US 6,784,796 B2 · Magnetic vector field tag and seal

Abstract

One or more magnets are placed in a container (preferably on objects inside the container) and the magnetic field strength and vector direction are measured with a magnetometer from at least one location near the container to provide the container with a magnetic vector field tag and seal. The location(s) of the magnetometer relative to the container are also noted. If the position of any magnet inside the container changes, then the measured vector fields at the these locations also change, indicating that the tag has been removed, the seal has broken, and therefore that the container and objects inside may have been tampered with. A hollow wheel with magnets inside may also provide a similar magnetic vector field tag and seal. As the wheel turns, the magnets tumble randomly inside, removing the tag and breaking the seal.

Claims21

Dependent claims

A method for providing a container that contains one or more objects with a magnetic vector field tag and seal, comprising the steps of:

(a) placing a magnetometer at a first location relative to the container;
(b) placing at least one magnet inside the container, the magnet providing a measurable magnetic field strength and vector direction at the first location of the magnetometer;
(c) measuring the magnetic field strength and vector direction at the first location using the magnetometer to provide the container with a magnetic vector field tag and seal;
and
(d) removing the magnetometer.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Magnetic vector field tag and seal

Life of this patent

Magnetic vector field tag and seal

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims21