Method and apparatus for encoding data on a work piece
OwnerLarry J. Costainventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for encoding data on a work piece. The method includes engraving a plurality of first features (e.g., circular features) on the work piece, wherein the plurality of first features are arranged in a first pattern. The method also includes engraving a plurality of second features (e.g., rings) on the work piece within a selected one of the plurality of first features. The plurality of second features are arranged in a second pattern according to a data encoding schema such as binary code or code 39.
Claims15
An engraving tool for encoding data on a work piece, comprising:
- an elongated shaft extending along a shaft axis between a first end portion and a second end portion;
- and
- one or more cutting edges disposed on the second end portion, selected ones of the one or more cutting edges including a plurality of notches arranged to form a pattern on a work piece according to a data encoding schema when the one or more cutting edges are moved against the work piece.
An engraving tool for encoding data on a work piece, comprising:
- an elongated shaft extending along a shaft axis between a first end portion and a second end portion;
- and
- one or more cutting edges disposed on the second end portion and arranged with respect to the shaft axis, whereby the one or more cutting edges form a concave feature when rotated against the work piece;
- selected ones of the one or more cutting edges including a plurality of notches arranged to form a pattern within the concave feature according to a data encoding schema.
An engraving tool for encoding data on a work piece, comprising:
- an indexable drill body extending along a drill body axis;
- and
- an encoded cutting insert carried by the indexable drill body, the encoded cutting insert including multiple cutting edges, wherein at least one of the multiple cutting edges includes a plurality of notches arranged to form a pattern on a work piece according to a data encoding schema when the at least one of the multiple cutting edges is moved against the work piece.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.