Abstract: A system and method for producing photographic-like output. In the method, an image is formed from image forming agent(s) on a specially coated substrate, after which the combination is fused to preferably form a uniform glossy finish on the substrate. A preferred application is in an electrostatographic process, comprising a system comprising (a) toner comprising a resin component having a glass transition temperature T.sub.gT ; and (b) a coated substrate comprising a coating having a glass transition temperature T.sub.gC, where the resin component has a characteristic chemical compatibility with the coating.

Abstract: Improved carrier materials for use in electrophotographic processes and processes for producing such carrier materials are disclosed. The carrier materials feature a preferably conductive core coated with an first conductive layer and a second, insulative layer. The coating layers preferably comprise a fluoropolymer matrix or other triboelectrically chargeable substance or substances. In one embodiment the same fluoropolymer is used in the first and second coatings.

Abstract: Methods of recycling printer cartridges use special rail-type clips for reassembly of complementary halves of a printer cartridge, the clips comprising cutouts or gaps spaced along the length thereof which accommodate protrusions near the edges being joined. The invention allows for recovering these cartridges and avoiding the cost of discarding a fairly costly machine element while additionally avoiding the processing costs for rendering the cartridge into inert, non-polluting waste.

Abstract: A process for producing a light diffusing sheet material, and materials made therefrom. A dispersion of light scattering optically clear particles in an optically clear matrix during mixing of the constituent components of the diffuser in the liquid phase and then forming a film or sheet by, e.g., extrusion or casting, from which a screen suitable for displaying images projected thereupon may be constructed. The respective light dispersing and matrix components are chosen by their respective viscosities, interfacial surface energies, and refractive index differential. In an embodiment, it has been found that when the viscosity ratio of first (matrix) optically clear material to second (light dispersing) optically clear is between 0.05 and 10, the first optically clear material disperses or breaks the second optically clear material up into particles of a desired diameter during mixing or mastication of the two optically clear materials while in the fluid phase.

Abstract: Various combinations of different optical features in a microlens screen are disclosed. In one arrangement, a screen is provided for depixelating purposes, comprising an array of transparent rectangular portions (14) in a light diffusing field (20) formed by minute closely packed microlenses of a graded refractive index type. In another arrangement, a screen formed with an array of integral graded refractive index lenses has surface refractive index lenses additionally provided by part-spherical embossments on a surface of the screen, the embossments being of one or more orders of magnitude greater in diameter than the graded refractive index lenses. There are also disclosed techniques for preventing light transmission through a microlens screen except through the microlenses, the use of microlens screens to improve the performance of solar panels and microlens screens conforming to a part-spherical surface.

Abstract: In the manufacture of a screen suitable for use as a rear projection screen, a first layer (10) of a photopolymerisable monomer or oligomer which is tacky in its monomeric or oligomeric form and non-tacky in its polymerised form, is exposed to polymerising light, such as ultra-violet light, in a pattern comprising an array of spots of such light, and consequent selective polymerisation is allowed to take place in the first layer (10). There is then applied to the exposed surface of the first layer (10) a printing medium comprising an opaque pigment layer (28) on a supporting substrate (30) so that the pigment layer (28) contacts the exposed surface of the first layer (10) and sticks to the unpolymerised and therefore still tacky regions of the first layer (10), but not to the polymerised regions. The substrate (30) carrying the pigment layer (28) is then stripped from the first layer (10), leaving pigment (28) adhering only to the unpolymerised regions.

Abstract: A toner cartridge for supplying toner to a replenishment apparatus of an electrophotographic imaging device has an elongated cylindrical container filled with toner. The container has a longitudinal axis, an open end and a closed end. An end cap is adapted and arranged to close the open end and to accommodate relative rotational motion between the container and the end cap. The end cap has a flange portion defining an open end terminating in an end portion having an edge. An elastomeric seal is provided to effect a positive, relatively low-friction toner seal between a relatively rotating container and the end cap. The seal in an exemplary embodiment comprises an elastomeric band, which is sized properly to affix onto the outside diameter of the cap end portion, with a portion of the seal extending beyond the cap end portion.

Abstract: An improved toner for use in electrostatic copying processes is described. The toner, which exhibits high fixing ability at low temperatures, includes a binder resin, a colorant, and a silicone wax release agent. A method for reducing or preventing offset in a toner and increasing the lubricity of the toner is also described. The method comprises combining the silicone wax release agent and the colorant with the binder resin to form the toner.

Abstract: Various forms of light-diffusing screen are disclosed comprising plastics sheets having surface texturing of some kind, adding to or modifying the diffusing effect. The plastics sheets may have bulk diffusing characteristics in addition to the surface texturing. The surface texturing may be produced by, for example, embossing or by molding the plastics against a textured surface such as a "brushed" surface or a ribbed or grooved surface imparting asymmetrical diffusion characteristics to the screen.

Abstract: An enhanced container for supplying toner to an image forming machine and a consequentially enhanced, toner dispensing method characterized by the utilization of a slip-clutched shutter plate, journaled in the free end of a container body, and operable to be manipulated, without positional constraints, through simple rotation of the container body itself.

Abstract: A viewing device for receiving video signals and generating corresponding images for viewing comprising a frame or support, adapted to be worn on the user's head, for example, a frame similar to a spectacle frame. The frame supports a pixelated LCD screen in front of each of the wearer's eyes. Respective optical systems located between the user's eyes and the screens allow the user to view the images generated as if they were at infinity. A light-transmitting microlens screen may be located in front of each LCD screen to produce an improved subjective viewing impression by "de-pixelating" the image.

Abstract: A mask through which a sheet or layer of a photopolymerizable monomer can be exposed to polymerizing light is manufactured by placing a fiber optic plate, or a ground glass plate or the equivalent over the emulsion layer of a photographic plate and exposing the photographic emulsion, through the fiber optic plate or ground glass plate, by a laser beam scanned across the plate in a raster. By this technique, there is produced, over the photographic plate, a random speckle pattern of substantially the same density and intensity over the whole plate.

Abstract: An article for dispensing toner and the like to an electrophotographic copier. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the article has a generally cylindrical housing with an open end and a closed end, the open end having a flanged collar adjacent thereto. The collar is provided with outwardly extending teeth for enabling the article's rotation upon driving engagement with a dispensing device of the copier. The article open end further comprises a lip and flange portions which loosely secure a ring thereto. Upon mounting the article to the dispensing device, serrated edges about the ring engage a receptacle of the device so as to limit ring movement relative to the receptacle, while allowing rotation of the canister. The ring also has lip portions configured for minimizing spillage of toner, upon removal of the canister from the receptacle.

Abstract: Electrophotographic carrier compositions comprising a coating containing a resin and a mixture of positive and negative charge agents, and methods for making such carriers; and electrophotographic developers containing the same are disclosed.

Abstract: A developer roll for use in electrophotographic copying machines and printers. The roll has a coating which is electrically conductive. Also disclosed are the materials comprising the roll and its coating, and a process for formulating the materials and for applying them to the surface of the roll by powder-coating.

Abstract: An image display arrangement comprising a collimating fibre-optic plate arranged to be illuminated from one side, for example a fibre optic plate forming the screen of a c.r.t. display tube and coated with a phosphor for providing such light, has, on at least one side thereof a layer of a photopolymer having formed therein an array of integral graded refractive index lenses, each extending over and in register with the end face, adjoining the photopolymer layer, of a respective optic fibre of the fibre optic plate. Each said graded refractive index lens is of a power such as to enhance the collimating effect of the respective optic fibre. A diffusion layer is preferably superimposed on the photopolymer layer, to impart a controlled diffusion to light passing through the optical fibres and said photopolymer layer, such as to render invisible or less visible the regions, in the fibre-optic plate, between adjoining optical fibres. The invention thus reduces or eliminates the so-called "chicken wire" effect.

Abstract: An improved carrier particle for use with a toner in electrostatic copying is described. The particle comprises an electroconductive core and a coating. In one embodiment the coating is made by combining a fluorocarbon resin with a charge control agent that has the same polarity as the toner. The carrier imparts a strongly positive triboelectric charge to the toner while resisting adhesion of toner particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing multi-layered carbonless sheets on which indicia can be xerographically produced with little or no non-specific development. The process involves coating a sheet with a CB composition containing a carboxymethyl cellulose polymer, a crosslinker, a salt of a polyvalent metal ion and a small amount of a wall forming acrylic resin. The CB coating formed resists breakage and release of dye when non-specific pressure is applied to the sheet thereby resulting in CF copies having improved brightness and reduced non-specific development.

Abstract: A toner composition is disclosed capable of developing electrostatically charged images formed on an electrophotographic member, comprising styrene-based resin particles, pigment particles, a charge-control agent and an ethylenebisamide compound. The toner has superior grinding, lubricating and anti-offset properties.