US4329393A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Coating compositions for retrospective identification of articles
Assignee: 3M Co
•
Filing: 1980-05-21
•
Granted: 1982-05-11
•
Expires: 2000-05-21
Abstract
Abstract Coating compositions containing identifier particles are disclosed for the retrospective identification of articles. The compositions comprise a clear lacquer binder, visually-readable microparticles and reflective spotting particles. The reflective spotting particles facilitate location of the coating on the surface of the tagged article.
Inventors
- 👤 James D. LaPerre
- 👤 Donald L. O'Brien
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 15:18
CPC Classifications
C; C09; C09D; C09D5/00; C09D5/004; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T428/00; Y10T428/25; Y10T428/252; Y10T436/00; Y10T436/13
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
32 words
A coating composition for retrospective identification of articles comprising a clear lacquer binder containing a plurality of visually-readable microparticles and reflex-reflective glass beads in an amount which does not mask the microparticles.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
32 words
A coating composition for retrospective identification of articles comprising a clear lacquer binder containing a plurality of visually-readable microparticles and reflex-reflective glass beads in an amount which does not mask the microparticles.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The composition according to claim 1 wherein said lacquer comprises an acrylate copolymer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The composition according to claim 1 wherein said microparticles contain a color code.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
47 words
The composition according to claim 3 wherein each of said microparticles comprises at least three visually-distinguishable colored layers and measures between about 15 and 1000 micrometers across the color sequence, said microparticles having two generally flat and parallel surfaces and irregular broken edges across the color sequence.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The composition according to claim 3 wherein said microparticles are present in an amount between 0.2 and 1.2 percent by weight of said composition.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The composition according to claim 1 wherein said reflex-reflecting glass beads having a refractive index between about 1.9 and 2.8.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The composition according to claim 6 wherein said glass beads are hemispherically reflectorized with a thin metallic coating.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
The composition according to claim 6 wherein said glass beads range in size from about 10 to 60 micrometers.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
The composition according to claim 6 wherein said glass beads are present in an amount between about 0.5 and 5 percent by weight of said composition.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
11 words
The composition according to claim 1 further comprising a suspending aid.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
The composition according to claim 10 wherein said suspending aid comprises amorphous silica.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
The composition acording to claim 1 formulated for application to a surface by spraying.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
The composition according to claim 12 wherein said microparticles are less than 200 micrometers at their broadest dimension.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
10 words
The composition according to claim 12 further comprising aerosol propellants.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
16 words
The composition according to claim 14 wherein said propellants comprise a mixture of propane and isobutane.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method of labeling an article for retrospective identification comprising applying to the surface of said article a coating composition according to claim 1.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1985-05-10 | 1985-11-09 | 1986-05-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-05-10 | 1989-11-09 | 1990-05-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-05-10 | 1993-11-09 | 1994-05-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |