Abstract: A hologram decal structure including a photopolymer hologram layer having hologram fringes recorded therein, a transparent pressure sensitive adhesive layer disposed on a first surface of the photopolymer hologram layer, and a transparent urethane coating disposed on a second surface of the photopolymer hologram layer, and techniques for making the hologram decal.

Abstract: A hologram forming layer, transparent evaporated layer, colored layer, adhesion anchor layer, and adhesive layer are sequentially laminated on the under surface of a base member. The laminated body is used as a seal by the presence of the adhesive layer. It is preferable for the base member to have adequate rigidity (flexibility, tensile strength) and surface flatness. The hologram forming layer has a relief type hologram image. The transparent evaporated layer is a multi-layered ceramic layer constructed by alternately laminating high-refractive index layers and low-refractive index layers and the thickness thereof is preferably set to 1 .mu.m or less. In the transparent evaporated layer, the color of visible light in predetermined wavelength range is changed according to the viewing angle when it is transmitted therethrough or reflected therefrom.

Abstract: A security laminate comprising (1) a protective layer having a first and a second surface, (2) a pattern of low adhesion coating bonded to a portion of the second surface of the protective layer, (3) at least one emblem bonded to a portion of the low adhesion coating/protective layer composite, (4) an adhesive bonded to the emblem layer/low adhesion coating/protective layer composite, and (5) a primer is not included between the low adhesion coating and emblem layers; wherein the bond between the emblem and the protective layer and the bond between the adhesive layer and protective layer are the most tenacious bonds, and the bond between the low adhesion coating and the protective layer is the least tenacious, whereby the emblems and adhesive layers are damaged in the pattern of the low adhesion coating during delamination. Also, secured documents comprising such security laminates and a method for securing documents utilizing such security laminates.

Abstract: A glass substrate manufacturing method advantageously applicable to magnetic recording disk glass substrates, LCD glass substrates, photomask glass substrates, or optical memory glass substrates. This method includes the steps of forming a film of a solution on at least a principal surface of a sheet glass formed using a down-drawing method, the solution containing a water soluble inorganic material and a surface-active agent; sandwiching both sides of a single sheet glass on which the film is formed or of a laminated structure of plural sheet glasses with a densified sheet with a high flatness to pressure the single glass or laminated structure; and heating and annealing the single sheet glass or laminated structure to flatten the same. The end side of the flatten glass substrate is treated with a treating solution containing a hydrofluosilicic acid.

Abstract: An article for applying a color shifting optically variable coating on a substrate formed from a polymeric web, a release coating on the web and an optically variable coating wherein the optically variable coating consists of a semi-opaque metal layer adjacent to the release layer, a transparent dielectric layer on the semi-opaque metal layer and a reflective metal layer on the dielectric layer. The article can be bonded to a substrate by means of hot stamping with the hot stamp adhesive layer being applied to the article or applied to the substrate.

Abstract: Information storage unit comprising a substrate with applied thereon a polymer layer (active polymer layer) which is polarisable by a focussed electron beam, the active polymer layer being a component of a multilayer, said multilayer comprising an active polymer layer of at least one to a maximum of fifteen electrically-insulating layers and at least one to a maximum of fifteen electrically conductive and/or semiconductive layers in an optional layer sequence, on condition that the active layer is disposed between at least one electrically-insulating layer and at least one conductive or semiconductive layer.

Abstract: A photocopy-resistant document which has a background pattern or logo which is printed with solvent-sensitive, dye based ink and a method of making such a document. The presence of this photocopy-resistant background pattern or logo makes it impossible for a would-be forger of a face-value note such as a bank check to duplicate the original document as a color photocopy. It also makes it impossible for a printing plate to be made based on a photocopy of the document. Besides being photocopy-resistant, the indicia printed with the solvent-sensitive ink are washed away when acetone or bleach solvent is applied to the surface of the document. A fluorescence material can also be added to the solvent-sensitive ink to make the indicia printed with the ink fluorescent under black light.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security document, in particular a bank note, identity card or the like, having a security element which is provided with characters, patterns, etc., visually readable at least in transmitted light and which is electrically conductive and bears additional substances for machine testing, and to a method for producing such a security element. The security element preferably consists of a transparent film strip that bears negative writing readily capable of visual checking and is additionally provided with electrically conductive and magnetic substances.

Abstract: A viewing device for use by an observer to ascertain the authenticity of an instrument of value having an image formed from an optically variable device. The viewing device includes a frame structure which permits viewing of the image in a fixed spatial orientation and a reflector carried by the frame structure for permitting the observer to see simultaneously the image in first and second colors without movement of the observer, the viewing device or the image.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tamper-evident tape for applying over the flap or other opening in cellulosic substrates such as paper products, corrugated containers, cardboard boxes, shipping cartons and the like, which tape will provide evidence of tampering with its contents over a wide temperature range from above to below the Tg of the adhesive layer adhering the tape to the substrate. The tape has a transparent backing layer carrying on one side thereof a discontinuous layer of deposits of a transparent barrier material which is bonded to the backing layer and which prevents bonding of an underlying colored layer to the backing layer in areas where the barrier material is present.

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: An optical recording medium for storing data is provided having a visible logo on a read side of the medium for providing some anticounterfeiting protection. A logo coating for producing the visible logo is carded by the read-side of the substrate; the coating has a sufficiently high transmittance at a read or write wavelength such that light at the read or write wavelength passing through the logo coating toward the other side of the substrate and reflected back through the logo is substantially transmitted and unchanged by the coating so that the data can be detected as well the coating is sufficiently light absorbing in the visible spectrum such that there is a visible contrast between the recording coating and the logo coating. In another embodiment, the logo coating forms a portion of a reflective recording layer on the other non-read side of the substrate. In this case, the logo coating is visually distinguishable from the rest of the recording layer and is made of a different material.

Abstract: A photocopy-resistant document which has a background pattern or logo which is printed with solvent-sensitive, dye based ink and a method of making such a document. The presence of this photocopy-resistant background pattern or logo makes it impossible for a would-be forger of a face-value note such as a bank check to duplicate the original document as a color photocopy. It also makes it impossible for a printing plate to be made based on a photocopy of the document. Besides being photocopy-resistant, the indicia printed with the solvent-sensitive ink are washed away when acetone or bleach solvent is applied to the surface of the document. A fluorescence material can also be added to the solvent-sensitive ink to make the indicia printed with the ink fluorescent under black light.

Abstract: An anti-counterfeit latent image formation object for bills, bank notes, urity papers, credit cards, passports, valuable printing matters, and the like comprising a main body, a plurality projections and recesses means formed on the main body in such a manner as to exhibit various kinds of patterns, in which the various kinds of patterns comprise straight image lines forming a pattern, a relief pattern, or a combination of the pattern and the relief pattern; a plurality of straight lines printed on an upper surface of the projections and recesses at predetermined spaces, the straight lines being printed in different colors from that of the main body itself. The patterns consisting of letters, figures, etc. can be visually recognized only when the anti-counterfeit latent image formation object is viewed from an adequate angle. A method for making the anti-counterfeit latent image formation object is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a parking card to operate a barrier for pay parking. To create a parking card which is of simple and robust construction the parking card has a peripheral border region with a radially outwardly tapering thickness.

Abstract: Novel substrates bearing visible information applied thereto give indiscernible, for example illegible, photocopies when the information applied using colorant combinations of at least one emitting and at least one reflecting colorant whose shades upon viewing without fluorescence being perceived are similar or identical.

Abstract: A microtag cut from a sheet of plastic material and having at least one acuminate snag extending outwardly from the microtag. The sheet of plastic material includes a serial number replicated a plurality of times and the microtag is cut so as to contain at least one complete serial number. Each microtag is less than about two millimeters in diameter. The plastic material is nonconductive and can be from a plastic that will fluoresce under certain wavelengths of light. A plurality of microtags can be used to mark an item of personal property.

Abstract: Basic commodity or collector's object in particular of a high replacement collector's value with an identification label, whereby the identification label is formed in material of the object itself as an optical mark which is not visible if illuminated with a light source with a wavelength range within the sensitivity range of the human eye but is visible to the human eye if illuminated with a light source outside this sensitivity range the label being situated in an area of a housing surface or other area of the which is optically transparent for at least a part of the wavelength range within the sensitivity range of the human eye and for an additional wavelength range which is outside the sensitivity range of the human eye and which is used to read the label, whereby the undamaged nature of the area is at least to a high degree important when evaluating the replacement or collector's value.

Abstract: A value document and an embossing foil for the production thereof comprise a security feature in the form of a combination of a magnetic layer and a security layer which has an optical-diffraction effect. The security layer structure that has the optical-diffraction effect is provided with a reflective metal layer. To prevent damage to the reflective metal layer by particles of the magnetic layer, the metal layer is made of suitably resistant metal and/or a barrier layer is provided between the metal layer and the magnetic layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security document, in particular a bank note, identity card or the like having a security element which is provided with characters, patterns, etc., visually readable at least in transmitted light and which is electrically conductive and bears additional substances for machine testing, and to a method for producing such a security element. The security element comprises a transparent film strip that bears negative writing readily capable of visual checking and is additionally provided with electrically conductive and magnetic substances.

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

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

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for selectively indicating strain comprising a layer of polymeric binder and, distributed in or adjacent to the binder layer, microcapsules containing an indicating means, whereby when the binder is stiff, minor flexure of the device causes rupture of the microcapsules and releases the indicating means. This device has a non-stiff state such that a given strain applied to the binder layer in the non-stiff state will not release the indicating means, and a stiff state such that the same given strain applied to the binder layer in the stiff state will release the indicating means. Also disclosed is a method for determining exposure of an article to a given low temperature.

Abstract: A method for determining whether confidential written material has been tampered with. The disclosed invention comprises the following steps: applying a removable adhesive to one side of an opaque paper masking label; cutting intermittent slits in said opaque paper masking label; embossing the adhesive side of said slit opaque paper masking label over confidential written material to be masked such that when said embossed opaque paper masking is removed from said material to be masked, said opaque paper masking label fragments and disintegrates due to the intermittent slits.

Abstract: A tamper resistant security seal is a laminated tape having a transparent carrier layer (2); an optical, diffraction pattern defining layer (3,4); and an adhesive layer (6) for adhering the tape to a substrate. The optical pattern, such as a hologram, defined by the optical pattern defining layer is visible from outside the laminate. The optical diffraction pattern defining layer (3) is formed by a polymeric layer permanently bonded to the transparent carrier layer which, when heated, causes the diffraction pattern to undergo an irreversible change. The adhesive is a pressure sensitive adhesive. An additional removable support layer may be provided on the carrier. The laminate is constructed so that a reduction in temperature below 0.degree. C. will cause an irreversible change in the diffraction pattern, or is such that subsequent to such a temperature reduction, attempted removal of the tape from a substrate will cause an irreversible change in the diffraction pattern.

Abstract: A hologram decal including a hologram layer having first and second surfaces, a first polymer layer secured to the first hologram surface, a second polymer layer secured to the second hologram surface, a pressure sensitive adhesive layer disposed on the non-hologram side of one of the first and second polymer layers, and a release liner covering said pressure sensitive adhesive layer, and techniques for making the hologram decal.

Abstract: The security paper incorporates, as fundamental characteristic, groups of security yarns which are braided within each group, using at least three yarns so that such braiding presents a very characteristic irregular surface, easily detectable by touch, for identification of the document either by the bank staff or by blind people. The use of yarns of different colours in each braiding allows to form colour combinations which collaborate in the personalization of the yarn and, consequently of the document, for example the colours of the national flag corresponding to the country issuing the document.

Abstract: Striped films of the invention can have two or more preferably polymeric layers, of which at least one continuous or discontinuous layer includes a pigmented resin. The striped film is produced by modifying conventional coextrusion dies to restrict the flow of a pigmented melt stream. The result is a striped film useful for identifying the contents of a package made from the film, tamper evidence, counterfeit protection and verification of properties. The stripes can be of one or more colors, and vary in width and spacing. The pigment can be a material visible in ordinary light, or a material invisible in ordinary light but visible in e.g. ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A seal comprising a substrate which is at least translucent to light having a transparent masking material disposed in an indicia-defining pattern on the inner surface of the substrate. A colorant layer is disposed over the masking material and extends beyond the pattern. There is an adhesive disposed at least over the area of the colorant. The present invention also includes a tamper indicating opaque container such as an envelope or carton has a window defined within the closure flap. A translucent or transparent panel overlaying the window has a transparent masking material of low adhesion properties disposed in an indicia-defining pattern. A colorant layer is disposed over the transparent masking material and an adhesive in turn is disposed over the colorant layer and transparent masking material.

Abstract: A security enclosure comprises a first layer of an insulating material extending over the whole of the area of the enclosure and carrying a linear electrically responsive element on at least one surface. A low tensile strength layer having lower cohesion than adhesion is located between the first layer of insulating material and the electrically responsive element. A second layer of insulating material is adhered to and covers the electrically responsive element. The element is arranged in a configuration on the surface so dividing the surface that attempted penetration of the enclosure changes an electrical characteristic of the element, the change being detectable by an electrical circuit. An attempt to remove the second layer of insulating material to gain access to the element results in breakup of the low tensile strength layer and thus damage to the element and produces a detectable change in an electrical characteristic of the element.

Abstract: There is disclosed a security enclosure including a folded, flexible, electrically insulating sheet extending over the whole of the area of the enclosure and carrying lines of electrically responsive material on each side, the lines defining a conductor extending over both sides of the sheet, electrical connections between lines on one side of the sheet and respective lines on the other side of the sheet being provided by line connections extending through the sheet and at selected edges of the sheet the line connections being spaced inwardly of the edge and separated from the edges by a respective line-carrying portion of sheet. The enclosure includes a circuit for detecting a change in an electrical characteristic of the conductor caused by an attempt to penetrate the sheet.

Abstract: A heat-sensitive adhesive sheet for bonding a pair of information-recorded faces, belonging to the same sheet or two different sheets of recording material, together by application of heat thereto, which comprises three or more layers, including a support and a synthetic resin layer coated on either side of the support, having a peeling resistance ranging from 10 to 150 g/50 mm between the support and each synthetic resin layer in the T-peel test performed at a peeling speed of 300 mm/min. in the atmosphere of 20.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for producing a decorative sheet having the appearance of localized single or multi-colored patterns comprising: adding to a furnish of fibrous material in an aqueous dispersing medium about 0.1 to 25%, based on the weight of the fibers, of wax-encapsulated pigment beads containing numerous individual pigment particles of one or more colors, the beads having a particle size of about 0.1 to 2.0 millimeters; removing the aqueous dispersing medium from the furnish to form a fibrous sheet having the wax-encapsulated pigment beads dispersed therein; and heating the sheet to a temperature sufficient to at least partially melt the wax from the pigment beads, the pigment beads exhibiting random patterns of one or more distinct colors and intensity extending from the upper surface of the sheet to the bottom surface of the sheet; the decorative sheet formed by the method; and decorative laminates employing the decorative sheet are described.

Abstract: In an IC card and a manufacturing method therefor, an adhesive is applied between core layers in the vicinity of an opening in which an IC module is placed. The core sheet layers held between adhesive layers can easily be deformed when heat and pressure are applied. Therefore, a gap formed between the card substrate and the IC module is filled. Furthermore, the gap from the IC module is narrower at the corners of the IC module than conventionally shaped openings. As a result, gaps at the corners of the IC module after integral molding are prevented. Therefore, the gap between the IC module and the card substrate can be reliably filled during molding.

Abstract: A data carrier (1) such as a paper of value or the like having an optically variable element (5, 6), in particular a hologram, applied to the surface, and an additional printed pattern (2), applied in particular by steel intaglio printing, wherein the surface of the data carrier (15, 16, 20, 21) is smoother in the area of the optically variable element than in the remaining surface.

Abstract: Tamper-indicating, laminated wrappers wherein a visible change between layers of the wrapper indicate that the wrapper has been punctured or that there has been tampering with the wrapper or its contents. The wrapper may be composed of two or more plies of packaging material such as films made from ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer or from polyolefins such as polypropylene. In one construction, a transparent or translucent laminated wrapper becomes opaque upon rupture or puncture. In other constructions, a transparent or translucent wrapper becomes colored at the site of the rupture or puncture.

Abstract: A security enclosure comprises a flexible sheet of insulating material extending over the whole of the area of the enclosure and carrying lines of electrically-responsive material on each side. The lines on one side of the sheet extend obliquely relative to the lines on the other side of the sheet and are connected thereto at edge portions of the sheet to form a plurality of conductors so dividing the sheet into a number of relatively small areas so that attempted opening of the enclosure changes an electrical characteristic of the conductors. Connectors are provided at an edge portion of the sheet for individually connecting the conductors to a detector for detecting the changes in the electrical characteristic of the lines. The connectors include a switch arrangement which is selectively configured to connect further connectors associated with the detector with selected conductors.

Abstract: The improved process for producing a signature panel comprises the steps of forming on the writing surface of a panel substrate a printed graphic pattern that will change upon exposure to alcohols, organic solvents, bleaching agents and surfactants, and laminating the other surface of the panel substrate with a thermoplastic resin by extrusion or hot melt coating. According to this process, signature panels can be thermocompressed at comparatively low temperatures not only to roll mills of overprint cards using a polyvinyl chloride sheet as an oversheet base but also to card substrates such as PET sheets, metal sheets and glass sheets without causing any adverse effects on the graphic pattern printed on the writing surface of the panel which will change upon exposure to chemicals.

Abstract: A security card comprises a data-carrying sheet having a gelatin layer thereon and a transparent polymeric film having a gelatin layer thereon, said sheet and said film being bonded together by an adhesive composition polymerized between and in contact with the gelatin layers, the adhesive composition comprising a carboxylic acid having at least one polymerizable acrylic group.

Abstract: A thin film of molten polypropylene resin extruded from a T die is pressed and cooled with a chill roll equipped with a hologram relief master plate on its peripheral surface, whereupon a hologram pattern is simultaneously formed as an integral part of the polypropylene resin sheet being molded. Since the polypropylene resin has a Rockwell hardness of at least 70, the hologram pattern formed in the resulting hologram forming sheet is less likely to be damaged or lost during subsequent processing.

Abstract: An extensible transparent film is provided having a continuous phase of a low modulus or elastomeric material and an included array of entangled microfibers. The film turns opaque and increases moisture vapor transmission when stretched.

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 transparent, tamperproof seal which is utilized for the protection of signed texts and documents. The tamperproof transparent seal for signed texts or documents, inclusive of checks, is constituted of at least one card having on one side thereof, an adhesive inking and varnishing multilayer lamina which is at least partially transparent, and with a suitable movable sheet-like carrier or substrate consisting of a transparent plastic material; and on the other side, possessing a delayed-action adhesive selected from a group of pressure-sensitive adhesives, and which is protected by a liner, heat-activated adhesives and wet-activated adhesives.

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: Color change devices which are capable of undergoing a color change on bending. The devices comprise a flexible substrate having a color generating metal (e.g. a valve metal such as Ta or Nb) at at least one surface and an intimately contacting optically thin anodic film covering the color generating metal and generating a visible color by light interference and absorption effects. The thin anodic film is produced by anodizing the color generating metal in the presence of an adhesion-reducing agent (e.g. a fluoride) for weakening the normally tenacious bond between the anodic film and the metal. Devices of this kind capable of being activated by bending, as well as by separation of the constituent layers, are produced by carrying out the anodization step in the presence of a particular concentration of the adhesion reducing agent from a narrow range (e.g. 40-350 ppm of fluoride).

Abstract: Curcumin is employed for the purpose of detecting and warning of the presence of cyanide in a food, drug, or other oral composition. The curcumin is incorporated into a food packaging material. In the presence of cyanide, the curcumin undergoes a color change causing at least a portion of the packaging material to manifest a color change. The color change is sufficient to be detected by an observer, thereby providing a warning of cyanide adulteration of the product.

Abstract: A processed paper for documents protected from being photographically and electrostatically reproduced comprises a paper substrate having a front surface, and a colored ink layer and a silvery ink layer coated over the front surface of the paper substrate, the silvery ink layer having a pattern formed thereon to cause photographic and electrostatic reproductions of information recorded on the processed paper to be illegible due to irregular reflections of light from the pattern on the silvery ink layer.

Abstract: An interlaminar sandwich comprises first and second lacquer layers, a diffraction structure embedded between the first and second lacquer layers, a heat activated adhesive layer disposed one one of the lacquer layers, and a transparent stabilization layer disposed over the other lacquer layer, the stabilization layer distributing heat evenly through the interlaminar sandwich so that when heat is applied to the stabilization layer, the adhesive layer will bond the interlaminar sandwich to a substrate. Preferably, the interlaminar sandwich also contains an intermediary layer between the stabilization layer and the first lacquer layer which bonds these layers together. At temperatures below 170.degree. C., the adhesive layer is bonded so intimately to the substrate that the interlaminar sandwich cannot be removed from the substrate without tearing it. At temperatures above 150.degree. C., the lacquer layers soften, thus destroying the diffraction structure.

Abstract: Tamper-indicating tape comprising a light transmissive monolayer film having opposing first and second major surfaces. On each surface is printed colored indicia, preferably identical, such that the colored indicia on each surface obscure the colored indicia on the opposing surface when the film has not been split internally, but neither of the colored indicia obscure the other when the film has been split internally.

Abstract: There is disclosed automobile glass which is engraved with identifying indicia of a size whereby it can be easily viewed. Particularly, the automobile glass is of the conventional laminated type and the depth of the engraving is of sufficient depth whereby the indicia cannot be removed or obliterated. In one embodiment the engraving of the indicia is of a sufficient depth to expose a portion of the polymeric sandwiched material.