Abstract: Embodiments of an ultrashort pulse laser marking apparatus for forming indelible identifiers on discreet consumable articles, and corresponding methods, are disclosed. An ultrashort pulse laser transmission element of the apparatus is configured to transmit a beam of laser energy toward a marking zone to form an optically-readable indelible identifier on discrete consumable articles. The beam may have a pulse duration less than 10 picosecond, and a wavelength of less than 1.5 microns. The consumable articles may comprise a photoreactive pigment configured to undergo a color change upon exposure to the beam of laser energy, and the indelible identifier may be defined by the color change. Alternatively or in addition, the optical readability may be at least in part by way of a primary pattern reflected light intensity being distinguishable from a baseline reflected light intensity or from a secondary reflected light intensity from a viewpoint outward of the article.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus, system and method for facilitating the tracking of consumable pharmaceutical articles are disclosed. A marking apparatus is configured to apply unique indelible identifiers to pharmaceutical articles at the point-of-sale. The indelible identifiers on the articles are visually or electronically readable to allow each respective article to be traced with respect to its manufacturer, prescribing physician, patient to whom it was prescribed, dispensing location, expiration date, dosage, or some combination thereof. An associated system and method may involve the provision of a remote database element configured to be in network communication between the marking apparatus, manufacturer, distributor, prescriber, dispensing location, scanning tool, or some combination thereof. The indelible identifier may initially be generated by the apparatus and then obtained and recorded by the remote database element.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method and system for applying patterns on the surfaces of articles and inspecting the patterns are disclosed. A laser irradiation system has a laser transmission element, irradiation zone and irradiation inspection element. A set of articles is positioned within the irradiation zone and irradiated with laser energy from the transmission element during an irradiation period. The irradiation causes interactions between a beam and the article surfaces which transiently generate localized illuminations at the article surfaces during the interactions. The interactions also collectively form post-irradiation patterns in the article surfaces that persist after the interactions. An irradiation inspection image of the irradiation zone is captured during the irradiation period by the irradiation inspection element. The irradiation inspection image includes illumination patterns defined by the localized illuminations.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus, system and method for facilitating the tracking of consumable pharmaceutical articles are disclosed. A marking apparatus is configured to apply unique indelible identifiers to pharmaceutical articles at the point-of-sale. The indelible identifiers on the articles are visually or electronically readable to allow each respective article to be traced with respect to its manufacturer, prescribing physician, patient to whom it was prescribed, dispensing location, expiration date, dosage, or some combination thereof. An associated system and method may involve the provision of a remote database element configured to be in network communication between the marking apparatus, manufacturer, distributor, prescriber, dispensing location, scanning tool, or some combination thereof. The indelible identifier may initially be generated by the apparatus and then obtained and recorded by the remote database element.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus, system and method for facilitating the tracking of consumable pharmaceutical articles are disclosed. A marking apparatus is configured to apply unique indelible identifiers to pharmaceutical articles at the point-of-sale. The indelible identifiers on the articles are visually or electronically readable to allow each respective article to be traced with respect to its manufacturer, prescribing physician, patient to whom it was prescribed, dispensing location, expiration date, dosage, or some combination thereof. An associated system and method may involve the provision of a remote database element configured to be in network communication between the marking apparatus, manufacturer, distributor, prescriber, dispensing location, scanning tool, or some combination thereof. The indelible identifier may initially be generated by the apparatus and then obtained and recorded by the remote database element.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus, system and method for facilitating the tracking of consumable pharmaceutical articles are disclosed. A marking apparatus is configured to apply unique indelible identifiers to pharmaceutical articles at the point-of-sale. The indelible identifiers on the articles are visually or electronically readable to allow each respective article to be traced with respect to its manufacturer, prescribing physician, patient to whom it was prescribed, dispensing location, expiration date, dosage, or some combination thereof. An associated system and method may involve the provision of a remote database element configured to be in network communication between the marking apparatus, manufacturer, distributor, prescriber, dispensing location, scanning tool, or some combination thereof. The indelible identifier may initially be generated by the apparatus and then obtained and recorded by the remote database element.

Abstract: A laser capsule marking system and method may comprise at least two indexing wheels, a feeding mechanism, a laser marker, a first inspection system, a rejection subsystem, a reject verification sensor, and a collection device. The wheels are coaxial and have respective circumferential peripheries with multiple open pockets distributed thereabout. Each pocket is configured to releasably receive a pharmaceutical capsule doped with pigment particles reactive to laser light. The indexing wheels are configured to be incrementally rotated in alternating indexing fashion for transporting discrete arrays of respective pockets through a loading zone, an inspection zone, a marking zone, a reject zone, and an unloading zone. An actuatable reject block may be provided to simultaneously blow a rejected capsule from its pocket, and draw it in for transport to a rejection bin. Each circumferential periphery may be comprised of multiple arcuate shoes removably and replaceably secured to their respective indexing wheel.

Abstract: A laser capsule marking system and method may comprise at least two indexing wheels, a feeding mechanism, a laser marker, a first inspection system, a rejection subsystem, a reject verification sensor, and a collection device. The wheels are coaxial and have respective circumferential peripheries with multiple open pockets distributed thereabout. Each pocket is configured to releasably receive a pharmaceutical capsule doped with pigment particles reactive to laser light. The indexing wheels are configured to be incrementally rotated in alternating indexing fashion for transporting discrete arrays of respective pockets through a loading zone, an inspection zone, a marking zone, a reject zone, and an unloading zone. An actuatable reject block may be provided to simultaneously blow a rejected capsule from its pocket, and draw it in for transport to a rejection bin. Each circumferential periphery may be comprised of multiple arcuate shoes removably and replaceably secured to their respective indexing wheel.

Abstract: A laser capsule marking system and method may comprise at least two indexing wheels, a feeding mechanism, a laser marker, a first inspection system, a rejection subsystem, a reject verification sensor, and a collection device. The wheels are coaxial and have respective circumferential peripheries with multiple open pockets distributed thereabout. Each pocket is configured to releasably receive a pharmaceutical capsule doped with pigment particles reactive to laser light. The indexing wheels are configured to be incrementally rotated in alternating indexing fashion for transporting discrete arrays of respective pockets through a loading zone, an inspection zone, a marking zone, a reject zone, and an unloading zone. An actuatable reject block may be provided to simultaneously blow a rejected capsule from its pocket, and draw it in for transport to a rejection bin. Each circumferential periphery may be comprised of multiple arcuate shoes removably and replaceably secured to their respective indexing wheel.

Abstract: A laser capsule marking system and method may comprise at least two indexing wheels, a feeding mechanism, a laser marker, a first inspection system, a rejection subsystem, a reject verification sensor, and a collection device. The wheels are coaxial and have respective circumferential peripheries with multiple open pockets distributed thereabout. Each pocket is configured to releasably receive a pharmaceutical capsule doped with pigment particles reactive to laser light. The indexing wheels are configured to be incrementally rotated in alternating indexing fashion for transporting discrete arrays of respective pockets through a loading zone, an inspection zone, a marking zone, a reject zone, and an unloading zone. An actuatable reject block may be provided to simultaneously blow a rejected capsule from its pocket, and draw it in for transport to a rejection bin. Each circumferential periphery may be comprised of multiple arcuate shoes removably and replaceably secured to their respective indexing wheel.

Abstract: A dielectric barrier discharge plasma generator includes a dielectric chamber. The chamber contains or incorporates a solid surface that is to be treated with non-thermal plasma. The chamber can be substantially sealed and confine an atmosphere therein. An atmosphere control system is provided for controlling the atmosphere within the chamber. At least one or two electrodes are located outside of the chamber. When actuated by an appropriate source of plasma generating electrical power the electrodes cause the generation of a solid surface modifying non-thermal plasma in a plasma zone within the chamber. A transport system is provided for moving the electrode and the chamber relative to one another. A plasma zone is confined within the chamber adjacent to the electrodes, and remains substantially stationary relative to the electrodes. The chamber carries the solid surface through the plasma zone. The solid surface remains substantially stationary relative to the chamber.

Abstract: A dielectric barrier discharge plasma generator includes a dielectric chamber. The chamber contains or incorporates a solid surface that is to be treated with non-thermal plasma. The chamber can be substantially sealed and confine an atmosphere therein. An atmosphere control system is provided for controlling the atmosphere within the chamber. At least one or two electrodes are located outside of the chamber. When actuated by an appropriate source of plasma generating electrical power the electrodes cause the generation of a solid surface modifying non-thermal plasma in a plasma zone within the chamber. A transport system is provided for moving the electrode and the chamber relative to one another. A plasma zone is confined within the chamber adjacent to the electrodes, and remains substantially stationary relative to the electrodes. The chamber carries the solid surface through the plasma zone. The solid surface remains substantially stationary relative to the chamber.

Abstract: A dielectric barrier discharge plasma generator includes a dielectric chamber. The chamber contains or incorporates a solid surface that is to be treated with non-thermal plasma. The dielectric chamber can be substantially sealed and confine an atmosphere therein. An atmosphere control system is provided for controlling the atmosphere within the chamber. At least one or two electrodes are located outside of the dielectric chamber. When actuated by an appropriate source of plasma generating electrical power the electrodes cause the generation of a solid surface modifying non-thermal plasma in a plasma zone within the dielectric chamber. A transport system is provided for moving the electrode and the dielectric chamber relative to one another. A plasma zone is confined within the dielectric chamber adjacent to the electrodes, and remains substantially stationary relative to the electrodes. The dielectric chamber carries the solid surface through the plasma zone.

Abstract: An object substrate that contains a markingly effective amount of a radiation sensitive marking material such as titanium dioxide is subjected to a patterned pulsed beam of coherent energy having a level of flux density that is at least sufficient to cause the radiation sensitive marking material to change color without degrading the object substrate. The pulsed beam of coherent energy derives its pattern from the instantaneous configuration of individual mirrors on the face of a digital mirror device (DMD) as the energy is reflected from that mirror face. The level of flux intensity at the mirror face is less than the level at which the DMD is at risk of damage or disruption. The level of flux intensity at the object substrate to be marked is sufficient to cause the titanium dioxide to change color, and substantially above the level at which the DMD is at substantial risk of damage or disruption.

Abstract: An object substrate that contains a markingly effective amount of a radiation sensitive marking material such as titanium dioxide is subjected to a patterned pulsed beam of coherent energy having a level of flux density that is at least sufficient to cause the radiation sensitive marking material to change color without degrading the object substrate. The pulsed beam of coherent energy derives its pattern from the instantaneous configuration of individual mirrors on the face of a digital mirror device (DMD) as the energy is reflected from that mirror face. The level of flux intensity at the mirror face is less than the level at which the DMD is at risk of damage or disruption. The level of flux intensity at the object substrate to be marked is sufficient to cause the titanium dioxide to change color, and substantially above the level at which the DMD is at substantial risk of damage or disruption.