Patents by Inventor Allan Francis Sowinski

Allan Francis Sowinski has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11555129
    Abstract: An ink set has two or more aqueous pigment-based inks, each of which has 75-95 weight %, a) one or more pigment colorants, and b) one or more water-miscible humectants that are present in a total amount of at least 1 weight % and up to and including 20 weight %, and consist essentially of compounds, each of which has a carbon atom to oxygen atom ratio of at least 1.0:1.0 and only two hydroxy groups. The weight % amounts of water and the b) water-miscible humectants are based on the total weight of each aqueous pigment-based ink. The aqueous pigment-based inks in the ink set can be used individual or in combination to provide monochrome or polychrome inkjet-printed images on various ink-receptive media and using various inkjet printing equipment and methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
    Inventors: Allan Francis Sowinski, Barbara Boland Lussier, Todd Russell Griffin, David D. Putnam, Douglas Eugene Bugner
  • Patent number: 11401434
    Abstract: A flexible inkjet-printed article is prepared by: A?) providing an ink receptive medium having a substrate and an aqueous-based ink-receptive layer. This layer has: (a) a water-soluble salt of a multivalent metal cation; (b) one or both of a polyvinyl alcohol and a polyvinyl amine (or a copolymer derived from a vinyl alcohol and a vinyl amine) at 0.5-30 weight %; and optionally, (c) a crosslinking agent and (d) silica particles. At least one aqueous pigment-based ink is deposited directly on the aqueous-based ink-receptive layer, each having: a) an anionically-stabilized pigment colorant; and b) a water-miscible humectant at 1-20 weight %, each having a carbon to oxygen atom ratio of ?1.0:1.0 and only two hydroxy groups. After drying, a functional layer with adhesive composition is formed on the inkjet-printed image and a flexible material is laminated to the functional layer, to form a flexible inkjet printed article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Eastman kodak company
    Inventors: David D. Putnam, Mark Edward Irving, Douglas Eugene Bugner, Todd Russell Griffin, Barbara Boland Lussier, Allan Francis Sowinski
  • Patent number: 11279842
    Abstract: Aqueous particle-free fluids can be used in inkjet printing methods including continuous inkjet printing processes. Each of these fluids has a dynamic viscosity of less than or equal to 5 centipoise (5 mPa-sec) at 25° C., and each consists essentially of: a composition consisting of one or more compounds represented by the following Structure (I): HO—CH2—CH2—R?? (I) wherein R is a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted phenoxy group, in a total amount of at least 0.5 weight % and up to and including 2 weight %, based on the total weight of the aqueous inkjet ink composition. Such aqueous particle-free fluids can be used as replenishment or printhead maintenance fluids. Two or more of such aqueous particle-free fluids can be packaged, sold, and use as part of fluid sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
    Inventors: Wayne Lee Cook, Allan Francis Sowinski
  • Patent number: 11248134
    Abstract: Aqueous inkjet ink compositions are useful in inkjet printing processes and can be used individually or as part of an inkjet ink set. Each aqueous inkjet ink composition has a dynamic viscosity of 5 centipoise (5 mPa-sec) or less at 25° C., and consists essentially of: (a) a polymer-dispersed pigment colorant at 0.9-6 weight %; (b) a composition consisting of compounds represented by the following Structure (I): HO—CH2—CH2—R?? (I) wherein R is a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted phenoxy group, at 0.5-2 weight %; (c) a water-soluble humectant, co-solvent, or both, at than or equal to 20 weight %. Each polymer-dispersed pigment colorant has a 50th percentile particle diameter of less than 70 nm and a 95th percentile particle diameter of less than 150 nm, as measured using a dynamic light scattering particle size analyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
    Inventors: Allan Francis Sowinski, Douglas Eugene Bugner, Wayne Lee Cook
  • Patent number: 11155076
    Abstract: Inkjet printing is carried out to provide monochrome or polychrome inkjet-printed images. An ink-receptive medium is provided with a substrate with an aqueous-based ink-receptive layer disposed thereon. The aqueous-based ink-receptive layer has: (a) one or more water-soluble salts of a multivalent metal cation in an amount of 0.6-49 weight %; (b) one or both of a polyvinyl alcohol and a polyvinyl amine (or a copolymer of a vinyl alcohol and vinyl amine) in a total amount of 0.5-30 weight %; and optionally, (c) a crosslinking agent and (d) silica particles. One or more aqueous pigment-based inks are inkjet printed onto this aqueous-based ink-receptive layer, each ink comprising: a) one or more anionically-stabilized pigment colorants; b) one or more water-miscible humectants that are present in a total amount of 1-20 weight % and each having a carbon atom to oxygen atom ratio of at least 1.0:1.0 and only two hydroxy groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
    Inventors: Barbara Boland Lussier, Allan Francis Sowinski, Mark Edward Irving, David D. Putnam, Todd Russell Griffin, Douglas Eugene Bugner
  • Publication number: 20210062023
    Abstract: Inkjet printing is carried out to provide monochrome or polychrome inkjet-printed images. An ink-receptive medium is provided with a substrate with an aqueous-based ink-receptive layer disposed thereon. The aqueous-based ink-receptive layer has: (a) one or more water-soluble salts of a multivalent metal cation in an amount of 0.6-49 weight %; (b) one or both of a polyvinyl alcohol and a polyvinyl amine (or a copolymer of a vinyl alcohol and vinyl amine) in a total amount of 0.5-30 weight %; and optionally, (c) a crosslinking agent and (d) silica particles. One or more aqueous pigment-based inks are inkjet printed onto this aqueous-based ink-receptive layer, each ink comprising: a) one or more anionically-stabilized pigment colorants; b) one or more water-miscible humectants that are present in a total amount of 1-20 weight % and each having a carbon atom to oxygen atom ratio of at least 1.0:1.0 and only two hydroxy groups.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventors: Barbara Boland Lussier, Allan Francis Sowinski, Mark Edward Irving, David D. Putnam, Todd Russell Griffin, Douglas Eugene Bugner
  • Publication number: 20210062024
    Abstract: An inkjet-printed article has an ink receptive medium with a substrate and an aqueous-based ink-receptive layer disposed thereon. The aqueous-based ink-receptive layer includes: (a) a water-soluble salt of a multivalent metal cation at 0.6-49 weight %; (b) one or both of a polyvinyl alcohol and a polyvinyl amine (or a copolymer derived from a vinyl alcohol and a vinyl amine) at 0.5-30 weight %; and optionally, (c) a crosslinking agent or (d) silica particles. The article also has an inkjet-printed image disposed on the aqueous-based ink-receptive layer, provided from one or more aqueous pigment-based inks, each of which has a) an anionically-stabilized pigment colorant; b) one or more water-miscible humectants at a total amount of 1-20 weight %, each of which has a carbon atom to oxygen atom ratio of at least 1.0:1.0 and only two hydroxy groups.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventors: Mark Edward Irving, David D. Putnam, Allan Francis Sowinski, Barbara Boland Lussier, Todd Russell Griffin, Douglas Eugene Bugner
  • Publication number: 20210062022
    Abstract: An ink set has two or more aqueous pigment-based inks, each of which has 75-95 weight %, a) one or more pigment colorants, and b) one or more water-miscible humectants that are present in a total amount of at least 1 weight % and up to and including 20 weight %, and consist essentially of compounds, each of which has a carbon atom to oxygen atom ratio of at least 1.0:1.0 and only two hydroxy groups. The weight % amounts of water and the b) water-miscible humectants are based on the total weight of each aqueous pigment-based ink. The aqueous pigment-based inks in the ink set can be used individual or in combination to provide monochrome or polychrome inkjet-printed images on various ink-receptive media and using various inkjet printing equipment and methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventors: Allan Francis Sowinski, Barbara Boland Lussier, Todd Russell Griffin, David D. Putnam, Douglas Eugene Bugner
  • Publication number: 20210062028
    Abstract: A flexible inkjet-printed article is prepared by: A?) providing an ink receptive medium having a substrate and an aqueous-based ink-receptive layer. This layer has: (a) a water-soluble salt of a multivalent metal cation; (b) one or both of a polyvinyl alcohol and a polyvinyl amine (or a copolymer derived from a vinyl alcohol and a vinyl amine) at 0.5-30 weight %; and optionally, (c) a crosslinking agent and (d) silica particles. At least one aqueous pigment-based ink is deposited directly on the aqueous-based ink-receptive layer, each having: a) an anionically-stabilized pigment colorant; and b) a water-miscible humectant at 1-20 weight %, each having a carbon to oxygen atom ratio of ?1.0:1.0 and only two hydroxy groups. After drying, a functional layer with adhesive composition is formed on the inkjet-printed image and a flexible material is laminated to the functional layer, to form a flexible inkjet printed article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventors: David D. Putnam, Mark Edward Irving, Douglas Eugene Bugner, Todd Russell Griffin, Barbara Boland Lussier, Allan Francis Sowinski
  • Patent number: 10926565
    Abstract: An inkjet-printed article has an ink receptive medium with a substrate and an aqueous-based ink-receptive layer disposed thereon. The aqueous-based ink-receptive layer includes: (a) a water-soluble salt of a multivalent metal cation at 0.6-49 weight %; (b) one or both of a polyvinyl alcohol and a polyvinyl amine (or a copolymer derived from a vinyl alcohol and a vinyl amine) at 0.5-30 weight %; and optionally, (c) a crosslinking agent or (d) silica particles. The article also has an inkjet-printed image disposed on the aqueous-based ink-receptive layer, provided from one or more aqueous pigment-based inks, each of which has a) an anionically-stabilized pigment colorant; b) one or more water-miscible humectants at a total amount of 1-20 weight %, each of which has a carbon atom to oxygen atom ratio of at least 1.0:1.0 and only two hydroxy groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark Edward Irving, David D. Putnam, Allan Francis Sowinski, Barbara Boland Lussier, Todd Russell Griffin, Douglas Eugene Bugner
  • Patent number: 10894437
    Abstract: A flexible inkjet printed article includes an ink receptive medium comprising a substrate and an aqueous-based ink-receptive layer. The aqueous-based ink-receptive layer has: (a) a water-soluble salt of a multivalent metal cation; (b) one or more of a polyvinyl alcohol and a polyvinyl amine (or a copolymer derived from a vinyl alcohol and a vinyl amine) at 0.5-30 weight %; and optionally, (c) a crosslinking agent or (d) silica particles. An inkjet-printed image is disposed on the ink-receptive layer, provided from one or more aqueous pigment-based inks, each having: a) one or more anionically-stabilized pigment colorants; b) one or more water-miscible humectants at 1-20 weight %, each of which has a carbon atom to oxygen atom ratio of at least 1.0:1.0 and only two hydroxy groups. A functional layer comprising an adhesive composition disposed on the inkjet-printed image; and a flexible polymeric film or paper adhered to the functional layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
    Inventors: David D. Putnam, Mark Edward Irving, Douglas Eugene Bugner, Allan Francis Sowinski, Todd Russell Griffin, Barbara Boland Lussier
  • Publication number: 20200283654
    Abstract: Aqueous particle-free fluids can be used in inkjet printing methods including continuous inkjet printing processes. Each of these fluids has a dynamic viscosity of less than or equal to 5 centipoise (5 mPa-sec) at 25° C., and each consists essentially of: a composition consisting of one or more compounds represented by the following Structure (I): HO—CH2—CH2—R??(I) wherein R is a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted phenoxy group, in a total amount of at least 0.5 weight % and up to and including 2 weight %, based on the total weight of the aqueous inkjet ink composition. Such aqueous particle-free fluids can be used as replenishment or printhead maintenance fluids. Two or more of such aqueous particle-free fluids can be packaged, sold, and use as part of fluid sets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Publication date: September 10, 2020
    Inventors: Wayne Lee Cook, Allan Francis Sowinski
  • Patent number: 10703926
    Abstract: Aqueous particle-free fluids can be used in inkjet printing methods including continuous inkjet printing processes. Each of these fluids has a dynamic viscosity of less than or equal to 5 centipoise (5 mPa-sec) at 25° C., and each consists essentially of: a composition consisting of one or more compounds represented by the following Structure (I): HO—CH2—CH2—R?? (I) wherein R is a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted phenoxy group, in a total amount of at least 0.5 weight % and up to and including 2 weight %, based on the total weight of the aqueous inkjet ink composition. Such aqueous particle-free fluids can be used as replenishment or printhead maintenance fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
    Inventors: Wayne Lee Cook, Allan Francis Sowinski
  • Publication number: 20200131393
    Abstract: Aqueous particle-free fluids can be used in inkjet printing methods including continuous inkjet printing processes. Each of these fluids has a dynamic viscosity of less than or equal to 5 centipoise (5 mPa-sec) at 25° C., and each consists essentially of: a composition consisting of one or more compounds represented by the following Structure (I): HO—CH2—CH2—R ??(I) wherein R is a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted phenoxy group, in a total amount of at least 0.5 weight % and up to and including 2 weight %, based on the total weight of the aqueous inkjet ink composition. Such aqueous particle-free fluids can be used as replenishment or printhead maintenance fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventors: Wayne Lee Cook, Allan Francis Sowinski
  • Publication number: 20200131387
    Abstract: Aqueous inkjet ink compositions are useful in inkjet printing processes and can be used individually or as part of an inkjet ink set. Each aqueous inkjet ink composition has a dynamic viscosity of 5 centipoise (5 mPa-sec) or less at 25° C., and consists essentially of: (a) a polymer-dispersed pigment colorant at 0.9-6 weight %; (b) a composition consisting of compounds represented by the following Structure (I): HO—CH2—CH2—R?? (I) wherein R is a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted phenoxy group, at 0.5-2 weight %; (c) a water-soluble humectant, co-solvent, or both, at than or equal to 20 weight %. Each polymer-dispersed pigment colorant has a 50th percentile particle diameter of less than 70 nm and a 95th percentile particle diameter of less than 150 nm, as measured using a dynamic light scattering particle size analyzer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventors: Allan Francis Sowinski, Bugner Douglas Eugene, Cook Wayne Lee
  • Patent number: 10569587
    Abstract: Substrates can be inkjet printed using an aqueous inkjet ink composition having a dynamic viscosity of 5 centipoise (5 mPa-sec) or less at 25° C., and consisting essentially of: (a) a polymer-dispersed pigment colorant at 0.9-6 weight %; (b) a composition consisting of one or more compounds represented by the following Structure (I): HO—CH2—CH2—R??(I) wherein R is a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted phenoxy group, at 0.5-2 weight %; and (c) a water-soluble humectant, co-solvents, or both, at 20 weight %. Each polymer-dispersed pigment colorant has a 50th percentile particle diameter of less than 70 nm and a 95th percentile particle diameter of less than 150 nm, measured using a dynamic light scattering particle size analyzer. Replenishment or maintenance fluids containing a Structure (I) compound can also be used during the inkjet printing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
    Inventors: Allan Francis Sowinski, Wayne Lee Cook, Douglas Eugene Bugner
  • Patent number: 9463642
    Abstract: A method for printing an image with authentication features, including: printing a media treatment material onto a print medium in accordance with a pattern of predefined authentication features, and printing one or more visible printing materials onto the print medium in accordance with an image pattern, thereby providing a printed visible image. The media treatment material alters an interaction between the visible printing materials and the print medium so that characteristics of the interaction, such as printing material penetration characteristics, are different in image regions where the media treatment material was printed than in image regions where the media treatment material was not printed. The difference in the characteristics of the interaction between the one or more visible printing materials and the print medium causes the pattern of authentication features to be detectable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael J. Piatt, Terry Anthony Wozniak, James A. Katerberg, Wayne Lee Cook, Douglas Eugene Bugner, Allan Francis Sowinski
  • Patent number: 9375949
    Abstract: A method for printing an image with authentication features, including: printing a media treatment material onto a print medium in accordance with a pattern of predefined authentication features, and printing one or more visible printing materials onto the print medium in accordance with an image pattern, thereby providing a printed visible image. The media treatment material alters lateral spreading characteristics of the visible printing materials within the print medium, so that the lateral spreading characteristics are different in image regions where the media treatment material was printed than in image regions where the media treatment material was not printed. The difference in the lateral spreading characteristics causes the pattern of authentication features to be detectable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael J. Piatt, Terry Anthony Wozniak, James A. Katerberg, Wayne Lee Cook, Douglas Eugene Bugner, Allan Francis Sowinski
  • Patent number: 9010909
    Abstract: A method of printing an image with a continuous inkjet printer system employing a jetting module including a nozzle in fluid communication with a liquid ink source and a catcher including a liquid drop contact face; wherein the liquid ink is an aqueous inkjet black ink comprising a black colorant and at least one surfactant selected to provide a 10-ms dynamic surface tension of less than 54 mN/m. Full color images may be printed by further employing at least second, third and fourth jetting modules and yellow, magenta and cyan inks each also comprising a surfactant selected to provide a 10-ms dynamic surface tension of less than 54 mN/m for each ink. The ink compositions provide for fluid properties on the drop catcher face that minimize printing defects that can occur during drop deflection during the printing of high dynamic range images at high speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: David John Nelson, Brian L Lindstrom, Alexandra DiLauro Bermel, Allan Francis Sowinski, David Louis Jeanmaire, Todd Russell Griffin
  • Patent number: 8991986
    Abstract: A method of printing an image with a continuous inkjet printer system employing bimodal drop size generation with pigmented inkjet ink compositions comprising a polymer additive, wherein the liquid ink is an aqueous inkjet ink comprises dispersed pigment colorant particles having a mean particle size of less than 150 nanometers and at least about 0.1 wt % of polymer additive distinct from any polymer dispersant used to disperse the pigment particles, and recirculating liquid ink supplied to the nozzle if the printer system from a liquid ink source is in-line filtered with a filter selected to be effective at retaining particles having particle sizes equal to and greater than 0.6 micrometers from the liquid ink and to pass the dispersed pigment particles. The invention enables high quality drop control in a continuous inkjet printing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Allan Francis Sowinski, Simon C. Haseler, Robert Link, Rajesh Vinodrai Mehta, Todd Russell Griffin