US5521709A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Continuous barcode marking system
Assignee: International Business Machines Corp
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Filing: 1993-05-05
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Granted: 1996-05-28
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Expires: 2013-05-05
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus is provided for producing single width barcodes in a continuous, serpentine pattern. This pattern provides continuity of operation for laser marking instruments and thereby results in the formation of more uniform and higher quality barcode indicia. The use of a continuous serpentine pattern also increases the speed at which the code may be written onto a substrate. This marking method is particularly appropriate for use in marking a wide variety of materials including semiconductors, metals, plastics and ceramics.
Inventors
- 👤 Douglas C. Bossen
- 👤 Chin-Long Chen
- 👤 Fuad E. Doany
- 👤 Mu-Yue Hsiao
- 👤 Ricky A. Rand
- 👤 Ralf J. Terbruggen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 13:12
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06K; G06K1/00; G06K1/12; G06K1/126; G06K15/00; G06K15/22; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S235/00; Y10S235/90
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
46 words
A method for marking a substrate with a barcode in which bars thereof exhibit the same width, said method comprising the step of marking said substrate in a serpentine pattern with connecting segments linking ends of said bars at opposite ends thereof in an alternating pattern.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
46 words
A method for marking a substrate with a barcode in which bars thereof exhibit the same width, said method comprising the step of marking said substrate in a serpentine pattern with connecting segments linking ends of said bars at opposite ends thereof in an alternating pattern.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1 further including providing an initiation segment extending outwardly from an end of a bar which is disposed at an end of the barcode.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1 further including providing a trailing segment extending outwardly from an end of a barcode which is disposed at an end of the barcode.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 in which said marking is carried out with a laser.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 4 in which said laser is a continuous wave laser.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 4 in which said laser is a pulsed laser operating sufficiently continuously to provide single line marking.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
110 words
An apparatus for marking a substrate with a barcode in which bars thereof exhibit the same width, said apparatus comprising: marking means for producing lines having a substantially uniform width on said substrate; transporting means for moving said substrate in a first direction and independently in a second direction relative to said marking means; and control means to cause said lines to be produced on said substrate in a serpentine pattern which includes selectively spaced parallel lines of information segments together with connecting segments linking said information segments at opposite ends thereof and in an alternating pattern, whereby the substrate may be marked with a barcode in a continuous fashion.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
110 words
An apparatus for marking a substrate with a barcode in which bars thereof exhibit the same width, said apparatus comprising: marking means for producing lines having a substantially uniform width on said substrate; transporting means for moving said substrate in a first direction and independently in a second direction relative to said marking means; and control means to cause said lines to be produced on said substrate in a serpentine pattern which includes selectively spaced parallel lines of information segments together with connecting segments linking said information segments at opposite ends thereof and in an alternating pattern, whereby the substrate may be marked with a barcode in a continuous fashion.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 7 in which said marking means comprises a laser.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 7 in which said marking means comprises a mechanical tool.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 9 in which said tool rotates during marking.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 7 in which said marking means comprises a printing mechanism.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
11 words
A substrate marked in accordance with the method of 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) | 1999-05-28 | 1999-11-27 | 2000-05-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-05-28 | 2003-11-27 | 2004-05-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-05-28 | 2007-11-27 | 2008-05-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |