Fibers with surface markings used for coding
US9442074B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 24, 2015 |
| Grant date | Sep 13, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 6, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06V20/95
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Disclosed are fibers comprising one or more branded fibers which exhibit surface markings in a repeated pattern along the length of the branded fibers. The branded fibers can be incorporated into yarns or fiber bands to represent supply chain information of the yarns, fiber bands, and/or articles made from the yards or fiber bands. In a specific example, branded fibers can be incorporated into an acetate tow band. The branded fibers can be recovered from a cigarette filter, the repeated pattern decoded, and supply chain information associated with the acetate tow used to make the cigarette filter, such as manufacturer, customer, ship to location, and even the acetate tow bale, can be obtained.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.