The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 19, 2004
Filed:
Mar. 16, 1999
Galen R. Hatfield, Ellicott City, MD (US);
Cryovac, Inc., Duncan, SC (US);
Abstract
The present invention provides an authentication system and methodology in which an authenticating agent is used as a product marker to help determine the source of products. The authenticating agent includes a substance that forms free radicals upon irradiation. The spectroscopic response of the agent when in the free radical state provides a characteristic “fingerprint” associated with genuine goods, but lacking in other goods. The goods incorporating the marker may be readily identified and/or distinguished from similar goods originating from another source. Furthermore, when not in the activated state, the authenticating agent typically is not detectable, thus providing the advantage of not being readily identifiable by counterfeiters.