Abstract: A lottery card comprising a given number of fields, arranged in a successive order. Each field is divided into a given number of frames. At least one of the frames of every field contains a mark. All marks are related to each other according to a successive order, and are concealed by being coated with a removable coating.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for maintaining the confidentiality of information contained in a printed document is accomplished by enclosing the document in an envelope, or similar enclosure, before the document is discharged from the apparatus. The apparatus generally includes: a printer, which may be a facsimile machine, photocopier, or computer printer; a document positioner for positioning the document, so that the document may be enclosed in an envelope; and a document encloser, which encloses the document in the envelope so that the document may later be removed from the envelope for viewing only by the intended recipient. The functions and sequencing of the apparatus are controlled by a suitable control system. A label printer, for printing the name of the intended recipient on the envelope, or the other desired information, may also be included.

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 security card comprising a backing, a cover film, and a security image, the security image being located between the backing and the cover film, the backing and the cover film being laminated together without an intermediate adhesive layer, wherein the backing comprises an amorphous copolyester or polyvinyl chloride, and the cover film comprises the other of polyvinyl chloride or an amorphous copolyester. Also, a method for making such security cards.

Abstract: A document capable of providing multiple colors under the application of heat comprising a support having at least one surface bearing a first coating comprising a substantially colorless, heat activatable chromogenic composition capable of producing a first color under the application of heat, and a second coating comprising a localized coating of a substantially colorless, heat activatable chromogenic composition capable of producing a second color under the application of heat. Each chromogenic composition comprises a chromogenic compound and a color developer that are substantially colorless solids in physical contact prior to reaction, but which can chemically react to produce a visible colored image by application of heat at temperatures above room temperature. Under the application of heat from a thermal printer, by quickly striking the chromogenic composition with a fingernail or blunt object to produce frictional heat, or other heat application, multicolored images are provided.

Abstract: To prevent unauthorized duplication of important security documents, an improvement in security or protected documents is disclosed. The security document includes a substrate having top and bottom surfaces where at least one of the surfaces is adapted to carry printed copy thereon. A colored background is printed on at least a portion of one of the surfaces, such as the surface which is adapted to carry printed copy, using a temperature sensitive ink. The security document also includes copy printed on at least a portion of the one of the surfaces adapted to carry printed copy thereon. With these features of construction, the security or protected document contemplates the copy being printed by utilizing a temperature insensitive ink.

Abstract: A document capable of providing multiple colors under the application of heat comprising a support having at least one surface bearing a first coating comprising a substantially colorless, heat activatable chromogenic composition capable of producing a first color under the application of heat, and a second coating comprising a localized coating of a substantially colorless, heat activatable chromogenic composition capable of producing a second color under the application of heat. Each chromogenic composition comprises a chromogenic compound and a color developer that are substantially colorless solids in physical contact prior to reaction, but which can chemically react to produce a visible colored image by application of heat at temperatures above room temperature. Under the application of heat from a thermal printer, by quickly striking the chromogenic composition with a fingernail or blunt object to produce frictional heat, or other heat application, multicolored images are provided.

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.

Abstract: Cards and methods of securing hidden symbols on cards are disclosed. The cards, such as instant-win lottery tickets, utilize continuous overprint inks that mask the boundaries between their "secure" and "unsecure" portions to inhibit unscrupulous players from successfully tampering with them. By reformulating the overprint inks to permit a single set to be applied to both portions of a card, more vibrant and aesthetically-pleasing graphics may be displayed as well while utilizing fewer printing stations during the printing process.Alternatively or additionally, the cards may be embossed for added security. Raising portions of the secure area of a card above the remainder of its surface produces irregular features, thereby inhibiting both improper removal of the upper latex or other coating and photo reproduction of the card. The varying card height caused by embossing further inhibits heat-based tampering, as heat transfer to the irregular surface is no longer uniform.

Abstract: A tamper resistant label having a film to which non-adherent and visible indicia are applied. The film, with the non-adherent visible indicia is thereafter corona treated, and a layer of the same material or a material with the same index of refraction as the non-adherent visible indicia is applied, overlying the film. In this arrangement, any removal of the film does not affect the visible indicia, but the region in the vicinity of the visible indicia is destroyed. The non-adherent visible indicia may take the form of any predetermined pattern such as the term void to indicate to a viewer that the overlying protective film has been removed.

Abstract: Cards and methods of securing hidden symbols on cards are disclosed. The cards, such as instant-win lottery tickets, utilize continuous overprint inks that mask the boundaries between their "secure" and "unsecure" portions to inhibit unscrupulous players from successfully tampering with them. By reformulating the overprint inks to permit a single set to be applied to both portions of a card, more vibrant and aesthetically-pleasing graphics may be displayed as well while utilizing fewer printing stations during the printing process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a game ticket with a base card displaying play results on a playing surface, an inner exposure device, and an outer exposure device. The inner exposure device is located so as to conceal at least one of the play results, and is removable to reveal the play results it conceals. The outer exposure device is located so as to conceal both the inner exposure device and the play results not covered by the inner exposure device, and is removable to reveal the inner exposure device and play results that it conceals.

Abstract: A tamper indicating, multi-layer strip has an upper layer of translucent or transparent material, a tamper pattern-forming layer beneath the upper layer, and a lower, adhesive layer for securing the strip to an item to be protected. A layer of imprintable material which is of area less than that of the upper layer covers part of the upper surface of the upper layer to form a signature-receiving area. The tamper pattern-forming layer is designed to be activated to reveal a tamper pattern through the upper layer when the strip is peeled away from an item to which it has been adhered. A signature is applied to the imprintable material layer prior to application of the strip to an item to be protected, making unauthorized duplication difficult, if not impossible.

Abstract: A thermal transfer printing receiver sheet for use in security laminates, comprises a substrate having a dye-receiving surface on one side and a back coat on the other, characterised in that the substrate comprises a plastics material film having on at least one side thereof a layer which has a lower melting point than the plastics material film and a strength of adhesion to the plastics material film greater than the strength of the plastics material film itself.

Abstract: A piece of printed material has preprinted, hidden data and includes a structure which prevents premature revealing of the hidden data. For example, an instant scratch-off lottery ticket according to the invention includes a substrate, an ink layer disposed on the substrate, the ink layer including hidden lottery data. An elemental-metal-free ink-receptive layer is provided between the ink layer and the substrate, whereby the metal-free layer prevents migration of ink from the ink layer through the substrate when the substrate has been contacted with a solvent.

Abstract: A heat sensitive system comprises a document having a localized, non-pressure sensitive, coating of chromogenic composition activated at moderate temperatures. Quickly striking the chromogenic composition with a fingernail or blunt object produces a colored image by frictional heat. The chromogenic composition contains a chromogenic compound and a color developer which are non-pressure sensitive and nonreactive at room temperature. The chromogenic composition can be an intimate mixture of the chromogenic compound and the developer or alternatively separate layers of each of the components.

Abstract: A card, such as a lottery ticket or game piece, lacking a foil laminate is disclosed. To simulate the appearance of such a laminate, however, the card includes a substrate onto which metal particles are adhered. The particles are permanently suspended in a resinous ink binder, thus forming neither a sheet of material nor a continuous, solid film. To enhance the reflectivity of the card, a clear overcoat may be applied.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a simple, inexpensive but effective authentication system and package which will enable end users of replacement parts to quickly and easily ascertain the authenticity of the parts contained in the package without necessitating the use of additional authentication equipment. In general, the authentication system for replacement parts of the present invention comprises a package constructed of a multi-layer material such as corrugated cardboard, having located between two of its layers a tear tape. The tear tape is inserted between the layers during manufacture of the multi-layered material and in such a manner that when the material is formed into packages, the tear tape will extend around a substantial portion of the package and cannot be removed without destroying the package or at least rendering it unreusable.

Abstract: A phase hologram is embossed in a mylar web having a reflective layer which is made from tin tungsten oxide, zinc sulfide, or a mixture thereof. The embossed microtexture produces a hologram that is semi-transparent, thereby allowing the visualization of indicia underlying the hologram.

Abstract: A card and associated system and method provides disposable but secure telephone debit cards. Identifying indicia are disposed on the telephone debit card surface, and temporarily covered so that it cannot be visually or photographically detected. After purchase of a debit card from a distribution terminal or device, a user is able to remove the temporary covering and access a telephone service system by first accessing a central system server and communicating to such central system server the now revealed identifying indicia on the purchase card. The central system server monitors the duration of a user's telephone usage, and charges an appropriate associated toll against the debit card's predetermined debit limit. Separate toll rates may be applied for different forms of calls, eg., interstate long distance, intrastate long distance, local, or even collect or conference calling, or modem service.

Abstract: There is provided a postage stamp construction formed of a plurality of postage stamps adhered to a currency sized release liner by an ooze resistant pressure sensitive adhesive which construction coated with a polymeric coating of the face of the stamp and the undersurface of the release liner and dispensable from an automatic teller machine.

Abstract: The article includes a substrate which is composed of a single ply that contains both a structure for generating a viewable optically variable effect, such as a hologram, and carries an indicia receptive coating. The indicia receptive coating covers the single ply such that at least part of the optically variable effect is visible. The indicia receptive coating may receive printed indicia such as security indicia, alphanumeric character shapes, symbols, and bar codes. The article with the single ply that contains viewable optically variable effect and also carries the printed indicia, is more tamper resistant than previous identification documents. It is very difficult, if not impossible, to alter the printed indicia without also altering the structure that generates the viewable optically variable effect or vice versa.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of providing a copy-evident feature to documents and the documents produced thereby. The process allows the printing of a novel security design which is difficult to see with the naked eye when casually inspecting the document, but which will be immediately apparent in a copy if the document is photocopied or transmitted via facsimile.

Abstract: A copy indicating security device includes at least one symbol defined by a first arrangement of print elements, the or each symbol being provided in a background defined by a second arrangement of print elements. Under normal viewing conditions the security device presents a substantially flat tint to the eye. The first and second arrangements of print elements differ from one another so that on copying the device at least one of the symbols is revealed. The perimeter of the or each symbol is generally irregular.

Abstract: Polymeric blends suitable for making plastic sheets and laminas which exhibit improved flexural durability while retaining stiffness and impact strength include a core made from a blend comprising polyvinyl chloride resin, a vinyl chloride-vinyl ester copolymer, one or more acrylic polymers or copolymers, a chlorinated polyolefin, a solid tin stabilizer, and one or more ester waxes. The lamina, which is suitable for use as an extended life credit card, is prepared by forming a polymeric blend of a core material into a base layer sheet material which is subsequently treated to reduce surface tension and improve ink adhesion thereto, then printed with desired indicia, and finally provided with a contact-transparent protective overlay which is laminated thereto.

Abstract: A reusable telecopier cover page having an opaque sheet and a laminated or adhered transparent plastic sheet and which is capable of being delivered through the in-feed of a telecopier to an output thereof. A portion of the opaque sheet is removed to provide a window. In one embodiment, a portion of the transparent plastic sheet at the window is provided with an adhesive coating to adhesively hold a calling card or like printed member bearing identification of the sender. The front sheet is also capable of having material written thereon and easily erased therefrom as, for example, by a marking pen or pencil having readily removable ink. In another embodiment, the window is provided with a peripheral flap formed on one of the sheets so as to retentively, but nevertheless removably hold a calling card or other printed member bearing identification of the sender.

Abstract: A reusable facsimile cover letter is provided, which consists of a paper sheet printed with indicia and blank lines on both sides. A layer of heat sealed clear plastic laminate is on both sides of the paper sheet. Data can be written on the clear plastic laminate, then erased and replaced with new data. A marking pen is for writing the data, while an eraser being a cloth encased sponge is for erasing the data. A container and holder can also be provided for the eraser and marker pen.

Abstract: A heat sensitive system comprises a document having a localized, non-pressure sensitive, coating of chromogenic composition activated at moderate temperatures. Quickly striking the chromogenic composition with a fingernail or blunt object produces a colored image by frictional heat. The chromogenic composition contains a chromogenic compound and a color developer which are non-pressure sensitive and non-reactive at room temperature. The chromogenic composition can be an intimate mixture of the chromogenic compound and the developer or alternatively separate layers of each of the components.

Abstract: A business form 10 includes a planar carrier 12 having a card 14 demarcated therein and a window 18 defined in the carrier 12 adjacent the card 14. A planar element 20 of a synthetic plastics material is laminated to the carrier 12 in register with the card 14 and the window 18 so that a part 20.1 of the element 20 is arranged within the window 18. A coating of adhesive material is carried by at least that part 20.1 of the element 20 in the window 18 so that, upon removal of the card 14 and that part 20.1 of the element 20 in the window 18, said part 20.1 of the element 20 can be folded over onto the card 14 and adhesively secured to the card 14 to form an arrangement where both surfaces of the card 14 are covered by the plastics material.

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 comprises a card substrate and a hologram-magnetic stripe comprising, provided on said card substrate in the following order, an adhesive layer, a first magnetic recording layer, a second magnetic recording layer, a metallic reflecting 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. below the lower Curie point, they become substantially identical to each other in saturation writing current value.

Abstract: A tamper-evident label is disclosed having a base label substrate with an adhesive on its lower surface. Water-insoluble indicia are applied to the upper surface of the base label substrate. Water-soluble indicia or graphics are applied to at least the water-insoluble indicia. When exposed to water, the water-soluble indicia or graphics dissolve, and the water-insoluble indicia are revealed. The label further includes a plurality of perforations such that removal of the label from an application surface causes the label to fragment.

Abstract: Non-continuous reflective holograms or diffraction gratings are provided in various forms for authenticating documents and things, and for decorative and product packaging applications. In one specific authentication application, such a hologram or diffraction grating is firmly attached to a surface that contains visual information desired to be protected from alteration. Examples of such information include written personal data and photograph on a passport, driver's license, identity card and the like. The reflective discontinuous hologram is formed in a pattern that both permits viewing the protected information through it and the viewing of an authenticating image or other light pattern reconstructed from it in reflection. In another specific authentication application, a non-transparent structure of two side-by-side non-continuous holograms or diffraction patterns, each reconstructing a separate image or other light pattern, increases the difficulty of counterfeiting the structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new lottery ticket paper for the manufacture of different kinds of lottery tickets, especially of the "instant lottery ticket" type, and a method of manufacturing said tickets. The lottery ticket paper is characterized in that it comprises a colored, opaque base paper coated on both sides with a composition comprising at least one pigment, a filler, a binder solution, and optionally viscosity regulating agents and some kind of security element. The lottery ticket paper is protected against see-through and various kinds of forgery. It is an environmentally pleasing, nonexpensive and from the production-technical point of view suitable alternative to existing foil-laminated lottery ticket papers.

Abstract: A display has a transparent plastic substrate and a colored image formed on the substrate. The colored image is formed on the substrate by process printing a large number of small dots, colored red, yellow, and blue, in a predetermined pattern onto the substrate. The red, yellow, and blue ink dots are translucent to visible light. A pattern of opaque white ink dots is process printed over selected portions of the image to highlight the selected portions and to thereby give the selected portions an appearance of relative depth. A reflective layer can be deposited against the ink patterns to reflect light which passes through the ink patterns and thereby give the image formed by the ink patterns a shiny, metallic appearance.

Abstract: An optically variable device for use on security documents to deter unauthorized reproduction is provided which contains a warning message that is not readily apparent to an observer but that reproduces as a visible warning message when copied. The device comprises a pattern of light reflecting surfaces which comprise a reflection diffraction grating having a plurality of grooves that vary in orientation and blaze angle. In an alternative embodiment, a machine-readable optically variable device is provided in which the pattern of specularly light-reflecting surfaces produces a machine-readable message in response to light impinging on the device.

Abstract: A printed document, such as a lottery ticket, includes a thermochromic layer at least over the imprinted data region. The printed document can be authenticated by applying heat to the thermochromic material and observing the presence or absence of a reversible color change.

Abstract: A pressure and heat-sensitive composition comprising chromogen-containing pressure-rupturable microcapsules and heat-sensitive color developer useful for verification of document authenticity system when applied as a localized coating on documents, such as checks and prescriptions. Quickly striking the chromogenic composition with a fingernail or blunt object to generate pressure and heat in the coating produces a colored image by friction. The chromogenic composition possesses a fugitive characteristic, whereby the colored image gradually disappears and can be made to reappear when the chromogenic coating is again subjected to external pressure and heat. This feature can be used for repeated verification of the authenticity of the document.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method of producing an anti-counterfeiting document or currency which acts and feels like existing paper currencies. The method of the present invention laminates two sheets of currency paper on each side of a thin durable substrate film, thereby forming a durable document which maintains a paper-like feel. The currency of the present invention exhibits unique and powerful anti-counterfeiting features compared to those presently available. The currency of the instant invention also lasts significantly longer than conventional "paper" money.

Abstract: A support provided with a machine-detectable security element, particularly a copying-security element. The security element comprises a first image perceptible to the human visual system, said first image incorporating a second image that is substantially imperceptible to the human visual system.

Abstract: An infrared-absorbing mark printed matter in which an infrared-absorbing mark is formed on a substrate by printing with an ink having high light absorptivity in the infrared region; the infrared-absorbing mark is covered up by smearing with an ink having high light absorptivity in the visible region and pervious to light in the infrared region to form a colored concealing layer; and on the colored concealing layer is formed a white concealing layer by printing with an ink containing a white pigment and an extender pigment of which at least part of the particles are those having an average particle size of 3 to 20 .mu.m.

Abstract: A thin film label, either clear or opaque, is printed with an ink layer and a multiple-layer heat-activated adhesive layer for bonding to a glass container.

Abstract: An identification bracelet formed from upper and lower layers of flexible material removably laminated with a selectively printed release layer and a pigmented adhesive. The lower layer has a plurality of die cut areas which can be removed to expose a portion of the adhesive, which is then overlapped with, and attached to the upper layer. The adhesive is applied over a selectively printed release layer so as to have areas of high adhesion and areas of low adhesion to the upper layer which separate differentially and form a "void" indication, for example, if the attached ends are separated after application.

Abstract: A method of assembly and activation of a reusable self-expiring Security Identification Badge is provided. The Badge includes a base substrate having a void indicia area. Also included is an ink substrate having an expired indicia area of a soluble ink and an adhesive surface. Also included is an overlay substrate having an ink dissolver and a display surface. When the Security I.D. Badge is issued, the inked substrate is attached to the base substrate, the inked substrate covering the void indicia area. The overlay substrate is then placed over and attached to the inked substrate, the ink dissolver in contact with the soluble ink of the ink substrate. The ink dissolver of the overlay substrate contacts and coacts with the soluble ink of the inked substrate to dissolve the ink and allow the ink to migrate through to the overlay substrate to the display surface, where it can be visually perceived, in a preselected time interval.

Abstract: An optical recording medium in which a recording layer (4) on which optically readable data are recorded is formed on a rectangular base material (1), a protective layer (5) is formed by roll coating on the recording layer (4) and wherein the base material (1) on which the recording layer (4) and the protective layer (5) have been formed is cut into a predetermined shape. The protective layer (5) provided on the recording layer (4) is formed of a material having a low Young modulus and a lower thermal conductivity as compared with the base material.

Abstract: A security label is constructed from label stock having top and bottom faces. A release coat is provided on the label stock bottom face, a non-opaque tie coat provided on the release coat, and an opaque coat of permanent pressure sensitive adhesive provided on the tie coat. The tie coat has a significantly greater affinity for the adhesive than for the release coat. Indicia, such as reverse printed alphanumeric characters, is provided on the tie coat substantially between the adhesive and the tie coat so that "void", or a similar security designation, is indicated if the label stock is removed. A release liner may cover the permanent pressure sensitive adhesive, or paper stock having a second tie coat with repositional adhesive over the tie coat may be provided engaging the permanent pressure sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: A printing medium (10) receives and displays images produced by a thermal printer of a standard facsimile machine. The printing medium (10) comprises plain-surfaced printing paper (12) and a cover medium (14) disposed over the printing paper so as to pass through the facsimile machine in combination with the printing paper. The cover medium (14) includes a bottom surface facing toward the printing paper (12) and a top surface facing away from the printing paper. A coating of heat-transferable ink (16) is disposed on the bottom surface, the ink being transferred from the cover medium (14) to predetermined locations on the printing paper (12) as the printing medium passes through the facsimile machine.

Abstract: The present invention is a tamper proof label comprised of a thicker support portion and a thinner fragile portion. The label is formed of a plurality of layers of varnish, adhesive, plastic, and ink. The label incorporates an authentication region in which the text can be readily deciphered only with a special viewer. The top surface of the label can be written on with ink and is difficult to erase without destroying the fragile portion of the label. The label is adhered to a product by an adhesive which becomes aggressively bonded to the product over a relatively short period of time. In addition, the adhesive leaves a residue which is visible when illuminated with ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A hidden entry system comprises a document having a localized coating of a non-pressure sensitive heat activated autogenous chromogenic composition to provide a latent image which reveals hidden indicia when heated at moderate temperatures. The hidden entry system is especially useful for contests and promotional forms. Quickly striking the chromogenic composition with a fingernail or blunt object converts the latent image to a visible colored image by frictional heat. The chromogenic composition contains a chromogenic compound and a color developer which are non-pressure sensitive and non-reactive at room temperature. The latent image can be provided by an intimate mixture of the chromogenic compound and the developer or alternatively, one component can be printed on a separate layer or coating of the other component.

Abstract: An improved security document according to the present invention includes a substrate having a surface for carrying indicia. The document has background printed matter, consisting of a pattern of elements of a first size and frequency, printed at a first density on the surface. The document further has a cancellation term, consisting of a pattern of elements of a second size and frequency, printed at a second density on the surface. Elements of one of the first size or the second size are sufficiently small such that they are not reproduced by a color copier at a particular copier setting, and elements of the other of the first size or the second size are sufficiently large such that they are reproduced by the color copier at the particular copier setting. As a result, a copy of the security document made on a color copier displays the cancellation term. At least a portion of the security document surface is divisible into a plurality of bands extending across the surface.

Abstract: A shipping label that also functions as a packing list comprises a packet having a self-adhesive feature for attaching it to a shipping package with the same security of nonremovability as a standard shipping label. The packing list forms which are under the covering layer of the packet are multilayer composites that stick to the carton when applied but leave the sticky layer when pulled away. The packing list form has a place for the shipping address. The covering layer for the packet is opaque with a clear window overlaying the shipping address area. A packet may contain a plurality of packing list forms stuck one on top of the other. When each packing list form is pulled up it leaves a nonstick film on the one below it.