US4002889A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Self-cleaning label for automatic object identification system
Assignee: Servo Corp of America
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Filing: 1975-12-08
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Granted: 1977-01-11
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Expires: 1995-12-08
Abstract
Abstract A self-cleaning label is provided for use in an automatic object identification system. The label comprises a backing member having a plurality of fins attached to it. A strip of reflective material is affixed to the front surface of each fin for "reading" by the components of the system. The fins are aerodynamically designed so that the flow of air past the label carrying surface serves to clean the surface and prevent the settling of dirt thereon.
Inventors
- 👤 Sigurd Hoyer-Ellefsen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 04:32
CPC Classifications
B; B61; B61L; B61L25/00; B61L25/02; B61L25/04; B61L25/041; G; G06; G06K; G06K19/00; G06K19/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
129 words
In an automatic object identification system of the type comprising a label made up of a backing member and a plurality of stripes of reflective material secured to said member, means for directing a beam of light on said stripes, and means for scanning the label to receive energy reflected from the individual stripes and generate an electrical system in response thereto the improvement comprising: a plurality of spaced apart protuding fins extending across said backing member, each of said fins having a rear surface directed toward said backing member and a front surface directed away from said backing member, said stripes of reflective material being affixed to said fins whereby the flow of air past said fins serves to prevent the settling of particulate matter on said stripes.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
129 words
In an automatic object identification system of the type comprising a label made up of a backing member and a plurality of stripes of reflective material secured to said member, means for directing a beam of light on said stripes, and means for scanning the label to receive energy reflected from the individual stripes and generate an electrical system in response thereto the improvement comprising: a plurality of spaced apart protuding fins extending across said backing member, each of said fins having a rear surface directed toward said backing member and a front surface directed away from said backing member, said stripes of reflective material being affixed to said fins whereby the flow of air past said fins serves to prevent the settling of particulate matter on said stripes.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein said backing member is integral with said fins.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein each of said fins is generally rectangular in section.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The invention in accordance with claim 3 wherein each of said fins includes a top and bottom edge and each of said edges is rounded to an aerodynamic shape.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein each of said fins includes a center portion and side portions extending gradually between said backing member and center portion on opposite sides of said center portion.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The invention in accordance with claim 5 wherein said side portions are rounded to an aerodynamic shape.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-01-11 | 1980-07-12 | 1981-01-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-01-11 | 1984-07-12 | 1985-01-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-01-11 | 1988-07-12 | 1989-01-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |