X-ray or gamma ray systems or devices – Specific application – Fluorescence
Reexamination Certificate
2001-01-19
2002-12-31
Kim, Robert H. (Department: 2882)
X-ray or gamma ray systems or devices
Specific application
Fluorescence
C378S044000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06501825
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to apparatus and methods for identification and verification. More particularly, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods for detecting an element or compound intrinsically present—or extrinsically added—in an article or product by using X-ray fluorescence to identify and verify that article or product. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to secure documents and methods and apparatus for making the same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There has been significant interest in apparatus and methods for identifying and verifying various articles or products such as explosives, ammunition, paint, petroleum products, and documents. Known methods used to identify and verify generally involve adding and detecting materials like code-bearing microparticles, bulk chemical substances, and radioactive substances. Other methods used for identifying and verifying articles include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,030,657, 6,024,200, 6,007,744, 6,005,915, 5,849,590, 5,760,394, 5,677,187, 5,474,937, 5,301,044, 5,208,630, 5,057,268, 4,862,143, 4,390,452, 4,363,965, and 4,045,676, as well as European Patent Application Nos. 0911626 and 0911627, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
It is also known to apply materials to articles in order to track, for example, point of origin, authenticity, and their distribution. In one method, inks which are transparent in visible light are sometimes applied to materials and the presence (or absence) of the ink is revealed by ultraviolet or infrared fluorescence. Other methods include implanting microscopic additives that can be detected optically. However, detecting these materials is primarily based on optical or photometric measurements.
Unfortunately, many of the apparatus and methods for identifying and verifying articles using such materials (called taggants) are unsatisfactory for several reasons. First, they are often difficult and time-consuming. In many instances, a sample of the article must be sent to an off-site laboratory for analysis. In other instances, the apparatus are often expensive, large, and difficult to operate. In yet other instances, the taggant used is radioactive, causing serious health concerns.
The known apparatus and methods for identification and verification are also unsatisfactory because they require a “line-of-sight” analysis method. This line of sight requirement entails that the apparatus must be able to “see” the taggant in order to detect it. This can be detracting when it would be desirable to detect the taggant without having to see the taggant, e.g., such as when the taggant is located in the middle of large package with packaging and labels “covering” the taggant.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an apparatus and method in which one or more taggants that are intrinsically located—or extrinsically placed—in an article or product are detected by x-ray fluorescence analysis to identify or verify the article or its point of manufacture. The taggant is manufactured as part of the article or the taggant is placed into a coating, packaging, label, or otherwise embedded within the article for the purpose of later verifying the presence or absence of these elements by x-ray fluorescence to determine the unique elemental composition of the taggant within these articles.
By using x-ray fluorescence analysis, the apparatus and methods of the present invention are simple and easy to use, as well as provide detection by a non line-of-sight method to establish the origin of materials, point of manufacture, authenticity, verification, or product security. The present invention is extremely advantageous because it is difficult to replicate, simulate, alter, transpose, or tamper with. Further, it can be easily recognized by a user in either overt or covert form, easily verified by a manufacturer or issuer, and easily applied to various forms of media in the articles.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4045676 (1977-08-01), Rolle
patent: 4136778 (1979-01-01), Wortman et al.
patent: 4251726 (1981-02-01), Alvarez
patent: 4363965 (1982-12-01), Soberman et al.
patent: 4390452 (1983-06-01), Stevens
patent: 4445225 (1984-04-01), White
patent: 4476382 (1984-10-01), White
patent: 4485308 (1984-11-01), Rabatin
patent: 4767205 (1988-08-01), Schwartz et al.
patent: 4862143 (1989-08-01), Hirshfield et al.
patent: 5057268 (1991-10-01), Muller
patent: 5185773 (1993-02-01), Blossfeld et al.
patent: 5208630 (1993-05-01), Goodbrand et al.
patent: 5301044 (1994-04-01), Wright
patent: 5461654 (1995-10-01), Grodzins et al.
patent: 5474937 (1995-12-01), Anderson, II et al.
patent: 5527707 (1996-06-01), Fukazawa
patent: 5677187 (1997-10-01), Anderson, II et al.
patent: 5760394 (1998-06-01), Welle
patent: 5849590 (1998-12-01), Anderson, II et al.
patent: 6005915 (1999-12-01), Hossain et al.
patent: 6007744 (1999-12-01), Nacker
patent: 6025200 (2000-02-01), Kaish et al.
patent: 6030657 (2000-02-01), Butland et al.
patent: 6041095 (2000-03-01), Yokhin
patent: 6075839 (2000-06-01), Treseder
patent: 6097785 (2000-08-01), Elam
patent: 6111929 (2000-08-01), Hazlett
patent: 6130931 (2000-10-01), Laurila et al.
patent: 6165609 (2000-12-01), Curatolo
patent: 6178226 (2001-01-01), Hell et al.
patent: 0 911 626 (1998-10-01), None
patent: 0 911 627 (1998-10-01), None
Kaiser Bruce J.
Meyer Gerhard A.
Horton Kenneth E.
KeyMaster Technologies, Inc.
Kim Robert H.
Rader & Fishman & Grauer, PLLC
Song Hoon K.
LandOfFree
Methods for identification and verification does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Methods for identification and verification, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Methods for identification and verification will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2977641