Abstract: A process for preparing an aqueous ink-jet ink composition for MICR applications is provided comprising preparing a metal oxide pre-dispersion combined with an aqueous ink-jet ink composition, wherein the metal oxide pre-dispersion contains metal oxide pigment or particles of a very small particle size, about 0.5&mgr; or less, and exhibiting high remanence of at least 20 emu/g. The metal oxide particles may be coated with a hydrophilic coating, and the pre-dispersion may contain at least one surfactant to aid in the dispersion of the metal oxide particles. Special processing involving the use of conventional and non-conventional grinding techniques and various filtration techniques enhance the compatibility of the MICR ink-jet ink with the ink-jet equipment, resulting in superior ink life and print quality.

Abstract: An ink cartridge has a pair of sideplates (14, 16) which connect a first portion (10) of the housing to a second portion (12). The sideplates expand to allow spindles (70, 72, 90, 92) and spools (50, 60) to be installed within openings of the housing. The sideplates are spaced apart and are generally parallel to each other. The sideplates are pulled in opposing directions from a first dimension between the sideplates to a second dimension slightly greater than the first dimension.

Abstract: An ink ribbon cartridge has first and second tubes (130, 132) for holding an ink ribbon. The tubes have slots formed in each end. Spindles (140, 142, 162, 164) are attached at the ends of the tubes. The spindles have a disk portion and an end which is received by tube slots. One of the spindles has a cantilevered member (196) which engages a slot of a tube and allows rotation of the tube in only one direction. The cantilevered member has an end having a radial edge (200) and a ramp (202) adjacent the straight side. Rotation of the spindle in one direction abuts the radial edge against a wall of the slot thus providing a positive drive and allowing rotation of the tube with the spindle. Rotation of the spindle in a second direction opposite to the first direction causes the ramp side to contact and slide along a wall of the slot, thus deflecting the cantilevered member inward toward the center of the spindle.

Abstract: An ink cartridge for a printer includes a casing containing a porous ink storage body. A bottom wall of the cartridge casing has an opening therethrough for communication with a print head. An area of the inside face of the bottom wall around the opening has a plurality of grooves that open to the opening. The area is covered by a sieve against which the porous body is held in contact.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the removal and replacement of a wiper blade assembly in a toner cartridge wherein a first end of the wiper blade includes a projection or "tab" that is captured in a slot formed in the sidewall of the toner cartridge housing. The slot in the sidewall has a forward edge, a rear edge, an upper region, and a lower region. The method includes forming a first cut through the cartridge sidewall from a forward edge of the sidewall to the upper region of the slot. A second cut is made through the sidewall from the forward edge to the lower region of the slot. A waste section of the sidewall defined by the first and second cuts, the sidewall forward edge, and the slot is removed and discarded. The first end of the wiper blade assembly is moved forward, away from slot rear edge, and is pulled upwardly and out of the waste toner hopper region of the cartridge.

Abstract: A toner cartridge replacement seal assembly includes a thin film or other substrate which has an aperture formed therein. The aperture is preferably shaped and sized in accordance with the toner discharge opening of the toner cartridge hopper with which it is to be associated or used. A first adhesive is located on a first or upper surface of the substrate, and a release liner seal member, including a leader, is adhered to the upper surface of the substrate in covering relation with the aperture. A second adhesive, with greater adherence than the first adhesive, is located on a second or lower surface of the substrate. A release liner is also adhered to this lower surface. When the release liner is removed from the second, lower surface of the seal assembly, the seal may be bonded to a toner cartridge hopper via the exposed second adhesive in it operative position blocking the toner discharge opening of the cartridge.

Abstract: An assembly for refilling a printer cartridge includes a base that receives the printer cartridge to be refilled. A lid is located on the base and includes separate stations that sequentially open a refill opening, provide a predetermined amount of air to an equalize opening of the cartridge, dispense ink through the refill opening into the cartridge, and seal the refill opening. In a preferred embodiment, the four stations are mounted on the lid that is rotatable about an axis. The lid forms a seal with the printer cartridge so that air flow to an internal chamber of the cartridge is controlled during the refill process. The base contains any spills, mess, or the like, overcoming the types of problems associated with other ink refill processes and provides an accurate, dependable refill of ink to the printer cartridge.

Abstract: A new method of refilling ink into an empty ink-jet printer cartridge is intended to minimize leakage and waste during the refilling process. A fill hole of the printer cartridge is opened and a predetermined quantity of ink is introduced therethrough with, for example, a first syringe. Air is then introduced into inflatable bladders provided in the printer cartridge with a second tool, preferably a second syringe. The amount of air is carefully measured to correspond with the predetermined ink quantity so that no overflow occurs. The fill hole remains open to atmosphere during the air introduction step. While the syringe is still in place, the fill opening is then closed with a new plug and thereafter the second syringe removed from the equalize opening. This exerts a slight negative pressure which acts to provide a suction force and urge any ink in open ports inwardly into the housing, thus minimizing overall leakage and waste during the refill process.

Abstract: A method of restoring a used organic photoreceptor which includes a supporting substrate having a photoconductor layer contained on said substrate and an overlaying layer of charge transport material. The photoreceptor is heated to a temperature near or above the glass transition temperature of the charge transport layer for a time sufficient to allow for flowing and/or melting of the top surface of the charge transport layer, and then cooled to room temperature, followed by applying a new layer of charge transport material over the existing charge transport layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ribbon for non-impact printing of documents of the type handled by magnetic reader/sorter apparatus comprising a polycarbonate substrate and a magnetic ink layer with a thin film of metal disposed between said substrate and said ink layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ribbon for non-impact printing of documents of the type handled by magnetic reader/sorter apparatus comprising a polycarbonate substrate and a magnetic ink layer with a thin film of metal disposed between said substrate and said ink layer.