Magnetic vector field tag and seal
One or more magnets are placed in a container (preferably on objects inside the container) and the magnetic field strength and vector direction are measured with a magnetometer from at least one location near the container to provide the container with a magnetic vector field tag and seal. The location(s) of the magnetometer relative to the container are also noted. If the position of any magnet inside the container changes, then the measured vector fields at the these locations also change, indicating that the tag has been removed, the seal has broken, and therefore that the container and objects inside may have been tampered with. A hollow wheel with magnets inside may also provide a similar magnetic vector field tag and seal. As the wheel turns, the magnets tumble randomly inside, removing the tag and breaking the seal.
- Research Organization:
- The Regents of the University Of California, Los Alamos, NM (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-36
- Assignee:
- University Of California, The Regents Of
- Patent Number(s):
- 6,784,796
- Application Number:
- 10/046,100
- OSTI ID:
- 1175009
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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