Abstract: Cards and methods of securing hidden symbols on cards are disclosed. The cards, such as instant-win lottery tickets, utilize continuous overprint inks that mask the boundaries between their "secure" and "unsecure" portions to inhibit unscrupulous players from successfully tampering with them. By reformulating the overprint inks to permit a single set to be applied to both portions of a card, more vibrant and aesthetically-pleasing graphics may be displayed as well while utilizing fewer printing stations during the printing process.

Abstract: A button enhancement coating system wherein mechanically actuated buttons and vacuum actuated buttons of closures may be provided with a coating system which changes color after the closure has been applied to a container and then removed therefrom with the change in color indicating tampering. The coating system includes a first coating layer applied directly to the upper surface of the button and a second coating layer of a different color applied in overlying and bonded relation to the first coating layer. The second coating layer is preferably transparent and the two colors are selected so that they produce a third color while the coating layers are bonded together. When the two coating layers become separated during the removal of the closure from a container, the button assumes the color of the second coating layer. The first coating layer may have an embossed upper surface including ribs and grooves with the second coating layer flowed thereinto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flat molding produced by the injection molding technique, in particular an identity card, chip card or the like, characterized in that it has different volume areas containing different plastic components and formed and disposed so as to be distinguishable from one another visually and/or by measuring technology.

Abstract: A card, such as a lottery ticket or game piece, lacking a foil laminate is disclosed. To simulate the appearance of such a laminate, however, the card includes a substrate onto which metal particles are adhered. The particles are permanently suspended in a resinous ink binder, thus forming neither a sheet of material nor a continuous, solid film. To enhance the reflectivity of the card, a clear overcoat may be applied.

Abstract: A apparatus for providing a tamper- or damage-indicating member, such as a tamper-evident glove. The apparatus comprises first and second layers, typically inner and outer glove-shaped bodies, of substantially liquid- and air-impermeable material, at least a portion of the second layer being of translucent material and having a contrasting color relative to the first layer. The apparatus further comprises means for sealing at least the portion of the second layer to the first layer, such that the portion surrounds a zone of the surface of the first layer, forming a space between the layers which is adjacent the zone and is substantially free of air. When the second layer is sealed to the first layer, breach in either layer adjacent the zone results in a change in perceived color in the area of breach.

Abstract: There are disclosed laminated structures which are bonded with a UV-/VIS-curable composition and which consist of a main foil A) which is substantially impervious to light, at least one interlayer B) which is substantially impervious to light in the absence of the adhesive and which carries on the side with its back to the main foil information in the form of a color pattern, and of a substantially light-permeable covering foil C). The laminated structures can be used as identity cards.

Abstract: A construction for a laminated card or label is provided including a transparent film having a pressure sensitive adhesive on one surface thereof and liner stock having first and second major surfaces. The first surface has a release coating adhered to the pressure sensitive adhesive on the film. Variable information may be printed on the second surface of the liner stock within the die cut area, and the die cut card removed from the transparent film and replaced printed side down onto the adhesive surface of the film, thereby laminating the card to the film. The card is then peeled away from remainder of the construction at the die cut around the film and folded with the indicia facing outward to laminate the sides the card together. The printed surfaces of the card are direct contact with the adhesive, thus preventing tampering of the card.

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: A tamper-evident closure seal for containers such as syringes or syringes with an attached needle or the like is disclosed. The seal includes a plurality of slits therein which inhibit removal of the seal from the container once the seal has been placed thereon. The invention includes a method of manufacturing the seal which includes deformation of a portion of the slitted area of the seal in order to strengthen the seal in the area of the slits so as to improve removeability of the seal from its release liner prior to attachment thereof to the container, without inadvertent or premature destruction of the seal.

Abstract: The article includes a substrate which is composed of a single ply that contains both a structure for generating a viewable optically variable effect, such as a hologram, and carries an indicia receptive coating. The indicia receptive coating covers the single ply such that at least part of the optically variable effect is visible. The indicia receptive coating may receive printed indicia such as security indicia, alphanumeric character shapes, symbols, and bar codes. The article with the single ply that contains viewable optically variable effect and also carries the printed indicia, is more tamper resistant than previous identification documents. It is very difficult, if not impossible, to alter the printed indicia without also altering the structure that generates the viewable optically variable effect or vice versa.

Abstract: A visually verifiable and machine-readable security thread having at least two security detection means located thereon, where a first security detection means comprises a machine-readable repeating pattern and where a second security detection means comprises visually verifiable metal-formed indicia. Such security threads are suitable for use with security documents, such as banknotes and the like, labels and any other documents or means of identification used for purposes which make the verification of the authenticity of each specimen desirable at least once in its lifetime.

Abstract: Polymeric blends suitable for making plastic sheets and laminas which exhibit improved flexural durability while retaining stiffness and impact strength include a core made from a blend comprising polyvinyl chloride resin, a vinyl chloride-vinyl ester copolymer, one or more acrylic polymers or copolymers, a chlorinated polyolefin, a solid tin stabilizer, and one or more ester waxes. The lamina, which is suitable for use as an extended life credit card, is prepared by forming a polymeric blend of a core material into a base layer sheet material which is subsequently treated to reduce surface tension and improve ink adhesion thereto, then printed with desired indicia, and finally provided with a contact-transparent protective overlay which is laminated thereto.

Abstract: This relates to a color change system to be incorporated in a flexing area of an end panel of a closure. The color change system includes a dark background coating on a flexing portion of the closure end panel to which there is bonded by way of an adhesive such as a varnish, ink or coating a brittle layer which due to the flipping action of the flexing portion of the end panel will fracture. The brittle layer is preferably of a light color and is colored utilizing a fluorescent dye. The combination of the background color and the fluorescent color of the brittle layer produces a first color in the original closure and when the end panel flexes and the brittle layer fractures to not only crack but also tear apart or delaminate from itself, to reflect its own light color much more brilliantly, the color of the color change system drastically changes to indicate tampering. This color change is irreversible. The color change system may also include a message indicia.

Abstract: A security paper is provided for incorporation in a security document, or other document having intrinsic value. The security paper includes a resinous substrate sheet on which indicia are printed. Paper sheets are laminated on either side of the resinous substrate sheet using a suitable adhesive. In the laminated security paper, the indicia printed on the substrate sheet are undetectable when viewed in reflected light, but become apparent when viewed transmitted light within the visible spectrum. The security paper may be incorporated in a security document in which a set of indicia printed on at least one of the outer faces of the paper sheets, such that the indicia on the substrate and the indicia on the document form a total image when viewed in transmitted light. A method for manufacturing the security paper is also provided.

Abstract: A fragrance sampler has an image of a perfume bottle printed on a paper sheet, the image including a body portion and a cap portion. The part of the sheet on which the cap is printed is removable from the rest of the sheet and is connected to a strip on which microcapsules enclosing droplets of the displayed perfume are adhered. The strip is located underneath the sheet on which the image is printed and is concealed from view until removed along with the cap portion. Effective light adhesion is provided by using gelatin-walled microcapsules, which adhere to the strip without use of binder when applied from an aqueous slurry. Upon detaching the cap portion and pulling it away from the sampler, the perfume-carrying strip is also removed, allowing the strip to be used as an applicator for placing sample particles on the skin of the user. The sampler effectively simulates the bottle used for a particular perfume and correlates the visual image of the bottle with a fragrance that is delivered.

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: 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 polymeric sheet comprising a layer of polymeric material having a first and second parallel surfaces. A plurality of oriented multilayer interference thin film flakes are disposed in the layer of polymeric material. The flakes have first and second parallel surfaces and a width and a thickness and have an aspect ratio of at least 2:1 for the width with respect to the thickness.

Abstract: A method of couponing utilizes a coupon comprised of a label material layer or sheet and an underlay material layer or sheet releasably adhered by non-tacky adhesive. The underlay sheet has a coating of pressure sensitive adhesive to which a release liner is releasably adhered. The coupon can carry a bar code which is not scannable when the coupon is adhered to merchandise, however, the bar code can be scanned when a portion of the coupon is removed and presented for redemption.

Abstract: A sheet of paper, plastic or the like on which an image has been formed using a toner that is photochemically decolorizable by absorption of near infrared rays is illuminated with near infrared rays under the state wherein the image is heated to a temperature equal to or higher than the glass-transition temperature of a binding resin of the toner. The color of the toner can thereby be easily and rapidly eliminated. This enables the reuse of the sheet to be realized easily and at a low cost.

Abstract: A film useful in tamper-evident pressure sensitive label applications comprises a blend of incompatible polymers wherein the film is melt extrusion cast and has a cohesive strength less than the adhesive strength of an adhesive material bonded to one surface of the film. The adhesive material has an adhesive strength greater than the cohesive strength of the film so that when the tamper-evident pressure sensitive label has been adhered to a substrate attempted tampering or removal of the label causes at least partial destruction of the film.

Abstract: A tamper-evident seal for application to interior surfaces of motor vehicle hoods, trunks and other portals, the seal formed as an elongate strip of stock material having a band of pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) affixed to a side of the strip near each end thereof; and transverse perforations between the bands of PSA. When the hood or trunk is opened, the perforation or weakened area will tear, before the PSA detaches from the inside trunk surface where it is adhered.

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: A security document is produced from a paper substrate having invisible hydrophobic toner blended into the paper. The clear toner is produced by milling and classifying a polyester resin, mixing it with silica flowing agent, and then electrostatically imaging the toner onto the paper substrate, as a spot that can be overprinted, or preferably as indicia that is not visible to the naked eye or color copiers. An infra-red absorbing or UV responsive dye may be added to the toner so that it is visible under infra-red/ultraviolet light respectively, or without that dye it is not visible when eliminated by light of any wavelength. When applied to the paper the toner is snow white, but after infra-red heat fusing it blends into the paper and is substantially invisible.

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

Abstract: A security label is constructed from label stock having top and bottom faces. A release coat is provided on the label stock bottom face, a non-opaque tie coat provided on the release coat, and an opaque coat of permanent pressure sensitive adhesive provided on the tie coat. The tie coat has a significantly greater affinity for the adhesive than for the release coat. Indicia, such as reverse printed alphanumeric characters, is provided on the tie coat substantially between the adhesive and the tie coat so that "void", or a similar security designation, is indicated if the label stock is removed. A release liner may cover the permanent pressure sensitive adhesive, or paper stock having a second tie coat with repositional adhesive over the tie coat may be provided engaging the permanent pressure sensitive adhesive.

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 multi-ply business form has a piggyback label assembly with a tamper evident feature. A first adhesive layer engages a top face of the main ply, a release liner covers the first adhesive layer, a second adhesive layer covers the top face of the release liner, and a polyester imprintable film label covers the second adhesive layer. The tamper evident feature of the label may be provided by portions of the label and second adhesive remaining with a first surface to which the label is applied, while the rest of the second adhesive and label releases, the words "VOID" then appearing in the label. The label may have three distinct parts, two strip portions for sealing specimen bottles, and a block portion for sealing a box containing specimen bottles. The first adhesive has more aggressiveness than the second adhesive.

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 magnetic recording medium cassette which comprises a cassette case of storing a magnetic recording medium which comprises;(a) a support; and provided thereon, in sequence(b) at least one non-magnetic colored layer; and(c) at least one magnetic layer wherein the specific surface resistance of the magnetic layer is not more than 1.0.times.10.sup.10 .OMEGA./square.A magnetic recording medium according to this invention is improved the drop-out level and the running durability and a magnetic recording medium cassette can be discriminated whether it is a pirated edition or not.

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 security element that can be embedded in the form of a thread or strip in a security document, in particular a paper of value, is composed of two carrier sheets, each of which bears each of the marking substances allowing for detection of authenticity. The two carrier sheets are put together in such a way that the marking substances to be protected from mechanical abrasion and other external influences come to lie on the inside.The thread not only offers special protection for the marking substances, but can also be embedded in the paper substance easily due to its symmetrical structure and without showing any tendency to curl.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a tamper-proof transparency mount which includes a zipper tab permitting easy access and removal of the transparency from its mount when sealed without doing any damage to the transparency under authorized conditions. Several embodiments are disclosed which provide different locations as well as different style tabs. The transparency mount provides an indication of unauthorized entry and also easy access for authorized entry to the transparency.

Abstract: Two layers of flexible material, each of which is resistant to the passage of fluids and microbes, include spacers between them, and are hermetically sealed, for maintaining reduced atmospheric pressure in the space between them. Open cell foam supported in the space is compressed by the layers until one of the layers is torn, upon which the resulting increase in atmospheric pressure in the space allows the foam to resile, increasing the space between the layers as a warning to the user of the break. An electric switch which is responsive to pressure change is in communication with the space to also signal a warning of the break.

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: Stain-loaded seals and stain-free seals for packaged documents bear matching, identifying numbers or like symbols on their upper surfaces, respective coatings of adhesive on their lower surfaces, and respective peelable sheets of backing material covering their adhesive layer. The stainloaded seal bears one or more frangible containers of staining material which is released if there is an attempt to remove the seal after the seal is adhered to a substrate. The stainfree seal is adhered to an envelope or package as a seal so that any attempt to open the package or envelope will result in tearing of the seal and thereby evidence that the package or envelope has been opened.

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: Plastic encapsulated semiconductor devices are susceptible to moisture due to the permeability of molding compounds. Devices may be baked until dry before being shipped to the customer to reduce the risk of cracking. To retain this dry condition, devices are packaged and shipped in dry-packs. A vacuum seal indicator (18) for flexible material enables a user to determine the integrity of a vacuum seal. The seal indicator has a quick recognition pattern composed of either negative (22) or positive (24) features or a combination thereof, and is placed inside a dry-pack bag (30) which is vacuum sealed prior to shipping. The integrity of the vacuum seal can be determined by looking at the dry-pack bag to see whether the recognition pattern is sharply defined against the bag or not. The vacuum seal indicator can be used in conjunction with any shipping media (28) as long as the outer bag is flexible.

Abstract: An improved method for authenticating articles is described. A mixture of at least two photochromic compounds that have different absorption maxima in the activated state and also preferably other different properties are incorporated into a carrier composition, e.g., ink, paint, fiber or polymer used to form the authenticating display data on the article. The authenticating display data is subjected to various steps of the authenticating method that may include preferential activation of less than all of the photochromic compounds, activation of all the photochromic compounds, preferential bleaching of less than all of the photochromic compounds, and bleaching of all the photochromic compounds. Subsequent examination of the display data following the various activation and bleaching steps by verifying means enables the article to be authenticated.

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 structure for finding wrong assemblage of the metallic laminate type gasket according to the present invention is composed of a plurality of component sheets overlapping each other, in which small holes for finding wrong assemblage in number one less than the number of sheets to be laminated are bored on each sheet at a part so that, unless any one of the sheets is absent, the small holes are prevented from joining in line like one through hole, whereby whether lamination of the sheets is as complete as designed or not can be confirmed and, when any one of the sheets is absent and small holes join in line like one through hole to pierce through all sheets, wrong assemblage can be confirmed by mechanical or electrical means.

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 film useful in tamper-evident pressure sensitive label applications comprises a blend of incompatible polymers wherein the film is melt extrusion cast and has a cohesive strength less than the adhesive strength of an adhesive material bonded to one surface of the film. The adhesive material has an adhesive strength greater than the cohesive strength of the film so that when the tamper-evident pressure sensitive label has been adhered to a substrate attempted tampering or removal of the label causes at least partial destruction of the film.

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

Abstract: 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 process for producing protection product of a transferrable protective film for covering and protecting the surface of a document or another element, comprising providing a non-stick support sheet (1), at least one printing (2) of a polymerizable liquid mixture of a hydroxylated polyol and an isocyanate or polyisocyanate, for obtaining a thin transparent polyurethane film, covering said film with a transparent adhesive layer (3) and protecting said adhesive layer with a silicone protective sheet (4); the polyurethane film may be transferred without heat to the document to be protected in order to avoid falsification thereof and for protecting the document from external damaging elements.