Fibers with surface markings used for coding
US9865182B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 2, 2016 |
| Grant date | Jan 9, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 24, 2036 |
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.