Abstract: A linerless continuous series of pressure sensitive adhesive labels is provided which have on one or more selected portions thereof a series of imagable coatings which may be activated to form colored images or areas. The series of labels include a web having first and second surfaces, with a series of imagable coatings of color formers and color developers on the first surface of the web. A coating of a release material overlies the imagable coatings on the first surface of the substrate, and a coating of a pressure sensitive adhesive is positioned on the second surface of the web. The series of labels are wound or stacked so that the coating of pressure sensitive adhesive contacts the release material to permit individual labels to be dispensed.

Abstract: A thermally imagable business record, such as a form, label, tag, or the like is provided which may be activated to form human and/or machine readable images as well as different colored images. The record comprises a substrate having a thermally imagable coating on substantially its entire surface which forms a first color when activated, and having a desensitized area on at least one area of its surface which may be overcoated with a thermally imagable coating capable of forming a different color upon activation than the first thermally imagable coating. The first thermally imagable coating provides images which are of machine readable quality, while the additional thermally imagable coatings provide images of a different color to designate selected areas on the form or label to a user.

Abstract: A web or sheet product is provided which is coated on at least a portion of its surface with a bond-enabling material for adhering toner particles, on the surface of the sheet. The sheet product can be used as a mailer or confidential form which is sealed using toner particles as the adhesive. The bond-enabling material may be a polymer which is coated on the sheet as a liquid and then cured to form a film on the surface of the sheet. The bond-enabling material is resistant to melting or degrading when exposed to temperatures used for fusing toner particles, and additionally may act as a tie coat to enhance the adhesion of toner particles to the surface of the sheet. The bond-enabling material may be coated on the peripheral edges of the sheet, and toner particles are printed over the bond-enabling material on the peripheral edges of the sheet. The sheet is folded and sealed by the application of heat and pressure to the edges of the sheet.

Abstract: A business form such as a label, tag or the like is provided in which a thermally imagable substrate has on selected portions of its surface a plurality of different colored areas. At least one of the colored areas is obscured by thermally imaging the substrate in a selected area so as to provide color coded information. The colored areas may be preprinted as half-tone screened areas on the substrate in a number of different patterns and arrangements. The form may be printed with both color coded information and variable information in a single printing pass.

Abstract: A cellulosic substrate suitable for use as an envelope or mailer is provided which includes a transparentized portion which has been impregnated with a liquid polymerizable transparentizing material which has then been cured by exposure to radiation. The transparentized portion is no thicker than the remainder of the substrate to permit stacking of the substrate. The transparentized portion may also include carbonless imaging capabilities.

Abstract: A document is provided having a solvent sensitive and/or pressure sensitive ink printed thereon which reacts to the application of a solvent and/or pressure to form a visible stain or image. The ink includes a first composition of solvent soluble, water insoluble dye particles, a binder, and optionally, an opacifier. Alternatively, the first composition may be combined with a second composition which includes an encapsulated solvent and optionally a stilting material. The first and second compositions may be printed on the document in separate steps or printed together as a self-contained composition. The ink may be printed on the entire surface of the document or only on selected areas thereof.

Abstract: A confidential information bearing article comprising a cover sheet adhered to a base sheet is provided which is capable of providing hidden confidential information to a recipient. Through the use of camouflage, obscuring, and opacifying and reflectivity increasing coatings, the paper used for the mailer becomes effectively opaque, and information printed on the inside of the article is substantially unreadable from the outside. The article includes an adhesive for securing the base sheet and cover sheet and perforations along the edges to assist the recipient in opening the article.

Abstract: A protective coating composition for protection of thermal images on thermal paper is provided. A mixture of oligomers, monomers, and a photocatalyst are blended together, coated onto thermal paper and then cured by ultraviolet radiation. The coating provides protection to images subsequently printed on the paper by providing resistance to solvents, abrasion and fading due to exposure to light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pad capable of high liquid retention and capable of self-metering of liquid from the pad upon application of pressure. Such pads are highly desirable in lubricating applications and serve well as printers and ink reservoir for computers, markers and printing machines. The process comprises mixing a void former, typically a non-reactive salt of a size range chosen between 2 and 450 microns with a polymeric material in a weight ratio of 2.5:1 to 10:1 salt to polymer. The polymer is heated and the salt dispersed therein to form a salt-polymer composite. The composite is fed to an extruder and extruded to a desired shape, a dense skin being formed on the surface of the extruded polymer. Subsequently, the extruded polymer is cut, the salt is leached from the polymeric matric with a suitable solvent, and the leached extruded polymeric matrix is dried. The skin layer has narrower channels and a lower void volume than the adjacent reservoir column.