U.S. patent application number 11/665988 was filed with the patent office on 2010-07-22 for particle mixture.
Invention is credited to Thomas Giering, Johannes Leist, Ulrich Magg.
Application Number | 20100180978 11/665988 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35559484 |
Filed Date | 2010-07-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100180978 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Giering; Thomas ; et
al. |
July 22, 2010 |
Particle Mixture
Abstract
The invention relates to a particle mixture and the
stabilization of a homogeneous distribution of these particles in
the mixture.
Inventors: |
Giering; Thomas;
(Kirchseeon, DE) ; Magg; Ulrich; (Bergkirchen,
DE) ; Leist; Johannes; (Munchen, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BACON & THOMAS, PLLC
625 SLATERS LANE, FOURTH FLOOR
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314-1176
US
|
Family ID: |
35559484 |
Appl. No.: |
11/665988 |
Filed: |
October 24, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
October 24, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP05/11397 |
371 Date: |
October 26, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
141/1 ;
141/311R |
Current CPC
Class: |
B41M 3/144 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
141/1 ;
141/311.R |
International
Class: |
B65B 1/04 20060101
B65B001/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 26, 2004 |
DE |
10 2004 052 151.4 |
Claims
1. Particle system, comprising a container and a particle mixture
for protection against forgery disposed in the container, wherein
at least a part of the particles in the mixture differs from the
rest of the particles in regard of one measure, and wherein the
container includes at least one means for preventing the spatial
movement of the particles relative to each other.
2. System according to claim 1, wherein the means essentially
prevents a segregation of the particle mixture.
3. System according to claim 1, wherein the means stabilizes a
homogeneous distribution of the particles in the particle
mixture.
4. System according to claim 1, wherein the particles are
pigments.
5. System according to claim 1, wherein the particles form a
coding.
6. System according to claim 5, wherein the coding is based on the
mixture ratio of the particles in the mixture.
7. System according to claim 1, wherein the particles comprise
luminescent substances.
8. System according to claim 1, wherein the measure is of at least
one of the size, the shape, the weight, the density, the
electrostatic charge and the surface roughness.
9. System according to claim 1, wherein the means is adapted to
produce overpressure or underpressure in the container.
10. System according to claim 1, wherein the means comprises a
pressure cushion disposed in the container.
11. System according to claim 1, wherein the means for producing
overpressure or underpressure comprises a suitable valve.
12. System according to claim 1, wherein the particles are packaged
as densely as possible.
13. System according to claim 1, wherein the particle mixture is
divided into partial amounts and the means is adapted to spatially
divide the partial amounts.
14. System according to claim 13, wherein the means comprises
several separate packaging units in which the partial amounts are
respectively packaged.
15. System according to claim 1, wherein the means comprises a
tubular structure arranged in a meandering shape.
16. System according to claim 15, wherein the tubular structure
includes a pull thread.
17. System according to claim 1, wherein the means comprises at
least one of a partition bottom and a partition wall.
18. Method for producing a particle system including a container
and a particle mixture for protection against forgery disposed in
the container, wherein at least a part of the particles in the
mixture differs from the rest of the particles in at least one
measure, comprising the steps: equipping the container with at
least one means which essentially prevents the spatial movement of
the particles relative to each other.
19. Method according to claim 18, including using as said means an
arrangement to cause overpressure or underpressure in the
container.
20. Method according to claim 19, wherein the overpressure is
produced by a pressure cushion.
21. Method according to claim 19, wherein the overpressure or
underpressure is produced by a suitable valve on the container.
22. Method according to claim 18, including producing a vacuum in
the container.
23. Method according to claim 18, including dividing the mixture
into partial amounts and using as such means an arrangement that
spatially divides the partial amounts.
24. Method according to claim 23, including using as said means
several separate packaging units in which the partial amounts are
respectively packaged.
25. Method according to claim 18, including using as said means a
tubular structure arranged in a meandering shape.
26. Method according to claim 18, including using as said means at
least one of a partition bottom and a partition wall.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a particle mixture and the
stabilization of these particles in the mixture.
[0002] For protecting articles, such as e. g. documents of value,
high-quality branded goods, etc. against forgery, frequently
luminescent substances are used. These substances are typically
processed in the form of powdered pigments, like described in EP 0
659 935 A2.
[0003] To increase protection from forgery it was suggested in WO
00/71363 to use mixtures of several luminescent substances, in
particular also as to be able to produce codings. The coding can e.
g. consist in the different luminescent substances being present in
different amounts in the mixture.
[0004] Furthermore WO 02/078964 discloses a color coding for an
object, wherein particles, which have different colors and which
are not perceptible to the naked human eye, form a coding.
[0005] For the user it is decisive that the coding is uniform
throughout the mixture and does not change within the mixture.
[0006] Particularly during the transport of larger packaging units
from the producer to the customer there is frequently the problem
that particle mixtures, which contain e. g. particles with
different diameters, are segregated by jarring movements, since the
smaller particles tend to migrate in the direction of the bottom of
the packaging, whereas the bigger particles accumulate on the
surface.
[0007] Proceeding from this state of the art, it is the problem of
the invention to minimize or to prevent the segregation of powdered
mixtures of different particles.
[0008] The solution to this problem can be found in the independent
claims. Developments are subject of the subclaims.
[0009] According to the invention a particle system is provided,
which comprises a container and a particle mixture disposed in the
container. At least a part of the particles in the mixture differs
in at least one measure from the rest of the particles, wherein the
container has at least one means which essentially prevents the
spatial movement of the particles relative to each other.
[0010] In particular in the case of a mixture in which the
homogeneous distribution of particles differing from each other is
important, the particle system according to the invention ensures
that this distribution is stabilized.
[0011] "Measure" within the terms of the invention means any
physical and/or chemical parameter which furthers a segregation of
the particle mixture. In particular, this is the shape, the weight,
the size, the density, the electrostatic charge and/or the surface
roughness of the particles.
[0012] In the case that for example particles of different sizes
are mixed homogeneously, these particles will be arranged by
jarring movements of the container in such a way that smaller
particles migrate toward the bottom of the container, and the
bigger particles accumulate on the top. Without any counter
measures, the result when viewing the total amount is thus an
inhomogeneous distribution of the particles of different sizes.
[0013] Also particles which differ in regard of weight or of
surface roughness exhibit a similar segregation tendency, i. e.
heavier or smoother particles tend to move toward the bottom of the
container in comparison to the lighter or rougher particles.
[0014] In addition to powdered particles, the invention also
relates to dispersed particles. These particles are preferably
powdered particles. Particularly preferably they are pigments. Very
particularly preferably the particle mixture comprises luminescent
substances.
[0015] Advantageously, the luminescent substances are inorganic
substances such as rare-earth doped host lattices, such as
described in WO 2002/070279.
[0016] In particular the luminescent substances are a mixture of
chemically and/or physically differentiable luminescent substances.
The substances are chemically and/or physically differentiable e.
g. if they have different chemical formulas, different lattice
structures or different spectra.
[0017] In an embodiment according to the invention a coding is
produced on the basis of the differentiability of the particles in
the mixture. This coding can for example be based on the presence
or absence of certain substances or also on the different
concentration ratios within the mixture. It is also conceivable to
produce the coding on the basis of the spectral properties of the
different substances.
[0018] For the particles preferably D.sub.99<50 .mu.m,
particularly preferably D.sub.99<20 .mu.m, applies. In
particular it applies for the particles to be incorporated in paper
that D.sub.99<20 .mu.m, and for particles which are to be used
in printing that D.sub.99 is 6 to 10 .mu.m.
[0019] The container is a typically used transport container for
free-flowing cargo. These are for example plastic drums, metal
drums, plastic sacks, etc.
[0020] According to the invention the container has at least one
means which essentially prevents the spatial movement of the
particles relative to each other. This means that the particles in
the mixture do not change their spatial arrangement in relation to
each other, in particular this means that the means essentially
prevents a segregation of the particle mixture or stabilizes a
homogeneous distribution of the particles in the mixture.
[0021] In an embodiment according to the invention the means
produces overpressure or underpressure in the container in which
the particles are disposed. Preferably, a suitable valve is used
for this purpose. For producing overpressure preferably a pressure
cushion is inserted in the container.
[0022] Alternatively it is possible according to the invention to
divide the particle mixture into partial amounts and to separate
those by suitable means.
[0023] The means for a spatial separation of the partial amounts
are e. g. several separate packaging units, in which the partial
amounts are each packed individually. As separate packaging unit e.
g. small plastic sacks, in which the mixture is sealed, can be
used.
[0024] Alternatively the particle mixture can also be filled into a
tubular structure. This structure is placed in the container in a
meandering shape. This structure preferably additionally has
separate chambers and optionally a pull thread.
[0025] In an alternative embodiment at least one partition bottom
and/or a partition wall is disposed in the container, thereby
restricting the freedom of movement of the particles. The more
partition walls and/or partition bottoms are used, the stronger the
freedom of movement of the particles is restricted and hence the
segregation is prevented.
[0026] In a further embodiment according to the invention an
adhesive, preferably a water-soluble adhesive, is used as means to
press the particles along with the adhesive so as to form a
granulate material. Optionally the adhesive can be additionally
activated by a temperature treatment. The dimensions of the pressed
granular material are preferably in a range of 1 to 5 cm. Instead
of the adhesive also a water-soluble PVA paste can be used. In a
particularly preferred variant an additive is added, which
disintegrates under the generation of gas upon contact with
solvents and thus facilitates the dissolution of the granular
material. For example NaHCl3 can be used for this purpose.
[0027] As a further alternative, instead of pressing, the particles
can also be extruded into a polymer, preferably a water-soluble
polymer.
[0028] It is also conceivable to incorporate the particles in a
paste for stabilizing the mixture.
[0029] According to the invention also a method for producing an
inventive particle system is provided.
[0030] Further embodiments and advantages of the invention will be
explained in the following with reference to the Figure. The
proportions shown in the figure do not necessarily correspond to
the relations existing in reality and serve mainly to improve
clarity.
[0031] The figures are described as follows:
[0032] FIG. 1 Particle mixture with container according to the
state of the art in cross section,
[0033] FIG. 2 to 4 particle systems according to the invention in
cross section,
[0034] FIG. 5a, b connection elements,
[0035] FIGS. 6 and 7 particle systems according to the invention in
cross section.
[0036] FIG. 1 shows a transport container 4 which was filled with a
particle mixture 1 of big and small particles 2, 3. The container
was already transported, to that the particles of different sizes
were already subject to a segregation effect due to jarring
movements. The initially homogeneous mixture now exhibits an
irregular distribution of the different particles, so that at the
customer a regular distribution of all particles throughout the
total amount delivered is no longer given. Typically the
containers, such as the transport container, have a volumetric
capacity of 200 l, preferably of 100 l, particularly preferably of
50 l. The delivered amounts of particles typically range between
approximately 10 and 100 kg.
[0037] FIG. 2 shows a particle system 5 according to the invention,
which consists of the container 6 and several separate packaging
units 7 with the particles disposed therein (not shown). In the
present case the separate packaging units are small plastic sacks
which were filled with the particle mixture freshly produced by the
producer and sealed. The small sacks are particularly suitable for
packaging statically chargeable particles or highly viscous
dispersions. The filled small plastic sacks are then stacked into
the container 6. Optionally, the small sacks are equipped with a
valve including a dust filter. This has the advantage that during
the stacking, air is pressed out of the small sacks below by the
weight of the small sacks disposed above, the sacks thus come to
lie more densely and the space can thus be used more effectively.
During the transport from the producer to the customer the small
sacks restrict the freedom of movement of the particles in the
container, so that a segregation can essentially be prevented.
Furthermore, the small sacks have the advantage that the particle
mixture is easier to handle and also dosage is facilitated by the
packaging in portions. Preferably the small sacks are
water-soluble, so that a tearing open and emptying of the small
sacks is unnecessary. As an alternative to the completely
water-soluble small sacks, there is also the possibility to use a
water-insoluble small sack with a water-soluble seam and air
cushion. In use the seam dissolves, the particles are set free, the
insoluble small sack swims on the surface of the solution or
dispersion and can be fished out. The water-insoluble packaging
units consist e. g. of polymer foil, such as PE, PP, PVC. The
water-soluble packaging units consist e. g. of PVA foils or
carboxymethyl cellulose foils. Also packaging units of paper,
optionally coated, paper compounds, cloth, etc. are thinkable.
[0038] The packaging units preferably have a capacity of approx.
100 g to 5 kg particles. The number of packaging units depends on
the size of the container, but should preferably be chosen in such
a way that the space of the container is filled as completely as
possible.
[0039] FIG. 3 shows a further particle system 8 according to the
invention, which consists of the container 9 and a tubular
structure 10 with the particles disposed therein (not shown). The
structure 10 is filled with the particle mixture freshly produced
by the producer and is placed in the container in a meandering
shape. At the bends of the tubular structure a kind of natural
barrier for the particle mixture is created, so that also here the
freedom of movement of the particles in the container is
restricted. Additionally, webs 11 can be incorporated in the inside
of the structure, so that the structure is divided into individual
chambers. For emptying the structure, the structure only has to be
removed from the container, so that the particle mixture can be
poured out through an opening at one end of the structure. In the
case that less freely flowing particle mixtures are used, the
structure can also be cut open or be torn open by means of a pull
thread incorporated longitudinally. The tubular structure
preferably consists of PE, PP or PVC. Also all further materials,
as described under FIG. 2 concerning the separate packaging units,
are thinkable. Preferably the tubular structure has a diameter
between 5 up to 20 cm and is approximately 3 m long. The dimensions
can of course be varied in dependence of the containers and
particles used.
[0040] FIG. 4 shows a further particle system 12 according to the
invention, which consists of the container 13 and partition bottoms
and partition walls 14, 15 with the particles disposed therein (not
shown). Of course it is also possible to use only partition walls
or only partition bottoms. In the case that only partition bottoms
are used, in the filing of the container first a layer of mixture
is filled in, the partition bottom is placed on top, another layer
of mixture is filled in and a partition bottom is inserted. This
procedure is repeated for such a time until the container is filled
completely. In the case that only partition walls are used, these
should already be installed in the container before filling. The
partition bottoms or partition walls can for example consist of
metal, plastic, cardboard, etc. Preferably the partition elements
are reusable or at least recyclable. The volumes divided off by the
partition bottoms and partition walls preferably amount to
approximately 103 cm.sup.3. The adjustment of the partition
elements and the correspondingly divided-off volumes can also be
adapted in dependence of the dimensions of the removal tool, in the
case that it is not desired to empty the container completely. In
this case the volumes are preferably adjusted in such a way that at
least one volume unit is seized by the removal tool.
[0041] FIG. 5a shows an example of a partition wall in the form of
a connection element. FIG. 5b shows three connection elements
already fit into each other. It is of course possible to use any
desired number of connection elements, so that the connection
system can be adapted to any container size.
[0042] The simultaneous use of partition bottoms and partition
walls is most advantageous. In this case the filling is carried out
in such a way that first a layer of connection elements, as
schematically shown in FIG. 5b, is installed on the bottom of the
container. The number of connection elements depends on the length
and width of the container. A determined amount of the particle
mixture is then filled into the container. The amount should be
determined in such a way that the fields limited by the connection
elements are filled up to the upper edge of the connection
elements. Afterwards the elements are covered by a partition
bottom. On top of this another layer of connection elements is
placed, and the above procedure is repeated. The procedure is
preferably repeated for such a time until the container is filled.
In the emptying of the container the total content can simply be
transferred to another container and the connection elements can be
removed from the mixture. The connection elements can optionally
even be reused.
[0043] FIG. 6 shows a further particle system 16 according to the
invention, which consists of the container 17, a container cover 18
with valve 19, a pressure cushion 20 and the particles 21 disposed
therein. After the filling in of the freshly produced particle
mixture and locking of the container cover 18 the pressure cushion
20 is inflated via the valve 19 and the mixture is thus compressed.
This is a very simple, technically easy to be realized
construction, which does not require any considerable financial
expenditure.
[0044] In a variant which is particularly easy to realize the
pressure cushion 20 and the valve 19 can be omitted. In this case
the restriction of the freedom of movement of the particles is
achieved by filling the container 17 up to its edge and closing the
container cover flush with the edge. Within the container there is
thus preferably no free space which would allow the particles to
move.
[0045] FIG. 7 shows a further particle system 22 according to the
invention, which consists of a double-walled container 23 with an
elastic inside lining 24, a pressure valve 25, an air escape valve
26 and the particles 27 disposed in the container. After filling
the mixture into the container the double wall is pumped up via the
pressure valve 25 and the content is pressed from all sides. Via
the air escape valve 26 possibly occurring overpressure is
relieved. Optionally via the air escape valve additionally an
underpressure, preferably a vacuum, can be created inside.
Alternatively it is also possible to close the pressure valve 25
and to create a vacuum on the inside of the elastic inside lining
24 via the air escape valve. Highly fluid particles, i. e.
electro-statically strongly charged particles, can optionally be
discharged after the filling in by e. g. a so-called "ion
blower".
* * * * *