Abstract: The present invention is directed toward fluorescent inks and markers comprising carbon nanotubes. The present invention is also directed toward methods of making such inks and markers and to methods of using such inks and markers, especially for security applications (e.g., anti-counterfeiting). Such inks and markers rely on the unique fluorescent properties of semiconducting carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: Coating cardboard, for producing packaging, formed of a (natural-) fibre-based support layer covered on at least one of its faces by a pigment layer, includes a fluorescent compound disposed discontinuously on the surface of the support layer, between the support layer and the pigment layer, the compound being invisible to natural light and visible under UV irradiation through the pigment layer, and constituting a marking element of the cardboard, without altering the printability properties of the outer face of the pigment layer. In the method of marking a coated cardboard, the marking element is applied according to a discontinuous surface, by an aqueous solution or dispersion containing the fluorescent compound, to the surface of the face of the support layer which is intended to be covered subsequently by the pigment layer, by for example flexographic printing or spraying. The marking element may serve as a distinctive sign or security sign.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multilayer security element having a first, transparent layer structure having first, translucent sub-regions and a second, opaque layer structure exhibiting a color-shift effect and having second, transparent sub-regions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an adhesive article. The adhesive article comprises a first layer comprising a fluid transport substrate, comprising a low molecular weight hydrophilic polymer resin, the first layer having a first major surface and a second major surface. The adhesive article additionally comprises a second layer comprising a fluid transportable ink, the second layer being associated with the second major surface of the second layer. The adhesive article also comprises an adhesive layer.

Abstract: Provided is a shrinkable label having a hologram layer that suffers no whitening even after shrink processing with relatively large shrinkage. The label therefore fits even complicated dimensions of an article and, in addition, provides a superior holographic expression. The shrinkable label includes a shrinkable film and, on or above at least one side thereof, a hologram layer. The hologram layer is formed by curing a resin composition which is cationically curable by the action of an active energy ray and which contains one or more oxetane compounds including a monofunctional oxetane compound, and one or more bifunctional or higher-functional epoxy compounds. In the resin composition, the total of the oxetane compounds and the bifunctional or higher-functional epoxy compounds occupies 60 percent by weight or more of the resin composition, and the monofunctional oxetane compound occupies 30 percent by weight or more of the oxetane compounds.

Abstract: A packaging material, having at least one optically anisotropic layer which is made from substantially the same layer-forming composition and includes two or more regions different in birefringence property.

Abstract: A security device comprises a substrate having a viewing region. A first pattern of a first colour and a second pattern of a second colour are printed on one side of the viewing region. A third pattern of the first colour and a fourth pattern of the second colour are printed on the other side of the viewing region. The first and second patterns on the one side of the viewing region overlap the fourth and third patterns respectively on the other side of the viewing region whereby a) when each side of the viewing region is viewed in reflected light, the patterns on that side can be distinguished by at least their colours, and b) when the viewing region is viewed in transmitted light, from either side of the substrate, the viewing region is sufficiently transparent that subtractive colour mixing between the overlapped different colours results in a perceived single resultant colour being visible.

Abstract: Multilayer films are provided that exhibit a colored appearance when viewed at an oblique angle as a result of one or more reflection bands in the visible region of the spectrum. The films however provide no substantial reflection bands in either the visible or near infrared regions for light normally incident on the film. The films can be made to shift from clear at normal incidence to an arbitrary designed color at an oblique angle without necessarily becoming cyan.

Abstract: A tag with features to enable its authenticity to be determined includes a hidden code intermixed with a visible pattern such that the hidden code is not readily detectable under ambient light condition, without the use of a specially designed reader. In one embodiment the tag is formed with a first layer containing a hidden code, formed of reflective elements, which overlies a second layer which is designed to absorb light having a predetermined wavelength (e.g., IR light). The hidden code can be detected by projecting a light source having the predetermined wavelength (e.g., an IR source) at a predetermined angle on the tag and using a sensor to sense the reflection from the tag.

Abstract: A substrate having an IR-absorbing dye disposed thereon. The dye is a naphthalocyanine dye of formula (I): wherein M is Ga(A1); A1 is an axial ligand selected from the group consisting of: OH, halogen, OR3, —OC(O)R4 and O(CH2CH2O)eRe wherein e is an integer from 2 to 10 and Re is H, C1-8 alkyl or C(O)C1-8 alkyl; R1 and R2 may be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen and C1-12 alkoxy; R3 is selected from the group consisting of: C1-12 alkyl, C5-12 aryl, C5-12 arylalkyl and Si(Rx)(Ry)(Rz); R4 is selected from the group consisting of: C1-12 alkyl, C5-12 aryl and C5-12 arylalkyl; Rx, Ry and Rz may be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of: C1-12 alkyl, C5-12 aryl, C5-12 arylalkyl, C1-12 alkoxy, C5-12 aryloxy and C5-12 arylalkoxy; and each B is independently a base, wherein BH+ has a pKa of between 4 and 9.

Abstract: A forgery-preventing foil having a latent image and a total thickness of 20 ?m or less, containing at least one patterned optically anisotropic layer having two or more regions different in birefringence property, all of the regions in the same layer being formed of the same layer-forming composition.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to light emitting material integrated into the apparatus having an anti-counterfeit pattern. The light emitting material may be configured to emit visible light in response to absorption of ultraviolet light. The light emitting material may include a plurality of light emitting particles, with each of the plurality of light emitting particles having a diameter less than about 500 nanometers. Accordingly, in embodiments, the anti-counterfeit pattern may be invisible under ambient light. However, under ultraviolet light, the authenticity of a product may be identified by emission of light in the form of the anti-counterfeit pattern. In embodiments, the anti-counterfeit pattern may be in the form of a bar code, a computer readable code, and/or a symbol that verifies the authenticity of a product.

Abstract: The invention concerns a laminating film which includes a plurality of layers, for at least partially coating a cold-shapeable metal substrate, and a process for the production of such a metal substrate. The laminating film has a transparent carrier film, at least one transparent lacquer layer containing a diffractive relief structure, a reflection layer and an adhesive layer, wherein the transparent carrier film is formed from PET, wherein the carrier film is of a film thickness in the region of 19 to 75 ?m, wherein the carrier film has a modulus of elasticity in the region of 3500 to 5000 N/mm2 at least in one direction and wherein the at least one transparent lacquer layer has a modulus of elasticity which differs from the modulus of elasticity of the carrier film by a maximum of 10%, in particular by less than 5%.

Abstract: A latent image forming film comprising: a reflective layer; and a polarization converting and rotating layer placed on a surface of the reflective layer, the polarization converting and rotating layer changing an ellipticity of polarized incident light and concurrently rotating a polarization direction of the polarized incident light.

Abstract: A data carrier is provided having a see-through portion (24) that allows revealing security features (36) with a different appearance on each of its sides (S1, S2) under special lighting conditions, and a method for making such a data carrier. The see-through portion has an improved security, which is more difficult to reproduce by infringers.

Abstract: A package that has at least one hologram on its exterior surface is formed from a paper, paperboard or thermoplastic substrate material that has an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer surface has a radiation curable particulate metal containing coating. This coating is cured and zero to one or more ink containing coatings are applied to the radiation curable particulate metal containing coating in areas that are not to have a hologram. Each of these ink containing coatings are cured, and a substantially transparent radiation curable coating is applied to the areas deficient in the zero to one or more ink coatings. This substantially transparent radiation curable coating is contacted with a substantially transparent holographic shim in an area not having thereon ink containing coatings while curing radiation is applied to the substantially transparent radiation curable coating and the substantially transparent shim.

Abstract: A variety of deep structured decorative patterns originate with mechanical relief or etching. The present method incorporates a deeply patterned or textured etching or relief into a thin film embossing shim to simulate the look of the deep pattern or texture when used to emboss thin film or material. A transparent mold of the relief surface (such as brushed metal, engine-turned patterns, and textured glass) is formed using UV curable liquid and a transparent substrate. The relief copy in the transparent mold or overlay is mapped onto a photoresist surface or plate by shining or expanding one or more laser lights or laser beams through the transparent mold. The different heights of the relief copy of the transparent mold will cause the light to diffract/refract to form a corresponding patterned etching in the photoresist plate. The resulting photoresist plate is then metalized and electroplated to form a thin film embossing shim.

Abstract: The invention relates to a printed document of value having at least one authenticity feature in the form of a luminescent substance on the basis of host lattices which are doped with one or a plurality of ions. By suitably doping host lattices with different ions, exchange interactions between clusters of ions occur which can lead to cooperative effects.

Abstract: The invention relates to a printed document of value having an authenticity feature in the form of at least two luminescent substances on the basis of host lattices which are doped with one or a plurality of ions. By systematically changing the host lattices and/or ions of the (nd)3 electron configuration a specific setting of the luminescence properties of luminescent substances is possible, the combination of which permits a multiplicity of complex new authenticity features.

Abstract: There is provided a printing method that can provide an image formed object which can suppress a change in density of a visible dye image and a lowering in fluorescence intensity and, at the same time, is free from concave/convex of the image surface and has a latent image invisible even under visible light. The printing method comprises a first step of forming a latent image of a fluorescent dye by thermal diffusion transfer; and a second step of providing a visible dye on the latent image by thermal diffusion transfer.

Abstract: Opaque color shifting strands are disclosed that have an optically variable color with a change in angle of incident light. The strands have an organic substrate and an optical interference structure on one or both sides of the organic substrate. The optical interference design can be a Fabry-Perot structure or can be optically variable ink. Plural strands can be combined to form a textile for example such as a garment label.

Abstract: A method for marking pharmaceutical articles is characterized by comprising marking the pharmaceutical articles with an ink that is invisible under normal light conditions and that is visible under specific light conditions, such as under UV light.

Abstract: A wallpaper having a thermochromic material layer and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed where colors of a wallpaper having a thermochromic material layer change by a surrounding or human body temperature so information concerning surrounding temperature or human body health state is provided, and a user does not feel tedious about colors of a wallpaper. The manufacturing method of a wallpaper having a thermochromic material layer comprises forming a wallpaper substrate; forming at least one plane heater on the wallpaper substrate; forming at least one thermochromic material layer on the wallpaper substrate or the plane heater; forming at least one protection layer on the wallpaper substrate so that the thermochromic material layer and the plane heater are substantially covered; and forming a power supply and control means on the wallpaper substrate for supplying power to the plane heater and controlling temperature.

Abstract: Black and or, clear acrylic plastic provides a substrate so that particles of phosphorescent material appear as celestial images that glow in the dark. Ambient or ultra-violet light charges the phosphorescent particles providing a realistic depiction of stars, planets, and deep space objects. Three-dimensional representations of planet earth, earth continents, and multi-color planets are also produced with phosphorescent material.

Abstract: A copy-resistant document is provided. The document comprises a substrate, a light reflective layer disposed over the substrate, a light diffusive layer disposed over the reflective layer, and bearer information overprinted on the reflective and diffusive layers. The diffusive layer has a diffusive background pattern that segments the reflective layer into a reflective background pattern comprising a plurality of reflective elements that interfere with the bearer information on a copy of the document. As a result, the diffusive background pattern allows the bearer information to become more readable on the document original by providing contrast to the bearer information and reducing the glare from light reflected from the reflective layer, while the reflective background pattern renders the bearer information unreadable on the document copy.

Abstract: An emblem assembly of an automobile is disclosed. Because a pad and a thin plate are fabricated as separate components and then fixed to a cover, a symbol formed on the thin plate can be effectively exposed to a user through respective material colors of the pad and the thin plate themselves. In addition, since the pad is made of the plastic material, different from the other pad made of the conventional metal material, the circumferential edge portion of the pad would not be torn as in the related art although the thickness of the circumferential edge portion is relatively thick, and the difference of material colors between the pad and the thin plate can enhance the conspicuousness characteristics of the emblem.

Abstract: This invention provides a photosensitive resin composition for the production of a three-dimensional micro-molded product having high sensitivity, which satisfies 0.35???0.78 wherein ? represents a value determined from a relational formula y=?Ln(x)±? where ? represents an arbitrary real number, x represents the exposure of an actinic radiation, mJ/cm2, and y represents the amount of cured resin by the exposure in terms of the ratio between a coating film thickness before development and a residual film thickness after development, i.e., ?h/h where h represents the coating film thickness before development, ?m, and ?h represents the residual film thickness after development, ?m, and a photosensitive dry film using the same. The molding accuracy of a three-dimensional micro-molded product having a predetermined three-dimensional face can be improved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing a composite web for a use as landing zones for mechanical fasteners of disposable products, e.g., disposable diapers. The process comprises the steps of providing a first web material having first and second opposite surfaces, wherein the first surfaces engageable with the mechanical fastener component, providing a second web material comprising one or more indicia, wherein the second web material has a width smaller than the width of the first web material, and connecting the second web material with the second surface of the first web material to form a composite web. The invention also relates to a landing zone for mechanical fasteners and to processes for manufacturing disposable products and to disposable products as such.

Abstract: A security element, comprising at least two contiguous areas having an identical or different coloring which can vary depending on the inclination of the incidence and, therefore, reflection of direct light or depending on the type of incident light. The security element also has a single graphic marking which crosses with continuity the two areas having variable coloring so that the graphic marking straddles the two areas so that it is perfectly aligned, without having discontinuities of any kind. Moreover, the effect of this graphic marking is perfectly visible both when the security element is viewed from the recto and when it is viewed from the verso.

Abstract: Compositions and methods related to providing an object with metallic and reflective qualities when illuminated with ultraviolet light are provided herein. Such compositions generally comprise reflective metal flakes and ultraviolet-luminescent pigments. Also provided are methods for making compositions comprising reflective metal flakes and ultraviolet-luminescent pigments and for applying a composition comprising reflective metal flakes and ultraviolet-luminescent pigments to an object.

Abstract: The printed product comprises a carrier (1) provided with a relief on the surface thereof in the form of a plurality of grooves and a main visible image transmitted by an ordered screen, wherein said relief and the screen structure of the visible image are embodied in such a way that at least one additional image becomes manifest on the main image background when a lighting or viewing angle is modified. According to the invention, the angle and period (d) of the groove tracing is equal to the angle and lineature of the main image screen, and geometrical distortions whose value corresponds to the value of tonal gradations of the additional image are introduced into the relief and/or the main image screen structure without breaking the continuity of the pattern lines forming said screen and relief, whereby a nonuniform system of cross-points of the grooves with the screen pattern lines (8) forming said additional image is created.

Abstract: A postage payment label is provided which includes a substrate having an image provided thereon and a postage mark. The substrate and the image are able to transmit light of one or more first wavelengths (e.g., infrared or ultraviolet light) while the postage mark is able to absorb or reflect light of the one or more first wavelengths. Moreover, the image that is provided on the substrate is able to absorb and/or reflect light of one or more second wavelengths (e.g., visible light). Accordingly, when the image is illuminated with light of the one or more second wavelengths (e.g., visible light), the image conceals a portion or all of the postage mark. The postage mark (or relevant portion thereof), however, may be viewed when the image is illuminated with light of the one or more first wavelengths and not illuminated with light of the one or more second wavelengths.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a film for transferring at least one mark on a substrate (10), each mark comprising an embossed and/or metallized pattern, said transfer film including a base film (1), a multilayer film supported by said base film (1), and comprising an optical layer (5), including an embossed and/or metallized image, a releasing layer (2) arranged between said base film (1) and said multilayer film (9) for enabling, during a transfer, said film (1) to be detached from said multilayer film (9), an adhesive layer (7) arranged opposite said releasing layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a homogeneous, photoactive film consisting of or comprising a polyelectrolyte carrying residues which may undergo a photoreaction, the polyelectrolyte mainly comprising at least one structure according to any of formulae (I) to (IV), namely [Pol(R*—P—R?)]oon+n/xAx? (I), n/xAx+[Pol(R*—P—R?)]oon? (II), [Pol(R1*-Q-R1?)]oon+n/x?x? (III), n/x?x+[Pol(R1*-Q-R1?)]oon? (IV), wherein Pol means a repeating unit of a linear or branched polymer chain, o indicates the number of the repeating unit of the polymer chain, and (R*—P—R?) and (R1*-Q-R1?) are n-fold positively or negatively charged side chains of the repeating unit Pol, wherein P is a group which is capable of photo-induced E/Z isomerization, Q is a group capable of participating in a photocycloaddition, or capable of participating in a photoinduced rearrangement, or the so called Photo-Fries reaction, A is a cation or anion which is oppositely charged, n is preferably 1 or 2, x is 1 or 2, and o is at least 2, with the proviso that

Abstract: A data medium has at least first and second parts joined together, each having an outer face turned towards the outside and a hidden inner face. At least one of the first and second parts bears, at a certain distance from the outer faces, hidden markings corresponding to personalization data. This first part and preferably the second part of the medium are, at least locally, opaque with respect to through-transmission of laser radiation liable to modify the hidden markings.

Abstract: A method of making a printed product having an optical effect based on light refraction has the steps of applying an embossable coating to face of a substrate in an image zone, embossing an optical structure in the embossable coating, curing the embossed coating, and printing an image on the substrate in the image zone.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to thermal electric images which may form Informational Images such as landing zone markers, drop zone markers, vehicle markers, road markers, covert signs, notices, directions and the like, and may also be used to form thermal targets which may be used as training aides for weapons and other devices that are equipped with thermal imaging equipment.

Abstract: A thermally activated, multi-color identification device having a substrate, an adhesive layer and a thermal activation layer underlying a protective coating. The thermal activation layer includes multiple regions of multi-colored thermal sensitive coating to achieve multi-color thermal printing on a single media. Alternatively, the thermal activation layer may be mono-color with regions of multi-colored ink underlying the thermal activation layer. The protective coating may be a polymer or varnish to protect the thermal activation layer from environmental hazards. The clear protective coating permits uniform activation of the thermal activation layer while protecting the same.

Abstract: A document includes a paper substrate having an average surface roughness of at least about 0.5 microns, wherein the paper substrate includes encoded information printed thereon, and wherein the encoded information is printed with an ink comprised of light absorbing material that absorbs light only at wavelengths below 350 nm and an optional clear binder in a solvent. The encoded information is substantially not detectable to a naked human eye through differential gloss or exposure to light having wavelengths of 365 nm or more, and is only revealed upon exposing the document to light having a wavelength at which the light absorbing material absorbs light, which is less than 350 nm.

Abstract: Methods for producing a coated biaxially oriented film and films made therefrom. An illustrative method can include orienting a base film in a first direction to provide an uniaxially oriented film; coating at least a portion of the uniaxially oriented film with a polyolefin dispersion to produce a coated uniaxially oriented film; and orienting the coated uniaxially oriented film in a second direction at a temperature sufficient to stretch and anneal the coated film to provide a coated biaxially oriented film having greater than 80% gloss.

Abstract: A pseudo moonroof for an automobile comprising a first sheet is provided. The first sheet comprises a top surface, a bottom surface configured to conform the roof of an automobile, and edges. The first sheet generates an optical illusion of a moonroof when viewed from outside. The first sheet may comprise one selected from a plastic film like a sun shade film, and a glass material. The sunshade film may comprise a partially reflective film configured to reflect at least part of incident light. The visual pattern may be generated by a magic board or a liquid crystal display. The pseudo moonroof may further include a second sheet, for example a fastening plate. The fastening plate attaches the pseudo moonroof detachably or permanently to the roof surface of the automobile.

Abstract: Composite cards formed in accordance with the invention include a security layer comprising a hologram or diffraction grating formed at, or in, the center, or core layer, of the card. The hologram may be formed by embossing a designated area of the core layer with a diffraction pattern and depositing a thin layer of metal on the embossed layer. Additional layers may be selectively and symmetrically attached to the top and bottom surfaces of the core layer. A laser may be used to remove selected portions of the metal formed on the embossed layer, at selected stages of forming the card, to impart a selected pattern or information to the holographic region. The cards may be “lasered” when the cards being processed are attached to, and part of, a large sheet of material, whereby the “lasering” of all the cards on the sheet can be done at the same time and relatively inexpensively.

Abstract: A color-change laminate in which a color tone derived from a porous layer is visually perceived in a dry state and a metallic lustrous property is visually perceived in a liquid-absorbed state of the porous layer caused by water application is excellent in luminance and which satisfies both of changing properties and decorative properties in the dry state and in the liquid-absorbed state. A color-change laminate includes a support having a metallic lustrous property and a porous layer provided on the surface of the support. The porous layer includes a low-refractive-index pigment and a transparent metallic lustrous pigment formed by coating a transparent core material with a metal oxide and/or a transparent metallic lustrous pigment having a color-flopping property all fixed onto a binder resin in a dispersed state and is different in transparency in a liquid-absorbed state and in a liquid-unabsorbed state.

Abstract: A fluorescence-based correlation mark is included in a printed document by encoding the correlation mark as phase shifts in the yellow halftone image only of a printed color document. The correlation mark transparency key is likewise printed using only yellow colorant or can be printed in black or with another colorant or mixture of colorants that will appear dark or black when subjected to UV illumination. UV illumination of the document without use of the transparency key, and use of the transparency key without UV illumination of the document are insufficient to reveal the fluorescence-based correlation mark. UV illumination of the document while the transparency key is overlaid with the document will allow the correlation mark to be perceived.

Abstract: A soft-material object comprising a visional color-varying surface comprises a soft-material carrier capable of generating varying rucks and a pattern disposed on the surface of the soft-material carrier. The pattern comprises a plurality of multi-color lumps to compose a picture. Each of the multi-color lumps comprises the distinct coloring regions distinguishable by the eyes so that a viewer can obtain different color-varying visional feeling from the pattern when the soft-material carrier is resting and looked at from different view angles or when the soft-material forms varying rucks itself in fixed eye angle.

Abstract: A film transfer sheet including a sheet substrate provided with a peelable layer via a resin layer and a transparent sheet provided with an adhesive layer. The sheet substrate and the transparent sheet are laminated together such that the peelable layer is overlapped on the transparent sheet and peeling is designed to occur between the peelable layer and the transparent sheet so as to transfer the transparent sheet provided with the adhesive layer to a transfer-receiving member. The resin layer includes as an essential component a pressure-sensitive adhesive having a storage elastic modulus of 3.0×105 Pa to 1.2×106 Pa at a temperature of 130° C. to 150° C. Also provided is an intermediate transfer recording medium including a sheet substrate provided with a peelable layer via resin layer and a transparent sheet provided with a dye receptive layer, in which the sheet substrate and the transparent sheet are laminated together.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a laminated member with an recorded information code, having a high reading accuracy, which do not detract from product design and which do not require a special reading apparatus. A laminated member 10 of the present invention comprises a transparent material layer 12 on which an information code is recorded, and a reflection-reduction layer 14 provided at the opposite side from a side where the information code is observed. The transparent layer 12 comprises low-reflectance portions 18 and high-reflectance portions 16 having a higher reflectance than the low-reflectance portions 18. The information code is recorded as a distributed pattern of the high-reflectance portions 16. The reflection-reduction layer 14 reduces reflected light advancing to the transparent material layer 12.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magnetic latent image holding body in which the surface thereof has water repellency and a magnetic latent image is visualized by a liquid developer that contains a magnetic toner and an aqueous medium.

Abstract: A spatial graphical user interface for interfacing with a plurality of data sources to create a layered image includes a content acquisition module configured to acquire a first primary image from any one of the data sources where the primary image has at least an image of one object thereon. A transparent layer generating module generates a transparent layer to be overlaid over the primary image which spatially corresponds to the primary image. A link generating module generates an icon on the transparent layer over the at least one object such that the icon represents a link to data contained in the data sources related to the object on the primary image. The layered image is the combined view of the primary image, the transparent layer and icons on the transparent layer.

Abstract: The laser-transmissive welding label of the present invention is a resin label which comprises at least a resin layer and is affixable to a resin shaped article by a laser welding, wherein the resin layer has a light-scattering property, and the transmittance of the resin layer relative to a laser beam having an oscillation wavelength within the range of 740 to 1100 nm is not less than 20%, and the total light transmittance of the resin layer relative to a visible light (in accordance with ASTM D1003) is not more than 50%. The resin layer may comprise a thermoplastic resin which may have a compatibility with a resin for the resin shaped article. The label may be able to mask the resin shaped article, or may be colored with a coloring agent. A shaped composite article (e.g., a toner cartridge) may be formed by bonding the label to the resin shaped article with use of the laser welding.