Abstract: The invention relates to an ink jet printer nozzle plate containing nozzle holes and having a durable non-wettable layer on at least one surface thereof. The nozzle plate includes a polyimide material and the non-wettable layer contains a derivative of an amine-terminated silane compound, the amine-terminated silane compound derivative being covalently bound to the polyimide material of the nozzle plate. The layer also contains a derivative of a polydialkylsiloxane compound having a number average molecular weight ranging from about 400 to about 150,000 and an end group reactive with the amine-terminated silane compound derivative. The polydialkylsiloxane compound derivative is bound to the amine-terminated silane compound derivative by a condensation reaction to provide the durable non-wettable layer on the surface of the nozzle plate.

Abstract: Provided are novel black azo dyes which are useful in ink compositions, especially ink jet ink compositions. The dyes and ink compositions of the present invention exhibit a good balance of optical density, print reliability, water fastness and light fastness.

Abstract: An ink composition comprises a colorant and an additive. The additive is selected from the group consisting of first dispersants synthesized from an aromatic mercaptan, a hydrophilic monomer, a hydrophobic polymeric reactant having a siloxyl substituent and a first stabilizing reactant; second dispersants synthesized from a non-aromatic mercaptan, a hydrophilic monomer, a hydrophobic polymeric reactant having a siloxyl substituent, and a second stabilizing reactant selected from the group consisting of nonylphenoxy (PEG)4-6 methacrylate, nonylphenoxy (PPG)4-6 methacrylate, nonylphenoxy (PEG)4 6 acrylate, nonylphenoxy (PPG)4-6 acrylate and mixtures thereof; humectant mixtures comprising a bis-hydroxy terminated thioether, a lactam, and a compound selected from the group consisting of polyalkylene glycols, polyol/alkylene oxide condensates and mixtures thereof; and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An ink jet printer is provided comprising a housing, an ink jet printing apparatus and a coating apparatus. The ink jet printing apparatus is located within the housing and includes an ink jet printing device capable of ejecting ink droplets onto a first side of a printing substrate which moves through the housing along a printing substrate feed path. The coating apparatus is positioned along the printing substrate feed path and spaced from the printing device. The coating apparatus applies a substantially uniform layer of coating material onto at least a portion of the first side of the printing substrate.

Abstract: The specification describes a method and composition for treating selected areas of the surface of a polyimide material used to make a nozzle plate for an ink jet printer in order to decrease the surface energy of the polyimide material so ink repellency of the material is increased in the selected areas. The method includes applying a polydialkylsiloxane having reactive end groups to the selected areas of the polyimide material and curing the polydialkylsiloxane on the surface to provide a surface having decreased surface energy. A particularly preferred polydialkylsiloxane is an amine terminated polydialkylsiloxane having a molecular weight ranging from about 500 to about 40,000 number average molecular weight.

Abstract: An electrophotographic developer roller with a highly resistive layer over a conductive core is made by mixing polyurethane and ferric chloride. After curing, the roller is soaked in hydrogen peroxide to oxidize the outer surface. The oxidized surface layer is electrically resistive. An excellent developer roller is achieved at low production cost.

Abstract: A printhead is provided comprising a plate having a plurality of orifices through which ink droplets are ejected and a heater chip coupled to the plate. The heater chip includes a plurality of heating elements and first and second conductors for providing energy to the heating elements. The first and second conductors are arranged in spaced-apart planes and/or in a matrix.

Abstract: A release agent composition for use in an electrophotographic process is disclosed. This composition includes a specifically-defined heat-stable silicone oil-silicone wax random copolymer. The copolymer has a melting point such that it is liquid on the hot fuser roll, but solidifies at room temperature on the printed page. A random silicone copolymer, in the form of a paste or pliable caulk, which is useful for sealing leaks in toner cartridges is also disclosed. Finally, the method for preparing these copolymers is disclosed.

Abstract: An electrophotographic developer roller is made by casting urethane prepolymer mixed with a polybutadiene, a trifunctional curative, ferric chloride powder, and an antioxidant. After curing, the roller is baked, which oxidizes the outer surface. The oxidized surface layer is electrically resistive, which is desirable in a developer roller. An excellent developer roller is achieved at low production cost. The antioxidant provides stable electrical characteristics over extended time periods.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous ink composition for use in ink jet printers comprising an aqueous carrier; a pigment; and a copolymer comprising a hydrophilic segment having an acidic function group, and a hydrophobic segment having a hydrolytically stable siloxyl substituent.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymeric dispersants used in formulating aqueous ink compositions, as well as inks containing those dispersants. The dispersants are graft copolymers comprising a hydrophilic polymeric segment, a hydrophobic polymeric segment incorporating a hydrolytically-stable siloxyl substituent, and a stabilizing segment, such as a reactive surfactant macromer, a protective colloid macromer, or a non-siloxyl hydrophobic monomer. The inks made with these dispersants show excellent stability, print characteristics, water-fastness, light-fastness, optical density, and in-use maintenance characteristics.