Abstract: A backflow preventor which permits adjustment of the outflow direction is provided. A conduit provides fluid communication between the two valves of the backflow preventor. The conduit can be separated, e.g., by cutting along a groove, leaving annular flat regions. The annular flats are configured to engage with a coupler to provide leak-free connection between the separated portions of the conduit. The separated portions of the conduit can be rotated to adjust the outflow direction. Preferably, an infinite number of outflow directions are possible, all of which lie in a plane parallel to the inflow direction.

Abstract: Development systems and methods for developing using magnetic toner are disclosed. The present invention further discloses developers used in development systems as well as the toner used in developer for magnetic ink character recognition printing. With respect to the development system, a development system is disclosed which includes a supply of dry developer mixture which contains magnetic toner particles and hard magnetic carrier particles. The development system further includes a non-magnetic, cylindrical shell for transporting the developer between the supply and the development zone, wherein the shell can be rotatable or stationary. A rotating magnetic core of a pre-selected magnetic field strength and means for rotating at least the magnetic core to provide for the transport of the toner particles from the shell to an electrostatic image also provided as part of the development system.

Abstract: A modular financial service instrument is disclosed herein. The modular financial service instrument allows both the customer and the issuing financial institution to modify the set of features associated with the instrument without requiring the issuing of a new instrument. The modular nature of the instrument allows for a rationalised operational structure that eliminates the necessity for storing each combination of features as a separate product. The modular nature of the instrument allows a customer to select features to create a customisable financial service instrument that suites the customer needs.

Abstract: Development systems and methods for developing using magnetic toner are disclosed. The present invention further discloses developers used in development systems as well as the toner used in developer for magnetic ink character recognition printing. With respect to the development system, a development system is disclosed which includes a supply of dry developer mixture which contains magnetic toner particles and hard magnetic carrier particles. The development system further includes a non-magnetic, cylindrical shell for transporting the developer between the supply and the development zone, wherein the shell can be rotatable or stationary. A rotating magnetic core of a pre-selected magnetic field strength and means for rotating at least the magnetic core to provide for the transport of the toner particles from the shell to an electrostatic image also provided as part of the development system.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for electrographic development which utilize a rotating magnetic core, a toner shell disposed around the rotating magnetic core, and developer compositions disposed on the toner shell which include a hard magnetic material, such as a strontium ferrite. The shell in embodiments has an outer surface with a surface roughness Ra of less than 32 microinches. The methods and apparatus do not require special manufacturing steps to place surface roughness or irregularities on the shell, and, thus, can provide the same or better image quality with relatively less complex manufacturing steps and at reduced cost.

Abstract: Improved systems, methods, and programs for customized distribution of data, particularly financial data. Individual users of networked computer systems have the capability to select and receive data from data streams produced by sources and made available simultaneously and in standardized format to numbers of client terminals. Selected data is mapped according to individual user specifications and may be used in client applications such as databases or spreadsheets, and stored in caches until users are ready to receive it. Data may be formatted and sent back to the stream source for use in applications operated at the source. The system also facilitates checking of data integrity, in particular by comparing sequences of records sent by the source and received by the client system.

Abstract: Toner formulations and developers containing the toner formulations are described. The toner contains at least one toner resin, at least one first charge control agent capable of providing a consistent level of charge, at least one second charge control agent capable of providing a sustained level of charge, at least one surface treatment agent, and at least one release agent and optionally at least one colorant. The toners of the present invention preferably provide a consistent level of charge of from about −10 to about −30 micro C/gm and also provide this level of charge for a sustained period of time, such as from about 2 to about 10 minutes. The toners of the present invention also provides excellent ruboff values for an image printed from the toners of the present invention. Methods of improving ruboff are described as well as methods to develop an image using the toner of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides: an ink jet recording material which displays sufficient water resistance and further, excellent definition of initial images; and a coating agent therefor to give such an ink jet recording material. A first coating agent for ink jet recording materials, according to the present invention, comprises: an aqueous polymer having a carboxyl group; and a water-soluble polymer having an oxazoline group as a crosslinking agent. A second coating agent for ink jet recording materials, according to the present invention, comprises a polymer and a crosslinking agent, wherein the polymer has both a structural unit, as formed by ring-opening polymerization of an oxazoline compound, and a carboxyl group.

Abstract: Toner particles having at least one toner resin and at least one polyalkylene wax or a wax having a percent crystallinity of 80% or more are described. The wax that is present in the toner particles has a polydispersity of 2.0 or higher or a percent crystallinity of 80% or more, and also preferably has a number average molecular weight of about 2,000 or higher and/or a melting temperature onset of from about 115° C. to about 130° C. Development systems using the toner particles of the present invention are further described. Also, improvements in various properties associated with development systems are further described such as reduced toner dust levels as well as improved toner image abrasion resistance.

Abstract: Toners and developers are disclosed. The toner of the present invention contains at least one toner resin, at least one charge control agent, at least one surface treatment agent, and optionally at least one release agent and/or colorant. The toners of the present invention have excellent triboelectric stability over a wide range of temperatures and relative humidity environmental conditions. Further, the toners of the present invention have excellent charge to mass stability over long periods of time. Development systems and methods for developing electrostatic images with toner are further disclosed.

Abstract: Development systems and methods for developing using toner are disclosed. The present invention further discloses developers used in development systems. With respect to the development system, a development system is disclosed which includes a supply of dry developer mixture which contains toner particles and hard magnetic carrier particles. The development system further includes a non-magnetic, cylindrical shell for transporting the developer between the supply and the development zone, wherein the shell can be rotatable or stationary. A rotating magnetic core of a pre-selected magnetic field strength and means for rotating at least the magnetic core to provide for the transport of the toner particles from the shell to an electrostatic image also provided as part of the development system. The development system of the present invention further includes a fuser roll which is coated with a silicone rubber or other low surface energy elastomer or resin.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for head worn visors and the like having first and second sleeves, said first sleeve positioned adjacent and coaxial to said second sleeve, whereby said first sleeve is pivotable relative to said second sleeve, a plunger disposed within said first and second sleeves, and means for adjusting the position of said first sleeve in relation to said second sleeve in a ratcheting manner.

Abstract: Development systems and methods for developing using magnetic toner are disclosed. The present invention further discloses developers used in development systems as well as the toner used in developer for magnetic ink character recognition printing. With respect to the development system, a development system is disclosed which includes a supply of dry developer mixture which contains magnetic toner particles and hard magnetic carrier particles. The development system further includes a non-magnetic, cylindrical shell for transporting the developer between the supply and the development zone, wherein the shell can be rotatable or stationary. A rotating magnetic core of a pre-selected magnetic field strength and means for rotating at least the magnetic core to provide for the transport of the toner particles from the shell to an electrostatic image also provided as part of the development system.

Abstract: A backflow preventor which permits adjustment of the outflow direction is provided. A conduit provides fluid communication between the two valves of the backflow preventor. The conduit can be separated, e.g., by cutting along a groove, leaving annular flat regions. The annular flats are configured to engage with a coupler to provide leak-free connection between the separated portions of the conduit. The separated portions of the conduit can be rotated to adjust the outflow direction. Preferably, an infinite number of outflow directions are possible, all of which lie in a plane parallel to the inflow direction.

Abstract: A head worn apparatus having a pair of rearwardly disposed elongated support arm assemblies having movable portions which are positionally adjustable to provide increased wearer comfort attached to a head-worn device such as a visor or eyeglasses. The support arm assemblies each include a an articulating segment and/or head gripping region pivotally coupled to the head-worn apparatus. The articulating segment include means for providing a constant inward compressive force by means of increased resistance for rotating articulating segments outwardly, thereby securing the head-worn device onto a wearer's head.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for electrographic development which utilize a rotating magnetic core, a toner shell disposed around the rotating magnetic core, and developer compositions disposed on the toner shell which include a hard magnetic material, such as a strontium ferrite. The shell in embodiments has an outer surface with a surface roughness Ra of less than 32 microinches. The methods and apparatus do not require special manufacturing steps to place surface roughness or irregularities on the shell, and, thus, can provide the same or better image quality with relatively less complex manufacturing steps and at reduced cost.

Abstract: Disclosed are developer compositions for use in an electrographic development process and methods for using such compositions. The developer includes a hard magnetic material as a carrier, and also a toner material which comprises a polymeric resin, colorant, and a hydrophobic silica or hydrophilic silica, in an amount sufficient to reduce the dusting of toner particles off of the carrier particles during use, as well as to maintain the charge to mass ratio of the toner during use so as to increase the useful life of the developer composition. Also disclosed are methods of using such developer compositions.

Abstract: A head worn apparatus having a pair of rearwardly disposed elongated support arm assemblies having movable portions which are positionally adjustable to provide increased wearer comfort attached to a head-worn device such as a visor or eyeglasses. The support arm assemblies each include a an articulating segment and/or head gripping region pivotally coupled to the head-worn apparatus. The articulating segment include means for providing a constant inward compressive force by means of increased resistance for rotating articulating segments outwardly, thereby securing the head-won device onto a wearer's head.

Abstract: A method and apparatus concentrates, collects and removes heavy metals, other cations, and anions from media permitting generation of electrical fields. The heavy metals and other cations are electrochemically concentrated and precipitated for rapid removal from the aqueous media. The media, which may be aqueous, soils or wastes, is filtered and passed through a cation or anion exchange resin beds. Metals or anions are captured and held in the resin beds. Current is then applied through the resin beds using opposing electrodes of opposite polarity. In the metal removal units, heavy metals and other cations are concentrated around the negative electrode and lifted to a top of the electrode chamber using hydrogen gas lift. The concentrated solution of heavy metals and cations are removed from the chamber above the negative electrode and are circulated to provide additional time for growth and precipitation.

Abstract: A process for making an electrophotographic toner comprising: (a) uniformly mixing a metal oxide selected from titanium dioxide and silicon dioxide with toner particles to form a mixture having 5 to 15 weight percent metal oxide; (b) mixing the product of step (a) with additional toner particles at a mixing intensity ≧500,000 (cm/minute) minute; wherein in the mixed product of (b) the metal oxide is 0.1 to 5.0 weight percent of the mixed product; and the toner particles have on their surfaces a metal oxide concentration in a ratio of 1.0-3.0:1.0 with respect to titanium dioxide on the surface of the toner particles:total titanium dioxide in the mixed product; and a ratio of 10.0-25.0:1.0 with respect to silicon dioxide on the surface of the toner particles:total silicon dioxide in the mixed product.