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Patent 2881668 Summary

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Claims and Abstract availability

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(12) Patent: (11) CA 2881668
(54) English Title: TRACEABLE AND THEFT DETERRENT RECLAIMABLE PRODUCT
(54) French Title: PRODUIT IDENTIFIABLE ET RECYCLABLE DISSUADANT LES VOLEURS
Status: Granted
Bibliographic Data
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):
  • H01B 7/36 (2006.01)
  • G08B 13/14 (2006.01)
(72) Inventors :
  • HOLCOMBE, CHARLES L. (United States of America)
  • BURCHFIELD, RONALD J. (United States of America)
  • GODFREY, CAROL J. (United States of America)
  • SPRUELL, STEPHEN L. (United States of America)
  • WARE, JOHN N., JR. (United States of America)
  • EASTERWOOD, EDWARD J., JR. (United States of America)
  • WILSON, W. STEVE (United States of America)
  • HULLENDER, FRANK (United States of America)
  • GLORE, CHARLES DOUGLAS (United States of America)
  • LEVITRE, MARCEL R. (United States of America)
(73) Owners :
  • SOUTHWIRE COMPANY, LLC (United States of America)
(71) Applicants :
  • SOUTHWIRE COMPANY, LLC (United States of America)
(74) Agent: ROBIC
(74) Associate agent:
(45) Issued: 2020-12-08
(86) PCT Filing Date: 2013-08-09
(87) Open to Public Inspection: 2014-02-27
Examination requested: 2018-08-06
Availability of licence: N/A
(25) Language of filing: English

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): Yes
(86) PCT Filing Number: PCT/US2013/054257
(87) International Publication Number: WO2014/031361
(85) National Entry: 2015-02-10

(30) Application Priority Data:
Application No. Country/Territory Date
61/681,722 United States of America 2012-08-10
13/658,852 United States of America 2012-10-24

Abstracts

English Abstract

A theft deterrent product may be provided. The theft deterrent product may comprise a jacket and a core under the jacket. In addition, the theft deterrent product may include an identification tape under the jacket. The identification tape may comprise a plurality of indicia located periodically and longitudinally on the identification tape. The plurality of indicia may respectively correspond to a plurality of unique codes.


French Abstract

L'invention concerne un produit dissuadant les voleurs. Le produit dissuadant les voleurs peut comporter une gaine et un cur placé sous la gaine. De plus, le produit dissuadant les voleurs peut comprendre une bande d'identification placée sous la gaine. La bande d'identification peut comporter une pluralité de signes ou marquages placés à intervalles réguliers et longitudinalement sur la bande d'identification. La pluralité de signes ou marquages peut correspondre respectivement à une pluralité de codes uniques.

Claims

Note: Claims are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.


CLAIMS
1. A product, comprising:
at least a jacket;
a core under the jacket; and
an identification tape under the jacket and being separate from the jacket,
the identification tape comprising a plurality of indicia located periodically
and
longitudinally on the identification tape, the plurality of indicia
respectively
corresponding to a plurality of unique codes and configured to indicate
ownership
of corresponding respective sections of the product in which each of the
plurality of
indicia are disposed, the ownership corresponding to ownership by an entity,
and
wherein the identification tape and the plurality of indicia on the
identification tape
are resistant to destruction by at least one of the following: mechanical
granulation,
flames, and chemicals.
2. The product of claim 1, wherein the product comprises an electrical
cable.
3. The product of claim 1, wherein the product comprises a control cable
for
agricultural irrigation equipment.
4. The product of claim 1, wherein the product comprises a control cable
for
electrical substation equipment.
5. The product of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each of the plurality
of
unique codes has a corresponding unique portion that is unique to a
corresponding
portion of the product adjacent to the corresponding unique portion.
6. The product of any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising an indicator on an
exterior of the product.
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7. The product of claim 6, wherein the indicator indicates that the product
has
a theft deterrent feature.
8. The product of claim 7, wherein the indicator comprises the jacket being
a
bright color.
9. The product of claim 7, wherein the indicator comprises at least one
symbol.
10. The product of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the identification
tape is
substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the product.
11. The product of any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a shield disposed
between the jacket and the core.
12. The product of claim 11, wherein the identification tape is disposed
between
the jacket and the shield.
13. The product of claim 11, wherein the identification tape is disposed
between
the core and the shield.
14. The product of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the identification
tape
comprises a binder around the core.
15. The product of claim 14, wherein the identification tape is helically
wrapped
around the core.
16. The product of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the identification
tape
comprises an anchoring feature configured to resist a force applied to the
identification tape in a direction of a longitudinal axis of the product.
17. The product of claim 16, wherein anchoring feature comprises an
adhesive.
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18. The product of claim 16, wherein the anchoring feature comprises cleats

disposed on the identification tape.
19. A cable, comprising:
at least an identification tape; and
at least one indicia placed on the identification tape, the at least one
indicia
corresponding to a unique code having a unique portion that is unique to a
portion
of the cable adjacent to the corresponding unique portion, wherein the at
least one
indicia is not visible from an exterior of the cable, wherein the at least one
indicia is
configured to indicate ownership of a section of the cable in which the at
least one
indicia is disposed, the ownership corresponding to ownership by an entity,
and
wherein the identification tape and the at least one indicia on the
identification tape
are resistant to destruction by at least one of the following: mechanical
granulation,
flames, and chemicals.
20. The cable of claim 19, comprising an indicator on the exterior of the
cable.
21. The cable of claim 20, wherein the indicator indicates that the cable
has a
theft deterrent feature.
22. The cable of claim 21, wherein the indicator comprises the jacket being

brightly colored.
23. The cable of claim 21, wherein the indicator comprises at least one
symbol.
24. The cable of claim 20, wherein the cable comprises a control cable for
agricultural irrigation equipment.
25. The cable of any one of claims 19 to 24, wherein the identification
tape is
substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cable.
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26. A cable, comprising:
at least a jacket having an indicator that indicates that the cable has a
theft
deterrent feature;
a core under the jacket; an identification tape under the jacket, the
identification tape being separate from the jacket; and
at least one indicia placed on the identification tape, the at least one
indicia
corresponding to a unique code having a unique portion that is unique to a
portion
of the cable adjacent to the corresponding unique portion, wherein the at
least one
indicia is not visible from an exterior of the cable, wherein the at least one
indicia is
configured to indicate ownership of a section of the cable in which the at
least one
indicia is disposed, the ownership corresponding to ownership by an entity,
and
wherein the identification tape and the at least one indicia on the
identification tape
are resistant to destruction by at least one of the following: mechanical
granulation,
flames, and chemicals.
27. The cable of claim 26, wherein the identification tape is substantially
parallel
to a longitudinal axis of the cable.
28. The cable of claim 26 or 27, wherein the identification tape comprises
a
binder around the core.
29. The cable of any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein the identification
tape is
helically wrapped around the core.
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Description

Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.


TRACEABLE AND THEFT DETERRENT RECLAIMABLE PRODUCT
[001] Not applicable.
[002] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND
[003] Due to certain metals' economic value, these metals may be targeted for
theft.
While copper may not be considered a precious metal, it does have a high
economic value.
The same can be said for aluminum, though it may be valued less than copper.
Electrical
wire and cable may comprise metals such as aluminum and copper. Consequently,
electrical wire and cable may be targeted for theft. For example, a thief may
enter a
warehouse storing electrical wire and cable and may steal the stored
electrical wire and
cable. As another example, a thief may enter an electrical substation operated
by an
electric utility in order to steal any electrical wire and cable used in the
electrical substation.
In the electrical substation example, the thief may target, for example, bare
copper ground
wires running throughout the electrical substation. Once stolen, the
electrical wire and
cable may be taken to a recycling center and sold as scrap metal. The
recycling center's
operator may have no way to distinguish between stolen electrical wire and
cable and
legitimate scrap electrical wire and cable in the conventional commercial
course.
SUMMARY
[004] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a
simplified form
that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is
not intended
to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter.
Nor is this
Summary intended to be used to limit the claimed subject matter's scope.
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[005] A theft deterrent product may be provided. The theft deterrent product
may
comprise a jacket and a core under the jacket. In addition, the theft
deterrent product may
include an identification tape under the jacket. The identification tape may
comprise a
plurality of indicia located periodically and longitudinally on the
identification tape. The
plurality of indicia may respectively correspond to a plurality of unique
codes. According to
a broad aspect, there is provided a product, comprising: at least a jacket; a
core under the
jacket; and an identification tape under the jacket and being separate from
the jacket, the
identification tape comprising a plurality of indicia located periodically and
longitudinally on
the identification tape, the plurality of indicia respectively corresponding
to a plurality of
unique codes and configured to indicate ownership of corresponding respective
sections of
the product in which each of the plurality of indicia are disposed, the
ownership
corresponding to ownership by an entity, and wherein the identification tape
and the
plurality of indicia on the identification tape are resistant to destruction
by at least one of the
following: mechanical granulation, flames, and chemicals. According to another
broad
aspect, there is provided a cable, comprising: at least an identification
tape; and at least
one indicia placed on the identification tape, the at least one indicia
corresponding to a
unique code having a unique portion that is unique to a portion of the cable
adjacent to the
corresponding unique portion, wherein the at least one indicia is not visible
from an exterior
of the cable, wherein the at least one indicia is configured to indicate
ownership of a section
of the cable in which the at least one indicia is disposed, the ownership
corresponding to
ownership by an entity, and wherein the identification tape and the at least
one indicia on
the identification tape are resistant to destruction by at least one of the
following:
mechanical granulation, flames, and chemicals. According to a further aspect,
there is
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provided a cable, comprising: at least a jacket having an indicator that
indicates that the
cable has a theft deterrent feature; a core under the jacket; an
identification tape under the
jacket, the identification tape being separate from the jacket; and at least
one indicia placed
on the identification tape, the at least one indicia corresponding to a unique
code having a
unique portion that is unique to a portion of the cable adjacent to the
corresponding unique
portion, wherein the at least one indicia is not visible from an exterior of
the cable, wherein
the at least one indicia is configured to indicate ownership of a section of
the cable in which
the at least one indicia is disposed, the ownership corresponding to ownership
by an entity,
and wherein the identification tape and the at least one indicia on the
identification tape are
resistant to destruction by at least one of the following: mechanical
granulation, flames, and
chemicals.
[006] Both the foregoing general description and the following detailed
description provide
examples and are explanatory only. Accordingly, the foregoing general
description and the
following detailed description should not be considered to be restrictive.
Further, features
or variations may be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For
example,
embodiments may be directed to various feature combinations and sub-
combinations
described in the detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[007] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a
part of this
disclosure, illustrate various embodiments of the present invention. In the
drawings:
[008] FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating a bare solid conductor;
[009] FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating a stranded conductor;
[0010] FIG. 1C is a diagram illustrating a multi-layered conductor;
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Date Recue/Date Received 2020-05-08

[011] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of theft deterrent system;
[012] FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a method for providing a theft deterrent
cable;
[013] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a product processor;
[014] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a cable having an indicator;
[015] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a product having an indicator;
[016] FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating a product having an indicator;
[017] FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating a product having an indicator;
[018] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a product having an indicator;
[019] FIG. 9 shows an identification tape; and
[020] FIG. 10 shows a cable.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[021] Variants, examples and preferred embodiments are described hereinbelow.
The
following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever
possible, the
same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description
to refer to
the same or similar elements. While embodiments of the invention may be
described,
modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For
example,
substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements
illustrated in the
drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting,
reordering,
or adding stages to the disclosed methods. Accordingly, the following detailed
description
does not limit the invention.
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[022] Consistent with embodiments of the invention, a theft
deterrent process may be provided. The process may provide traceability
for any products (e.g., electrical wire, electrical cable, cathodes, etc.)
that
may be stolen and then recycled. The products may be metal-based and
5 may have a high scrap monetary value. Products such as copper or
aluminum cable can be bare or covered. Embodiments of the invention may
provide, for example, a process for placing a number of highly tamper
resistant traceable indicia on a product's surface. The indicia may include
codes that may be continuously indexed and may be uniquely specific to the
10 product having the indicia. At the product's sale and shipment point,
the
codes may be assigned to a specific order and/or end user. A computer
based user interface and data storage system may allow for traceability at
any point after sale by, for example, a scrap dealer, a customer, a law
enforcement agency, or any other third party.
15 [023] Embodiments of the invention may include a laser based
marking system that may be able to mark at high line speeds onto, for
example, a metal surface. lndicia including unique codes may be etched by
the laser based marking system on the metal surface in periodic increments
that may be spaced by several feet or longer. The code may also be printed
20 without any spacing. Since the code may change with the product's
length,
when the product is later cut to a specific length, the code may help provide
a length indication for the product to a specific order, end user, or
designated third party. A computer system may store the unique traceable
code for any desired length of time and may interface with another computer
25 interface system. The computer system can be updated as the product's
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legitimate ownership changes hands. This interface can be used by a
designated third party (e.g., scrap dealer, reclaimer, recycler, law
enforcement, etc.) at any time to determine the product's ownership chain.
[024] An ink based system (e.g., ink jet printers) may be used to
print onto a covering or an indenting metal wheel may be used. A problem
with ink on metal surfaces centers around adhesion. It may not be practical
to clean drawing oils or other contaminants from cables completely prior to
marking to improve adhesion. Also, many ink types do not stand up well to
high temperatures or UV exposure over long time periods. Furthermore,
when metals oxidize, ink may not provide an effective visual identification
level. An indenting metal wheel may not be suitable due to manufacturing
line speed considerations because the wheel may need a slow line speed.
Also, interstices in many stranded conductors may not provide enough
contact area for an effective indent marking by the wheel. Moreover, it may
be difficult to index a marking wheel (due to mechanical limitations) to
provide a unique indexable and traceable code.
[025] Embodiments of the invention may provide a process to print
(e.g., on a metal surface) with a laser source, chemical etching method, high
temperature/high adhesion ink, high speed indexing printing wheel, or other
.. processes for providing a highly tamper resistant traceable code. For
example, a laser based printing system may be used to provide high speed,
legibility, tamper resistance, and traceability. The laser system can have
many different laser source types such as YAG and 002. Furthermore,
many different methods for focusing the intense laser energy on, for
example, a metal surface may be used. Embodiments of the invention may
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also provide several ways to move a laser energy beam fast enough to print
effectively at high line speeds. The print imparted by the laser beam may
provide a highly tamper resistant marking. The laser beam may burn away
metal (or other material) to a desired depth to provide a very long lasting
marking when exposed to environment conditions. Or the marking process
may only alter a surface appearance without physically removing any metal
or other material. Not withstanding, this type marking may be legible when
metal oxidizes and may not be compromised if the metal is exposed to high
temperatures.
[026] FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating a bare solid conductor 105.
Embodiments of the invention may provide solid conductor 105 with a
plurality of indicia (e.g., a first indicia 110, a second indicia 115, and a
third
indicia 120) periodically and longitudinally on bare solid conductor 105.
Bare solid conductor 105 may comprise, but is not limited to, copper or
aluminum.
[027] FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating a stranded conductor 125.
Embodiments of the invention may provide stranded conductor 125 with a
plurality of indicia (e.g., a fourth indicia 130 and a fifth indicia 135)
periodically and longitudinally on stranded conductor 125. As shown in FIG.
1B, with stranded conductor 125, fourth indicia 130 and fifth indicia 135 may
each be placed to respectively fit on a first individual strand 136 and a
second individual strand 137 of stranded conductor 125. In this way,
interstices 138 between stranded conductor 125's individual strands may be
avoided by embodiments of the invention when fourth indicia 130 and a fifth
indicia 135 are applied to stranded conductor 125. Notwithstanding, the
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indicia may or may not follow individual strand helix. Embodiments of the
inventions may include placing the indicia along an axis parallel to the
conductor axis as shown in FIG. 1A and 1C. lndicia portions may fall into
the interstices, but may still be visually or otherwise legible.
[028] FIG. 1C is a diagram illustrating a multi-layered conductor 140.
Embodiments of the invention may provide multi-layered conductor 140 with
a plurality of indicia (e.g., a sixth indicia 145 and a seventh indicia 150)
periodically and longitudinally on multi-layered conductor 140 As shown in
FIG. 1C, multi-layered conductor 140 may include an interior layer 155, a
conductor 160, and a jacket 165. Conductor 160 may comprise, but is not
limited to, copper or aluminum. Conductor 160 may be configured in any
way including, but not limited to, stranded or solid. Moreover, multi-layered
conductor 140 may not be limited to conductor 160 and may include more
than one conductor. Furthermore, multi-layered conductor 140 may include
any number of layers. Any layer of multi-layered conductor 140 may be
conductive, semi-conductive, or insulative. Consistent with embodiments of
the invention, sixth indicia 145 and seventh indicia 150 may be placed on an
exterior of any layer of multi-layered conductor 140. While FIG. 1C shows
sixth indicia 145 and seventh indicia being placed on jacket 165, sixth
indicia
145 and seventh indicia may be placed on the exterior of any one or more
layers of multi-layered conductor 140. Moreover, sixth indicia 145 and
seventh indicia may be placed on conductor 160 or on any one or more
conductors of multi-layered conductor 140.
[029] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of theft deterrent system 200. As
shown in FIG. 2, system 200 may include a product processor 205, a first
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enterprise processor 210, a network 215, and a reclaimer processor 220.
Other processors (not shown) may be connected to network 215. System
200's product processor 205 may be descried in more detail below with
respect to FIG. 4.
[030] Embodiments consistent with the invention may comprise a
system for providing a theft deterrent cable. The system may comprise a
memory storage for maintaining a database and a processing unit coupled
to the memory storage. The processing unit may be operative to create a
plurality of unique codes and to place a plurality of indicia periodically and
longitudinally on the cable. The plurality of indicia may respectively
correspond to the plurality of unique codes. The processing unit may be
further operative to assign, in a database, the plurality of unique codes to
an
organizational entity. The organizational entity may comprise a first
enterprise. In addition, the processing unit may be further operative to
receive an indication that the cable is to be transferred from the first
enterprise to a second enterprise. Moreover, the processing unit may be
operative to assign in the database, in response to the received indication,
the plurality of unique codes from the organizational entity comprising the
first enterprise to the organizational entity comprising a second enterprise.
[031] Consistent with embodiments of the present invention, the
aforementioned memories, processing units, and other components may be
implemented in a system, such as theft deterrent system 200 of FIG. 2. Any
suitable combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware may be used to
implement the memories, processing units, or other components. By way of
example, the memories, processing units, or other components may be
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implemented with product processor 205, first enterprise processor 210, or
reclaimer processor 220 in combination with system 200. The
aforementioned system and processors are exemplary and other systems
and processors may comprise the aforementioned memories, processing
units, or other components, consistent with embodiments of the present
invention.
[032] FIG. 3 is a flow chart setting forth the general stages involved
in a method 300 consistent with embodiments of the invention for providing
a theft deterrent cable. Method 300 may be implemented using product
processor 205 as described in more detail below with respect to FIG. 4.
Ways to implement the stages of method 300 will be described in greater
detail below. While embodiments of the invention may be described with an
example product comprising a cable, the invention is not so limited. As
described, the product may comprise any product. For example, the product
may comprise an electrical wire, an electrical cable, a cathode, a solid metal
wire clad with another metal (e.g., a copper clad steel wire, a steel clad
copper wire, a tin clad copper wire, a copper clad tin wire, etc.), a stranded

metal wire clad with another metal, a stranded wire in which strands
comprise solid metal wire clad with another metal, a pipe, a conduit, a water
line, tubing, or tubing used for refrigerant in, for example, an air
conditioner,
a heat pump, refrigerator, or freezer. The aforementioned are examples
and the product may comprise any product that may be metal-based, that
may have a high scrap monetary value, and that may be likely to be stolen
and then recycled. The product may be, for example, copper or aluminum
and may be bare or covered.
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[033] Method 300 may begin at starting block 305 and proceed to
stage 310 where product processor 205 may create a plurality of unique
codes. For example, the plurality of unique codes may comprise any unique
sequential number (e.g., alphanumeric) series. In addition each of the
plurality of unique codes may also indicate a date and/or time the cable was
manufactured, a manufacturing line on which the cable manufactured, a
license under which certain rights are granted, a particular specification
under which the cable is manufactured, a linear distance and a plant where
the cable was manufactured.
[034] After the plurality of unique codes are created, a plurality of
indicia may be placed periodically and longitudinally on the cable a
predetermined distance apart. The plurality of indicia may respectively
correspond to the plurality of unique codes. Each one of the plurality of
indicia may include a sequential number portion corresponding to a
sequential number that may be incremented by an amount equal to the
predetermined distance. For example, if each of the plurality of indicia are
placed one foot apart, the sequential number portion may be incremented by
one. If each of the plurality of indicia are placed the two feet apart, the
sequential number portion may be incremented by two. Notwithstanding,
the sequential number portion may indicate a linear distance from a
reference point. The sequential number may be set or reset to zero (or any
other value) at a given time (e.g., Jan. 1 of a given year), when a certain
order is completed, or when a certain license is granted.
[035] The plurality of indicia may be placed using any unit of
measurement (e.g., the Metric System) and is not limited to the English
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Measurement System or even specifically to footage markers within the
English Measurement System. Furthermore, each of the plurality of indicia
may be placed longitudinally on the cable at random distances apart from
each other. Regardless of whether they are random or at a predetermined
.. distance, the indicia may reflect an accurate linear distance for the
placement of the indicia in the cable.
[036] Consistent with embodiments of the invention, no space may
exist between the indicia. In other words, the plurality of indicia may be
continuous with no space between individual ones of the plurality of indicia.
.. As described above with respect to FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, and FIG. 1C, the
plurality of indicia may be placed on an exterior of a cable, may be placed
on an exterior of any layer of the cable, or may be placed on an exterior of
any conductor of the cable. Moreover, the plurality of indicia may be placed
while the cable is moving on a production line during manufacture of the
cable using, for example, a laser. Notwithstanding, the plurality of indicia
placed on the cable may be visually perceivable by a person. Moreover, as
described above with respect to FIG. 1B, the plurality of indicia may be
placed on an exterior of the conductor when the conductor is stranded. In
this case each one of the plurality of indicia may be place to fit on strands
of
the stranded conductor. The aforementioned laser may comprise, but is not
limited to, a Yag laser system manufactured by KBA-Metronic Corporation of
Veitshoechheim, Germany.
[037] Consistent with embodiments of the invention, a number of
factors may be balanced in order to place the plurality of indicia on the
.. cable. For example, the number of characters in an individual indicia and
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the time spent writing each character on the cable verses the line speed at
which the cable is being manufactured may be balanced. For example, for a
faster line speed: i) there may not be enough time to write enough
characters to write a whole individual indicia; ii) there may not be enough
time to write an individual indicia's characters deeply enough with a laser;
or
iii) there may not be enough time to properly write an individual indicia's
characters with any writing or etching process. Consequently, in order to
write individual indicia, the aforementioned line speed may need to be
slowed. Slowing the line speed, however, may be undesirable.
[038] Consistent with embodiments of the invention, in order to write
individual indicia without slowing the line speed, a number of other ways to
write the individual indicia may be used. For example, each individual
indicia within the plurality of indicia may be broken into two or more pieces
and the individual pieces may be alternately placed periodically and
longitudinally on the cable at predetermined distances apart. For example,
a first indicia in the plurality of indicia may be broken into a first piece
and a
second piece, a second indicia in the plurality of indicia may be broken into
a first piece and a second piece, and a third indicia in the plurality of
indicia
may be broken into a first piece and a second piece. Then the indicia
pieces may be placed sequentially on the cable at predetermined distances
apart as follows: the first piece of the first indicia, the second piece of
the
first indicia, the first piece of the second indicia, the second piece of the
second indicia, the first piece of the third indicia, the second piece of the
third indicia, etc. By breaking each of the plurality of indicia into at least
two
pieces, less characters may be written at given locations periodically and
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longitudinally on the cable at the predetermined distances apart. With fewer
characters to write at the given locations, more time may be spent writing
each individual character at a given location. Consequently, the writing
quality may be increased. Writing quality may be a function of the depth at
which a laser-written character is written or the amount of ink used to write
an ink-written character, for example.
[039] Furthermore, as stated above, each individual indicia may
comprise a unique code and a sequential number portion. With respect to
the broken pieces example above, the first pieces may comprise the unique
codes and the second pieces may comprise a sequential number portion
(e.g., a footage marker). Consequently, an alternating arrangement may be
provided. In other words, footage markers and unique codes may be
alternated periodically and longitudinally on the cable a predetermined
distance apart.
[040] In addition, the periodic distance at which individual indicia
and/or indicia pieces are placed on the cable may be calculated based on a
desired writing quality and the number of characters to be written for each
individual indicia and/or indicia piece at a given location. For example, for
a
given line speed and a given number of characters to be written, the periodic
distance between individual indicia and/or indicia pieces may need to be X.
However, if the same writing quality and character number is to be
maintained at a higher line speed, the distance may need to be increased to
X+n. Similarly, if the line speed can be decreased, the distance may be
decreased to X-n with a given quality level being maintained.
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[041] Consistent with embodiments of the invention, each one of the
plurality of indicia may be configured not to interfere with proper
termination
of the cable. For example, the indicia may be themselves conductive and
may not include paints, varnishes, and other coverings that may need to be
removed before termination. Notwithstanding, the indicia may be conductive
or nonconductive and may be configured to be removed from the conductor
when the cable including the conductor is terminated. For example, the
indicia may be configured to be removed by a technician by brushing the
indicia away with a wire brush.
[042] Furthermore, the indicia may be "tamper proof." For example,
the indicia may be placed on a conductor, conductors, or on any layer of the
cable in such a way that it may be difficult to be removed by a potential
thief.
For example, laser etching may be difficult to be removed by a potential
thief. Furthermore, the volume of indicia placed on the cable may make it
.. impractical for a potential thief to remove all indicia from the cable.
[043] Moreover, the indicia may not only comprise a sequential
number (e.g., that visually presents itself as sequential), but also a code
that
may not be a set of numbers at all (e.g., has no visual appearance as a
sequence). The indicia may be a series of letters, dots, characters,
markings of any type (or any combination thereof) that may be generated by
an encryption algorithm. A so encrypted indicia could be decrypted when
need be.
[044] Consistent with embodiments of the invention, a indictor or
plurality of indicators may be placed on the product. For example, an
indicator may be included with the indicia, may be placed on the product
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(e.g., the cable) in addition to the indicia, or may be placed on the product
with no relation to the indicia. The indicator may be placed, for example,
using any of the aforementioned processes for placing the indicia (e.g., a
laser source, chemical etching process, high temperature/high adhesion ink,
high speed indexing printing wheel, etc.). The indicator may comprise a
highly visible logo or other insignia type that may be visible at a distance
from the product. The indicator may identify the product as having a theft
deterrent feature. The indicator may comprise, but is not limited to, text,
symbols, a colored stripe, a special color jacket, or color print. In this
way,
seeing the indicator may communicate to a potential thief that the product
can be traced thus providing a deterrent to thief. ***Notwithstanding, the
indicator may be placed on any layer or layers of the cable or on any
conductor or conductors of the cable.
[045] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a cable 505 consistent with
embodiments of the invention. As shown in FIG. 5, cable 505 may
comprise, but is not limited to, a stranded electrical conductor having a
center strand 510 and any number of outer strands 515 or layers stranded
around center strand 510. While FIG. 5 shows center strand 510 at the
center of cable 505, embodiments of the invention are not so limited. For
example, center strand 510 may be placed within a layer of strands (not
shown) interior to outer strands 515.
[046] As stated above, indicia may be placed anywhere on any layer
or surface on a product (e.g., a cable) consistent with embodiments of the
invention. The indicia may be placed in such a way that the indicia are not
visible from the exterior of the cable. For example, an indicia 520 may be
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placed on center strand 510, under outer strands 515. As shown in FIG. 5,
portions of outer strands 515 may need to be removed from center strand
510 in order to expose indicia 520 that would otherwise be covered by one
or more of outer strands 515.
[047] lndicia 520 may comprise one of a plurality of indicia placed
periodically and longitudinally on center strand 510, under outer strands
515. Because indicia 520 may not be on an exterior surface of cable 505,
indicia 520 may only be visible after some or all of outer strands 515 are
removed. Accordingly, cable 505 may include an indicator comprising, for
example, a highly visible logo, other insignia type, or any other type of
indicator that may be visible at a distance from cable 505. The indicator
may identify cable 505 as having a theft deterrent feature. In this way,
seeing the indicator may communicate to a potential thief that cable 505 can
be traced, thus providing a deterrent to thief. Similarly, the indicator may
identify cable 505 as having a theft deterrent feature to, for example, a
scrap
dealer, a customer, a law enforcement agency, or any other third party. It
may be communicated or other wise published to the general public, scrap
dealers, customers, law enforcement agencies, or to anyone that the
indicator means that a product bearing the indicator means that the product
has a theft deterrent feature.
[048] As shown in FIG. 5 the indicator, for example, may comprise
one or more of outer strands 515 being different (e.g., visibly different)
from
the rest of outer strands 515. For example, one or more outer strands 515
(e.g., a strand 515a) may comprise a tin-coated copper strand while the
remainder of outer strands 515 may comprise copper. In this way, strand
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515a may be shinier than the rest of outer strands 515 and thus visibly
different from the rest of outer strands 515. Also, strand 515a coated with
tin may oxidize at a much slower rate than copper, thus it may create a
visual contrast that may last through the life of cable 505. Consequently,
cable 505 may include an indicator that may be visible at a distance from
cable 505 when one or more of outer strands 515 is different (e.g., visibly
different) from the rest of outer strands 515.
[049] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a product 605. As stated
above, product 605 may comprise, but is not limited to, an electrical
conductor. As shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of indicia (e.g., a first indicia
610
and a second indicia 615, etc.) may be placed periodically and longitudinally
on product 605.
[050] Product 605 may comprise an outer layer 620 and an inner
portion 625. Outer layer 620 and inner portion 625 may comprise visibly
different materials. For example, outer layer 620 may be made of a material
shinier than a material comprising inner portion 625. Specifically, outer
layer
620 may be made of tin and inner portion 625 may be made of copper.
Notwithstanding, outer layer 620 and inner portion 625 may comprise any
materials including metal materials (e.g., tin, copper, aluminum, steel,
etc.).
Outer layer 620 and inner portion 625 may comprise the same or different
materials. Moreover, inner portion 625 may be solid. In another
embodiment, inner portion 625 may not be solid, but may include a
longitudinally cylindrical hole (not shown) running from one end of product
605 to the other creating a pipe or conduit.
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[051] In placing the plurality of indicia (e.g., first indicia 610 and
second indicia 615, etc.) periodically and longitudinally on product 605, a
laser based marking system may be used. Specifically, the plurality of
indicia may be etched through outer layer 620 and into inner portion 625.
Consequently, a visual contrast may be created in the symbols comprising
the plurality of indicia. For example, this visual contrast may be due to the
outer surface of outer layer 620 being shinier than the symbols comprising
the plurality of indicia, which may be etched into inner portion 625
comprising a material duller than the outer surface of outer layer 620. In
other words, because the bottoms of the symbols comprising the plurality of
indicia may be cut into the duller inner portion 625, the symbols comprising
the plurality of indicia may appear duller or flatter than the outer surface
of
outer layer 620.
[052] Furthermore, having a shiny outer layer 620 may comprise an
.. indicator that may be visible at a distance from product 605. This
indicator
may identify product 605 as having a theft deterrent feature. In this way,
seeing the indicator may communicate to a potential thief that product 605
can be traced, thus providing a deterrent to thief.
[053] FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating a product 705. As shown in
FIG. 7A, a plurality of indicia (e.g., a first indicia 710 and a second
indicia
715, etc.) may be placed on product 705. Product 705 may comprise an
outer layer 720 and an inner cavity 725. Inner cavity 725 may comprise a
longitudinally cylindrical hole running from one end of product 705 to the
other creating, for example, a tube, a pipe, or a conduit. As stated above,
.. product 705 may comprise, but is not limited to, a pipe, a conduit, a water
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line, tubing, or tubing used for refrigerant in, for example, an air
conditioner,
a heat pump, refrigerator, or freezer.
[054] In placing the plurality of indicia (e.g., first indicia 710 and
second indicia 715, etc.) on product 705, the plurality of indicia may be
parallel to a longitudinal axis 730 of product 705 as shown in FIG. 7A (e.g.,
longitudinally). As shown in FIG. 7B, the plurality of indicia (e.g., first
indicia
710 and second indicia 715, etc.) may be placed on product 705
perpendicular to longitudinal axis 730 of product 705. Furthermore, the
plurality of indicia (e.g., first indicia 710 and second indicia 715, etc.)
may be
rotated at an angle relative to longitudinal axis 730 and do not have to be
perpendicular or parallel to longitudinal axis 730. Moreover, individual
characters comprising first indicia 710 and a second indicia 715 may be
rotated at an angle relative to longitudinal axis 730 and do not have to be
perpendicular or parallel to longitudinal axis 730. Regarding spacing
between the plurality of indicia, consistent with embodiments of the
invention, the plurality of indicia may be spaced evenly apart (e.g.,
periodically), at random distances apart, or may have no spacing between
them.
[055] Consistent with embodiments of the invention, center strand
510 or outer strands 515 (as shown in FIG. 5) may comprise, but not limited
to, a structure similar to product 705 of FIG. 7. In other words, center
strand
510 or outer strands 515 may comprise an outer layer and an inner portion.
As with product 705, center strand 510's or outer strands 515's outer layer
and inner portion may comprise visibly different materials. For example, the
outer layer may be made of a material shinier than a material comprising the
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inner portion. Specifically, the outer layer may be made of tin and the inner
portion may be made of copper. Furthermore, indicia (e.g., indicia 520) may
be etched through the outer layer of center strand 510 or outer strands 515
and into the inner portion of center strand 510 or outer strands 515.
Consequently, a visual contrast may be created in the symbols comprising
the indicia (e.g., indicia 520).
[056] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a product 805. Product 805
may comprise, but is not limited to, an electrical conductor. As shown in
FIG. 8, a plurality of indicia (e.g., a first indicia 810 and a second indicia
815,
etc.) may be placed periodically and longitudinally on product 805.
[057] Product 805 may comprise an outer layer 820, an inner portion
825, and a center portion 830. The cost of the material comprising center
portion 830 may be cheaper than the cost of the material comprising inner
portion 825. Consequently, the material cost of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 8 may be cheaper than the embodiment shown in FIG. 6. While FIG. 8
shows product 805 as having three elements (e.g., outer layer 820, inner
portion 825, and center portion 830) product 805 may comprise any number
of elements.
[058] Outer layer 820 and inner portion 825 may comprise visibly
different materials. For example, outer layer 820 may be made of a material
shinier than a material comprising inner portion 825. Specifically, outer
layer
820 may be made of tin, inner portion 825 may be made of copper or steel,
and center portion 830 may be made of copper or steel. Notwithstanding,
outer layer 820, inner portion 825, and center portion 830 may be made of
any material including any metal material (e.g., tin, copper, aluminum, steel,
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etc.). Any two or more of outer layer 820, inner portion 825, and center
portion 830 may be made of the same or different materials.
[059] In placing the plurality of indicia (e.g., first indicia 810 and
second indicia 815, etc.) periodically and longitudinally on product 805, a
laser based marking system may be used. Specifically, the plurality of
indicia may be etched through outer layer 820 and into inner portion 825.
Consequently, a visual contrast may be created in the symbols comprising
the plurality of indicia. For example, this visual contrast may be due to the
outer surface of outer layer 820 being shinier than the symbols comprising
the plurality of indicia, which may be etched into inner portion 825
comprising a material duller than the outer surface of outer layer 820. In
other words, because the bottoms of the symbols comprising the plurality of
indicia may be cut into the duller inner portion 825, the symbols comprising
the plurality of indicia may appear duller or flatter than the outer surface
of
outer layer 820.
[060] Furthermore, having a shiny outer layer 820 may comprise an
indicator that may be visible at a distance from product 805. This indicator
may identify product 805 as having a theft deterrent feature. In this way,
seeing the indicator may communicate to a potential thief that product 805
can be traced, thus providing a deterrent to thief.
[061] Turning back to FIG. 5, consistent with embodiments of the
invention, product 605 and/or product 805 may be used in cable 505 as any
one or more of center strand 510 and/or outer strands 515 (including strand
515a.) In other words, center strand 510 may comprise product 605 or
.. product 805. Outer strands 515 may comprise product 605 with or without
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indicia (e.g., first indicia 610 and/or second indicia 615) or product 805
with
or without indicia (e.g., first indicia 810 or second indicia 815).
Furthermore,
strand 515a may comprise product 605 with or without indicia (e.g., first
indicia 610 and/or second indicia 615) or product 805 with or without indicia
(e.g., first indicia 810 or second indicia 815).
[062] FIG. 9 shows an identification tape 905. A plurality of indicia
(e.g., a first indicia 910 and a second indicia 915, etc.) may be placed
periodically and longitudinally on identification tape 905 that may, in turn,
be
included in a product such as a cable, for example. While FIG. 9 shows
identification tape 905 as being flat, embodiments of the invention are not so
limited. For example, identification tape 905 may comprise a rope and may
comprise any shape. In other words, identification tape 905 may comprise
any form of medium capable of carrying the plurality of indicia.
[063] As stated above, consistent with embodiments of the
invention, the plurality of indicia may be placed (e.g., printed) on
identification tape 905 with a laser source, chemical etching method, high
temperature/high adhesion ink, ink jet printer, high speed indexing printing
wheel, embossed, or other processes for providing a highly tamper resistant
traceable code. Identification tape 905 may be flexible, conductive, or non-
conductive. Identification tape 905 may comprise metal (e.g., copper), metal
foil (e.g., copper foil), Mylar, PVC, EPR, polyethylene, cotton, polyester, or

nylon tape, or any polymer material.
[064] Identification tape 905 may be included in a product such as a
cable 1005 as shown in FIG. 10. Cable 1005 may comprise a core 1010, a
shield 1015, and a jacket 1020. Cable 1005 may further comprise a binder
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(not shown) that may be helically wrapped around core 1010. Core 1010
may comprise a plurality of conductors 1025 that may be insulated and may
be solid or stranded. Cable 1005 may comprise, but is not limited to, a
control cable for agricultural irrigation equipment or electrical substation
equipment. Plurality of conductors 1025 may be used to provide control
signals or for providing energy.
[065] Cable 1005 may include materials that may need to be
removed before other portions of cable 1005 can be recycled. For example,
cable 1005 may include metals (e.g., copper, aluminum, etc.) that may be
valuable enough to cost justify recycling. Moreover, cable 1005 may include
other materials (e.g., insulation) that may need to be removed before the
metals can be in condition for recycling. In some situations, a mechanical
granulation process, flames or chemicals may be used to remove the other
materials (e.g., insulation). Consequently, identification tape 905 may be
constructed in such a way that identification tape 905 and the plurality of
indicia on identification tape 905 may not be destroyed, for example, when
the product (e.g., cable 1005) that includes identification tape 905, has its
insulation removed, for example, by a mechanical granulation process,
flames, or chemicals. In other words, identification tape 905 may be made
of a material that is resistant to mechanical damage, flames (heat), or
chemicals that may be used to remove insulation from cables (e.g., cable
1005.) Moreover, the plurality of indicia may be placed on identification tape

905 in such a way that the plurality of indicia are still readable after the
mechanical granulation process, flames (heat), or chemicals are used to
remove insulation from cable 1005. Identification tape 905, for example,
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may be made of metal or any other mechanical damage, flame, or chemical
resistant material. The temperature of heat used to remove insulation from
cables (e.g., cable 1005) may be between 1,000 F and 1,900 F and may
comprise approximately 1,500 F.
[066] Ones of the plurality of conductors 1025 may be so small that
if the plurality of indicia were placed on the ones of the plurality of
conductors 1025, the plurality of indicia may be too small to be seen or read
by the human eye without magnification. However, the plurality of indicia
(e.g., first indicia 910 and second indicia 915, etc.) placed periodically and
longitudinally on tape 905 may be large enough to be seen and read by the
human eye without magnification.
[067] Consistent with embodiments of the invention, identification
tape 905 may be substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of cable 1005
and may be placed between core 1010 and shield 1015 or between shield
1015 and jacket 1020. Consistent with another embodiment of the
invention, identification tape 905 may be fed into a wall of jacket 1020
(e.g.,
somewhere between the outside and inside). Moreover, identification tape
905 may also be placed between layers of a two or more layer jacket 1020.
Also, identification tape 905 may be applied to an outside surface of jacket
1020 such that it bonds to the outside surface of jacket 1020.
[068] Identification tape 905 may comprise an anchoring feature
configured to resist a force applied to identification tape 905 in a direction
of
a longitudinal axis of cable 1005. Consequently, if cable 1005 is cut at a
cross section exposing identification tape 905, the anchoring feature may
resist an effort to pull identification tape 905 out of cable 1005. The
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anchoring feature may cause identification tape 905 to attach to other
elements of cable 1005. The anchoring feature may comprise, for example,
an adhesive or cleats disposed on identification tape 905.
[069] Identification tape 905 may be used as a binder for core 1010
and may be helically wrapped around core 1010. Furthermore, identification
tape 905 may be put in the place of one of the plurality of conductors 1025
in core 1010. For example, when core 1010 is constructed, the plurality of
conductors 1025 may be pulled from reels and twisted in an S-Z
configuration. During the twisting of core 1010, identification tape 905 may
be pulled into core 1010 as or in the place of one of the plurality of
conductors 1025 and twisted into core 1010 in an S-Z configuration or could
be helically applied to the core 1010.
[070] Furthermore, an indicator may be placed on cable 1005 that
may be visible at a distance from cable 1005. For example, the indicator
may be placed on jacket 1020. This indicator may identify cable 1005 as
having a theft deterrent feature. In this way, seeing the indicator may
communicate to a potential thief that cable 1005 can be traced, thus
providing a deterrent to thief. For example, the indicator may comprise a
bright jacket color for jacket 1020 or a printed logo or text on jacket 1020.
The printed text my comprise "Traceable".
[071] Once product processor 205 creates the plurality of unique
codes and places the plurality of indicia periodically and longitudinally on
the
cable in stage 310, method 300 may continue to stage 320 where product
processor 205 may assign, in a database (e.g., a database 440 as
described below with respect to FIG. 4), the plurality of unique codes to an
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organizational entity. The organizational entity may comprise a first
enterprise. For example, the first enterprise may comprise, but is not limited

to, an enterprise that is to distribute the cable, an enterprise that is
purchasing the cable an enterprise for which the cable is being
manufactured, or an enterprise that is to install the cable.
[072] After product processor 205 assigns the plurality of unique
codes to the organizational entity in stage 320, method 300 may proceed to
stage 330 where product processor 205 may receive an indication that the
cable is to be transferred from the first enterprise to a second enterprise.
For example, using first enterprise processor 210, the first enterprise may
communicate with product processor 205 over network 215. Through this
communication, the first enterprise may indicate that the ownership of a
particular amount of cable is being transferred to the second enterprise. In
this communication, the first enterprise may specify a series of the plurality
of unique codes corresponding to the cable whose ownership is being
transferred from the first enterprise to a second enterprise.
[073] From stage 330, where product processor 205 receives the
indication that the cable is to be transferred from the first enterprise to
the
second enterprise, method 300 may advance to stage 340 where product
processor 205 may assign in database 440, in response to the received
indication, the plurality of unique codes from the organizational entity
comprising the first enterprise to the organizational entity comprising the
second enterprise. For example, the second enterprise may comprise an
enterprise purchasing the cable, an enterprise that is to distribute the
cable,
an enterprise for which the cable is being manufactured, and an enterprise
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that is to install the cable. For example, the first enterprise may be a cable

distributor and the second enterprise may be an entity purchasing the cable
from the cable distributor. In addition, the first enterprise may be and
entity
for which the cable is being manufactured and the second enterprise may be
an entity that the first enterprise has contracted with to install the cable.
Moreover, the first enterprise may be an entity for which the cable is being
manufactured and the second enterprise may be an entity purchasing the
cable from the first entity.
[074] Once product processor 205 assigns the plurality of unique
codes from the first enterprise to the second enterprise in stage 340,
method 300 may continue to stage 350 where product processor 205 may
receive an input For example, the input may be received from a reclaimer
operating reclaimer processor 220. The reclaimer may comprise, but is not
limited to, an enterprise that recycles materials (e.g., copper or aluminum).
In this example, the second entity may bring cable to the reclaimer. The
reclaimer may record codes from indicia from the cable brought for
recycling. For each piece of cable, the reclaimer may record a code closest
to a first end of the cable and a code closets to a second end of the cable.
Notwithstanding, the reclaimer may record any one or more codes shown in
indicia from the cable brought for recycling. Next, using reclaimer processor
220, the reclaimer may communicate these recorded code numbers to
product processor 205 through the input.
[075] After product processor 205 receives the input in stage 350,
method 300 may proceed to stage 360 where product processor 205 may
determine if the input corresponds to any one of the plurality of unique
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codes. For example, from the received input, product processor 205 may
extract the recorded codes submitted by the reclaimer in the input. Then the
recorded codes from the input may be compared against codes that have
been previously saved in database 440 and assigned to certain
organizational entities. Consequently, product processor 205 may
determine that respective matches exist between one or more of the
recorded codes from the input and one or more unique codes previously
saved in database 440.
[076] From stage 360, where product processor 205 determines if
the input corresponds to any one of the plurality of unique codes, method
300 may advance to stage 370 where product processor 205 may determine
the organizational entity to which the plurality of unique codes are assigned.

For example, product processor 205 may determine that the recorded
codes from the input match codes previously assigned to the second
enterprise. Consequently, product processor 205 may transmit an output to
reclaimer processor 220 indicating that the determined organizational entity
is the second enterprise. Moreover, product processor 205 may determine
that the recorded codes from the input do not match codes previously
assigned to the second enterprise. Consequently, product processor 205
may transmit the output to reclaimer processor 220 indicating that the
determined organizational entity is not the second enterprise. From the
output, the reclaimer is better able to determine if the cable brought for
recycling should be purchased from the entity bringing the cable. Once
product processor 205 determines the organizational entity to which the
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plurality of unique codes are assigned in stage 370, method 300 may then
end at stage 380.
[077] FIG. 4 shows product processor 205 of FIG. 2 in more detail.
As shown in FIG. 4, product processor 205 may include a processing unit
425 and a memory 430. Memory 430 may include theft deterrent software
module 435 and database 440. First enterprise processor 210 and
reclaimer processor 220 may comprise similar structures. While executing
on processing unit 425, deterrent software module 435 may perform
processes for providing a theft deterrent cable, including, for example, one
or more method 300 stages described above with respect to FIG. 3.
Furthermore, one or more method 300 stages may be performed by first
enterprise processor 210 or reclaimer processor 220.
[078] Product processor 205, first enterprise processor 210, and
reclaimer processor 220 ("the processors") included in system 200 may be
implemented using a personal computer, network computer, mainframe, or
other similar microcomputer-based workstation. The processors may
though comprise any type of computer operating environment, such as
hand-held devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or
programmable sender electronic devices, minicomputers, mainframe
computers, and the like. The processors may also be practiced in
distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote
processing devices. Furthermore, the processors may comprise a mobile
terminal, such as a smart phone, a cellular telephone, a cellular telephone
utilizing wireless application protocol (WAP), personal digital assistant
(PDA), intelligent pager, portable computer, a hand held computer, a
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conventional telephone, or a facsimile machine. The aforementioned
systems and devices are exemplary and the processors may comprise other
systems or devices.
[079] Network 215 may comprise, for example, a local area network
(LAN) or a wide area network (WAN). When a LAN is used as network 215,
a network interface located at any of the processors may be used to
interconnect any of the processors. When network 215 is implemented in a
WAN networking environment, such as the Internet, the processors may
typically include an internal or external modem (not shown) or other means
for establishing communications over the WAN. Further, in utilizing network
215, data sent over network 215 may be encrypted to insure data security by
using known encryption/decryption techniques.
[080] In addition to utilizing a wire line communications system as
network 215, a wireless communications system, or a combination of wire
line and wireless may be utilized as network 215 in order to, for example,
exchange web pages via the Internet, exchange e-mails via the Internet, or
for utilizing other communications channels. Wireless can be defined as
radio transmission via the airwaves. However, it may be appreciated that
various other communication techniques can be used to provide wireless
transmission, including infrared line of sight, cellular, microwave,
satellite,
packet radio, and spread spectrum radio. The processors in the wireless
environment can be any mobile terminal, such as the mobile terminals
described above. Wireless data may include, but is not limited to, paging,
text messaging, e-mail, Internet access and other specialized data
applications specifically excluding or including voice transmission. For
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example, the processors may communicate across a wireless interface such
as, for example, a cellular interface (e.g., general packet radio system
(GPRS), enhanced data rates for global evolution (EDGE), global system for
mobile communications (GSM)), a wireless local area network interface
(e.g., WLAN, IEEE 802, WiFi, WiMax), a bluetooth interface, another RF
communication interface, and/or an optical interface.
[081] System 200 may also transmit data by methods and processes
other than, or in combination with, network 215. These methods and
processes may include, but are not limited to, transferring data via,
diskette,
flash memory sticks, CD ROM, facsimile, conventional mail, an interactive
voice response system (IVR), or via voice over a publicly switched telephone
network.
[082] Generally, consistent with embodiments of the invention,
program modules may include routines, programs, components, data
structures, and other types of structures that may perform particular tasks or
that may implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, embodiments
of the invention may be practiced with other computer system
configurations, including hand-held devices, multiprocessor systems,
microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics,
minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. Embodiments of the
invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments
where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked
through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment,
program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage
devices.
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[083] Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may be practiced
in an electrical circuit comprising discrete electronic elements, packaged or
integrated electronic chips containing logic gates, a circuit utilizing a
microprocessor, or on a single chip containing electronic elements or
microprocessors. Embodiments of the invention may also be practiced
using other technologies capable of performing logical operations such as,
for example, AND, OR, and NOT, including but not limited to mechanical,
optical, fluidic, and quantum technologies. In addition, embodiments of the
invention may be practiced within a general purpose computer or in any
other circuits or systems.
[084] Embodiments of the invention, for example, may be
implemented as a computer process (method), a computing system, or as
an article of manufacture, such as a computer program product or computer
readable media. The computer program product may be a computer
storage media readable by a computer system and encoding a computer
program of instructions for executing a computer process. The computer
program product may also be a propagated signal on a carrier readable by a
computing system and encoding a computer program of instructions for
executing a computer process. Accordingly, the present invention may be
embodied in hardware and/or in software (including firmware, resident
software, micro-code, etc.). In other words, embodiments of the present
invention may take the form of a computer program product on a computer-
usable or computer-readable storage medium having computer-usable or
computer-readable program code embodied in the medium for use by or in
connection with an instruction execution system. A computer-usable or
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computer-readable medium may be any medium that can contain, store,
communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in
connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.
[085] The computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be,
for example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical,
electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or
propagation medium. More specific computer-readable medium examples
(a non-exhaustive list), the computer-readable medium may include the
following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable
computer diskette, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory
(ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash
memory), an optical fiber, and a portable compact disc read-only memory
(CD-ROM). Note that the computer-usable or computer-readable medium
could even be paper or another suitable medium upon which the program is
printed, as the program can be electronically captured, via, for instance,
optical scanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted,
or otherwise processed in a suitable manner, if necessary, and then stored
in a computer memory.
[086] Embodiments of the present invention, for example, are
described above with reference to block diagrams and/or operational
illustrations of methods, systems, and computer program products according
to embodiments of the invention. The functions/acts noted in the blocks
may occur out of the order as shown in any flowchart. For example, two
blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially
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concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order,
depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
[087] While certain embodiments of the invention have been
described, other embodiments may exist. Furthermore, although
embodiments of the present invention have been described as being
associated with data stored in memory and other storage mediums, data
can also be stored on or read from other types of computer-readable media,
such as secondary storage devices, like hard disks, floppy disks, or a CD-
ROM, a carrier wave from the Internet, or other forms of RAM or ROM.
Further, the disclosed methods' stages may be modified in any manner,
including by reordering stages and/or inserting or deleting stages, without
departing from the invention.
[088] While the specification includes examples, the invention's
scope is indicated by the following claims. Furthermore, while the
specification has been described in language specific to structural features
and/or methodological acts, the claims are not limited to the features or acts

described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above
are disclosed as example for embodiments of the invention.
- 35 -

Representative Drawing
A single figure which represents the drawing illustrating the invention.
Administrative Status

For a clearer understanding of the status of the application/patent presented on this page, the site Disclaimer , as well as the definitions for Patent , Administrative Status , Maintenance Fee  and Payment History  should be consulted.

Administrative Status

Title Date
Forecasted Issue Date 2020-12-08
(86) PCT Filing Date 2013-08-09
(87) PCT Publication Date 2014-02-27
(85) National Entry 2015-02-10
Examination Requested 2018-08-06
(45) Issued 2020-12-08

Abandonment History

There is no abandonment history.

Maintenance Fee

Last Payment of $263.14 was received on 2023-08-04


 Upcoming maintenance fee amounts

Description Date Amount
Next Payment if standard fee 2024-08-09 $347.00
Next Payment if small entity fee 2024-08-09 $125.00

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Patent fees are adjusted on the 1st of January every year. The amounts above are the current amounts if received by December 31 of the current year.
Please refer to the CIPO Patent Fees web page to see all current fee amounts.

Payment History

Fee Type Anniversary Year Due Date Amount Paid Paid Date
Application Fee $400.00 2015-02-10
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 2 2015-08-10 $100.00 2015-08-10
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 3 2016-08-09 $100.00 2016-06-27
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 4 2017-08-09 $100.00 2017-06-21
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 5 2018-08-09 $200.00 2018-07-06
Request for Examination $800.00 2018-08-06
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 6 2019-08-09 $200.00 2019-08-06
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 7 2020-08-10 $200.00 2020-07-31
Final Fee 2020-11-30 $300.00 2020-09-24
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 8 2021-08-09 $204.00 2021-07-30
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 9 2022-08-09 $203.59 2022-08-05
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 10 2023-08-09 $263.14 2023-08-04
Owners on Record

Note: Records showing the ownership history in alphabetical order.

Current Owners on Record
SOUTHWIRE COMPANY, LLC
Past Owners on Record
None
Past Owners that do not appear in the "Owners on Record" listing will appear in other documentation within the application.
Documents

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Document
Description 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Number of pages   Size of Image (KB) 
Amendment 2019-12-03 12 398
Description 2019-12-03 35 1,488
Claims 2019-12-03 4 125
Interview Record Registered (Action) 2020-05-01 1 16
Amendment 2020-05-08 11 359
Description 2020-05-08 35 1,487
Claims 2020-05-08 4 132
Final Fee 2020-09-24 4 103
Representative Drawing 2020-11-06 1 7
Cover Page 2020-11-06 2 41
Abstract 2015-02-10 2 70
Claims 2015-02-10 5 103
Drawings 2015-02-10 10 269
Description 2015-02-10 35 1,460
Representative Drawing 2015-02-10 1 9
Cover Page 2015-03-10 2 42
Request for Examination 2018-08-06 2 60
Examiner Requisition 2019-06-04 4 239
PCT 2015-02-10 20 794
Assignment 2015-02-10 6 147
Correspondence 2015-03-03 3 123
PCT 2015-03-03 8 254
Maintenance Fee Payment 2015-08-10 1 57