Abstract: A hyper-branched polyester and a method of making the same having a tri-functional monomer A3, a di-functional monomer B2 and a mono-functional monomer C1 having a monomer ratio of A3:B2:C1 from about 1:0.2:2 to about 1:1.4:0.2 for use in a chemically processed electrophotographic toner providing a lower fusing temperature. In one form, the hyper-branched polyester includes a tri-hydroxy monomer, a di-acid and its derivatives, and a mono-acid and its derivatives. In other forms, a substituted anhydride and a long chain hydrocarbon carboxylic acid and its derivatives may also be included in the di-functional monomer.

Abstract: A hyper-branched polyester and a method of making the same having a tri-functional monomer A3, a di-functional monomer B2 and a mono-functional monomer C1 having a monomer ratio of A3:B2:C1 from about 1:0.2:2 to about 1:1.4:0.2 for use in a chemically processed electrophotographic toner providing a lower fusing temperature. In one form, the hyper-branched polyester includes a tri-hydroxy monomer, a di-acid and its derivatives, and a mono-acid and its derivatives. In other forms, a substituted anhydride and a long chain hydrocarbon carboxylic acid and its derivatives may also be included in the di-functional monomer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pigment ink formulation containing a wax emulsion is disclosed. The wax emulsion comprises a specific wax and surfactant combination. In particular, the wax comprises a linear polyethylene wax and the surfactant is an alkyl ether carboxylate. The wax emulsion can be made by any process for preparing emulsions used by those skilled in the art such as typical homogenization methods. Applicants have discovered that such a wax emulsion can not only improve the scratch resistance of pigmented ink, but also improve other handling problems such as scuff and smear.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pigment ink formulation containing a wax emulsion is disclosed. The wax emulsion comprises a specific wax and surfactant combination. In particular, the wax comprises a linear polyethylene wax and the surfactant is an alkyl ether carboxylate. The wax emulsion can be made by any process for preparing emulsions used by those skilled in the art such as typical homogenization methods. Applicants have discovered that such a wax emulsion can not only improve the scratch resistance of pigmented ink, but also improve other handling problems such as scuff and smear.

Abstract: A pigment ink formulation containing a fluorescing material and a method for pigment ink detection are disclosed. Preferably, the fluorescent material is contained in a fluorescent-wax emulsion. The fluorescent-wax emulsion is added into the pigment inks. A detecting unit comprised of an UV LED and a sensor can then be used to detect the fluorescent emission from the pigment inks. The detecting unit can detect all three color inks. The differences in signal detection can be used for ink identification.

Abstract: Encapsulated pigment for use in ink-jet ink formulations, improved ink-jet ink formulations using the encapsulated pigment, and methods for producing same. The pigment particles are pretreated with a polymer that is soluble in organic solvents, but substantially insoluble in water. The pigment particles are added to a solution of polymer/organic solvent, mixed to form a paste then collected after driving off the solvent. The encapsulated pigment can be used to prepare an ink-jet ink formulation by grinding it in a water carrier with a conventional polymer dispersant.

Abstract: The present invention provides pigmented inks comprising self-dispersing pigment and an amino-containing compound. The addition of an amino-containing compound to the self-dispersing pigment can improve the reliability and performance of the ink in an inkjet printhead. The present invention also provides methods for making a surface modified pigment comprising associating a self-dispersing pigment with an amino-containing compound having no more than one primary amino group or one secondary amino group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to graft copolymers, useful as dispersants in ink jet ink compositions, which comprise two structurally distinct segments: a hydrophilic segment and a hydrophobic segment. The preferred hydrophilic segment is comprised preferably of a methacrylic acid polymer, or a copolymer thereof with another monomer, such as styrene sulfonic acid. The preferred hydrophobic segment comprises a polymer or copolymer containing electron rich functional groups comprised of a plurality of methacrylate derivatized monomers, preferably a methacrylate ester monomer, or a substituted methacrylate ester monomer (a methacrylate ester where the alkyl group is replaced with a siloxyl substituent, an oligomeric siloxane). The present invention also relates to aqueous ink compositions which include the polymeric dispersants of the present invention. A further embodiment of the present invention comprises a polymer comprising a monomeric hydrophobic head and a polymeric tail.