Micro-Tracers, Inc.

Clariant International Ltd

Nikolay Barashkov

Jonathan Germain

David Eisenberg

Lou Kish

Zachary Eisenberg

Bansi Lal Kaul

Jean-Christophe Graciet

Thomas C Molloy

The invention relates to tracer particles for product identification and/or authentication. When incorporated into a manufactured item, that item can be subsequently authenticated by detecting the tracer particle. The tracer particles of the invention are etched with markings, and in some embodiments, are manufactured with materials that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS). The particles can be analyzed qualitatively or quantitatively. In other aspects, the invention provides methods for the manufacture of the tracer particles, and in other aspects, provides methods for using the particles. Examples of products that can be tagged using the tracer particles of the invention include pharmaceuticals, animal feeds or feed supplements, baby formula powder and liquid bulk materials. Other applications include forensics, such as in explosive materials.

Tracer particles, and methods for making same

The invention relates generally to tracer particles for product identification and/or authentication. When incorporated into a manufactured item, that item can be subsequently authenticated by either detecting, or failing to detect, the tracer particle. The tracer particles of the invention are magnetically attractable, with micromarkings, and in some embodiments, are manufactured with food grade materials and of a particle size suitable for ingestion by humans. The particles can be analyzed qualitatively or quantitatively. In other aspects, the invention provides methods for the manufacture of the tracer particles, and in other aspects, provides methods for using the particles. Examples of products that can be tagged using the tracer particles of the invention include pharmaceuticals, animal feeds or feed supplements, and baby formula. Other applications include forensics, such as in explosive materials.

A new pigment for making colored finely divided particles on aminoformaldehyde resin allows to produce particles of substantially uniform particle size and spherical or irregular shape having excellent dispersibility and superior opacity.

Process of making finely divided opaque particles

Growing community of inventors

Hercules, CA, United States of America

Nikolay Barashkov