Abstract: In a substrate having a graphic and a method for applying the graphic thereto, a non-phosphorescent material is applied to the substrate to define a non-phosphorescent region of the graphic and a phosphorescent material is applied to the substrate to define a phosphorescent region of the graphic. At least a portion of the non-phosphorescent region and at least a portion of the phosphorescent region are in overlapping relationship with each other so as to define an overlapping region of the graphic. When the overlapping region is exposed to light sufficient to cause phosphorescence of the phosphorescent region the at least a portion of the phosphorescent region phosphoresces to render the overlapping region visible in the absence of light. In another embodiment, the graphic has a non-photoluminescent region in overlapping relationship with a photoluminescent region.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ink composition suitable for ink jet printing comprising a luminescent compound, a solvent, and an energy active compound, and optionally a non-luminescent colorant. The energy active compound, when exposed to energy, generates one or more active species that can react with the luminescent compound to alter one or more of the characteristics of the luminescent compound. The luminescent compound can be colored or colorless. Also disclosed is a method for marking substrates comprising providing a mark comprising a luminescent compound and an energy active compound. Further disclosed is a jet ink composition suitable for printing on substrates authentication or security marks which can be rendered unreadable. The luminescence of the mark is quenched and the visible color is changed when irradiated with a light.

Abstract: An optically detectable security marker for emitting light at a pre-selected wavelength. The marker comprises a rare earth dopant and a carrier incorporating the rare earth dopant. The interaction of the carrier and the dopant is such that the fluorescent fingerprint of the marker is different from that of the rare earth dopant. The marker may be incorporated into a plurality of items, such as fluids, for example paint, fuel or ink, and laminar products such as paper or banknotes or credit cards.

Abstract: Phosphor powders and a method for making phosphor powders. The powders are oxygen-containing, such as metal oxides, silicates, borates or titanates and have a small particle size, narrow particle size distribution and are substantially spherical. The method of the invention advantageously permits the continuous production of such powders. The invention also relates to improved devices, such as display devices, incorporating the phosphor powders.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security paper with at least two types of mottled fibers, which differ in terms of their luminescent characteristics and form a code. In each case one type of mottled fibers is present in a defined subarea of the security paper, and the code is represented by the defined geometric arrangement of the subareas on the security paper and/or by the presence or absence of mottled fibers of a specific type.

Abstract: A substrate structure encoded with information bearing indicia includes a substrate having a first surface and a second surface. Formed on the first surface is a first information bearing indicia defined by a fluorescent material. A second information bearing indicia is defined by a fluorescent material positioned adjacent to the second surface, the second indicia and the first indicia in an overlapping relationship. The substrate structure includes apparatus for preventing interference between the first indicia and the second indicia during a detection process. The interference preventing apparatus can include reflective or absorptive coatings formed on the first and second surfaces of the substrate, the first and second information bearing indicia positioned on the respective reflective coatings, a thin metal foil layer positioned between the first indicia and the second indicia, or a black background disposed between the first and second indicia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an information carrying substrate capable of being applied to a surface for authenticating said surface, and more particularly, the present invention relates to a an information carrying substrate capable of being affixed to a document or a product for authenticating the document or the product and also relates to method for writing an authenticating information on said substrate and further provides a method for authenticating a surface using said substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a document of value, such as a paper of value, ID card or the like, having at least one authenticity feature in the form of a luminescent substance. The luminescent substance has particles consisting of a dye-laden molecular sieve whose structure forms an optical resonator. In said resonator at least one dye can be excited to show stimulated emission, the dye being incorporated in the cavities of the molecular sieve or located in or on the internal and external surfaces of the molecular sieve, and the transition to stimulated emission being accompanied by a detectable change in the luminescent properties of the dye.

Abstract: The present invention provides a secured document including a composition capable of anti-Stokes fluorescence containing an ion capable of absorption of electromagnetic radiation, an ion capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation, and a matrix composition comprising gadolinium, yttrium, lanthanum, and lutetium, wherein the wavelength of the emitted electromagnetic radiation is shorter than the wavelength of the absorbed electromagnetic radiation, and wherein the concentrations of the absorbing and emitting ions are adjusted to achieve concentration quenching of anti-Stokes luminescence.

Abstract: A fluorescent ink composition comprising functionalized fluorescent nanocrystals, an aqueous-based ink carrier comprising water or a water-based solution, and a binder.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting parallel marketing of an item, include forming at least one of a coating and a code on the item, interrogating the at least one of the coating and said code, and determining from the interrogating whether the item has been transferred from an authorized merchant to an unauthorized merchant.

Abstract: In the method for associating source information with a substrate, which includes providing at least one latent marking agent that emits a signal at an emission wavelength in response to being irradiated with infrared radiation at an excitation wavelength, wherein the signal is at least a portion of the source information; and affixing the at least one latent marking agent to the substrate, a process for providing an ink with a viscosity for effective printing of the source information on the substrate. The at least one latent marking agent includes an inorganic pigment. In some embodiments of the method, the latent marking agent must be exposed to ultraviolet radiation before it can emit a signal in response to infrared irradiation.

Abstract: Disclosed are sets of ink components, and ink compositions, useful for printing markings, on security documents, that are relatively resistant to counterfeiting. Also disclosed are the security documents formed, a method of printing and a method of authenticating the printed material. The markings, formed of the ink compositions have a spectral response that deviates from a predicted spectral response when linearly additively combining spectral responses of components of the ink composition, so that it becomes difficult to reverse-engineer the ink composition from the markings. Use of plural different markings, with each marking being a microdot, increases difficulty in counterfeiting. By forming a template of spectral responses of the original pattern, spectral responses of a pattern on an unknown document can be compared to the spectral responses on the template for determining whether the unknown document is authentic. Formation of the markings is facilitated using an inkjet printer.

Abstract: A security laminate includes a face sheet laminated to a liner by an adhesive. The face sheet includes a removable label. The liner is covered with a release coating behind the label, and has a rim along one edge which is devoid of the release coating except for a security pattern therein.

Abstract: A print medium is encoded with information bearing indicia. A transparent layer or substrate which receives the printed information during printing has a first surface, a second surface and a leading edge. A strip of tape is applied to the first surface. A machine readable information bearing indicia is applied to at least one surface of the tape strip. The indicia is formed by a pattern of fluorescent material which upon excitation by radiation of a given spectral excitation range emits radiation in a fluorescent spectral range. The tape reflects radiation in the given excitation spectral range and in the fluorescent spectral range. One type of indicia is a bar code pattern, although other types can also be employed.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining security of a substrate having an optically verifiable mark including a partially demetallized metallic layer which forms a control graphic, a layer of optically active pigments adjacent the metallic layer, and an adhesive layer adjacent the layer of optically active pigments.

Abstract: A discriminating apparatus is provided with a first light detecting element (521) for detecting a light emitted from a luminescent ink of a security mark upon being placed in a specified environment, a second light detecting element (531) for detecting a reflected light from a nonluminescent ink of the security mark, the first and second light detecting elements (521, 531) being so arranged as to detect the lights from the same position of a bank note (M), a third light detecting element (522) for detecting a light emitted from the monitor mark (M4), a light intensity comparing means (80a) for comparing a light intensity detected by the third light detecting element (531) with a preset reference light intensity to calculate a deviation from the reference light intensity, a light intensity converting means (80b) for converting an output value from the first light detecting element (521) into a corrected output value corresponding to the deviation, and a genuineness discrimination means (80c) for discriminating

Abstract: A label for concealing information, comprising at least

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.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a tamper evident informational article such as a temporary vehicle registration which may be made of paper or paperboard. The informational article has a zone for inserting information and a pattern within said zone which will resist effective counterfeiting. A transparent tape which preferably has a silicone resin coating which contains a wax is adhesively secured over information contained within the zone.

Abstract: So that a visually identifiable optical element, in particular a security element for value-bearing documents, for example banknotes, credit cards, passes or cheque documents, or other articles to be safeguarded, comprising a carrier with a diffusely reflecting visible surface and a metallization which is applied in a region-wise manner to the visible surface of the carrier and which has a surface that appears metallically shiny at a glancing angle is improved in such a way that an article provided with the element is even more effectively protected from forgery than is possible with known optical elements, it is proposed that the optical element is so designed that the visible surface of the carrier has two carrier regions with different levels of and in particular diffuse reflectivity for light, wherein a respective sub-region or a plurality of sub-regions of each of the two carrier regions is or are metallized, and that the reflectivity of the metallization in viewing directions outside a glancing angle ra

Abstract: An organic or organoelement, linear or branched, monomeric or polymeric composition of matter having a Raman-active component in the form of particles. The particles having a maximum dimension of 50 &mgr;m. The Raman-active compound is applied to a substrate. When the Raman-active compound is exposed to a laser light wavelength which is batochromically well beyond a spectral region of maximum absorbance of said Raman-active compound, Raman scattering can be detected.

Abstract: A fluorescent ink composition comprising functionalized fluorescent nanocrystals, an aqueous-based ink carrier comprising water or a water-based solution, and a binder.

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

Abstract: An infrared fluorescent particles emitting fluorescence upon irradiation with infrared rays, and anti-falsification paper in which the particles are contained and the particles emitting fluorescence at a specific hue can be clearly recognized visually upon irradiation with infrared rays are provided. The infrared fluorescent particles comprise granules of a powdery material and a coating layer of a water-insoluble infrared fluorescent pigment emitting fluorescence upon irradiation with infrared rays formed on the surface of the granule. Water resistance can be imparted to the particles by using a resin having reactive groups capable of reacting with hydroxyl groups of the powdery material in combination as a binder upon coating, or by incorporating an anionic binder or a cationic binder in the granules and incorporating a cationic material or an anionic material in the coating layer.

Abstract: A security element in the form of a thread or strip to be embedded in security documents such as bank notes, checks, bonds, identity cards, credit cards or the like, having characters, patterns, etc., that are readable by transmitted light to the naked eye and/or by machine. The security element consists of a transparent plastic film having an opaque coating extending over the element with blank areas in the form of the characters and patterns to be introduced. The security element also contains, in areas congruent with the blank areas, coloring and/or luminescent substances which cause the characters and/or patterns to differ from the security document and from the opaque coating by color contrast under suitable light conditions.

Abstract: A package and a process is provided for packaging a perishable product and providing a tamperproof visible date code on the resultant package. The process includes the steps of providing form, fill and seal package making process equipment; and providing to that equipment a supply of plastic film in strip form having opposed first and second lateral edges and a thermally sealable side. A date code is printed adjacent to the first edge on the sealable side. The film is then conveyed through a folding device to cause the printed date code to be overlaid by the opposite or second lateral edge of the plastic film. The lateral edges of the film are then thermally sealed together with the second edge overlying the imprinted area thereby forming a tube. The tube is then formed into a series of individual packages which are filled with the perishable product.

Abstract: A hidden image game piece and a method by which a hidden image game piece is produced and used. A first hidden image game piece is formed on a transparent or translucent substrate. A second hidden image game piece is formed electronically, and optionally printed or, alternatively, saved and distributed in electronic format. The hidden image game piece can be used to distributed either physically or electronically, and it may be used to derive demographic information from recipients, to drive them to web sites or retail outlets, and to provide a means for distributing advertising, either on the game pieces or at a game site, which may be a physical site, such as a retail outlet, or an electronic site, such as an Internet site. The methods of the present invention include the method of producing a game piece, the method of deriving demographic information from recipients of the game pieces, and the method of providing advertising to recipients of the game pieces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a document to be protected against forgery comprising a security feature in the form of a perforation pattern, wherein the perforation pattern extends over a surface of the document and represents an image comprising brightness tones. The perforation pattern is herein formed such that, for instance when the thus treated document is held up to the light or placed on a light box, an image becomes visible at the location of the perforation pattern. It will be apparent that arrangement of such an image representing brightness tones requires extremely advanced technologies. Such technologies are not easily accessible to potential forgers, so that documents thus provided with such a perforation pattern are very difficult to forge. The perforation pattern is preferably applied by means of laser light.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a label containing a substrate layer, and a security coating on at least one side of the substrate layer containing: from about 50% to about 99.999% by weight of a film forming material, and from about 0.001 % to about 5% by weight of at least one taggant compound, wherein the taggant compound is substantially uniformly dispersed within the film forming material. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of authenticating a product, involving: affixing a label to the product, the label containing a substrate layer, and a security coating on at least one side of the substrate layer containing: from about 50% to about 99.999% by weight of a film forming material, and from about 0.

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

Abstract: Sulfur-containing phosphor powders, methods for making phosphor powders and devices incorporating same. The powders have a small particle size, narrow particle size distribution and are substantially spherical. The method of the invention permits the continuous production of such powders. The invention also relates to products such as display devices incorporating such phosphor powders.

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

Abstract: A method for authenticating a textile product, wherein a colorless composition is applied to at least one portion of at least one thread of the textile product. The composition comprises one of a pair of a colorformer and an activator which react when mixed to produce a spectral response. The textile product is authenticated as genuine by applying the other of the pair of the colorformer and activator to at least one portion of the at least one thread to produce the spectral response. The textile product may be a thread or a woven label.

Abstract: An authenticatable paper product is prepared by adding to a papermaking furnish fibers treated with from about 50-200 lb/ton of a fluorescent whitening agent (FWA). The paper made from the papermaking furnish will include fluorescent cellulosic fibers in an amount ranging from between 0.1-4.0 lb/ton to achieve FWA concentrations within the range of 1-20 ppm.

Abstract: An improved scratch card instant lottery ticket includes micro-encapsulated chemical reactants which, when released, irreversibly form one of a visual color change or a fluorescence signature at a location of the card. Both the visual color change and fluorescence signature indicate that the location has been played. Scratch cards are also marked to indicate that they have been read. Cards are marked by either automatically activating chemical reactants to form a visual color and a fluorescence signature, heating a thermofluorescent material to alter a fluorescence signature, or applying a heat-responsive material to the scratch card in such that when the identification code is read, an altered material is detected. Also taught are a method and apparatus for evaluating the scratch card to determine which locations on the card have been played.

Abstract: The invention describes a web having a plurality of discrete labels thereupon which includes a pair of plies in face-to-face relationship with one another, a visible coating on at least one surface of at least one of the plies, the coating being in the form of a repetitive pattern to provide a series of separable web sections, each of the sections being adapted for separation from the web to provide a commodity of substantially identical commodities formed by separation from the web, at least one visible eyemark on the web, and at least one ultraviolet fluorescing eyemark on the web. The eyemarks can completely overlap, partially overlap, or be discrete entities depending upon the end application. The ultraviolet fluorescing eyemark can be a non-visible fluorescing pigment or a naturally fluorescing visible pigment.

Abstract: A hidden image game piece and a method by which a hidden image game piece is produced. A first pattern of colored ink is deposited on a transparent or highly translucent substrate at 110-180 density, forming the image which is to be hidden. Then a second pattern of colored ink, of a different color than first pattern's ink, is deposited upon the substrate on top of the first pattern, at 90-170 density. When the game piece is flooded with additive light of the same color as the second pattern's ink, the previously concealed image, composed of the first pattern's ink, becomes perceptible. Because a transparent or highly translucent substrate is used for the game piece, and because the density of the ink application is controlled within specific ranges, this game piece may be used with a computer monitor, or with other low-intensity sources of additive light.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an invisible, near infrared fluorescing mark disposed on a background comprises: includes an excitation source for exciting the mark, having sufficient power to excite the mark and provide a fluorescent signal the mark from a; a signal detector for detecting the fluorescent signal from the mark; a and power modulator means for varying the power if the excitation source between zero and the maximum power level to produce a decodable fluorescent signal from the mark disposed on the background. A process for decoding an invisible mark having a near infrared fluorescing material includes the steps of: providing at least one invisible, near infrared fluorescing mark disposed on at least one portion of a background; exciting the mark with a laser having a maximum power level sufficient to provide a fluorescent signal from the mark; detecting the fluorescent signal and concurrently varying the power of the laser between zero and its maximum power, to obtain a decodable fluorescent signal.

Abstract: A fluorescent substance of the following general formula:Ln.sub.X A.sub.1-X PO.sub.4wherein Ln represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Nd, Yb and Er; A represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Y, La, Gd, Bi, Ce, Lu, In and Tb; and X represents a value within the range of 0.01 to 0.99.

Abstract: A document with anti-counterfeiting means to prevent reproducibility by photocopying, having a sheet-like element that has, on its face, at least one region whereon an image that is visible or not visible in the visible-light range is printed and has, on the back, in register with the image provided on the face, the same image, printed with an ink that is not visible in the visible-light range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system comprising a series of data carriers, in particular identity cards, papers of value or the like, whereby the data carriers belonging to the system exhibit diffraction structures containing standard information and parts of the series are changed by additional measures in the area of the diffraction structures or combined with other elements and they differ from the rest of the series in optically recognizable fashion, whereby the change in the diffraction structures and/or the combination with other elements convey an esthetic overall impression and the change and/or combination with the other elements cannot be undone without destruction of the diffraction structures.

Abstract: A method is provided for creating artwork which comprises a second image which is located in direct overlying relation to a first image. In particular, the method includes providing a first image such as a print, having a first reflective quality. A substantially transparent coating, having a reflectivity substantially different than the reflectivity of the first image, is selectively disposed over the first image. The method provides artwork having a first image visible through the transparent coating which is used to create the second image. A separate reflected image is created as a result of the differences in reflective characteristics between the first and second images.

Abstract: A glow-in-the dark book which contains at least one composite predetermined sheet and phosphorescent material. The phosphorescent material has the ability to glow in the dark after the glow-in-the dark book is subjected to a light source. The glow-in-the dark book can glow in the dark after only a one step exposure process.

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.

Abstract: A stamp (1) is disclosed which has a luminescent coating (9, 11) which over the area of the coating is such that there are a plurality of coated spaced regions interspersed with non-coated regions. The coating may be applied as a grid or cross hatching or other suitable arrangement. The coating is applied over an area which is of sufficient size relative to the thickness and density of the coating to permit the coating to be detected by a postage stamp luminescence detection device. The non-coated regions over which the coating extends being of sufficient area to permit penetration and drying of a stamp cancelling ink. A method of producing such stamp is also disclosed.

Abstract: A high-reliability optical reading apparatus for reading a latent image mark capable of accurately reading the code information of a latent image mark. The optical reading apparatus comprises a light-projecting light member for projecting on a surface of the latent image mark, the light having a wavelength to excite a fluorescent substance contained in the latent image mark having desired information; and a light-receiving member for receiving fluorescence emitted from the surface of the latent image mark. A range in which the latent image mark can be read is formed by setting a point at which the optical axis of the light-projecting member and that of the light-receiving member intersect with each other as a reference. An intersection angle between the two optical axes is preferably in the range of from 10.degree. to 40.degree..

Abstract: A security device for identifying products includes a printing medium in which luminescent agents are dispersed and having at least one opaque part disposed on at least one luminescent part of the medium. The opaque part is the same color as the luminescent part and has at least one contour of a different color. When illuminated by predetermined radiation in the non-visible spectrum, the device shows an image different than that observed in ordinary light.

Abstract: An invisible information recording medium includes an underlying layer, an invisible information recording layer provided above the underlying layer, being invisible under visible light, and fluorescing upon being applied with light having a particular wavelength excepting that of the visible light, thus becoming visible, and an optical modulation layer provided between the underlying layer and the recording layer.

Abstract: A release agent is first applied to a target article and on top of the release agent is applied an ultraviolet radiation fluorescent material to enable fraud detection. To prevent fraud, a security label may also be used comprising a label substrate, a release layer, a layer of ultraviolet radiation fluorescent material, and an adhesive layer for adhering to a target article. When the substrate is peeled off, part of the ultraviolet sensitive material will be peeled off also to enable detection.