Polymeric members and methods for marking polymeric members
AssigneeInguran, LLC
InventorsJohnathan Charles Sharpe, Thomas B. Gilligan, Richard W. Lenz, Juan F. Moreno
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Abstract
Generally, polymeric members and laser marking methods for producing visible marks on polymeric members, such as on thin and/or curved surfaces. The laser marking methods can include methods of laser marking straws with the step of matching laser source properties to the properties of straws being marked or with the step of laser marking straws having photochromic dyes.
Claims22
1-28. (canceled)
A method of marking a polymeric member, comprising the steps of:
- a) defining a marking plane on the surface of a polymeric member, the polymeric member being formed from a polymeric matrix containing a photochromic dye, the photochromic dye having an activate state and an inactivated state;
- b) matching a laser source with an electromagnetic radiation absorbance property of the photochromic dye in the activate state;
- c) activating the photochromic dye within the polymeric member;
- d) generating a laser beam having a fluence within a fixed dimensional boundary of a beam spot;
- and
- e) focusing the laser beam spot at a plurality of pixel locations to produce a visible mark on the marking plane of the polymeric member while the photochromic dye is in the activated state.
A polymeric member for containing a biological material, the polymeric member comprising:
- an axial body defining an axial passage between a pair of body ends, the axial body comprising a polymeric matrix and having an exterior surface, an interior surface and a thickness between the exterior surface and the interior surface, wherein the thickness between the exterior surface and the interior surface is between about 0.1 mm and about 0.2 mm;
- and
- a laser etched mark on the exterior surface of the axial body, wherein the polymeric member remains unwarped and impermeable.
A polymeric member for containing a biological material, the polymeric member comprising:
- a. an axial body defining an axial passage between a pair of body ends, the axial body having an exterior surface and being formed from a polymeric matrix including a photochromic dye;
- and
- b. the photochromic dye selected to change the color in visible light and/or ultraviolet light;
- and
- c. a laser etched mark on the exterior surface of the axial body, wherein the polymeric member remains unwarped and impermeable.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.