Tractor Supply has been granted a patent for a method of manufacturing a tamper-proof light emitting module. The method involves pre-assembling the module, testing it for operability, removing removable fasteners, replacing them with breakaway fasteners, and tightening the breakaway fasteners until their heads break off, creating a final tamper-proof configuration. GlobalData’s report on Tractor Supply gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData, Tractor Supply's grant share as of June 2023 was 1%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Method of manufacturing a tamper proof light emitting module
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11649951B1) describes a method for manufacturing a tamper-proof light emitting module. The method involves several steps to ensure the integrity and functionality of the module.
Firstly, the light emitting module is pre-assembled in a testing configuration, which includes a housing and one or more light emitting elements mounted within it. The housing consists of two components connected by removable fasteners. The module is then tested to confirm the operability of the light emitting elements.
If the test is successful and the light emitting module emits light, the removable fasteners are removed, and breakaway fasteners are installed in their place. These breakaway fasteners are tightened until their heads break off, making them non-removable. This step creates a final, tamper-proof configuration of the light emitting module.
In case the testing reveals that any of the light emitting elements are not operable, the module is disassembled. The non-operable elements are replaced with corresponding replacement elements. The module is then reassembled into a testing configuration, using removable fasteners to connect the housing components.
After the replacement elements are installed, the light emitting module is retested to confirm the operability of the replacement elements. This ensures that the module meets the required standards and functions properly.
The method also includes optional steps, such as attaching a mounting bracket to the housing. The mounting bracket can be pivotally attached to the housing, providing flexibility in installation.
Overall, this patented method offers a systematic approach to manufacturing tamper-proof light emitting modules. By incorporating testing and replacement procedures, the method ensures the quality and functionality of the modules, while the use of breakaway fasteners enhances their tamper-proof characteristics. The optional attachment of a mounting bracket adds versatility to the module's installation process.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
