Abstract: Method for using fines from toner particle manufacturing which are unacceptable for use in photocopying. Manufactured toner particles are separated into toner particles generally of a size acceptable for photocopying and residue toner particles generally of a size unacceptable for photocopying. The residue toner particles are electrostatically sprayed onto surfaces to form decorative or protective coatings.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and material for producing and developing thermal latent images. Upon imagewise thermal exposure of a heat sensitive recording material, the recording material selectively yields both a latent image and a visually readable image. The latent image may comprise confidential data or text, and may subsequently be rendered visually readable by an authorized recipient.

Abstract: This invention relates to a heat-sensitive recording material. More particularly, this invention relates to a heat-sensitive recording material including a solvent-resistant and friction-reducing protective layer useful in the manufacture of adhesive-backed heat-sensitive labels and other thermally sensitive paper stock used in printers and facsimile equipment. The protective layer is non-acidic and has an improved resistance to background discoloration.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heat-sensitive recording material useful in the manufacture of thermal paper and thermal labels. The material comprises a cellulosic or other suitable substrate, a thermally imprintable color-producing layer, and a protective layer over the color-producing layer. It may also include a second protective layer and/or a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, on the surface of the substrate opposite from the color-producing layer, and a releasable liner covering the adhesive layer. The color-producing layer includes a basic, acid-neutralizing agent for both reducing background discoloration during manufacturing and increasing image definition. The protective layer comprises a cross-linked binder and fluorochemical surfactant-treated hydrocarbon or fluorocarbon particles as a friction reducing material.

Abstract: Disclosed are toner compositions which comprise a toner particle having cleaning and lubricating agents added externally thereto. The cleaning and lubricating agents improve copy quality and extend the developer lifetime as they are electrically compatible with the toner particles over the duration of the developer lifetime. The external lubricating additive comprises a modified wax component having a relatively small percentage of a charge enhancing additive dissolved in a low molecular weight wax material. Optionally, the external additive may comprise amorphous silica particles and magnetite particles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heat-sensitive recording material useful in the manufacture of thermal paper and thermal labels. The material comprises a cellulosic or other suitable substrate, a thermally imprintable color-producing layer, and a protective layer over the color-producing layer. It may also include a second protective layer and/or a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, on the surface of the substrate opposite from the color-producing layer, and a releasable liner covering the adhesive layer. The color-producing layer includes a basic, acid-neutralizing agent for both reducing background discoloration during manufacturing and increasing image definition. The protective layer comprises a polymeric binder which is both ionically and covalently cross-linked to provide improved resistance to hydrophobic and hydrophillic solvents.

Abstract: Disclosed is a non-crosslinked copolymer composition, for use in developing an electrophotographic latent image, comprising a styrenic compound, methylmethacrylate, and a soft comonomer. The soft comonomer has the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is a hydrogen or methyl group, and R.sub.2 may be a ethyl, butyl, n-butyl, iso-butyl, ethyl-hexyl, propyl, octyl, lauryl or stearyl group. The softening range of this copolymer is 2 to 15 Celcius temperature units broader than comparable non-crosslinked copolymers which do not contain methyl methacrylate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heat-sensitive recording material useful in the manufacture of thermal paper and thermal labels. The material comprises a cellulosic or other suitable substrate, a thermally imprintable color-producing layer, and a protective layer over the color-producing layer. It may also include a second protective layer and/or a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, on the surface of the substrate opposite from the color-producing layer, and a releasable liner covering the adhesive layer. The color-producing layer includes a basic, acid-neutralizing agent for both reducing background discoloration during manufacturing and increasing image definition. The protective layer comprises a polymeric binder which is both ionically and covalently cross-linked to provide improved resistance to hydrophobic and hydrophillic solvents.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heat-sensitive recording material useful in the manufacture of thermal paper and thermal labels. The material comprises a cellulosic or other suitable substrate, a thermally imprintable color-producing layer, and a protective layer over the color-producing layer. It may also include a second protective layer and/or a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, on the surface of the substrate opposite from the color-producing layer, and a releasable liner covering the adhesive layer. The color-producing layer includes a basic, acid-neutralizing agent for both reducing background discoloration during manufacturing and increasing image definition. The protective layer comprises a cross-linked binder and fluorochemical surfactant-treated hydrocarbon or fluorocarbon particles as a friction reducing material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a coating composition for producing a high solids content carboxymethylcellulose based "CB" coating for use in pressure sensitive carbonless copy systems. The formulation comprises carboxylmethylcellulose, a wall-forming carboxylated acrylic resin, an organic cross-linker, a polyvalent metal salt, and an oil containing color-forming dye. The composition has a solids content of at lesat 30% and a viscosity within the range of 50 to 5000 centiposes. The CB paper exhibits the ability to produce improved imaging on computer and dot matrix printers because of better release efficiency and may be manufactured using less energy.

Abstract: Disclosed is a coating composition for producing a high solids content carboxymethylcellulose based "CB" coating for use in pressure sensitive carbonless copy systems. The formulation comprises carboxylmethylcellulose, a wall-forming carboxylated acrylic resin, an organic cross-linker, a polyvalent metal salt, and an oil containing color-forming dye. The composition has a solids content of at least 30% and a viscosity within the range of 50 to 5000 centiposes. The CB paper exhibits the ability to produce improved imaging on computer and dot matrix printers because of better release efficiency and may be manufactured using less energy.

Abstract: A development apparatus and method positions the development electrode (30), in a liquid development system, in a close, spaced apart relationship to a moving photosensitive surface (12). The development electrode (30) has plural supply conduits (76) and at least one drain conduit (84) for eliminating toner starvation during the development process. The development apparatus and method further employ a pressurized filter element (50) having a cell size larger than the particle size to be trapped for reducing the occurrence of voids on the output copy. The filter (50) is configured to provide, in its sealed housing, input (80) and output (82) manifolds.

Abstract: Disclosed is a recording sheet comprising a support having a layer of color developer capable of reacting with oil-soluble, basic, chromogenic dyes to produce rapidly a mark of improved color intensity and improved fade resistance. In addition to the conventionally used constituents such as binders, whitening agents, and fillers, the coating comprises (a) a phenol-formaldehyde condensate oligomer mixture, (b) an aromatic carboxylic acid, and (c) an inorganic magnesium compound, preferably magnesium oxide or magnesium hydroxide. Best results are obtained when components a, b, and c are present at ratios of 50 parts oligomer, 1.0-2.5 parts acid, and 10-40 parts magnesium compound.

Abstract: A jam detector circuit for use in a photocopier employs feedback and visual indication circuitry for providing a stable and easily adjusted detector. Feedback is provided to desensitize the circuit to sensing device operating parameters which vary according to and within manufacturing specifications. The visual indication circuitry allows a predetermined range of signal change to be defined thereby enabling easy "set-up" of the circuit without the need of electrical metering apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cleaning a photoconductive surface in order to remove toner particles dispersed in a liquid developer wherein a smooth-surfaced, resiliently deformable, yieldable roller means is compliantly engaged with the surface to be cleaned so as to form a generally concave, smooth surfaced cleaning pad spaced from the photoconductive surface by a gap not exceeding the diameter of minimum sized toner particles.The yieldable roller means is rotated such that the surface of the concave, smooth faced pad portion thereof moves in an opposite direction relative to the direction of movement of the photoconductive surface and at a velocity at least equal to that of the photoconductive surface.A uniquely interacting cleaning roller, sponge scrubber and doctor blade combination is also contemplated.

Abstract: A sheet stripping apparatus and method used in a photocopying machine employ a resiliently biased sheet stripping element in contact with the photosensitive surface of the copier for detaching a leading edge of a copy sheet as it moves toward the sheet stripping assembly. A moving deflection surface, such as a knurled roller, is positioned immediately adjacent the operative portion of the sheet stripping element for deflecting the detached leading edge of the copy sheet away from the sheet stripping element and toward an exit path. A friction roller in juxtaposition to the deflection surface provides a nip for grabbing the copy sheet and directing it along the exit path. The friction roller is preferably driven at a velocity greater than the velocity of the photosensitive surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermally stable liquid negative developer comprising an organic liquid carrier, a pigment, a stabilizing gel on the borderline of solubility in the carrier, a latex which imparts a fixative function to the developer, and a two component charge control agent. The charge control agent consists of a first polymer, soluble in the carrier, having a basic character because of the inclusion of pyrrolidone or hydroxylated alkyl groups, and a second polymer, insoluble or on the borderline of solubility in the carrier, having an acid character because of the inclusion of free halogenated groups, and containing a minor amount of carrier soluble moieties. The two components may constitute separate ingredients, or either or both components may be incorporated into the structure of other developer components. Thus, the basic component may be included in the gel, and the acid component included in the latex.

Abstract: Disclosed is a developer composition which has improved depletion characteristics. The developer comprises an organic carrier containing latex particles comprising a major amount of a C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 lower alkyl acrylate or methacrylate polymer, a pigment system, a charge control agent consisting of a copolymer of C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 lower alkyl vinyl ether and a vinyl chloride, and an acrylic polymer gel for stabilizing the dispersion. The developer may be used in conventional copying equipment to make greater than about 20,000 copies of acceptable image density.