Royal Canadian Mint

Signoptic Technologies

Monnaie Royale Canadienne/royal Canadian Mint

Arjo Solutions

Hieu Truong

Yann Boutant

Maria Dilay

James M Toguri

Janet G Clark

Christopher A Pickles

A method of producing an authenticatable article. An overt feature is produced in the article using a fabricating technique which is selected based on a material of the article so as to produce the overt feature having predetermined, reproducible macroscopic characteristics as well as random, non-reproducible microscopic characteristics rendering the article physically unique. The overt feature including the microscopic characteristics are imageable using a predetermined imaging technology to produce an overt feature image. An authentication signature is generated based on the overt feature image and stored in a central database. The overt feature may alternatively be produced in an apparatus or means used to manufacture authenticatable articles such that the overt feature including the random, microscopic characteristics is reproduced in the articles. The overt feature and generated authentication code therefore corresponds to articles manufactured using that apparatus or means.

Unique identification of coin or other object

A method includes: capturing an image of a coin, locating an acquisition area of the image using a landmark of the coin, the acquisition area comprising a feature unique to the coin and generating a digital representation of the acquisition area.

Method and apparatus for authentication of a coin or other manufactured item

The present invention relates to novel metallic composites that are useful as coinage materials. These composites are produced through a multi-ply plating process and are designed to overcome difficulties associated with calibrating vending machines that can result in fraud. In one embodiment, the metallic composite comprises a steel core over which nickel and then a non-magnetic metal such as copper, brass or bronze is deposited as a layered pair. The magnetic and non-magnetic metals may also be applied in the reverse order, with the copper, brass or bronze applied directly over the steel and then covered by the nickel. The electromagnetic signature (EMS) of the composite is controlled by defining the thickness of the deposited metal layers. Advantageously, the invention overcomes problems associated when different coins are made from the same alloy and have similar sizes, and therefore cannot be distinguished by vending machines.

Control of electromagnetic signals of coins through multi-ply plating technology

This invention overcomes problems such as pinholes and blisters in making plated coin blanks and similar articles. A ferrous metal blank is electroplated with a strike of nickel, following which a coating of copper is applied at an initial low current density followed by full current density to minimize bridging. Preferably an outer layer of nickel is applied, also at an initial low current density, followed by full current density. Annealing before or after application of the final layer of nickel is advisable. This invention also relates to the resulting coin blank and coins.

Coins coated with nickel, copper and nickel

This invention relates to the recovery of silver values from silver chloride or mixed chlorides including silver chloride. A pyrometallurgical process is provided in which chloride residues are smelted with an agent such as sodium silicate that provides alkali metal oxide without generating gases, such as carbon dioxide, that would result in foaming during smelting to a material extent.

Growing community of inventors

Orleans, CA, United States of America

Hieu Truong