Code symbol for marking plastic bottles
US5473152A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 3, 1995 |
| Grant date | Dec 5, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 3, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01M3/3236
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A process and an apparatus for marking refillable containers (112), more especially plastic bottles, with code symbols with the aid of which it can be Later ascertained whether a container has to be refilled or separated, are described. The part of the container (112) in which is situated a manufacturer's code present from the outset is photographed at a detection station (130) by means of a camera (164). Using code symbols applied previously as a reference marking, the place is determined at which a new code symbol of a round trip code is applied at a marking station (140) by means of a laser. The number of such code symbols gives the number of fillings of the containers (112), and the data content of each code symbol contains a statement concerning the filling inserted in the container, the bottler etc., in each case. With the aid of this, a certain filling sequence can be adhered to, and therefore for example, prevent a plastic bottle which previously contained a cola drink being filled with mineral water, whereas the reverse sequence would be permissible.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.