Tracer particles, and methods for making same
US10175199B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 14, 2013 |
| Grant date | Jan 8, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 14, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/2982
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention relates generally to tracer particles for product identification and/or authentication. When incorporated into a manufactured item, that item can be subsequently authenticated by either detecting, or failing to detect, the tracer particle. The tracer particles of the invention are magnetically attractable, with micromarkings, and in some embodiments, are manufactured with food grade materials and of a particle size suitable for ingestion by humans. The particles can be analyzed qualitatively or quantitatively. In other aspects, the invention provides methods for the manufacture of the tracer particles, and in other aspects, provides methods for using the particles. Examples of products that can be tagged using the tracer particles of the invention include pharmaceuticals, animal feeds or feed supplements, and baby formula. Other applications include forensics, such as in explosive materials.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.