US4614366A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Nail identification wafer
Assignee: EXACT-I-DENT A UT PARTNERSHIP
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Filing: 1984-02-21
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Granted: 1986-09-30
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Expires: 2004-02-21
Abstract
Abstract A device and method for applying and retaining a data carrier to a living body for providing identification of the body with respect to a reference group wherein the body's external nail surface structure, the method comprising selecting a carrier suitable for attachment to the nail surface, modifying the carrier to include a unique data format and attaching the carrier at the nail surface. The data carrier comprises a thin, substantially flat carrier suitable for attachment to the nail surface and a unique data format applied to the carrier adapting the same for repeated detection. The device and method are adaptable for use within identification systems such as hospital patient identification, clinical testing and security access control environments.
Inventors
- 👤 Vaughn W. North
- 👤 Richard W. Elggren
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 17:27
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06K; G06K19/00; G06K19/06; G06K19/06009; G06K19/06018; G06K19/06028; A; A61; A61B; A61B90/00; A61B90/90; A61B90/94; G06K19/06037; G07; G07C; G07C9/00; G07C9/20; G09; G09F; G09F3/00; G06K2019/06215; G06K2019/06234; G06K2019/06253; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S283/00; Y10S283/901
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 41
Claim 1
Independent Claim
97 words
A method for identifying persons entitled to access to restricted areas or information comprising the steps of: a. selecting a carrier suitable for attachment to a fingernail or toenail surface of the person; b. encoding said carrier with a unique data format which authorizes access for the person to the area or information for the person; c. permanently attaching the encoded carrier at a nail surface of the person; d. scanning the nail surface for detection of the data format; and e. comparing the scanned data format with an access code for determining if access is proper.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
97 words
A method for identifying persons entitled to access to restricted areas or information comprising the steps of: a. selecting a carrier suitable for attachment to a fingernail or toenail surface of the person; b. encoding said carrier with a unique data format which authorizes access for the person to the area or information for the person; c. permanently attaching the encoded carrier at a nail surface of the person; d. scanning the nail surface for detection of the data format; and e. comparing the scanned data format with an access code for determining if access is proper.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
109 words
A method for identifying persons entitled to access to group benefits such as medical care, insurance coverage, social services, welfare assistance, and similar privileges limited to qualified persons, said method comprising the steps of: a. selecting a carrier suitable for attachment to a fingernail or toenail surface of the person; b. encoding said carrier with a unique data format which authorizes access to a selected benefit for the person; c. permanently attaching the encoded carrier at a nail surface of the person; d. scanning the nail surface for detection of the data format; and e. comparing the scanned data format with reference code for determining if access is proper.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
109 words
A method for identifying persons entitled to access to group benefits such as medical care, insurance coverage, social services, welfare assistance, and similar privileges limited to qualified persons, said method comprising the steps of: a. selecting a carrier suitable for attachment to a fingernail or toenail surface of the person; b. encoding said carrier with a unique data format which authorizes access to a selected benefit for the person; c. permanently attaching the encoded carrier at a nail surface of the person; d. scanning the nail surface for detection of the data format; and e. comparing the scanned data format with reference code for determining if access is proper.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
151 words
An identification system for providing short term identification of a body having surface nail structure, said system comprising: a. a thin, substantially flat carrier attached to the nail surface, said carrier having width and length dimensions less than the exposed width and length of the nail to which the carrier is attached; b. a unique visual data format encoded on the carrier and providing identification information with respect to the attached body; c. means for attaching and retaining the carrier to the nail surface until it is to be purposefully removed; and d. a reading device for visual observation of the data format on the carrier, said reading device including (i) a dislay window for providing a visual display of the data format, (ii) means for optically transmitting the data format from the carrier to the window and (iii) means for positioning the nail surface with carrier at the transmitting means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
151 words
An identification system for providing short term identification of a body having surface nail structure, said system comprising: a. a thin, substantially flat carrier attached to the nail surface, said carrier having width and length dimensions less than the exposed width and length of the nail to which the carrier is attached; b. a unique visual data format encoded on the carrier and providing identification information with respect to the attached body; c. means for attaching and retaining the carrier to the nail surface until it is to be purposefully removed; and d. a reading device for visual observation of the data format on the carrier, said reading device including (i) a dislay window for providing a visual display of the data format, (ii) means for optically transmitting the data format from the carrier to the window and (iii) means for positioning the nail surface with carrier at the transmitting means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
A system as defined in claim 3, further comprising means for automatically activating the reading means upon proper positioning of the nail at the reading means.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
75 words
A method for identifying a body with respect to a reference group wherein the body has external nail surface structure, said method comprising the steps of: a. selecting a carrier suitable for attachment to the nail surface; b. encoding said carrier with a unique data format for the body with respect to its reference group; c. permanently attaching the carrier at the nail surface; d. scanning the nail surface for detection of the data format.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
75 words
A method for identifying a body with respect to a reference group wherein the body has external nail surface structure, said method comprising the steps of: a. selecting a carrier suitable for attachment to the nail surface; b. encoding said carrier with a unique data format for the body with respect to its reference group; c. permanently attaching the carrier at the nail surface; d. scanning the nail surface for detection of the data format.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as defined in claim 5, further comprising the step of sealing the carrier within a protective coating to the nail surface.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method as defined in claim 5 wherein the encoding step more particularly comprises the step of encoding the carrier with a visible data format capable of optical detection.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method as defined in claim 5, wherein the encoding step more particularly includes the step of encoding the carrier with a machine readable code capable of detection by an automated scanning means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
43 words
A method as defined in claim 5, further comprising the step of entering the detected data format into an automated reference file to provide an independently retrievable record of the data format for subsequent comparison with the data format contained on the nail.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
56 words
A method as defined in claim 9 further comprising the steps of: a. detecting the data format on the nail subsequent to its being entered into the reference file, b. comparing the detected data format with the reference file, and c. signaling whether the respective detected and referenced data formats are the same or are dissimilar.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method for identification as defined in claim 5, wherein the carrier comprises a thin, flexible wafer no larger than the nail surface and is adapted on one side with means for adhering the wafer thereto.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
48 words
A method of identification as defined in claim 5, wherein the carrier comprises a thin, magnetic wafer no larger than the nail surface and is adapted on one side with means for adhering the wafer thereto, said wafer including means for magnetic encoding of the data format therein.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
42 words
A method as defined in claim 5, further comprising the step of applying a color coating and texture which substantially resemble the appearance of other nails in their normal state, the data format being visually unnoticeable, but detectable for purposes of identification.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
104 words
A method of identifying a patient, patient specimens, records, and related information within a health care institution comprising the steps of: a. selecting a carrier suitable for attachment to a fingernail or toenail surface of the patient; b. encoding said carrier with a unique data format for the patient; c. permanently attaching the encoded carrier at a nail surface of the patient; d. scanning the nail surface for detection of the data format; e. entering the detected data format into a reference file to provide an independently retrievable record of the patient identification for subsequent comparison with the data format attached on the nail.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
104 words
A method of identifying a patient, patient specimens, records, and related information within a health care institution comprising the steps of: a. selecting a carrier suitable for attachment to a fingernail or toenail surface of the patient; b. encoding said carrier with a unique data format for the patient; c. permanently attaching the encoded carrier at a nail surface of the patient; d. scanning the nail surface for detection of the data format; e. entering the detected data format into a reference file to provide an independently retrievable record of the patient identification for subsequent comparison with the data format attached on the nail.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
75 words
A method as defined in claim 14, further comprising the steps of: a. preparing a plurality of carriers having the unique data format of the patient; b. attaching at least one data carrier to a test specimen container, plate or record relating to the patient; and c. comparing the data carrier attached to the test specimen container, plate or record with the reference file to verify correct correlation of tests and records with patient identity.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method as defined in claim 15 comprising the more particular step of preparing transferable labels as the plurality of data carriers for attachment to the containers, plates or records, each label having the unique data format representing patient identification.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
79 words
A method as defined in claim 15, wherein test specimen containers, plates, or records for use with the patient are labeled at the patient location with a patient code comprising the data format, said method further comprising the step of comparing the labeled data format with the data format on the patient nail to verify proper identification of the test specimen containers, plates or records prior to subsequent processing thereof at laboratory or other locations removed from the patient.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
64 words
A method as defined in claim 17, further comprising the step of automatically transferring and recording test results into a data file by means of the patient code contained on the test container, record or plate, said code being machine scanned for automatic input into a recording means which compares the inputed code with a set of reference codes representing patients within the institution.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
65 words
A method as defined in claim 17, further comprising the step of automatically transferring and recording test results into a patient billing file by means of the patient code contained on the test container, record or plate, said code being machine scanned for automatic input into a recording means which compares the inputed code with a set of reference codes representing patients within the institution.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
130 words
An identification system for providing short term identification of a body having surface nail structure, said system comprising: a. a thin, substantially flat carrier attached to the nail surface, said carrier having width and length dimensions less than the exposed width and length of the nail to which the carrier is attached; b. a unique data format encoded on the carrier and providing identification information with respect to the attached body; c. means for attaching and retaining the carrier to the nail surface until it is to be purposefully removed; d. a scanning device for detecting the data format on the carrier, including means for positioning the device over the nail; and e. transmission means for sending the detected data format to a reference file for comparison with related information.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
130 words
An identification system for providing short term identification of a body having surface nail structure, said system comprising: a. a thin, substantially flat carrier attached to the nail surface, said carrier having width and length dimensions less than the exposed width and length of the nail to which the carrier is attached; b. a unique data format encoded on the carrier and providing identification information with respect to the attached body; c. means for attaching and retaining the carrier to the nail surface until it is to be purposefully removed; d. a scanning device for detecting the data format on the carrier, including means for positioning the device over the nail; and e. transmission means for sending the detected data format to a reference file for comparison with related information.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
33 words
An identification system as defined in claim 20, further comprising signal means coupled to the scanning device for providing positive or negative results of identification in response to input from the scanning device.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
50 words
An identification system as defined in claim 20, further comprising a plurality of carriers which include the same data format, at least one of the carriers being attached to the nail, the remaining carriers including means for fixation to other surfaces to be identified in connection with the nail wafer.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
107 words
A data carrier for fixation at a fingernail or toenail surface of a body for providing identification thereof with respect to a reference group, said data carrier comprising: a. a thin, substantially flat carrier attached directly to the nail surface and having width and length dimensions less than the exposed width and length of the nail to which it is attached; b. a unique data format encoded on the carrier and including information relating to the identity of the individual to which the carrier is attached; and c. a means for attaching and retaining the carrier at the nail surface until it is to be purposefully removed.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
107 words
A data carrier for fixation at a fingernail or toenail surface of a body for providing identification thereof with respect to a reference group, said data carrier comprising: a. a thin, substantially flat carrier attached directly to the nail surface and having width and length dimensions less than the exposed width and length of the nail to which it is attached; b. a unique data format encoded on the carrier and including information relating to the identity of the individual to which the carrier is attached; and c. a means for attaching and retaining the carrier at the nail surface until it is to be purposefully removed.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
27 words
A data carrier as defined in claim 23, wherein the carrier comprises a thin sheet of film which has the data format applied at a surface thereof.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
51 words
A data carrier as defined in claim 24 wherein the data format is applied at the film surface positioned adjacent the nail surface and wherein the data format is oriented for detection through the exterior surface of the film, thereby adapting the film as a protective covering for the data format.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
21 words
A data carrier as defined in claim 23 wherein the data format comprises a visible data form capable of optical detection.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
25 words
A data carrier as defined in claim 23 wherein the data format includes a machine readable code capable of automatic detection by a scanning means.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
23 words
A data carrier as defined in claim 23, wherein the data format includes patient identification information for use within a medical care institution.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
34 words
A data carrier as defined in claim 28 wherein the data format includes coded information identifying special medical information such as blood type, allergies and special conditions relating to the patient wearing the wafer.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
31 words
A data carrier as defined in claim 23, wherein the data format and carrier include security access information for use as security clearance for obtaining access to restricted information or locations.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
33 words
A data carrier as defined in claim 23, wherein the carrier comrises a thin, magnetic wafer no larger than the nail surface and adapted to carry a data format capable of machine detection.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
93 words
A method of identifying persons entitled to access to restricted areas or information comprising the steps of: a. selecting a carrier suitable for attachment to a fingernail or toenail surface of the person; b. encoding said carrier with a unique data format; c. permanently attaching the encoded carrier at a nail surface of the person; d. scanning the nail surface for detection of the data format; e. entering the detected data format into a reference file to provide an independently retrievable record for subsequent comparison with the data format attached on the nail.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
93 words
A method of identifying persons entitled to access to restricted areas or information comprising the steps of: a. selecting a carrier suitable for attachment to a fingernail or toenail surface of the person; b. encoding said carrier with a unique data format; c. permanently attaching the encoded carrier at a nail surface of the person; d. scanning the nail surface for detection of the data format; e. entering the detected data format into a reference file to provide an independently retrievable record for subsequent comparison with the data format attached on the nail.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
58 words
A method for determining access rights of a person to a restricted area or controlled information as defined in claim 32, further comprising the steps of: a. scanning the person's nail surface for detection of the data format prior to permitting access; and b. comparing the scanned information with the reference file or other comparable authority for access.
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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) | 1989-09-29 | 1990-03-31 | 1990-09-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-09-29 | 1994-03-31 | 1994-09-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-09-29 | 1998-03-31 | 1998-09-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |