# US 8,540,285 B1 · Chemical etched two dimensional matrix symbols and method and process for making same

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- Number: US 8,540,285 B1
- Document ID: US8540285B1
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B1
- Application number: 13/323,012
- Filed: 2011-12-12
- Granted: 2013-09-24
- Earliest claimed: 2008-05-12
- Assignees: Texas Nameplate Company, Inc.
- Applicants: Roy Dale Crownover
- Inventors: Roy Dale Crownover
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8540285B1

## CPC

- B41M 3/001: {using chemical colour-formers or chemical reactions, e.g. leuco dyes or acids}
- B42D 25/43: by removal of material
- C23F 1/02: Local etching
- G06K 19/06121: {the marking having been punched or cut out, e.g. a barcode machined in a metal work-piece}
- G06K 19/06037: {multi-dimensional coding}
- B41M: PRINTING, DUPLICATING, MARKING, OR COPYING PROCESSES; COLOUR PRINTING, (correction of typographical errors B41J; processes for applying transfer pictures or the like B44C1/16; fluid media for correction of typographical errors by coating C09D10/00; printing textiles D06P)
- B42D: BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
- C23F: NON-MECHANICAL REMOVAL OF METALLIC MATERIAL FROM SURFACE (working metal by laser beams B23K26/00; desurfacing by applying flames B23K7/00; working of metal by electro-erosion B23H; producing decorative effects by removing surface material, e.g. by engraving, by etching, B44C1/22; electrolytic etching or polishing C25F); INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL; MULTI-STEP PROCESSES FOR SURFACE TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL INVOLVING AT LEAST ONE PROCESS PROVIDED FOR IN CLASS C23 AND AT LEAST ONE PROCESS COVERED BY SUBCLASS C21D OR C22F OR CLASS C25
- G06K: GRAPHICAL DATA READING (image or video recognition or understanding G06V); PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS

## Abstract

A chemically etched two dimensional matrix symbol is provided on a substrate. The substrate may be metal or plastic. A process is described for forming a plurality of two dimensional matrix symbols at the same time in batches. The two dimensional data matrix symbol includes a substrate, a plurality of grooves and a plurality of raised areas, and a plurality of ink spots disposed in the grooves according to a predefined code. The matrix is readable by a scanning device.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method of forming a two-dimensional matrix symbol on a metal substrate, the method comprising:
forming, on the metal substrate, a plurality of grooves and a plurality of raised areas relative to the grooves;
chemically bonding ink to the metal substrate in the plurality of grooves to form a non-human-readable two-dimensional matrix arrangement that fits within a square of 0.25 inches per side;
wherein the non-human-readable two-dimensional matrix arrangement is configurable to convey 200 alphanumeric characters; and
wherein the non-human-readable two-dimensional matrix arrangement is readable by a computer.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein a plurality of the two-dimensional matrix symbols are simultaneously chemically bonded to the metal substrate in a batch process.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the ink is black.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the two-dimensional matrix symbol is an Item Unique Identification (IUID) symbol.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the computer comprises a scanning device.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the computer converts the non-human-readable two-dimensional matrix arrangement into human readable characters.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the two-dimensional matrix symbol on the metal substrate remain unaltered under harsh environmental conditions for a lifetime of equipment to which it is attached.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the ink is blue.