Abstract: A full-color-inkjet receptive topcoat can be flexographically printed on a substrate. The flexographically-printed, full-color-inkjet receptive topcoat includes a pigment and a polymeric binder, in which a ratio of the pigment to polymeric binder is in a range of from 3:1 to 5:1 by dry parts. Such a coating provides good printability with color inkjet printing, which conventionally has not been possible with flexographically-printed topcoats.

Abstract: An ink-receptive composition for coating a substrate provides outstanding outdoor durability and color fade resistance. The ink-receptive composition includes a polymeric binder comprising an ethylene-based polymer, a pigment, a light stabilizer package comprising UV-absorber and a light stabilizer, and a surfactant. Notably, the ink-receptive composition is preferably free of mordant, if any mordant is present, then that mordant is present in an amount less than 5 weight percent of the composition and more preferably less than 3 weight percent of the composition, Related methods of manufacture, methods of printing, and articles coated with the composition are obtainable with this coating.

Abstract: Printer systems and associated ink cartridges can have specialized inksets and alternative fluids for use in printing. In such systems and cartridges, the inkset of a unique cartridge may be deliberately limited relative to traditional inksets that seek to have a wide color gamut such that chemistries having greater durability may be employed. Still further, such cartridges may include one or more functional inks that have a purpose other than merely coloration. Particularly in compact printers, for which space is limited, the system can be designed to accept various unique cartridges based on the intended printing application and print based on the characteristics of the received cartridge. Beyond this, the system may advise the user when a different cartridge is necessary and/or may be beneficially used for a particular application.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices are provided for continuous sampling of biological fluid for extended periods of time, e.g. for periods of time up to and including 10 days. The microfluidic devices can be made from porous hydrophilic substrate, e.g. hydrophilic paper substrates. The devices can include a collection pad, an evaporative pump, and a channel connecting the collection pad and the evaporative pump. Hydrogels at the collection pad can promote collection of sweat or other biological fluids from a subject, which in some aspects is assisted by the use of one or more microneedles on the substrate. An evaporative pump can provide for long periods of sampling by providing continual pumping, e.g. through the use of an evaporation pad where sampled fluid can evaporate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspection of containers including a circular star wheel conveyor having a plurality of intermediate annular inspection pockets and at least one non-inspection position. The method includes the steps of providing an outfeed stripper configured to engage a container disposed in the non-inspection position aligning the outfeed stripper inside the circumference of the star wheel conveyor and aligning the outfeed stripper with the conveyor and with the rotational path of the star wheel. Positioning an outfeed mechanism adjacent to the star wheel conveyor and operating the outfeed mechanism at a desired conveyor speed. Controlling the movement of the star wheel conveyor to align the container with the outfeed stripper and the outfeed mechanism only at the non-inspection position regardless of the number of angular inspection positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspection of containers including a circular star wheel conveyor having a plurality of intermediate annular inspection pockets and at least one non-inspection position. The method includes the steps of providing an outfeed stripper configured to engage a container disposed in the non-inspection position aligning the outfeed stripper inside the circumference of the star wheel conveyor and aligning the outfeed stripper with the conveyor and with the rotational path of the star wheel. Positioning an outfeed mechanism adjacent to the star wheel conveyor and operating the outfeed mechanism at a desired conveyor speed. Controlling the movement of the star wheel conveyor to align the container with the outfeed stripper and the outfeed mechanism only at the non-inspection position regardless of the number of angular inspection positions.

Abstract: A machine for inspecting glass bottles comprising an elliptical first conveyor having parallel linear front and rear portions. Bottles are displaced sequentially along the linear front portion of the elliptical first conveyor by a first cam and bottles are sequentially displaced along the linear rear portion of the elliptical first conveyor by a second cam. Inspection stations bottles are located along both the front and rear linear portions. A second conveyor delivers bottles to the elliptical conveyor proximate the start of the first cam, and a third conveyor receives bottles from the elliptical conveyor proximate the end of the second cam.

Abstract: An infeed mechanism for a glass container inspection machine which will receive bottles on a linear conveyor and which has a support to which the infeed mechanism can be secured. The infeed mechanism has a timing cam and a frame is provided for supporting the timing cam at the bottom thereof which includes a first box like frame for rotatably supporting the timing cam at the bottom, a servo motor secured to and within the first box like frame, a vertically extending transmission supported by the first box like frame for transferring the output of the servo motor downwardly to the rotatable timing cam, a second frame, above the timing cam for supporting first frame for relative vertical displacement, and a mounting plate located vertically above the second frame for supporting the second frame for relative horizontal displacement transverse to the linear conveyor so that the infeed mechanism can be mounted by securing the mounting plate to a machine frame with the infeed mechanism above the linear conveyor.

Abstract: A glass container inspection machine which has a machine frame having a horizontal upper portion, a horizontal lower portion, and a vertical portion interconnecting the horizontal upper and lower portions for defining a rear, side to side, stepped in configuration for defining a volume into which a linear conveyor can be located by displacing the inspection machine frame rearwardly. An infeed mechanism is suspended from the horizontal upper portion above the linear conveyor when the frame is displaced rearwardly to locate the linear conveyor in the volume, and an outfeed mechanism is suspended from the horizontal upper portion above the linear conveyor when the frame is displaced rearwardly to locate the linear conveyor in the volume.

Abstract: A machine for inspecting a container has an inspection conveyor for gripping and conveying containers delivered thereto at one speed. A feed conveyor delivers containers to the inspection conveyor at a slower speed. A container sensed on the inspection conveyor is brought to a stop at a selected location so that an inspection can take place.

Abstract: Apparatus for reading code elements which are relieved from a container. A source of light projects normally at the code elements while the container is rotated to sequentially illuminate each of the code elements. A sensor receives light which is reflected approximately normal to the surface of the container but avoids light which is reflected from the surface of each code element at an appreciable angle relative to the normal. The intensity of the reflections from regions of said container not containing a code element are relatively large compared to reflections received from portions of the container surface containing a code element and a threshold is set therebetween.

Abstract: Glassware inspection apparatus comprises a first light emitting diode position to illuminate a first region of the ware, a first driver for driving the first light emitting diode in a first modulated mode, a first photodetector positioned for receiving light of the first light emitting diode which illuminates the first region of the container, and a first demodulator for the output of the first photodetector. The apparatus also comprises a second light emitting diode positioned to illuminate a second region of the container, a driver for driving the second light emitting diode in a second modulated mode, a second photodetector positioned for receiving light of the second light emitting diode which illuminates the second region of the container, and a second demodulator for the output of the second photodetector. The two modulation modes minimize cross-talk between the first and second light emitting diodes.

Abstract: A sealing surface finish leak detector comprises a test fitting, a source of pressure regulated gas, means for coupling the source of gas to an aperture in the test fitting to deliver the gas to the container at an inspection site, and means for limiting the rate of flow of the gas from the source into the container. The pressure in the container is sampled a predetermined time after the gas begins to flow into the container. The predetermined time is short enough and the rate of flow of the gas into the container low enough so that the pressure in the container at the predetermined time is well below the source pressure even if the container is properly sealed. An average size leak between the sealing surface and the test fitting results in a significantly reduced pressure or rate of pressure rise in the container at the predetermined time.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting the sealing surface of a container for dips, saddles and lean is disclosed. While the container is rotated, a beam of light is projected horizontally above and through a finish portion of said container. An optical detector detects the height of said sealing surface by detecting the location of a minimum in the light beam. Dips in the height indicate dips or saddles. Alternately, an opaque bearing member is lowered onto the sealing surface in the path of the light beam to provide a reference indicative of the prevailing height of the sealing surface. Light passing between the underside of the bearing member and the sealing surface indicates a dip or saddle.

Abstract: Inspection of a procession of ware such as bottles on a moving conveyor for "down" bottles and bottles which are "stuck" and tilted is accomplished by maintaining an average of detected dimensions for acceptable bottles and by comparing a sensor signal which is indicative of bottle dimension to thresholds which are preselected percentages of the average. Variations in detected bottle dimension, due to different or changing production conditions or variations in conveyor speed, are automatically compensated for.