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US4420174A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Identification card bearing latent image perceptible in the presence of background light
Assignee: California Interface and Software LP
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Filing: 1981-12-14
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Granted: 1983-12-13
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Expires: 2001-12-14
Abstract
Abstract A latent image identification card has a translucent base with a multiplicity of engraved scores extending through a generally opaque top layer into the base layer whereby a "negative" image appears when the background light is below a determinable value and a latent, "positive" image appears when the background light passing through the translucent base is above the determinable value.
Inventors
- 👤 Barry C. Phelps
- 👤 John S. Hall
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 19:34
CPC Classifications
B; B42; B42D; B42D25/00; B42D25/30; B42D25/324; B42D25/20; B42D25/23; B42D25/351; B42D25/40; B42D25/405; B42D25/43; B42D25/44; B42D25/45; B42D25/465; B42D25/47
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
94 words
A latent image identification card for being viewed in the presence of background light comprising: a translucent base having a surface with a plurality of depressions engraved therein for defining a plurality of non-engraved regions of varying dimensions between the engraved depressions: and a substantially opaque layer covering only the non-engraved regions; such that a negative image appears when the background light passing through the translucent base is less than a determinable value, and a latent, positive, image appears when the background light passing through the translucent base is greater than the determinable value.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
94 words
A latent image identification card for being viewed in the presence of background light comprising: a translucent base having a surface with a plurality of depressions engraved therein for defining a plurality of non-engraved regions of varying dimensions between the engraved depressions: and a substantially opaque layer covering only the non-engraved regions; such that a negative image appears when the background light passing through the translucent base is less than a determinable value, and a latent, positive, image appears when the background light passing through the translucent base is greater than the determinable value.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The latent image identification card of claim 1 wherein the translucent base is colorless.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
The latent image identification card of claim 1 wherein the opaque layer comprises a layer on the translucent base engraved surface, the plurality of depressions being engraved through the opaque layer into the translucent base.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The latent image identification card of claim 1 wherein the opaque layer comprises an ink layer disposed on the non-engraved regions after the translucent base engraved surface is engraved.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The latent image identification card of claims 1, 3, or 4 wherein the opaque layer is white.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
The latent image identification card of claim 5 wherein the translucent base has a non-engraved surface opposite the engraved surface, the card further comprising a semi-light transmissive layer disposed on the non-engraved surface.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
77 words
The latent image identification card of claims 1, 3, or 4 wherein the opaque layer comprises: a first colored layer having a first color disposed on the non-engraved regions of the translucent base, and a second colored layer having a second color which contrasts with the first color disposed to cover the first colored layer whereby the latent image appears when the card is positioned so that the first colored layer is viewed through the translucent base.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The latent image identification card of claim 7 wherein the first color is white and the second color is black.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
32 words
The latent image identification card of claim 7 wherein the image engraved on the translucent base engraved surface is the mirror image of the image to be viewed through the translucent base.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
33 words
The latent image identification card of claim 7 wherein the translucent base has a non-engraved surface opposite the engraved surface, the card further comprising a semi-light transmissive layer disposed on the non-engraved surface.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
36 words
The latent image identification card of claims 1, 3, or 4 wherein the translucent base has a non-engraved surface opposite the engraved surface, the card further comprising a semi-light transmissive layer disposed on the non-engraved surface.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
49 words
The latent image identification card of claims 1, 3, or 4 wherein the plurality of engraved depressions comprise a plurality of engraved regions of varying widths whereby the non-engraved regions are surface strips having widths which vary inversely relative to the widths of the immediately adjacent parallel engraved regions.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-12-12 | 1987-06-13 | 1987-12-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-12-12 | 1991-06-13 | 1991-12-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-12-12 | 1995-06-13 | 1995-12-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |