Marking techniques using laser marking inks

Abstract

Systems, methods, and apparatus for providing marking techniques for microscope slides using laser marking inks are described. In some embodiments, a laser marking ink may be applied to a microscope slide or to a sheet comprising a plurality of microscope slides. A laser may be provided to a portion of the laser marking ink to initiate a chemical reaction in the laser marking ink. The chemical reaction may mark a surface of the microscope slide at the portion of the laser marking ink. The surface of the microscope slide may be marked with information and / or machine readable indicia without etching the surface of the microscope slide.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to marking microscope slides. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to marking microscope slides with marking ink. Background Art

[0002] Prior art for marking microscope slides includes hand-writing marks directly on the microscope slide or on a label on the surface of the microscope slide. Hand-writing techniques are very time-consuming and have insufficient data density of the marks. One is limited by the amount of data that can be compressed into a specified area (such as on a microscope slide). Alternative techniques for marking microscope slides include inkjet printing, thermal transfer, and etching on the surface of the microscope slide, or etching by using a scriber, a rotary drill, or a laser through an ink layer on the surface of the microscope slide. These etching techniques all have limitations. For example, these etching techniques have sufficient data density, but the generated marks are prone to data loss and generate airborne particulates during the etching process. In addition, due to the rough edges of the marks, it may be difficult for the human eye to read the etched marks. Therefore, the marking techniques for microscope slides produce marks lacking sufficient data density, reliability, and readability. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure solve the above problems by providing a system, method, and apparatus for marking microscope slides using laser marking ink. In particular, laser marking ink refers to ink that undergoes a chemical reaction (e.g., causes a color change) when exposed to a laser beam, thus allowing the slide to be automatically marked by a laser system without the defects of directly etching the glass of the slide. These automatically generated marks can be human-readable, machine-readable, or both human- and machine-readable.

[0004] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method for marking a microscope slide, the method comprising: applying laser marking ink to at least a portion of the microscope slide; and exposing a pattern portion of the laser marking ink on the microscope slide to a laser beam, thereby initiating a chemical reaction in the laser marking ink, resulting in a color change in the pattern portion of the laser marking ink without etching the surface of the microscope slide.

[0005] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method further comprising: selecting a value of a parameter of the laser beam, wherein the parameter is selected from the set consisting of wavelength, energy density, laser speed, power, frequency, pulse length, spot size, and spot shape.

[0006] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method wherein the laser marking ink is applied in a thickness range of 5 microns to 200 microns.

[0007] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method in which a chemical reaction includes carbonization of a laser marking ink.

[0008] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method in which a laser marking ink includes a dye or coloring ink, a polymer additive, an inorganic material, and a solvent.

[0009] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method in which the portion of the microscope slide is selected from the group consisting of a label, a marker, and a pattern.

[0010] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method in which the patterned portion of the laser marking ink is selected from the group consisting of a quick response code, a one-dimensional barcode, a two-dimensional barcode, and a text marker.

[0011] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method for manufacturing a plurality of marked microscope slides, the method comprising: providing a sheet of slide material including a laser marking ink on at least a portion of the sheet of slide material; exposing the patterned portion of the laser marking ink on the sheet of slide material to a laser beam, thereby initiating a chemical reaction in the laser marking ink that causes a color change in the patterned portion of the laser marking ink without etching the surface of the sheet of slide material; and separating the sheet of slide material into a plurality of marked microscope slides.

[0012] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method in which the laser marking ink is applied in a thickness range of 5 microns to 200 microns.

[0013] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method in which the laser marking ink is a first laser marking ink having a first color, the method further comprising: applying a second laser marking ink having a second color to at least another portion of the sheet of slide material.

[0014] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method of selecting a value of a parameter of a laser beam, the parameter being selected from the group consisting of wavelength, energy density, laser speed, power, frequency, pulse length, spot size, and spot shape.

[0015] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method in which the chemical reaction includes a carbonization reaction.

[0016] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method in which the chemical reaction changes the brightness of the color of the patterned portion of the laser marking ink, and in which the patterned portion is selected from the group consisting of a quick response code, a one-dimensional barcode, a two-dimensional barcode, and a marked identifier.

[0017] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method that further includes heating a laser marking ink before exposing the laser marking ink to a laser beam.

[0018] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method for manufacturing a marked microscope slide, the method comprising: providing a sheet of slide material, the sheet of slide material including a laser marking ink on the sheet of slide material; separating the sheet of slide material into a plurality of slides, wherein the laser marking ink covers a portion of each of the plurality of slides; and exposing a pattern portion of the laser marking ink on a microscope slide of the plurality of slides to a laser beam, thereby initiating a chemical reaction in the laser marking ink that results in a color change in the pattern portion without etching the surface of the microscope slide.

[0019] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method wherein the sheet of slide material includes one or more inks on at least another portion of the sheet of slide material.

[0020] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method wherein the sheet of slide material includes a coating on the sheet of slide material.

[0021] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method wherein the chemical reaction includes carbonization of an organic component of the laser marking ink.

[0022] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method wherein the chemical reaction alters the brightness of the color of the laser marking ink to produce a marked portion corresponding to the pattern portion.

[0023] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method wherein the marked portion is selected from the group consisting of a quick response code, a one-dimensional barcode, a two-dimensional barcode, and a marked identifier.

[0024] This summary is provided to introduce a series of concepts in a simplified form that will be further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the subject matter of the claims, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the subject matter of the claims. Other aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 An exemplary laser system for marking a microscope slide is shown;

[0027] Figure 2Shows an exemplary inked sheet;

[0028] Figure 3 Shows an exemplary inked microscope slide;

[0029] Figure 4 Shows an exemplary laser marking process;

[0030] Figure 5 Shows an exemplary plurality of marked microscope slides;

[0031] Figure 6 Shows an exemplary method for manufacturing laser marking ink;

[0032] Figure 7A Shows an exemplary method for applying a laser marking ink layer to a sheet;

[0033] Figure 7B Shows an exemplary method for performing a laser marking process on a sheet having a layer of laser marking ink;

[0034] Figure 7C Shows an exemplary method for generating a plurality of marked microscope slides from an inked sheet; and

[0035] Figure 8 Shows an example of a hardware platform, which represents an embodiment of a hardware system.

[0036] The drawings do not limit the present disclosure to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, but rather emphasize clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0037] The following detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure refers to the accompanying drawings, which show specific embodiments in which the present disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the present disclosure in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the following detailed description should not be considered restrictive. The scope of embodiments of the present disclosure is defined only by the appended claims and the full scope of equivalents to which those claims are entitled.

[0038] In this specification, references to "one embodiment" or "one or more embodiments" mean that one or more of the recited features are included in at least one embodiment of the technology. References to "one embodiment" or "one or more embodiments" in isolation in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and are not mutually exclusive, unless so stated and / or unless it is obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art from the specification. For example, a feature, structure, or act described in one embodiment may also (but not necessarily) be included in other embodiments. Accordingly, the technology may include various combinations and / or permutations of the embodiments described herein.

[0039] There is a need for a marking technique for microscope slides to create marks with high information density, reliability, and readability. By the systems and methods described herein, marking a microscope slide with a laser marking ink creates marks with high information density, reliability, readability, and durability. In some embodiments, using a laser to mark the laser marking ink allows for high-density information storage, including encoded information (e.g., Quick Response (QR) codes and / or barcodes). Additionally, in some embodiments, the laser marking ink allows for creating marks without substantially etching the glass surface of the slide or without etching through the ink to the glass substantially, such that the marks created with the laser marking ink are reliable, readable, and durable. Further details of marking microscope slides with a laser marking ink by laser can be found in the co-owned PCT application serial number [Docket No. 2971-3.00] entitled "REVERSE MARKING OF MICROSCOPE SLIDES", the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. All or some of the embodiments described herein may be performed by an ink manufacturer for producing slides for end users. Similarly or alternatively, the laser marking ink 26, laser parameters, and process descriptions described herein may be provided to end users (e.g., laboratories, hospitals, educational institutions, pharmaceutical companies, etc.), and the end users may perform all or part of the processes described herein. Accordingly, any combination of processes may be performed by the manufacturer and / or the end user.

[0040] Figure 1 An embodiment of a laser system 10 for marking an inked microscope slide 20 for a microscope sheet 14 is shown. Figure 3 ) In some embodiments, the laser marking system 10 includes a computer 18 communicatively coupled to a laser generation system 12 configured to generate and control a laser 22 to mark the inked microscope slide 20. In some embodiments, both the computer 18 and the laser generation system 12 include a hardware system 800. Figure 8)。The user may provide an input to computer 18, the input including information to be displayed by the slide. The information may be stored and accessed for generating coordinates for laser generation system 12 to mark the sheet 14, as described below.

[0041] In some embodiments, the laser marking system 10 may be manual such that the user controls the operation of the laser 22 and the movement of the laser 22 and / or the movement of the sheet 14 to produce a mark on the inked microscope slide 20. In some embodiments, the laser marking system 10 may be fully automated such that the operation and / or movement of the laser 22 and / or the movement of the inked microscope slide 20 is automated to mark the inked microscope slide 20. In some embodiments, the laser marking system 10 may include one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, perform the method of marking the inked microscope slide 20 described herein. Embodiments are envisioned in which multiple lasers may be utilized to mark layers on the sheet 14 such that multiple portions of the layer of laser marking ink 26 on the sheet 14 are marked simultaneously.

[0042] In some embodiments, the inked microscope slide 20 may be positioned on a platform 16 below the laser 22. The inked microscope slide 20 may be positioned on the platform 16 by the user or may be automatically positioned by a machine. In some embodiments, the laser marking ink 26 ( Figure 2 ) may be disposed on the slide 20 before being placed on the platform 16. The laser marking ink 26 may be disposed on the slide by various methods described herein to create the inked microscope slide 20.

[0043] In some embodiments, the sheet 14 can be placed on the platform 16 and marked in an automated process, a manual process, or a combination of a manual process and an automated process. In some embodiments, the automated process can include automatically retrieving, labeling, marking, and packaging the sheet 14. Similarly, multiple sheets can be retrieved, labeled, marked, and packaged. Thus, in some embodiments, the sheet 14 can represent at least one slide, one or more slides, and / or multiple slides. For example, the sheet 14 can include multiple slides or a single slide (e.g., slide 20). Thus, the processes described herein can be applied to a sheet 14 that includes multiple slides or a sheet 14 that includes a single slide (e.g., an inked slide 20 or slide 33). Some of the descriptions herein refer to slide 20, but it should be understood that slide 20 can simply be the sheet 14 that includes a single slide rather than multiple slides, or includes multiple slides that contain slide 20. Similarly, some of the descriptions herein refer to slide 33, but it should be understood that slide 33 can simply be the sheet 14 that includes a single slide rather than multiple slides, or includes multiple slides that contain slide 33.

[0044] In some embodiments, prior to providing the laser marking process 34, at least one parameter can be selected for the laser marking process 34( Figure 4 ). In some embodiments, the at least one parameter includes any combination of laser parameters, such as wavelength, energy density, laser marking speed, power, frequency, pulse length, spot size, and spot shape, as well as any other suitable parameters and their components. In some embodiments, the wavelength of the laser 22 can be in the range of 157 nanometers (nm) to 10600 nm. Additionally, in some embodiments, the wavelength of the laser 22 can be in the range of 500 nm to 5000 nm. For example, the laser 22 can include a wavelength of 1064 nm. Additionally, the wavelength of the laser 22 can be in the ultraviolet (UV) range of 300 nm to 400 nm. Broadly speaking, the present invention can contemplate using any suitable wavelength range, and the same is true for multiple wavelengths of the laser. In some embodiments, the energy density of the laser 22 can be in the range of 0.3 millijoules per square centimeter (mJ / cm 2 ) to 50 mJ / cm 2 . In some embodiments, the laser marking speed of the laser 22 can be in the range of 100 millimeters per second (mm / s) to 2000 mm / s. Additionally, in some embodiments, the laser marking speed of the laser 22 can be in the range of 600 mm / s to 1200 mm / s. For example, the laser marking speed of the laser 22 can be 1000 mm / s.

[0045] In some embodiments, the operating power of laser 22 can be in the range of 5% to 100% of the total power of laser 22. Additionally, in some embodiments, the operating power of laser 22 can be in the range of 50% to 100% of the total power of laser 22. Embodiments are envisioned in which the total power of laser 22 can be in the range of 1 watt (W) to 1000 W. For example, the total power of laser 22 can be 2.5 W.

[0046] In some embodiments, the pulse frequency of laser 22 can be in the range of 5 kilohertz (kHz) to 500 kHz. For example, the pulse frequency of laser 22 can be 300 kHz. Additionally, in some embodiments, the pulse frequency of laser 22 can be in the range of 50 kHz to 200 kHz. In some embodiments, the pulse length of laser 22 can be in the range of 5 μs to 50 μs. Additionally, in some embodiments, the pulse length of laser 22 can be in the range of 10 microseconds (μs) to 25 μs. For example, the pulse length of laser 22 can be 20 μs.

[0047] In some embodiments, the selected parameters depend at least in part on the type of laser used for the laser marking process 34. In some embodiments, the selected parameters depend on the properties of the layer of the laser marking ink 26 ( Figure 2 )). Additionally, in some embodiments, the selected parameters depend at least in part on any combination of the chemical properties, physical properties, and composition of the laser marking ink 26. For example, in some embodiments, laser 22 can utilize invisible laser parameters (e.g., wavelength of 1064 nm, maximum power output of 3 W, minimum pulse energy of 0.1 mJ, pulse duration of 3 nanoseconds) and visible laser parameters (e.g., wavelength of 640 nm, and maximum output power of 5 milliwatts). The parameters of laser 22 described herein are only intended to be exemplary and can be modified to optimize the marking of the laser marking ink 26 on the sheet 14.

[0048] Figure 2 An exemplary inked sheet 24 is shown. In some embodiments, the inked sheet 24 can be Figure 1The sheet 14 depicted. In some embodiments, an inked sheet 24 can be manufactured by providing a glass or plastic sheet 14 and applying a layer of laser marking ink 26 to at least a portion of the surface of the sheet 14. Embodiments are envisioned in which the sheet 14 can include any material suitable for manufacturing the microscope slides described herein. For example, the sheet 14 can be composed of plastic, glass, float glass, drawn glass, quartz, silica glass, acrylic glass, tempered glass, and / or any other material that can receive the markings described herein and can be suitable for receiving the samples described herein (e.g., medical samples). In some embodiments, the process of creating the layer of laser marking ink 26 includes any combination of screen printing, rotary screen printing, inkjet printing, digital printing, offset printing, pad printing, intaglio printing, rotogravure printing, lithography, letterpress printing, flexography, stamping, brushing, painting, sketching, and spraying, as well as any other suitable application process and its components.

[0049] In some embodiments, the layer of laser marking ink 26 can be applied to the sheet 14 with consideration for where the sheet 14 can be separated to manufacture multiple microscope slides. For example, the layer of laser marking ink 26 can be applied such that when the sheet 14 is separated, the layer of laser marking ink 26 on each microscope slide can be similar.

[0050] In some embodiments, the layer of laser marking ink 26 can include any combination of inked labels 28, inked markings 30, and inked patterns 32, as well as any other suitable configuration of the ink layer and its components. In some embodiments, the inked label 28 covers at least one edge of the sheet 14. Additionally, in some embodiments, the inked label 28 extends from at least one edge of the sheet 14 such that when the sheet 14 is processed to manufacture multiple microscope slides (e.g., microscope slide 33), each microscope slide includes a label that can be held without smudging, soiling, and / or damaging the surface of each microscope slide that does not have the layer of laser marking ink 26. Embodiments are envisioned in which the inked label 28 may not cover the edge of the sheet 14, but when processed to manufacture multiple microscope slides, the inked label 28 can cover at least one edge of each microscope slide.

[0051] In some embodiments, the inked markings 30 include any combination of words, letters, and numbers, as well as any other suitable markings and their components. For example, as Figure 2As shown, the inked marker 30 can include a combination of letters and numbers such that when the sheet 14 is processed to manufacture multiple microscope slides, each microscope slide can be distinguished from other inked microscope slides (e.g., the inked microscope slide 20). In another example, the inked marker 30 can include a company name and / or logo such that after processing the sheet 14, multiple identical inked microscope slides can be made. In some embodiments, the inked pattern 32 includes any combination of text, shapes, forms, bodies, patterns, fills, frames, and borders, as well as any other suitable symbols and their components. For example, the inked pattern 32 can include a border around the edge of one or more of the multiple microscope slides that can be made from the sheet 14 (discussed below and shown in Figure 5 ). Alternatively or additionally, for example, the inked pattern 32 can include one or more cross shapes to indicate the proposed available space for one or more of the multiple microscope slides that can be made from the sheet 14. Embodiments are envisioned in which the inked pattern 32 includes a shape for distinguishing the use of one or more of the multiple microscope slides that can be made from the sheet 14. For example, an inked microscope slide 20 having an inked pattern 32 including a circular shape can be used for a different purpose than an inked microscope slide 20 having an inked pattern 32 including a square shape.

[0052] In some embodiments, the layer of laser marking ink 26 can cover a predetermined percentage of the surface area of the sheet 14 such that the layer can include a sufficient surface area to perform marking using Figure 4 the laser marking process 34 described. In some embodiments, the layer covers 5% to 50% of the surface area of the sheet 14. However, by using the methods described herein, the laser marking ink 26 can cover any amount of the surface area of the sheet 14, as described above. Embodiments are envisioned in which the layer of laser marking ink 26 can cover a predetermined percentage of the surface area of one or more of the multiple microscope slides that can be made from the sheet 14. In these embodiments, the predetermined percentage of one or more microscope slides can be in the range of 5% to 50% of the surface of each microscope slide.

[0053] In some embodiments, the thickness of the layer of laser marking ink 26 can be in the range of 5 micrometers (μm) to 200 μm. In some embodiments, the thickness of the layer of laser marking ink 26 can be in the range of 5 μm to 100 μm. Additionally, in some embodiments, the thickness of the layer can be in the range of 15 μm to 35 μm. The thickness of the layer of laser marking ink 26 can depend at least in part on the laser marking process (discussed later inFigure 4 (discussed later in). For example, the thickness of the layer of the laser marking ink 26 can be greater than 12 μm such that the layer can respond to laser radiation. Consider such an embodiment where the thickness of the layer can depend at least in part on any combination of the chemical properties, physical properties, and composition of the laser marking ink 26 (discussed later in Figure 6 (discussed later in). For example, a more viscous formulation of the laser marking ink 26 may result in a thickness in the range of 5 μm to 20 μm. Also consider such an embodiment where the thickness of the layer can depend at least in part on the process used to apply the laser marking ink 26 to the sheet 14. For example, a screen printing process can provide a layer of the laser marking ink 26 with a thickness in the range of 15 μm to 35 μm. Additionally, for example, manually applying a layer of the laser marking ink 26 to the sheet 14 can result in a thickness in the range of 50 μm to 80 μm. As described herein, various layer thicknesses can produce different markings on the sheet 14 and can be selected for different purposes.

[0054] In some embodiments, more than one layer of the laser marking ink 26 can be applied to the sheet 14 as described above. For example, a first layer of the laser marking ink 26 including a first color can be disposed on a portion of the surface of the sheet 14, and a second layer of the laser marking ink 26 including a second color can be disposed on a portion of the surface of the sheet 14. In some embodiments, the portion covered by the first layer of the laser marking ink 26 and the portion covered by the second layer of the laser marking ink 26 can at least partially overlap. Alternatively, in some embodiments, a first portion covered by the first layer of the laser marking ink 26 and a second portion covered by the second layer of the laser marking ink 26 can be non - intersecting sites such that the first and second layers do not overlap. In some embodiments, one or more layers of the laser marking ink 26 can be applied to the sheet 14 sequentially or simultaneously. For example, in a screen printing process, a first layer of the laser marking ink 26 including a first color and a second layer of the laser marking ink 26 including a second color can be applied sequentially using a conveyor system incorporated into the ink application process.

[0055] In some embodiments, the layer of laser marking ink 26 can include any combination of white, black, blue, green, red, cyan, magenta, and yellow, as well as any other suitable colors and their components. Additionally, in some embodiments, the color of the layer of laser marking ink 26 can be used as an identifier for one or more microscope slides made from the sheet 14. For example, a microscope slide with a red layer of laser marking ink 26 can be used to identify that the end user can perform a chemical bath on the microscope slide, and that the microscope slide may require a protective device to handle the microscope slide safely. In certain applications, various color options can be provided, and the end user can assign meanings to the different colors (e.g., a specific workflow). In some embodiments where the ink is applied to the sheet of the slide, once the ink has been applied, the individual slides can be separated. Alternatively, the sheets can be cut, perforated, or otherwise marked for separation by the end user.

[0056] Figure 3 An exemplary inked microscope slide 20 is shown. In some embodiments, the inked microscope slide 20 can be made by providing a microscope slide 33 and applying laser marking ink 26 to at least a portion of the surface of the microscope slide 33 to create a layer of laser marking ink 26 on the microscope slide 33. In some embodiments, the microscope slide 33 includes any combination of glass, float glass, drawn glass, quartz, silica glass, acrylic glass, tempered glass, and plastic, as well as any other suitable materials and their components. In some embodiments, the microscope slide 33 can be separated from the sheet 14, or can be a single slide. In some embodiments, the microscope slide 33 can be the sheet 14 as described herein. Additionally, in some embodiments, the inked microscope slide 20 can be the inked sheet 24 as described herein. In some embodiments, the process for applying the layer of laser marking ink 26 includes any combination of screen printing, rotary screen printing, inkjet printing, digital printing, offset printing, pad printing, gravure printing, rotogravure printing, lithography, letterpress printing, flexography, stamping, brushing, painting, sketching, and spraying, as well as any other suitable application processes and combinations of their components as described above.

[0057] In some embodiments, the layer of laser marking ink 26 can include any combination of an inked label 28, an inked mark 30, and an inked pattern 32, as well as any other suitable configuration of the ink layer and its components, as described above. In some embodiments, the inked label 28 covers at least one edge of the microscope slide 33. Additionally, in some embodiments, the inked label 28 extends from at least one edge of the microscope slide 33 such that the microscope slide 33 includes such a label by which a user can hold the microscope slide 33 without smudging, soiling, and / or damaging the surface of the layer of the microscope slide 33 that is free of the laser marking ink 26.

[0058] In some embodiments, the inked mark 30 includes any combination of letters, characters, and numbers, as well as any other suitable marks and their components. For example, as Figure 3 shown, the inked mark 30 can include a combination of letters and numbers such that the inked microscope slide 20 can be distinguished from other inked microscope slides. In another example, the inked mark 30 can include a company name and / or logo such that multiple identical inked microscope slides can be produced. The inked mark 30 and the inked pattern 32 can include any combination of shapes, forms, bodies, patterns, fills, frames, and borders, as well as any other suitable symbols and their components. For example, the inked pattern 32 can include a border around the edge of the microscope slide 33 to indicate the available space of the microscope slide 32. Alternatively or additionally, for example, the inked pattern 32 can include one or more cross shapes to indicate the recommended available space of the microscope slide 33. Embodiments are envisioned in which the inked pattern 32 includes a shape for distinguishing the use of the inked microscope slide 20. For example, an inked microscope slide 20 having an inked pattern 32 that includes a circular shape can be used for a different purpose than an inked microscope slide 20 having an inked pattern 32 that includes a square shape. In another example, the inked pattern 32 can be used to indicate the corresponding coating applied to the microscope slide 33, as described below.

[0059] Figure 4An exemplary laser marking process 34 is shown. In some embodiments, the laser marking process 34 may include marking at least a portion of a layer of laser marking ink 26 on a sheet 14, which includes one or more microscope slides (including microscope slide 33). The laser marking process 34 described herein may be similarly applied to microscope slide 33. Further, in some embodiments, the marked portion includes any combination of indicia 36 and / or marked identifier 38, as well as any other suitable markings and their components. In some embodiments, the indicia 36 may include data of the sheet 14. Further, in some embodiments, the indicia 36 may include any one of patient information, identification number, date, time, text, and numbers, as well as any other suitable information and its components. For example, the indicia 36 may include information about the patient, when the sample on the microscope slide (e.g., microscope slide 33) was collected, and the identification number of the sample on the microscope slide.

[0060] In some embodiments, the indicia 36 may include a QR code 36A, a bar code 36B (e.g., a one-dimensional (1D) bar code and / or a two-dimensional (2D) bar code), and / or any other machine-readable indicia. For example, the indicia 36 may include a QR code 36A encoded with an identification number. In some embodiments, the indicia 36 may include a machine-readable medium that indicates data of one or more microscope slides (e.g., microscope slide 33) among a plurality of microscope slides that can be made from the sheet 14. In some embodiments, a scanner may be used to decode the information included in the indicia 36. The indicia 36 can be scanned to provide a machine-readable code associated with a dataset stored in a database (e.g., an electronic health record (EHR)). The dataset may include data related to the patient and the patient's medical history, hospital / healthcare provider information, insurance information, sample tracking information (e.g., sample, patient, date, time, hospital, insurance), etc. Thus, any data related to a medical procedure can be recorded, digitized, and stored in a database that can be accessed by scanning the indicia 36 of the sheet 14.

[0061] In some embodiments, the marked identifier 38 can include any combination of letters, numbers, and characters, as well as any other suitable markings and their components. For example, the marked identifier 38 can include a combination of letters and numbers such that one or more unique identifier sequences can be marked on the layer of the laser marking ink 26 of the sheet 14. Envision such an embodiment in which the marked portion can include any combination of shapes, forms, bodies, patterns, fills, frames, and borders, as well as any other suitable symbols and their components. In some embodiments, the marked portion can include at least a portion of the layer of the laser marking ink 26 up to the entire layer of the laser marking ink 26. For example, by marking a QR code 36A on the layer of the laser marking ink 26, the marked portion creating the QR code 36A can include 40% of the layer of the laser marking ink 26. In another example, the marked portion can include the entire laser marking ink 26 to create the marked identifier 38.

[0062] In some embodiments, the laser marking process 34 can rely on the laser marking ink 26 reacting to the laser 22 to mark the laser marking ink 26. For example, the laser 22 can initiate a reaction on at least a portion of the laser marking ink 26. In some embodiments, the reaction includes any combination of oxidation, carbonization, polymerization, decomposition, foaming, crosslinking, and / or other suitable reactions. For example, the laser marking ink 26 can undergo a carbonization reaction such that the color of the laser marking ink 26 can darken. Envision such an embodiment in which the layer of the laser marking ink 26 can be a darker color and when the laser marking process 34 is applied, the laser 22 initiates a reaction on at least a portion of the laser marking ink 26 to lighten the color of the laser marking ink 26. The carbonization process can convert the components of the laser marking ink 26 (especially the organic components) into carbon, thereby creating a darkened color where the laser marking ink 26 has been exposed to the beam of the laser 22. Additionally, in some embodiments, additives can be added to the laser marking ink 26 to facilitate or assist in the progression of the chemical reaction. For example, titanium dioxide can be any percentage of the overall formulation. For example, titanium dioxide can be about 1%-75% or 20%-60% of the total formulation of the laser marking ink 26.

[0063] In some embodiments, the final brightness of the marking can depend on the characteristics of the laser marking ink 26. In some embodiments, the brightness can depend at least in part on the thickness of the layer of the laser marking ink 26. For example, a marking on a thicker layer of the laser marking ink 26 can result in a darker marking compared to a thinner layer of the laser marking ink 26. In some embodiments, the color and / or hue of the marking can depend at least in part on the initial color of the layer of the laser marking ink 26. Additionally, the characteristics of the laser marking ink 26 that contribute to the final brightness can include the thickness, mixture, and added colorants of the laser marking ink 26.

[0064] In some embodiments, prior to providing the laser marking process 34, at least one parameter may be selected for the laser marking process 34. In some embodiments, the parameters of the laser marking process 34 include any combination of wavelength, energy density, laser marking speed, power, frequency, pulse length, spot size, and spot shape. In some embodiments, the selected parameters depend at least in part on the characteristics of the layer of the laser marking ink 26. Additionally, in some embodiments, the selected parameters depend at least in part on any combination of the chemical properties, physical properties, and composition of the laser marking ink 26. The selected ink characteristics and the selected laser parameters may be chosen to generate one or more marked microscope slides 40. Additionally, in some embodiments, when applied to the sheet 14, an additional step of separating each slide from the sheet 14 may be added during the laser marking process 34. Embodiments are contemplated in which multiple lasers (such as laser 22) may be utilized to mark the layer on the sheet 14 such that multiple portions of the layer of the laser marking ink 26 on the sheet 14 are marked simultaneously.

[0065] In some embodiments, the laser marking process 34 may be applied to a microscope slide 33 by marking at least a portion of the layer of the laser marking ink 26 on the microscope slide 33. Additionally, in some embodiments, the marked portion includes any combination of the indicia 36 and / or the marked identifier 38 described above, as well as any other suitable markings and their components. In some embodiments, the indicia 36 may include a machine-readable medium indicating data of the microscope slide 33. Additionally, as described above, the data may include any one of patient and patient medical history, hospital / healthcare provider information, insurance information, and sample tracking information (e.g., sample, patient, date, time, hospital, insurance).

[0066] Figure 5Shows an exemplary plurality of marked microscope slides 40 created by the above-described laser marking process 34. In some embodiments, the sheet 14 can be separated to produce a plurality of marked microscope slides 40. In other embodiments, the sheet can be separated before being marked, and the individual slides are marked separately. In some embodiments, the plurality of marked microscope slides 40 can be made using a curing process, a separation process, and a cleaning process. In some embodiments, the curing process includes any combination of drying, heating, UV curing, infrared (IR) curing, and polymerization, as well as any suitable curing process and its components. For example, the curing process can include convective heating. In some embodiments, the separation process includes any combination of laser cutting, diamond wheel cutting, water jet cutting, scribing, and breaking, any combination of using a saw blade, diamond tip, knife, glass cutter, glass cutting machine, scriber, mechanical force, etc., as well as any suitable separation process, separation device, and its components. For example, the separation process can use a saw blade. In some embodiments, the cleaning process uses any combination of a vacuum cleaner, glass cleaner, alcohol, ethanol, acetone, cleaning solution, ethyl alcohol, and soap, as well as any suitable cleaning device and its components. For example, the cleaning process can use a vacuum cleaner to clean the particles that may be generated during the separation process.

[0067] In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of marked microscope slides 40 (e.g., microscope slide 33) can include any combination of an inked label 28, an inked mark 30, an inked pattern 32, an indicia 36, and a marked identifier 38, as well as any other suitable markings and their components. For example, as Figure 5 shown, each microscope slide of the plurality of marked microscope slides 40 can include an inked label 28, an inked mark 30, an inked pattern 32, an indicia 36, and a marked identifier 38. In some embodiments, each marked microscope slide of the plurality of marked microscope slides 40 can have a different marking from the remaining microscope slides of the plurality of marked microscope slides 40. In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of marked microscope slides 40 (e.g., microscope slide 33) are not etched. For example, the markings on one or more of the plurality of marked microscope slides 40 may not etch through the laser marking ink 26, and in some embodiments, do not include an etch produced by a laser etching process.

[0068] In some embodiments, the laser marking ink 26 can be formulated to withstand one or more chemical treatments that the microscope slide undergoes. In these embodiments, one or more marked microscope slides 40 can withstand one or more tests or treatments without damaging or altering the layer of the laser marking ink 26 and / or the marked portion of the layer of the laser marking ink 26. For example, one or more marked microscope slides 40 can withstand any combination of staining, counterstaining, chemical baths, temperature fluctuations, freezing, and baking, as well as any other suitable tests. In some embodiments, one or more marked microscope slides 40 receive a coating to facilitate resistance to degradation and damage. Additionally, in some embodiments, the coating can be applied to at least a portion of the surface area of one or more marked microscope slides 40. For example, an epoxy coating can be applied over the layer of the laser marking ink 26 on one or more marked microscope slides 40. Embodiments are envisioned in which the coating can include any combination of silicone, acrylic, lacquer, polyurethane, epoxy, resin, alkyd, polyurethane, phenolic, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-based resins, as well as any other suitable coatings and their components. The manufacturing processes described herein can form one or more marked microscope slides 40 that can remain undamaged for over 20 years and can remain undegraded for over 15 years. In some embodiments, because the glass is inert, there may be little degradation over time. Thus, depending on the material used for the sheet 14, any coating may be unnecessary.

[0069] In some embodiments, as Figure 5 shown, after receiving the laser marking process 34, the sheet 14 can be cured, separated, and cleaned to form a plurality of marked microscope slides 40. Alternatively, embodiments are envisioned in which the curing, separation, and cleaning can be performed prior to providing the laser marking process 34 to create a plurality of microscope slides, each having a layer of the laser marking ink 26 (i.e., a plurality of inked microscope slides 20). Such embodiments can provide the laser marking process 34 for each inked microscope slide made from the inked sheet 24. In some embodiments, the curing, separation, and cleaning can be performed by the slide manufacturer or the end user during the manufacturing process. In some embodiments, the laser marking process 34 can be configured to mark one or more inked microscope slides sequentially or simultaneously. For example, a plurality of inked microscope slides can be positioned adjacent to each other such that the laser marking process 34 can be provided to the plurality of inked microscope slides simultaneously.

[0070] Embodiments are envisioned in which each of a plurality of labeled microscope slides 40 includes a coating. In some embodiments, the coating includes any one of a hydrophilic coating, a hydrophobic coating, a chemical adhesive, a physical adhesive, and an electrostatic adhesive, as well as any other suitable coating and its components. In some embodiments, the coating is applied to the plurality of labeled microscope slides 40. Alternatively, the coating may be applied prior to receiving the laser marking process 34. For example, the coating may be applied to a plurality of inked microscope slides (e.g., a plurality of inked microscope slides 20). In some embodiments, the coating may be used to adhere a sample to the microscope slide.

[0071] Figure 6 An exemplary method 600 for manufacturing the laser marking ink 26 is shown. In some embodiments, all or some of the steps of the methods described herein may be performed by an ink manufacturer for producing slides for end users. Similarly or alternatively, the laser marking ink 26, laser parameters, and process description may be provided to an end user (e.g., a laboratory, a hospital, an educational institution, a pharmaceutical company, etc.), and the end user may perform all or part of the methods described herein. In step 602, a dye or coloring ink, a polymer additive, an inorganic material, and a solvent may be mixed to produce the laser marking ink 26. In some embodiments, the mixing may be achieved by utilizing any combination of a vortex mixer, a paddle mixer, a drum mixer, a blender, a vertical mixer, a static mixer, a stirrer, a roll mill, and a homogenizer, as well as any other suitable mixing device and any of its components. In some embodiments, the mixture may include 24% to 99% by weight of a dye or coloring ink, 1% to 75% of an inorganic material, 1% to 40% of a polymer additive, and 0% to 50% of a solvent. For example, the mixture may include 55% by weight of a coloring ink, 25% of an inorganic material, 15% of a polymer additive, and 5% of a solvent. In another example, the mixture may include 55% by weight of a coloring ink, 30% of an inorganic material, 10% of a polymer additive, and 5% of a solvent. Broadly speaking, any suitable ink formulation is envisioned for the present invention.

[0072] In some embodiments, the polymer additive includes any combination of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO), poly(1,4-phenylene sulfide) (PPS), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyamide, nylon, nylon 6, polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), silicone, polyester, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and any other suitable polymer additive and its components. In some embodiments, the inorganic material includes any combination of bismuth (III) oxide, antimony (III) oxide, antimony tin oxide, titanium (IV) oxide, aluminum oxide, aluminum silicate, titanium carbide, indium tin oxide, yttrium aluminum oxide and titanium dioxide, and any other suitable inorganic material and its components. In some embodiments, the solvent may include any combination of water, acetone, alcohol, ether and aromatic hydrocarbons, and any other suitable solvent and its components. Embodiments are contemplated in which dyes may be used in addition to or in place of pigmented inks.

[0073] In some embodiments, the mixture formula may depend at least in part on the desired color of the coloring ink. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the mixture formula may be used regardless of the color of the coloring ink. In some embodiments, the coloring ink may include any combination of white, black, blue, green, red, cyan, magenta and yellow, as well as any other suitable color and its components. For example, a mixture of a red coloring ink and a blue coloring ink may provide a coloring ink having a purple color. It is envisioned that the laser marking ink 26 may be transparent, translucent or opaque before marking. In some embodiments, a white coloring ink and / or a black coloring ink may be added to a coloring ink of other colors to produce different tones, chromaticity, light and dark or gradients of another coloring ink. In some embodiments, the viscosity of the ink may be in the range of 0.01 kcPs to 1000 kcPs. In an embodiment, the exemplary range provided herein may be preferred; however, according to different methods, the ink may exist and be processed at lower and higher viscosities. For example, a digital printing ink may have 10 centipoise (0.01 kcPs). In addition, for various printing methods, a suitable range may be 30 kcp to 100 kcp. Any of the methods described herein may be optimized based on laser parameters, ink type, sheet material type, process type, etc. In some embodiments, heating or cooling may be applied sequentially and / or simultaneously with the manufacture of the laser marking ink 26. For example, heating may be applied to facilitate mixing of pigmented inks, polymer additives, inorganic materials, and solvents.

[0074] In step 604, the ink mixture from step 602 can be allowed to stand. In some embodiments, allowing the ink mixture to stand includes allowing the mixture to solidify overnight. In some embodiments, allowing the ink mixture to stand includes solidifying the ink mixture for 4 hours or longer. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, allowing the ink mixture to stand further includes heating the ink mixture. In these embodiments, heating the ink mixture can improve the quality of the mixture, such as removing any air bubbles or impurities in the mixture. In some embodiments, allowing the ink mixture to stand can bring the laser marking ink 26 to a predetermined viscosity before it is applied to the microscope slide 33. Embodiments are envisioned where step 604 can be optional, such that the laser marking ink 26 can be used directly after the mixture is manufactured.

[0075] Figures 7A - 7C An exemplary method for creating one or more marked microscope slides 40 is shown, where Figure 7A An exemplary method 700 for applying a layer of laser marking ink 26 to a sheet 14 is shown, Figure 7B An exemplary method 708 for providing a laser marking process 34 to the sheet 14 having a layer of laser marking ink 26 is shown, and Figure 7C An exemplary method 714 for creating one or more marked microscope slides 40 from the sheet 14 is shown. In combination with Figures 7A - 7C the methods shown, a method for creating one or more marked microscope slides 40 is illustrated. However, Figure 7A 、 Figure 7B and Figure 7C can be viewed separately.

[0076] Figure 7A An exemplary method 700 for applying a layer of laser marking ink 26 to a sheet 14 is shown. In step 702, the sheet 14 can be provided. Embodiments are envisioned where in step 702, the sheet 14 can be provided by another entity. Embodiments are envisioned where the sheet 14 can include any material suitable for manufacturing microscope slides. For example, the sheet 14 can be made of glass and / or plastic. Embodiments are envisioned where the microscope slide 33 can be the sheet 14 as Figures 7A - 7C described.

[0077] In step 704, a layer of laser marking ink 26 can be applied to at least a portion of the surface of the sheet 14. In some embodiments, the process for applying the layer of laser marking ink 26 includes any combination of screen printing processes, rotary screen printing processes, inkjet printing processes, digital printing processes, offset printing processes, pad printing processes, gravure printing processes, rotogravure printing processes, lithographic printing processes, letterpress printing processes, flexographic printing processes, stamping processes, brushing processes, scribing processes, sketching processes, and spraying processes, as well as any other suitable application process and its components. In some embodiments, more than one layer of laser marking ink 26 can be applied to the sheet 14. For example, a first layer of laser marking ink 26 having a first color can be disposed on a first portion of the surface of the sheet 14, and a second layer of laser marking ink 26 having a second color can be disposed on a second portion of the surface of the sheet 14. In some embodiments, the first portion covered by the first layer of laser marking ink 26 and the second portion covered by the second layer of laser marking ink 26 can at least partially overlap. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the portion covered by the first layer of laser marking ink 26 and the portion covered by the second layer of laser marking ink 26 can be non-overlapping areas such that the first and second layers do not overlap. In some embodiments, one or more layers of laser marking ink 26 can be applied to the sheet 14 sequentially or simultaneously. For example, in a screen printing process, a first layer of laser marking ink 26 including a first color and a second layer of laser marking ink 26 including a second color can be applied sequentially using a conveyor system incorporated into the screen printing process. Embodiments are envisioned in which at least one layer of laser marking ink 26 can be used to apply one or more areas of ink. Additionally, the one or more areas of ink can include any combination of non-laser marking ink and / or laser marking ink 26, as well as any other suitable ink and its components.

[0078] In step 706, the layer of laser marking ink 26 can be dried. This ensures that the laser marking ink 26 can no longer be transferred to other objects or surfaces by touch or by dripping excess laser marking ink 26 from the surface of the sheet 14. In some embodiments, drying can include any combination of heat drying, air drying, solar drying, UV drying, IR drying, and dielectric drying, as well as any other suitable drying method and its components.

[0079] Figure 7BAn exemplary method 708 for providing a laser marking process 34 to a sheet 14 having a laser marking ink 26 is shown. At step 710, at least one parameter can be selected for the laser marking process 34. In some embodiments, the parameters for the laser marking process 34 include wavelength, energy density, laser marking speed, power, frequency, pulse length, spot size, and spot shape, as well as any other suitable parameters and their components. In some embodiments, the wavelength of the laser 22 can be in the range of 157 nm to 10,600 nm. Additionally, in some embodiments, the wavelength of the laser 22 can be in the range of 500 nm to 5,000 nm. For example, the wavelength of the laser 22 can have a wavelength of 1064 nm. Additionally, the wavelength of the laser 22 can be in the ultraviolet (UV) range of 300 nm to 400 nm. Any wavelength range that provides a benefit can be used for the laser 22. In some embodiments, the energy density of the laser 22 can be in the range of 0.3 mJ / cm 2 to 50 mJ / cm 2 . In some embodiments, the laser marking speed of the laser 22 can be in the range of 100 mm / s to 2,000 mm / s. Additionally, in some embodiments, the laser marking speed of the laser 22 can be in the range of 600 mm / s to 1,200 mm / s. For example, the laser marking speed of the laser 22 can be 1,000 mm / s.

[0080] In some embodiments, the power of the laser 22 can be in the range of 5% to 100% of the total power of the laser 22. Additionally, in some embodiments, the power of the laser 22 can be in the range of 50% to 100% of the total power of the laser 22. Embodiments are envisioned in which the total power of the laser 22 can be in the range of 1 W to 1,000 W. For example, the total power of the laser 22 is 100 W.

[0081] In some embodiments, the frequency of the laser 22 can be in the range of 5 kHz to 500 kHz. For example, the frequency of the laser 22 can be 300 kHz. Additionally, in some embodiments, the frequency of the laser 22 can be in the range of 50 kHz to 200 kHz. In some embodiments, the pulse length of the laser 22 can be in the range of 5 μs to 50 μs. Additionally, in some embodiments, the pulse length of the laser 22 can be in the range of 10 μs to 25 μs. For example, the pulse length of the laser 22 can be 20 μs.

[0082] In some embodiments, the selected parameters depend at least in part on the type of laser used for the laser marking process 34. In some embodiments, the selected parameters depend at least in part on the layer of the laser marking ink 26. Additionally, in some embodiments, the selected parameters depend at least in part on any combination of the chemical properties, physical properties, and composition of the laser marking ink 26. For example, in some embodiments, the laser parameters can include both invisible laser parameters (e.g., wavelength of 1064 nm, maximum power output of 3 W, minimum pulse energy of 0.1 mJ, pulse duration of 3 nanoseconds) and visible laser parameters (e.g., wavelength of 640 nm, and maximum output power of 5 milliwatts). The parameters of the laser 22 described herein are only intended to be exemplary and can be modified to optimize the marking of the laser marking ink 26 on the sheet 14.

[0083] In step 712, a laser marking process 34 can be provided to at least a portion of the layer of ink on the sheet. In some embodiments, the laser marking process 34 can mark the sheet 14 by marking at least a portion of the layer of the laser marking ink 26. Additionally, in some embodiments, the marked portion includes any combination of indicia 36 and / or marked identifiers 38, as well as any other suitable markings and their components. In some embodiments, the indicia 36 can include data from one or more microscope slides that can be made from the sheet 14. Additionally, in some embodiments, the indicia 36 can include any one of patient information, identification numbers, dates, times, letters, and numbers, as well as any other suitable information and its components. For example, the indicia 36 can include information about the patient, when the sample was taken, and the identification number. In some embodiments, the indicia 36 can include a QR code 36A, a bar code 36B (e.g., 1D bar code and / or 2D bar code), and / or any other machine-readable indicia. In some embodiments, the marked identifier 38 can include any combination of letters, letters, and numbers, as well as any other suitable markings and their components. For example, the marked identifier 38 can include a combination of letters and numbers to mark a unique identification sequence on the layer of the sheet 14. Embodiments are envisioned in which multiple lasers can be used to mark the layer on the sheet 14 such that multiple portions of the layer are marked simultaneously.

[0084] In some embodiments, a scanner can be used to decode the information included in the indicia 36. The indicia 36 can be scanned to provide a machine-readable code associated with a data set stored in a database (e.g., an electronic health record (EHR)). The data set can include data related to a patient and the patient's medical history, hospital / healthcare provider information, insurance information, sample tracking information (e.g., sample, patient, date, time, hospital, insurance), etc. Thus, any data related to a medical procedure can be recorded, digitized, and stored in a database that can be accessed by scanning the indicia 36 on one or more microscope slides that can be fabricated from the sheet 14.

[0085] In some embodiments, the laser 22 does not etch through the layer of the laser marking ink 26. For example, the laser marking process 34 can rely on the reaction of the laser marking ink 26 to the laser 22 to mark the laser marking ink 26. For example, the laser 22 can initiate a reaction on at least a portion of the laser marking ink 26. In some embodiments, the reaction includes any combination of oxidation, carbonization, polymerization, decomposition, foaming, particle migration, de-encapsulation, and cross-linking, as well as any other suitable reaction. For example, the laser marking ink 26 can undergo a carbonization reaction such that the color of the laser marking ink 26 can become darker. Embodiments are envisioned in which the layer of the laser marking ink 26 can be a darker color (e.g., black or gray). Thus, when the laser marking process 34 is applied, the laser 22 can initiate a reaction of at least a portion of the laser marking ink 26 such that the color of the laser marking ink 26 becomes lighter or darker. In some embodiments, the brightness of the marking can depend at least in part on the thickness of the layer of the laser marking ink 26 and the ink properties and the selected parameters of the laser. For example, compared to a thinner layer of the laser marking ink 26, a marking on a thicker layer of the laser marking ink 26 can result in a darker marking. In some embodiments, the color and / or hue of the marking can depend at least in part on the initial color of the layer of the laser marking ink 26.

[0086] Figure 7C An exemplary method 714 for creating one or more marked microscope slides 40 from the sheet 14 is shown. In step 716, the sheet 14 having a marked layer of laser marking ink can be cured. Curing can include any curing techniques known in the art. For example, curing can include any combination of drying, heating, UV treatment, IR treatment, and polymerization, as well as any other suitable curing techniques and their components. In some embodiments, curing can heat the layer of the laser marking ink 26 above its glass transition temperature, thereby hardening the laser marking ink 26.

[0087] In step 718, the sheet 14 can be separated to create a plurality of labeled microscope slides 40. Step 718 can include any separation technique known in the art. For example, the separation can include any combination of laser cutting, diamond wheel cutting, water jet cutting, scribing and breaking, any combination of using a sectioning saw, diamond tip, knife, glass cutter, glass cutting machine, scriber, mechanical force, etc., and any other suitable separation technique and its components. In some embodiments, the sheet 14 can have an indicator to indicate one or more locations that need to be separated. In some embodiments, the layer of laser marking ink 26 can be used as an indicator to indicate one or more locations of the sheet 14 that need to be separated to make one or more labeled microscope slides. Embodiments are envisioned in which the microscope slide 33 can be the sheet 14. In such embodiments, step 718 can be optional such that the microscope slide 33 is not separated.

[0088] In step 720, the plurality of labeled microscope slides 40 can be cleaned. The cleaning can include any glass cleaning technique known in the art. For example, the cleaning can use any combination of a vacuum cleaner, glass cleaner, alcohol, ethanol, acetone, cleaning solution, and ethyl alcohol, and any other suitable glass cleaning device and its components. In some embodiments, step 720 removes the particulates generated during separation in step 718. For example, during step 718, glass fibers and / or debris may accumulate on the surface of the sheet 14.

[0089] Embodiments are envisioned in which method 714 can be provided before method 708. Such embodiments can manufacture a plurality of inked microscope slides (e.g., inked microscope slide 20) and then provide a laser marking process 34 for each inked microscope slide made from the inked sheet 24. In some embodiments, the laser marking process 34 can be configured to mark one or more inked microscope slides sequentially or simultaneously. For example, a plurality of inked microscope slides can be positioned adjacent to each other such that the laser marking process 34 can be provided to the plurality of inked microscope slides simultaneously. In some embodiments, providing the laser marking process 34 to each inked microscope slide 20 results in a plurality of labeled microscope slides 40. Embodiments are envisioned in which method 708 and / or method 714 can be performed by a slide manufacturer or end user during the manufacturing process.

[0090] In some embodiments, the sheet 14 can be placed on the platform 16 for any of the above steps. Additionally, in some embodiments, the above steps can be performed in an automated process, a manual process, or a combination of a manual process and an automated process. In some embodiments, the automated process can include automatically retrieving, labeling, marking, and packaging the sheet 14. Similarly, multiple sheets can be retrieved, labeled, marked, and packaged. Thus, in some embodiments, the sheet 14 can represent at least one slide, one or more slides, and / or multiple slides. For example, the sheet 14 can include multiple slides or a single slide (e.g., slide 20). Thus, the processes described herein can be applied to a sheet 14 that includes multiple slides or a sheet 14 that includes a single slide (e.g., the inked slide 20 or slide 33).

[0091] Figure 8 An example of a hardware platform is shown, which represents an embodiment of a hardware system 800 that can include the laser marking system 10 in the above embodiments. The computer 802 can be of any form of a general-purpose or a special-purpose computing device. For illustrative purposes, several components are depicted with the computer 802. In some embodiments, certain components can be arranged differently or absent. Additional components can also be present. The computer 802 includes a system bus 804 through which other components of the computer 802 can communicate with each other. In certain embodiments, there can be multiple buses or components that can communicate directly with each other. Connected to the system bus 804 is a central processing unit (CPU) 806. One or more random access memory (RAM) modules 808 are also attached to the system bus 804. A graphics card 810 is also attached to the system bus 804. In some embodiments, the graphics card 810 can not be a physically separate card but can be integrated into the motherboard or the CPU 806. In some embodiments, the graphics card 810 has a separate graphics processing unit (GPU) 812 that can be used for graphics processing or for general-purpose computing (GPGPU). The GPU memory 814 is also on the graphics card 810. A display 816 is (directly or indirectly) connected to the graphics card 810 for user interaction. In some embodiments, there is no display, and in other embodiments, the display is integrated into the computer 802. Similarly, peripheral devices such as a keyboard 818 and a mouse 820 are connected to the system bus 804. Similar to the display 816, these peripheral devices can be integrated into the computer 802 or absent and can be provided as input components through the display 816. A local memory 822 is also connected to the system bus 804, which can be any form of computer-readable medium and can be installed inside the computer 802 or installed outside the computer 802 and attached in a detachable manner.

[0092] Computer-readable media include volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media, and media readable by a database. For example, computer-readable media include (but are not limited to) RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other storage technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile discs (DVDs), holographic media or other optical disc storage, magnetic tape cartridges, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage and other magnetic storage devices. These technologies can store non-transitory data either temporarily or permanently. However, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the term "computer-readable media" should not be construed to include physical but transitory signal transmission forms, such as radio broadcasts, electrical signals through wires, or optical pulses through fiber optic cables. Examples of stored information include computer-usable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data representations. In particular, computer-readable media include non-transitory computer-readable media storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause one or more processors to perform operations.

[0093] Finally, network interface card (NIC) 824 is also attached to system bus 804 and allows computer 802 to communicate via a network such as local area network 826. NIC 824 can be any form of network interface known in the art, such as Ethernet, ATM, fiber optic, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi (i.e., the IEEE 802.11 standard family). NIC 824 connects computer 802 to local area network 826, which may also include one or more other computers (such as computer 828) and network storage (such as data storage 830). Generally, a data storage such as data storage 830 can be any repository that can store information and retrieve information as needed. Examples of data storage include relational or object-oriented databases, spreadsheets, file systems, flat files, directory services such as LDAP and Active Directory, or email storage systems. Data storage can be accessed via a complex API (such as, for example, Structured Query Language), a simple API that provides only read, write, and seek operations, or any level of complexity in between. Some data storage can provide additional management functions for the data sets stored therein, such as backup or version control. Data storage can be local storage of a single computer (such as computer 828), accessible on a local area network (such as local area network 826), or capable of being accessed remotely via the Internet 832. Local area network 826 in turn connects to Internet 832, which connects many networks, such as local area network 826, remote network 834, or directly attached computers, such as computer 836. In some embodiments, computer 802 itself can be directly connected to Internet 832.

[0094] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that equivalents may be employed and substituted herein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the claims.

[0095] After various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described as above, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is as follows.

Claims

1. A method for marking a microscope slide, the method comprising: applying a laser marking ink to at least a portion of the microscope slide; as well as The patterned portion of the laser marking ink on the microscope slide is exposed to a laser beam, thereby inducing a chemical reaction in the laser marking ink resulting in a color change in the patterned portion of the laser marking ink without etching the surface of the microscope slide.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Select the values ​​of the laser beam parameters, The parameters are selected from the group consisting of wavelength, energy density, laser speed, power, frequency, pulse length, spot size and spot shape.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the laser marking ink is applied at a thickness ranging from 5 microns to 200 microns. The method of claim 1 , wherein the chemical reaction comprises carbonization of the laser marking ink. 5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the laser marking ink comprises a dye or pigmented ink, a polymer additive, an inorganic material, and a solvent.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the portion of the microscope slide is selected from the group consisting of a label, a tag, and a pattern.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the pattern portion of the laser marking ink is selected from the group consisting of a quick response code, a one-dimensional barcode, a two-dimensional barcode, and a text mark.

8. A method of making a plurality of labeled microscope slides, the method comprising: providing a sheet of slide material, the sheet of slide material comprising a laser marking ink on at least a portion of the sheet of slide material; exposing the patterned portion of the laser marking ink on the sheet of slide material to a laser beam, thereby inducing a chemical reaction in the laser marking ink resulting in a color change in the patterned portion of the laser marking ink without etching the surface of the sheet of slide material; as well as The sheet of slide material is separated into the plurality of labeled microscope slides.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the laser marking ink is applied at a thickness ranging from 5 microns to 200 microns.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the laser marking ink is a first laser marking ink having a first color, the method further comprising: A second laser marking ink having a second color is applied to at least another portion of the sheet of slide material.

11. The method according to claim 8, Select the values ​​of the laser beam parameters, The parameters are selected from the group consisting of wavelength, energy density, laser speed, power, frequency, pulse length, spot size and spot shape.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein the chemical reaction comprises a carbonization reaction.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the chemical reaction changes the brightness of the color of the pattern portion of the laser marking ink, and wherein the pattern portion is selected from the group consisting of a quick response code, a one-dimensional barcode, a two-dimensional barcode, and a marked logo.

14. The method of claim 8, further comprising heating the laser marking ink prior to exposing the laser marking ink to the laser beam.

15. A method for making a labeled microscope slide, the method comprising: providing a sheet of slide material, the sheet of slide material comprising a laser marking ink on the sheet of slide material; separating the sheet of slide material into a plurality of slides, wherein the laser marking ink covers a portion of each slide in the plurality of slides; as well as A pattern portion of the laser marking ink on a microscope slide of the plurality of slides is exposed to a laser beam, thereby inducing a chemical reaction in the laser marking ink resulting in a color change in the pattern portion without etching a surface of the microscope slide.

16. A method according to claim 15, wherein the sheet of slide material comprises one or more locations of ink on at least another portion of the sheet of slide material.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the sheet of slide material comprises a coating on the sheet of slide material.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the chemical reaction comprises carbonization of an organic component of the laser marking ink.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the chemical reaction changes the brightness of the color of the laser marking ink to produce a marking portion corresponding to the pattern portion.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the marking portion is selected from the group consisting of a quick response code, a one-dimensional barcode, a two-dimensional barcode, and a marked logo.

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