Abstract: A marking composition erasable from both porous and non-porous marking substrates using substantially non-abrasive mechanical erasers. The marking composition preferably has a viscosity of less than about 10 cps and a surface tension between about 20 dynes/cm and about 40 dynes/cm and is particularly well-suited for use in capillary feed markers and similar writing instruments. In a first preferred embodiment, the marking composition comprises a water-insoluble colorant and a blend of two different non-carboxylated styrene-butadiene latex emulsions. The first latex emulsion, an embodiment of which is commercially available as PLIOLITE.RTM. LPF-2108, contains about 40% total solids by weight and has a viscosity of about 30 cps, a pH of about 11.2, a Mooney value of about 150-160, a surface tension of about 55-60 dynes/cm, and a bound styrene content of about 21-29%. The second non-carboxylated styrene-butadiene latex emulsion, an embodiment of which is commercially available as Butofan.RTM.

Abstract: A nib for use in a capillary feed marker. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the nib comprises a bundle of substantially parallel, absorbent fibers fashioned into a porous structure, some of the fibers being made of a water-soluble (or solvent-soluble) material, other of the fibers being made of a water-insoluble (or solvent-insoluble) material. By dissolving the soluble fibers of the nib while keeping the insoluble fibers of the nib intact, capillaries of an enlarged size may be formed in the nib.

Abstract: An aqueous-based, shear-thinning, erasable ink and a roller-ball pen containing same. In a preferred embodiment, the ink comprises a blend of three different non-carboxylated, styrene-butadiene aqueous emulsions, a water-insoluble or water-dispersible pigment and a shear-thinning, viscosity-adjustment agent in the form of a silicate clay. The ink further comprises an antioxidant preparation, which includes tocopherol and vitamin C, for use in extending the time period over which the ink remains erasable after being applied to a substrate, a shear-stabilizing agent in the form of potassium oleate for use in preventing unwanted coagulation of the styrene-butadiene copolymer due to shear, a pH-adjusting agent in the form of triethanolamine for shifting the pH of the ink to a pH of about 9-10, and an anti-drying agent in the form of a 3:1 mixture of sorbitol to glycerine.

Abstract: A printing medium for the printing of images thereon to form a document by the printer of a standard facsimile machine in a manner which renders the document unreadable to a casual observer. There is a strip of a flexible printing medium receivable by the facsimile machine, and a strip of an obscuring medium adhesively and removably attached to the printing medium in a manner which will allow the obscuring medium to pass through the facsimile machine in combination with the printing medium The adhesive is a permanently tacky base adhesive into which is mixed a dispersion of fine particles, preferably polytetrafluoroethylene spheroids, which have the effect of reducing adhesive build. The preferred base adhesive is a plasticized blend of a vinyl acetate copolymer emulsion and an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer emulsion.

Abstract: A bound document is made by placing one or more sheets of paper to be bound inside a binder having a hot-melt adhesive and then exposing the binder to microwave energy for a sufficient period of time to cause the hot-melt adhesive to melt bond onto an edge of the sheets of paper. In one embodiment of the invention, the hot-melt adhesive is microwave activatable. In another embodiment of the invention, the hot-melt adhesive is not necessarily microwave activatable and the binder includes a strip of susceptor material which converts incident microwave radiation to heat. In still another embodiment of the invention, the hot-melt adhesive is not necessarily microwave activatable and a quantity of microwave responsive material is incorporated into the hot-melt adhesive. In still yet another embodiment, the hot-melt adhesive is not necessarily microwave activatable, and a microwave susceptor is incorporated into a stand on which the binder may be placed during exposure to the microwave radiation.

Abstract: Pressure sensitive adhesive having favorable adhesive, shear, liquid permeability, and release characteristics. The adhesive is a crosslinked polymerization product of a methyl/phenyl siloxane gum, dimethyl siloxane gum and a polysiloxane resin. The resulting product provides suitable adhesion to a large number of surfaces and has particular utility as an adhesive between plastic film and human skin, especially for use with transdermal therapeutic devices. The adhesive characteristic mitigates damage to underlying surfaces such as human skin tissue during adhesive removal.

Abstract: Pressure sensitive adhesive having favorable adhesive, shear, liquid permeability, and release characteristics. The adhesive is a crosslinked polymerization product of a methyl/phenyl siloxane gum, dimethyl siloxane gum and a polysiloxane resin. The resulting product provides suitable adhesion to a large number of surfaces and has particular utility as an adhesive between plastic film and human skin, especially for use with transdermal therapeutic devices. The adhesive characteristic mitigates damage to underlying surfaces such as human skin tissue during adhesive removal.