On-demand manufacturing of medical tapes

Abstract

A system and method are provided for customizing medical tape from roll stock at a customer's point of use. The system includes a tape converting machine, in which an adhesion modification mechanism is configured to modify adhesion characteristics of the tape from the roll stock, either automatically or based on received customization instructions.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] Medical tapes and dressings come in many shapes and sizes to accommodate different user needs, and because each patient's case is unique, clinicians and physicians must accommodate any number of variations depending on patient needs. Summary of the Invention

[0002] It is desirable to customize the properties of medical tapes at a distributed manufacturing location, for example, at or near the customer's point of use. The present disclosure provides an on-demand manufacturing system and method for medical tapes or dressings.

[0003] In one aspect, the present disclosure describes a method for making customized medical tape. 3 The present invention includes one or more compact tape converting machines having the following volumes, at least one of the tape converting machines including a roll of tape, an adhesion modification mechanism configured to modify the adhesion characteristics of the tape, and a communication device; a computing device, the computing device including one or more computer processors and a non-transitory tangible computer-readable memory including instructions, the instructions, when executed by the one or more computer processors, causing the computer processor to generate for display a user interface that allows a user to input instructions to modify the adhesion characteristics of the tape, and analyze the instructions to determine machine operating parameters of the one or more tape converting machines.

[0004] In another aspect, the present disclosure describes a method for customizing a medical tape. 3The method includes: accessing one or more compact tape converting machines having the following volumes, wherein at least one of the tape converting machines includes a roll of tape, an adhesion modification mechanism configured to modify the adhesion characteristics of the tape, and a communication device; and accessing a computing device including a second communication device communicatively connected to the communication device of the at least one tape converting machine, one or more computer processors, and a non-transitory tangible computer-readable memory including instructions, the instructions, when executed by the one or more computer processors, causing the computer processor to generate for display a user interface that allows a user to input instructions to modify the adhesion characteristics of the tape, and analyze the instructions to determine machine operating parameters of the one or more tape converting machines.

[0005] Various unexpected results and advantages are achieved with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Advantages of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure include, for example, the ability to create specific areas of weak and strong adhesion, enabling unique capabilities such as strong bonding of an endotracheal tube with gentle skin attachment in a single piece of tape. Gradual or abrupt transitions in adhesion areas can facilitate removal of the adhesive tape or dressing (or make accidental removal more difficult). On-demand flexibility also reduces the need to store large inventories of tapes with different strengths while still providing the current adhesion level for specific patient needs. This supports efforts to prevent MARSI (medical adhesive-associated skin injury) by always having the correct adhesion level for a specific application. As a complete system, the labor required for ordering, purchasing, shipping, receiving, and transportation, as well as the associated time, can be significantly reduced or eliminated. Connectivity to a cloud computing environment allows for the acquisition of the latest parameters, testing, and modeling results to optimize desired outputs, as well as the ability to track and predict future patient and hospital or clinic needs.

[0006] The foregoing is a summary of various aspects and advantages of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The above Summary is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The following figures and Detailed Description more particularly illustrate certain preferred embodiments that employ the principles disclosed herein. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] A more complete understanding of the present disclosure may be obtained from the following detailed description of various embodiments of the present disclosure when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a medical tape customization system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a tape conversion management system according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] 1A-1C illustrate various user interfaces of a tape conversion management system according to some embodiments. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a tape conversion system according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of a method for customizing medical tape, according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a tape converting machine according to a first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a tape converting machine according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a tape converting machine according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a tape converting machine according to a fourth embodiment.

[0009] In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements. The above-identified drawings may not be drawn to scale and illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure; however, as noted in the Detailed Description, other embodiments are also contemplated. In all cases, this disclosure describes the disclosure disclosed herein by representing exemplary embodiments, and not by express limitation. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments may be devised by those skilled in the art that are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present disclosure provides systems and methods for customizing medical tapes and dressings that can be done on-site, for example, at or near the customer's point of use, to create the right and precise adhesive strength in all or selected areas of the tape or dressing exactly where and when it is needed, and can be modified as the wound and patient needs evolve.

[0011] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary tape customization system 100 in which one or more compact tape converting machines 110 are used to modify the adhesive properties of tape supplied by roll stock within the compact tape converting machines 110. The customized modification of the tape is controlled by a tape converting management system, such as the management system 6 shown in FIG. 2. The compact tape converting machines 110 each have a volume of, for example, 5 m 3 Below, 3m 3 or less, or 2m 3The tape converting machines 110 have a compact size. Due to their compact size, the tape converting machines 110 can be portable or desktop machines that can be easily distributed and installed at or near customer points of use, such as distributed manufacturing locations, e.g., points of care, distribution centers, stores, etc. At least one of the tape converting machines 110 includes a roll stock of adhesive tape. The adhesive tape has an adhesive surface supported by a backing material and can be stored as a roll stock within the machine 110, from which a desired amount can be dispensed at a given time to create customized medical tapes or dressings that address patient needs. The adhesive modifying mechanism of the tape converting machine 110 is configured to modify the adhesive properties of the tape for customized medical tapes or dressings. The small footprint converting machine 110 can perform flexible adhesive modification on the roll stock and process the tape to output a modified film for easier handling or storage.

[0012] The tape customization system 100 further provides a customization interface 120 that allows a customer or operator to input customization and order information, including high-level or low-level adhesion requirements for the customized tape. The customization interface 120 can be displayed to a user, for example, via a mobile device. Various algorithms can be used to interpret user needs to generate an adhesion pattern for the customized tape or dressing and corresponding machine operating parameters for the tape converting machine. The medical tape customization system 100 can further include one or more computing devices that implement the algorithms.

[0013] The computing device of the tape customization system 100 may further include a communication device communicatively connected to other components or devices of the tape converting machine 110. The computing device includes one or more computer processors and non-transitory, tangible, computer-readable memory containing instructions that, when executed by the one or more computer processors, cause the computer processor to generate for display a user interface that allows a user to input instructions for modifying the adhesive surface of the tape, and analyze the instructions to determine machine operating parameters of the one or more tape converting machines 110. It should be understood that the one or more computing devices can be physically located in any desired computer system resource, such as, for example, a cloud computing environment, a mobile device, a local / remote computer, etc.

[0014] 1, a cloud computing environment 130 is provided for data processing, communication with devices or components of system 100, and communication outside the system for various tasks, including ordering supplies, issuing invoices, and remote communication with customers, system maintenance, etc. Tape turning machine 110 may include a communication device communicatively connected to cloud computing environment 130 and other devices or components of system 100, such as a mobile device that displays user interface 120.

[0015] 2 is a block diagram illustrating a method for managing or controlling alterations and converting roll stock of tape into customized tapes using a tape conversion management system 6, according to one embodiment. System 6 may be a cloud-based system having an analytics engine configured to process streams of usage data received from a user interface, various sensors, various tape converting machines, or a database that stores data related to users or tape alterations. In some embodiments, management system 6 may be hosted as a cloud-based platform that can support multiple separate tape converting machines in different locations. The analytics engine of system 6 can apply the received streams of usage data to determine how to alter or convert tape from roll stock at different locations to accommodate customizations and orders at different locations.

[0016] The system 6 includes a data interface component 32 configured to receive imaging data from various vision or imaging sensors 31. For example, the vision or imaging sensors may scan a patient's wound bed and provide imaging data to a vision system that processes the data to obtain wound information, such as the stage of wound healing. The wound information may be transmitted by the data interface component 32 to an analysis engine 36. The data interface component 32 may also receive data from the tape converting machine 110 regarding the status of the tape converting machine 110, including, for example, current machine operating parameters, the status of the supply roll stock, etc.

[0017] The system 6 further includes an intelligent on-site manufacturing assistant 62, which includes an analysis engine 36 and a tape modification / conversion component 38, which can provide guidance to a user (e.g., a nurse or healthcare provider) and determine machine operating parameters for the tape conversion machine 110. The analysis engine 36 can evaluate patient information or variables from the data interface component 32, along with other information from the database component 34, to determine requirements for manufacturing tape. The database component 34 can store information including, for example, a pattern or design library for tapes or dressings, such as predetermined schematic drawings or designs for application modifications or modified cutting patterns. The database component 34 can further store information related to preset policies or rules, which can be, for example, mapping information between a patient's wound condition and a preferred application level or pattern for a customized tape or dressing.

[0018] The tape modification / conversion component 38 receives instructions from the analysis engine 36 and determines appropriate machine operating parameters for the tape conversion machine 110. For example, in some embodiments, the analysis engine 36 can evaluate patient information from the data interface 32 and associated pre-set rules from the database component 34 to determine high or low level adhesion requirements. For example, the analysis engine 36 can determine whether the entire area or partially selected areas of the tape or dressing have weak or strong adhesion, allowing for unique capabilities such as strong adhesion to endotracheal / IV / treatment tubing and gentle adhesion to skin in a single piece of tape. Based on the assigned adhesion level, the tape conversion component 38 can determine appropriate machine operating parameters, such as, for example, adhesion modification measures suitable for meeting the adhesion requirements.

[0019] In some embodiments, the intelligent on-site manufacturing assistant 62 can distribute the determined machine operating parameters directly to the tape conversion / modification machine 110 via a distribution component 39. In some embodiments, the intelligent on-site manufacturing assistant 62 can present the determined attachment requirements and tape pattern to a user via a user interface 37, for example, displayed by a mobile device 3. The user can approve, reject, or modify the automated design and send feedback to the intelligent on-site manufacturing assistant 62. The intelligent on-site manufacturing assistant 62 can evaluate the feedback from the user and further modify the tape modification design based on the user feedback.

[0020] In some embodiments, the intelligent on-site manufacturing assistant 62 can implement a machine learning process to determine the application requirements for the tape modification and the pattern to be cut from the tape after the application modification. The machine learning process can use any suitable algorithm or model, along with trained algorithms or models stored in the database component 34. For example, user data, such as previous user selections, can be used to inform and improve future recommendations. Existing models and experimental data can be used to train models that create outputs suitable for the unique and varied shapes and profiles for each wound variety.

[0021] In some embodiments, the intelligent on-site manufacturing assistant 62 can automatically process the stream of usage data received from the data interface 32 and the database 34 to generate automated designs for tape modifications and patterns. The generated designs can include various modification configurations, including, for example, deposition levels, deposition patterns, dressing patterns, etc. The automated designs can be presented to a user via the user interface 37. Additionally, the intelligent on-site manufacturing assistant 62 can generate queries to present to the user via the user interface 37, seeking user input to further clarify the user's needs for the tape modifications.

[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates various user interfaces on a mobile device that interact with a user. At 310, the user interface prompts the user to provide user data (e.g., scan a wristband) and receives the user data for confirmation. At 320, the user interface prompts the user to take a wound image, receives the image data, and presents the analysis results (e.g., wound scale) to the user. At 330, the user interface prompts the user to select a desired output shape of the customized medical tape and receives user input. At 340, the user interface prompts the user to select a size shape of the customized medical tape and receives user input. At 350, the user interface presents a preview of the dressing on-site and prompts the user for approval or rejection. At 360, the user interface prompts the user to submit an order to an on-site manufacturing machine and receives user input.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a tape converting machine or tape manufacturing core 110, according to one embodiment. The tape converting machine or tape manufacturing core 110 is controlled by the tape conversion management system 6 of FIG. 2 to modify or convert tape from roll stock 112 into customized medical tapes having a desired adhesion level, adhesion pattern, tape or dressing pattern, shape, or size. The converting process begins with a supply of tape from roll stock 112, which may include mass-produced adhesive tape with specific adhesion characteristics. The tape passes through a series of adhesion modification mechanisms or applicators 10-1...10-N that modify the tape according to user requirements, such as adhesion characteristics, shape (2D), configuration (3D), color, printed information or graphics, and desired packaging of each or several pieces of custom tape for pickup, storage, and transportation by a pickup and packaging mechanism 114 prior to use.

[0024] A variety of digitally controlled applicators can be used to modify the adhesive characteristics or properties of the supply roll stock tape 112. In some embodiments, one or more of the applicators can apply an adhesive surface-modifying agent that can interact directly with the surface of the adhesive coating on the tape. The interaction between the modifier and the adhesive surface can be physical, chemical, optical, acoustic, etc. Suitable applicators can be, for example, inkjet printheads, UV light, lasers, spray jets, 3D printing, etc. The modifier can render the tape adhesive surface partially or completely non-adhesive.

[0025] In some embodiments, the surface adhesion modifier can include a second adhesive having different adhesion properties than the adhesive surface of the tape. The applicator can further include a curing station configured to cure the second adhesive applied in a desired pattern to the adhesive surface of the tape. In some embodiments, the second adhesive can be applied to the adhesive surface of the tape by laminating the second adhesive tape to the tape. Exemplary adhesive materials include acrylic, silicone, or rubber, depending on the application.

[0026] In some embodiments, the surface adhesive properties of the tape can be modified by radiation, for example, from an electromagnetic energy source or a heat source.

[0027] In some embodiments, the surface adhesion modifying agent may comprise a powder material that is applied to the adhesive surface of the tape. Exemplary powder materials may include talc, povidone-iodine, zinc oxide, and the like.

[0028] In some embodiments, the surface adhesion modifier may comprise a phase change material such as a wax, which may be applied, for example, by printing a pattern onto the adhesive surface of the tape.

[0029] In some embodiments, the surface adhesion modifier may comprise a reactive liquid, such as, for example, acetone. In some embodiments, the surface adhesion modifier may comprise a non-reactive liquid, such as, for example, water.

[0030] In some embodiments, one or more applicators can be applied to the backing layer of the tape to modify the surface adhesive properties of the tape. For example, the applicator can create a structured surface (e.g., an uneven surface) on the backing layer to which an adhesive material can be selectively applied. For example, the backing layer can have depressions that affect the areas where the adhesive can be present. The applicator can modify the backing layer to have a patterned, varying stiffness. The applicator can modify the backing layer so that the adhesive selectively adheres to specific areas of the adhesive surface. The applicator can cause a chemical transition through the backing and adhesive to modify the adhesive properties of the tape. The applicator can apply thermal radiation to the backing layer to thermally induce a change in the properties of the backing material.

[0031] In some embodiments, one or more of the applicators may include various cutters that cut a pattern of perforations into the tape. Suitable cutters may include, for example, lasers, blades, dies, etc. The perforation pattern may reduce the effective adhesive area of ​​the tape to a level desired by the user.

[0032] In some embodiments, a pattern cutter configured to cut customized shapes out of the tape is provided downstream of the attachment modification mechanism. Various cutters, such as lasers, blades, dies, etc., can be used to cut out the overall tape shape to allow, for example, for mobile joints, 3D shapes, and better attachment to healthy skin around wound areas.

[0033] In some embodiments, a pick-up and wrapping mechanism configured to pick up the customized shape can be provided downstream of the pattern cutter, and can include a cylinder and a vacuum plate for adhering to the customized shape.

[0034] The on-site manufacturing core 110 system for custom tapes can also include a pattern cutter 113 that cuts out tape pieces of desired shapes. The process can be digitally controlled by the tape conversion management system 6 of Figure 2. The cutter can be a laser or a blade. A means 114 for easy customer pick-up of tape pieces and / or automatic wrapping or sealing of the tape is also provided on the machine 110.

[0035] Machine 110 may further include a user interface 117 for interacting with a user, including, for example, receiving user input, presenting tape designs to the user, indicating machine status, etc. Machine 110 may further include a communication device 118 communicatively connected to cloud computing environment 130 and other devices or components of system 100 of Figure 1. Machine 110 may further include a processor 116 that processes instructions received from tape conversion management system 6 of Figure 2 and generates and sends corresponding control signals to machine components (e.g., roll stock, applicator, pattern cutter, pickup and packaging components, etc.) to modify the tape in accordance with the instructions.

[0036] FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram of a method 500 for customizing a medical tape for a user, according to one embodiment. Method 500 can be implemented by management system 6 of FIG. 2. At 510, the system prompts for obtaining input data from a user. The input data may include _. At 520, the system combines the new input data from the user with existing knowledge from the database. At 512, the database is updated to reflect the new input. At 520, the system determines product requirements for the customized tape. At 525, the system determines machine parameters for a tape manufacturing core that will produce the customized tape. At 530, the system instructs the tape manufacturing core to selectively modify adhesive strength. At 535, the system determines whether the modifications were properly implemented. If the system determines that the modifications were properly implemented, method 500 proceeds to 540, where the product is separated from the roll. If the system determines that the alteration was not performed properly, method 500 proceeds to 530, where the system discards the product and instructs the tape manufacturing core to selectively alter the bond strength of a new tape span. At 545, the system determines whether the separation was performed properly. If the system determines that the separation was performed properly, method 500 proceeds to 550, where the product is created and output. If the system determines that the separation was not performed properly, method 500 proceeds to 530, where the alteration is redone on a new tape span. At 555, the system determines whether the roll stock has fallen below a set threshold. If yes, the system sends a notification to order new supplies at 560.

[0037] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities or ingredients, property measurements, and the like used in the specification and embodiments are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about." Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the foregoing specification and accompanying listings of embodiments may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by one of ordinary skill in the art utilizing the teachings of the present disclosure. At the very least, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques; however, this is not intended to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the described embodiments as claimed.

[0038] Various modifications and variations can be made to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the exemplary embodiments described below, but are instead governed by the limitations set forth in the claims and any equivalents thereof. List of Exemplary Embodiments

[0039] Exemplary embodiments are listed below: It should be understood that any one of embodiments 1 to 10 and 11 to 15 can be combined.

[0040] Embodiment 1 is a system for making customized medical tapes, the system comprising: 5m 3 one or more compact tape converting machines having a volume as follows: at least one of the tape converting machines comprising: a roll of tape; an adhesion modifying mechanism configured to modify adhesion characteristics of the tape; and a communication device; a computing device comprising: a second communication device communicatively coupled to the communication device of the at least one tape transcribing machine; and one or more computer processors; and a non-transitory tangible computer readable memory containing instructions, the instructions, when executed by the one or more computer processors, causing the computer processors to: generating a user interface for display that allows a user to input instructions to modify the adhesive properties of the tape; A system that analyzes the instructions to determine machine operating parameters for one or more tape converting machines.

[0041] Example 2 is the system of Example 1, further comprising one or more image sensors that capture one or more digital images of the object.

[0042] Embodiment 3 is the system of embodiment 2, wherein at least one of the image sensors is provided in a mobile device, and the user interface is displayed to the user by the mobile device.

[0043] Example 4 is the system of example 2 or 3, wherein the one or more computer processors are further configured to analyze the digital images to determine machine operating parameters.

[0044] Embodiment 5 is the system of any one of Embodiments 1-4, wherein the adhesion modification mechanism comprises an applicator configured to apply a pattern of surface adhesion modifier to the adhesive surface of the tape.

[0045] Embodiment 6 is the system of embodiment 5, wherein the applicator includes a printer.

[0046] Embodiment 7 is the system of embodiment 5 or 6, wherein the adhesion modification mechanism further comprises a curing station configured to cure the surface adhesion modification agent by radiation.

[0047] Embodiment 8 is the system of any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the tape includes a backing that supports the adhesive surface, and the attachment modification mechanism is disposed on a side of the backing opposite the adhesive surface and configured to modify the backing of the tape.

[0048] Embodiment 9 is the system of any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the adhesion modification mechanism further comprises a cutter configured to cut a pattern of through holes into the tape, and optionally the cutter comprises a laser, a blade, or a die.

[0049] Embodiment 10 is the system of any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein at least one of the tape converting machines further comprises a pattern cutter downstream of the deposition modification mechanism configured to cut a customized shape from the tape.

[0050] Example 11 is the system of any one of Examples 1-10, wherein at least one of the tape converting machines further comprises a pick-up wrapping mechanism downstream of the pattern cutter. Embodiment 12 is a method for customizing a medical tape, the method comprising: 5m 3 accessing one or more compact tape converting machines having a volume as follows: at least one of the tape converting machines comprising a roll of tape, an adhesion modifying mechanism configured to modify adhesion characteristics of the tape, and a communication device; accessing a computing device comprising a second communication device communicatively coupled to the communication device of the at least one tape transcribing machine, one or more computer processors, and a non-transitory tangible computer-readable memory containing instructions, the instructions, when executed by the one or more computer processors, causing the computer processors to: generating a user interface for display that allows a user to input instructions to modify the adhesive properties of the tape; The method includes analyzing the instructions to determine machine operating parameters for one or more tape converting machines.

[0051]

[0023] Embodiment 13 is the method of embodiment 12, wherein the computing device is further configured to generate an automatic modified configuration.

[0052] Example 14 is the method of example 13, further comprising presenting the query including the automatically altered configuration to the user via a user interface.

[0053]

[0023] Example 15 is the method of example 14, further comprising receiving feedback from a user and modifying the automated alteration configuration based on the feedback. [Example]

[0054] These examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to limit the scope of the appended claims.

[0055] Example 1 Example 1, shown in Figure 6, illustrates the basic system of the on-site manufacturing core described herein. It begins with a supply roll 610 of mass-produced rollstock adhesive tape with specific adhesive properties. The tape passes through a series of applicators 620a, 620b, which modify the adhesive properties, shape (2D), form (3D), color, and printed information or graphics as needed by customers and operators, and then package each or several pieces of custom tape for pickup, storage, and transportation before use. The applicators of adhesive surface modifiers 620a, 620b in Example 1 are a category of modifiers that interact directly with the surface of the adhesive coating. The interaction between the modifier and the adhesive can be physical, chemical, optical, acoustic, etc. Applicators can be, but are not limited to, inkjet printheads, UV light, lasers, spray jets, and 3D printing. The on-site manufacturing core system for custom tape can also include a cutter 630, which cuts out tape pieces of the desired shape and is digitally controlled. The cutter 630 can be a laser or a blade. The backing facilitates easier handling / stacking / packaging when the customized, cut, and dispensed articles can potentially have complex shapes and awkward sizes. The backing can include peel tabs or other user-assistance features to allow the end user to easily expose the adhesive surface. Additionally, the backing can also provide some rigidity or structural support to the customized adhesive article, especially when it has small or complex features in shape / size. Inkjet printing 620b on the adhesive backing generates specific, customized markings to aid in centering / positioning the customized adhesive article, thus eliminating uncertainty during application. The waste roll 640 removes unused stock roll material as a continuous roll of waste material produced by the process. Means 650 for the customer to easily pick up tape pieces and / or automatically wrap or seal the tape are also provided on the machine but are not depicted in detail.

[0056] Example 2 In Example 2, shown in FIG. 7 , a supply roll 710 of adhesive tape on a backing is provided. This porous / transparent backing functions to a) allow the penetrating adhesion-modifying agent 720a to work across the backing, b) prevent contamination of the tape's adhesive before / during / after the adhesive is modified, and c) facilitate easier handling / stacking / packaging when customized, cut, and dispensed articles may have complex shapes and awkward sizes. The backing may include peel tabs or other user-assistance features to allow the end user to easily expose the adhesive surface. Additionally, the backing may also provide some rigidity or structural support to the customized adhesive article, especially when the shape / size includes small or complex features. Inkjet printing 720b on the adhesive backing generates specific, customized markings to aid in centering / positioning the customized adhesive article, thus eliminating uncertainty during application. A pattern cutter 730 then trims the modified adhesive tape to the desired size / shape. Waste roll 740 removes unused stock roll material as a continuous roll of waste produced by the process.

[0057] Example 3 In Example 3, shown in FIG. 8 , a supply roll 810 of adhesive tape on a backing is provided with an integral porous / transparent liner. This porous / transparent liner functions to a) allow the penetrating adhesion-modifying agent 820a to work across the backing, b) prevent contamination of the tape's adhesive before / during / after the adhesive is modified, and c) facilitate easier handling / stacking / packaging when customized, cut, and dispensed articles may have complex shapes and awkward sizes. The liner may include peel tabs or other user-assistance features to allow the end user to easily expose the adhesive surface. Additionally, the liner may also provide some rigidity or structural support to the customized adhesive article, especially when the shape / size has small or complex features. Inkjet printing 820b on the adhesive backing generates specific customized markings to aid in centering / positioning the customized adhesive article, thus eliminating uncertainty during application. A pattern cutter 830 subsequently trims the modified adhesive tape to the desired size / shape. Take-up roll 840 removes unused stock roll material as a continuous roll of waste material produced by the process.

[0058] Example 4 Example 4, shown in Figure 9, illustrates a continuously customizable adhesive tape produced by a lamination process using two adhesive rolls and a printer. A supply roll 910, commercially available from 3M Company (St. Paul, MN) under the trade name Micropore, is shown threaded through the machine. An emblem adhesive 920, commercially available from 3M Company (St. Paul, MN) under the trade name Press-In-Place, having spaced adhesive areas / dots interspersed between two liners, is introduced to the adhesive surface of the Micropore. This lamination process is discontinuous in that only these adhesive dots transfer to the adhesive surface of the Micropore when the roller is actuated to act against the pressure roll 930. The roller acting against the pressure roll 930 essentially introduces adhesive dots that bond to the adhesive surface of the Micropore. A printer 940 is shown acting on the backing of the Micropore tape. A cutting mechanism (not shown) then trims the customized Micropore tape to the desired size / shape. This illustration shows changes / modifications along the length dimension of the Micropore tape, but by extension, similar modifications can be made across the width of the Micropore tape as well as replicated Press-In-Place Emblem Adhesive transfer mechanisms.

[0059] Throughout this specification, references to "one embodiment," "a particular embodiment," "one or more embodiments," or "an embodiment" mean that the particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one of the particular exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, regardless of whether the term "embodiment" is preceded by the term "embodiment." Thus, the appearances of phrases such as "in one or more embodiments," "a particular embodiment," "in one embodiment," or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same particular exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Furthermore, particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0060] While certain exemplary embodiments have been described in detail herein, it will be understood that those skilled in the art will be able to readily conceive of modifications, variations, and equivalents to these embodiments upon reading the foregoing description. Accordingly, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not intended to be unduly limited to the exemplary embodiments described thus far. In particular, as used herein, the recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints is intended to include all numbers subsumed within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5). Additionally, all numbers used herein are intended to be modified by the term "about." Furthermore, various exemplary embodiments have been described. These and other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. 1. A system for making customized medical tapes, the system comprising: 5m ３ one or more compact tape converting machines having a volume as follows: at least one compact tape converting machine comprising: a roll of tape; an adhesion modifying mechanism configured to modify adhesion characteristics of the tape; and a communication device; a computing device comprising: a second communications device communicatively coupled to the communications device of the at least one tape transcribing machine; and one or more computer processors; and a non-transitory, tangible, computer-readable memory containing instructions, the instructions, when executed by the one or more computer processors, causing the computer processor to: generating a user interface for display that allows a user to input instructions to modify the adhesive properties of the tape; The system analyzes the instructions for modifying the adhesion characteristics of the tape to determine machine operating parameters of the one or more tape converting machines.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the adhesion modification mechanism comprises an applicator configured to apply a pattern of a surface adhesion modifier to the adhesive surface of the tape.

3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the applicator comprises a printer.

4. The system of claim 2 , wherein the adhesion modification mechanism further comprises a curing station configured to cure the surface adhesion modification agent by radiation.

5. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the tape includes a backing that supports an adhesive surface, and the attachment modifying mechanism is disposed on a side of the backing opposite the adhesive surface and configured to modify the backing of the tape.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the attachment modification mechanism further comprises a cutter configured to cut a pattern of through holes into the tape, optionally the cutter comprising a laser, a blade, or a die.

7. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one of the tape converting machines further comprises a pattern cutter downstream of the deposition modification mechanism configured to cut a customized shape from the tape.

8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the at least one of the tape converting machines further comprises a pick-up and wrapping mechanism downstream of the pattern cutter.

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