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:
Dec. 07, 2004
Filed:
Jan. 22, 2003
Philip L. Allen, Palatine, IL (US);
Abstract
To track a large number of tools, the tools are kept in sets with each set having a container. A silhouette of each tool stored in the container is printed at the point of storage along with a data matrix symbology that has stored in binary code a description of the tool, the part number, and an identification of the kit of which it is a part. The associated tool has etched into the surface thereof a data matrix symbology containing the same information as the code printed at the point of storage. The data matrix symbology is readable by a scanner and a record of all the tools is maintained on a computer. Metal tools, may have a chrome, black oxide or stainless steel surface. To prepare the surface of a metal tool for receiving a data matrix symbology applied by a laser, the surface is sand blasted and coated with an suitable epoxy to inhance contrast.