type photocopier, random interference patterns of light occur at the interface of the metalized surface and the stochastic screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Graphic Arts Technical Foundation
    Inventors: Richard D. Warner, John T. Lind
  • Patent number: 5803503
    Abstract: The invention relates to a security document, in particular a bank note, identity card or the like, having a security element which is provided with characters, patterns, etc., visually readable at least in transmitted light and which is electrically conductive and bears additional substances for machine testing, and to a method for producing such a security element. The security element preferably consists of a transparent film strip that bears negative writing readily capable of visual checking and is additionally provided with electrically conductive and magnetic substances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: GAO Gesellschaft Fur Automation und Organisation mgH
    Inventors: Wittich Kaule, Michael Boehm, Walter Schneider, Theodor Burchard
  • Patent number: 5769457
    Abstract: A printed sheet product comprises a thin core having a pair of opposing major planar sides. A plurality of sets of variable data fields are printed on at least a first side of the core. One or more of the variable data fields of each set may be printed on the opposing second side of the core. Each set of printed variable data fields includes at least a first data field printed with a numeric code, the numeric code of each variable data field set being different from that of each other set printed on the first side of the core. Each set of variable data fields further includes a second data field printed with either a name and mailing address uniquely associated with a numeric code or with another representation of the numeric code. Where printed, the name and address of each variable data set differs from that of each other variable data set printed on the first side of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Vanguard Identification Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard O. Warther
  • Patent number: 5762263
    Abstract: A non-magnetic material such as cardboard or plastic is used as the packaging material for the product to be protected from counterfeiting. The packaging material is configured as a box whose parts are bonded together by use of a hot-melt adhesive. The adhesive contains magnetic particles such as barium ferrite, and small molten globules of adhesive are applied to appropriate surfaces of the box during box fabrication. The box parts are folded to form the finished box, and under the application of pressure the globules of adhesive spread out and solidify, bonding the box surfaces together. It will be noted that presence of the magnetic particles in the adhesive does not modify the box fabrication procedure in any way, and that the box material may be processed and the box's surfaces printed in the usual manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Frederick Rockwell Chamberlain, IV
  • Patent number: 5720500
    Abstract: A plastic card provided with a magnetic stripe, which is very difficult to forge or alter and, even tough subjected to forgery or alteration, enables the forgery or alteration to be easily detected in appearance. The plastic card includes a card substrate and a hologram-magnetic stripe including, provided on said card substrate in the following order, an adhesive layer, a first magnetic recording layer, a second magnetic recording layer, a transparent continuous thin film layer and a hologram forming layer. The first magnetic recording layer and the second magnetic recording layer are such that one of the magnetic recording layers has a coercive force at least twice as high as the other magnetic layer and a Curie point at least 100.degree. C. below the other magnetic layer and, when the magnetic recording layers are heated at a temperature in the range of from the lower Curie point to 30.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignees: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd., JCB Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Okazaki, Yoshiki Sasaki, Koji Kitami
  • Patent number: 5697649
    Abstract: Articles for use with security documents are disclosed which include planchettes and security threads that comprise a plastic substrate having at least one security feature employing soft magnetic metal located thereon. Preferred articles comprise at least two security features where a first security feature is made up of an optionally repeating pattern of soft magnetic metal adapted to generate a signal or a series of signals in an interrogation field applied by a detection system for remote detecting and optionally for remote reading or identifying the article. A second security feature is a public security feature that comprises magnetic and/or non-magnetic metal formed indicia. The first and second security features of this invention can be coextensive features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Crane & Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Dames, Geraint Davies, Alaric Naiman
  • Patent number: 5690366
    Abstract: Identification document characterized by an electroluminescence effect, the peculiarity of which consists of including a plurality of superimposed layers according to the following sequence:one transparent support, one codification layer, said codification layer being fit for having a pre-established identification code, one first electric circuit, one first insulating layer, one electroluminescence layer, a second insulating layer, a second electrical circuit, one additional insulating layer, said first and second circuits being fit for lightening said electroluminescence layer by making use of alternating current through said circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: Abbatemaggio Luciano
  • Patent number: 5690773
    Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a contact-free card comprising a card body and an electronic module having an integrated circuit chip connected to an antenna, a frame is deposited on a lower thermoplastic sheet demarcating the edges of a cavity; the electronic module is positioned at the bottom of the cavity; this cavity is filled with a polymerizable resin; and the frame and the resin-filled cavity are covered with an upper thermoplastic sheet to which slight pressure is applied. The resin polymerizes, and the card is cut out within the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Gemplus Card International
    Inventors: Jean Christophe Fidalgo, Christiane Oi
  • Patent number: 5639126
    Abstract: Security strips or threads are provided which are suitable for at least partial incorporation in and/or for mounting on security documents or means for identification, such as labels, and which comprise the following deposited or laminated layers: at least one layer of a plastic substrate; a layer of a first security detection feature made up of identifying marks or indicia; and a layer of a second security detection feature comprising a generally invisible, optionally repeating pattern. The repeating pattern comprises at least one very thin conductive region and at least one electrically isolating region. Also provided is a security paper having such a security thread at least partially embedded therein and/or mounted on a surface thereof and a process for making the security paper. Further provided is a method of verifying the authenticity and reading the coded information of a security paper employing such a security thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Crane & Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Dames, Geraint Davies, Alaric Naiman
  • Patent number: 5621219
    Abstract: A device for determining from one or more different directions the geometrical pattern of a mark being randomly shaped in three dimensions and being embedded in a transparent material and securely fixed to an object. A radiation source is designed to emit radiation to a matrix of radiation detectors. The object is placed with the mark in the path of the radiation for projecting a silhouette of the mark onto the matrix of radiation detectors by the radiation sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Unicate B.V.
    Inventors: Rudolf L. van Renesse, Teunis Tel, Bart Snijders
  • Patent number: 5599046
    Abstract: Information can be retrieved from lottery tickets and lottery ticket security can be improved by printing electronic circuits or circuit elements on the ticket. Conductive or semiconductive ink can be printed on the ticket by using gravure, relief, planographic, letter press or flexographic methods to form the circuit elements. In one embodiment the circuit elements are printed over play indica and under a scratch-off coating so that they are removed when the ticket is played. An electronic verification machine can then be used to determine which portions of the scratch-off coatings coveting the play indicia have been removed. A second group of circuit elements can also be printed under the play indicia which improves security by blocking light that may be shined through the ticket and by being tested, along with the first group of circuit elements, for integrity by the electronic verification machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Scientific Games Inc.
    Inventors: William F. Behm, Kenneth E. Irwin, Jr., Mark C. Tevis
  • Patent number: 5599047
    Abstract: The invention relates to a security document, in particular a bank note, identity card or the like, having a security element which is provided with characters, patterns, etc., visually readable at least in transmitted light and which is electrically conductive and bears additional substances for machine testing, and to a method for producing such a security element. The security element preferably consists of a transparent film strip that bears negative writing readily capable of visual checking and is additionally provided with electrically conductive and magnetic substances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: GAO Gesellschaft Fur Automation und Organisation mbH
    Inventors: Wittich Kaule, Michael Boehm, Walter Schneider, Theodor Burchard
  • Patent number: 5597183
    Abstract: An interactive book having display pages which are illuminated via electroluminescent (EL) lamps is disclosed. A typical display page includes characters which may be individually illuminated by an underlying pattern of EL lamps, and membrane switches for the user to activate the EL lamps as desired. The sheets of the book are assembled with back-to-back display pages, i.e. with inner layers of EL lamps and outer layers of characters. The EL lamps may luminesce simply, such as with a single membrane switch for a single EL lamp, or a series of EL lamps may be connected to a sequencing circuit wherein activation of a single membrane switch causes a specific timing and order for luminescence of the EL lamp series. The sequence of the EL lamp series may be set to provide motion effects, such as animation, for the overlying characters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Junkyard Dogs, Ltd.
    Inventor: William R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5566982
    Abstract: An identity card or credit card type of card is equipped with a validity-checking device that makes it possible to do away with the use of complementary, sophisticated checking equipment. It results from the association of a structure S.sub.1 comprising at least one layer of piezoelectric material and a structure S.sub.2 comprising a material capable of switching electrically between two optical states (I) and (II) that are different in terms of ocular perception. During the bending of the card, the validity or non-validity of the card can be attested to by the appearance or non-appearance of the validity of the card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Idmatics S. A.
    Inventors: Jean C. Lehureau, Francis Massie, Claude Bricot
  • Patent number: 5516153
    Abstract: A security element for use in a security document such as a bank note, identity card or the like includes at least a partial metallic coating on a substrate and wherein the metallic coating includes recesses in the forms of characters or patterns that are visually recognizable at least in transmitted light and a magnetic coating of soft-magnetic pigments disposed in overlying relationship with the metallic coating. A security document containing the security element is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: GAO Gesellschaft fur Automation und Organisation mbH
    Inventor: Wittich Kaule
  • Patent number: 5509691
    Abstract: A security element that can be embedded in the form of a thread or strip in a security document, in particular a paper of value, is composed of two carrier sheets, each of which bears each of the marking substances allowing for detection of authenticity. The two carrier sheets are put together in such a way that the marking substances to be protected from mechanical abrasion and other external influences come to lie on the inside.The thread not only offers special protection for the marking substances, but can also be embedded in the paper substance easily due to its symmetrical structure and without showing any tendency to curl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: GAO Gesellschaft fur Automation und Organisation mbH
    Inventors: Wittich Kaule, Wilhelm Ilgmann, Gerhard Schwenk, Gerhard Stenzel
  • Patent number: 5510163
    Abstract: An optical recording medium for storing data is provided having a visible logo on a read side of the medium for providing some anticounterfeiting protection. A logo coating for producing the visible logo is carded by the read-side of the substrate; the coating has a sufficiently high transmittance at a read or write wavelength such that light at the read or write wavelength passing through the logo coating toward the other side of the substrate and reflected back through the logo is substantially transmitted and unchanged by the coating so that the data can be detected as well the coating is sufficiently light absorbing in the visible spectrum such that there is a visible contrast between the recording coating and the logo coating. In another embodiment, the logo coating forms a portion of a reflective recording layer on the other non-read side of the substrate. In this case, the logo coating is visually distinguishable from the rest of the recording layer and is made of a different material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: National Research Council of Canada
    Inventors: Brian T. Sullivan, Li Li, Jerzy A. Dobrowolski, Peter D. Grant
  • Patent number: 5492370
    Abstract: The article includes a substrate which is composed of a single ply that contains both a structure for generating a viewable optically variable effect, such as a hologram, and carries an indicia receptive coating. The indicia receptive coating covers the single ply such that at least part of the optically variable effect is visible. The indicia receptive coating may receive printed indicia such as security indicia, alphanumeric character shapes, symbols, and bar codes. The article with the single ply that contains viewable optically variable effect and also carries the printed indicia, is more tamper resistant than previous identification documents. It is very difficult, if not impossible, to alter the printed indicia without also altering the structure that generates the viewable optically variable effect or vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: De La Rue Holographics Ltd.
    Inventors: Charles E. Chatwin, Ralph Kay
  • Patent number: 5486022
    Abstract: A visually verifiable and machine-readable security thread having at least two security detection means located thereon, where a first security detection means comprises a machine-readable repeating pattern and where a second security detection means comprises visually verifiable metal-formed indicia. Such security threads are suitable for use with security documents, such as banknotes and the like, labels and any other documents or means of identification used for purposes which make the verification of the authenticity of each specimen desirable at least once in its lifetime.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: Crane & Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy T. Crane
  • Patent number: 5399403
    Abstract: A self-adhesive label comprising a multilaminar label portion, a self-adhesive laminar material extending over, and adhered by its self-adhesive surface to, the multilaminar label portion thereby to form two self-adhesive edge portions thereof on opposed sides of the multilaminar label portion, a backing of release material to which one of the edge portions is releasably adhered and an unadhesive portion which is located on the rear surface of the said one edge portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Inventor: David J. Instance
  • Patent number: 5388862
    Abstract: A security article such as a banknote, credit card, identity card or travel document includes a security element which is visually detectable in transmitted light to display portions which transmit light and portions which are opaque, the security element including a plurality of layers that include a light-transmitting support layer and two or more series of opaque regions. The arrangement of the opaque regions is such that at certain parts of the security element the regions overlap to prevent light transmission and elsewhere along its length the opaque regions do not overlap or only partially overlap such that light transmission through the security element occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Portals Limited
    Inventor: David Edwards
  • Patent number: 5354099
    Abstract: The invention relates to a security document, in particular a bank note, identity card or the like having a security element which is provided with characters, patterns, etc., visually readable at least in transmitted light and which is electrically conductive and bears additional substances for machine testing, and to a method for producing such a security element. The security element comprises a transparent film strip that bears negative writing readily capable of visual checking and is additionally provided with electrically conductive and magnetic substances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: GAO Gesellschaft fur Automation und Organisation mbH
    Inventors: Wittich Kaule, Michael Boehm