The present invention relates generally to laser engraving. Some of the implementations disclosed herein relate to color laser engraving identification documents and to digital watermarking with color laser engraving.
Laser engraving is used to personalize or to convey indicia on an identification document, including creating images and/or information (e.g., text and graphics) on the identification document. Engraving is a secure way to impart indicia to a document, because the indicia becomes part of the document.
For the purposes of this disclosure, identification documents are broadly defined and may include, e.g., credit cards, bank cards, phone cards, passports, driver's licenses, network access cards, employee badges, debit cards, security cards, visas, immigration documentation, national ID cards, citizenship cards, social security cards, security badges, certificates, identification cards or documents, voter registration cards, police ID cards, border crossing cards, legal instruments or documentation, security clearance badges and cards, gun permits, gift certificates or cards, labels or product packaging, membership cards or badges, etc., etc. Also, the terms “document,” “card,” and “documentation” are used interchangeably throughout this patent document. Identification documents are also sometimes referred to as “ID documents.”
Identification documents can include information such as a photographic image, a bar code (e.g., which may contain information specific to the person whose image appears in the photographic image, and/or information that is the same from ID document to ID document), variable personal information (e.g., such as an address, signature, and/or birth date, biometric information associated with the person whose image appears in the photographic image, e.g., a fingerprint), a magnetic stripe (which, for example, can be on a side of the ID document that is opposite a side with a photographic image), and various designs (e.g., a security pattern like a printed pattern comprising a tightly printed pattern of finely divided printed and unprinted areas in close proximity to each other, such as a fine-line printed security pattern as is used in the printing of banknote paper, stock certificates, and the like). Of course, an identification document can include more or less of these types of features.
One exemplary ID document comprises a core layer (which can be pre-printed), such as a light-colored, opaque material, e.g., TESLIN, which is available from PPG Industries) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material. The core can be laminated with a transparent material, such as clear PVC to form a so-called “card blank”. Information, such as variable personal information (e.g., photographic information, address, name, document number, etc.), is printed on the card blank using a method such as Dye Diffusion Thermal Transfer (“D2T2”) printing (e.g., as described in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,066,594, which is herein incorporated by reference), laser or inkjet printing, offset printing, etc. The information can, for example, comprise an indicium or indicia, such as the invariant or nonvarying information common to a large number of identification documents, for example the name and logo of the organization issuing the documents.
To protect information printed on a document, an additional layer of transparent overlaminate can be coupled to the document to cover the printed information. Illustrative examples of usable materials for overlaminates include biaxially oriented polyester or other optically clear durable plastic film.
One type of identification document 100 is illustrated with reference to
Of course, there are many other physical structures/materials and other features that can be suitably interchanged for use with the laser engraving techniques described herein. The inventive techniques disclosed in this patent document will similarly benefit these other documents as well.
We disclose herein laser-engraving methods to enhance identification documents.
Lasers (e.g., CO2 or YaG lasers) can be used for marking, writing, bar coding, and engraving many different types of materials, including plastics. Lasers have been used, for example, to mark plastic materials to create indicia such as bar codes, date codes, part numbers, batch codes, and company logos. It will be appreciated that laser engraving or marking generally involves a process of inscribing or engraving a document surface with identification marks, characters, text, tactile marks—including text, patterns, designs (such as decorative or security features), photographs, etc.
One way to laser mark thermoplastic materials involves irradiating a material, such as a thermoplastic, with a laser beam at a given radiation. The area irradiated by the laser absorbs the laser energy and produces heat, which causes a visible discoloration in the thermoplastic. The visible discoloration serves as a “mark” or indicator, and usually appears gray. Lasers can also be focused to burrow through or burn away a material to create a hole or opening.
One inventive color laser engraving method involves providing a card stock including a top surface layer and one or more sub-layers. The sub-layers include various colors and arrangements of inks, dyes or pigments. (The terms “ink,” “dye” and “pigments” are hereafter used interchangeably). We provide openings (e.g., holes) in the surface layer to reveal one or more sub-layers. The openings allow different sub-layer color inks to convey a color image.
A digital watermark can be conveyed in the engraved, color image. For example, one or more digital watermarks are embedded in an image or text. The embedded image or text is used as a master pattern to guide laser engraving. A resulting engraved image or text will include the one or more digital watermarks, since the watermarks are transferred along with the image and text.
In other embodiments, digital watermarks are pre-embedded into a document by changing intensity or luminance of color ink provided in or on a sub-layer. The sub-layer's color changes become evident as openings are created in a surface layer. Changing or removing the digital watermark is difficult since the watermark is physically part of the card through laser engraving. This digital watermark can provide, e.g., an inventory control number for card stock, which is inherently embedded in the card stock and becomes detectable after the laser engraving process. In some implementations our “pre-embedded” watermark is embedded in addition to a watermark conveyed with an engraved image.
One aspect of the invention is a method of digitally watermarking a document that is to receive laser engraving. The method includes: providing one or more sub-layers, the one or more sub-layers to include coloration; providing variations in the coloration in terms of at least one of color intensity and color contrast, the variations conveying a digital watermark including a plural-bit message; and arranging a surface layer over the one or more sub-layers. The digital watermark is machine-readable after laser engraving.
Another aspect of the invention is an identification document. The identification document includes a sub-layer including a plurality of inks arranged in a grouping. The sub-layer includes repeated instances of the grouping. The identification document further includes a surface layer adjacently arranged with the sub-layer. The surface layer obscures at least a majority of the repeated instances of the grouping. The identification document further has a plurality of openings in the surface layer, wherein at least some portions of some of the repeated instances of the grouping are perceptible through the plurality of openings to convey an image or text.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method of color laser engraving a document. The document includes a multi-layer structure including a surface layer and one or more sub-layers. The one or more sub-layers include coloring. The method includes receiving the document; and selectively providing openings in the surface layer with a laser to expose one or more of the sub-layers. The coloring is perceptible through the openings.
The foregoing and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be even more readily apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Multi-Layers
An identification document is provided for laser engraving. The identification document preferably includes a multi-layered structure. For example, with reference to
A laser engraving or ablation process creates openings in the surface layer to selectively reveal coloration on or in the sub-layer. An image or text is conveyed through a collective arrangement of sub-layer colors that are perceptible through a plurality of surface layer openings.
There are many possible arrangements for ink (or more generally, “color”) on a sub-layer.
Color Groupings and Engraving
In a first implementation, as illustrated in
A laser engraves, burns or cuts an opening through a surface layer to reveal a desired sub-pixel. For example, an image (or data representing color of the image), which is used to guide laser engraving, indicates that at column 21, row 8, the pixel should be magenta. The laser creates or burns an opening at that location so that magenta is perceptible through the opening. The laser is preferably focused so as to burn through the surface layer, but not to burn all the way through the color on the sub-layer. In some cases, the surface layer includes an opaque layer over a clear buffering layer. The laser is focused to burn through the opaque layer, but not completely through the clear layer. The size of an opening is varied to control intensity of a sub-pixel (e.g., a larger opening provides more color intensity). A plurality of pixels is activated (e.g., openings are provided above sub-pixels) to convey the image on the identification document.
A plurality of openings can be engraved per pixel. For example, three or more openings can be provided—with each opening being spatially positioned over a sub-pixel.
Related color sub-layer orientations are illustrated in
Instead of occupying separate spatial areas, as shown in
A sub-layer can include a plurality of layers. For example, with reference to
After laser engraving, an identification document is optionally laminated with a transparent material. Lamination helps prevent the laser engraved openings from clogging with debris.
Transfer of Image to Document
Transfer of an image pixel to laser hole(s) size and locations may depend upon the location and configuration of the color sub-layers.
For pixel groupings spatially dispersed over a sub-layer (e.g.
For colors in separate sub-layers separated by depth (e.g.
Alternatively, one implementation uses intensity for color channel selection (e.g., for a
For colors in one sub-layer that are overlapped (e.g.
Objects can be engraved with a single laser, which is controlled to variously engrave an image, text or graphic into an object. In some implementations, a laser is held stationary, while an object is moved relative to the stationary laser. The laser is controlled (turned on and off) as the object is positioned. In other implementations a grating is provided to diffract a laser. That is, a laser is dispersed with the grating to concurrently create multiple openings (
In addition, multiple lasers can be used at once, where power to each laser is separately controlled. Each laser's location/intensity is preferably independently controlled. Optimally, the multiple lasers are in fixed locations and speed the process of transferring an image to an identification document. In a related implementation, we address media (e.g., ID document, engraving surface, etc.) from multiple sides. That is we engrave a media surface from a top surface and a bottom surface. (In this implementation, a sub-layer is preferably sandwiched between a top surface layer and a bottom surface layer.). Color laser engraving is provided to multiple sides (e.g., top and bottom) or multiple surfaces on the media. Color laser engraving of the multiple surfaces can be carried out simultaneously (or concurrently) and/or in sequence (e.g., first a top surface and then a bottom surface).
In an embodiment with multiple laser outputs (diffraction, multi-nozzle or multi-laser), the locations of the lasers are associated with a card sub-layer orientation of color. For example, for circular orientations (e.g.
Orientation and Registration
There are many ways to orientate or register a document for laser engraving. (Remember that the colors are obscured beneath a surface layer.) For example, a few “test” openings can be created to help find or register the colors for laser engraving (e.g., help determine where openings should be placed). For multi-colors on a single sub-layer, a laser can burn a few registration openings to create an orientation signal to align itself with sub-pixels. For example, resulting colors of three holes are used, in connection with a known orientation of CMY sub-pixels, to determine an orientation of the pixels (or columns/rows of pixels). More registration openings will lead to a stronger assurance of registration accuracy. (Some documents include a “test” area. The pixels/sub-pixels are registered to the test area during sub-layer creation. A few openings in the test area are provided to determine an orientation or registration of the document for laser engraving.)
In another implementation, the surface layer includes a small, transparent area. The alignment or positioning of colors is determined or registered through the transparent area. In still further implementations we base our engraving registration off of a visible mark or relative to a printed structure (e.g., lower right hand corner of a photograph). If the printing or sub-layer construction also aligns with the mark or printed structure, registering laser engraving on the same mark or structure helps properly orient the engraving process.
Digital Watermarking
Our color laser engraving techniques can be used to convey a so-called digital watermark.
Digital watermarking technology, a form of steganography, encompasses a great variety of techniques by which plural bits of digital data are hidden in some other object, preferably without leaving human-apparent evidence of alteration. Digital watermarking may be used to modify media content to embed a machine-readable code into the media content. The media may be modified such that the embedded code is imperceptible or nearly imperceptible to the user, yet may be detected through an automated detection process.
A digital watermark can have multiple components, each having different attributes. To name a few, these attributes include function, signal intensity, transform domain of watermark definition (e.g., temporal, spatial, frequency, etc.), location or orientation in host signal, redundancy, level of security (e.g., encrypted or scrambled), etc. The components of the watermark may perform the same or different functions. For example, one component may carry a message, while another component may serve to identify the location or orientation of the watermark. Moreover, different messages may be encoded in different temporal or spatial portions of the host signal, such as different locations in an image or different time frames of audio or video. In some cases, the components are provided through separate watermarks.
The physical manifestation of watermarked information most commonly takes the form of altered signal values, such as slightly changed pixel values, picture luminance, color or color intensity, picture colors, DCT coefficients, instantaneous audio amplitudes, etc. However, a watermark can also be manifested in other ways, such as changes in the surface microtopology of a medium, localized chemical changes (e.g. in photographic emulsions), localized variations in optical density, localized changes in luminance, local changes in contrast, etc. The surface texture of an object may be altered to create a watermark pattern. This may be accomplished by manufacturing an object in a manner that creates a textured surface or by applying material to the surface (e.g., an invisible film or ink) in a subsequent process. Watermarks can also be optically implemented in holograms or embedded in conventional paper watermarks.
Digital watermarking systems typically have two primary components: an embedding component that embeds the watermark in the media content, and a reading component that detects and reads the embedded watermark. The embedding component embeds a watermark pattern by altering data samples of the media content or by tinting as discussed above. The reading component analyzes content to detect whether a watermark pattern is present. In applications where the watermark encodes information, the reading component extracts this information from the detected watermark.
Some techniques for embedding and detecting watermarks in media signals are detailed in the assignee's U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,122,403 and 6,614,914, and in PCT patent application PCT/US02/20832 (published as WO 03/005291), which are each herein incorporated by reference.
Returning to combining our color laser engraving and digital watermarking, a watermark is preferably created according to one of two methods. For example:
For either method, the changes in intensity preferably use standard watermark techniques to carry a data payload, such as based upon modulation of a pseudorandom number (PN) sequence. The watermark payload is preferably unique per card and/or image.
With respect to watermarking method 2 for a multi-sub-layer card (e.g., a card including a separate sub-layer for each color), a separate watermark can be added to each color layer (i.e., each color layer includes a unique watermark). Each watermark layer includes subtle variations, e.g., in color intensity or contrast. The subtle variations are apparent when an image is engraved. Each watermark is preferably robust to errors since much of the color layer may not be visible depending upon the color composition of the image and/or text transferred to the card during engraving.
The method 2 watermarking technique can also be applied to sensitive and color dye pairs for color laser engraving, as described in assignee's U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/330,034, by changing an amount of sensitive and/or color dye to pre-watermark card stock.
A color in a sub-layer may change when hit by the laser, and this change can depend upon the size of the laser-created opening (e.g., intensity of the desired color). Such a change can be accounted for in the creation of a digitally watermarked document. Given a known change in color versus laser intensity function, the function and its inverse or pseudo-inverse can be used to create a base document and adjust laser settings. If changes in color vary upon laser intensity, a solution may requires a matrix operation due to the interaction of the colors, and many such solutions are known in the fields of mathematics and linear systems.
(The method 2 watermarking techniques can also be applied to pre-watermark TV and computer screens. Sub-pixels are provided so as to emit subtly varying intensities of red, green and blue phosphors. The different intensities become evident when hit by an electron gun for a CRT, or excited for an LCD display. A digital watermark signal is conveyed through a predetermined pattern of subtle variations of intensities. Each screen can include a unique pattern of different intensities. The pattern is machine-readable and conveys a unique identifier for its respective screen.)
Of course, the watermark in method 1 can include variable information about the card recipient and/or issuing system since the watermark is created at the time of card production. The watermark in method 2 is static and may include an embedded inventory number (EIN—a.k.a. embedded inventory control number) for the card stock. Since the EIN is inherently part of the card, it increases the security that the EIN cannot be changed later. For example, an ID card printer reads the EIN and verifies that the EIN is valid (i.e. the card is not stolen). The printer can be controlled on the validation determination. Thus, the printer can be limited to print onto only valid card stock. Thus, a counterfeiter cannot pay to use a legitimate printer with stolen card stock. This results in the counterfeiter having to use a different printer, thus reducing quality and increasing cost of counterfeiting. In addition, the EIN can be saved to a log (e.g., remote or local data repository) for auditing and tracking card stock.
Concluding Remarks
The foregoing are just exemplary implementations of the present invention. It will be recognized that there are a great number of variations on these basic themes. The foregoing illustrates but a few applications of the detailed technology. There are many others.
The section headings in this application are provided merely for the reader's convenience, and provide no substantive limitations. Of course, the disclosure under one section heading may be readily combined with the disclosure under another section heading.
To provide a comprehensive disclosure without unduly lengthening this specification, each of the above-mentioned patent documents is herein incorporated by reference. The particular combinations of elements and features in the above-detailed embodiments are exemplary only; the interchanging and substitution of these teachings with other teachings in this application and the incorporated-by-reference patents/applications are also contemplated.
In alternative implementations, black is not achieved with ink; but, rather, a black coloration is created through laser-caused discoloration of a sub-pixel. In other words, segments of the sub-layer can contain no ink, but produce grayish-black coloration when burnt with a laser.
In further alternative implementations, groupings of pixels (e.g.,
While the preferred implementations have been illustrated with respect to an identification document the present invention is not so limited. Indeed, the inventive methods can be applied to other types of objects or media that are suitable to receive laser engraving as well, including, but not limited to: checks, traveler checks, banknotes, legal documents, printed documents, in-mold designs, plastics, product packaging, labels and photographs.
The above-described methods and functionality can be facilitated with computer executable software stored on computer readable media, such as electronic memory circuits, RAM, ROM, magnetic media, optical media, memory sticks, hard disks, removable media, etc., etc. Such software may be stored and executed on a general-purpose computer, electronic processing circuitry or on a server for distributed use. Instead of software, a hardware implementation, or a software-hardware implementation can be used.
It should be appreciated that the terms “ink,” “pigment,” “color” and “dye” are used interchangeably herein to represent a material to achieve a color. In some cases a sub-layer may include a so-called fluorescing ink or dye. These types of ink emit when excited by UV or IR illumination. These fluorescing inks may be suitable interchanged with the ink discussed herein. (Suitable fluorescing ink is provided by, e.g., PhotoSecure in Boston, Mass., USA, such as those sold under the trade name SmartDYE™. Other cross-spectrum inks (e.g., inks which, in response to illumination in one spectrum, activate, transmit or emit in another spectrum) are available, e.g., from Gans Ink and Supply Company in Los Angeles, Calif., USA. Of course other ink or material evidencing the above or similar emission properties can be suitably interchanged herewith. The laser engraved image then only become perceptual with appropriate non-visible illumination through laser engraved openings.
Of course, equipment other than a laser may be used to create an opening, such as micro-drills made in silicon. Chemical processing may also provide selective openings. (We even imaging a photo-resist like process, where a mask identifies areas corresponding to openings. Ultraviolet (UV) light or other curing source is used to cure the surface layer, except for the openings, which are washed open—revealing the coloration of the sub-layer below. In a related implementation, a mask covers document areas—except for openings. A Chemical is applied to the document, eating away areas corresponding only to the unmasked openings.).
In view of the wide variety of embodiments to which the principles and features discussed above can be applied, it should be apparent that the detailed embodiments are illustrative only and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. Rather, we claim as our invention all such modifications as may come within the scope and spirit of the following claims and equivalents thereof.
The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/456,677, filed Mar. 21, 2003. The present application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 10/613,913, filed Jul. 3, 2003 (published as U.S. 2004-0125983A1) and Ser. No. 10/330,034, filed Dec. 24, 2002 (published as U.S. 2003-0234292A1). The Ser. No. 10/613,913 application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/553,084 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,590,996). Each of the above patent documents is herein incorporated by reference.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
3153166 | Thornton, Jr. et al. | Oct 1964 | A |
3413171 | Hannon | Nov 1968 | A |
3582439 | Thomas | Jun 1971 | A |
3614839 | Thomas | Oct 1971 | A |
3758970 | Annenberg | Sep 1973 | A |
3860558 | Klemchuk | Jan 1975 | A |
3975291 | Claussen et al. | Aug 1976 | A |
4035740 | Schafer et al. | Jul 1977 | A |
4051374 | Drexhage et al. | Sep 1977 | A |
4072911 | Walther et al. | Feb 1978 | A |
4096015 | Kawamata et al. | Jun 1978 | A |
4100509 | Walther et al. | Jul 1978 | A |
4131337 | Moraw et al. | Dec 1978 | A |
4171766 | Ruell | Oct 1979 | A |
4256900 | Raue | Mar 1981 | A |
4271395 | Brinkmann et al. | Jun 1981 | A |
4274062 | Brinkmann et al. | Jun 1981 | A |
4289957 | Neyroud et al. | Sep 1981 | A |
4301091 | Schieder et al. | Nov 1981 | A |
4304809 | Moraw et al. | Dec 1981 | A |
4313984 | Moraw et al. | Feb 1982 | A |
4317782 | Eckstein et al. | Mar 1982 | A |
4324421 | Moraw et al. | Apr 1982 | A |
4326066 | Eckstein et al. | Apr 1982 | A |
4338258 | Brinkwerth et al. | Jul 1982 | A |
4356052 | Moraw et al. | Oct 1982 | A |
4384973 | Harnisch | May 1983 | A |
4467209 | Maurer et al. | Aug 1984 | A |
4468468 | Benninghoven et al. | Aug 1984 | A |
4507346 | Maurer et al. | Mar 1985 | A |
4510311 | Eckstein | Apr 1985 | A |
4523777 | Holbein et al. | Jun 1985 | A |
4527059 | Benninghoven et al. | Jul 1985 | A |
4544181 | Maurer et al. | Oct 1985 | A |
4551265 | Brinkwerth et al. | Nov 1985 | A |
4579754 | Maurer et al. | Apr 1986 | A |
4596409 | Holbein et al. | Jun 1986 | A |
4597592 | Maurer et al. | Jul 1986 | A |
4597593 | Maurer | Jul 1986 | A |
4621271 | Brownstein | Nov 1986 | A |
4629215 | Maurer et al. | Dec 1986 | A |
4653775 | Raphael et al. | Mar 1987 | A |
4654290 | Spanjer | Mar 1987 | A |
4663518 | Borror et al. | May 1987 | A |
4670882 | Telle et al. | Jun 1987 | A |
4672891 | Maurer et al. | Jun 1987 | A |
4675746 | Tetrick et al. | Jun 1987 | A |
4687526 | Wilfert | Aug 1987 | A |
4711690 | Haghiri-Tehrani | Dec 1987 | A |
4732410 | Holbein et al. | Mar 1988 | A |
4735670 | Maurer et al. | Apr 1988 | A |
4738949 | Sethi et al. | Apr 1988 | A |
4748452 | Maurer | May 1988 | A |
4751525 | Robinson | Jun 1988 | A |
4754128 | Takeda et al. | Jun 1988 | A |
4765656 | Becker et al. | Aug 1988 | A |
4766026 | Lass et al. | Aug 1988 | A |
4803114 | Schledorn | Feb 1989 | A |
4816372 | Schenk et al. | Mar 1989 | A |
4816374 | Lecompte | Mar 1989 | A |
4822973 | Fahner et al. | Apr 1989 | A |
4889749 | Ohashi et al. | Dec 1989 | A |
4894110 | Lass et al. | Jan 1990 | A |
4959406 | Foltin et al. | Sep 1990 | A |
4968063 | McConville et al. | Nov 1990 | A |
4999065 | Wilfter | Mar 1991 | A |
5005872 | Lass et al. | Apr 1991 | A |
5024989 | Chiang et al. | Jun 1991 | A |
5060981 | Fossum et al. | Oct 1991 | A |
5061341 | Kildal et al. | Oct 1991 | A |
5100711 | Satake et al. | Mar 1992 | A |
5122813 | Lass et al. | Jun 1992 | A |
5128779 | Mallik | Jul 1992 | A |
5138070 | Berneth | Aug 1992 | A |
5138604 | Umeda et al. | Aug 1992 | A |
5156938 | Foley et al. | Oct 1992 | A |
5157424 | Craven et al. | Oct 1992 | A |
5169707 | Faykish et al. | Dec 1992 | A |
5215864 | Laakmann | Jun 1993 | A |
5216543 | Calhoun | Jun 1993 | A |
5234890 | Burberry et al. | Aug 1993 | A |
5240900 | Burberry | Aug 1993 | A |
5261987 | Luening et al. | Nov 1993 | A |
5289547 | Ligas et al. | Feb 1994 | A |
5294774 | Stone | Mar 1994 | A |
5298922 | Merkle et al. | Mar 1994 | A |
5304789 | Lob et al. | Apr 1994 | A |
5337361 | Wang et al. | Aug 1994 | A |
5393099 | D'Amato | Feb 1995 | A |
5421619 | Dyball | Jun 1995 | A |
5449200 | Andric et al. | Sep 1995 | A |
5454598 | Wicker | Oct 1995 | A |
5474875 | Loerzer et al. | Dec 1995 | A |
5489639 | Faber et al. | Feb 1996 | A |
5509693 | Kohls | Apr 1996 | A |
5523125 | Kennedy et al. | Jun 1996 | A |
5529345 | Kohls | Jun 1996 | A |
5550346 | Andriash et al. | Aug 1996 | A |
5576377 | El Sayed et al. | Nov 1996 | A |
5585017 | James et al. | Dec 1996 | A |
5633119 | Burberry et al. | May 1997 | A |
5639819 | Farkas et al. | Jun 1997 | A |
5671005 | McNay et al. | Sep 1997 | A |
5698296 | Dotson | Dec 1997 | A |
5717018 | Magerstedt et al. | Feb 1998 | A |
5719667 | Miers | Feb 1998 | A |
5745308 | Spangenberg | Apr 1998 | A |
5768001 | Kelley et al. | Jun 1998 | A |
5769301 | Hebert et al. | Jun 1998 | A |
5795643 | Steininger et al. | Aug 1998 | A |
5801857 | Heckenkamp et al. | Sep 1998 | A |
5815292 | Walters | Sep 1998 | A |
5816619 | Schaede | Oct 1998 | A |
5824715 | Hayashihara et al. | Oct 1998 | A |
5840791 | Magerstedt et al. | Nov 1998 | A |
5841886 | Rhoads | Nov 1998 | A |
5844685 | Gontin | Dec 1998 | A |
5853955 | Towfiq | Dec 1998 | A |
5855969 | Robertson | Jan 1999 | A |
5866644 | Mercx et al. | Feb 1999 | A |
5867199 | Knox et al. | Feb 1999 | A |
5872627 | Miers | Feb 1999 | A |
5895074 | Chess et al. | Apr 1999 | A |
5936986 | Cantatore et al. | Aug 1999 | A |
5944356 | Bergmann et al. | Aug 1999 | A |
5965242 | Patton et al. | Oct 1999 | A |
5973842 | Spangenberg | Oct 1999 | A |
5977514 | Feng et al. | Nov 1999 | A |
6007929 | Robertson et al. | Dec 1999 | A |
6017972 | Harris et al. | Jan 2000 | A |
6022905 | Harris et al. | Feb 2000 | A |
6028134 | Zhang et al. | Feb 2000 | A |
6036807 | Brongers | Mar 2000 | A |
6037102 | Loerzer et al. | Mar 2000 | A |
6042249 | Spangenberg | Mar 2000 | A |
6054170 | Chess et al. | Apr 2000 | A |
6066594 | Gunn et al. | May 2000 | A |
6075223 | Harrison | Jun 2000 | A |
6086971 | Haas et al. | Jul 2000 | A |
6107010 | Corniglion et al. | Aug 2000 | A |
6110864 | Lu | Aug 2000 | A |
6122403 | Rhoads | Sep 2000 | A |
6127475 | Vollenberg et al. | Oct 2000 | A |
6143852 | Harrison et al. | Nov 2000 | A |
6165687 | Reele | Dec 2000 | A |
6169266 | Hughes | Jan 2001 | B1 |
6179338 | Bergmann et al. | Jan 2001 | B1 |
6207344 | Ramlow et al. | Mar 2001 | B1 |
6214916 | Mercx et al. | Apr 2001 | B1 |
6214917 | Linzmeir et al. | Apr 2001 | B1 |
6221552 | Street et al. | Apr 2001 | B1 |
6238840 | Hirayama et al. | May 2001 | B1 |
6291551 | Kniess et al. | Sep 2001 | B1 |
6302444 | Cobben | Oct 2001 | B1 |
6313436 | Harrison | Nov 2001 | B1 |
6326128 | Telser et al. | Dec 2001 | B1 |
6372394 | Zientek | Apr 2002 | B1 |
6400386 | No et al. | Jun 2002 | B1 |
6413687 | Hattori et al. | Jul 2002 | B1 |
6444068 | Koops et al. | Sep 2002 | B1 |
6446865 | Holt et al. | Sep 2002 | B1 |
6475588 | Schottland et al. | Nov 2002 | B1 |
6614914 | Rhoads et al. | Sep 2003 | B1 |
6712397 | Mayer et al. | Mar 2004 | B1 |
6752432 | Richardson | Jun 2004 | B1 |
6794115 | Telser et al. | Sep 2004 | B2 |
6827283 | Kappe et al. | Dec 2004 | B2 |
6888853 | Jurgensen | May 2005 | B1 |
6986926 | Fannasch et al. | Jan 2006 | B2 |
7198302 | Fannasch et al. | Apr 2007 | B1 |
20020018430 | Heckenkamp et al. | Feb 2002 | A1 |
20020027359 | Cobben et al. | Mar 2002 | A1 |
20020146549 | Kranenburg-Van Dijk et al. | Oct 2002 | A1 |
20030117262 | Anderegg et al. | Jun 2003 | A1 |
20030141358 | Hudson et al. | Jul 2003 | A1 |
20030178487 | Rogers | Sep 2003 | A1 |
20030178495 | Jones et al. | Sep 2003 | A1 |
20030189098 | Tsikos et al. | Oct 2003 | A1 |
20030234286 | Labrec et al. | Dec 2003 | A1 |
20040011874 | Theodossiou et al. | Jan 2004 | A1 |
20040076310 | Hersch et al. | Apr 2004 | A1 |
20040245346 | Haddock | Dec 2004 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country |
---|---|---|
190997 | Aug 1986 | EP |
697433 | Feb 1996 | EP |
1088318 | Oct 1967 | GB |
2132136 | Jul 1984 | GB |
2240948 | Aug 1991 | GB |
WO 8905730 | Jun 1989 | WO |
WO 9116722 | Oct 1991 | WO |
WO 9412352 | Jun 1994 | WO |
WO 9635585 | Nov 1996 | WO |
WO9701446 | Jan 1997 | WO |
WO 9716318 | May 1997 | WO |
WO 9748016 | Dec 1997 | WO |
WO 9819868 | May 1998 | WO |
WO9819869 | May 1998 | WO |
WO 0043214 | Jul 2000 | WO |
WO0043216 | Jul 2000 | WO |
WO0045344 | Aug 2000 | WO |
WO 0078554 | Dec 2000 | WO |
WO 0100719 | Jan 2001 | WO |
WO 0145559 | Jun 2001 | WO |
WO 0242371 | May 2002 | WO |
WO03055684 | Jul 2003 | WO |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20050001419 A1 | Jan 2005 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
60456677 | Mar 2003 | US |