This invention relates to an apparatus and method for applying writings and other markings to a frozen vial or ampoule, which is filled with biological material, and which is held at temperatures between about 70 C. and about 196 C. More particularly, the invention relates to a laser marking method that allows frozen vials to be labeled, while maintaining the integrity of the biological material contained therein.

Disclosed subject matter relates to image processing that includes a method for marking content on a surface of an object using laser. A transformation identification computing device receives an input image of the object and extracts data corresponding to region of interest in the input image. The extracted data is compared with extracted template data corresponding to regions of interest present in template images of one of one or more template objects. A transformation in position of the object with respect to the position of the one of the one or more template objects is determined, based on the comparison. Finally, an inverse of the transformation is applied to content data that is to be marked at a desired location within the region of interest of the object. The present disclosure analyses the images at a sub-pixel level based on machine learning approach to determine transformation.

The present invention relates to pigments based on bismuth compounds and to the use thereof, preferably as laser-absorbing additive, and to a process for the preparation thereof.

The present invention relates to printed hook components for hook and loop mechanical fasteners, and other components such as on diaper chassis and other personal hygiene articles, and methods for making the same. The hook component comprises an organic polymer, a laser-sensitive agent, and a laser-induced print on the hook component created by the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with the laser-sensitive agent. The hook component can be used in a variety of applications, including mechanical fastening devices for personal hygiene articles such as diapers, adult incontinence pads, and medical gowns.

This disclosure includes a system and method for producing a back-lit color laser image, and an identity document using this method and back lighting system. The body of the identity document may be transparent. In various implementations, the light back-lights the color laser image which may be formed of sub-pixels partly covered by non-reflective surfaces in the protective layer. The light may enter through tiny holes in decorative patterns on the reverse side of the document. Various implementations may find particular applications for identity cards, credit cards, passports, driving licences, secure entry badges, etc.

A method for the transformation of material (e.g. plastic material) into an optically modulating state via laser radiation is described. The optically modulating state may be a state in which light is emitted at a different wavelength than it is absorbed. The plastic material to may be a thermoplastic or elastomeric material, or an organic polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate and polycycloolefin. The laser radiation may comprise the application of an amount of energy of about 0.1 nJoule/m.sup.2 to about 100 Joule/m.sup.2 and/or may comprise a radiation of a wavelength of about 355 nm to about 1064 nm. The optically modulating state of the plastic material may absorb light in a wavelength spectrum of about 380 nm to about 540 nm and/or a wavelength spectrum of about 635 nm to about 655 nm. The optically modulating state of the plastic material may emit light in a wavelength spectrum of about 550 nm to about 800 nm. The transformation of the plastic material may comprise the generation of optically modulating elements on the surface of said plastic material, selected from the group comprising geometrical forms, geometrical pattern, spots, dots, lines, circles, squares, characters, symbols, drawings, barcode and datamatrixcode. The material may be used as component for the manufacture of a device, microfluidic device, system, cartridge or instrument. Based on the employment of the material the usability of a device or system and/or of any procedure, function or method carried out with it or in it may be determined and/or controlled.

A process of forming an identification marking within article formed from an at least partially optically transparent material for identification and validation, said process including the steps of (i) forming an indicia with an at least partially optically transparent material by way of subsurface laser engraving (SSLE); and (ii) forming a plurality of defects within or adjacent indicia within said at least partially optically transparent material resultant of the step of forming the indicia and from localized heating and irregularities in said at least partially optically transparent material, wherein said plurality of defects forms said identification marking.

A laser irradiation apparatus includes: multiple irradiation units each to emit a laser beam to a surface of a base to form a pattern, the multiple irradiation units, including: a first irradiation unit to emit a first laser beam; and a second irradiation unit to emit a second laser beam; and a circuitry to: control the first irradiation unit to irradiate only a first irradiation region on a surface of a base with the first laser beam; and control the second irradiation unit to irradiate only a second irradiation region on the surface of the base with the second laser beam. The first irradiation region and the second irradiation region are not overlapping each other.

A colour laser markable laminate includes a colour laser markable layer including a leuco dye and an infrared absorbing compound, an optional adhesive layer, a polymeric support, an optional outerlayer, wherein the colour laser markable layer further includes an acid scavenger. The support, the optional adhesive layer, or the optional outer layer includes a UV absorbing compound.

Disclosed are fibers which contain identification fibers. The identification fibers can contain a one or more of chemical markers and one or more distinct features, or taggants, which may vary among the fibers or be incorporated throughout all of the fibers. The chemical markers and distinct features can be representative of specific supply chain information. The supply chain information can be used to track the fibers from manufacturing through intermediaries, conversion to final product, and/or the consumer. The disclosed embodiments also relate to the method for making and characterizing the fibers. Characterization of the fibers can include identifying chemical markers and distinct features and correlating the chemical markers and distinct features to manufacturer-specific taggants to determine supply chain information.