Flexible ferromagnetic marker for the detection of objects having markers secured thereto
First Claim
1. A marker adapted for use in an electromagnetic article surveillance system wherein said marker generates a detectable signal related to an alternating electromagnetic field applied within an interrogation zone, said marker comprisingan elongated section of a ferromagnetic amorphous metal having a ratio of length to square root of cross-sectional area of at least 150, sealed on all major surfaces between cover layers of substantially continuous and flexible polymeric material in the range of 0.025 to 0.3 mm thick, said polymeric material exhibiting at temperatures up to 85°
- C. a rate of water-vapor transmission and degrees of hydrolytic stability and puncture resistance sufficient to enable the marker to be subjected to at least fifty commercial laundrying cycles without appreciable change in those parameters, while also having a high degree of conformability and drapeability so as to enable the marker to be affixed to or inserted in cloth of fabric articles without appreciable stiffening of the articles.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A marker adapted to be used with cloth or fabric articles to enable the detection thereof in an electromagnetic article surveillance system within which the marker generates a detectable signal related to an alternating electromagnetic field applied within an interrogation zone, wherein the marker comprises an elongated strip of amorphous ferromagnetic ribbon sealed on all major surfaces within flexible polymeric cover layers having a low rate of water vapor transmission, and a high degree of thermal stability, puncture resistance and conformability, such that the articles having the marker included therein may be subjected to repeated flexing and high temperature and humidity conditions such as encountered in commercial laundry operations without affecting the magnetic properties of the marker, while also not appreciably stiffening the article itself, thus being readily attached to or concealed therein.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. A marker adapted for use in an electromagnetic article surveillance system wherein said marker generates a detectable signal related to an alternating electromagnetic field applied within an interrogation zone, said marker comprising
an elongated section of a ferromagnetic amorphous metal having a ratio of length to square root of cross-sectional area of at least 150, sealed on all major surfaces between cover layers of substantially continuous and flexible polymeric material in the range of 0.025 to 0.3 mm thick, said polymeric material exhibiting at temperatures up to 85° - C. a rate of water-vapor transmission and degrees of hydrolytic stability and puncture resistance sufficient to enable the marker to be subjected to at least fifty commercial laundrying cycles without appreciable change in those parameters, while also having a high degree of conformability and drapeability so as to enable the marker to be affixed to or inserted in cloth of fabric articles without appreciable stiffening of the articles.
- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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10. An article adapted to be readily detected in an electromagnetic article surveillance system. said article comprising a flexible cloth or fabric construction and having affixed thereto a marker which generates a detectable signal related to an alternating electromagnetic field produced by said system within an interrogation zone, said marker being in the form of an elongated section of a ferromagnetic amorphous metal having a ratio of length to square root of cross-sectional area of at least 150 and, sealed on all major surfaces between cover layers of substantially continuous and flexible polymeric material in the range of 0.025 to 0.3 mm thick, said polymeric material exhibiting at temperatures up to 85°
- C. a rate of water vapor transmission and degrees of hydrolytic stability and puncture resistance sufficient to enable the marker to be subjected to at least fifty commercial laundrying cycles without appreciable change in those parameters, while also having a high degree of conformability and drapeability so as to avoid appreciable stiffening of the article.
- View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24)
Specification