Thermal Indicators

• US 20120262529A1
• Filed: 12/08/2011
• Published: 10/18/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 03/01/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: New Receiptco Opco LLC
• Original Assignee: NCR Corporation (NCR Voyix Corporation)
• Inventors: Roth, Joseph D., Halbrook, Wendell B. Jr.
• Granted Patent: US 8,511,228 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 347/171
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/315 characterised by selective application of heat to a heat sensitive printing or impression-transfer material B41J2/385, B41J2/435 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/32 using thermal heads
• CPC Class Codes: B41M 3/14 Security printing securities B42D25/29
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 3/04 in respect of time

Abstract

A thermal indicator using indicia formed by opaque ink applied to a thermal imaging material element is described. The ink is substantially the same color as the imaging element background and remains substantially hidden until the imaging element background changes color when heated. Time-temperature exposure indicating labels can be prepared using a printer with direct thermal type and ink jet type print heads.

Claims

1. A method of authenticating a thermal media imaging element including a thermally sensitive coating on a substrate, where said thermally sensitive coating changes color upon exposure to heat, comprising:

providing said imaging having a security feature including indicia formed over said coating by opaque ink of a color substantially matching that of said imaging element, said indicia being substantially invisible until said coating is exposed to heat; and

heating said coating to render said indicia visible to authenticate said imaging element.

2. The method of claim 1 in which said coating is heated by operation of a direct thermal printer to authenticate said imaging element.