Abstract: The present invention provides: a highly practical and safe oil-based ink composition for a writing board, said composition being capable of imparting high mark-erasability and having excellent resistance to drying up; and a marking pen incorporating the same. Specifically, the present invention provides: an oil-based ink composition for a writing board, said composition containing a pigment, an organic solvent, a resin, and at least one compound selected from compounds represented by general formula (1) or (2); and a marking pen obtained by incorporating the oil-based ink composition for a writing board. (In the formulae, R1-R4 each represent a C6-18 alkyl group or a C2-18 and O2-10 alkoxypolyglycol group.

Abstract: A method for printing a digitally-stored image on the surface of a cylindrical object comprises the steps of axially moving the object along a line of travel that is aligned with the object's long axis until it is underneath one or more printheads, each of which have a plurality of ink nozzles that may be arranged in one or more columns while simultaneously rotating the object with respect to the printheads and simultaneously causing a pre-determined number of nozzles to eject ink onto the surface of the object.

Abstract: A method for printing a digitally-stored image on the surface of a cylindrical object comprises the steps of axially moving the object along a line of travel that is aligned with the object's long axis until it is underneath one or more printheads, each of which have a plurality of ink nozzles that may be arranged in one or more columns while simultaneously rotating the object with respect to the printheads and simultaneously causing a pre-determined number of nozzles to eject ink onto the surface of the object.

Abstract: An ink jet printer for printing on an at least partially cylindrical objects comprises one or more printheads positioned above a line of travel and a carriage assembly configured to hold an at least partially cylindrical object axially aligned along the line of travel and to position said object relative to the printheads, and then rotate the object relative to said one or more printheads. The printer also includes a curing device located along the line of travel and configured to emit an energy suitable to cure the deposited fluid.

Abstract: An ink supply system for ink jet printers includes a recirculation tank coupled to a recirculation pump configured to provide a substantially pulseless flow of ink. A heating assembly having an ink conduit formed into a spiral in thermal contact with at least one heating element receives ink from the pump and outlets to a sensor assembly with temperature and pressure sensors that measure ink parameters both as the ink enters a printhead and is returned from the printhead. The returned ink is then ported to a recirculation tank from which the pump draws the recirculating ink. An air pump is coupled to the recirculation tank in order to maintain a substantial vacuum within the tank.

Abstract: An ink jet printer for printing on an at least partially cylindrical objects comprises one or more printheads positioned above a line of travel and a carriage assembly configured to hold an at least partially cylindrical object axially aligned along the line of travel and to position said object relative to the printheads, and then rotate the object relative to said one or more printheads. The printer also includes a curing device located along the line of travel and configured to emit energy suitable to cure the deposited fluid.

Abstract: An ink supply system for ink jet printers includes a recirculation tank coupled to a recirculation pump configured to provide a substantially pulseless flow of ink. A heating assembly having an ink conduit formed into a spiral in thermal contact with at least one heating element receives ink from the pump and outlets to a sensor assembly with temperature and pressure sensors that measure ink parameters both as the ink enters a printhead and is returned from the printhead. The returned ink is then ported to a recirculation tank from which the pump draws the recirculating ink. An air pump is coupled to the recirculation tank in order to maintain a substantial vacuum within the tank.

Abstract: An ink jet printer for printing on an at least partially cylindrical objects comprises one or more printheads positioned above a line of travel and a carriage assembly configured to hold an at least partially cylindrical object axially aligned along the line of travel and to position said object relative to the printheads, and then rotate the object relative to said one or more printheads. The printer also includes a curing device located along the line of travel and configured to emit energy suitable to cure the deposited fluid.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a compact and easy-to-use ink refill device that is configured to refill empty ink cartridges. The device includes an ink reservoir that stores ink, a cartridge holder that secures the cartridge during refilling, and an ink delivery system that allows ink to flow from the ink reservoir to the spent cartridge. The ink delivery system is configured to avoid ink from leaking from the reservoir before, during, and after refilling. The ink delivery system of the present disclosure is also configured to avoid overfilling or under filling.

Abstract: An ink jet printer for printing on an at least partially cylindrical objects comprises one or more printheads positioned above a line of travel and a carriage assembly configured to hold an at least partially cylindrical object axially aligned along the line of travel and to position said object relative to the printheads, and then rotate the object relative to said one or more printheads. The printer also includes a curing device located along the line of travel and configured to emit an energy suitable to cure the deposited fluid.

Abstract: A matte ink composition and method for using the composition to produce a superior matte-gloss contrast finish. The matte ink composition comprises (1) an oleoresinous component, (2) a matte agent to impart a matte finish, (3) a cobalt catalyst to accelerate drying of the composition, and (4) an etching agent to condition a gloss surface to promote adherence of the ink composition to the gloss surface. To prepare a matte-gloss finish according to the present invention, a printing substrate is first coated with a gloss film lamination and, after the gloss coating has adequately dried, the matte ink composition of the present invention is lithography printed onto the gloss surface. This novel matte ink composition provides a superior inatte-gloss contrast finish without the need for specialized UV equipment and procedures.

Abstract: A matte ink composition and method for using the composition to produce a superior matte-gloss contrast finish. The matte ink composition comprises (1) an oleoresinous component, (2) a matte agent to impart a matte finish, (3) a cobalt catalyst to accelerate drying of the composition, and (4) an etching agent to condition a gloss surface to promote adherence of the ink composition to the gloss surface. To prepare a matte-gloss finish according to the present invention, a printing substrate is first coated with a gloss film lamination and, after the gloss coating has adequately dried, the matte ink composition of the present invention is lithography printed onto the gloss surface. This novel matte ink composition provides a superior matte-gloss contrast finish without the need for specialized UV equipment and procedures.

Abstract: A method of imparting thixotropic properties to printing ink compositions comprising blending at least one ethanolamine compound into a printing ink composition at sufficient concentration to obtain a final printing ink material exhibiting desired thixotropic properties. The ethanolamine compounds usable in connection with the present invention include monoethanolamine, diethanolamine and triethanolamine. In at least one naphthenic ink oil based printing ink composition, desirable thixotropic properties are exhibited when TEA is added at levels varying between 0.5 and 2.0 percent by weight. The optimal amount of TEA in such naphthenic oil based ink composition is approximately 0.7 percent by weight. Ink formulations in accordance with the present invention may be based on organic ink vehicles including naphthenic ink oils and/or hydrocarbon resins.

Abstract: Disclosed is an agitator apparatus for mixing tanked fluids while simultaneously wiping any adherent fluids from the tank wall. The device comprises a fluid agitating means rotationally mounted within the tank for mixing the fluid held therein. At least one tank wall wiper blade is attached to the fluid agitating means to skim or wipe fluid from the tank wall as rotational movement of the agitation means occurs. The agitation means may, in itself, comprise one or more perforated mixing panels attached to a rotating shaft member so as to effectively mix the fluid as the shaft member is rotated.

Abstract: Disclosed is an agitator apparatus for mixing tanked fluids while simultaneously wiping any adherent fluids from the tank wall. The device comprises a fluid agitating means rotationally mounted within the tank for mixing the fluid held therein. At least one tank wall wiper blade is attached to the fluid agitating means to skim or wipe fluid from the tank wall as rotational movement of the agitation means occurs. The agitation means may, in itself, comprise one or more perforated mixing panels attached to a rotating shaft member so as to effectively mix the fluid as the shaft member is rotated.

Abstract: An improved method and system for reclaiming waste printing ink is disclosed. The inventive method is characterized by the initial heating and agitation of a quantity of undiluted waste ink. Such heating and agitation is carried out at a temperature and for a period of time sufficient to (a) volatilize water, and/or other liquids contained therein; and (b) reduce the viscosity of the waste ink to a viscosity which is suitable for subsequent processing. After the period of heating and agitation, the waste ink is centrifuged to separate paper lint and other fibrous particulate contaminants from the ink. The reclaimed clarified ink is then blended with virgin ink at a ratio which provides a press-ready reclaimed ink/virgin ink blend. The system of the present invention provides a system of vessels, lines, valves, pumps and attendant apparatus whereby the inventive method may be practiced.

Abstract: An improved method and system for reclaiming waste printing ink is disclosed. The inventive method is characterized by the initial heating and agitation of a quantity of undiluted waste ink. Such heating and agitation is carried out at a temperature and for a period of time sufficient to (a) volatilize water, and/or other liquids contained therein; and (b) reduce the viscosity of the waste ink to a viscosity which is suitable for subsequent processing. After the period of heating and agitation, the waste ink is centrifuged to separate paper lint and other fibrous particulate contaminants from the ink. The reclaimed clarified ink is then blended with virgin ink at a ratio which provides a press-ready reclaimed ink/virgin ink blend. The system of the present invention provides a system of vessels, lines, valves, pumps and attendant apparatus whereby the inventive method may be practiced.

Abstract: A writing instrument with a movable closure, having a snap member for automatically closing the opening at the forward portion of the tapered front end of the writing instrument as the writing unit, within the writing instrument, is retracted. The snap member includes a cylindrical end and a plurality of resilient support segments extending from said cylindrical end and terminating in covers attached to or integrally formed on the ends of the support segments opposite the cylindrical end. These covers provide an airtight seal at the open front end of the writing instrument as they close upon each other in response to the forward movement of the snap member, when the writing instrument is placed in its projected, writing position, the snap member is moved rearwardly, out of the open front end of the writing instrument toward the larger diameter section of the tapered front end.

Abstract: A reversible thermochromic material is disclosed in the application. The material is comprised of (A) an electron-donating chromatic organic compound and (B) an acidic phosphoric acid ester compound or metal salt thereof, wherein Components (A) and (B) are contained in a weight ratio of 1:1/10 to 50 by weight. The material may also contain a third Component (C) for controlling the temperature of coloration/decoloration of the thermochromatic material. The thermochromatic material undergoes reversible metachromatism at a temperature within the range of -50.degree. C. to 120.degree. C. Furthermore, the reversible thermochromic material may be contained within microcapsules.

Abstract: A gel composition suitable for use as a carrier for adhesives, dyes, pigments or the like is formed from a Group II metal salt or Group III metal salt of an aliphatic carboxylic acid having from 8 to 36 carbon atoms and a chelating agent for the metal, dispersed or dissolved in a liquid dispersant that can be water, a water-miscible organic solvent or a mixture of water and at least one water-miscible organic solvent. The gel contains from about 80 to 96 percent by weight of the liquid and the mole ratio of the salt to chelating agent employed is between about 0.5 to 1 and 2 to 1. When employed as an adhesive carrier, the gel contains from 5 to 45 weight percent, based upon the total weight of the adhesive composition, of a water soluble or water dispersible film-forming adhesive such as polyvinylpyrrolidone.