Abstract: Disclosed is a method for labeling an object for its identification. The method comprises applying a selected person's fingerprint to said object at a predetermined location upon said object. Next, the predetermined location is exposed to a vaporous agent comprising vapors of a cyanoacrylate ester. The selected person's fingerprint or said vapors of cyanoacrylate ester bear a detectable amount of an ultra-violet radiation sensitive dye. Exposing the predetermined location to said vapors create a permanent impression of the fingerprint on the object which impression is perceptible only in the presence of UV radiation. Prime objects for identification in accordance with the method of the present invention include works of art, negotiable instruments, credit card receipts, and like objects.

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

Abstract: This invention relates to paper-making and in particular to non-fluorescent forgery-proof safety paper which is characterized in that it comprises, on its surface and/or in its mass, a salt of cobalt(II) or (III), at least partially soluble in aqueous phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laminated tamper-evident structure which exhibits an irreversible color change upon delamination. The structure includes a laminate of at least two layers capable of generating a color by a light interference and absorption phenomenon that requires direct and intimate contact between an adjacent two of the layers. The strength of attachment among the layers of the laminate is such that the laminate can be uniformly and reliably peeled apart at the interface between the adjacent two layers. An overlying flexible strip of transparent or translucent material is adhered to the laminate to facilitate the peeling operation. Upon peeling apart the laminate, the generated color is irreversibly lost, thus providing evidence that the structure has been tampered with. The structure can be incorporated into a variety of closable articles or products to provide evidence of opening or tampering.

Abstract: A high security crypto-marking method for protecting valuable objects in which a target chemical compound suitable for subsequent detection by an appropriate detection means is applied to an object to be marked, wherein the method comprises the following operations:a) preparing a solution of a target nucleic acid having a sequence selected to form a marking pattern and possessing a selected degree of fluidity;b) incorporating a chosen quantity of the solution in each object of a class of objects to be marked;thereby making it possible, subsequently, and should the occasion arise, to perform the following operation:c) identifying or authenticating the object by using means for detecting the nucleic acid in order to reveal the marking.The invention can be used, where required, to provide irrefutable proof of ownership of an object in the event of theft, resale, or forgery.

Abstract: A scratch-off game piece which contains a fragrance which is released during the game play action. The game piece is constructed by application of layers of fragrance containing material and scratch-off material over a support layer of printed sheet material such that when the scratch-off material is removed by the player, the fragrance containing capsules are ruptured and fragrance is released.

Abstract: An improved semiconductor AC switch is described having internal bias generation for the power MOSFET switches and isolated control input. Dual power MOSFETS with substrate diodes are connected in series between source and load. DC gate bias for the MOSFETS is derived from an internal power supply containing energy storage which charges from the line, typically every half cycle. The gates of the power MOSFETS are tied to the internal bias generator through a voltage divider network containing a variable resistance controlled by an optical input signal. The internal energy storage may be a capacitor or solid state battery, preferably a monolithic thick or thin film battery. No transformers or external control bias generators are required and the resulting switch is particularly simple and compact.

Abstract: A method for providing intelligible markings that are virtually invisible to the unaided eye on the surface of an article, comprises: applying onto the surface, by a jet printing process, a marking medium comprising a compatible liquid or viscous substance containing an organic laser dye (typically IR-125 in a concentration of about 0.005 to 0.05 percent by weight of the medium) that is poorly absorptive of radiation in the visible range of about 400 to 700 nanometers, is highly absorptive of radiation in the near infrared range of at least about 750 nanometers in wavelength (typically about 750 to 900 nanometers), and fluoresces in response to radiation excitation in the said near infrared range to produce fluorescent radiation of wavelengths longer than the wavelength of the excitation (typically in the range of about 800 to 1100 nanometers). Other useful laser dyes may comprise DTTCI, DNTTCI, HDITCI, DDTTCI, IR-140, DDCI-4, or IR-132.

Abstract: An article with at least a portion carrying symbols representing information to be protected against photocopying is formed by a carrier, a continuous layer covering the portion of the carrier and forming a background thereon, and a mainly discontinuous layer applied on the continuous layer and forming the symbols against the background. One of the layers is an iridescent layer of a color that copies dark and the other of the layers has a dark color. Thus photocopying gives an image without distinction between the symbols and the background.

Abstract: Retroreflective sheeting has been improved by a coating comprising silica and a transparent polymer selected from aliphatic polyurethanes, polyvinyl chloride copolymers having a minor amount of a comonomer containing at least one carboxylic acid or hydroxyl moiety, and acrylic polymers. Silica comprises 10-80 weight percent (10-70% in the case of polyacrylates) of the transparent protective coating. For example, a solution or dispersion of polyurethane is mixed with a silica sol and possibly other ingredients (e.g. wetting agent, UV light absorber and adhesion promoter), and the composition is coated onto the retroreflective sheet and dried. The coated retroreflective sheeting has superior soil and dew repellancy, retaining a higher percentage of original brightness after exposure to dirt and/or dew conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for forming secure images which comprises electrostatically charging an imaging member; imagewise exposing the charged member, thereby forming a latent image on the member; developing the latent image with a liquid developer comprising a liquid medium, a charge control additive, and toner particles comprising a colorant and a polymeric material; allowing the developed image to dry on the imaging member; contacting the portion of the imaging member with the dry developed image with a substantially transparent sheet having an adhesive material on the surface thereof in contact with the imaging member, thereby transferring the developed image from the imaging member to the substantially transparent sheet; contacting the adhesive surface of the substantially transparent sheet with the developed image with a paper sheet having a polymeric coating on the surface that is in contact with the substantially transparent sheet; and applying heat and pressure to the substantially transparent sheet a

Abstract: Process of mass manufacturing a plurality of security cards including the steps of embossing a surface of a layer of plastic film at first locations with visual image producing devices such as holograms or diffraction gratings, metalizing the surface including the visual image producing devices, applying a layer of background ink over the surface except for where the visual image producing devices are located, printing indicia on the background ink at second locations, laminating a layer of clear plastic film over the surface to form a laminate, cutting individual security cards out of the laminate and embossing indicia into third locations.

Abstract: The invention provides a package and associated method for packaging of products which enhances the resistance to tampering with or adulteration of the product, and which also permits a readily visible indication that any such tampering or adulteration has occurred. The invention in one form provides an inner container which is in turn provided with an outer protective layer of epoxide resin. The outer layer is cured and it becomes extremely brittle such that any physical penetration of the outer layer will cause the entire outer layer to shatter. Such shattering will provide a clear indication that penetration of the protective layer has occurred. Also there may be provided an associated dye which will exhibit a color change when the outer protective layer is shattered. A warning message may be provided on said packaging underlying the outer layer.

Abstract: An improved authenticating device comprises a substrate bonded to the sheet material, the substrate having a reflective diffractive structure formed as a relief pattern on a viewable surface thereof, and a transparent material covering the structure. Specified grating parameters of the diffractive structure, obtainable at low cost, result in peculiar, but easily discernable, optical color properties that cannot be copied by color copying machines.

Abstract: The invention provides a package and associated method for packaging of products which enhances the resistance to tampering with or adulteration of the product, and which also permits a readily visible indication that any such tampering or adulteration has occurred. The invention in one form provides an inner container which is in turn provided with an outer protective layer of epoxide resin. The outer layer is cured and it becomes extremely brittle such that physical penetration of the outer layer will cause the entire outer layer to shatter. Such shattering will provide a clear indication that penetration of the protective layer has occurred. Also there may be provided an associated dye which will exhibit a color change when the outer protective layer is shattered. A warning message may be provided on said packaging underlying the outer layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for labeling an object for its identification. The method comprises applying a selected person's fingerprint to said object at a predetermined location upon said object. Next, the predetermined location is exposed to a vaporous agent comprising vapors of a cyanoacrylate ester. The selected person's fingerprint or said vapors of cyanoacrylate ester bear a detectable amount of an ultra-violet radiation sensitive dye. Exposing the predetermined location to said vapors create a permanent impression of the fingerprint on the object which impression is perceptible only in the presence of UV radiation. Prime objects for identification in accordance with the method of the present invention include works of art, negotiable instruments, credit card receipts, and like objects.

Abstract: Paper is provided with resistance to photocopying or transmission by telefacsimile by spatial spectral modulation of the paper reflectance at a specific single or preferably multiple frequencies. Such paper has a colored pattern of at least two colors repeating in at least one dimension of a face of a paper with at least one frequency in the range of from about 0.5 to about 50 times per cm. The colors contrast with black or similar dark color to permit black or similar dark colored information to be visible readable when applied to the colored pattern. The colors also cooperate with such information to provide a document resistant to photocopying and transmission by telefacsimile.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laminated tamper-evident structure which exhibits an irreversible color change upon delamination. The structure includes a laminate of at least two layers capable of generating a color by a light interference and absorption phenomenon that requires direct and intimate contact between an adjacent two of the layers. The strength of attachment among the layers of the laminate is such that the laminate can be uniformly and reliably peeled apart at the interface between the adjacent two layers. An overlying flexible strip of transparent or translucent material is adhered to the laminate to facilitate the peeling operation. Upon peeling apart the laminate, the generated color is irreversibly lost, thus providing evidence that the structure has been tampered with. The structure can be incorporated into a variety of closable articles or products to provide evidence of opening or tampering.

Abstract: An electrosensitive substrate from which a metallized surface layer is selectively removed using electrosensitive printing to expose a patterned underlayer. The patterned underlayer may be randomly exposed, or exposed in prescribed portions. Tags, labels or the like of this description may be electrically imprinted with unique identification codes, such as serially printed alphanumeric characters. Such tags and labels resist duplication by conventional printing techniques. The patterned underlayer may be imprinted using inks of a variety of surface textures, resulting in an embossed effect in the metallized surface. Alternatively, a lacquer layer may be provided between the patterned layer and the metallized surface to achieve a uniform appearance of the metallized surface.

Abstract: A photochromic ink composition which comprises a solution of a 1,2-dihydroquinoline (DHQ) in a polymer solution, the dihydroquinoline being sensitive or sensitized to ultra-violet light.

Abstract: A sintered metal part which has a pressed and sintered core; the part is coated with a sintered metal surface layer; the layer has a property different from that of the metal part; the interior regions of the core are free of the metal constituting the coating; and process for making the parts.

Abstract: A web having phosphor particles uniformly distributed on at least one outer surface of the web, the phosphor particles being substantially white or colorless under ambient room light illumination and which upon excitation by ultraviolet light phosphoresces to emit visible radiation having a wavelength between about 400 nanometers and about 500 nanometers for a detactable period after ultraviolet excitation.

Abstract: Sealant compositions and methods which are particularly adaptable for use in detecting movement between two or more adjacent surfaces. The preferred sealant composition of the present invention is comprised of a paint base, such as a latex floor enamel, to which is added a thickening agent. One suitable thickening agent is a texture paint containing silica and silicates. When applied to a surface or series of surfaces, the sealant composition dries to a putty-like consistency. When spread over a portion of two adjacent surfaces and the joint therebetween, the paint forms a smooth continuous surface. If the two surfaces are moved with respect to one another, however, an irreparable tear occurs in the paint surface; as a result, movement between the two surfaces is readily detected. This sealant composition is particularly useful in detecting tampering with utility meters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a printed security with a hallmark in the form of a coating applied in a vacuum to the surface of the security. This coating is so thin that it is almost invisible even as a metal layer, while at the same time permitting accurate automatic examination. The absorption characteristics of the security are preferably measured in a certain range of the wavelength of the spectrum.

Abstract: An optical data recording and information storage medium which uses an exposed and developed photosensitive medium with a transparent substrate to store prerecorded data spots. A reflective laser recording metal layer is vapor deposited on the processed photosensitive medium so as to create laser recordable areas adjacent to the prerecorded data. The entire assembly is mounted on a base which may be transparent. A laser is used to write data spots on the thin metal layer. Both the prerecorded data spots and the laser written data spots are read by observing optical contrast with respect to the surrounding field.

Abstract: A strip of optical contrast laser recording material is disposed on a wallet-size card, and has laser written micrographic characters recorded thereon. The characters are formed of a matrix of laser recorded character spots and are eye readable using twenty power magnification. The characters are recorded in situ on the card, after the strip is disposed in the card, by a laser having a beam focused on the strip. A light detector reads the reflected beam to confirm laser writing. Either raster-like or zig-zag scanning of the beam creates each character matrix. Each of the character spots may be made up of one laser spot or by a group of laser spots.

Abstract: A security element for authenticating bank notes, credit cards, security passes and the like is disclosed. The security element incorporates a reflective-type diffraction grating, which grating comprises a continuous layer of reflecting material on which is deposited a layer of dielectric material. Non-continuous reflecting layer portions are embedded in the dielectric material. It is practically impossible to lay bare the diffraction grating without destroying it.

Abstract: A document has information appearing thereon, with at least a portion of the information being located on a front face of a portion of the document. The front face portion has a color with a sufficiently low reflection spectral response to render the document portion substantially incapable of being photocopied in an information-readable manner. The document portion is capable of transmitting visible light from the rear face to the front face to cause sufficient contrast between the relatively non-translucent information and the transmitted light to enable the information to be read by a human eye viewing the front face of the document when visible light is transmitted through the document from the rear face to the front face.

Abstract: A check paper is being described which is protected against falsifications and forgeries. Crushable micro capsules are being embedded in check paper which contain on one hand a leuco ink and on the other hand a color acceptor. The color acceptor can also be stored in the body of the paper without the use of micro capsules. The leuco ink and the color acceptor react together under color development or color changes if the micro capsules burst through imprinting or other local pressure application to the paper surface. Thus, a character written on the paper surface becomes visible within the body of the paper and cannot be forged anymore.

Abstract: Hard to simulate, readily distinguishable from counterfeits, optical interference authenticating devices are provided by depositing two coatings on a substrate, each coating comprising at least one optical interference layer, the material of each layer being selected so that the two coatings together and separately have different spectral reflectance and spectral transmittance characteristics at different angles of incidence of light thereon. The substrate may be, for example, a polyester film and a first one of the coatings is sufficiently radiation absorbing of, say, infrared radiation that at least one portion of that coating can be removed by an infrared laser beam through, for example, a mask to provide a readily distinguishable pattern on the substrate.

Abstract: A minute color coded identifier having a longitudinal axis, which is transversely color banded about its periphery. The identifier may, for example, be 0.015 inch long, have a transverse dimension of about 0.004 inch and have seven or more color bands such as to be observable under a power of 10 or more magnification. A method of making such identifiers, as well as a method of applying the same to articles for later identification is disclosed that involves a dispersion of identifiers in a transparent and hardenable cementitious liquid such as nitrocellulose in a suitable volatile solvent such as acetone and ethyl acetate, e.g. a common clear fingernail polish.

Abstract: A protected document has a cancellation phrase, normally invisible to the human eye, which will appear if the document is copied on a color copier. The protection of these documents is improved in the following protected document. The document is made up of a substrate, first and second cancellation phrase images which form a combined cancellation phrase image printed on the substrate, first and second background images forming a combined background image printed on the substrate and a camouflage overlay image (merged with) the combined cancellation and combined background images. The first and second cancellation phrase images appear on the document when it is copied on a color copier. The two images extend the range of protection for color copy machines having multiple darkness settings.

Abstract: A standardized document such as a credit card or drivers license contains an electrically conductive authenticating layer which is not visually discernible and has an electrical resistivity of less than 50 megohms per square. The presence of the authenticating layer may be verified by a proximity switch that can be built into mechanisms normally used in processing the document.

Abstract: The novel molding compositions with vinyl chloride polymer as the main constituent contain, in a specific quantity in each case, certain impact strength modifiers, polymethyl methacrylate and a special cellulose, namely powdered pure cellulose having a mean degree of polymerization of 300 to 1,000 and a maximum particle diameter of 0.09 mm. These molding compositions can readily be calendered. The films are particularly suitable for the production of forgery-proof valuable documents which can be personalized by means of a laser, for example credit cards.

Abstract: A tamper-proof and wear resistant identification card having a support layer, a strip of magnetic tape for containing encoded information, transparent layers covering the front and rear surfaces of the support layer and a screen of optically-readable encoded information on a surface of one of the transparent layers.

Abstract: An ink that fluoresces in the near infrared is used to mark documents such as bank checks for automatic identification. Markings with this ink are reliably detectable, even in the presence of other markings commonly found on such documents. The preferred fluorescent material of our invention is a phenoxazine dye 3,7-BIS(diethylamino) phenoxazonium nitrate.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant package containing in an anerobic environment a leuco dye free of reducing agent which dye becomes colored upon reaction with oxygen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a credit card or identification card fabricated from amorphous polyester sheet material wherein at least the area of said card containing embossed numerical or letter characters and the characters themselves are composed of substantially crystalline polyester. Such characters can not readily be altered by either heat treatment or by shaving them off.

Abstract: Confidential information is printed, typed or otherwise applied to paper with a color having a reflection spectral response or less than about 10% for light with a wave-length below about 600 millimicrons. The color is sufficiently contrasting with the information to enable the information to be read by the human eye when the document is viewed under white light, but the document cannot be successfully photocopied.

Abstract: A forgery-proof flat article, for example, for the production of banking cards, credit cards, and the like, is provided with a security feature analogous to a watermark and is made of thermoplastic and elastomeric synthetic resins based on transparent, translucent, or colored sheets made by extrusion, calendering, blow-molding, or spread coating, or composite sheets therefrom, with an application of a colorant, capable of migrating, to the surface in the presence of a crosslinkable component in the flat article and/or in the colorant application. The colorant application, upon reaching the desired migration depth of the applied colorant, is fixed in the flat article by a crosslinking reaction.

Abstract: An electrosensitive security laminate including a magnetic layer providing a magnetically encodable substrate. The laminate includes a base layer such as paper, a magnetic layer deposited on the base layer, and a vapor deposited metallic layer either over the magnetic layer or the opposite face of the base layer. Additional security may be achieved by including a decorative intermediate layer having a visibly nonuniform pattern. The user may detect a magnetically encoded pattern using a device which forms a visible pattern in accordance with any magnetic field adjacent the laminate. The patterned intermediate layer where included may be selectively exposed by electrically imprinting the metallized layer, thereby exposing a background pattern within any inscribed indicia.

Abstract: A security medium, secure articles made therefrom and methods of making same. Articles are disclosed which are resistant to counterfeiting and unauthorized alteration and which are suitable for use as currency, securities, security passes, identification cards, and analogous items now usually manufactured on paper. The novel articles comprise two synthetic material layers with a barrier layer therebetween and an image formed from sublimatable dye within at least one of the synthetic layers.

Abstract: A novel lottery ticket comprising a blush-type coating which coating is characterized by susceptibility to a change in appearance when exposed to either (a) any of a wide spectrum of organic solvents or (b) an elevated temperature. Such susceptibility reveals that solvent or thermal techniques have been used in tampering with the ticket or a pouch package in which the ticket is held. Such tampering is often the result of an illicit attempt to obtain information about the indicia printed on the ticket.

Abstract: A process for permanently imaging data on lottery tickets and the like which comprises of steps of; providing an ink receptive, non-shrinking resinous coating on a webbed coupon substrate and heat curing the same, applying to the ink receptive resinous coating, imaging data by an ink jet printer using a sublimable dye, drying the dye, applying an ultraviolet curable resinous coating over the dye, coating the ultraviolet curable resinous coating by ultraviolet light and further heating the substrate between 275.degree. Fahrenheit and 400.degree. Fahrenheit thereby causing the dye to permanently sublime into the ink receptive resinous coating and the ultraviolet curable resinous coating.

Abstract: Forgery-proof paper, which exhibits a distinct coloration when treated with an oxidizing agent and, if appropriate, a reducing agent, contains, as the reagent, a compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein A represents N or C,B represents NR, O or S,R represents hydrogen or alkyl,X and Y represent hydrogen or customary substituents andn and m represent the numbers 1 or 2.

Abstract: A data carrier having excitable marking materials to record information in code and further materials to camouflage them, as well as a method of producing this type of data carrier. The coded information is given in the form of the local presence or absence of the excitable marking materials, and is read by detecting the state of excitation, which can only be done with difficulty. The camouflage materials have the function of preventing the detection of the marking material pattern indirectly by means of a chemical laboratory analysis; this camouflage is successful when materials are used which are very similar chemically to the marking materials, and in particular yield the same results as these in a chemical laboratory analysis, but are not excitable with the same means or in the same manner.

Abstract: This invention relates to a plastic identification card with an improved signature panel. There is a problem with existig credit cards in that the existing signature can be obscured by printing over with a patch of clay composition similar to that used to provide the original signature panel. A new signature can then be applied. This problem is overcome by providing a signature panel which is sandwiched between the core stock and a protective transparent film. The signature panel comprises a layer of chemicals reactive under the pressure of a signature to release a colored dye conforming with the signature.

Abstract: The tamperproof document consists of a photographic material as information carrier which is laminated on one or both sides with a transparent foil. The foil is attached to the surface of the information carrier by a layer of adhesive containing poly-1,2-alkyleneimine. The document is eminently saft against falsification.

Abstract: Protective coatings for securing documents from alteration comprising a noncohesive adhesive layer integrated with a verification feature and a method for applying such coatings.

Abstract: A method for treating a gem stone to cause a marking thereon, wherein a photoresist resin is secured to the stone, a photographic film bearing the desired marking is applied over said resin, said resin is developed by exposing same to a light source, the exposed portions of said resin, as well as said film, are removed, and the thus-treated portion of the stone is subjected to a cathode bombardment in such a way that etching of the stone occurs in those locations which are not protected by said resin.