Abstract: This patent disclosure describes novel compositions and methods used in the verification of products or documents based on the reading of emitted light from luminescent compositions that can be incorporated or applied to a wide variety of materials. Specifically, the compositions are uniquely luminescent at various wavelengths, displaying qualities of image, wavelength, and time scale for the measure of luminesce decay. The light emitted from the composition, and specifically, the measure of the variable and adjustable luminescence lifetimes provides a multi-parameter signature for purposes of comparative light decay analysis of verification marks or features.

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: A method for forming a document includes the steps of (1) selecting a marking medium that has a pre-determined machine-readable characteristic, and (2) selecting a document substrate that is compatible with the pre-determined machine-readable characteristic of the selected marking medium. An information symbol is secured to the selected document substrate. A security layer which includes the selected marking medium is also affixed to the document substrate so that the security layer is in at least partial register with the information symbol. The method can further include the step of affixing a blocking layer to the document substrate in at least partial register with the information symbol. The blocking layer can be affixed to the document substrate so that blocking layer is intermediate the information symbol and the security layer or so that the security layer is intermediate the information symbol and the blocking layer.

Abstract: A control apparatus is provided in a vehicle equipped with a power source and a continuously variable transmission. The continuously variable transmission is connected to the power source. The control apparatus includes a target power determinator, a target revolutions determinator, a determining device, a setting device and a target torque determinator. The target power determinator determines a target power of the power source. The target revolutions determinator determines target revolutions on the basis of the target power. The determining device determines whether the vehicle is a transient driving condition or not. The setting device sets the target revolutions as setting revolutions when the determining device determines that the vehicle is not in the transient driving condition. The setting device sets revolutions different from the target revolutions as the setting revolutions when the determining device determines that the vehicle is in a transient driving condition.

Abstract: A system and method using microcoded marks provides retrospective identification of articles. An article is marked with microparticles having multiple layers. The particles form a unique spatial pattern on the article. An image is made of the mark as applied to the article. The digitized image is stored in a database with information about the article. The database can be accessed by users to verify the authenticity of an article.

Abstract: A method for producing a tamper evident security holographic label and overlaminate using UV casting techniques, and a security device so produced, comprising a clear protective layer; a thin layer of clear UV cured resin cast partly onto the protective layer following a designed pattern; another layer of UV cured resin bearing a cast holographic image, wherein the bond of the holographic image layer is stronger toward the surface of the protective layer than it is toward the surface of the pattern layer; a reflective layer strongly attached to the adjacent holographic layer; and an adhesive layer bonded to the reflective layer. Such a composite product when adhered to a base substrate via the adhesive layer will show no visible security feature to the unaided eye due to the thin nature of the clear security pattern.

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: The present invention relates to inorganic particles comprising at least two chemical elements in a predefined and analytically identifiable ratio. These particles are used as a marking means incorporated into or applied onto any desired article. They provide a high security potential against counterfeiting since the analysis depend on a combination of spatial as well as of chemical information. In a first step the information containing particle has to be localized by scanning electron microscopy and in a second step the ratio of elements is analysed using energy—or wavelength—dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM/EDX).

Abstract: A data carrier with an optically variable element. The optically variable element includes a first structured print which is overlaid with a second print, at least in partial areas. The second print is applied to a document with an ink which contains an optically variable pigment having little or no body color of its own.

Abstract: The identification structure of the present invention provides a plurality of minute holes arranged in a code on a precision machine contact surface of the object to be identified. The holes are of such a small diameter and sufficiently deep depth that they do not interfere with or detract from the function of the object identified, but any attempt to remove them by grinding or otherwise, degrades or destroys the proper functioning of the object identified. The holes can be formed into a binary code which in one aspect depends on each hole being in one of two alternative positions. In another possible arrangement, the binary code can depend on the presence or absence of a hole in a particular position and a check sum can be included to prevent tampering or alteration. Electrical discharge machining provides an excellent fabrication technique. Placing the identification structure on the inside of the barrel of a gun is one example of an application.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a label containing a substrate layer, and a security coating on at least one side of the substrate layer containing: from about 50% to about 99.999% by weight of a film forming material, and from about 0.001 % to about 5% by weight of at least one taggant compound, wherein the taggant compound is substantially uniformly dispersed within the film forming material. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of authenticating a product, involving: affixing a label to the product, the label containing a substrate layer, and a security coating on at least one side of the substrate layer containing: from about 50% to about 99.999% by weight of a film forming material, and from about 0.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite security thread, e.g. for a bank note, is produced by coating aluminium film onto a polyester film and coating selected regions with magnetic material. Photoresist characters are next printed onto the magnetic material, and a chemical applied to remove the aluminium coating except where protected by the resist. An obscuring silver coating is then applied over the magnetic material, and a final transparent material applied as a barrier to reduce the risk of damage during subsequent processing.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for implanting ions into a workpiece surface. A concentration of ions is produced. An optical analysis of the concentration of ions is performed and recorded. The constituency of the ion concentration is determined by comparing the optical analysis data with a database of records on a storage medium wherein the optical analysis data for given concentrations of ions have been stored for subsequent access. Ions from the ion concentration are caused to impact a workpiece surface. The dose of ions implanted into the workpiece is measured. Implantation of the workpiece is stopped once an appropriate dose has been reached.

Abstract: A method for temporarily revealing the presence of a watermark on cellulose-based materials. The method comprises applying one of a perfluorocarbon ard hydrofluorocarbon to at least a portion of the cellulose-based material. The method also provides applying a solution containing both perfluorocarbon and hydrofluorocarbon to the cellulose-based material to vary the rate of evaporation of the solution.

Abstract: A combined business form/identification card includes a sheet of cellulosic stock material having a barrier coating on a first portion of the sheet with an overlay of laser-printable varnish on the barrier coat. Lines of weakness are provided in the sheet in the area of the barrier coat and varnish to produce an identification card detachable from the sheet. A second portion of the sheet has indicia imaged thereon.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for labeling an object for its identification in order to counter product diversion and product counterfeiting. This method includes providing an encapsulated biologic marker labeled with an agent that emits selected detectable wavelengths of energy when exposed to infrared radiation (IR), and associating the labeled marker with the object, whereby, the object to be identified can be exposed to IR and emitted select wavelengths of energy from said agent detected. The agent can be an upconverting phosphor, a lanthenide ion (bound to a naphthalene group), or other chemical that emits selected detectable wavelengths of energy when exposed to infrared radiation (IR). Biologic markers include, inter alia, one or more of a protein, a nucleic acid sequence, an antibody, a polypeptide, or an antigen. The encapsulant for the biologic marker preferably is casein which has been cross-linked with itself.

Abstract: A method and process to be utilized on any printed document, which, for example, include but are not limited to airline tickets, labels, checks, bonds, passports, green cards, prescription slips, and any other document with identification of the user or owner is critical, by providing a system for coating a portion of the document with a chemical compound, for determining an image thereupon, the system which would include the steps of first providing a document; next, applying a clear chemical coating onto at least a portion of the document; applying an non-visible image onto the chemical coated portion of the document; providing an activator solution; applying the activated solution to the chemically coated portion of the document to reveal the image thereupon; identifying the stamped image for assuring that the stamped image is not a counterfeit or the like.

Abstract: In order to prevent or at least render difficult the copying of colored printed security papers, for example banknotes, the printing inks used for printing are so formulated that copies made using customary color copiers produce a markedly different color impression and can therefore easily be identified as being forgeries. This is achieved by using for the formulation of the printing inks dyes (pigments) that are as different as possible from the dyes (toners) customarily used in conventional color copiers. The choice of the dyes for the formulation of the printing inks is especially such that there is the greatest possible degree of metamerism between the printing ink in question and the match of the relevant master color using the dyes of the color copier. Preferably non-amorphous or anisotropic black dyes and effect dyes, especially fluorescent effect dyes, are co-used for the formulation of the printing inks.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process which comprises (a) applying to a recording sheet a marking material comprising a Raman-detectable component which, when irradiated with monochromatic radiation, exhibits a detectable Raman spectrum, thereby forming a mark on the recording sheet; (b) irradiating the mark on the recording sheet with monochromatic radiation; and (c) measuring the Raman spectrum of radiation scattered from the mark when the mark is irradiated with monochromatic radiation.

Abstract: A method and process to be utilized on any printed document, which, for example, include but are not limited to airline tickets, labels, checks, bonds, passports, green cards, prescription slips, and any other document with identification of the user or owner is critical, by providing a system for coating a portion of the document with a chemical compound, for determining an image thereupon, the system which would include the steps of first providing a document; next, applying a clear chemical coating onto at least a portion of the document; applying an non-visible image onto the chemical coated portion of the document; providing an activator solution; applying the activated solution to the chemically coated portion of the document to reveal the image thereupon; identifying the stamped image for assuring that the stamped image is not a counterfeit or the like.

Abstract: As a means of providing a patterned coating on a substrate, either decorative or functional, coating powder is applied to a substrate. Then the coating powder is fused or fused and cured in selected portions by computer-guided laser. One application of the invention is to fuse coating powder into a resist pattern for the production of printed circuitry.

Abstract: The present invention provides jet ink compositions suitable for producing security markings on documents and other articles for subsequent identification. The jet ink composition comprises a fluorescent colorant, an ink carrier, and optionally one or more binder resins. The markings are invisible to the unaided eye and are visible only when excited by ultraviolet light. The colorant comprises a rare earth metal and a chelating ligand, is excitable by ultraviolet light having a wavelength of from about 275 nm to about 400 nm, and fluoresces at a wavelength of from about 550 nm to about 700 nm, with the proviso that when the rare earth metal is europium, dysprosium, or terbium, the chelating ligand is not dibenzoylmethane. The present invention further provides a method of identifying objects comprising providing a security marking as described above, exciting the marking and reading the fluorescent emission.

Abstract: A paper substrate is laminated with a metalized layer forming a mirrored surface. A partially transparent black diffraction grating is applied by stochastic screening to the mirrored surface. The diffraction grating forms a frequency modulated pattern from selected geometric shapes. Information, such as alphanumeric indicia or graphics, is printed on the stochastic screen to thus form a reflective diffraction device which is printable in a conventional manner while inhibiting reproduction of the printed information by conventional techniques, including black and white and color photo-reproduction and facsimile machines. The partially transparent black stochastic screen forms a diffraction grating on the metalized layer so that when illuminated from the light source of either a specular or diffuse illumination-type photocopier, random interference patterns of light occur at the interface of the metalized surface and the stochastic screen.

Abstract: Rubber articles are produced by applying a first latex to a former and then applying either a second latex, or a separation material followed by a latex which may be the same as, or different to, the first latex, curing both latices, and removing both layers jointly, so as to make an article with an outer translucent layer and an inner darker layer, with capillary action permitted between the layers.

Abstract: A method for protecting against forgery a printed document comprises the step of applying on the document, during the printing thereof, a microcapsule layer. This layer comprises microcapsules including a chemical product adapted to release an indelible mark which reveals tampering on surfaces portions of a document subjected to a pressing or rubbing tampering force.

Abstract: A net of parallel lines is generated with the aid of a computer. The ratio of the width to the spacing of two consecutive lines is equal to r.sub.o. The spacing and width of the lines are successively modulated such that their ratio is equal to r.sub.o. Subsequently, the straight lines can if so chosen be transformed into differently shaped lines or the width of the strokes can be altered in order to reproduce geometrical or artistic images.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of treating an artifact to combat unauthorized tampering with the identity thereof. The method comprises forming a coating on at least part of a surface of the artifact, to provide the artifact with an identification mark which comprises said coating. Forming the coating is by means of thermal spray-coating. The method can be used to coat a pre-formed identification mark on the surface, or to apply an identification mark to the surface, the mark being an engine number, chassis number, or the like. The method acts to render vehicle or aircraft theft, and forgery of parts thereof, more difficult.

Abstract: The instant invention pertains to a multi-layer tamper proof electronic coating wherein the first layer is a protecting layer produced from preceramic silicon containing material and at least one filler. The second layer is a resin sealer coat produced from a sealer resin selected from the group consisting of colloidal inorganic-based siloxane resins, benzocyclobutene based resins, polyimide polymers, siloxane polyimides and parylenes. An optional third layer is a cap coating layer selected from SiO.sub.2 coating, SiO.sub.2 /ceramic oxide coating, silicon containing coatings, silicon carbon containing coatings, silicon nitrogen containing coatings, silicon oxygen nitrogen coatings, silicon nitrogen carbon containing coatings and/or diamond like coatings.

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: This invention relates to a solution for detecting counterfeit paper currency. The solution contains iodine at a concentration of from 0.005 to 3 grams/liter and one or more solvents selected from the groups consisting of: alcohols, ketones, polyalcohols, esters, ethers, or mixtures thereof of solvents belonging to the same group or to several groups of these solvents. The solvent, if miscible with water, contains distilled water in a ratio of from 99:1 to 1:99 parts by volume. If not miscible in water, the solvent is saturated with distilled water at a temperature of 20.degree. C. The solution is preferably contained in ballpoint pens, fountain pens or other similar dispensers which are then used to countersign the paper currency. A counterfeit currency will cause a visible line to appear on the currency, in about one minute. However, in the case of genuine paper currency, the drawn line of solution does not change color and disappears completely from the countersigned currency.

Abstract: The present invention relates in one aspect to a method of manufacture of a security thread suitable for use in security articles including security paper such as that used for banknotes. In the method a magnetic metal is deposited on a film of polymeric substrate as the substrate passes through a solution containing the magnetic metal and a preparatory operation is carried out on a surface of the substrate prior to immersion of the substrate in the solution. The preparatory operation ensures that magnetic metal is deposited on the substrate in a pattern such that when the security thread is produced from the film by cutting the film the magnetic metal on the security thread has a specific pattern and provides both a visually discernible security feature and a magnetically detectable security feature.

Abstract: A release agent is first applied to a target article and on top of the release agent is applied an ultraviolet radiation fluorescent material to enable fraud detection. To prevent fraud, a security label may also be used comprising a label substrate, a release layer, a layer of ultraviolet radiation fluorescent material, and an adhesive layer for adhering to a target article. When the substrate is peeled off, part of the ultraviolet sensitive material will be peeled off also to enable detection.

Abstract: The present invention is addressed to providing a simple, yet reliable method for labeling an object for its verification. The present invention includes applying a mark to said object with a visible ink which contains a first component which is visible to the naked eye and a second component which is invisible to the naked eye and comprises one or more of ultraviolet radiation (UV) dye which is visible only in the presence of selected ultraviolet radiation, an infrared (IR) dye which is visible only in the presence of selected infrared radiation, an ink which displays a selected measurable electrical resistivity, or a biologic marker. The applied mark has said first component which is visible to the naked eye and said second component which is invisible to the naked eye.

Abstract: A method and compositions for authenticating a document or article comprises applying a mixture of a carrier, a leuco dye and an activator to a surface of a document or article, wherein the leuco dye and activator react in response to a rubbing force applied to the surface to change color and wherein the activator is at least one selected from the group consisting of amidophenol, anilides with hydroxyl groups and benzoamides with hydroxyl groups and authenticating the document or article by applying a rubbing force to the surface to effect a color change.

Abstract: A security element for the authentication of a substrate has a pattern comprising optical diffraction elements which are embossed in a carrier material of plastic material and unembossed neutral areas. On the embossing side of the carrier material a reflecting layer covers only surfaces with relief structures of the diffraction elements while the neutral areas which lie therebetween are free of the reflecting layer and are therefore non-reflecting. If the security element is stuck in the form of a stamp onto the substrate and the carrier metal is transparent, image portions, which are covered by the stamp, of a feature on the substrate can be discerned through the neutral areas.

Abstract: A security marking method and composition wherein a first marking is applied to a surface of a substrate with a mixture of a printing medium and a first composition, wherein the first marking is visible to an unaided human eye and is indistinguishable from a marking applied with the printing medium alone, to an unaided human eye when illuminated by visible light or ultraviolet light. A second composition is added either with the mixture or thereafter, wherein the second composition is reactable with the first composition to fluoresce and wherein the fluorescing is only visible to an unaided human eye when illuminated by ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A security element for use in a security document such as a bank note, identity card or the like includes at least a partial metallic coating on a substrate and wherein the metallic coating includes recesses in the forms of characters or patterns that are visually recognizable at least in transmitted light and a magnetic coating of soft-magnetic pigments disposed in overlying relationship with the metallic coating. A security document containing the security element is also described.

Abstract: Provided are water-dissipatable, sulfo-containing polyesters and polyester-amides having copolymerized therein thermally stable near infrared flourophoric compounds. The polymers are useful in coating or ink compositions, which are in turn useful for marking articles for identification/authentication purposes. Also provided is a method for invisibly marking such articles and a method for detecting and sorting articles by utilizing the near infrared flourophoric ink or coating compositions.

Abstract: A security marking method comprises marking a portion of the substrate by applying a first marking fluid which is invisible to a unaided eye when illuminated by both visible light and ultraviolet light and activating the marked portion by applying a second marking fluid thereon. The second marking fluid is reactable with the first marking fluid to be invisible to an unaided human eye when illuminated by visible light and fluorescent when illuminated by ultraviolet light. The invention also includes the composition comprising the first and second marking fluids.

Abstract: A quantity of at least one odorous substance that is physiologically impossible to perceive by the human sense of smell, but which is sufficient to be perceived at a distance by an animal known to be capable of finding the origin of the odor emitted by said odorous substance or substances and/or that causes the animal to exhibit a given behavior in its presence, is affixed to the object to be marked in a manner not identifiable by the human eye. Detection by animals such as canines and insects (cockroaches, bees and butterflies) can be used; the odorous substances will in particular comprise substances known to be capable of being detected specifically and spontaneously by an animal at extremely low thresholds (.alpha.-ionone for the canine), or pheromonal (sexual or warning) substances that, in the animal located at a distance, bring about a modification of its behavior.

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

Abstract: A composition for detecting the starch content in counterfeit paper currency comprising an aqueous-alcohol solution of iodine and acetic acid and method of applying same to paper currency genuine or counterfeit. In other embodiments, phenolthalien and bromine are included.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forestalling counterfeiting is disclosed which allows a counterfeit document to be identified relatively easily by an average person. The present invention employs a fluid jet applicator to record a unique, random pattern on each of a set of documents (e.g., paper currency, corporate or government bonds or any other document or important paper). Thus, a fluid jet applicator is controlled to produce a truly unique pattern on a set of original documents. Any counterfeiter who merely copies one (or a number) of the genuine documents would be left with a plurality of identical (i.e., non-unique) documents which may then be readily identified by a recipient as not being genuine.

Abstract: The present invention is addressed to providing a simple, yet reliable method for labeling an object for its verification. Broadly, the method of the present invention for labeling an object for its verification commences with applying to a predetermined location on said object, a mark which creates a permanent impression thereof which is perceptible to the unaided or naked eye and a mark which creates a permanent impression thereof which is imperceptible to the unaided or naked eye, yet which can be determined by mechanical, electrical, and/or biologic means. In prior U.S. Pat. No. 5,194,289 a combination of UV eye and amino acid/protein fragment was used to label objects for their identification. The present invention broadens such dual labeled scheme to include a variety of additional "invisible" labeling techniques. Additionally, the present invention includes the recognition that, in order to stop counterfeiting of records and like consumer goods, a visible mark also must be present on the object.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of discriminating an article which includes steps of finishing the article to make it have a smooth base surface, applying a transparent reflective film on the base surface of the article, the transparent reflective film being provided with a plurality of transparent spherical particles forming a first region and a plurality of transparent spherical particles forming a second region which have different distances from the base surface, distance between the transparent spherical particles in the first region and the base surface being just equal to focal length of the first transparent spherical particles in the first region, distance between the transparent spherical particles in the second region and the base surface being shorter than focal length of the transparent spherical particles in the second region, coating the transparent reflective film with a transparent protecting film, whereby the first region will be more bright than the second region when the light is vertic

Abstract: An optical device for receiving incident light having a minimum wavelength, and for producing a resultant light containing an optical image. The device includes a first material having a first index of refraction and a surface embossed with an optical interference pattern, and a second material having a second index of refraction deposited onto the embossed surface of the first material. The depth of deposition is at least equal to three quarters of the minimum wavelength component of the incident light within the second material.

Abstract: A wagering, promotional or novelty product having a concealed message includes a sheet having an outer surface, ink visibly disposed on the outer surface in a first pattern, and transparent film overlying at least a portion of the inked outer surface and secured to the ink on the outer surface 8ortion in selected differentially adherent patterns, the first pattern being visible through the film. Removal of the film from the inked outer surface portion also removes the ink in one of the selected patterns to reveal a desired pattern of deinked outer surface and thereby render visible the previously concealed message.

Abstract: This invention relates to the paper-making domain and especially to a forgery-proof safety paper, which includes on its surface and/or in its mass, at least one compound responding to formula: ##STR1## in which: R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 may be either H, OH, or OR,R being a hydrocarbon chain, substituted or not, straight, cyclic or aromatic,with A forming one or more cycles, substituted or not. This invention is particularly applicable to forgery-proof safety papers such as cheques or handwritten documents for payment.

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 randomly varying modulated current is generated and used to drive a magnetic write head in an apparatus for enhancing a randomly varying magnetic security characteristic of a medium. The write head can be positioned adjacent a fluid magnetic slurry for the purpose of altering the location of the various magnetic particles therein in a random fashion. The slurry can then be hardened thermally or using ultraviolet dryers. A circuit which can generate the randomly variable current for the read head includes a modulator which receives a first randomly variable signal and a second, different randomly varying signal which modulates the first signal.