Abstract: An arrangement of a workpiece which is 3-dimensionally structured at least in partial surface regions, at least having a decoration applied above and/or below the structured workpiece surface, and at least one illumination source is described. The decoration comprises at least one coating material, wherein the amount of the coating material applied to the workpiece in a location-specific manner correlates with the height of the 3-dimensionally structured surface of the workpiece at this location, wherein the 3-dimensionally structured workpiece surface is at least partially translucent and the illumination source is arranged to couple light either laterally and/or at the rear and/or at the front into the workpiece surface. Furthermore, a method for coating 3-dimensionally surface-structured workpieces is presented.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a decorative sheet, an electronic apparatus cover plate and an electronic apparatus. The decorative sheet is used for forming a three-dimensional image to represent a three-dimensional material object. The decorative sheet comprises a transparent protective layer, a graph-text structure layer and a reflective layer; the graph-text structure layer and the reflective layer are located on a same side of the transparent protective layer; the graph-text structure layer comprises a number of graph-text sub-blocks which form the three-dimensional image and each of which comprises a micro-structure that represents corresponding lightness of the three-dimensional material object. The lightness of light rays emitted by each graph-text sub-block comprising the micro-structure is different, and thus a change of lightness is produced among the graph-text sub-blocks.

Abstract: A label is provided with a warning layer coating integrated or applied to a front side of the label. The warning layer coating is not activated by application of heat; rather, the warning layer coating activates upon a directional force (vertical or horizontal pulling) applied to the label after the label was initially adhered to a container, bag, box, and/or object. Upon activation, visible color or a printed warning indicia is visible on a front surface of the label, providing evidence that the label was removed after initial application or providing evidence that the label was attempted to be removed after initial application.

Abstract: A system includes an unpatterned heater configured to pre-heat a thermochromic coating disposed on a substrate to a first temperature. The thermochromic coating has a threshold temperature at which the thermochromic material undergoes a color change. The system also includes a patterned heater comprising multiple heating elements configured to heat selected pixels of the thermochromic coating to a temperature at or above the threshold temperature according to a predetermined pattern. An air gap is maintained between the multiple heating elements and the thermochromic material while the patterned heater is heating the thermochromic material. The air in the air gap heated to a second temperature.

Abstract: An imaging system includes first and second heaters configured to pre-heat a thermochromic coating. The first heater heats at least one of a substrate and the thermochromic coating disposed on the substrate. The second heater heats an ambient environment surrounding the thermochromic coating. The first and second heaters are configured to pre-heat the thermochromic coating to a temperature below a threshold temperature of the thermochromic coating. The system further includes a patterned heater configured to heat the pre-heated thermochromic coating to one or more temperatures above the threshold temperature according to a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: A method for the secure protection of a portion of the surface of an official document bearing markings, in which: a transparent security layer (17) is selected, the layer including at least one semi-transparent printed image including at least one transparent binder and at least one thermochromic pigment (14, 13, 12, 11); the semi-transparent printed image reveals at least one semi-transparent visible pattern in a first non-activated state at least a first temperature, such that the markings can be seen through the image, the pattern not being visible in a second activated state at least a second temperature different from the first temperature. A device for the secure protection of a portion of the surface of an official document and such an official document are also described.

Abstract: A container having postage printed on the container and having integrated authenticating security features is provided. The container can further include a recipient address field and a sender address field.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermosensitive multiple recording sheet characterized in that a second base material having light transmission properties is attached to the side of a first thermosensitive recording layer of a first thermosensitive recording sheet comprising a first base material and the first thermosensitive recording layer formed on one surface of the first base material, through a temporary adhesive layer, the second base material is composed of an information disclosing portion and an information non-disclosing portion, a shielding layer is formed at the position corresponding to the information non-disclosing portion on the second base material, and an ultraviolet curable resin layer are formed as an outermost layer of the sheet.

Abstract: A security document precursor including, in order, at least: a) a transparent biaxially stretched polyethylene terephthalate foil; b) a colorless color forming layer containing at least an infrared absorber, a color forming component and a polymeric binder; and c) a polymeric support; wherein the colorless color forming layer contains at least one component forming a compound having a melting temperature of less than 20° C. upon laser marking the colorless color forming layer with an infrared laser. Methods for securing a security document using the security document precursor are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for preparing a color laser marked article comprising the steps of: a) infrared laser marking a security element including a polymeric support and a color forming layer comprising a color forming compound, an infrared dye and a polymeric binder comprising vinyl acetate and at least 85 wt % of vinyl chloride based on the total weight of the binder; and b) exposing the laser marked security element with light having a wavelength higher than 440 nm. The light exposure of step b) hinders the falsification of an issued security document without significant increase of background density.

Abstract: A security document precursor including, in order: a) at least one transparent biaxially stretched polyester foil; b) one colorless color forming layer containing at least an infrared absorber, a colorless dye-precursor and a polymeric binder; and c) a polymeric support; wherein the polymeric binder is copolymer including at least 90 wt % of a chlorinated ethylene and 1 wt % to 10 wt % of vinyl acetate both based on the total weight of the binder. Methods for making the security document precursor are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of color laser marking an article having a polymeric foil with at least one colorless layer containing an infrared absorber, a polymeric binder and a color forming compound; including the steps of:—laser marking the colorless layer with an infrared laser using a first laser operation mode to generate a blue or cyan color; and—laser marking the same colorless layer with an infrared laser using a second laser operation mode to generate a black color, wherein the first laser operation mode applies less energy to the colorless layer than the second laser operation mode. Also disclosed is an article, such as a security document, including a polymeric foil and a colorless layer containing laser marked graphical data having a blue or cyan color and laser marked information having a black color.

Abstract: Tapes for marking valuable components and their housings and supporting posts are described along with a process for utilizing the tapes including the steps of sequentially marking the copper and the equipment with a MR marking (e.g. barcodes, Q-R codes and/or EF transmitters). EF or related broadcasting transmitters or their equivalent would be thin enough and responsive to a signal; machine reading a MR sequence on copper that is brought; marking the copper sold before, after or at the point of sale; identifying the location and coding the copper as stolen at the point of theft, utilizing a nationwide system of copper marking tied to the buyer's information; visually marking the copper in a non-sequential way, potentially by region or state in order to minimize the amount of overlap and would also include the concepts of mandatory scanning of copper products at installation or recycling.

Abstract: The invention describes a method providing prints with fluorescent effects on a document generated by color electrophotographic print processes, employing an electrophotographic printer equipped with five print modules, where four printing stations are equipped with black, yellow, magenta and cyan toners and a fifth station is equipped with substantially clear fluorescent toners to be printed on top of the color toners or directly on a substrate of the print document. In further developments of the present invention, the clear fluorescent toner absorbs light in the UV-A range or comprises metallic pigments or metallic effect pigments added to the clear fluorescent toner.

Abstract: An optical security label for security and anti-counterfeit applications comprises a first layer having an optically variable portion (diffractive, holographic or interference film) generating an optically variable effect secured to a support layer by a weak adhesive layer such that the first layer can be scratched off the third support layer to reveal underlying data and the label is affixed to a substrate by a pressure sensitive adhesive. The label or substrate carry the data to be protected such a printed or personalized paper or plastic substrate. In one aspect the scratch off region is patterned and also the data can comprise a pattern of alternate scratch off and permanent areas. In one aspect the label is a thin frangible structure delivered to the substrate with a weakly bound top carrier. In another aspect the optical variable device includes a covert image authenticated by a decoder carried on the top of the removable carrier.

Abstract: A chemically etched two dimensional matrix symbol is provided on a substrate. The substrate may be metal or plastic. A process is described for forming a plurality of two dimensional matrix symbols at the same time in batches. The two dimensional data matrix symbol includes a substrate, a plurality of grooves and a plurality of raised areas, and a plurality of ink spots disposed in the grooves according to a predefined code. The matrix is readable by a scanning device.

Abstract: A false positive testing device (FPTD) that contains a coating based on a one hundred percent solids varnish and a transparent reagent, that uses oxidative free radical polymerization as a drying mechanism, and that can be transferred to various types of porous substrates by conventional lithographic offset printing and/or dry offset printing. The substrates with the FPTD can be verified by using common currency detection protocols, such as testing with ultraviolet lights and/or counterfeit detection iodine based pen/pad stamps.

Abstract: A document which may be a security document has a thermochromic coating which may be a thermochromic ink on the substrate of the document. The ink may include several thermochromic materials which transition from various different colors to substantially clear in appearance as the ink is warmed to various temperatures. The combination of the colors of the thermochromic materials can give the document a different color at a number of different temperatures, until the coating is warmed to the highest color change point. When at or above the highest color change temperature, the coating becomes substantially transparent and the printed area assumes the color of the underlying substrate. The coating may also include non-reactive materials of yet another color that mixes with the colors of the thermochromic materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly including an article to be authenticated, an authentication composition and a member for applying the composition, capable of retaining said composition by capillarity, wherein the article to be identified contains a first reagent selected from nickel, copper, cobalt or iron derivatives, or from dithiooxamide or oxime derivatives capable of reacting with a second reagent of the authentication composition selected respectively from among dithioxmide or oxmime derivatives or from nickel, copper, cobalt or iron derivatives, so as to form a visible and permanent coloured mark.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a secret scratch sticker capable of secretly delivering a message to only a person who receives the message and a method of manufacturing the same. The secret scratch sticker comprises a transparent film sheet 110 having an adhesion portion formed on one surface thereof; a first scratching part 120 laminated on the other surface of the film sheet 110 so as to be stripped off with a fingernail or a coin; and a second scratching part 130 laminated on the first scratching part 120 so as to be stripped off together with the first scratching part 120, the second scratching part having colors. According to the present invention, a user can deliver a message to only a desired person, and thus the message can be hidden from other people.

Abstract: Disclosed is an item, for example a document, including a substrate having thereon a multiplicity of separate printed markings, wherein the printed markings include both conductive printed markings and substantially non-conductive printed markings. The different conductive and substantially non-conductive regions on the substrate can be detected, for example by measuring the resistance or current of each printed marking. The pattern of different conductive and substantially non-conductive regions can be used as a security pattern of authenticity that cannot be replicated by standard office equipment, and/or can be used to encrypt information in binary code form in the item. A system for forming and detecting the different printed markings is also described.

Abstract: A method for identifying a product includes providing a solid body (10) fabricated from at least a molecularly imprinted polymer having molecular sized cavities (12) adapted to selectively receive and bind molecules (50) having a specific taggant molecular structure (51), the molecular sized cavities (12) disposed on a portion of an exterior surface (11) of the body (10), and applying to the surface of the body a composition containing indicator molecules (50) having a taggant moiety (51) at one end and a marking function group (53) tethered to the taggant moiety (51) by a molecular chain the taggant moieties (51) engaging and binding to the molecular sized cavities (12) so as to mark the portion of the surface (11) of the body (10) with the indicator molecules (50) bound thereto, the marking functional groups (53) rendering the marked portion of the surface (11) perceptible with or without detection instrumentation.

Abstract: A fluorescent ink composition comprising functionalized fluorescent nanocrystals, an aqueous-based ink carrier comprising water or a water-based solution, and a binder. Also provided are methods of providing an image or a security mark on a substrate for subsequent identification by applying a fluorescent ink composition onto the substrate.

Abstract: the invention provides a composition having laser engraving properties, comprising a host material and a laser enhancing additive. The host material comprises a material, such as a polymer, modified by a first process, whereby the host material as modified by the first process has increased thermal conductivity as compared to the host material before the first process. The laser enhancing additive comprises a first quantity of at least one of copper potassium iodide (CuKI3), Copper Iodide (CuI), potassium iodide (KI), sodium iodide (NaI), and aluminum iodide (AlI), and a second quantity of at least one substance selected from the group consisting of zinc sulfide (ZnS), barium sulfide (BaS), alkyl sulfonate, and thioester.

Abstract: A method and system of document authentication comprise applying a neutralizer security ink to a paper document to be authenticated, the neutralizer security ink neutralizing a reactant in the paper document. A color changing security ink is applied to the paper document to be authenticated at least to an area where the neutralizer security ink was applied, the color changing security ink having a first security color and a second security color. A test solution is applied to the paper document to be authenticated at least on the area where the neutralizer security ink and color changing security ink have both been applied. The application of the test solution to the area where the neutralizer security ink and color changing security ink have both been applied causes the color changing security ink to change from the first security color to the second security color.

Abstract: A false positive testing device (FPTD) that contains a coating based on a one hundred percent solids varnish and a transparent reagent, that uses oxidative free radical polymerization as a drying mechanism, and that can be transferred to various types of porous substrates by conventional lithographic offset printing and/or dry offset printing. The substrates with the FPTD can be verified by using common currency detection protocols, such as testing with ultraviolet lights and/or counterfeit detection iodine based pen/pad stamps.

Abstract: An authentication system for authenticating security documents contains at least an enzyme and a substrate and any co-enzymes and/or co-factors needed, capable of an enzymatic conversion. This conversion leads to a detectable change. The security-document contains at least one of the enzyme and the substrate. According to the invention the genetic information for the enzyme is derived from an extremophilic micro-organism. A security document for use in the authentication system and method is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing liquid for sealing mailpieces containing water and a penetration agent, to the uses thereof and to letter-closing devices and franking machines containing such a sealing liquid.

Abstract: An envelope used in voting by mail includes a signature area on which the signature is affixed and a concealing portion structured to cover the signature area thereby concealing the signature. The concealing portion includes a concealing layer that is preferably positioned on top of a protective layer. The protective layer is positioned between the signature area and the concealing layer when the concealing portion covers the signature area. The concealing layer is formed from a material that is normally opaque but becomes at least partially transparent when one or more chemicals are applied to the concealing layer. The protective layer protects the signature from the one or more chemicals since the protective layer is impermeable to the one or more chemicals.

Abstract: A security feature and method for verifying the authenticity of commercial paper. In one embodiment, pearlescent ink is added to a portion of commercial paper stock. A recipient can then tilt the commercial paper stock to view the pearlescent ink mark, design, or spot from different angles, causing the pearlescent ink to appear different colors and verifying the authenticity of the commercial paper. Further, according to another embodiment, thermochromic ink is applied to a portion of commercial paper stock. A recipient can then apply heat to the commercial paper stock in the area of the ink mark, thereby causing the thermochromic ink to disappear or change colors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing elements of relatively small size, especially such as planchettes, comprising the following steps: a wound sheet is unwound, then optionally, this sheet is printed at least partly on at least one side and then the sheet is cut deeply “right through” along a succession of at least two cutting patterns that intersect so as to constitute a resulting pattern that will form a detached element constituting the element of relatively small size, this cutting operation taking place by means of a succession of synchronized cutting cylinders carrying one of the cutting patterns respectively, anvil cylinders being interposed between these cutting cylinders, the sheet passing between all these cylinders and the detached elements that form said elements of relatively small size are recovered. It also relates in particular to the method of cutting out said elements, to the corresponding devices, to said elements and to the sheet containing them.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and apparatus for providing markings upon objects, including the read side of an optical information media, where the markings do not substantially interfere with object, including the use of the optical information media. This invention discloses use of a coating, marking schemes, printing of markings with UV light, as well as methods and apparatus for reading and deciphering said marking. Included is an authentication scheme, where the marking may be used as a lock to limit access to information contained in an optical information media.

Abstract: A rapidly reversing authenticity indicator for substrates such as secure documents, tags and labels is described. The authenticity indicator comprises a substrate having provided thereon a coating of a colorless chromogenic material, a binder material and optional pigment. An applicator is provided containing a developer material solution for the colorless chromogen. In one embodiment, the developer material solution is preferably an organic acid of five carbons or less and is selected to have a molecular weight of 102 or less, a pH of less than 5, and preferably positive vapor pressure. The coated substrate when contacted with the developer material in the applicator develops an intense color that persists momentarily rapidly reverting to substantially a colorless or pale form to provide a visual indication of authenticity without permanent discoloration of the substrate or inadvertent coloration or undue false positives.

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

Abstract: Product package, comprising a data storage device, packaging material, and an authentication system. The authentication system comprises first and second coatings coated on the storage device and the packaging material. One of the coatings comprises chromogenic microcapsules capable of reacting to produce color. The other coating comprises color developer. The coatings can be bonded to each other or a composite coating can be a self-contained color former such as on the storage device. The invention further comprises methods of affirming authenticity of a data storage device. The method comprises applying to the storage device a color-reactable coating which can react with a color-producing second composition, packaging the storage device to provide a closed and sealed packaged, opening the package, and concurrent with or after opening the package, reacting the chemical compositions to produce the color as an indication of authenticity of the data storage device.

Abstract: Display information is revealed from behind a metal film that can be cleared upon effective contact with a clearing agent. The metal film, while opaque, is generally less than 1000 Angstroms thick and can be cleared by exposure to innocuous agents including food or other household products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chemical treatment process which makes it possible to modify the chemical structure of securities, bank notes or paper documents during their transportation or their storage, either in a vehicle or by a man on foot, thus making it impossible for criminals to be able to reuse them.

Abstract: A reflective printed article includes a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface with a graphic image printed thereon. A reflective or glossy ink layer is printed over the entire top surface of the substrate. A graphic image is printed over the reflective ink layer. The image may cover the entire portion of the reflective layer or only selected portions thereof. The graphic image includes hidden or latent images printed within the graphic image layers. An optional glossy layer of transparent ink may be printed over the graphic image. A textured pattern of lines is printed or applied in sections over the optional glossy layer or graphical image, with each line in the section printed at the same angle or orientation, with the lines of adjacent sections printed at different angles in order to reflect light in different directions to create the illusion of depth, three-dimensionality, hidden images and motion.

Abstract: A security document is provided comprising a finished cellulosic substrate having at least one transparentized portion formed therein. The transparentized portion comprises a transparentizing composition that is applied so as to define an area of increased transparency in the substrate. The area of increased transparency includes at least one thin line and resembles a simulated security thread. The transparentizing composition can be applied to form thin lines in a variety of configurations on one or both sides of the substrate.

Abstract: A dyestuff capable of undergoing a clearly visible colour change when contacted with a color-developing material is dispersed in the body of a plastics film and used in the identification of goods. The film can be used for packaging of the goods or as a label or seal affixed to the goods. When testing the authenticity of packaging goods, the plastics film is marked with the color-developing chemical to produce a colored mark on the package. The dyestuff is preferably a latent dyestuff which is colorless and invisible to the eye under ambient conditions for use of the film but which forms a clearly visible color when contacted with the color-developing material.

Abstract: A product label in which a heat sensitive recording layer and a heat sensitive color forming layer for printing goods information are laminated on a substrate, the heat sensitive recording layer and the heat sensitive color forming layer form colors different from each other and the heat sensitive color forming layer forming an emphasis area. Partial disposition of the heat sensitive color forming layer for the emphasis area can provide a product label of inexpansive material cost and capable of heat sensitive recording for two or more colors with no color mixing under simple control.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reproducing images or text on a metalized holographic film, comprising a coupling step, in which a bottom metalized holographic film is laminated to a second film, thereon an adhesive mass has been preliminarily deposited, a spreading step in which on the bottom film a copolymeric primer is spread, a printing step in which a suitably activated basic substance is printed, a staged spreading removal step, in which demineralized water and decanting are used in order to remove the crystallized material obtained by the basic substance, a forced air hot bed drying step, a reinforcement processing step, and a printing step in which the text or image is printed in polymeric material colors.

Abstract: An improved construction for pull-tab game pieces involves the use or two or more substrates, one of which is at least partially transparent. A thermosensitive imaging layer within which game results are direct thermally printed is located between the transparent substrate and an opaque cover layer through which the game results are printed. An opaque substrate precut to form one or more tabs covers the opposite side of the transparent substrate. The game results are revealed by retracting the tabs to view the game results through the transparent substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in security features in paper and other substrates and in particular to an activatable feature to warn of tampering. The invention further relates to a security feature for a security document comprising at least one activatable layer and at least one visually apparent masking layer, said at least one activatable layer comprising a composition which is generally non-mobile but which becomes mobile when wetted with a liquid, said composition further including at least one detectable component, in which under dry conditions said at least one masking layer wholly covers the activatable layer and renders it non-detectable.

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

Abstract: A tape data carrier for protecting articles and documents from counterfeiting and copying is formed by a polymer structure including at least one polymer layer of which at least one layer has at least one of through-perforations and pits. These through-perforations and pits are preferably between 0.001 &mgr;m and 20 &mgr;m in size and can be filled with different materials. The data carriers can carry concealed and visible macro-and micro- images created by heavy-ion bombardment of the polymer film, subsequent exposure of the bombarded film to ultraviolet radiation, and etching of the polymer film in a solvent. A device for manufacturing a data carrier of this type includes the following elements configured in series: a heavy ion source; a heavy ion beam-formation system; an ion guide; a three-dimensional amplitude modulation unit; and a target which is destined to become the data carrier.

Abstract: A metal layer cleared by contact with a chemical clearing agent to reveal an underlying graphics layer is at least partially covered by a buffer material that delays contact with the clearing agent. The buffer material can be applied in a pattern that forms a temporary image in the metal layer prior to more completely revealing the underlying graphics layer.

Abstract: Display information is revealed from behind a metal film that can be cleared upon effective contact with a clearing agent. The metal film, while opaque, is generally less than 1000 Angstroms thick and can be cleared by exposure to innocuous agents including food or other household products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for marking solid, liquid or gaseous substances, whereby the substance to be marked is provided with at least one synthetically produced nucleic acid sequence. Said nucleic acid sequence contains a first sequence section constructed with the 5′ terminal end, a second sequence comprised of at least two bases and connected to said nucleic acid sequence, and a third sequence section constructed with the 3′ terminal end and connected to the said nucleic acid sequence. In order to simplify the identification of the marking, the invention provides that a first primer group is used with a first primer section corresponding to the first sequence section and a second primer group is used with a third primer section corresponding to the third sequence section.

Abstract: Unauthorized alteration of a document can be avoided in a secure document that includes a substrate (10) defining the body of the document. Indicia (24, 26, 30, 32, 36 and 40) located on the substrate (10) designate an area (42) to receive variable information by an impression. The variable information is that whose alteration is to be avoided. A chemical, carbonless imaging system (44) is disposed on the substrate (10) at the area (42) and is operative to form a visible image upon receipt of an impression and a transparent film (46) is located on the substrate (10) to cover the area (42). As a consequence of the construction, any attempt to alter an image appearing on the film (46) will be apparent from the original imaging of the chemical carbonless imaging system (44) or by smudging thereof indicating an alteration attempt.