Illinois Tool Works Inc.

Morven McAlpine

Robert Phillip Renz

Christopher Bennett

Richard Ellis

A visual security feature is provided that is disposed on a target. The visual security feature includes two substantially transparent layers. At least one of the two substantially transparent layers is present in an image-wise pattern.

Apparatuses and methods for printed security features

A transferable receiver material is provided that includes a polymer film assembly comprising inorganic particles having a first dimension smaller than 100 nanometers and an orthogonal, second dimension larger than 100 nanometers. The polymer film assembly can be coupled with a carrier film and the polymer film assembly can be configured to separate from the carrier film and couple with a target object surface along a defined edge upon application of heat. Optionally, the polymer film assembly includes a holographic image configured to be transferred to a target object surface upon application of heat. The polymer film assembly can be configured to receive one or more dyes, pigments, inks, special effect materials, or special effect metals for thermally transfer onto a target object. After transfer onto a target object, images transferred by the material are visible through the polymer film assembly.

Receiver material having a polymer with nano-composite filler material

A method is provided for printing to a target. The method includes printing a first image to the target. The first image is printed with a metallic material. The method also includes printing a second image to the target over the first image. The second image is printed with a colored semi-transparent material.

Apparatuses and methods for optically variable printing

Disclosed is a tool for driving a barbed staple into a workpiece, the tool includes a housing enclosing a power delivery source and a driver blade driven by the power delivery source and comprising an engagement portion configured for engagement with the staple. The tool further includes a nosepiece comprising an aperture providing access for loading a staple into the nosepiece and a passage configured for slidable mounting of the driver blade. In use, the driver blade may be driven along a longitudinal axis of the passage by the power delivery source to engage and drive a staple into a workpiece. Clearances are providing to allow for loading and passage of the barbed staples in the nosepiece and arrangements are provided to maintain the alignment of the staple in the nosepiece to compensate for those clearances.

Thermal transfer printing

A method for enabling D2T2 printing onto non-D2T2 printable substrates uses a diffusible primer material provided on a dye-sheet or ribbon. The primer comprises a polymer, a release agent and a plasticizer. The release agent and the plasticizer are diffused into the substrate, while the polymer remains on the dye-sheet or ribbon. Printing of the primer onto the PC substrate is controlled via a computer image program corresponding to a colored image. This computer image program also controls the printing of the colored image at the primed locations. Accordingly, image-wise treatment of a plastic material via the primer selectively renders the PC substrate surface D2T2 printable at the point of personalization, providing for a 100% PC full card body having the colored image.

Imagewise priming of non-D2T2 printable substrates for direct D2T2 printing

A receiver layer for use in dye diffusion thermal transfer printing includes a release agent and a swellable inorganic lamellar material that is at least partially in an exfoliated or intercalated state. The receiver layer may be thermally transferable. The swellable inorganic lamellar material may be a clay, which may be at least partially in the exfoliated state.

Growing community of inventors

Ipswich, United Kingdom

Morven McAlpine