Abstract: A coated polymer film, such as a coated polyester film, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the coated film may be used as a substrate for digital printing. In one embodiment, the coating contains an anionic anti-static agent comprising a sulphonated copolyester resin. In an alternative embodiment, the coating contains an anti-static agent comprising an organometallic, such as an organo zirconate, in combination with metal oxide particles. The metal oxide particles may comprise nanoparticles. In one embodiment, the coating can further contain a print enhancing agent and an adhesion promoter.

Abstract: Free-flowing beads of hydrophobic polymers having high chemical and optical purity are provided. The hydrophobic polymers are homopolymers or copolymers of monomers having a water solubility of less than 0.01 g/100 g H2O. A method to prepare the hydrophobic polymer beads without use of surfactants or micelle forming agents is also provided.

Abstract: A bonding material is described that is well suited to bonding polymer films, such as polyester films, to other substrates. In one embodiment, for instance, the bonding material can be used to bond a polyester film to a polypropylene article. The bonding material generally comprises an adhesive agent combined with a cross-linking agent. The adhesive agent may comprise a carboxylic acid modified polypropylene homopolymer, copolymer or ionomer. In one embodiment, the adhesive agent comprises a polypropylene modified by an unsaturated dicarboxylic acid anhydride. The cross-linking agent, on the other hand, may comprise an oxazoline polymer.

Abstract: A heat resistant structure for enclosing a battery is presented. The structure includes a heat resistant fiber layer that provides insulation and structural resistance against a battery failure leading to high temperatures, for instance, in a thermal runaway event. The heat resistant fiber layer may comprise a polycrystalline aluminosilicate fiber.

Abstract: Improved adhesion characteristics in a metal-resin composite laminate are provided by the production of enhanced anodized surface characteristics with a separate one-sided etch for metal coil compositions, that can be used for coils of metal substrates that are incorporated into metal composites, particularly for use in exterior applications having enhanced durability and weather-ability, such as traffic signage and fascia display patterns.

Abstract: A photosensitive drum assembly for an image forming apparatus. A drum defines first and second open ends. A flange is partially disposed in the first open end. A grounding plate assembly includes a drum contact member and a shaft contact member. The drum contact member is configured to remove an electrically resistive coating from an interior of the drum. The shaft contact member is configured to contact a grounding shaft. The shaft contact member is disposed entirely within an interior of the flange.

Abstract: An electrostatic developer is provided that contains toner-containing image-forming particles and an uncrosslinked, linear hydrocarbon based homopolymer wax component, wherein the wax has a total number of branches in each of one or more chains that is less than 0.5%, relative to total number of carbons in said wax; wherein the wax is further characterized by having a set of endotherms as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) run at a maximum rate of 10° C. per minute, these endotherms being characterized by a primary endotherm and at least a secondary endotherm, the primary endotherm exhibiting a temperature range of between 70° C. and 90° C., and the secondary endotherm exhibiting a temperature range of between 95° C. and 110° C., and wherein the wax has a crystallinity of from 75% to 90% as determined by small angle X-ray diffraction analysis.

Abstract: A metal/polymer laminate containing at least two metal layers and at least one core polymer layer laminated between two metal layers. The presence of a silane of formula (I) in the core polymer layer, on the surface of the metal layers or in a separate adhesive layer improves the delamination resistance of the metal/polymer laminate: R1yR2xSi(OR3)4-x-y??(I) wherein R2 is a C1-12-hydrocarbon group containing one or more atoms selected from the group consisting of N, S and O, R3 is H—, C1-4-alkyl; R1 is a C1-12 alkyl group that may be ethylenically unsaturated; x is an integer of 1 to 3; and y is an integer of 0 to 2.

Abstract: A developer cartridge for an image forming apparatus includes a body member configured to store a developer, the body member defining first and second open ends. A first flange member is disposed in the first open end. A second flange member is disposed in the second open end. A rim is configured to open and to close a shutter of the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: Optical electrophotoconductor drums and electrophotoconductive tubes obtained via a direct chill metal casting apparatus for continuous or semi-continuous casting of metal (DC casting). In particular, casting of ingots of aluminum which provide the electrophotoconductive tubes that are subsequently coated to produce drums for copier and printers is presented. A gas-slip prepared surface of the tube results in a reduced and limited size and number of defects of an aluminum alloy material wherein the defects arise from a casting, subsequent extrusion, and subsequent drawing process. The defects arise primarily from either feather line lamination defects or from weld-line defects where the lamination defects are characterized by at least a slightly rougher surface and often a different chemical composition than that of the aluminum alloy at one point in the feather line lamination and where the weld-line defects occur in the extrusion process from contaminants present in either an aluminum casted ingot or log.

Abstract: A coupling arrangement having an optical photo-conductive drum including drum exterior and interior surfaces surrounding and extending along a longitudinal axis, the drum exterior surface facing away from the longitudinal axis, and the drum interior surface facing toward the longitudinal axis and including first and second open ends and at least one protrusion disposed apart from the first and second open ends. A flange includes a flange interior surface disposed in the first open end, a flange exterior surface disposed outside of the first open end, a flange side surface connecting the flange interior and exterior surfaces, and at least one receiving portion. The at least one protrusion is disposed in the at least one receiving portion.

Abstract: A photosensitive drum assembly for an image forming apparatus. A drum defines first and second open ends. A flange is partially disposed in the first open end. A grounding plate assembly includes a drum contact member and a shaft contact member. The drum contact member is configured to remove an electrically resistive coating from an interior of the drum. The shaft contact member is configured to contact a grounding shaft. The shaft contact member is disposed entirely within an interior of the flange.

Abstract: A coupling arrangement having an optical photo-conductive drum including drum exterior and interior surfaces surrounding and extending along a longitudinal axis, the drum exterior surface facing away from the longitudinal axis, and the drum interior surface facing toward the longitudinal axis and including first and second open ends and at least one drum receiving portion. A flange includes a flange interior surface disposed in the first open end, a flange exterior surface disposed outside of the first open end, a flange side surface connecting the flange interior and exterior surfaces, and at least one flange receiving portion. At least one connector is disposed in the at least one drum receiving portion and the at least one flange receiving portion to connect and/or to secure the optical photo-conductive drum and the flange.

Abstract: A coupling arrangement with an optical photoconductive drum including a drum exterior surface and a drum interior surface having an electrically resistive coating surrounding and extending along a longitudinal axis. The drum interior surface includes first and second open ends. A flange including a flange interior surface is disposed in the first open end. A flange exterior surface is disposed outside of the first open end. A flange side surface connects the flange interior and exterior surfaces. A grounding plate is disposed in the first open end and includes an outwardly extending contact that contacts the drum interior surface and removes a portion of the electrically resistive coating to achieve electrical connection with the drum interior surface and to hold the flange.

Abstract: A developer cartridge for an image forming apparatus includes a body member configured to store a developer, the body member defining first and second open ends. A first flange member is disposed in the first open end. A second flange member is disposed in the second open end. A rim is configured to open and to close a shutter of the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A coupling arrangement having an optical photo-conductive drum including drum exterior and interior surfaces surrounding and extending along a longitudinal axis, the drum exterior surface facing away from the longitudinal axis, and the drum interior surface facing toward the longitudinal axis and including first and second open ends and at least one drum receiving portion. A flange includes a flange interior surface disposed in the first open end, a flange exterior surface disposed outside of the first open end, a flange side surface connecting the flange interior and exterior surfaces, and at least one flange receiving portion. At least one connector is disposed in the at least one drum receiving portion and the at least one flange receiving portion to connect and/or to secure the optical photo-conductive drum and the flange.

Abstract: A coupling arrangement having an optical photo-conductive drum including drum exterior and interior surfaces surrounding and extending along a longitudinal axis, the drum exterior surface facing away from the longitudinal axis, and the drum interior surface facing toward the longitudinal axis and including first and second open ends and at least one protrusion disposed apart from the first and second open ends. A flange includes a flange interior surface disposed in the first open end, a flange exterior surface disposed outside of the first open end, a flange side surface connecting the flange interior and exterior surfaces, and at least one receiving portion. The at least one protrusion is disposed in the at least one receiving portion.

Abstract: The invention provides a nail-care polymer with great adhesion to nail, good surface smoothness and gloss and high coating durability for use in a nail-care product.

Abstract: A device and method for reducing noise and/or vibration in an image forming apparatus. In a preferred form, an insert is disposed inside of a photosensitive drum, and the insert is an elastic member having, in a relaxed state, an outer diameter larger than an inner diameter of the inner surface of the photosensitive drum. The elastic member is configured such that when it is elongated in a longitudinal direction, the outer diameter of the elastic member may be elastically reduced to a diameter equal to or less than the inner diameter of the photosensitive drum, and after insertion, the overall diameter of the insert can be increased such that the outer surface of the insert comes into contact with an inner surface of the drum. Alternately, the insert is compressed to allow insertion, and once inserted, projections on the insert hold the insert against the inner surface of the drum.

Abstract: A melt transferred imaged coated product and process for decorative simulated wood, metal or stone-like patterns especially useful on treated non-sealed, non-anodized metal-resin composites for interior signage and display, is described. The product exhibits excellent adhesion bonding between the aluminum surface and the transferred-carrier film that contains the dry-ink image that is deposited on the aluminum surface. The aluminum surface is prepared by conventional pre-etching means, coated with a suitable thermosetting resin and then optionally primed with an adhesive prior to melt transfer of the image. The final surface finish coating is protected with an additional transparent adhesive backed polymer film.