METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING CUTANEOUS INFORMATION DEVICES

Abstract

A frangible single-use cutaneous information device is printed on a support sheet captured by an adhesive layer and adhered to the skin by said adhesive layer. A skin safe contrasting printed dye is deposited onto a release paper layer allowing the dye construct to be released from the paper and applied to the skin. A clear coat layer can also be applied before or after the dyes are deposited on the paper to protect the outer layer. A single apparatus to be applied at point of service using variable data make such a device includes a means for receiving a perforated sheet, an electrostatic image forming and transferring device, a member for fusing the image to the perforated sheet, an adhesive applicator positioned to apply adhesive to the image, and a transport and joining structure that transports the perforated protective sheet and joins it to the perforated sheet at a position overlying said adhesive.

Claims

1. Apparatus for making a cutaneous information device for application onto human skin, comprising: (a) a perforated sheet; (b) an image forming and transferring device for forming an image smaller than the portion of said sheet to receive an image, and transferring said image to said perforated sheet; (c) a member for fusing said image to said perforated sheet; (d) an adhesive applicator positioned to apply adhesive to said image, and leaving a peripheral area around said image without adhesive; and (e) transport and joining structure for transporting a perforated protective sheet and joining it to said perforated sheet at a position overlying said adhesive.

2. Apparatus for printing on paper, applying an adhesive and covering said adhesive with a protective member, wherein said paper is adapted to release an image printed thereon onto skin in response to being dampened with water or other material.

3. Apparatus as in claim 2, wherein a marking color and a background color are printed.

4. Apparatus as in claim 3, wherein said marking color is black and set background color is white.

5. Apparatus as in claim 4, wherein said printing is done with black and white toners.

6. Apparatus as in claim 2, wherein said printing and said application of adhesive is done on a small portion of an area of said perforated sheet dedicated to a cutaneous information device, leaving a peripheral portion to allow easy separation.

7. Apparatus as in claim 4, wherein said printing is done with black, white and color toners.

8. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the skin safe toners would allow for printing of codes reading by an optical electronic device, electronic devices using near field communication technology such as RFID and blue-tooth, data processors such as circuits, microchips and microprocessors and security components for authentication.

9. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein antimicrobial materials added to one or more of the following elements, sheet, adhesive, protective layer.

10. A method to manufacture a frangible non-transferable cutaneous information device using a printer, said device comprising biocompatible skin safe dye and biocompatible adhesive comprising: a) printing a protective clear layer on the dye; b) providing a release paper comprising paper treated with a material that would allow the dye to be released; c) printing a quantity of the biocompatible skin safe dye onto a treated release paper; and d) printing a quantity of the biocompatible adhesive onto the skin safe dye.

11. A method according to claim 10, wherein the adhesive is included in the release layer, any of the protective coatings, or the formulation of the dye.

12. A method according to claim 10 wherein a second protective layer is added resulting in a final construct of paper, release layer, protective layer, dye layer, protective layer and adhesive.

13. A method according to claim 10, wherein the protective clear wherein the dye and adhesive are mixed together and printing the dye adhesive mixture onto the treated release paper.

14. A method according to claim 10, wherein adhesive can be applied by solvent, water, UV light, heat or any other method of adhesive activation.

15. A method according to claim 10, wherein the CID further comprises a white dye layer.

16. A method according to claim 10, wherein the clear layer is applied by a printer ribbon.

17. A method according to claim 10, wherein the one of more of the following machine readable devices are printed on the cutaneous information device including RFID tags data codes, data matrix or bar codes, using metallic or conductive inks.

18. A method according to claim 17 wherein said noncontact machine readable devices are permanently destroyed if the cutaneous information device is removed from the skin.

19. A method according to claim 17 where the noncontact machine readable device can be printed on the device using metallic or conductive inks.

20. A method according to claim 17 where the noncontact machine readable device is severed and destroyed rendering it inoperable when the CID is removed.

21. A method according to claim 17 where the noncontact machine readable device is MRI compatible.

22. A method of making a frangible, non-transferable cutaneous information device at point of service with variable data comprising a layer of adhesive adapted to be adhered to a surface such as human skin and a layer of skin safe ink disposed on said layer of adhesive, comprising printing with a substantially white toner and a dark toner onto a support member, and covering the printed toner with adhesive wherein once applied to skin, if removed, the device would not stay intact.

23. A method according to claim 10 wherein the release paper comprises adhesive.

24. A method according to claim 10, the clear protective layer comprises adhesive.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The operation of the inventive method and apparatus will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a perforated sheet suitable for receiving a cutaneous information device in accordance with the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a drum carrying a toner image for transfer to the sheet illustrated in FIG. 1;

[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a sheet with identification information disclosed thereon;

[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates the toner fusing operation;

[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates the application of adhesive in the context of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates the adhesive applied to the sheet carrying printed information;

[0022] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating adhesive applied to the sheet carrying printed information;

[0023] FIG. 8 illustrates the sheet illustrated in FIG. 6 being covered with a protective member; and

[0024] FIG. 9 illustrates a finish sheet of cutaneous information devices comprising a base layer with printed matter and a protective sheet ready to be broken apart into a number of separate devices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] The printing method provides a durable non-transferable CID (cutaneous identification or information device) that can last weeks even in an aquatic or other more extreme environments, and yet which can be intentionally removed quite easily although removal will destroy the device and render it illegible and inoperable.

[0026] The method comprises printing a combination of skin safe pigment (ink, toner) and skin safe adhesive for application to skin in the manner of a temporary tattoo. A skin-safe color image comprising ink and adhesive is printed on a support sheet, which is a carrier sheet having a release agent. The dye is deposited onto the release paper layer using a printer. When the dye is in a solid state, the adhesive is added as seen in FIG. 5. The paper will have a release layer, which will allow the dye construct to be released from the paper and applied to the skin. In accordance with the invention it is contemplated that a white printed dye will be used. Such dye may be a fifth dye in the printing process or the white dye may replace one of the existing colors in the printer, with two of the remaining existing colors being selected, for example to give a good simulation of a range of skin tones, as well as a distinctive and wide range of colors.

[0027] A white layer may be applied to enhance contrast or otherwise improve image readability. Alternatively, color pigments may be covered by a substrate pigment layer which is substantially contiguous with the entire area of the image, for example a white substrate pigment layer, which provides the dual functions of a) providing a contrasting background for the image formed by the color pigment, b) shielding the skin from the color pigments to enhance safety and hypoallergenic properties, and c) possibly providing added sunscreen or UV protection.

[0028] A clear coat layer can also be applied before the dyes are deposited on the paper so that when the construct is applied to the skin the most outer layer, the one exposed to the elements, will be protected by a clear coat thereby extending the life of the identification device. With this process, a clearer image, visible on all skin tones, with a higher resolution and a more durable construct can be applied to the skin.

[0029] The substrate can be clearin which case the portable printer will have the ability to print in white. The printer will lay down a white layer than apply the design in color resulting in a visually readable CID, which is ready to apply. In an alternative embodiment, the adhesive and or the substrate will have a white pigment serving as the contrast necessary to read the data on the CID. A pigmentary or nano sized colorant particle is incorporated into a fusible material, such as a fusible polymeric or resinous material of a type currently employed or suitable for the manufacture of laser printer toner, to form color toners, and white toners. In accordance with the invention, toners are fabricated using colorants, for example pigmentary and nano-sized pigments that are biocompatible with human skin over relatively long term exposure periods, for example in the range of 5 to 21 days. Multiple skin-safe color inks or toners including white and black may be adhered to the skin to form an image. Black can be created by melding the colors together or by using black particles.

[0030] In preferred embodiments, the printer will also have the ability to print in metallic or conductive ink, deposit a dye and thereby create a working RFID, circuit, Bluetooth or other non-contact communication device. The printer will also program the dye during the printer process or use a unique identification code that is preprogrammed on the dye before the printer applies to the CID. Data processors such as circuits, microchips and microprocessors can be added to the device in conjunction with a conductive ink to create a skin wearable computer-processing unit. Security components such as holograms can be added in the final step for authentication.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, a sheet 10 suitable for the printing of temporary tattoos is perforated into four quarters by perforations 12. The sheet is preferably perforated to allow for easy tearing. For use with a portable printer, sheet 10 may be long and narrow so it prints out like a receipt and each CID can be torn as it comes out of the printer and they would be printed in a single file line. Sheet 10 could have patterns, designs, or other security features for authentication. In preferred embodiments, sheet 10 could be can be coated with a very thin substrate so that when the CID is transferred to the body the outer most layer is a protective coating. In an alternative embodiment, sheet 10 could be an all-encompassing carrier sheet so that the only part that needs to be added is the inkonce this ink is added the CID would be ready to apply. Sheet 10 could be pre-treated with nano RFID that would then be transferred to the individual during the application process or have RFID already on it where the printing is done on top of the RFID. Sheet 10 could further be pre-treated with silver or copper ions for antibacterial properties or treated with hypoallergenic properties. The sheet is preferably perforated to allow for easy tearing. For use with a portable printer, sheet 10 may be long and narrow so it prints out like a receipt and each CID can be torn as it comes out of the printer and they would be printed in a single file line. Sheet 10 could have patterns, designs, or other security features for authentication. In preferred embodiments, sheet 10 could be can be coated with a very thin substrate so that when the CID is transferred to the body the outer most layer is a protective coating. In an alternative embodiment, sheet 10 could be an all-encompassing carrier sheet so that the only part that needs to be added is the inkonce this ink is added the CID would be ready to apply. Sheet 10 could be pre-treated with nano RFID that would then be transferred to the individual during the application process or have RFID already on it where the printing is done on top of the RFID. Sheet 10 could further be pre-treated with silver or copper ions for antibacterial properties or treated with hypoallergenic properties.

[0032] Using a conventional xerography process, sheet 10 is passed under a roller 14 carrying and electrostatically transferred array of toner 16 corresponding to an image. See FIG. 2. Toner 16 is transferred to sheet 10 to form image 18, as illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0033] In accordance with the invention, image 18 is formed from at least two toners, for example a black toner and a white toner, in order to provide high contrast for reliable reading of a UPC code, datamatrix, QR or other machine-readable code to be included in the inventive cutaneous information device. While, in principle, printing of a single color to be applied to the human skin resulting in a visual display of a machine-readable code with human skin of the background is suitable for reading by machine, the use of a printed white background form by white toner is preferred so that the machine-readable UPC, datamatrix, QR or other code presents a simple and highly reliable black and white image. This is particularly important in the case of applying the image to human skin, where skin tones may range from very pale to very dark.

[0034] The colored design on the CID when applied sits on an opaque brightly contrasting background making it more visible. The CID is relatively robust and durable as the multilayered construction protects the colored pigments from the skin and when used with the optional but preferred third clear outer layer, from outside elements. The CIDs can last weeks in the harshest environments (even water parks), and yet can be removed at will quite easily.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, The CID would comprise a white layer that would interface with the user's skin and a second colored layer with a desired designs or printing. The white layer and optional adhesive layer or clear layer can serve as a protective barrier. The skin interfacing white protective barrier, prevents the colored inks that may or may not be biocompatible with a user's skin even if the colored pigments are safe for skin contact given the various potential sensitivities of different people. The white barrier, also may prevent the colored pigments from being absorbed into the skin and being distorted or fading over time. Furthermore, the white layer is also provides a contrast background to make the design easier to see. The colored pigments would be conducive to being printed on the white layer and would preferably but not necessarily biocompatible. The colored pigments would also be hydrophobic and durable so as to not wash off. The optional clear or transparent layer would cover the colored pigment layer providing a barrier against the outside elements. The pigment layer would comprise a biocompatible pigment, the colored portions would preferably comprise biocompatible pigments treated to be to usable to be in used with a conventional printer. The transparent coating or adhesive layer would comprise materials such as biocompatible pressure sensitive and structural adhesives and sealants. Malleable adhesive is preferable as it can mold to around the pigment particles and the pores of the skin. Additionally the transparent layers would add another barrier or protection for the CID to extend wear. This would include drying adhesives, pressure sensitive adhesives, contact adhesives, and hot adhesives.

[0036] The toner cartridges or ink wells and the like can be filled with the specialized adhesive materials and pigment. The paper is treated with a release layer that allows the toner with adhesive particles to be released from the paper and activate the adhesive on to the skin in a single step when water is applied.

[0037] In accordance with a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, CIDs can be manufactured using glow-in-the-dark components or UV activated under a black light as well as a security measure, to provide for identification of a user in the dark. This has the advantage of making it unnecessary to disturb users by turning on lights during sleep. Moreover, it may also save time in emergency situations. The CIDs may be made to glow in the dark by several techniques. For example, glow-in-the-dark pigments may be mixed into the adhesive, which remains on the skin of the user while the badge is being worn. Such phosphor pigments may be of any color, and may be used for color-coding purposes. Green phosphors are preferred for their longer persistence, although blue phosphors have the advantage of brighter light emission.

[0038] It is also possible to mix glow-in-the-dark phosphor pigments with transparent thermoplastic toner material to make a glow-in-the-dark toner for laser printers. Additional versatility may be achieved by using transparent tinted red, blue and yellow phosphorescent toner pigment formulations with a black pigment formulation. In this case the black pigment formulation would be of conventional design and would be used to depict alphanumeric and/or image data, while the glow-in-the-dark pigments may be used for tinted backgrounds, identification background patterns, and so forth. Still another possibility is to utilize a five-toner cartridge laser printer where four of the toner cartridges are of conventional design and the fifth toner cartridge contains a phosphorescent toner formulation, which acts as a light source to improve visibility in the dark.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 4, the transferred image 18 is used by a heated roller 20 to form a fused image 22, as sheet 10 is advanced in the direction of arrow 24. Referring to FIG. 5, sheet 10 carrying the fused image 22 is then passed under a roller or screen-printing process 26, which applies adhesive 28 over an area substantially corresponding to the area taken up by fused image 22, as is most clearly illustrated in FIG. 6. After the adhesive is applied, a protective member may, in accordance with a preferred embodiment, the applied over the adhesive. In an alternative embodiment, the ink and adhesive are dispensed together rather than being applied in separate layers. In addition to ink and adhesive, rollers 14 and 26 could be used to print other elements such RFID, Bluetooth, non contact communication devices, antennas, copper or silver for antimicrobial properties, and glow in the dark properties.

[0040] In accordance with the invention, it is desired that the inventive process results in the production of a plurality of cutaneous information devices which may be broken apart from a larger sheet, for example a standard 8.511 letter size sheet of paper or printed on a continuous roll. Accordingly, the protective layer may be a plastic for plastic coated paper 30 the same size as sheet 10, and including a protective release coating 32. Plastic coated paper 30 would also be perforated, with perforations, which substantially overlap perforations 12 on sheet 10.

[0041] Plastic coated paper 30 is fed, for example, by rollers 34 rotating in the direction of arrows 36 toward joining rollers 38 rotating in the direction of arrows 40. Similarly, sheet 10 with adhesive 28 and deposited fused image 22 is fed by rollers 42 rotating in the directions of arrows 44 toward joining rollers 38. Joining rollers 38 then join plastic coated paper 30 to sheet 10 to form unitary member 46, which comprises sheet 10 and plastic coated paper 30 with perforations 48 substantially overlying perforations 12.

[0042] When it is desired to use the inventive cutaneous information device, individual quarters of sheet 10 each carrying a single cutaneous information device 50 may be separated from sheet 10. The separated quarter, because it includes a large peripheral area 52 without adhesive, maybe easily peeled resulting in removal of the quarter of the adhesive protective layer, and leaving behind a quarter of sheet 10 with a cutaneous information device 50 deposited thereon, with its associated adhesive exposed.

[0043] The quarter of sheet 10 with a single cutaneous information device 50 deposited thereon, and is exposed adhesive layer may then be applied to the skin, for example a patient in the hospital or a vacation or at a resort as an identification device. The quarter of sheet 10 may then be wet with a sponge, allowing the paper to be separated from the ink forming image 22, allowing adhesive 28 (positioned between the skin of the individual and the ink forming image 22) to secure the ink forming image 22 to the skin in the manner of a temporary tattoo.

[0044] While one printing method is disclosed above, an alternative embodiment, the paper does not have to be quarters or any set amount per page or 8.511 and could in any format, for example, with a roll format. In preferred embodiments, the printer is small in size, such as a hand held or clipped to the hip device. The device needs only to be large enough to print the CID, hold the necessary components for color printing.

[0045] There are multiple printing methods that may be adapted to print the CIDs at the point of service or outside of an industrial setting. Some of those methods for portable printing engine include inkjet, continuous (CIJ), drop-on-demand (DOD), thermal DOD, piezoelectric DOD, Offset printing, Rotogravure, Flexography, Letterpress printing, Screen-printing, Electrophotography, Transfer-print, SOHO inkjet photo printing, Fine Art Inkjet Printing, Memjet, Edgeline, and Waterjet among others. In applications where the identification is meant to expire the CID can be generated with this type of printing technology where the ink will fade by design rendering it unreadable.

[0046] Laser Printing as defined in other patent applications electrostatic digital printing process. Laser has many advantages including the ability to print in white and anti-counterfeiting technology to name a few. Similarly the Tonejet process is an electrostatic drop-on-demand deposition technology that enables high-quality images to be printed onto virtually any type of absorbing or non-absorbing substrate at high speed. Any one of these systems can utilize a contiguous ink system if configured in a stationary setup.

[0047] Dye-Sublimation Printing uses heat to adhere the ink to the substrate by releasing the ink from a ribbon. Dye-Sublimation printers also have an overcoat as well, which can further protect the image being created.

[0048] In an alternative embodiment the last clear layer would be replaced with an adhesive layer making this layer the one that comes in contact with the skin. This adhesive can be pressure sensitive, activated by a solvent, water, UV light, heat or any other method of adhesive activation.

[0049] As mentioned above, in an alternative embodiment the adhesive particles will be included in the formulation of the pigment, toner, dye or ink. Therefore there will be no need to add an additional adhesive layer and these adhesive particles which will bond the CID to the surface of the skin can be activated with a solvent, water, UV light, pressure, heat or any other adhesive activation process.

[0050] In an alternative embodiment the present invention to provide a CID (cutaneous identification or information device) with a white (or other solid color) background, colored contrasting background and clear third outer layer which is the layer that will come in contact to the skin when applied.

[0051] In another embodiment, one of the cartridges in the printer will contain metallic or conductive ink that can be used to print the antenna of an RFID device, Bluetooth, radio or any other section of a circuit where metallic materials are necessary. With the metallic cartridge a ready-made CID can be generated from a printer with a workable RFID antenna or any other form of noncontact communication requiring a circuit with metallic materials. In a preferred embodiment, the RFID antenna or the like printed in the printer will also be MRI compatible. In an alternative embodiment as described in previous disclosures, RFID devices will be included in the construct. These RFID devices will be printed using a metallic or conductive ink printer, rolled on using a pressure roller or can be found in the formulation of the dyes. In this process one cartridge in the printer will include metallic inks. These metallic inks can be used essentially print the antennas as part of the CID construct.

[0052] These metallic inks could also be MRI compatible Non-ferromagnetic metals such as titanium, cobalt-chromium alloys, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, and many others. Silver, copper and many other materials also have metallic particles which are known to have antibacterial and anti microbial properties. These metallic particles can also be included in the dye to create these anti microbial and anti bacterial properties with the CID.

[0053] In an alternative embodiment, the printer could apply inks or other materials or substances to the CID to be used in connection with Laser, IR, UV light or any electromagnetic technology. Bioluminescent ink (light emitting from organic material), inks to print an OLED organic light-emitting diode (OLED) and other such materials can be used to interact with the device in any number of environments to enhance the capability or effectiveness of the product and also be used as a method of applying the device to an individual.

[0054] An alternative embodiment of the invention would have the tattoo function would include using a perforated barrier sheet that would make more like a sticker, less like a tattoo and cause it to break apart when the structure is removed or attempted to be removed making the CID impossible to transfer. Sheet 10 could be in the form of a carrier sheet with adhesive and an extremely thin substrate and that device is printed on directly then peeled and apple to the skin directly and white so that when it is transferred like a sticker the white layer is already present and does not need to be applied by the printer. This embodiment would be good in disaster situations or any other scenario where frangibility or enhanced security is not as important. Possible materials for use include double layer 3M Breathable Polyurethane Tape, as will be described. This particular tape is well suited for skin application since it is breathable yet provides a liquid barrier and the hypoallergenic acrylate adhesive provides for excellent quick stick to skin or other surfaces. Another alternative is Tegaderm is a transparent medical dressing also manufactured by 3M. Tegaderm transparent dressing is typically used to cover and protect wounds and catheter sites. Advantages of Tegaderm include its breathability and conformation to non-flat surface.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment the substrate from will be a specifically designed layer that is frangible, serves as functional barrier yet is durable enough to withstand the printing process.

[0056] In an alternative embodiment the dye will contain particular materials for authentication and security, including but not limited to nano sized RFID chips, fluorescents and UV activated inks.

[0057] In an alternative embodiment, the printer could apply inks or other materials or substances to the CID to be used in connection with Laser, IR, UV light or any electromagnetic technology. Bioluminescent ink (light emitting from organic material), inks to print an OLED organic light-emitting diode (OLED) and other such materials can be used to interact with the device in any number of environments to enhance the capability or effectiveness of the product and also be used as a method of applying the device to an individual.

[0058] An alternative embodiment of the invention would have the tattoo function would include using a perforated barrier sheet which will serve as the substrate on which the CID construct will be built. In this embodiment the CID would be printed with a mirror image since the entire construct will be removed from the release paper and applied directly to the skin as apposed to flipping the construct and using a release agent.

[0059] However, as the CID is frangible, it would break apart and be destroyed if a removal attempt was made. The CID is designed to be nontransferable. Any attempt to remove the CID, whether in the sticker format or in contact to skin, intentional or non-intentional, will essentially destroy the CID. Any attempt to remove the RFID or any other machine read device form the skin after application would sever the circuit or antenna of said device thereby rendering it inactive and nonfunctioning.

[0060] The finished CID applied to the skin. Such CIDs may be removed by any technique used for the removal of temporary tattoos, such as rubbing with mineral oil, alcohol and so forth. Moisture may then be applied to paper layer, resulting in the release of the assembly of paper layer and release coating from the CID assembly, leaving behind the CID. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, CIDs are applied using a peel packed water impregnated foam pad designed to cover the temporary cutaneous identification device fully, and with sufficient aqueous solution that several temporary cutaneous identification devices can be applied with a single pad, but without so much aqueous phase as to drip or run. Such wet sponges, pads or the like may be packaged in any suitable container, such as double foil heat sealed containers of the type used to contain perfumes, condiments, and so forth. This pack may also include solutions that activate other processes in the ink like adhesive, UV pigments or the ink to change colors in certain conditions. The inventive identification badge can also be easily removed using a peel pack foam sponge impregnated with a solution capable of dissolving the adhesive of the inventive temporary cutaneous identification device without irritating the skin (e.g., mineral oil, baby oil, Detatchol, etc.).

[0061] While and illustrative embodiment of the invention has been described, it is noted that various modifications will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the above description and drawings. Such modifications are within the scope of the invention, which is limited and defined only by the following claims.