Abstract: A flag label for attaching to a product has adhesive faced transparent over-laminate and under-laminate layers on opposite sides of a printed layer. This assembly is releasably mounted on a release liner prior to use. The over-laminate defines an pressure sensitive adhesive backed tab portion demarcated by a tear line of perforations from a body portion of the label, which has pressure sensitive adhesive areas on its rear surface. The tab portion extends from the body portion and a portion of the body portion is unsupported by the product when attached.

Abstract: A diffractive security element (2) is divided into surface portions, having an optically effective structure (9) at interfaces embedded between two layers of a layer composite (1) of plastic material. At least the base layer (4), which is to be illuminated, of the layer composite (1) is transparent. The optically effective structure (9) as a base structure has a zero order diffraction grating with a period length of at most 500 nm. In at least one of the surface portions an integrated optical waveguide (5) with a layer thickness (s) of a transparent dielectric is embedded between the base layer (4) and an adhesive layer (7) of the layer composite (1) and/or a protective layer (6) of the layer composite (1), wherein the profile depth of the optically effective structure (9) is in a predetermined relationship with the layer thickness (s).

Abstract: The invention relates to a validation device comprising at least one specular reflective layer, indicia on said reflective layer, a polymer protective layer overlaying said indicia, and a polymer protective layer on the side of the reflective layer opposite to said indicia wherein said indicia are formed by thermal dye transfer.

Abstract: An information-bearing laminar assembly, suitable for use as an identification card, is disclosed. The assembly is characterized by the provision therein of an embedded halftone image security feature that becomes visible essentially only when the assembly is view in transmitted light. The information-bearing laminar assembly comprises an inner information-bearing layer interposed between a first and a second light-transmissive protective outer layer. The inner layer contains both visible information-bearing indicia and an imagewise halftone pattern of laser-ablated microholes. The light-transmissivity of the information-bearing inner layer within said half-tone pattern is imagewise differentiated at each microhole as a function of the microhole's penetration depth. Sandwiched between the protective outer layers, the halftone pattern is imperceptible when the information-bearing laminar assembly is viewed in reflections and perceptible when the information-bearing laminar assembly is viewed in transmission.

Abstract: A decorative foil is in the form of a layer composite structure (1) and comprises at least a transparent base foil (2), a transparent cover layer (4) and a transparent dielectric layer (3) arranged between the base foil (2) and the cover layer (4). When the decorative foil serves as a lamination foil for a substrate (5) the material of the cover layer (4) is an adhesive. A reflective metallic layer (6) is arranged at least in surface portions between the dielectric layer (3) and the cover layer (4) and optionally a metal film (11) is also arranged on the side of the dielectric layer (3) facing the base foil (2). General items of information shown by the decorative foil are produced by means of modulation of the thickness (s) of the dielectric layer (3). Transparent locations (7) form individual items of information, wherein the transparent locations (7) are produced with a laser beam (19) by perforating the metal layer (6; 11).

Abstract: A packaging material is provided in a continuous roll for forming into a channel shaped receptacle for receiving and supporting a structure such as a food product to be packaged by an over-wrap material. The packaging material is formed from two substrate sheets connected together along side edges to form a coextensive laminate defining a center portion and two side strip portions where the center portion has a width arranged to form the bottom wall and the two side strip portions each have a width arranged to form a respective one of the upstanding side walls. The center portions can be separated and exposed by tearing away the side and end portions and the inside surface of the center portions carries printed indicia providing a remanent value therefor, such as a scratch-off type lottery game or a collectible card.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a paperback rider instantly redeemable coupon (IRC) including a booklet disposed on a liner having an adhesive backing layer, a first clear film laminate disposed on the booklet, and an IRC having a second clear film laminate disposed thereon. The IRC may be releasably affixed to the first clear film laminate by perforations. The invention further includes a paperback rider instantly redeemable coupon (IRC) including, a booklet disposed on a liner having an adhesive backing layer, a clear film laminate disposed on the booklet, and an IRC releasably affixed to the first clear film laminate by clean release adhesive. The invention also provides a method of manufacturing the paperback rider instantly redeemable coupons (IRC) described above.

Abstract: Multilayer optical films are comprised of materials with glass transition temperatures below room temperature (<30° C.). The high refractive index polymers are unique in that they exhibit mechanical properties similar to other low Tg semi-crystalline polymers, yet have significant birefringence (>0.05) when strain induced oriented. Novel combinations of comonomers for thermoplastics control the rate of crystallinity for improved processability and flexibility, giving the films crease and crumple recovery advantages.

Abstract: A scratch card printer has a conveying section to convey a card, for example, by a plurality of conveying roller pairs, a first printing mechanism to have a thermal head, printing control means to control a printing head of the first printing mechanism to allow information, to be printed on a card, a second printing mechanism configured to have a thermal head located more on a downstream side in a direction of conveying of the card by the conveying section than the first printing mechanism, and a thermal transfer control section which, in order to cover the information printed by the first printing mechanism, controls the thermal head of the second printing mechanism to allow an ink to be transferred to the card from a thermal transfer ribbon for concealment.

Abstract: The invention relates to an object of value with a security element having at least a first and a second liquid-crystalline material, the first material having thermochromic properties and the second material an optically variable effect.

Abstract: An adhesive-backed lenticular lens may be applied over an image. The image may be generated by transferring from an ink source to a ink transfer print plate having a regular pattern of raised and recessed areas or may be applied by a stamp having an image formed by raised and recessed areas in a regular pattern.

Abstract: A method and system for data input is provided. The method includes inputting data, reading a subset of a set of predefined machine-readable codes from a printed media, the printed media including thereon the set of predefined machine-readable codes and a set of human-readable indicia. Each of the set of human-readable indicia is associated with a respective one of the set of predefined machine-readable codes. Each of the set of human-readable indicia indicates a user-selectable input value. The subset of the plurality of predefined machine-readable codes consists of predefined machine-readable codes that have not been defaced. The method also includes saving as user input values the user-selectable input values indicated by the indicia that are associated with the machine-readable codes in the set of predefined machine-readable codes that have not been read.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing security marks on a support having a first face and a second face opposite said first face which consists in the following steps: high resolution printing with a varnish on the support first face; treating the support by electrolysis; washing and drying the support.

Abstract: The control element has a first drawing printed on a first side of the article, comprising at least a first set of geometrical shapes. It includes a second drawing printed on a second side of said article, the second drawing being printed so as to face the first drawing and be in register with the latter, said second drawing comprising at least a second set of geometrical shapes corresponding to the first screen. At least one of said geometrical sets includes sectors which are offset so that, when the front side/reverse side register is correct, the control element has regions of variable density which are visible in transmitted light and are created by said offset sectors.

Abstract: Patterns are aligned on the front and back surfaces of a document to provide an anti-counterfeiting security device. The document is sufficiently transparent to allow see-through of the partial image on the back of the document to be superimposed on the partial image on the front of the document to form a complete image if the patterns are properly aligned. The complete image will disappear if misaligned.

Abstract: A system for providing a shipping label and a packing list on a container is provided which enables rapid and automated sequential application of a packing list and a shipping label to the container. The shipping label is configured complemental to the packing list whereby the packing list may first be adhered directly to the container and then the shipping label may be placed thereover. The shipping label may be applied over the packing list while the container moves continuously down a conveyor. The invention further includes an apparatus for sequentially applying the packing list and then the shipping label, and a method for applying the packing list and shipping label in registry.

Abstract: A multiple layer label and a method of making the same are provided. Specifically, a label having a base layer for adhering to a container is provided wherein the label has an overcoat layer having an end that is removably adhered to the container. Moreover, the end that is removably adhered to the container is grasped by a user of the label and pulled, thereby removing the end of the overcoat layer from the container and swinging the layer away from the remainder of the label and exposing sublayers beneath the overcoat layer. The overcoat layer is adhered directly to the base layer, and at least portions of the sublayers. Each of the overcoat layer, sublayers, and the base layer may have indicia printed thereon for communicating information.

Abstract: A security element (2) comprising a plastic laminate (1) has a surface pattern which is composed mosaic-like at least from surface elements, wherein in the surface elements a reflecting interface (8) between a shaping layer (5) and a protective layer (6) of the plastic laminate (1) forms optically effective structures (9). Light (11) which is incident on the plastic laminate (1) and which passes through a cover layer (4) of the plastic laminate (1) and through the shaping layer (5) is deflected in a predetermined manner by means of the optically effective structures (9). Shaped in the surface of at least one of the surface elements is a diffraction structure which is produced by a superimposition of a linear asymmetrical diffraction grating (24) with a matt structure. The linear asymmetrical diffraction grating (24) has a spatial frequency from the range of values of between 50 lines/mm and 2,000 lines/mm.

Abstract: A window decal form is suitable for laser printing and enables ready installation of a decal to the inside of a vehicle window or the like. The window decal form construction includes a liner sheet having a front side and a back side. An adhesive release coating is disposed on the back side of the liner sheet framing a decal area. The decal area and the adhesive release coating define a label area. The label is affixed to the back side of the liner sheet covering the label area via a permanent adhesive. The decal area on the front side of the liner sheet is die cut such that the decal area is removed when the label is peeled from the back side of the liner sheet.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging element comprising at least one imaging layer wherein said imaging layer comprises photosensitive silver halide layer comprising dye forming couplers, a transparent polymer pragmatic sheet below said at least one imaging layer, an adhesive layer below said pragmatic sheet, and a black carrier sheet below said adhesive layer

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: This invention relates to a facestock comprising a polymeric film, and a holographic layer on a surface of the facestock, wherein the film is conformable. The invention also relates to label stocks prepared from the facestocks, and labels made therefrom. The labels are useful on squeezable containers. An advantage of these labels is that there is little or no cracking or flaking of the holographic image.

Abstract: A hologram laminate allows traces of separation of the hologram to be clearly left on both the adherend and the hologram label and hence makes it possible to prevent reuse of the hologram and is excellent in graphical design function and suitable for certification purposes. A hologram label used for the fabrication of the hologram laminate is also provided. The hologram laminate has a metal thin-film layer, a release pattern, a transparent film, a hologram layer and a surface protective layer laminated on an adherend in the order mentioned. The hologram laminate is separable between the adherend and the transparent film. When the hologram is separated, the metal thin-film layer is left on the adherend in a pattern corresponding to the release pattern. The hologram label has a release sheet in place of the adherend in the hologram laminate.

Abstract: This and other objects are achieved by providing a security image on a substrate. The security image is formed by first stamping or otherwise transferring a first foil section on a substrate wherein the first foil section has a first sheen. A second and optionally subsequent foils are stamped or otherwise transferred over the first foil section in the form of an image or pattern. The second or subsequent foils are of a different sheen than the first foil.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing an article (9) comprising a fiber layer (5) and at least one electronic chip (7), the fiber layer being formed by depositing fibers on a surface (3) immersed in a dispersion (4) of fiber material.

Abstract: To invisibly embed additional information in a base pattern and to visualize the additional information, a dislocation is provided in a boundary between the base pattern compose of striped thin lines and the additional information pattern composed of striped thin lines. This dislocation makes the stripes of the patterns discontinuous. The additional information pattern is invisibly embedded in the base pattern such that a sequence of dislocations in the stripes forming the boundary is at an angle equal to or larger than a predetermined angle with respect to the stripe direction.

Abstract: An in-line, single pass, multi- or single-web process for producing resealable multi-ply labels is disclosed which includes automation of an inclusion of intermediate label plies having dimensions different from final individual label dimensions.

Abstract: A secure plastic card and method for manufacturing the secure plastic card are disclosed. The secure plastic card includes a lenticular lens surface having a filmed image printed thereon. The lenticular lens surface is bonded to a core stock layer. The bonding is accomplished with an thermally bondable coating layer which is preferably capable of migrating through lithographic ink. The lenticular lens material and the core stock layer are assembled together and are laminated to form the secure plastic card. The exposed surface of the lenticular lens material is preferably covered with a temporary protective film during lamination.

Abstract: A method for printing a large invisible luminescent bar code on a mail piece addresses the problem of obscuration of modules by printed text such as the address. The bar code is printed large enough so that the line width of the characters is substantially less than the module size of the bar code components. Overprinting does not then completely obscure any module and so the bar code is still readable. The readability is especially enhanced by the high contrast of the luminescent image. When a fluorescent bar code is viewed under UV illumination, the bar code emits fluorescence in the areas of printed modules without text overprinted. Because the modules are wider than the text line width, the text does not completely obscure any module. The contrast of the bar code is reversed in fluorescence—that is, printed areas emit light.

Abstract: An extended text wrap label includes a base ply and at least one top ply. The base ply has a first lengthwise dimension, a first widthwise dimension, a top surface that is capable of bearing graphic images, and a bottom surface that is capable of bearing graphic images and capable of being adhesively coupled to an object to be labeled. The at least one top ply has a second lengthwise dimension, a second widthwise dimension, a front surface that is capable of bearing graphic images, and a back surface that is also capable of bearing graphic images. The base ply and the at least one top ply are adhesively coupled, in a first portion of the label, to each other such that the top surface of the base ply and the back surface of the at least one top ply are in contiguous juxtaposition with each other along the first lengthwise dimension and the second lengthwise dimension, respectively, and along the first widthwise dimension and the second widthwise dimension, respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging element with printed marking, and in which the wall of the element is made out of plastics material. According to the invention, for a wall that is essentially transparent, the packaging element (10) comprises on one of its faces (11) marking (15) which is printed with sympathetic ink, and said marking (15) is sandwiched between a primary dispersing screen (14) deposited on said face and on which said marking is printed, and a dispersing screen (16) overprinted thereon so as to cover the marking (15) and at least the zone (17) of said face surrounding said marking so as to make the marking undetectable. Such a packaging element can be made in particular in the form of a film, specifically for making heat-shrink packaging sleeves, or in the form of a container, in particular a bottle, a blister, or a box.

Abstract: An information-bearing laminar assembly, suitable for use as an identification card, is disclosed. The assembly is characterized by the provision therein of an embedded halftone image security feature that becomes visible essentially only when the assembly is viewed in transmitted light. The information-bearing laminar assembly comprises an inner information-bearing layer interposed between a first and a second light-transmissive protective outer layer. The inner layer contains both visible information-bearing indicia and an imagewise halftone pattern of laser-ablated microholes. The light-transmissivity of the information-bearing inner layer within said half-tone pattern is imagewise differentiated at each microhole as a function of the microhole's penetration depth.

Abstract: An iridescent material comprises a diffraction grating incorporating a plurality of sheets (1) of a first substantially transparent material in parallel alignment and spaced away apart by quantities of a second substantially transparent material (2), the second material having a refractive index significantly lower than the refractive index of the first material, the plates being tilted at an angle &thgr; to an axis X and the grating having a period d(X) in the direction of axis X, the angle &thgr; and period d being such that a second diffraction grating is provided along an axis Z, perpendicular to axis X, the second diffraction grating having a period d(Z) and consisting of ten periods or less and whereby, the diffraction conditions of the grating can be simultaneously fulfilled by electromagentic radiation of a range of wavelength thereby causing iridescence.

Abstract: There are provided a volume hologram laminate and a label for the preparation of a volume hologram laminate which, when kept in the pressed state, for example, during storage, is less likely to cause spotty hologram defects in the volume hologram layer. The volume hologram laminate comprises a substrate 2 and, stacked on the substrate 2 in the following order, a first pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 3, a volume hologram layer 5, a second pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 4, and a surface protective film 6, the volume hologram layer being such that a hologram has been recorded on a recording material comprising a matrix polymer and a photopolymerizable compound, the volume hologram layer having a glass transition point of 30 to 70° C. and a dynamic storage modulus of 5×105 Pa to 5×107 Pa as measured at a measuring frequency of 6.28 rad/sec and a temperature of 50° C., the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer having a dynamic storage modulus of not less than 2.

Abstract: A multi-layer hologram label includes a base layer having a surface on which a number of layers of adhesive materials are coated in a stacked manner. Each layer has a surface on which a pattern associated with a holographic image is formed whereby by sequentially removing the layers, the patterns of the next layers are sequentially exposed for displaying the associated holographic image. The layers of adhesive materials can be replaced by hologram films carrying hologram patterns thereon. By sequentially removing the hologram films, the hologram patterns of the next films are sequentially exposed to display holographic images associated therewith.

Abstract: We propose modifying the error-diffusion method for transforming a grey-scale image into a halftone image, so that binary data is hidden in the resulting halftone image. Simultaneously, a second halftone image is generated by error diffusion, not storing the hidden data. The hidden binary data is typically a binary image, and the dark regions of this binary image can be seen when the two halftone images are overlaid.

Abstract: A label useful in delivering articles via many different mailing services, including Priority Mail, Express Mail and International Express Mail, and a method for delivering an article are provided. The label is adapted to indicate thereon mailing and address information relating to the mailing, shipping or handling of packages or articles. The label is constructed as a laminate having a primary layer and a secondary layer wherein each layer has a surface confronting and adjoined to the other layer. Mailing information is included on a front side and may also include spaces for receiving additional mailing information thereon. The label has a tear line provided on the primary label which defines a removable receipt flap on the label. The receipt flap contains a portion of the mailing label and is adapted to receive additional information. An area is exposed beneath the receipt flap on the secondary layer when the receipt flap is removed from the primary layer along the tear line.

Abstract: A multi-layer extended text resealable label comprising a first base layer and a second layer selectively secured thereto. The label is constructed in such a way so that when the second layer is completely separated from the first layer, the second layer is devoid of any adhesive material thereon so that the second layer may be conveniently handled without the same sticking to other materials. The second layer is also resealable onto the first layer.

Abstract: Tamper-apparent authenticating labels which comprise a protective film, an OVD image layer and a visually transparent ink pattern therebetween, to be applied to commercial articles. Authenticity of the label can be verified by viewing the taggant with a detector. The label reveals tampering when the film is separated from the article, causing separation of portions of the OVD under the ink. Also, methods for making tamper-apparent authenticity labels.

Abstract: An edge coding scheme for an encoded sheet material includes an offset mark located at an offset distance from a reference mark on the edge of the sheet material and a plurality of equally spaced clock marks disposed along the edge, such that the offset distance can be approximated by the product of the number of clock marks between the reference mark and the offset mark times the distance between successive clock marks. Another embodiment of the edge coding scheme includes coincidence between a first plurality of equally spaced apart clock marks and a second plurality of equally spaced Vernier marks, wherein the second plurality is less than the first plurality.

Abstract: A two-ply label adapted to be adhered to an object, such as a pharmaceutical bottle, comprises a top ply having a front and rear printable surface and a bottom ply having a front printable surface and a rear surface having permanent adhesive thereon to adhere the label to the object. The top ply and the bottom ply are engaged such that the rear printable surface of the top ply and the front printable surface of the bottom ply are immediately superimposed. The rear printable surface of the top ply has a deadened adhesive thereon to permit the top ply to be repeatedly removably adhered to the bottom ply. The front printable surface of the bottom ply can also include an identification bar code, in which case the top ply has a corresponding cut-out therein to permit the bar code to be visible.

Abstract: The invention concerns a tamper-resistant and indelible method for marking objects, in particular labels, providing marking with good contrast and enhanced visibility. Said method is essentially characterised in that the marking is carried out in two operations: integral marking, i.e. in the thickness of the object; surface marking; said surface marking being superposed on the integral marking. The invention also concerns a marking label.

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: A telecopier cover sheet comprising transparent membrane for legible marking thereon and at lease one oppositely disposed membrane section assembled thereagainst and adapted for supporting a document therebetween. The transparent cover sheet allows a person sending the document by telecopier to create a writing that appears thereagainst in the telecopied mode and yet is subsequently erasable. The telecopy document is retained within the oppositely disposed membranes comprising the assembly to therein facilitate the handling and telecopying thereof.

Abstract: A surface capable of supporting surface charge oscillations and exhibiting a profiled grating, said profile comprising at least two superposed periodic profiles. The surface has applications as radar absorber and authentication devices. Also disclosed is a method of detecting the authenticity of an object comprising providing a surface as described above claim adjacent to or on the object, illuminating said surface with radiation from at least one angle and determining the reflectivity characteristics and comparing this with reflectivity characteristics of a reference surface.

Abstract: In the multilayer volume hologram 1 of the invention, the adhesive layer 5, volume hologram 6 and surface protective film 7 are laminated on the application member 2 in this order, and the breaking strength of the hologram layer should be larger than the peel strength between the surface protective film and the volume hologram layer and smaller than the peel strength with which the hologram layer is peeled off the application member and the breaking strength of the surface protective film. This multilayer volume hologram provides a more improved protection for the volume hologram. A portrait replacement or falsification of an information area ensures that the volume hologram layer can break down. Thus, more reliable counterfeit-proofness is achievable.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a label/form combination assembly which will be able to withstand the harsh environment present in a laser printer in both simplex and duplex imaging modes. The label/form combination document is constructed of two separate materials joined together at a coplanar joint. A variable image receptive, pressure sensitive stock being comprised of a coplanar combination of facestock, pressure sensitive adhesive and release liner overlapping a laser bond paper is used in the label/form combination. A joint is formed when a portion of the liner of the pressure sensitive stock is removed, exposing its pressure sensitive adhesive. The exposed pressure sensitive adhesive is adhered to a strip of the laser quality bond sheet to create a bond between the label and the bond sheet. A remaining portion of the liner is adhered to the laser bond sheet with a cold bond adhesive that results in a double bond. The finished construction is die cut to form at least one rounded corner.

Abstract: In producing a film by printing on a top sheet with non-glossy surface, a first glossy varnish imprint adheres on the surface. A second continuous imprint produced on the first, adheres neither on the top sheet nor on the varnish, and the film is completed. A glossy imprint is thus provided in the film external surface which is then applied on a document to protect it from being reproduced by optical scanning.

Abstract: Mono-, oligo- and polymers comprising one or more identical or different recurring units of formula I

Abstract: A hologram forming layer, transparent evaporated layer, colored layer, adhesion anchor layer, and adhesive layer are sequentially laminated on the under surface of a base member. The laminated body is used as a seal by the presence of the adhesive layer. It is preferable for the base member to have adequate rigidity (flexibility, tensile strength) and surface flatness. The hologram forming layer has a relief type hologram image. The transparent evaporated layer is a multi-layered ceramic layer constructed by alternately laminating high-refractive index layers and low-refractive index layers and the thickness thereof is preferably set to 1 &mgr;m or less. In the transparent evaporated layer, the color of visible light in predetermined wavelength range is changed according to the viewing angle when it is transmitted therethrough or reflected therefrom.