Abstract: A heat-sensitive adhesive sheet for bonding a pair of information-recorded faces, belonging to the same sheet or two different sheets of recording material, together by application of heat thereto, which comprises three or more layers, including a support and a synthetic resin layer coated on either side of the support, having a peeling resistance ranging from 10 to 150 g/50 mm between the support and each synthetic resin layer in the T-peel test performed at a peeling speed of 300 mm/min. in the atmosphere of 20.degree. C.

Abstract: Stamps such as postage stamps, fee stamps, etc., involve the problem of being machine testable with respect to their position on the carrier and their authenticity, and of assuring that they can only be used once. A stamp is proposed with characterizing printing thereon and an adhesive layer for attaching it to a carrier, said stamp containing a machine-testable marking material suitable for automatic processing, the marking material being provided in the adhesive layer.

Abstract: An apparently conventional playing card is invisibly coded so that it can only be read face down, by an electrooptic reading means. The card may be of non-laminated conventional card stock which has a substantially white surface conventionally printed with the identification of the suit and value of the card with inks chosen because they are visible but substantially transparent to wavelengths outside the visible range. The face of the card is coded with indicia inklessly marked across its surface with a compound which absorbs wavelengths (outside the visible range) which wavelengths are used by the reading means to read the indicia. The indicia, invisible to the human eye, correspond to a code which uniquely identifies the card. The card may be laminated from top and base sheets and the code concealed behind the front printed face of the top sheet. The upper surface of the top sheet is imprinted with the face value of the card with the inks described.

Abstract: A data carrier (1) such as a paper of value or the like having an optically variable element (5, 6), in particular a hologram, applied to the surface, and an additional printed pattern (2), applied in particular by steel intaglio printing, wherein the surface of the data carrier (15, 16, 20, 21) is smoother in the area of the optically variable element than in the remaining surface.

Abstract: A process for producing protection product of a transferrable protective film for covering and protecting the surface of a document or another element, comprising providing a non-stick support sheet (1), at least one printing (2) of a polymerizable liquid mixture of a hydroxylated polyol and an isocyanate or polyisocyanate, for obtaining a thin transparent polyurethane film, covering said film with a transparent adhesive layer (3) and protecting said adhesive layer with a silicone protective sheet (4); the polyurethane film may be transferred without heat to the document to be protected in order to avoid falsification thereof and for protecting the document from external damaging elements.

Abstract: An improved security document which protects documents from copying on color copying machines. The document has cancellation terms and background pattern in two tones. If the copier is adjusted to obscure the cancellation term on reproduced copies at one tone, the cancellation at the other tone will appear. In an alternative embodiment, the density of the cancellation term and the background pattern vary across the face of the document. In this case, the cancellation term will appear somewhere on the copy no matter what copier adjustments are made.

Abstract: A method and product resulting from application of the method for making the images in nonreplicable documents. Documents that cannot be replicated by known copying machines or other replicating devices are produced according to the invention method, as well as alternative methods. All of the methods disclosed herein are instructive for making the images and art work on such documents by forming lines into various patterns in a manner imitative of intaglio or gravure printing. The pitch of the lineations is deliberately selected so as to vary minutely from the pitch of the scanning trace of various copying machines such as photocopiers, video opticons, and the like. The variation in pitch may be obtained by deliberately manufacturing the document with the desired pitch or, subsequent to the image placement therein, altering the dimensions or geometry of the document so as to effectively skew the pitch parameter.

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: Method and apparatus for producing admission tickets that feature electromagnetically stored and detectable information and also visual information that contains, at least partly, identification data of the holder of the admission ticket, wherein the electromagnetically detectable information and the visual information is provided on separate carriers and wherein the separate carriers are placed in an, at least, partly transparent completely sealed sleeve. Admission tickets (14") are produced by a central processing unit (1), a video camera (2) linked with the central processing unit, and a dispenser (3) linked with the central processing unit. The dispenser has a printer for printing an image, recorded by the video camera (2), on a suitable carrier (17), which image has been converted by the central processing unit (1) into electric control signals. A magazine (4) holes a number of electromagnetically programmable responders (14), and a programming device is controlled by the processing unit (1).

Abstract: A printed image, suitable for creating an illusion of depth in the perception of a viewer of the image, comprises a multilayer transparent laminate structure having a back surface and a viewing front surface. A number of the layers in the laminate structure each has a portion of the perceived image printed upon at least one surface of the layer front and back surfaces. That portion of the image perceived to be most distant from the viewer is located upon a printed layer which is furthest from the viewing front surface of the laminate structure, and that portion of the image percieved to be most proximate to the viewer is located upon a printed layer closest to the viewing front surface. The portions of the image perceived to be at varying distances therebetween are located upon intermediate printed layers in a sequence which corresponds to the perceived varying distances of the intermediate image portions. At least a majority of the image portions are dissimilar parts of the perceived image.

Abstract: A reuseable facsimile transmittal sheet assembly includes a base sheet of a white opaque plastic material, with indicia imprinted thereon to identify sender by name, address, phone and facsimile numbers, sender, I.D., time and date. The sheet is adapted for application thereto of a manually erasable message. A clear plastic overlay sheet is protectively positioned and adhesively retained over the base sheet and the assembly is inserted into a facsimile machine. The method further includes lifting the clear plastic sheet exposing the message and wiping over the base sheet removing the message therefrom, the base sheet being adapted to receive successive messages, one at a time.

Abstract: An I.D. product wherein a ply having longitudinal and transverse lines of perforation defines an I.D. card, a pressure sensitive-equipped transparent film having a first portion attached to the ply and a second portion of the film being positioned in face-to-face relation to the ply, the second portion of the film being equipped with a release liner.

Abstract: An anti-copying composite film comprising a substratum of paper or synthetic resin film, a metallic foil formed on the surface of said substratum and a colored transparent synthetic resin coating layer applied to the surface of said metallic foil, said anti-copying composite film being characterized in that the color of the coating layer is selected in Munsell color system so that the value may be 9 or less than 9 regardless of the hue, while the chroma is selected so that an index calculated in a formula on the base of the difference of the value and the difference of chroma with respect to those of black may be 20 or more than 20.

Abstract: A composite medical information and identity card adapted to be carried by a person who has had surgery resulting in installation of one or more metallic elements in his or her body of the type which, when passing through an X-ray inspection unit, results in the metal causing an alarm to be given. The card is composite and comprises a small basic card upon which is shown on one surface the name of the person, indication of the type of surgery, and the surgeon's name. The reverse side of the card is laminated with small photographs in side-by-side position respectively of the person's head and the X-ray of the surgery on the person, the card and photographs being sealed between two similar small sheets of transparent thermoplastic film which extend beyond the edges of the card sufficiently to be permanently heat-sealed and form a composite card.

Abstract: A method of security coding an article which comprises applying to the article an identification mark comprising at least one colorless or weakly-colored infra-red absorbing material and an article carrying one or more identification codes applied according to the method. The method is suitable for marking documents, currency and equivalents, such as cheques, credit cards and tickets, and for the identification of copyright materials and high valued added goods, such as tapes, cassettes, books, films, cameras, perfumes, spirits and designer goods to inhibit counterfeiting.

Abstract: Stamps such as postage stamps, fee stamps, etc., involve the problem of being machine testable with respect to their position on the carrier and their authenticity, and of assuring that they can only be used once. A stamp is proposed with characterizing printing thereon and an adhesive layer for attaching it to a carrier, said stamp containing a machine-testable marking material suitable for automatic processing, the marking material being provided in the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A security, information document for providing information to a reader from an information source organization includes a document substrate having a first area in which a half-tone warning image is printed, indicating that a copy of the document is an unauthorized document. A half-tone background image is printed in a second area on the substrate, with the second area surrounding the first area. A camouflage image extends over the document substrate for confusing the eye of an observer such that the warning image is not readily observed. One of the half-tone warning image and the half-tone background image is printed with a half-tone screen of such a line spacing that it is not readily reproducible by a copier. The camouflage image may contain an identification of the source of the information.

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: A laminated card comprising a substrate and a card base. Carbon containing information such as a bar code is printed on the card base. A non-carbon coloring is applied to the substrate. A sealant is applied over the non-carbon coloring. The substrate is disposed on the card base with the sealant adjacent the card base and with the non-carbon coloring covering the carbon containing information for visually concealing the carbon containing information in this position, the substrate is secured to the card.

Abstract: Color change devices which are capable of undergoing a color change on bending. The devices comprise a flexible substrate having a color generating metal (e.g. a valve metal such as Ta or Nb) at at least one surface and an intimately contacting optically thin anodic film covering the color generating metal and generating a visible color by light interference and absorption effects. The thin anodic film is produced by anodizing the color generating metal in the presence of an adhesion-reducing agent (e.g. a fluoride) for weakening the normally tenacious bond between the anodic film and the metal. Devices of this kind capable of being activated by bending, as well as by separation of the constituent layers, are produced by carrying out the anodization step in the presence of a particular concentration of the adhesion reducing agent from a narrow range (e.g. 40-350 ppm of fluoride).

Abstract: A method for extracting information from a document bearing (a) first indicia detectable in a first scan mode, using light in a first spectral range, but not detectable in a second scan mode, using light outside the first spectral range, and (b) second indicia detectable in either the first scan mode or second scan mode, where the second indicia represent information encoded in one or more forms decodable by automated symbol recognition resources, comprise several steps. One or more areas of interest on the document are defined in which the second indicia may appear, with the definition including information specifying the form of encoding for the second indicia. The document is scanned in the second mode, using a scanner that produces a pixel image of the indicia detected and the resulting pixel data are stored in a memory device.

Abstract: A credit document with improved protection against forgery comprises a film which is attached to a local portion of a surface of the credit document. The film includes at least one security mark. The security mark comprises a micro-relief structure for optically diffracting incident light. A protection profile in the form of a macro-relief structure is also embossed into the surface of the credit document. The security mark and the protection profile overlap in part. The relief lines of the protection profile macrostructure are bent away from the plane of the surface of the credit document sufficiently to provide visible gloss effects due to the reflection of incident light. When this arrangement is utilized one or more visible breaks in the security mark occur when the security mark is removed from the credit document. In addition, the security mark is so deformed by the protection profile, that the deformation is easily visible if the security mark is attached to a second (i.e. a forged) credit document.

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 reflective layer is deposited against the ink layer to reflect light which passes through the ink layer and thereby give the image formed by the ink layer a shiny, metallic appearance. A stratum of opaque white ink is deposited between the reflective layer and preselected portions of the image to block the passage of visible light from the preselected portions to the reflective layer.

Abstract: An identity card, e.g. a check card or credit card, usually has a field in which the card user writes has signature when the card is handed over. A weakness that manipulators of the cards could exploit up to now was that the signature field could be detached and replaced by an imitated signature field. To make such manipulation easily recognizable and thus impede forgery, the invention proposes making the security print (guilloche print), that covers the surroundings of the signature field anyway, extend without interruption across the signature field as well. Whereas it is already extremely difficult to imitate a signature field provided with such a security print, it is virtually impossible to dispose the security print in such a way that is passes continuously from the signature field into the surroundings of the signature field (FIG. 1).

Abstract: This invention is concerned with security paper for bank notes, cheques and like documents in a security strip of enhanced security which is more difficult to counterfeit than the present bank notes containing window threads.

Abstract: Flexible composite material is provided upon which a facsimile message containing both confidential and nonconfidential information can be recorded. In general, the composite material comprises a recording layer and a cover layer. The recording layer has a predetermined width and a longitudinal extent which varies in length consistent with the length of the recorded message. The cover layer is disposed over the recording layer to define a confidential message recording area and at least one non-confidential message recording area. Both message recording areas extend along the longitudinal extent of the recording layer. The cover layer permits recording upon the non-confidential area and confidential area, while concealing the confidential message prior to the cover's removal.

Abstract: Label or package construction incorporating a hidden, but purchaser-accessible, game piece. The label, on the part of the package incorporating the gamepiece, is comprised of multiple plastic layers, or plys, and has gamepiece indicia printed on opposite surfaces of a single layer or on contacting surfaces of adjacent layers. After the product incorporating the label or packaging is purchased, the customer removes the gamepiece portion and folds the portion in a manner such that the indicia containing area on the first layer surface is aligned with the indicia containing area on the second layer surface. When aligned, an indication is provided as to whether the customer is a prize winner.

Abstract: A computerized technique for generating masters for embossing and printing color images with local regions of variation of an optical characteristic such as reflectance is disclosed. The color image is read into a computer and displayed on the computer screen. An electronic embossing mask is created for each local region which is to have a preselected optical variation. The line pattern is designated for each local region mask and an embossing film is exposed with each electronic embossing mask for creating in the embossing film a composite image including each line pattern in each local region. A plurality of electronic color separation masks are generated from the original color image, and each of these is combined with an electronic embossing mask to form an electronic line color separation mask having line patterns which correspond to those designated for the local regions.

Abstract: A laminar structure, for example an identity card, comprises a photograph and a supported hologram. A moisture-impermeable barrier layer and an adhesive layer are disposed between the hologram and the photograph, so that the photograph can be secured to the hologram while the former is still wet. The supported hologram, the barrier and adhesive layers and the photograph are sandwiched between first and second sheets. The hologram is sufficiently adhered to the photograph that, if an attempt is made to separate the supported hologram from the photograph, fracture will occur within the hologram or between the hologram and its support sheet, so that at least part of the hologram will remain attached to the photograph, so that it is not possible to detach the hologram from the photograph, leaving the hologram attached to the first sheet, and thus substitute a different photograph in the laminar structure.

Abstract: A simple and inexpensive apparatus for encoding and decoding messages is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a first surface having a first series of indicia and a second surface having a series of letters. Each of the letters correspond to a unique one of the indicia. The device further includes a cover for rotating one of the surfaces through a plurality of positions and sequentially revealing one of the indicia and its corresponding letter.

Abstract: A high security label is disclosed which includes a multiple layer security label with a base layer with a permanent adhesive coated on its lower surface. Indicia or markings are applied to the bottom surface of the top layer. The top layer is laminated to the upper surface of the base layer by a permanent patterned adhesive. The patterned adhesive is formed so as to leave a portion of the upper surface of the base layer and the bottom surface of the top layer free from adhesive. The markings are applied to the bottom surface of the top layer in at least the adhesive free areas.

Abstract: A method for producing a scrambled image for deciphering by a lenticular lens having a specific regular lineation, by exposing two photographic film negatives to two desired images and processing each film negative to form two image negatives, and by contacting and exposing one of said image negatives to a working negative through a first grating screen having the same regular lineation as the lenticular lens, to create a lineated image of said first image negative on said working negative, and then contacting and exposing the other image negative to said working negative through a second grating screen having the same regular lination as the lenticular lens, whereby said second grating screen is aligned with respect to said working negative complementary to the alignment of said first grating screen during said first contacting and exposing step such that lineated images of one negative are formed on said working negative which are parallel to and between the lineations of the image of the other image negati

Abstract: A magnetic card manufactured according to the present invention is composed of a base film; a first magnetic material coating layer applied on the base film for reading and writing variable information held in the magnetic card; and a second magnetic material coating layer applied on the first magnetic material coating layer, of which surface having a pattern formed by an angle, an interval and a thickness for giving the characteristics of the magnetic card.

Abstract: The invention relates to a two-way communication sheet in the form of double post card, double letter sheet, or the like for use in communicating under cover written information and the like which should be protected from disclosure. The two-way communication sheet is so arranged that a sheet portion on which information is written is bonded to other sheet portion or portions when the communication sheet is initially forwarded as well as when it is sent in reply, so that the information is prevented from being exposed outside. The communication sheet is quite novel in that it enables information to be communicated in secret condition.

Abstract: On a printing substrate an inking interlaced multilayer is coated which incorporates a latent configuration to be rendered visible as an actual irreversible image at any later moment by its transposal onto a new support, the obtained product being applicable as a protection against counterfeiting on commercial articles, packings, for publishing, advertising, certification purposes and so on. FIG. 6 shows an active label-seal in which the latent disc-shaped configuration is transposed from the printing substrate on the packing 12 provided as support, when the label-seal 13 is separated in stripping from said packing 12 off the closure line 14. FIG.

Abstract: A method and product, resulting from application of the method, for making images on a document that will not be replicated properly by electro-optical scanning and copying devices. Documents that cannot be replicated by known copying machines or other replicating devices are produced according to the invention method, as well as alternative methods. All of the methods disclosed herein are instructive for making the images and art work on such documents by forming lines into various patterns in a manner imitative of intaglio or gravure printing. The pitch of the lineations is deliberately selected so as to vary minutely from the pitch of the scanning trace of various copying machines such as photocopiers, video opticons, and the like. The variation in pitch may be obtained by deliberately manufacturing the document with the desired pitch or, subsequent to the image placement therein, altering the dimensions or geometry of the document so as to effectively skew the pitch parameter.

Abstract: In the subject magnetic card, first magnetic recording layer 2 is laid over substrate 1. First magnetic recording layer 2 has a coercive force that enables magnetic recording of data. Second magnetic recording layer 4, having a coercive force smaller than that of first magnetic recording layer 2, is laid over first magnetic recording layer 2, with shielding intermediate layer 3 interposed therebetween. Magnetic shielding layer 5 is provided as an uppermost magnetic layer.

Abstract: An admission ticket is designed to increase both the betting interest and attendance by the public at a parimutuel event such as a horse race. The ticket includes a pass stub used to gain entry to the parimutuel event and a wagering stub which may be exchanged for a bet at the parimutuel event. Preferably, the pass stub and wagering stub are printed on a single piece of paperboard material and are separated by a perforation line. The wagering stub includes a concealed wager and a concealed means for limiting the use of the wager by a patron at the parimutuel event. The method of the invention includes a step of printing an admission ticket to a parimutuel event with a wager being awarded to a patron and a means for limiting the use of the wager by the patron.

Abstract: A method of marking an article or substrate with a mark or device which is made visible or is enhanced on exposure to U.V. light which comprises printing onto the article or substrate a photochromic ink containing a photochromic compound which is reversibly converted to a colored form on exposure to U.V. light and reverts to a substantially colorless form in the absence of U.V. light and applying a superficial protective layer to said mark or device which protects the phototochromic compound against degradation by atmospheric moisture and oxygen. In addition the invention includes a security device in the form of a label, document or card which incorporates a mark or device which is partially or wholly invisible in light which does not contain a U.V.

Abstract: Information is provided in a multilayer identification card by means of a laser beam. This information is recorded by irreversibly changing (blackening) transparent synthetic material. Synthetic materials which blacked at different intensity values are used for the individual card layers. By controlling the laser beam intensity, information can thus be recorded only in one layer or else simultaneously in several layers. If the layer arrangement, layer materials and recording parameters (intensity, writing width, etc.) are selected appropriately, images can be produced which change their appearance when the viewing angle is changed. The various visual effects which can thereby be obtained serve to distinguish the authenticity of the identification card.

Abstract: A certification identifying medium such as debit card or credit card comprising a substrate preferably made of a paper material, a bar code band printed or layered on the substrate with a material including a magnetic material provided with a specific coercive force and a magnetic record band disposed on the substrate to magnetically record information of the bar code. A mask band made of a non-magnetic material is applied to the substrate to cover at least the bar code band to prevent the visual observation thereof. The bar code band generally comprises a plurality of bar codes which have the specific coercive force different from each other.

Abstract: A lottery ticket which has a layer of thermally-activated material beneath a ruboff layer, the material being selectively activated by a thermal sensor at the point of sale so as to apply the prize indicia on the thermally-activated material while it is still underneath the ruboff layer.

Abstract: A tamper evident document comprising a support bearing an autogenous coating including chromogenic material isolated from an electron-acceptor color developer material in which the autogenous coating bears a principal image comprising visible indicia of a transfer medium imprinted on the surface of the localized autogenous coating. Tampering with the principal image causes chromogen to react with the electron-acceptor color developer material to provide a color indication of tampering.

Abstract: Thin film structure having magnetic properties and optically variable properties comprising a substrate and a multilayer interference coating carried by the substrate producing an inherent color shift with angle. The interference coating has a metal-dielectric design which includes a metal which has magnetic as well as reflective properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a personalized envelope in which is enclosed a personalized letter and a method of enclosing a personalized letter in a personalized mailing envelope. The personalized envelope has a small die-cut in an inconspicuous location through which a number on the enclosed personalized letter can be seen. By matching the number showing in the die-cut to a matching number on the envelope itself it is assured that the enclosed personalized letter is being sent to the correct addressee without reading name on letter.

Abstract: Information is provided in a multilayer identification card by means of a laser beam. This information is recorded by irreversibly changing (blackening) transparent synthetic material. Synthetic materials which blacken at different intensity values are used for the individual card layers. By controlling the laser beam intensity, information can thus be recorded only in one layer or else simultaneously in several layers. If the layer arrangement, layer materials and recording parameters (intensity, writing width, etc.) are selected appropriately, images can be produced which change their appearance when the viewing angle is changed. The various visual effects which can thereby be otained serve to distinguish the authenticity of the identification card.

Abstract: A postal card having a cover sheet releasably bonded to the printed surface of a card substrate, comprising a card substrate on which secret contents are printed, a transparent protection film made of a thermoplastic resin bonded by means of adhesive layer to the printed surface of the card substrate, a cover sheet applied with a lamination film made of a thermoplastic resin different from the thermoplastic resin for the protection film, and a coupling layer made of the same kind of the thermoplastic resin as that for the lamination film and supplied between the protection film and the lamination film while heated to a temperature within a range from the softening point to the melting point of the resin for releasably coupling the protection film and the lamination film, in which the protection film, the coupling layer and the lamination film are firmly secured with each other at a fixing area and a releasing area is formed at another portion of the outer peripheral region.

Abstract: A dye-receiving element and process for producing a high-security, monolithic identification card, the element comprising a support having thereon a dye image-receiving layer adapted to receive a thermally-transferred dye image, the dye image-receiving layer containing indicia printed thereon approximately 40-120 .mu.m in width.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a personal identification card system includes a card having a plurality of lamina joined permanently together, with identification information written on the inner surfaces of the lamina. The information is not visible from the exterior of the card, and is written as analog and digital indicia and images adapted to be read by ultrasonic imaging means. An ultrasonic imaging card reading terminal may include either pulse-echo, through-transmission, or tomographic amplitude sensing devices, or may include acoustic holographic imaging sensors for appropriately formed indicia and images. The personal identifying data contained within the card may include a fingerprint image or an acoustic vocal spectrogram of the individual, as well as personal identifying numbers, signature, and the like.

Abstract: Thin film optically variable article having substantial color shift with varying angle of light incidence and viewing and including an optically thick, substantially transparent element carrying a colorant and having first and second surfaces. A multilayer interference coating is carried on one of said first and second surfaces. The colorant serves to modify in essentially a subtractive mode the color at normal incidence and the color shift with angle of the multilayer interference coating as seen by reflection or transmission.