Abstract: An ink composition suitable for ink jet printing is made from a fatty acid ester base and a diluent, wherein the base consists essentially of a fatty acid which is liquid at room temperature, a polyalkylene glycol, and a dye which has been reacted with the fatty acid to form an ester. The base is combined with a compatible diluent, such as an alcohol having a low-viscosity and low vapor pressure, to provide an ink composition especially suited for ink jet dot printing of high-definition symbols such as bar codes. The ink of the invention resists spreading on rough surfaces, and thus can be used to print bar codes directly on the sides of paperboard cartons.

Abstract: An ink roll made of a microporous thermoplastic structure impregnated with an ink has sufficient strength, toughness and flexibility to deliver ink to a transfer roll without substantial misting of the ink from the ink roll surface as the ink roll is driven by a drive roll at peripheral speeds of 200 ips or more. The microporous plastic structure of the roll may be formed from a blend of a first polymer having particles sizes in the range of 1 to 100 .mu.m, and a second polymer having particles sizes from more than 100 .mu.m to 600 .mu.m. The second polymer is selected to impart greater strength and abrasion resistance to the roll than the first polymer. Both of the first and second polymers may be copolymers of PVC and polyvinyl acetate. The second copolymer has more acetate groups than the first polymer, giving it significantly greater strength.

Abstract: A method for preparing a microporous ink-impregnated marking structure according to the invention involves use of a window-like frame instead of a conventional chase. The frame is placed on the upper face of the matrix board or mold so that the premix, containing ink, plasticizer and resin, is retained therein. The premix fills the cavities and excess premix forms a continuous layer over the cavities in the mold, with the edges of the layer retained by the frame. A layer of an ink-absorbent backing material is placed on the layer of premix, and the backing is covered with a plate. The assembly is heated with pressure to form a microporous, marking fluid impregnated structure having a relief pattern corresponding to the cavities, and then cooled. The marking structure can then be used to make self-inking hand stamps.

Abstract: A premix capable of forming a microporous marking structure is prepared by kneading a pouch containing the premix, then opening the pouch and removing the premix therefrom. The mixed premix is then typically poured in a mold, and an absorbent backing layer is placed on the premix. The premix is then heated to form a microporous structure, and then cooled. The dispensing package used in this method is a thin-walled, flexible pouch which contains the premix. This dispensing pouch can eliminate the need to make up a batch of premix immediately prior to casting, together with the need to measure the amount of premix needed for each casting.

Abstract: An improved microporous marking structure has a layer of a microporous material containing a marking fluid and an absorbent backing layer superposed thereon which shortens processing time by absorbing excess marking fluid from the microporous layer. The marking structure according to the invention may be advantageously used to make a self-inking hand stamp. No lengthy step for removing excess ink from the microporous layer is needed.

Abstract: An improved microporous marking structure has a layer of a microporous material containing a marking fluid and an absorbent backing layer superposed thereon which shortens processing time by absorbing excess marking fluid from the microporous layer. The marking structure according to the invention may be advantageously used to make a self-linking hand stamp. No lengthy step for removing excess ink from the microporous layer is needed.

Abstract: An ink dispensing roll comprises a generally cylindrical member having a plurality of holes communicating with an interior annular reservoir and a microporous ink impregnated sleeve mounted about the cylindrical member. The annular reservoir is in liquid communication with a larger reservoir charged with ink that flows by gravity into the annular reservoir and then into the microporous sleeve.

Abstract: This invention relates to an ink impregnated material, particularly an ink roll, useful in the printing of high contrast images suitable for laser scanning. The ink roll according to the invention is a microporous polymeric structure impregnated with an ink. The ink is repetitively transferable to a surface in sufficient quantity to produce thousands of visible images. The invention further provides a method for printing a light scannable, coded image, and an apparatus therefor.

Abstract: A method for making an ink-impregnated material includes steps of mixing from a plastic powder, a water-soluble salt and a water-soluble, polar organic liquid to form a mixture, heating the mixture to a temperature sufficient to melt the plastic and form a cohesive structure, leaching the salt and polar organic liquid from the structure, drying the structure, and impregnating the structure with an ink. The resulting microporous material has an open-celled network of micropores extending therethrough, which micropores have smooth, rounded internal walls free of fibrous projections. An ink roll made of this material is suitable for use in an apparatus for printing coded images such as bar codes.

Abstract: This invention relates to an ink impregnated material, particularly an ink roll, useful in the printing of high contrast images suitable for laser scanning. The ink roll according to the invention is a microporous polymeric structure impregnated with an ink. The ink is repetitively transferable to a surface in sufficient quantity to produce thousands of visible images. The invention further provides a method for printing a light scannable, coded image, and an apparatus therefor.

Abstract: A rubber stamp with a skirted housing in which a plunger is slideable and spring biased to an upward position. At its bottom end the plunger includes a slotted base to which a print block is removably attached, and at the top end thereof the plunger includes a snap locking cap which permits easy assembly and disassembly of the unit. A frame contains the print block and includes a pair of ribbed flexible arms removably engageable within the slots of the base. Finger tabs connected to the flexible arms are accessible through cutouts in the housing skirt and effective for squeezing and removing the framed print block. A transparent cover is attachable to the housing skirt and covers the inked print block, and abuts the finger tabs so that the print block cannot be moved and inadvertently ink the inside surface of the transparent cover.

Abstract: Apparatus for delayed replenishment of marking fluid to a ribbon, characterized by a source of marking fluid adjacent to the ribbon and a wear-actuated device to cause delayed contact of marking fluid with the ribbon. Preferred embodiments include a roller rotatable on an axle and means to apply wear-producing frictional pressure between the roller and axle along one radius such that the roller moves along the radius during wear-producing operation. The frictional pressure may be applied by the ribbon. Other preferred embodiments include an axle and roller of particular configuration, an eccentric mounting of the axle to provide adjustability of the delay interval, and an endless ribbon cartridge.

Abstract: A marking structure for various uses, such as in hand stamps or other printing members, or in ink pads, ink rolls or other inking members. The marking structure is characterized by at least two layers, including an outer layer and an underlying reservoir layer. The outer layer has interconnected aggregates of thermoplastic resin, forming a microporous network of pores, and a marking fluid contained within the network. The reservoir layer has an open-pored macroporous structure, such as an open-cell polyurethane foam, impregnated with a microporous thermoplastic resin, in the form of interconnected aggregates, and an additional amount of the marking fluid. The resin aggregates of the outer and reservoir layers are joined at the interface of the layers to form a cohesive structure.

Abstract: A flexible type segment formed of elastomeric material and in an initially flat condition, and adapted for mounting on the cylindrical surface of a printing roll that engages the surface of an object to be marked, and prints indicia thereon. The segment has an elongated base with generally flat, parallel top and bottom surfaces and a raised panel print face formed on the top surface. The print face defines indicia to be inked and thereafter to apply an ink imprint to the respective surface to be marked. A plurality of recesses are formed in the bottom surface of the base, the recesses extending into the material a major portion of the depth of the base. The recesses reduce the section of the base so that flexing of the segment when it is mounted on the roll and force variations between the print face and the surface to be marked produce a minimum of distortion of the print face.