A system is disclosed for authenticating an object on the basis of certain physical phenomena or character, specifically, measurable, but not practicably duplicable random variations in the object. In one form, the object (authenticator (T)) is a paper tag having a reference space (14), the varying translucency pattern of which is a measurable but practicably unduplicable characteristic of the paper. The reference space (14) is sensed to provide reference signals indicative of the varying translucency. A reference numeral (10) is then provided from some registered form, as on the tag or in a list. If the numeral (10) is readily accessible, it likely will be cryptographically encoded. Note the value of putting encoded information on the tag to avoid the need for large reference files. For verification, freshly sensed reference signals, as from the tag (T) (actually characteristic of the tag) are compared with signals that previously were sensed as characteristic of the tag (T). Structures are disclosed as specific forms of the authenticator (T), along with apparatus for authenticator production, detection and manipulation. Different forms of tags (210) are disclosed, the measurable characteristic of which involves light transmissivity and reflectivity. Apparatus (111) for spectrographic confirmation of tag material is also disclosed. In an illustrative form of a tag (T) as an identification means, tags and processing apparatus utilize magnetic medium (218) and printed images (214). The magnetic medium is also disclosed to be recorded as for developing information on shelf life and sales channels.

Non-counterfeitable document system

A security device (100) comprises at least one magnetic element (102). The magnetic element (102) is responsive to an applied magnetic field to provide a characteristic response. The characteristic response can be used to identify a particular security device (100) when interrogated by a security system, thereby aiding in prevention of copying of the security device (100).

Security device and system

The present invention particularly provides an identification card and an access system for its use. The identification card has recorded thereon visually-readable bearer information and encoded machine-readable data. The encoded machine-readable data includes encoded data representative of a personal identifier of the bearer and encoded data representative of at least one event or transaction. When used in the access system, the identification card is scanned by an information processing apparatus. When the bearer of the identification card presents a personal identifier to the information processing apparatus, the presented personal identifier is analyzed and compared with the encoded personal identifier data. If there is an acceptable correlation between the presented personal information and the encoded personal identifier data, and if there is a determination that access would not exceed a predetermined number of permissible occurrences, access is effected. Subsequent to the provision of such access, or contemporaneously with presentment, the encoded machine-readable data is altered to record the provision of such access.

Identification card with delimited usage

A method and apparatus for recording magnetic information on traveler's checks. The invention is directed to a method of making it easier to validate traveler's checks and to identify stolen or counterfeit traveler's checks. The method utilizes an information carrying medium, such as a magnetic "stripe," on the surface of, or embedded into, the traveler's check itself. The information carrying medium is encoded with the unique identifying code of the check. Further, a database object corresponding to the unique identifying code is stored along with check status information in a central database. At the time of encashment, the traveler's check is run through a swipe-style reader, and the unique identifying code is sent to a central database for verification. The central database returns an indication to the merchant as to whether the traveler's check is valid.

Method and apparatus for recording magnetic information on traveler's checks

An identification card and method of manufacturing the same in which a holographic image is embossed on a clear polyester carrier which is then coated with ferrous oxide to form a magnetic strip with an optically viewable holographic image thereon. The strip is then mounted on a plastic substrate, and the carrier discarded.

Security tape with integrated hologram and magnetic strip

A secure property device utilizing radiant energy reflectors applied to a magnetic data member is provided in which the diffusivity of reflections from the reflectors is enhanced by means of a polymeric diffuser which is chemically and optically compatible with the reflectors and with the magnetic data member to which it is applied.

Secure property device

A non-aqueous polymeric dispersion of a methacrylic polymer in a non-aqueous continuous phase comprised of a mixture of organic liquids, one of which is an alcohol, when applied to a suitable substrate, dries to produce a clear, glossy film.

Non-aqueous polymeric dispersion alkyl methacrylate copolymers in mixtures of organic solvents and glossy coatings produced therefrom

An incandescent illuminating device having an antifragility coating covering at least a substantial portion of the glass envelope, the antifragility coating comprising a mixture of a relatively clear, resilient heat-stable polymer capable of adhering to glass and a plurality of light-transmitting, impact-absorbing particles, which are preferably small, hollow, heat-stable, frangible microspheres. The particles, preferably hollow microspheres, constitute from about 20% to about 60% by volume of the cured antifragility coating and are essentially colorless, have a high degree of light transmissivity, and have a low density and a diameter less than about the thickness of the antifragility coating. The particles act as a sacrificial material to absorb an impact giving the coating antifragility properties.

Incandescent illuminating device with antifragility coating

A non-aqueous polymeric dispersion of an acrylic or methacrylic polymer in a non-aqueous continuous phase having a hydrogen bonding index, δ, greater than 10, a dipole moment, μ, between 0.5 and 2.5 and a solubility parameter, δ, less than 8 dries to produce a matte or low gloss coating.

Non-aqueous polymeric dispersion and matte coatings produced therefrom

A non-aqueous polymeric dispersion of an acrylic or methacrylic polymer in a non-aqueous continuous phase comprised of a mixture of organic liquids, one of which is an alcohol, when applied to a suitable substrate, dries to produce a matte or low gloss coating which can be converted to a glossy coating by heating.

Non-aqueous polymeric dispersion of alkyl methacrylate and alkyl acrylate copolymers in mixtures of cyclohexane and alcohols and matte coatings produced therefrom

Charles K. Beck

Papers

Secure property device

Non-aqueous polymeric dispersion alkyl methacrylate copolymers in mixtures of organic solvents and glossy coatings produced therefrom

Incandescent illuminating device with antifragility coating

Non-aqueous polymeric dispersion and matte coatings produced therefrom

Non-aqueous polymeric dispersion of alkyl methacrylate and alkyl acrylate copolymers in mixtures of cyclohexane and alcohols and matte coatings produced therefrom