Patent · US Expired

Authenticating method

US5289547A · kind A · utility

99Cited by
5References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 6, 1991
Grant dateFeb 22, 1994
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 6, 2011

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T428/24901
  • WIPO fieldControl
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An improved method for authenticating articles is described. A mixture of at least two photochromic compounds that have different absorption maxima in the activated state and also preferably other different properties are incorporated into a carrier composition, e.g., ink, paint, fiber or polymer used to form the authenticating display data on the article. The authenticating display data is subjected to various steps of the authenticating method that may include preferential activation of less than all of the photochromic compounds, activation of all the photochromic compounds, preferential bleaching of less than all of the photochromic compounds, and bleaching of all the photochromic compounds. Subsequent examination of the display data following the various activation and bleaching steps by verifying means enables the article to be authenticated.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.