Abstract: The invention relates to a method of creating a forgery-proof customised and/or printed graphic element on a support using an electromagnetic beam. At least one official marking seal is used which can divert and/or deform an electromagnetic beam. The support is printed or customised using the electromagnetic beam, which is diverted and/or deformed by the official marking seal. The invention also relates to the support thus obtained and to the official marking seal.

Abstract: Photoluminescent phosphor powders and a method for making phosphor powders. The phosphor powders have a small particle size, narrow particle size distribution and are substantially spherical. The method of the invention advantageously permits the economic production of such powders. The invention also relates to improved devices, such as display devices and lighting elements, incorporating the phosphor powders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-layer adhesive closure having a backing and an adhesive layer disposed over the full area beneath the backing, at least the following layers being disposed between backing and adhesive layer: a) a first layer applied not over the full area—marking layer; b) a second layer applied over the full area—contrast layer. It is proposed that an individual identifier be included for verification.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sheet-shaped document of value with luminescent feature substance and the manufacturing and checking of such a document of value. The invention starts out from the idea to provide a sheet-shaped document of value (BN) with a luminescent feature substance (20, 21), which is present all over with low concentration as well as at certain partial areas with higher concentration.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method wherein at least a portion of a luminescent coating disposed on a surface of an article is exposed to ultraviolet light causing the luminescent coating to exhibit luminescence, detecting the luminescence, causing a comparison to be made between the luminescence and a predetermined standard, and classifying the article according to the comparison, wherein the luminescent coating has a luminescent chelate being a lanthanide and a ligand, the ligand being represented by the formula wherein R1 is alkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl; R2 is alkyl, aminoalkyl; aryl or heteroaryl.

Abstract: A method of identifying an object comprising providing an vehicle having on a surface thereof at least one layer of paint, such as a urethane-based paint. A unique alphanumeric identification is applied to the paint layer with a fluorescent material at a selected unrevealed location thereon. The fluorescent material is permitted to migrate into the at least one paint layer, while an excess amount of fluorescent material remains on the at least one paint layer. Thereupon, the excess amount of fluorescent material is removed from the at least one paint layer with a solvent. The unique discrete identification created by fluorescent material migrated into the at least one paint layer is visible at an acute angle to the object surface without use of an ultraviolet light, while being substantially invisible at an angle normal to the object surface.

Abstract: A security document with a security element, wherein the security element includes at least partly a material that is optically changeable by an electric or magnetic field. In addition, a corresponding method for producing such a security document and a test method for testing such a security document are described.

Abstract: An optically active film laminate (10) for providing colour shift effects in the visible and non-visible spectrums and which comprises a transparent film substrate (11), typically PET, which at least in part has been dyed to a dark colouration by dye or dyes applied to one side of the substrate, and a CLC coating (13) is layered over said dyed side of the film substrate (11), and preferably the other side of the film has a reflective aluminium layer (12) thereon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a value document, such as bank note, passport or the like, which has a security paper and a marking produced with the help of a laser, the security paper having at least one partial area with a coating, and the marking extending over the border area between coating and security paper. Further, the invention relates to a security paper and methods for producing an inventive value document and security paper.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for marking an object using semiconductor nanocrystals. In some embodiments, marking devices according to the invention include semiconductor nanocrystals patterned to form a barcode, the semiconductor nanocrystals being selected from a group consisting of: CdSe, CdS, CdTe, InAs, InSb, InGaSb, InGaN, InGaP, InP, GaP, GaN, HgTe, HgSe, HgS, CnS, ZnSe, ZnS, ZnCdSe, PbS, PbSe, PbTe, CuInGaS2, CuInGaSe2, ZnCuInGaS2, and ZnCuInGaSe2.

Abstract: The invention relates to the marking of a material (18) with identifier marks (16), the material thus marked, and verification of the genuineness of a product on the basis of the marks. In accordance with the invention, an optical brightener is incorporated in the material (18), and marking is performed by reducing the brightness of the material at a selected location by directing local heating to this location, the mark (16) thus produced appearing with a darker shade than its environment in ultraviolet light (20). The marking is based on partial or complete destruction of the brightening effect of the optical brightener under heating. The invention is suitable for providing e.g. coated paper and board containing an optical brightener with identifier marks for preventing falsifications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for forgery-proof labeling of items, such as credit cards, bank notes and the like, comprising the following steps: (a) applying, to a first layer (1) that reflects electromagnetic waves, an inert second layer (3) that is permeable to electromagnetic waves, said second layer having a predetermined thickness, (b) applying, to said second layer (3), a third layer (4) that is formed by metal clusters, and (c) linking the first layer (1) of the label so produced with the item.

Abstract: In order to protect a product against counterfeiting the invention proposes marking the product with a marking substance that can be detected clearly and unambiguously with suitable analysis methods.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application relate to new form constructions and methods of forming and using the new form constructions. One method of printing a form construction involves (1) providing a substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface; (2) bossing at least a portion of the substrate to form a bossed substrate portion; and (3) attaching a signage to the bossed substrate portion. The signage or a printable portion of the substrate may then optionally be printed. An exemplary new form construction includes a substrate having a bossed substrate portion and an unbossed substrate portion; and a signage adjacent to the bossed substrate portion.

Abstract: Information carrier precursor comprising a rigid sheet or support; a receiving layer configuration comprising at least one layer; and at least one substance, optionally provided pattern-wise, capable of and available for interacting in situ with at least one species diffusing through the receiving layer configuration to produce a functional species, wherein at least one layer of the receiving layer configuration is opaque, porous, has the capability of being rendered substantially transparent by penetration by a lacquer provided at the outermost surface of the receiving layer configuration and comprises at least one pigment and at least one binder; a method for producing the above-mentioned information carrier precursor; a method for producing an information carrier; and information carriers produced therewith.

Abstract: Sulfur-containing phosphor powders, methods for making phosphor powders and devices incorporating same. The powders have a small particle size, narrow particle size distribution and are substantially spherical. The method of the invention permits the continuous production of such powders. The invention also relates to products such as display devices incorporating such phosphor powders.

Abstract: Fluorescent pigment compounds comprising aryl-ureido benzoxazinone compounds of the general formula (I): wherein R1 is an substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, R2 and R3 are each independently selected from an H atom, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkylcarboxy group and a halogen atom, X is a carbon or sulfur atom and n is an integer of 1 or more. Many of the compounds of this class produce a yellow, generally deep yellow, emission at wavelengths of about 560 to about 585 nm when excited by an appropriate UV source. These compounds produce fluorescence making them useful as fluorescent pigments, those compounds providing emission wavelengths within the range of from about 560 to about 585 or higher when excited by a UV source are particularly useful. Those compounds having this emission spectra for the compounds makes these compounds particularly useful as pigments in security applications, particularly as pigments for use in security inks and fibers.

Abstract: A method of marking a solid article or substance includes the steps of dissolving a water-insoluble medium in a first solvent to form a first mixture, mixing a nucleic acid solution with an intermediate solution to form a second mixture, mixing the second mixture with the first mixture to form a homogenous third mixture, marking the article or substance with the third mixture containing the nucleic acid; and drying the marked article or substance. Through the addition of an intermediate solution, the miscibility between the nucleic acid solution and the medium is increased and a homogenous solution is formed. For marking solid substances or articles, the water-insoluble medium containing known nucleic acid taggants is spread on the target solid substances or articles. For marking liquid, the target liquid is mixed with the water-insoluble media containing known nucleic acid taggants. As a result, the target liquid is labeled with nucleic acid.

Abstract: A process for generating on a substrate, such as a document, a security mark comprised of a glossy ink containing a colorant.

Abstract: A system and method for verifying the identity of an authenticated item such as memorabilia and collectibles where each authenticated item is assigned a unique identifier. Also, digital image is taken of the item and a profile created for the item and recorded in a database. The digital image and profile of the item is then accessible over the Internet by use of the unique identifier. The identity of an item can be verified by comparing the item to the digital image and profile information.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of writing and reading information hidden from visual observation and may be used for visualizing hidden images (marks) identifying an object, which provide protection from unauthorized reproduction (forgery). The method of creation and visualization of an optically invisible mark consists in the following. On the surface of the object in question an optically invisible marking image is formed by means of modification of, at least one part of said surface, after which visualization of said image is established. Prior to formation of the optically invisible marking image the surface of the object in question (carrying the applied image) is made into a mirror. Modification is achieved by changing the surface energy of the parts being modified.

Abstract: A latent or “invisible ink” security marking formulation is provided using a phosphor with distinct emissions characteristics including visible emission due to excitation at a particular invisible wavelength. An insoluble inorganic phosphor with this or a similarly distinct emission characteristic is milled to a small particle size, preferably less than one micron particle diameter, and is combined with a carrier at very low pigment concentration, for example one percent by weight of the ink formulation. Preferably the pigment is cropped to resin particles in a binder. This ink formulation is diluted by a volatile solvent and applied using a conventional inkjet printer of the type used to mark codes on packages and labels. To test for security purposes the printing is irradiated and a response according to the predetermined characteristic is noted (or not noted) to detect security information.

Abstract: A method of developing latent fingerprints involves the preparation of an 8-quinolinol complex by mixing a solution of 8-hydroxyquinoline or a derivative with a complexing reagent such as a metal salt. The solution is then applied to a porous substrate, such as paper, containing the latent fingerprint where the soluble complex is adsorbed onto the surface of the latent print and precipitates thereon. The unadsorbed solution is then removed from the substrate allowing the precipitate to highlight the latent image. The choice of the complexing reagent will determine the color of the precipitate and whether or not it is flourescent.

Abstract: Rare earth metal compounds are described which, due to their luminescence when irradiated with UV light, are suitable in particular for the marking of security-relevant items, such as documents or data carriers.

Abstract: A method of recording fingerprints in which a solution of monohydrogen or dihydrogen ester having an AAV of about 9 or more is applied to a person's fingerprint area with the area then pressed onto a thermosensitive substrate.

Abstract: A fluorescent ink composition comprising functionalized fluorescent nanocrystals, an aqueous-based ink carrier comprising water or a water-based solution, and a binder.

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 system and method for detecting parallel marketing of an item, include forming at least one of a coating and a code on the item, interrogating the at least one of the coating and said code, and determining from the interrogating whether the item has been transferred from an authorized merchant to an unauthorized merchant.

Abstract: There is described a process for labeling an article and/or document for authentication purposes. The article or document (such as BOPP and/or cellulose film) incorporates therein particles having a taggant bound to the surface thereof. The preferred taggant is a DNA strand of at least eight (preferably 25) base pairs long attached to inorganic particles by the addition reaction between an acrylate group and a polar group such as amino or hydroxy. Alternatively silica particles can be modified by reacting first with aminopropyltriethoxy silane and then a reagent selected from: a diacid with a polyethylene glycol spacer group (e.g. polyethylene glycol dicarboxymethyl) succinic anhydride; and/or a diisothiocyanate (e.g. 1,4-phenylene diisothiocyanate (PDITC)) to form functional silica particles capable of reacting directly with a terminal amide and/or hydroxy group of an oligonucleotide such as DNA.

Abstract: A security element is equipped with first code 40 of magnetic material and/or second code 30 of electroconductive material and has in addition third, optically read-able code 20, for example as negative writing and/or as a bar code, which is present in the magnetic and/or electroconductive code or is produced preferably together with third, neutral material 50, the neutral material not being either electroconductive or magnetic. According to the invention it is provided that all three aforementioned materials are indistinguishable to the viewer optically, that is, with the naked eye, and therefore appear as a uniform coating made of a single material.

Abstract: A security label having one or more security elements is used on or in association with items, such as consumer products, that have value and are susceptible to counterfeiting. The security label is preferably used as a primary label directly affixed to the item or product. The security element(s) can be affixed to an outer or inner label surface, embedded within the label film or paper layer and/or laminated between two or more layers. One type of security element includes a security thread having indicia formed thereon that are not easily reproduced or duplicated. Another type of security element includes a machine-readable security element that provides encoded machine-readable verification data.

Abstract: An invisible ink composition and a method to ensure document confidentiality. The invisible ink composition includes a carrier as a solvent; and at least one leuco dye evenly dispersing in the carrier. The invisible ink becomes visible while the leuco dye is combined with a weak acidic developer.

Abstract: An object is to provide a recorded article or sticker whereby counterfeited articles and genuine articles can be visually distinguished in simple fashion in the market and wherein it is not possible to identify in the market the location and type of the anti-counterfeiting measures that have been taken. Both an overt region 3 (which can be recognized visually in the market) are printing using a color-change ink or liquid-crystal ink, for example, and a covert region 5 formed by for example optical retro-reflective printing (which cannot be recognized without using a special tool) are provided on the surface of the same recording medium. The overt region 3 and the covert region 4 may be arranged at different locations or may overlap, or may be positionally aligned. The overt letter/design pattern and the covert letter/design pattern may be the same or different.

Abstract: Opaque flakes, such as pigment or bright flake used in paints and inks, have a selected shape and/or other indicia to provide a covert security feature to an object. In some embodiments the composition includes base pigment, and the opaque covert flakes match the visual characteristics of the base pigment. In another embodiment, opaque covert flakes are mixed in the carrier with base pigment at a concentration sufficient to avoid changing the appearance of the composition. In another embodiment, opaque covert flakes are mixed in a clear or tinted varnish base that can be applied over an existing security feature. Shaped opaque covert flakes are not readily detectable by causal observation, but in some embodiments are easily seen at 100× magnification.

Abstract: Circumscribing rectangles of respective characters in a document image are obtained. In a first pair as a pair of a first circumscribing rectangle in a first line (a line of A1 to A7) serving as a reference line, and a second circumscribing rectangle in a second line (a line of B1 to B4 or C1 to C7) as one of lines other than the reference line, and a second pair as a pair of a third circumscribing rectangle in the first line, and a fourth circumscribing rectangle in the second line, of these circumscribing rectangles, at least one of the circumscribing rectangles included in these pairs is controlled to vary the distance between the circumscribing rectangles of the first pair, and the distance between the circumscribing rectangles of the second pair in accordance with digital watermark information to be embedded, thereby embedding the digital watermark information.

Abstract: Vehicle identification number (VIN) data acquisition and stamping center control, wherein a main computer supplies VIN data to a PLC disposed at the stamping center, and the PLC stores a quantity of VIN data, up to a predetermined maximum, in an input buffer memory of the PLC in order to permit the stamping center to continue operating even when the network connection with the main computer is broken. The PLC also includes an output buffer memory in which stamped VINs may be stored until the network connection is restored, at which point the stamped VINs are transmitted to the main computer. Alternative semi-automatic and manual modes of operation permit the stamping center to continue operating even when the supply of VIN data from the input buffer memory is exhausted.

Abstract: An organic or organoelement, linear or branched, monomeric or polymeric composition of matter having a Raman-active component in the form of particles. The particles having a maximum dimension of 50 &mgr;m. The Raman-active compound is applied to a substrate. When the Raman-active compound is exposed to a laser light wavelength which is batochromically well beyond a spectral region of maximum absorbance of said Raman-active compound, Raman scattering can be detected.

Abstract: An apparatus for authenticating an object on the basis of incorporating onto the object at least one security feature known as a microdot which includes plural unique microscopic patterned markers each of which include indicia and the method of making such microdots.

Abstract: The present invention in one aspect is directed to a method for labeling the durable surface of an object for its identification, which object has a durable surface or a durable surface tag affixed to the object. This method includes the use of “pit and fall” (i.e., holes and bumps as are used to record compact discs, CD-ROMs) technology to encode durable surface objects with coded message. The coded message can be information on the owner, a history of the object, or any other information desired. The coded message would not be detectable to the human eye; however, by scanning the pits and falls with a laser, the coded message could be detected and displayed. Such coded message encoding could be used, for example, to label objects for their identification in case of theft, or in case of product counterfeiting or diversion.

Abstract: A process for generating on a substrate, such as a document, a security mark comprised of a glossy ink containing a colorant.

Abstract: A capacitive fingerprint sensor includes a polymeric protective coating defining a sensing surface and having conductive particles suspended therein. The conductive particles act as parallel strings of series capacitors to couple the capacitance the fingerprint-bearing skin of a user's finger applied to the sensing surface to capacitive sensing elements beneath the protective coating. The polymeric material of the coating is durable and scratch resistant. The conductive particles enable use of a protective coating of 10 to 20 microns in thickness while providing a high degree of sensitivity and image resolution.

Abstract: A counterfeit-resistant document comprises a contrasting layer and a dynamic camouflaging layer. The contrasting layer is highly contrastive and includes a latent message that can be reproduced over a broad range of copy device control settings. The dynamic camouflaging layer is applied over the contrasting layer to suppress the latent message. The visual density of the dynamic camouflaging layer, which comprises a camouflage pattern that is printed in thermochromic ink, inversely varies with temperature. In this manner, the dynamic camouflaging layer is inactivated at room temperatures so that the latent message is suppressed on the original document, and activated at scanning temperatures so that the latent message is exhibited on a reproduction of the original document.

Abstract: The invention relates to a counterfeit-proof marking having a carrier layer (1, 1a, 1b) having a communicating pore space and a probe formed from a first biomolecule contained therein. In order to make possible a rapid and reliable identification of the marking on the spot, it is provided according to the invention that the carrier layer (1, 1a, 1b) has a first marking surface (6) containing the probe and a second reference surface (7) not containing the probe.

Abstract: A method for marking a product for detecting unauthorized imitations of the product, in particular of electrical switchgear equipment and the like. A color imprint is applied to an outer or inner surface of a housing of the switchgear or the like. The color imprint contains pigments that can be detected only by special methods, for example infrared examination and the like.

Abstract: A fluorescent ink composition comprising functionalized fluorescent nanocrystals, an aqueous-based ink carrier comprising water or a water-based solution, and a binder.

Abstract: An improved decorated metal slot machine token produced by coating a metal base with a sublimative dye receptive coating, then infusing sublimative decorative dye into the coating under heat and pressure.

Abstract: Method and preparation for the photochromic labeling and/or for protecting the authenticity of objects, in which bacteriorhodopsin materials and preparations therefrom are used for application to the objects; preference is given to using a combination of low-level and high-level security features in said bacteriorhodopsin materials and preparations therefrom.

Abstract: An organic or organoelement, linear or branched, monomeric or polymeric composition of matter having a Raman-active component in the form of particles. The particles having a maximum dimension of 50 &mgr;m. The Raman-active compound is applied to a substrate. When the Raman-active compound is exposed to a laser light wavelength which is batochromically well beyond a spectral region of maximum absorbance of said Raman-active compound, Raman scattering can be detected.

Abstract: An invisible ink composition and a method to ensure document confidentiality are disclosed. The invisible ink composition includes a carrier as a solvent; and at least one leuco dye evenly dispersing in the carrier. The invisible ink becomes visible while the leuco dye combines with a weak acidic developer.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method of producing an image which is visually distinct from its reproductions. This method comprises the steps of formulating an ink composition comprising a liquid vehicle and at least one modified pigment having attached at least one organic group and applying this ink composition to a substrate. Methods of determining the authenticity of an image and of verifying the date of creation of an image is also described.