Abstract:
A micro-optic security device (100) with zonal color transitions includes a planar array of focusing elements (140), an image icon layer (120) with a plurality of retaining structures (710) defining isolated volumes at a first depth within the image icon layer. The security device further includes a first zone of image icons (350), the first zone of image icons having a first predefined subset of the plurality of retaining structures which contain cured pigmented material of a first color. The micro-optic security device also includes a second zone of image icons (360), including a second predefined subset of the plurality of retaining structures, with isolated volumes of retaining structures of the second predefined subset of the plurality of retaining structures containing cured pigmented material of a second color, wherein the second color contrasts with the first color.
Abstract:
An adhesive (500) suitable for use in security documents (100) (for example, currency, passports, tickets, etc.) includes a plurality of polymers (505), that collectively exhibit tackification (510), resistance to aqueous agents (515), and solvent resistance (520), and a cross- linker (525) selected to be activated to chemically react with one or more polymers of the plurality of polymers, at a temperature in a predetermined range of temperatures.
Abstract:
An IR and/or UV machine-readable optical security device ( e.g ., micro-optic security thread) that is made up of at least one IR~absorbing component with a characteristic IR signature detectable at two or more IR-wavelengths, at Ieast one UV- absorbing component with a characteristic UV signature detectable at two or more UV- wavelengths, at least one IR-absorbing component that absorbs IR light and emits light at a different invisible wavelength, at least one UV-absorbing component that absorbs UV light and emits light at a different invisible wavelength, or a combination thereof, Is provided. The IR and UV machine-readable features do not interfere with the optical effects projected by the optical material.
Abstract:
A method for applying a security device (e.g., a micro-optic security thread) to a fibrous web during manufacture is provided. By way of the inventive method, the security device is preferably applied onto the fibrous web at or near a couch roll or similar tool of a paper machine when the fibrous web constitutes a sufficiently consolidated, fully formed wet web. Papers made in accordance with the inventive method, when subjected to the Circulation Simulation Test, showed minimal damage at the paper/security device interface. Moreover, the surface-applied security devices showed acceptable levels of intaglio ink adhesion, and the papers had higher cross-direction (CD) tensile strength and much less show-through on opposing sides thereof.
Abstract:
The invention generally relates to a security sheet or document having one or more enhanced watermarks. In one exemplary embodiment, the inventive security sheet or document is a single-ply paper that is made up of a paper layer including one or more watermarks, and a micro-optic security device {e.g., a patch or thread) that at least partially covers an upper or face portion of the watermark(s). The overlying patch or thread increases the durability of the watermark(s), thereby allowing for the watermark(s) as well as reduced fiber density areas therein to be made larger, and further allowing for the reduced fiber density areas to be made thinner. In a preferred embodiment, the micro-optic security device projects one or more synthetic images that coordinate or link in with the watermark design(s). In a more preferred embodiment, the micro-optic security device offers a machine detectable/readable feature in the form of enhanced IR- brightness, especially when measured in transmission. As will be readily appreciated, the inventive security sheet or document offers greatly improved counterfeit-resistance.
Abstract:
A system for directing a consumer through a vending machine transaction is provided. The system includes a user interface (110) comprising position indicators (120A-120C) to direct a consumer to insert a minimum amount of money into a monetary input (112, 114, 116), make a production selection and confirm the product selection at a customer keypad (124), and retrieve returned money (114, 134). A system for an electrically activated coin return (200) is also provided. The system includes a coin return key (132), a controller (150), a coin receiving mechanism (202), and a coin return motor (204) mechanically coupled to the coin return mechanism and electrically coupled to the controller. A system including a hinged delivery bin (300) is also provided. The hinged delivery bin includes a product receiving area and a hinged joint (302) and is configured to tilt downward from a vending machine (100) about the hinged joint.
Abstract:
A mobile lift crane (10) includes a central crane unit (20), a boom unit (40) and a counterweight unit (60). The central crane unit (20) has a carbody (22), moveable ground engaging members (24) and a rotating bed (23) mounted to the ground engaging members (24) with a rotatable connection such that the rotating bed (23) can swing with respect to the ground engaging members (24). The boom unit (40) has a support member (42), at least one moveable ground engaging member (44), and a boom (46) pivotally mounted on the support member (42). The counterweight unit (60) has counterweight (62, 64) on a support member (66). Rigging (52, 54) connects the boom (46) and counterweight unit (60) such that a load lifted by the boom (46) can be counterbalanced by the counterweight (62, 64). The boom unit (40) and counterweight unit (60) are connected to the central crane unit (20) by structural members (82, 84) that carry compressive loads and maintain the boom unit (40), the rotating bed (23) and the counterweight unit (60) in lateral alignment with each other, but allow relative vertical movement between the boom unit (40), the rotating bed (23) and the counterweight unit (60). A main mast (48) is pivotally mounted on the combination of the central crane unit (20), the boom unit (40) and the structural member (82) between the central crane unit (20) and the boom unit (40). In another embodiment, a counterweight unit (260) with a swing axis and boom unit (240) are connected directly together with a structural member (282). Ground engaging members (244) on the boom unit (240) can be rotated relative to a boom unit support member (242) such that the boom unit (240) i) can travel in an arc around the swing axis of the counterweight unit (260) and ii) travel in direction in line with the structural member (282).
Abstract:
A vehicle seat system includes a vehicle seat, a main controller, a plurality of hub controllers connected to the main controller, and a plurality of seat devices operatively coupled to the seat. Each seat device is connected to a corresponding one of the hub controllers and operatively coupled to the main controller through the hub controllers. At least two of the seat devices are connected to a single one of the hub controllers.
Abstract:
A Hall effect generator chip is mounted between adjacent ends of an annular, horseshoe spacer of nonmagnetic material. The generator is sensitive to the flux density (B field) tangential to its top and bottom surfaces. The spacer and generator are sandwiched between ferromagnetic rings, each having a small air gap overlying/underlying the generator. A circuit including the generator supplies an output linearly proportional to the current of an adjacent conductor with reduced hysteresis and small variability over a temperature range.
Abstract:
A security device that increases the number of design options available for a machine testable security feature formed in part from a light absorbing (e.g., magnetic) material, while more effectively hiding or concealing this material, is provided. The inventive security device achieves these results by physically separating this security feature from a visually detectable or public security feature. Also provided by way of this invention is a process for preparing the inventive security device as well as a security document that employs one or more such devices.