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| United States Patent |
6,433,302
|
|
Miller
, et al.
|
August 13, 2002
|
Method and apparatus for marking containers using laser light
Abstract
A portion or component of a metal container is provided with markings or
indicia using laser light. High-speed laser steering is used to position
laser light or laser light pulses across a lateral and longitudinal extent
in a relatively short time period such as a time period selected so as to
avoid slowing, stopping or otherwise interfering with other container or
container component production processes. Preferably, tab stock for
container-opening tabs can be provided with 6 to 9 or more visible
characters within a time window of 50 to 100 milliseconds or less.
Preferably, the size and resolution provided by the pulses are sufficient
to permit legible, and preferably attractive, formation of any standard
typewriter characters. In one embodiment, other logos, designs, textures,
backgrounds and similar features can be provided.
| Inventors:
|
Miller; Timothy J. (Winter Park, FL);
Miller; Edward C. (Broomfield, CO)
|
| Assignee:
|
Ball Corporation (Broomfield, CO)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
564429 |
| Filed:
|
May 4, 2000 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
219/121.68; 219/121.78 |
| Intern'l Class: |
B23K 026/08 |
| Field of Search: |
219/121.68,121.69,121.78,121.79,121.81,121.82,121.83
|
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|
Other References
U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 08/069,200; Jendick; filed Apr. 29, 1998
(RE34837).
|
Primary Examiner: Heinrich; Samuel M.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Sheridan Ross P.C.
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