Abstract: This application relates to ink compositions, in particular ink compositions for use in continuous inkjet printing. The ink compositions are suitable for producing printed images for example with reduced printer error and good adhesion to low surface energy substrates, in particular, low energy substrates such as polypropylene, LDPE and HDPE. The ink composition contains a liquid carrier and carbon black. The ink composition has a surface resistance of at least 2 M?/sq after washing the printed deposit with the liquid carrier and an adhesion of 50% or more after applying an adhesive tape to the printed deposit and removing the adhesive tape.

Abstract: This application relates to an ink composition, in particular an ink composition for use in continuous inkjet printing. The ink composition for use in continuous inkjet printing, contains a siloxane surfactant and a metal conductivity salt. The ink composition is suitable for producing printed images with good adhesion to low surface energy substrates, in particular, low energy substrates such as polypropylene, LDPE and HDPE. The ink composition has a liquid carrier, a colourant, a siloxane surfactant and a metal conductivity salt. The siloxane surfactant is present in an amount greater than 0.1% by weight of the ink composition.

Abstract: An inkjet ink composition including one or more volatile organic solvents and one or more colorants, said ink being characterized in that it includes one or more humectants and a terpene phenolic resin.

Abstract: A marking apparatus for applying a message to an article, the apparatus comprising: a processor arranged to generate a message for application to an article and to control the operation of the marking apparatus by, at least in part, executing an operational behavior script formed using a scripting language; and a printing arrangement for applying a generated message to an article.

Abstract: A marking apparatus for applying a message to an article, the apparatus comprising: a processor arranged to generate a message for application to an article and to control the operation of the marking apparatus by, at least in part, executing an operational behavior script formed using a scripting language; and a printing arrangement for applying a generated message to an article.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for determining fluid levels in an inkjet printer. A non-contact sensor array is provided external to the container in which the levels are to be determined and each sensor in the array is sequentially switched into a sensing circuit until a change in capacitance is noted. The sensing circuit is preferably a frequency oscillation circuit whose frequency is defined by circuit capacitance.

Abstract: The invention provides a marking and/or coding apparatus which allows print resolution to be adjusted by multiplying or dividing encoder inputs generated from a conveyor on which goods to be coded or marked are transported to a marking station.

Abstract: Method and Apparatus for Reducing Ink Foaming in a Continuous Inkjet Printer The invention provides a method of and apparatus for reducing foam formation in the returned ink in a continuous inkjet printer. The returned ink is subjected to deceleration and is reduced in pressure, preferably by being directed into a sub-chamber which reverses the direction of flow and provides an elevated edge over which the ink overflows. The de-aeration facility is preferably incorporated in an ink service module.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of controlling the pressure applied to a substrate being printed by a thermal transfer printing head. The head displacement facility includes a resilient member such as a spring which undergoes deflection as the print head engages the substrate. The method comprises monitoring both print head position and spring deflection to control the pressure applied by the print head.

Abstract: The invention describes a continuous inkjet printer having an ink distribution block and an ink module containing ink and filters which can be connected to the distribution block with a substantially horizontal linear sliding action. Spigots forming part of the connection are preferably provided with upward facing fluid transfer ports.

Abstract: The invention describes a method of and means for reducing solvent consumption in a continuous inkjet printer that comprises cooling the ink within the printer system. Ink from the ink reservoir is preferably circulated through a heat exchanger.

Abstract: The invention describes a bottle cap in which a detachable section (9) can be ruptured from the remainder of the cap using a common tool such as, for example, a hex key. A frangible seal (13), recessed below the upper surface (6) of the cap, connects the detachable section to the remainder of the cap and thus, when the detachable section is withdrawn, the risk of spillage is minimized.

Abstract: The invention provides an adaptor for mounting a pump directly to the ink circulation system of an inkjet printer. By incorporating an adaptor and providing a selection of adaptors, a variety of pumps can be fitted to the ink circulation system without the need for pipes and pipe connectors.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for determining fluid levels in an inkjet printer. A non-contact sensor array is provided external to the container in which the levels are to be determined and each sensor in the array is sequentially switched into a sensing circuit until a change in capacitance is noted. The sensing circuit is preferably a frequency oscillation circuit whose frequency is defined by circuit capacitance.

Abstract: Method and Apparatus for Reducing Ink Foaming in a Continuous Inkjet Printer The invention provides a method of and apparatus for reducing foam formation in the returned ink in a continuous inkjet printer. The returned ink is subjected to deceleration and is reduced in pressure, preferably by being directed into a sub-chamber which reverses the direction of flow and provides an elevated edge over which the ink overflows. The de-aeration facility is preferably incorporated in an ink service module.

Abstract: The invention describes a method of and means for reducing solvent consumption in a continuous inkjet printer that comprises cooling the ink within the printer system. Ink from the ink reservoir is preferably circulated through a heat exchanger.

Abstract: The invention describes a continuous inkjet printer having an ink distribution block and an ink module containing ink and filters which can be connected to the distribution block with a substantially horizontal linear sliding action. Spigots forming part of the connection are preferably provided with upward facing fluid transfer ports.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of controlling the pressure applied to a substrate being printed by a thermal transfer printing head. The head displacement facility includes a resilient member such as a spring which undergoes deflection as the print head engages the substrate. The method comprises monitoring both print head position and spring deflection to control the pressure applied by the print head.