US5366833A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Security documents
Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Co
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Filing: 1993-03-22
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Granted: 1994-11-22
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Expires: 2013-03-22
Abstract
Abstract A method for making security documents using an electro photographic printer, particularly a photocopier or laser printer, includes the step of exposing the printed image to an accelerator, in liquid or vapour form. Under the influence of the accelerator, a second dye contained in the toner, used in producing the image, migrates into the document, thereby producing a second image in the paper in registration with the printed image. The process is applicable to images created on paper, security paper, and synthetic papers.
Inventors
- 👤 Joel F. Shaw
- 👤 Gary A. Van Beek
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 14:10
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03G; G03G9/00; G03G9/08; G03G9/087; G03G9/08784; G03G9/08791; B; B41; B41M; B41M3/00; B41M3/14; G03G11/00; G03G13/00; G03G13/01; G03G13/013; G03G13/0137; G03G8/00; G03G9/08775; G03G9/08782; G03G9/08795; G03G9/08797; G03G9/09; G03G9/0902; G03G9/0904; G03G9/0926
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
130 words
A process for printing a security document which comprises: (i) creating an image pattern by means of an electro photographic printer; (ii) applying to the generated image, within the electro photographic printer, at least one particulate toner, which toner includes a first dye, and at least a minor proportion of a second dye; (iii) transferring and bonding the at least one particulate toner to the surface of the document to provide a document including an electro photographically printed image; and (iv) exposing at least a part of the electro photographically printed image on the document to an accelerator in liquid or vapour form to cause a major proportion of the second dye to migrate into the document, in registration with at least a part of the electro photographically printed image.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
130 words
A process for printing a security document which comprises: (i) creating an image pattern by means of an electro photographic printer; (ii) applying to the generated image, within the electro photographic printer, at least one particulate toner, which toner includes a first dye, and at least a minor proportion of a second dye; (iii) transferring and bonding the at least one particulate toner to the surface of the document to provide a document including an electro photographically printed image; and (iv) exposing at least a part of the electro photographically printed image on the document to an accelerator in liquid or vapour form to cause a major proportion of the second dye to migrate into the document, in registration with at least a part of the electro photographically printed image.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
A process according to claim 1 wherein the second dye forming the migrated image is a different colour to the printed image.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
A process according to claim 1 wherein only a part of the printed image is exposed to the accelerator.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
A process according to claim 1 wherein all of the printed image is exposed to the accelerator.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
A process according to claim 1 wherein the printed image is black, and the migrated image is a different colour.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
A process according to claim 1 wherein the printed image is polychromatic, and the second dye comprises a minor proportion of the coloured dye in the at least one toner.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
A process according to claim 1 wherein the accelerator is an organic solvent.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
A process according to claim 7 wherein the organic solvent is chosen from the group consisting of isopropanol, ethanol, methanol, acetone and methylethylketone.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
A process according to claim 1 wherein the document is printed onto paper.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
A process according to claim 9 wherein the document is printed onto security paper.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
A process according to claim 1 wherein the document is printed onto synthetic paper.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
25 words
A process according to claim 11 wherein the synthetic paper comprises a microporous, single layer, highly filled, polyolefin plastic film, wherein the filler is silica.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
15 words
A process according to claim 1 wherein the electro photographic printer is a laser printer.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
14 words
A process according to claim 13 wherein the electro photographic printer is a photocopier.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-11-21 | 1998-05-23 | 1998-11-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-11-21 | 2002-05-23 | 2002-11-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-11-21 | 2006-05-23 | 2006-11-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |