Abstract: Non-magnetic toner in an electrostatic imaging system, such as the MIDAX.RTM. electronic imaging system, is dynamically recycled. Wayward airborne toner particles in the imaging system are vacuum collected to provide an air stream with entrained toner particles, and a centrifugal separator separates the particles from the entraining air. The separated particles are then dynamically returned to the imaging system. At least one airlock, which may comprise at least first and second fluid actuated or mechanically actuated valves which are spaced from each other, is provided between the separator and a reservoir for toner particles to be supplied to a fluidized bed of toner particles in the imaging system. A distribution device for distributing the toner particles in at least two different horizontal paths, to return to the reservoir.

Abstract: A moving web is either perforated or cut using a knife cylinder having at least one blade, and an anvil cylinder having at least one raised anvil surface, and preferably a plurality (e.g. about 22) of alternating substantially uniform raised surfaces and depressions. The knife cylinder is substantially continuously rotated, and the anvil cylinder is substantially continuously rotated by a servo motor, which also positively controls the position of the anvil cylinder with respect to the knife cylinder to selectively either effect perforation or cutting of the web, or no perforation or cutting. Position controlling is typically accomplished by substantially constantly and instantly indexing the anvil cylinder in a reverse direction. Sensors may be utilized for sensing the locations of the knife and anvil cylinders and providing that information to a computer controller to facilitate indexing.

Abstract: A raster image processing system and method that can keep up with the fastest high resolution printers now available can process images "on the fly"--that is, generate images from compact input representations so rapidly that printing can occur substantially in the same real time as raster image processing of input data. This system is capable of automatically "screening" data relating to the images so that the various gray scales or color levels are correct for a contone printing process. Different print engine control modules can be replaceably plugged into and out of the system to allow it to be used with different types of print engines/intelligent imaging systems--including high speed, high resolution color printing engines. A high speed data cache and associated array disk drive provide high speed throughput of data into the system. The disk array may, for example, store a library of high resolution graphics that can be accessed "on the fly" as needed in response to the input data stream.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provide for the alternate manufacture of permanent adhesive or repositional linerless labels utilizing the same equipment. Indicia is applied such as by using a flexographic unit in which the print cylinders are immediately thrown-off the web when the unit is turned off. Coating stations apply a repositional adhesive and release coat in the construction of repositional adhesive labels, for example, using a flexo unit in which the print cylinder stays in contact with the web after the unit is turned off to wipe excess adhesive from the print cylinder. In the construction of permanent adhesive labels a coating station for applying a release coat and a release coat curing station, as well as a hot melt permanent adhesive application station, are also provided. The permanent adhesive is applied with a slotted die head having a heat uniformity of +/- five degrees F. across its length, and applies an even adhesive coat thickness of about 0.0005-0.001 inches to +/- about 0.0001 inches.

Abstract: An intermediate for a C-fold mailer type business form is provided that does not cup or distort as a result of pressure sensitive cohesive provided on both the face and the back of the same panel. This improves the processing of the intermediate through cut sheet laser printers and post-processing equipment, and allows for easier stacking during manufacture. A sheet of paper having first and second faces and opposite parallel longitudinal edges has first and second transverse fold lines forming a sheet into three panels, and first and second longitudinal lines of weakness forming longitudinal marginal portions with the longitudinal edges.

Abstract: A powered loop stand includes a frame having a base, first and second substantially parallel substantially vertical columns attached at their bottoms to the base, and at least one across support between the columns. A driven roller is supported for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis by the columns adjacent the top of each, typically between about four and five feet from the base. A number (e.g. three) of vertically spaced loop sensors are mounted by the frame between the columns so that their positions with respect to the driven roller are adjustable, e.g. mounted by vertical support with a bracket or collar frictionally engaging the support. A variable speed electric motor having an output shaft with a drive pulley is mounted within the column and a drive belt directly engages a peripheral surface of the roller and the pulley to drive the roller. The sensors are operatively connected to the motor for controlling its speed of operation.

Abstract: Labels are provided with sequential numbers which are important in a number of different applications including whether or not there are enough labels left on a roll to perform various operations on the roll. Linerless labels in a spiral roll include an innermost label and an outermost label. Each label includes a substrate with an inner face primarily coated with pressure sensitive adhesive and an outer face coated with release material. The sequential numbers are typically unobtrusive, and are applied to one or both of the inner and outer faces, preferably on the substrate before the coatings are applied. Desirably the innermost label contains the lowest number (typically zero or one) and the outermost the highest. Various pattern coatings can be applied to the substrate, particularly for the adhesive, depending upon the particular application, including at the interface between labels to make them easier to cut at the interface without the blade sticking to adhesive.

Abstract: Debit cards, such as long distance telephone cards, may be attractively packaged and even readily mounted for point of purchase display, in such a manner that the card is inactive until activated at the point of purchase. The card may be activated at the point of purchase without the necessity of in any way opening up the attractive packaging, or moving any portion of the packaging out of the way, and by merely "swiping" the card while still mounted in the package through a conventional card reader. The card is mounted between first and second panels of primarily cellulose material including an area significantly greater than that of the card, with the card magnetic strip completely exposed (that is uncovered by the panels or any other packaging material). The majority of the card is typically sandwiched between the first and second panels and is removably held to the panels, for example by hold melt adhesive, and the panels are affixed to each other.

Abstract: Non-magnetic toner in a fluidized bed is charged by at least one corona wire extending through the bed, the non-magnetic toner surrounding the wire in the fluidized bed. In order to prevent build up of insulating particles on the corona wire (which leads to a change in electric field gradient and eventually adversely impacts on the uniformity of the image applied to the substrate with the toner) is substantially precluded by vibrating the wire to shake toner particles off the wire. Vibration is accomplished at spaced points in time, such as by utilizing a rod having an irregular (e.g. substantially sinusoidal shaped) surface and by reciprocating the rod to cause the irregular surface to engage the wire and cause a quick rise and release thereof, so that the wire goes through a wide series of frequencies when vibrating. The rod may be reciprocated by a pneumatic cylinder, and may be of stainless steel having a substantially circular cross section with a diameter between about 0.02-0.04 inches.

Abstract: The creation and ordering of custom business forms is simplified for short-run orders, allowing the end user of the business form to design and transmit the order on a personal computer. Using appropriate design software, the business form is first designed, and then electronically transferred into a second software program which allows for the selection of a number of business form parameters, and also includes order parameters including quantity and delivery options. The business form parameters from the design software are automatically transferred to the ordering software, and any remaining parameters that must be selected are then selected in a sequence, the order quantity and delivery information is inputted, and the price is calculated, and then the custom business form and order are transmitted in machine form to a second computer remote from the first computer.

Abstract: Print cartridges for ion/electron deposition printing are periodically cleaned to provide preventive maintenance, using a simple cleaning assembly that automatically moves the cartridges first past a water washing nozzle, and then past an air drying nozzle, at slow speed, then being manually withdrawn from the cleaning assembly and replaced in the printer. The drive mechanism typically is a single roller disposed above the print cartridge, driven by a motor connected to the housing. A single water spray nozzle is disposed at an intermediate portion of the housing directed with a fan pattern spray up toward the cartridge, and a single air nozzle supplied with heated air is disposed adjacent the outlet of the cartridge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for composing documents such as bank checks with a picture of an account holder on each check comprising the steps of a) capturing a real time video image of the account holder at a bank site; b) converting the image to a digital image file in a personal computer; c) composing a picture check as a graphics image file in the personal computer; d) merging the digital image file and graphics image file to form a picture check; and e) printing one or more picture checks at the bank site and delivering the picture checks to the customer.

Abstract: A copyproof document includes a paper document substrate, a disc having a primarily holographic first face facing away from the substrate and a second face with permanent pressure sensitive adhesive engaging the substrate, and mechanical intertwining between the substrate and disc so that they are substantially inseparable. The mechanical intertwining enables the materials thereof to become substantially inseparably intertwined, the permanent adhesive also acting to insure inseparability. Typically the perimeter of the disc will be a mechanically intertwined with the substrate while at the center there is little or no mechanical intertwining so that the holographic activity of the first face is not significantly occluded. Unique identifying indicia (e.g. consecutive numbers or bar coding) may also be provided on the disc, and application of the discs to a document may not be practiced without security authorization and access (by key, computer, or the like).

Abstract: A coated front sheet useful in carbonless copy forms. The sheet has a moisture resistant coating of latex binder, color developer, and pigment in association with a substrate. The coating is formulated to permit formation of a legible image in use in the carbonless copy form, and to minimize the adverse effects of humid weather conditions. The substrate is resistant to degradation by moisture, and may be a moisture resistant polymer or paper impregnated with the moisture resistant coating.

Abstract: A self-contained fingerprint kit includes first, second, and third (or more) panels each having a top face and a bottom face with panel joining adhesive along the exterior edges of at least some of the panel faces for holding them together so that the top face of the second panel engages the bottom face of the first panel, and the bottom face of the second panel engages the top face of the third panel. A first dry fingerprint chemical is disposed in an area provided on one of the first panel bottom face or the second panel top face, and a fingerprint application area (which may comprise a second dry fingerprint chemical which cooperates with the first chemical to provide a developed fingerprint) provided on the second bottom panel face or the third panel top face for receipt of fingerprints with fingerprint chemical transferred from a first dry fingerprint chemical.

Abstract: A microencapsulated adhesive and a method for producing that microencapsulated adhesive are disclosed. The adhesive is produced from a solvent-based adhesive composition such as a styrene butadiene rubber composition an acrylic. The solvent-based adhesive composition may be encapsulated by interfacial polymerization, gelatin/gum arabic coacervation or melamine/formaldehyde encapsulation. The solvent is removed from the microcapsules by heating or reduced pressure to form an adhesive that is non-tacky, but becomes tacky upon application of external forces, such as shearing. The microencapsulated adhesive composition may be used, among other applications, as an adhesive for stamps or envelopes.

Abstract: Multi-part business forms having speciality electronically imaged indicia are produced in a low-cost, high speed, low waste, and enhanced flexibility method. While two part or four or more part forms may be produced, especially advantageous is the production of three part forms, such as airbills. After individual first, second and third parts are produced using conventional presses, the individual webs are separately fed to a collator and while fed to the collator are electronically imaged with speciality indicia, such as the name and address of the sender, airbill number, and--for the third part--a bar code. The webs are then collated on the collator, two business forms wide. A three part airbill produced includes first and second parts of carbonless paper stock having personalized first indicia electronically imaged on them, and a third part of carbonless label stock having the personalized indicia, and including bar code indicia, electronically imaged on it.

Abstract: An advantageous linerless label assembly is produced by substantially full face coating a first substrate web second face with a first pressure sensitive adhesive, and substantially full face coating a second substrate web first face with a second pressure sensitive adhesive that is physically or chemically incompatible with the first adhesive, and then bringing the first and second adhesives into direct contact with each other. The substrates are formed into discrete separable labels which may be in sheet, roll, or fan-fold configuration. The individual labels in the substrate can either have the leading edges of each aligned with each other, or the leading edges can be spaced from each other (e.g. about half the length of each of the labels). When physically incompatible adhesives are used, the first adhesive may be vegetable based, polyvinyl alcohol or ultraviolet reactivated adhesive, and the second acrylic.

Abstract: A document that is substantially copy proof even using modern digital color copiers may also be constructed so that it is scanner and image friendly. The document includes at least first through fourth areas each having colored background lines at a first angle and colored VOID lines at a second angle, the second angle being at least 20.degree. different than the first angle, but not 70.degree.-110.degree. or 160.degree.-200.degree. different. At least one of the first and second angles for each of the areas is at least about 10.degree. different than the first and second angles for the other areas. Substantially all of the background and VOID lines have a black content of at least 15% and a density of between about 7-22%. For scanner and image friendly documents the density must be between about 10-12%. All of the lines in the areas have an average maximum line width variation of about 0.0005 inches. The background and VOID lines typically all have a frequency of between about 97-103 lines per inch.

Abstract: A packaging label includes a first portion with permanent pressure sensitive adhesive on its bottom face and a second portion substantially perpendicular to the first portion and having permanent pressure sensitive adhesive on the bottom face remote from the first portion. The second portion typically includes nutritional information and bar coding since the label is typically used with clam shell plastic packages for fruits or other food items. The first portion of the label is adhesively secured to the lid of a clam shell container and after the container is filled with food items, the lid is closed, the second portion of the label is unfolded from a compact position which facilitates stacking and transportation, and the adhesive on the second portion is secured to the bottom of the container, holding the lid closed. The bar coding is preferably on the top face of the second portion opposite the adhesive so that it can be scanned merely by dragging the bottom of the container over a scanner (e.g.