Abstract: A media for restricting the copying of a document utilizing one or more microdots that are embedded in said document for providing a non-visual, but machine detectable mark or marks. The detected means for detecting the presence of one or more microdots in said document inhibits a copy machine from copying the document.

Abstract: An image recording system superimposes, on an original image, an additional image which is same as at least any one of visible characters, symbols and numerals recorded on a recorded product and records the superimposed image on the recorded product as an image for certification. The additional image superimpose-recorded on the recorded product cannot visually be recognized and it is permitted to be visible when a universal optical filter is used.

Abstract: A security device comprises a substrate (1) having a viewing region (3) which is provided on one side with first indicia (7) and on the other side with second indicia (9) overlying the first indicia. The substrate carries an obscuring material (10) aligned with the second indicia (9) so as to prevent at least the second indicia from being viewed from the one side of the substrate under reflected radiation. The substrate is sufficiently transparent while the obscuring material permits the passage of sufficient transmitted radiation to allow the second indicia (9) to be viewed from the one side of the substrate under transmission conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an identity card or similar data carrier having a copy protection element. The copy protection element contains a metal layer in which markings are incorporated with the aid of a laser beam by completely removing the metal layer in the area of the markings. The copy protection effect is produced by combining at least partial areas of an additional layer with the metal layer so that the marks are not electrophotographically reproducible, or not in accordance with the original, as such or in combination with the metal layer.

Abstract: A business document contains a removable decal. The decal has a plastic substrate overlaid with a reflective coating including an aluminum coating and glass beads. A toner receptor coating overlies the reflective coating. A fine screen pattern is printed on the toner coating and which pattern may include jagged lines or closely spaced dots. Variable and non-variable information is then printed on the toner receptive coating. In the event of use of a solvent to alter the printed information on the decal, the fine printed screen pattern is likewise disrupted and evidences alteration of the decal.

Abstract: A multilayered volume hologram structure of the invention comprises a substrate 2 for a certificate or the like, and an adhesive layer 5, a volume hologram layer 5 and a surface protective film 7 laminated on the substrate in the described order. When a multilayer structure consisting of the volume hologram layer 5 and surface protective layer 5 is forcibly released from the substrate for the purpose of making a photograph replacement or falsifying a personal information area, the volume hologram image can break down certainly, thereby ensuring prevention of falsification. A multilayered volume hologram structure-making label is useful for making a multilayered volume hologram structure.

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: A media for restricting the copying of a document utilizing one or more microdots that are embedded in said document for providing a non-visual, but machine detectable mark or marks. The detected means for detecting the presence of one or more microdots in said document inhibits a copy machine from copying the document.

Abstract: A protected/security document is provided that foils counterfeiting even if a laser photocopy machine (such as a Canon 500 color copier) is utilized. The document has at least three discrete half-tone printed bands disposed on its surface, provided by dots or lines. Each printed band has a different screen density and within each bands the dots or lines comprise a warning word or symbol (e.g. "Void"), or a background. The dots or lines of either the "Void" or background drop out when photocopied, while the dots or lines of the other do not. The dots or lines that do not drop out may be dimensioned so that there are about 24-34 per centimeter, while for those that do drop out there are about 52-64 per centimeter. The bands are typically arranged either linearly or in concentric circles, and interband areas having density gradually transitioning between the densities of adjacent bands are provided.

Abstract: A self-wound, self-adhesive, resealable tamper-evident tape is provided. The tape is used to seal any container requiring a self-adhesive closure, such as bags or pouches, and provides clear visual evidence if the self-adhesive seal is peeled apart. The tape comprises a backing sheet, the upper surface of which is coated with a release layer, and the bottom surface with an adhesive. The release layer is relatively non-adherent to the adhesive so that the tape may be wound or rolled up without a separating liner. A non-visible patterned varnish layer is applied to the adhesive to create a hard surface onto which an colored ink layer is subsequently applied. The colored ink layer breaks or chips when the self-adhesive seal is peeled apart and retains this appearance if the tape is reapplied to seal the container, thereby providing visible evidence of tampering.

Abstract: The invention concerns a security marking system for producing a safe marking label having a substrate sheet such as a sheet coated with silicone (1) with two flaps (4,5) separated by a folding line (6), the first flap (4) supporting on the recto face a first holographic component (2), the face of which coming into contact with the substrate sheet is coated with an adhesive layer, the second flap (5) supporting on the verso face a second component (3) formed by a film coming into contact with the substrate sheet is coated with an adhesive layer and the opposite face of which at least bears official inscriptions.

Abstract: A copyproof document includes a paper document substrate, a disc having a primarily holographic first face facing away from the substrate and a second face with permanent pressure sensitive adhesive engaging the substrate, and mechanical intertwining between the substrate and disc so that they are substantially inseparable. The mechanical intertwining enables the materials thereof become substantially inseparably intertwined, the permanent adhesive also acting to insure inseparability. Typically the parameter of the disc will be a mechanically intertwined with the substrate while at the center there is little or no mechanical intertwining so that the holographic activity of the first face is not significantly occluded. Unique identifying indicia (e.g. consecutive numbers or bar coding) may also be provided on the disc, and application of the discs to a document may not be practiced without security authorization and access (by key, computer, or the like).

Abstract: A security document according to the present invention includes a document substrate having a surface for receiving printed indicia. A half tone warning image is printed on first areas of the surface and a half-tone background image is printed in second areas surrounding the first areas. The half-tone a warning image includes at least one word indicating a status of a copy of the document. A camouflage image extending over the document surface for confusing the eye of an observer such that said warning image is not readily observed. The camouflage image includes at least one word indicating to an observer a status of the original document. One of the half-tone warning image and the half-tone background image are printed with half-tone elements of such a line spacing and element size that it is not readily reproducible by a photocopier. As a consequence, the half-tone warning image becomes apparent on photocopies of the original document.

Abstract: Labels for displaying information and particularly well suited for automated application to containers having curved outer surfaces, and methods for forming the labels. The labels each include a multipanel leaflet, a laminate cover and adhesive for securing the label to the container. In certain embodiments, a leaflet adhesive patch is disposed on a lower surface of the leaflet and a laminate adhesive underlies a portion of the laminate cover extending beyond the leaflet. An adhesive-free gap is defined between the leaflet and laminate adhesives. In a further embodiment, first and second leaflet adhesive patches are disposed on lower surfaces of the leaflet. An adhesive-free gap is defined between the first and second leaflet adhesive patches. In each embodiment, the respective adhesive-free gap facilitates proper application of the label to the curved container surface.

Abstract: A method and system for generating, inventorying, storing and managing records and record forms is disclosed. The record management system and method utilizes a system record generator which generates a plurality of policies, record forms and the like in response to a questionnaire record. Customized record forms and policies are generated and stored in a unique record receiver having indicia for clearly identifying forms therein. A record holder is also provided for storing, inventorying, and managing the record forms used. The method and system are particularly useful for managing and insuring that record forms are completed for employees in a company by providing convenient means for visually identifying record forms, such as employment applications and the like, for ascertaining when one or more forms is missing by the presence of an empty compartment in the record holder.

Abstract: A blockade seal includes a sheet substrate having a hologram forming surface on one surface thereof. A metallic deposition layer is formed on the hologram forming surface, and an adhesive layer is formed thereon. A releasing layer in which ink is filled is formed on the other surface of the sheet substrate. Ink which exhibits a color when it comes into contact with the atmosphere is filled in the releasing layer. A surface layer is formed on the releasing layer.

Abstract: A media for restricting the copying of a document utilizing one or more microdots that are embedded in said document for providing a non-visual, but machine detectable mark or marks. The detected means for detecting the presence of one or more microdots in said document inhibits a copy machine from copying the document.

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. In other embodiments, an alteration resistant article contains variable data and includes an outer film having an upper surface and a lower surface with an adhesive secured to the lower surface. A hologram for receiving at least a portion of the variable data on the upper surface is secured to the outer film lower surface and, in one embodiment, the hologram has portions which have release properties and portions which have greater adhesive bonding properties than the release containing portions.

Abstract: A label is disclosed which includes a first, base layer coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive for attachment to a selected product. A layer of release material is coated onto a portion of the base layer. A second layer is coated on a portion of its underside with a pressure sensitive adhesive for permanent attachment to the base layer in regions thereof that are not coated with release material, and temporary attachment to the base layer in regions thereof that are coated with release material.

Abstract: A new type of instant scratch-off lottery game combining the advantages of the conventional lottery, which allows the player to choose his own selected numbers from a set of numbers, and the advantage of the instant scratch-off lottery tickets by enabling the player to immediately learn if he is a winner or a looser. The player is instructed to pick his numbers from a set of numbers. Each number in this set is represented by a a small box overprinted with a security bar-code readable to conventional scanner. The scanner transfer the readable data and the serial number of the ticket to a central computer in the lottery agency to verify the winning status. The player is able to learn immediately if he is a winner by revealing a winning symbol hidden under the scratch-off material and the overprinted security code of the picked numbers.

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: A method for printing a scrambled image and decoding mechanism in registration one on top of the other. The decoding mechanism is not immediately apparent upon inspection. A person decodes the scrambled image by exposing the decoding mechanism.

Abstract: A composite including a polymeric film having a first generally planar major surface and an opposite second major surface defined by a multiplicity of elongate parallel contiguous ridge portions. The ridge portions each have a generally triangular cross section and elongate obscured and transmitting second major surface portions intersecting at the apex of the ridge with the obscured second major surface portion being on the side of the ridge generally facing a first end of the sheet and the transmitting second major surface portions being on the side of the ridge portions adjacent a second end of the sheet.

Abstract: A media for restricting the copying of a document utilizing one or more microdots that are embedded in said document for providing a non-visual, but machine detectable mark or marks. The detected means for detecting the presence of one or more microdots in said document inhibits a copy machine from copying the document.

Abstract: A label comprised of at least two coupled plies is disclosed that incorporates a removable game on the inside face of an outer ply. The outer ply is adhered to an inner ply along two of its edges. The game piece, which is printed to the inside face of an outer ply between the two adhered edges of the outer ply, is removable from the label by sequentially tearing the game piece from the two edges. A suitable label construction is further disclosed in which the game piece incorporates removable scratch off coatings.

Abstract: Replicas of a surface relief hologram, or other light diffraction pattern, are coated with a transparent material having substantially the same refractive index as the holograms to conform to the surface relief patterns and thus hide the hologram. The coating is pealed by hand off of the surface relief pattern in order to reveal an image visible in light reflected from the hologram. Such hidden holograms can be attached to a greeting card to reveal a greeting when the coating is removed, attached to pages of magazines or books to carry an advertising message, and the like. Other uses include making lottery tickets or other indications of a prize from such holograms, since the indication of any prize won by the holder remains hidden until the coating is pulled off, even though the coating is optically transparent.

Abstract: A security device includes two plastic layers and a metal layer. The plastic layers may be embossed or surface cast with contrasting surface relief diffraction patterns. A second metal layer may be provided including a pattern of voids through which the first metal layer may be seen by a human observer.

Abstract: A thermally imagable business record, such as a form, label, tag, or the like is provided which may be activated to form human and/or machine readable images as well as different colored images. The record comprises a substrate having a thermally imagable coating on substantially its entire surface which forms a first color when activated, and having a desensitized area on at least one area of its surface which may be overcoated with a thermally imagable coating capable of forming a different color upon activation than the first thermally imagable coating. The first thermally imagable coating provides images which are of machine readable quality, while the additional thermally imagable coatings provide images of a different color to designate selected areas on the form or label to a user.

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 gambling chip includes a decorative pattern provided on at least one side thereof and on an edge thereof. The pattern is formed by pressure pad marking, i.e., applying an ink pattern to a deformable head and stamping the pattern on the chip. Repeated stamping of different color inks can create different patterns. A layer of varnish is also applied to the chip, either between ink layers or above or below all of the ink layers.

Abstract: A Multiple-layer label having an essentially non-shrinking first layer, an essentially extensible second layer, and means for releasably attaching the second layer to the first layer. The multiple-layer label is secured to a shrinkable base material prior to shrinking the base material to form a container, without detaching the multiple layers of the label during the shrinking process.

Abstract: A method for generating watermarks in a digitally reproducible document which are substantially invisible when viewed including the steps of: (1) producing a first screen pattern suitable for reproducing a gray image on a document; (2) deriving at least one conjugate screen description that is related to said first pattern; (3) producing an image containing the first screen; (4) producing a second image containing the first and the second screens in combination, whereby upon placing the first and second images in a superposed relationship autocorrelation between the first pattern on each document occurs everywhere within the documents where the first screen is used, and conjugate correlation occurs where the first and second screens occur and the image placed therein using the conjugate screens becomes detectable (e.g., visible) due to the high contrast between the autocorrelated and conjugately correlated regions.

Abstract: An antifalsification paper is described having an embedded safeguarding thread which is embedded in the paper so as to be freely accessible in some areas. The safeguarding thread has a width greater than 2 mm. The antifalsification paper comprises at least two paper layers produced on separate paper machines. The safeguarding thread is embedded in the first paper layer which has openings or recesses in its surface through which the thread is partly accessible on both sides. This first paper layer is covered with at least one second paper layer and firmly connected therewith, the second paper layer having a thickness of 10 to 50%, preferably 20%, of the total thickness of the antifalsification paper. The use of particularly wide safeguarding threads and the resulting possibility of equipping the threads with certain optical effects can improve the resistance to forgery of the antifalsification paper provided therewith.

Abstract: Alternative benday patterns for cards and tickets and methods of producing such patterns are disclosed. The alternative patterns enhance the effectiveness of conventional devices by avoiding use of rotating print cylinders, with fixed repeats, in their creation. The attendant reduction in, or elimination of, benday repetition inhibits vertical ticket splitting and other manner of compromise. Desired images, including play indicia, promotional content, or both, can also be visibly encoded in the benday patterns, if desired.

Abstract: In order to improve a structure arrangement comprising a plurality of portions having a relief structure with an optical-diffraction effect, in particular for visually identifiable optical security elements for value-bearing documents, for example banknotes, credit cards, passes or cheque documents, or other articles to be safeguarded, with a first group of portions with a first structure having an optical-diffraction effect, which first group is disposed on a surface region of the structure arrangement, and at least one further group of portions with a further structure which has an optical-diffraction effect and which is different from the first structure, in such a way that a given item of information can be imparted to a viewer of the structure arrangement with a high level of intensity and uniformly over the entire extent of a preselected viewing angle range, it is proposed that the structure of the portions of the first and the at least one further group respectively is such that, upon illumination of t

Abstract: A method of authenticating an item and an apparatus for authenticating an item. The items which can be authenticated are typically located in a sales room or other commercial establishment where goods are typically sold. There has been an increasing trend wherein manufacturers are providing items typically on display in sales showrooms with a tag or marking which can serve to authenticate the item or product. The consumer can then determine if the item is genuine or counterfeit by means of the tag or other identifying marking.

Abstract: A security device includes a holographic image observable in ambient light and through which a covert image is observable in a focussed beam of bright light, such as a flash light. The holographic image is coated with a metal layer of low optical density, while the covert image is produced by a metal layer of high optical density disposed away from an observer relative to the holographic image. The covert image may itself be amplified by positioning the high optical density layer on a layer of micro prisms.

Abstract: A copyproof document includes a paper document substrate, a disc having a primarily holographic first face facing away from the substrate and a second face with permanent pressure sensitive adhesive engaging the substrate, and mechanical intertwining between the substrate and disc so that they are substantially inseparable. The mechanical intertwining enables the materials thereof to become substantially inseparably intertwined, the permanent adhesive also acting to insure inseparability. Typically the perimeter of the disc will be a mechanically intertwined with the substrate while at the center there is little or no mechanical intertwining so that the holographic activity of the first face is not significantly occluded. Unique identifying indicia (e.g. consecutive numbers or bar coding) may also be provided on the disc, and application of the discs to a document may not be practiced without security authorization and access (by key, computer, or the like).

Abstract: A printing process is disclosed which easily and rapidly produces products containing images which are very striking and dramatic. The process uses ordinary paper or foil substrates and prints white and color layers using conventional printing equipment and operations, keeping production costs low, making the process and resulting products quite economical. The variety of visual appearances that can be created provide wide flexibility to create images with dramatic depth and highlighting. The invention uses reflective, white and color layers of varying densities and areas of application, applied to ordinary paper- or foil-based substrates, to achieve the highlighted and depth-appearing images. The printed products of the present invention, with their dramatic images incorporating highlights and the appearance of depth, can be used as printed materials for many purposes, including packaging, publications, illustrations, cards, and numerous other applications.

Abstract: A label including an informational leaflet having at least a bottom panel and a top panel, the top panel connected to the bottom panel. The label includes means for temporarily holding the top panel in overlying relationship with the bottom panel. A tamper tab extends outward beyond an edge of one of the panels and has a lower surface. An adhesive layer is disposed on the lower surface of the bottom panel and on the lower surface of the tamper tab, whereby the bottom panel may be secured to a first component of a package and the tamper tab may be secured to a second component such that relative displacement between the first and second components results in relative displacement of the bottom panel and the tamper tab.Further, a label having a bottom panel, for example as just described, includes an adhesive layer disposed on the lower surface of the bottom panel. A laminate cover covers the bottom panel. The laminate cover is releasably adhered to at least a portion of the upper surface of the bottom panel.

Abstract: A labeling system and kit therefor that includes a writing surface for dry-erase markers wherein the writing surface has a transparent protective covering to prevent inadvertent erasure of indicia applied thereto using such a dry-erase marker and wherein the protective covering may be lifted to erase or apply indicia to the writing surface. Alternative embodiments include self-adhesive labels and magnetic labels as well as a kit that includes an erasing tool and/or dry-erase marker. The self-adhesive labels find their use in labeling packages containing reusable magnetic media such as video tape cassettes and computer floppy disks, folders and stationery, storage shelves and bins, and the like. The magnetic labels might find application as labels on metal shelves, bins, equipment and the like.

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.

Abstract: A label comprised of at least two coupled plies is disclosed that can incorporate a removable game on the inside face of the centerpiece region of an outer ply. An edge region on the outer ply, which circumscribes the centerpiece region, is adhered to an inner ply. A weakened region separates the edge region from the centerpiece region so that the centerpiece region is removable from the label by first decoupling a segment of the centerpiece region from the edge region of the outer ply, and then grasping and pulling the centerpiece region from the label to decouple it completely from the label.

Abstract: Coated sheets or substrates such as paper, opaque MYLAR, TESLIN or the like are utilized in the creation of simulated, photographic-quality prints formed using non photographic imaging procedures such as xerography and ink jet. A first substrate which is transparent has a reverse reading black image formed thereon. Such an image may be formed using conventional monochromatic xerography. A second substrate is xerographically imaged for forming a uniform color image layer thereon. The foregoing results in a simulated color photographic-quality print which when viewed through the non-imaged side of the transparent substrate contains right reading reading images which exhibit color even though they are formed using black toner.

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 protective cover comprising of a flexible polymeric sheet bonded continuously along three sides to form a pocket for slidably inserting an insert therethrough. An opaque coating, preferably black in color, is applied at specific desired location on the surface of either the front, rear, or on both of the sheets comprising the protective cover. The opaque coating, generally rectangular in shape, is used to block off from view, information contained on an insert, such as an identification card, by positioning the opaque coating on the surface of either polymeric sheet such that when the insert is fully inserted on the protective cover, the opaque coating sits directly on top of the information to be blocked. The sheets are either both transparent or one transparent and the other non-transparent. The protective cover can come singly or in a number of bound flippable, overlapping protective covers.

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 .mu.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.

Abstract: A holographic effect is generated on a holographic security device by diffraction of light by a surface relief pattern on a film. When illuminated, a moire pattern is generated from a pair of overlapping, regular arrays of lines or dots. Each array has a line of symmetry. The lines of symmetry are aligned. The device exhibits an ordered variation in the form of observed moire patterns in a direction parallel with the alignment direction of the lines of symmetry and a color variation but substantially no form variation transverse to alignment direction.

Abstract: In card printing, to allow registration and positioning of card-like originals C when making a master plate by duplication to be accomplished both easily and accurately, the card-like originals are positioned and set up on an original positioning holder for card printing 30 having original set up position designating marks 34 and registration marks 36, according to the original set up position designating marks 34, and a printing master plate is made from the card-like originals along with the original positioning holder for card printing 30 by duplication.

Abstract: In a first form, a layer of flexible transparent holographic film is coated on one side and a flexible open mesh scrim is disposed between the coating and a layer of flexible transparent reinforcing material. The scrim is secured to the coating and the reinforcing material by a flexible transparent adhesive. A second form is similar to the first form and has a second open mesh scrim disposed between the coating and layer of flexible transparent material and disposed adjacent the first scrim. A third form has two spaced layers of flexible transparent material with a scrim disposed therebetween and held in place by a flexible transparent adhesive; and the scrim has scrim members including threads of holographic material. A fourth form has ,two spaced layers of flexible transparent material with a scrim disposed therebetween and held in place by a flexible transparent adhesive; and particles of holographic film are disposed between the pair of layers.