Abstract: An electrophotographic imaging system produces multiple gray level images and includes a photoconductor and a charger for repetitively charging the photoconductor to a first charge potential. A laser system selectively discharges the photoconductor in accord with applied image data. A first toner is utilized and exhibits a first charge state that is attracted by a first discharge voltage of the photoconductor. A second toner is also used that exhibits a second charge state of the same sense as the first toner, but is attracted by a second discharge voltage of larger magnitude than the first discharge voltage. A processor modulates the laser system to cause the photoconductor to be discharged to the first discharge voltage when only the first toner is to be attracted to the photoconductor. The processor further modulates the laser scanner to cause the photoconductor surface to be discharged to the second discharge voltage.

Abstract: A method of imparting thixotropic properties to printing ink compositions comprising blending at least one ethanolamine compound into a printing ink composition at sufficient concentration to obtain a final printing ink material exhibiting desired thixotropic properties. The ethanolamine compounds usable in connection with the present invention include monoethanolamine, diethanolamine and triethanolamine. In at least one naphthenic ink oil based printing ink composition, desirable thixotropic properties are exhibited when TEA is added at levels varying between 0.5 and 2.0 percent by weight. The optimal amount of TEA in such naphthenic oil based ink composition is approximately 0.7 percent by weight. Ink formulations in accordance with the present invention may be based on organic ink vehicles including naphthenic ink oils and/or hydrocarbon resins.