Abstract: In one embodiment of an ink jet print cartridge wherein ink flows from an ink container to a printhead via an ink manifold which includes an ink pipe which projects into an outlet port in the ink container. The interface between the manifold and the outlet port is sealed by placing a foam member, in compression, between two adjoining surfaces. In one embodiment, the foam is a closed cell neoprene. In another embodiment, the foam is a dual membrane consisting of a first layer of closed cell foam laminated to an open cell foam. In a third embodiment, a member is used to both seal the pipe to outlet port interface and also to wipe the ink pipe clear of ink. A polyurethane member is affixed to the outside surface of the ink container adjacent the outlet port. The polyurethane member has an aperture with a diameter which is smaller than the outside diameter of the ink pipe.

Abstract: Several methods are provided for cleaning felt or foam materials that are used to store and deliver ink, particularly ink supplied to ink jet printheads in an ink jet printing system. The felt materials are contaminated during manufacture, by various antistats, primarily phosphates. These antistats later react with the ink to create kogation and nozzle blocking problems as well as reduction of surface tension of the ink. The methods of the invention are directed to reducing the antistats left in the storage material after manufacture. In one method, the material is washed in heated softened water. Prior to loading the material in the wash, IPA is added to the heated wash. The material is washed through two Wash/Rinse cycles and then dried. The removal of the calcium in the wash water via softening prevents the precipitation of calcium-phosphate salts, which, when the material later contacts the ink, reduces nozzle clogging caused by these precipitates.

Abstract: An aqueous coating composition for applying a print retaining antistatic layer consisting essentially of an aluminum modified colloidal silica and an antistatic agent in a binder polymer, the binder polymer consisting essentially of an addition product of from about 30 to 78 mol % of an alkyl methacrylate wherein the alkyl group has from 3 to 8 carbon atoms, from about 2 to about 10 mol % of an alkali metal salt of an ethylenically unsaturated sulfonic acid and from 20 to about 65 mol % of a vinyl benzene, the polymer having a glass transition point of from 30.degree. to 65.degree. C.

Abstract: A photographic paper coated with a polyolefin resin layer on each surface, one of the free surfaces of one of the polyolefin layers bearing a print retaining antistatic layer, the print retaining antistatic layer consisting essentially of an aluminum modified colloidal silica and an antistatic agent in a binder polymer, the binder polymer consisting essentially of an addition product of from about 30 to 78 mol % of an alkyl methacrylate wherein the alkyl group has from 3 to 8 carbon atoms, from about 2 to about 10 mol % of an alkali metal salt of an ethylenically unsaturated sulfonic acid and from 20 to about 65 mol % of a vinyl benzene, the polymer having a glass transition point of from 30.degree. to 65.degree. C.