Tattooing your Intellectual Property

If you haven't met me in person, you are likely unaware that this summer, I decided it was time for my first tattoo. (37 felt like the right age.) Since then, an artist has been working on my left arm across multiple sessions to complete an image of my favorite native Texas flowers. 

My arm immediately after the second session; still red and irritated

I may be one of the cool kids, and able to prove it, but I'm still a PTRC librarian and unable to contemplate anything without bringing in intellectual property. So, as you may expect, I've been thinking about patents related to tattooing technology. Sure, it's an ancient art that humans have practiced without the need of electricity, machinery, or knowledge of antiseptic practices, but I think we can all agree that it is often better with these improvements. 

So, let's see what people have been up to, in terms of patented tattoo inventions.

First, this is aimed at people who don't think enough about their tattoo art, perhaps: US 12,115,235, Tattoo Ink Formulation and Method. Apparently this consists of glass microspheres, containing organic pigments, that can be destroyed with ultrasound, thus allowing for a much more temporary tattoo. I'd just like to know if they work long term, and what special equipment might be required to use the ink. An intentionally removable tattoo seems like it would defeat the purpose of a permanent personal art form.

For people who really want to see tattooing go high-tech, there is US 12,178,980, Robotic Tattooing Systems and Related Technologies, which allows people to select tattoo designs online, with streamlines payment options. Not high tech enough? The tattoo is then applied via robotic machine! I kind of hate that idea; I researched local tattoo shops and selected an artist with a style I liked, and then we worked together on his unique design. I think this removes some of the artistic value, but maybe there are people who are more interested in a fast process. Also, can I just say? The figure they use for the tattoo--a piggy outline--was a choice.

The proposed little piggy tattoo in question

This next one is a bit more predictable, for improved ink formulations and pigments, and the methods of making them. US 12,195,630 Pigment Ink Dispersions, Tattoo Inks Containing the Pigment Ink Dispersions, and Method of Making the Same, was granted to Mario Barth of Las Vegas. Barth has some interesting pigmentation formulas that mean little to me, but are evidently innovative and new. 

Finally, here's an improvement in tattooing equipment: US 12,144,952 Tattoo Machine Assembly. It allows for a more customizable "feel" to the tattoo pen, by providing the use of various thicknesses of coils for springs, which permit different speeds and forces behind the needle. Saturation of pigment is greater due to a slower retraction of the needle after piercing, too. Since some body parts are much more sensitive than others--I noticed that the underside of my arm and closer to the armpit were way worse--this improvement might make the process less painful for some people. (I know one person who does not have a completed circle around her bicep because the inner arm was too much for her.) 

Me, not particularly enjoying the process but too excited to care

Any ideas for other tattoo improvements? Maybe some kind of bandage that speeds healing? The wait for it to look good again is tedious.