Patent · US Expired

Skin decoration apparatus and method

US6341831B1 · kind B1 · utility

95Cited by
12References
22Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 30, 1999
Grant dateJan 29, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 30, 2019

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB41J3/4073
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

The human body is decorated with highly detailed, multicolored, personalized designs using Wirejet™ or electronically controlled ink ejection or similar printing technology. The designs are applied to the epidermal and upper dermal skin layers and last for at least several weeks. The decoration is produced by a print head comprising Wirejet™ nozzles, which spray biocompatible inks or dyes onto the skin. The Wirejet™ may be connected to a scanning mechanism to scan in one, two, or three directions. The decorations can be applied to contoured skin surfaces following flattening against a screen of intersecting wires, by robotic arm, or using z-axis technology. A computer stores the desired design and controls the firing of the Wirejet™ to produce the desired decoration or tattoo.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.