Multifunctional product markers and methods for making and using the same

Abstract

Disclosed are multi-functional markers for use on various products, particularly products which have one or more visually indistinguishable characteristics, for identifying and/or providing information about such products, and to processes and materials for making and using such markers.

1 . A multi-functional product marker which comprises a substantially solid cross-section of a primary polymeric fiber having a longitudinal axis, wherein: 
 (i) said cross-section has substantially parallel first and second faces and at least one additional face substantially perpendicular to said first face and/or said second face and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said ploymeric fiber;    (ii) said cross-section has an aspect ratio of the mean distance across said first face and said second face to the mean distance between said first and second faces of between 1:1 and 200:1; and    (iii) said cross-section contains at least one optically readable identifier for identifying said product and at least one optically readable orientor for differentiating between said first face and said second face, wherein said optically readable orientor is optically readable on both said first face and said second face.    
   
   
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