US 8,094,027 B2Granted

Method for molding an object containing a radio frequency identification tag

AssigneeAbbott Laboratories

InventorTahua Yang

Life of this patent

Estimating the term…

Loading patent…

Abstract

A method for applying a radio frequency identification tag to an object, e.g., a container, by means of an insert molding process or in-mold decorating process. Such a method can be utilized to simplify the manufacturing processes for applying a radio frequency identification tag to an object, e.g., a container. The molding process can be a conventional molding process, such as, for example, injection molding, blow molding, compression molding, transfer molding, and rotational molding. However, the conventional molding process is modified by inserting a radio frequency identification tag into the cavity of the mold prior to forming the molded article. The modified molding process results in a molded article having a radio frequency identification tag encapsulated by the polymeric material of the molded article.

Claims12

Dependent claims

A method for attaching a RFID tag to a container for use in an automated diagnostic analyzer, the process comprises the steps of:

(a) providing a roll of adhesive coated composite film, the adhesive coated composite film comprising a polymeric backing, a layer of release liner, and a layer of radiation-curable adhesive between the polymeric backing and the layer of release liner, one major surface of the layer of radiation-curable adhesive being in face-to-face contact with one major surface of the polymeric backing and the other major surface of the layer of radiation-curable adhesive being in face-to-face contact with one major surface of the release liner;
(b) forming a part from the adhesive coated composite film for bearing a radio frequency identification tag, the part formed by means or thermoforming;
(c) removing the layer of release liner from the thermoformed part;
(d) providing a roll comprising a plurality of radio frequency identification tags, the radio frequency identification tags in face-to-face contact with a layer of protective film;
(e) at least partially embedding the radio frequency identification tags in the radiation-curable adhesive of the thermoformed part;
(f) fixing the radio frequency identification tag by means of a radiation curing process to form an assembly comprising a layer of polymeric backing, radio frequency identification tags, and a layer of protective film;
(g) cutting the assembly in step (f) by means of a cutting apparatus to form an assembly comprising a polymeric backing, a single radio frequency identification tag, and a layer of protective film;
(h) molding an article in a mold and attaching the radio frequency identification tag to the molded container in the mold;
and
(i) releasing the molded article to which the radio frequency identification tag is attached from the mold.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 11/960,149Filed 19 Dec 2007
Published: US 2011/0297306 A18 Dec 2011
Granted: 10 Jan 2012
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification31 codes

B29C 45/14221
The inserts being deformed or preformed, e.g. by the injection pressure: by tools, e.g. cutting means
B29C 45/14008
Incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles: inserting articles into the mould
B29C 45/14836
Incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles: preventing damage of inserts during…
B29C 51/10
Shaping by thermoforming , i.e. shaping sheets or sheet like preforms after heating, e.g. shaping sheets in matched moulds or by deep-drawing;…:…