Abstract: The present invention is directed to a scratch-off type lottery ticket in which a layer comprised of a non-conductive ink region and a conductive ink region are printed below an opaque scratch-off layer. The conductive ink region is detectable through the opaque layer by conventional lottery ticket authentication/validation machines.

Abstract: A counterfeit-resistant document comprises a validation mark with relief markings according to a unique pattern that identifies the source of the document. The source of the document can be identified by detecting the unique pattern on the validation mark of the document, thus verifying the authenticity of the document. The validation mark further comprises a unique chemical signature that identifies the source of the document. The source of the document can be identified by detecting the unique chemical signature on the validation mark of the document, thus further verifying the authenticity of the document.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for sealing pressure compensation openings in components in particular of a motor vehicle control unit. Previously, pressure compensation openings were sealed in the interior of the housing by a watertight and gas-permeable material affixed by adhesion. In accordance with the invention, the opening is sealed from the outside with a two-layered material where a wide-area first layer consists of a material that can be inscribed and a second layer, which can also be provided over just a part of the total area, is a watertight and gas-permeable membrane. At those places where pressure compensation occurs, the first layer is removed so that only the membrane acts. The first layer can be used here as a label. Advantages offered by this device are that the housing and the membrane are joined over a much larger area, the process can be monitored, and one process step is saved.

Abstract: A security system for a document utilizing a plurality of fluorescent snippets on the document with other encryption data printed thereon with visible and invisible ink that becomes bright when subjected to certain light. The system combines visible and invisible data that is encrypted, totaled and when subjected to a algorithm will match a selected component of said data.

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

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

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

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

Abstract: A hidden image game piece and a method by which a hidden image game piece is produced. A first pattern of colored ink is deposited on a transparent or highly translucent substrate at 110-180 density, forming the image which is to be hidden. Then a second pattern of colored ink, of a different color than first pattern's ink, is deposited upon the substrate on top of the first pattern, at 90-170 density. When the game piece is flooded with additive light of the same color as the second pattern's ink, the previously concealed image, composed of the first pattern's ink, becomes perceptible. Because a transparent or highly translucent substrate is used for the game piece, and because the density of the ink application is controlled within specific ranges, this game piece may be used with a computer monitor, or with other low-intensity sources of additive light.

Abstract: A tamper evident document for use with an impact printer having an inked ribbon, which document comprises, a substrate having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface being adapted to receive a principal visible colored image by transfer from the inked ribbon of an impact printer and being substantially free from color forming compositions which react to form visible colored images, the second surface being coated with a self-contained pressure-sensitive chromogenic composition capable of reacting to form a visible colored mirror image on the second surface, the substrate being sufficiently translucent such that the second visible colored mirror image could be viewed from the first surface, if said second visible image were not totally blocked by said principal visible image, so as to determine whether the principal and second visible colored mirror images are in register.

Abstract: A method for authenticating a textile product, wherein a colorless composition is applied to at least one portion of at least one thread of the textile product. The composition comprises one of a pair of a colorformer and an activator which react when mixed to produce a spectral response. The textile product is authenticated as genuine by applying the other of the pair of the colorformer and activator to at least one portion of the at least one thread to produce the spectral response. The textile product may be a thread or a woven label.

Abstract: A card is disclosed that incorporates a removable scratch-off coating to hide printed symbols. The card is constructed so that the scratch-off coating is selectively retained by the card, in the form of symbols, or as a background for symbols, when the scratch-off coating is removed. The selective retention of scratch-off coating material to the card is accomplished by incorporating into the card, between the substrate and the scratch-off coating, a clear release coat patterned to form symbols. When the scratch-off coating material is applied to the card during construction, it either adheres directly to the substrate in the form of symbols, or it adheres to the substrate in the background for the symbols, depending on how the release coat is applied. When a player rubs the scratch-off coating material, it releases from the release coat and remains adhered to the substrate to create either symbols or the background for symbols.

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

Abstract: A support of paper or the like is imprinted with a security micropattern which prevents falsification of documents printed on the support by use of high resolution copier machines. The security micropattern is printed with ink which is transparent or of the same coloration as the support. The ink comprising the micropattern is either non-absorbent or hydrophilic, and the ink used for inscribing on the support is either hydrophilic or non-absorbent, respectively.

Abstract: A letter card having a covering with a tear line on the inside, and a shaped inflatable device received inside the covering, the shaped inflatable device holding an acidic chemical means and a separating layer and a basic chemical means separated from the acidic chemical means by the separating layer, the acidic chemical means and the basic chemical means being mixed together to produce a chemical reaction and to release a gas when breaking the separating layer by force, thereby causing the shaped inflatable device to swell and to come out of the covering.

Abstract: Sheets and rolls of sheets with labels having multiple choice blocks and information areas corresponding to the choice blocks. The sheets include a closure bonding material for securing the sheets around items to be wrapped. The labels are detachably connected to the sheets with an adhesive, a perforation or a tear line. Spots of closure bonding material may be placed on the labels to hold the labels in a wrapped position. The information areas typically include data which may be selected to describe the source, type and characteristics of the items to be wrapped in the sheets. The sheets may also include detachable sleeves for protecting wrapped items during shipping and handle areas which may be punched out of the sheets for grasping the wrapped items. The handle areas may also contain information similar to that on the detachable labels. Sheets having labels with choice blocks may also be used for forming flower pots or flower pot covers.

Abstract: A business record such as a form, tag, label or the like is provided in which different selected colored areas may be activated in a single pass through a printer. In one embodiment, coatings of initially colorless color formers and color developers are coated on selected areas of a substrate surface. The color formers and color developers combine upon exposure to an imaging force, such as heat or pressure, to form different colored visible areas on the sheet. In an alternative embodiment, the coatings of color formers and color developers are self-contained coatings having pressure-rupturable microcapsules containing either the color formers or said color developers.

Abstract: An identification band is provided which includes an elongated band having an outer surface, an inner surface and first and second ends. A first chemical composition, e.g., a soluble ink, is distributed on the outer surface of the band proximate the first end. A display region is disposed in the band proximate the second end. A second chemical composition, e.g., an adhesive ink activator is distributed on the inner surface of the band overlying the display region proximate the second end. When the band is wrapped around an object, e.g., a user's wrist, with the outer surface exposed, the outer surface of the first end and the inner surface of the second end overlay and are in contact, preferably in adhesive contact, with each other. The first and second chemical compositions coact with each other to cause a visually perceptible change in the display region after a predetermined time interval. Such visually perceptible change is viewable from the outer surface.

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

Abstract: A secured message postcard mailer having a message area defined on a front surface of a postcard and covered by an obscuring layer to prevent viewing of a message in the message area, the message being imprintable within the message area through the obscuring layer by thermal electronic impulses provided by a thermal printing apparatus.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for the time-delayed defacement of all or part of a printed work, such as a time-dependent coupon. Such method comprises applying opaque print onto a substrate and applying an opacity-labile composition of lesser nascent opacity than the visible print onto the substrate in such a manner that a change in the opacity of the opacity-labile composition causes a time-delayed defacement of the printed substrate.

Abstract: A security coating for business documents printed using noncontact as well as impact printing devices is provided which enhances the adhesion of toner particles and/or ink to a document substrate. Other security features may be also be added to the coating to provide a dual-function coating which also provides visible evidence of tampering, either by the application of solvents, mechanical abrasion, heat, or when pressure is applied.

Abstract: A piece of printed material has preprinted, hidden data and includes a structure which prevents premature or unauthorized revealing of the hidden lottery or gaming 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 ink-receptive layer is provided between the ink layer and the substrate and includes a first security mechanism for preventing unauthorized detection of the hidden data. A second security mechanism is disposed between the ink-receptive layer and the substrate which further prevents unauthorized detection of the lottery data.

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 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 business record such as a form, tag, label or the like is provided in which different selected colored areas may be activated in a single pass through a printer. In one embodiment, coatings of initially colorless color formers and color developers are coated on selected areas of a substrate surface. The color formers and color developers combine upon exposure to an imaging force, such as heat or pressure, to form different colored visible areas on the sheet. In an alternative embodiment, the coatings of color formers and color developers are self-contained coatings having pressure-rupturable microcapsules containing either the color formers or said color developers.

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: A hidden entry system comprises a document having a first substrate bearing a localized latent image spaced apart from a removable image-developing device comprising a second substrate having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface of the second substrate bearing a chromogenic composition comprising an image-forming co-reactant, the image-forming co-reactant being a chromogen or a color developer, the second surface of the second substrate bearing a pressure-sensitive adhesive. The image developing device is in superposed relation with the first substrate with the pressure sensitive coating being releasably attached to the first substrate.

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 printed matter is printed by a ink containing a color coupler that is chromatized from a substantially invisible colorless state to a colored state by means of a color coupling additive applied by an applicator. The color coupler is at least one electron donative coloring compound selected from a group A composed of crystal violet lactone; malachite green lactone; 1.3-dimethyl-6-diethylaminofluoran; 6-diethylamino-benzo[.alpha.]-fluoran; 3-cyclohexyl methylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluoran; benzoyl leucomethylene blue; ethyl leucomethylene blue; methoxybenzoyl leucomethylene blue; 2-(phenylimino ethanedilidene)-3.3-trimethyl-indoline; 1.3.3-trimethyl-indolino-7'-chloro-.beta.-naphthospiropyran; di-.beta.-naphthospiropyran; N-acetylauramine; N-phenylauramine; and rhodamine B lactam. The color coupling additive is at least one electron acceptive developing compound selected from a group B composed of zinc salicylate, bisphenol A and inorganic and organic acids.

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: A pressure-sensitive, laser printer heat-resistant verification system for preventing unauthorized photoduplication of security documents comprising a support bearing an information area comprising a visible principal image, and a verification area comprising a localized, autogenous coating of a pressure-sensitive chromogenic composition for producing a visible colored image by external pressure. The chromogenic composition comprises (a) pressure-rupturable microcapsules containing a chromogen and (b) a color developer capable of reacting with the chromogen to form a visible image. The pressure-rupturable microcapsules and color developer are substantially coextensive on the support, and the verification area is spaced apart from the information area.

Abstract: The document or substrate containing the information to be protected is covered with a liquid crystal or other such material capable of being made transparent using a process such as heating it to a higher temperature than ambient room temperature. In this manner the information on the substrate is normally invisible and thus not accessible to individuals without special equipment. For copying, the coated substrate is then placed on a copier machine in which the transparent glass plate of the copier is heated, for instance by electrical resistance heating, to a temperature matching the temperature-transparency window of the coating on the document. The information on the substrate may also be made visible for viewing by covering the coating with a transparent plate heated to the proper temperature. A second coating of different color but substantially the same temperature transparency may be selectively applied to the first coating to provide normally visible information.

Abstract: A security document is produced from a paper substrate having invisible hydrophobic toner blended into the paper. The clear toner is produced by milling and classifying a polyester resin, mixing it with silica flowing agent, and then electrostatically imaging the toner onto the paper substrate, as a spot that can be overprinted, or preferably as indicia that is not visible to the naked eye or color copiers. An infra-red absorbing or UV responsive dye may be added to the toner so that it is visible under infra-red/ultraviolet light respectively, or without that dye it is not visible when eliminated by light of any wavelength. When applied to the paper the toner is snow white, but after infra-red heat fusing it blends into the paper and is substantially invisible.

Abstract: A method for protecting against duplication of a document with a color copier comprises providing a background color on a document having an average reflectance value and printing on the background with a contrast color having a spectral characteristic which modulates the average reflectance value by no more than 5% and has an average value equal to the average reflectance value. The contrast color is printed with a printing medium that allows activation by a rub and reveal action or by application of intense light.

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 method for protecting against duplication of a document with a color copier and a security substrate comprises providing a background color on a document having an average reflectance value and printing on the background with a contrast color having a spectral characteristic which modulates the average reflectance value by no more than 5% and has an average value equal to the average reflectance value. The contrast color is printed with a printing medium including one of a colorformer leucodye and an activating phenolic resin. The other of the colorformer leucodye and the activating phenolic resin is to the printing medium on the document later to verify that the document is an original.

Abstract: A personal identifier greeting card selected by a sender includes a treated paper-like sheet construction having a greeting printed thereon and a colorless developing solution adapted to be coated on an object such that when the treated sheet construction is placed in temporary contact with the coated object, the card will immediately develop a visible personal identifier image related to the sender of the card.

Abstract: An improved method for authenticating articles is described. A mixture of at least two photochromic compounds that have different absorption maxima in the activated state and also preferably other different properties are incorporated into a carrier composition, e.g., ink, paint, fiber or polymer used to form the authenticating display data on the article. The authenticating display data is subjected to various steps of the authenticating method that may include preferential activation of less than all of the photochromic compounds, activation of all the photochromic compounds, preferential bleaching of less than all of the photochromic compounds, and bleaching of all the photochromic compounds. Subsequent examination of the display data following the various activation and bleaching steps by verifying means enables the article to be authenticated.

Abstract: A game ticket has validation data printed on the ticket substrate in invisible ink. The invisible validation data is capable of being irreversibly rendered visible by application of a developing agent. The ticket also has play indicia printed within the play area of the ticket and a removable layer affixed to the ticket over the game area.

Abstract: Trading cards are made interactive with the user by concealing under a coating the secondary indicia portion of an image comprising both primary and secondary indicia, and selectively altering the coating to reveal the secondary indicia in the presence of the primary indicia to complete the image. A thermochromic coating material responsive to temperature change from ambient temperature, as by rubbing the coating with the fingers, enables the local exposure of the secondary indicia.

Abstract: A soft mat for placement on the bottom of a file cabinet drawer to maintain the stored files in an orderly upright position. The upper surface of the mat is provided with a series of spaced, parallel ridges defining grooves which receive edge portions of the files.

Abstract: A document is provided having a solvent sensitive and/or pressure sensitive ink printed thereon which reacts to the application of a solvent and/or pressure to form a visible stain or image. The ink includes a first composition of solvent soluble, water insoluble dye particles, a binder, and optionally, an opacifier. Alternatively, the first composition may be combined with a second composition which includes an encapsulated solvent and optionally a stilting material. The first and second compositions may be printed on the document in separate steps or printed together as a self-contained composition. The ink may be printed on the entire surface of the document or only on selected areas thereof.

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 security paper authenticating system comprises, in combination, a security paper carrying both starch and an iodate salt, typically potassium iodate, and an authenticating composition comprising an acidic solution of an iodide salt, typically potassium iodide, the system being such that on applying the authenticating composition to authentic security paper, as by a pen, brush or stamp pad, iodine is generated and a characteristic starch-iodine coloration is produced. The authenticating composition is preferably aqueous or part-aqueous, and is preferably made acidic by means of a weak organic acid such as tartaric acid. The authenticating composition preferably also contains an antioxidant such as ascorbic acid. The invention extends to the paper and the authenticating composition individually.

Abstract: A print of this invention has a color-forming area and a discoloring area. The color-forming area is printed by an ink containing a first color-changing agent which changes from substantially invisible colorlessness to visibleness by applying a color former. The discoloring area is printed by an ink containing a second color-changing agent which changes a from substantially invisible colorlessness to visibleness by applying the color former and returns to invisible colorlessness state as the time passes naturally after changing its color.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laminated identity card, comprising a photographic emulsion layer intended for identity information which is adhered on both sides to a covering layer and to a method for the manufacture of this laminated identity card, comprising the steps for: a) the provision of a photographic emulsion layer intended for identity information; b) the adhesion of a first covering layer to the one surface of the photographic emulsion layer; and c) the adhesion of a second covering layer to the other surface of the photographic emulsion layer.

Abstract: A method for protecting against duplication of a document with a color copier comprises providing a background color on a document having an average reflectance value and printing on the background with a contrast color having a spectral characteristic which modulates the average reflectance value by no more than 5% and has an average value equal to the average reflectance value. The contrast color is printed with a printing medium that allows activation by a rub and reveal action or by application of intense light.