Abstract: In a device or method to develop charge images generated on a charge image carrier, a rotating applicator moves developer fluid having charged toner particles charged to a predetermined charge and carrier fluid past the charge image carrier. The developer fluid is moved into a developer gap between the applicator and a counter-electrode where it is exposed to an electrical field between the counter-electrode and the applicator. The toner particles of the predetermined charge are moved in a direction of the applicator depending on their charge, uncharged toner particles remaining unaffected and toner particles of opposite charge being repelled. Via a separation electrode protruding into the developer gap, the developer fluid in the developer gap is divided at an exit of the developer gap into a first partial flow adjacent to the application electrode and into a second partial flow adjacent to the counter-electrode where it is discharged.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting head including: a head main body that has a nozzle opening for ejecting liquid, a rectifying plate that is disposed in a position away from the liquid ejecting surface on which the nozzle opening is opened and has an opening disposed in an area facing the nozzle opening, and an air stream generating unit that generates an air stream between the liquid ejecting surface and the rectifying plate along the surface direction of the liquid ejecting surface.

Abstract: A method of printing includes selectively loading a memory element during a printing operation with data that modifies a subsequent actuation of jet control elements to form or steer or form and steer print drops that print pixels on a receiver in a second regularly spaced pixel grid, the second regularly spaced pixel grid having a second spatial density of pixels extending in a direction perpendicular to a travel path of the receiver that is different when compared to a first spatial density of a first regularly spaced pixel grid, and printing pixels on the receiver in the second regularly spaced pixel grid.

Abstract: A printhead includes a jetting module that forms liquid drops travelling along a first path. A deflection mechanism causes selected liquid drops formed by the jetting module to deviate from the first path and begin travelling along a second path. A catcher includes a liquid outlet, a stationary surface, and a liquid source that causes a liquid film to exit the liquid outlet and flow over the stationary surface of the catcher. The catcher is positioned relative to the first path such that the liquid drops travelling along one of the first path and the second path contact the liquid film.

Abstract: An ink droplet generation module for a print head assembly for a continuous ink jet printer, the printer having an ink supply system, a control system and a power supply system. The ink droplet generation module includes a supporting plate, an ink droplet generator, a charge electrode assembly, deflector plates, a phase measurement assembly, and a gutter tube, all attached to the supporting plate.

Abstract: A method for creating composite droplets for use in an ink jet system includes a first fluid (1) brought into contact with a second fluid within a set of channels (5,14). The interface between the fluids is characterized by an interfacial tension. The first fluid forms spaced droplets (8) within the second fluid, the composite of the first and second fluids passing through an orifice (6) to form a jet (9).

Abstract: A printing system for applying a printing fluid to a substrate, comprising a printing fluid applicator and a recirculating printing fluid supply supplying printing fluid to the applicator, wherein the printing fluid comprising water and a water dispersible polyurethane additive of the general formula of (I) wherein Z is the central portion of a monomer unit that is the polymerization product of a diisocyanate; X1—Y1—X1 represents one or more soft segments wherein Y1 represents the central portion of a unit that is the polymerization product of a diamine or diol prepolymer having a molecular weight of greater than 300 Daltons; W is the central portion of one or more units containing an acid group; X2—Y2—X2 represents one or more hard segments wherein Y2 represents the central portion of a unit that is the polymerization product of a C2-C8 diol or diamine having a molecular weight of less than 250 Daltons; and X1, V and X2 can be the same or different and are an —O— or —N— atom; and further wherein the poly

Abstract: Provided is a continuous liquid ejection head that collects droplets which are not used for printing (unused droplets) without affecting the flight of droplets which are used for printing (used droplets). An ejection nozzle (101) and a collection nozzle (102) collect an unused droplet by causing a liquid surface to project out from the aperture of the collection nozzle (102) so as to be positioned along the trajectory through which droplets ejected from the ejection nozzle (101) fly, causing the unused droplet to collide and unite with the liquid surface projected from the collection nozzle (102), and causing the liquid surface to retreat.

Abstract: Inkjet printing systems are provided. One inkjet printing system has a plurality of inkjet printheads, each having nozzles for jetting ink droplets having a vaporizable carrier fluid, a support structure to which the plurality of inkjet printheads are mounted, such that a face of each of the printheads of the plurality of printheads is positioned to jet the ink droplets toward a target area through which a receiver transport system moves a receiver during printing; and a shield between the support structure and the target area creating a first region between the shield and the target area with the shield having at least one opening through the shield through which the nozzles of the printhead can jet the ink droplets to the target area. An energy source supplies energy to cause the temperature of the shield to rise above a condensation temperature of vaporized carrier fluid in the second region.

Abstract: A continuous liquid ejection system includes a substrate defining a liquid chamber. An orifice plate, affixed to the substrate, includes a MEMS transducing member. The MEMS transducing member includes a first portion anchored to the substrate and a second portion extending over and free to move relative to the liquid chamber. A compliant membrane, positioned in contact with the MEMS transducing member, includes an orifice and a first portion covering the MEMS transducing member and a second portion anchored to the substrate. A liquid supply provides a liquid to the liquid chamber under a pressure sufficient to eject a continuous jet of the liquid through the orifice located in the compliant membrane. The MEMS transducing member is selectively actuated to cause a portion of the compliant membrane to be displaced relative to the liquid chamber to cause a drop of liquid to break off from the liquid jet.

Abstract: A method of printing includes providing liquid drops travelling along a first path using a jetting module. A catcher including a liquid outlet, a stationary surface, and a liquid source is also provided. A liquid film provided by the liquid source is caused to exit the liquid outlet of the catcher and flow over the stationary surface of the catcher. Selected liquid drops are caused to deviate from the first path and begin travelling along a second path using a deflection mechanism such that the liquid drops travelling along one of the first path and the second path contact the liquid film.

Abstract: A continuous ink jet printer comprising an ink gun for forming an ink jet; an arrangement of electrodes for trapping electric charges on ink drops of the ink jet and for creating an electrostatic field for deflecting drops carrying trapped electric charges; and a gutter having an ink-receiving orifice for receiving ink drops of the ink jet which are not used for printing; a gutter flow path for flow of ink from the ink-receiving orifice of the gutter, through and away from the gutter; an air recirculation line for conveying at least some of any air that has passed with the ink along at least a part of the gutter flow path so as to re-enter the gutter flow path either through the ink-receiving orifice or through a connection into the gutter flow path downstream of the ink-receiving orifice; and a vent for venting at least some of the air that has passed with the ink along at least a part of the gutter flow path so as not to re-enter the gutter flow path.

Abstract: A printhead includes a jetting module that forms liquid drops travelling along a first path. A deflection mechanism causes selected liquid drops formed by the jetting module to deviate from the first path and begin travelling along a second path. A moving liquid curtain is positioned relative to the first path such that the liquid drops travelling along one of the first path and the second path contact the liquid curtain in a drop interception region of the liquid curtain. A liquid collection device is positioned to collect the liquid curtain downstream from the drop interception region.

Abstract: An ink jet ink composition includes an organic solvent, a binder, and a colorant. The colorant is selected from at least a first pigment and a second pigment. If the ink composition comprises carbon black, the carbon black is present in an amount less than 30% by weight of the total pigment content.

Abstract: A catcher and a method of printing are provided. The catcher includes a liquid drop contact face. The liquid drop contact face includes an opening that creates an air cushion upon which liquid flows after a liquid drop contacts the drop contact face.

Abstract: A continuous ink-jet printer or a print head of such a printer which includes electrical means for compensating for mechanical crosstalk between adjacent stimulation chambers, where these means simultaneously with the transmission, to a stimulated chamber, of a stimulation pulse on a stimulation line send a pulse for compensating for mechanical crosstalk on each of the lines supplying an actuator for the chamber adjacent to the stimulated chamber. Specific ratios between the peak amplitude of pulse for compensating for crosstalk and the peak voltage value of the stimulation pulse are provided as a function of the gaps between consecutive nozzles.

Abstract: An electrostatic suction type fluid discharge method and device include a voltage applying means that applies a pulse voltage between a nozzle and a substrate, the nozzle having a diameter ranging from 0.01 ?m to 25 ?m, an upper limit voltage of the pulse voltage being equal to or greater than a discharge-inducing minimum voltage. A lower limit first voltage can be provided immediately before a rise of the pulse voltage, an absolute value of the lower limit first voltage being set smaller than the discharge-inducing minimum voltage. A lower limit second voltage can be provided immediately after a rise of the pulse voltage, an absolute value of the lower limit second voltage being set smaller than the discharge-inducing minimum voltage. With this structure, it is possible to simultaneously achieve miniaturization of nozzle, discharge of micro fluid droplet, high accuracy for discharge position, and decrease in drive voltage.

Abstract: A print head of a continuous ink jet printer includes a housing that holds the components of the printer head. The housing is made of at least two housing parts that can be separated and that are particularly fastened to each other in an articulated manner. A cavity, that is traversed by the produced ink jet, is arranged between the housing parts. An insert is arranged on each of the housing parts and a cavity that is traversed by the ink jet is formed between the joined inserts. Surface areas of a respective insert that bound the cavity merge seamlessly with each other and form smooth surfaces without gaps, edges, or undercuts.

Abstract: A method for operating a continuous inkjet printer, the method includes forming drops with a drop formation period being the time between consecutive drop formations; creating a portion of the drops that strike the print media for forming print drops; creating a portion of the created drops that do not strike the print media for forming catch drops; creating the print drops to print on a series of consecutive pixel locations; wherein a time between the creation of consecutive print drops is inconsistent which causes an additional catch drop so that a gap is created; wherein when a gap is created, adjusting a velocity of the print drop adjacent to the gap to cause the print drop to shift slightly toward the gap.

Abstract: A jet break-off length measurement apparatus for a continuous liquid drop emission system is provided. The jet break-off length measurement apparatus comprises a liquid drop emitter containing a positively pressurized liquid in flow communication with at least one nozzle for emitting a continuous stream of liquid. Heater resistor apparatus is adapted to transfer pulses of thermal energy to the liquid in flow communication with the at least one nozzle sufficient to cause the break-off of the at least one continuous stream of liquid into a stream of drops of predetermined volumes. A sensing apparatus adapted to detect the stream of drops of predetermined volumes is provided. A control apparatus is adapted to determine a characteristic of the stream of drops of predetermined volumes that is related to the break-off length. Further apparatus is adapted to inductively charge at least one drop and to cause electric field deflection of charged drops.

Abstract: A printer includes a plurality of jetting modules each including a first alignment feature, a plurality of nozzles through which fluid may be jetted and fluid and electrical connections; a printhead frame having a plurality of jetting-module receiving receptacles each of which receives one of the jetting modules, each receiving receptacle having a second alignment feature corresponding to the first alignment feature of a jetting module: a jetting module installation device having a pocket for receiving a jetting module, wherein the jetting module installation device includes a latch mechanism that, in a first position, is latched to the printhead frame securing the jetting module in a jetting module receiving receptacle with the first alignment feature engaging a corresponding second alignment feature of the printhead frame; the latch mechanism that, in a second position, is unlatched from the printhead frame so that the jetting module is not secured in the jetting module receiving receptacle; and wherein the

Abstract: A fluid droplet characterizing apparatus and method includes a pressurized source of a non-conductive fluid in fluid communication with a nozzle channel and a characterization electrode. The pressurized source is operable to form a jet of the non-conductive fluid through the nozzle channel. At least one portion of the characterization electrode is electrically conductive and contactable with first portion and thereafter a second portion of the non-conductive fluid jet. The at least one electrically conductive portion of the characterization electrode is operable to transfer a first electrical charge to a region of the first portion of the non-conductive fluid jet and transfer a second electrical charge to a region of the second portion of the non-conductive fluid jet.

Abstract: A continuous ink jet printer comprises a gutter for collecting ink droplets not used in printing. Pumping apparatus draws ink from the gutter and control apparatus is configured to vary the level of pumping by the pumping apparatus depending on the temperature or other parameter of the ink. As the temperature of the ink increases the level of pumping is reduced. The pumping apparatus may comprise two venturi pumps connected in parallel each having its throat connected to the gutter.

Abstract: An aqueous inkjet printing fluid composition for use in an inkjet printer comprising a silicon-based material which contacts the aqueous printing fluid composition, comprising in a concentration sufficient to inhibit corrosion of the silicon-based material when contacted by the aqueous printing fluid composition a soluble metal ligand complex of Formula (I): wherein M represents a divalent or a trivalent metal; each of X and R may independently be chosen from the group consisting of halogen, cyano, carboalkoxy, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, hetaryl, carboxy, hydroxy, sulfo and phospho substituents; n and m independently represent an integer from 0-3; and the number of ligands y is 2 or 3; with the proviso that n+m is an integer from 1 to 6, and at least one of X and R comprises a solubilizing group capable of imparting water solubility to the complex. The useful lifetime of microelectromechanical fluidic devices based on silicon fabrication is extended.

Abstract: An aqueous inkjet printing fluid composition for use in an inkjet printer comprising a silicon-based material which contacts the aqueous printing fluid composition, comprising in a concentration sufficient to inhibit corrosion of the silicon-based material when contacted by the aqueous printing fluid composition a soluble metal ligand complex of Formula (I): wherein M represents a divalent or a trivalent metal, R1 represents a hydrogen, or an alkyl, alkenyl, or aryl substituent, X1 and X2 each independently represent either O or S, Q represents the atoms necessary to form a five, six or seven-membered heterocyclic or carbocyclic ring, and the number of ligands n is 2 or 3. The useful lifetime of microelectromechanical fluidic devices based on silicon fabrication is extended.

Abstract: An aqueous inkjet printing fluid composition for use in an inkjet printer comprising a silicon-based material which contacts the aqueous printing fluid composition, comprising in a concentration sufficient to inhibit corrosion of the silicon-based material when contacted by the aqueous printing fluid composition a soluble metal ligand complex comprising a divalent or a trivalent metal M and one or more organic ligands of Formula (I): wherein X may be chosen from the group consisting of H and carboalkoxy, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, hetaryl, carboxy, sulfo and phospho substituents; and Y may be chosen from the group consisting of H and carboalkoxy, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, hetaryl, carboxy, amino, hydroxyl, sulfo and phospho substituents. The useful lifetime of microelectromechanical fluidic devices based on silicon fabrication is extended.

Abstract: An aqueous inkjet printing fluid composition for use in an inkjet printer comprising a silicon-based material which contacts the aqueous printing fluid composition, comprising in a concentration sufficient to inhibit corrosion of the silicon-based material when contacted by the aqueous printing fluid composition a soluble metal ligand complex of Formula (I): wherein M represents a divalent or a trivalent metal; Z represents OH or CO2H; n represents an integer from 1-4; each Y may independently be chosen from the group consisting of halogen, cyano, carboalkoxy, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, hetaryl, carboxy, hydroxy, sulfo and phospho, or any two of Y on adjacent carbons may be combined together to form a 5-7 atom carbo- or heterocyclic ring; and the number of ligands y is 2 or 3; with the proviso that at least one Y comprises a solubilizing group capable of imparting water solubility to the complex. The useful lifetime of microelectromechanical fluidic devices based on silicon fabrication is extended.

Abstract: A method and device for passively periodically perturbing the flow field within a microfluidic device to cause regular droplet formation at high speed.

Abstract: The generator according to the invention operates by strong stimulation in the form of pulses (?) so as to generate drops, particularly for ink jet printing purposes. This choice enables breaking the jet (30) close to the ejection (16) and reduces the interference ratio. A generator with piezoelectric stimulation is particularly suitable.

Abstract: An inkjet recording apparatus includes a nozzle, a charging electrode, a deflecting electrode, a storage device, and an authentication device. The nozzle atomizes a supplied ink into ink particles by exciting and ejecting the supplied ink. The charging electrode electrically charges the ink particles. The deflecting electrode forms an electric field that deflects the ink particles electrically charged. The storage device storing therein a program(s) that implements a predetermined printing function(s). The predetermined printing function(s) becomes executable upon connection of an authentication key to the authentication device.

Abstract: A printing system for applying a printing fluid to a substrate, comprising a printing fluid applicator and a recirculating printing fluid supply supplying printing fluid to the applicator, wherein the printing fluid comprising water and a water dispersible polyurethane additive of the general formula of (I) wherein Z is the central portion of a monomer unit that is the polymerization product of a diisocyanate; X1—Y1—X1 represents one or more soft segments wherein Y1 represents the central portion of a unit that is the polymerization product of a diamine or diol prepolymer having a molecular weight of greater than 300 Daltons; W is the central portion of one or more units containing an acid group; X2—Y2—X2 represents one or more hard segments wherein Y2 represents the central portion of a unit that is the polymerization product of a C2-C8 diol or diamine having a molecular weight of less than 250 Daltons; and X1, V and X2 can be the same or different and are an —O— or —N— atom; and further wherein the poly

Abstract: The main object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a pattern formed body by the electric field jet method, capable of stabilizing the discharge amount and the discharge direction of a liquid. The present invention achieves the object by providing a method for manufacturing a pattern formed body characterized in that a pattern is formed on a substrate by: discharging a liquid from a discharge orifice by applying a voltage between a first electrode, disposed in the vicinity of the discharge orifice of a nozzle of a discharge head, and a second electrode, disposed in between the discharge orifice and the substrate, having an opening for discharge; and adhering the liquid onto the substrate by passing through the opening for discharge of the second electrode.

Abstract: A printhead includes a jetting module that forms liquid drops travelling along a first path. A deflection mechanism causes selected liquid drops formed by the jetting module to deviate from the first path and begin travelling along a second path. A catcher includes a stationary porous surface. A liquid film flows over the stationary porous surface of the catcher. The catcher is positioned relative to the first path such that the liquid drops travelling along one of the first path and the second path contact the liquid film.

Abstract: An ink jet print head is provided having an ink chamber and a nozzle plate closing the ink chamber at an end comprising a nozzle for ejecting a drop of ink through it. The nozzle plate further includes an ink path for flowing an ink through in a direction parallel with the nozzle plate and passing the inner end of the nozzle. This ink flow is in excess of that required for replenishing the ejected drops of ink in the ink chamber and may flow continuously passed the inner end of the nozzle and along the ink path to refresh the ink that is used for ejecting through the nozzle.

Abstract: An inkjet receiving medium including a substrate and having a topmost layer coated thereon at solid content of from 0.1 to 25 g/m2, wherein the topmost layer comprises from 30-70 wt % of one or more aqueous soluble salts of multivalent metal cations and at least 0.05 g/m2 of a cross-linked hydrophilic polymer binder. Improved optical density, reduced mottle and improved wet abrasion resistance are provided when the receiver is printed with an aqueous pigment-based ink. In further embodiments, the topmost layer may further comprise a latex dispersion for improved image durability.

Abstract: A device, method and system for causing a controlled collapse of cavities formed within liquid droplets wherein a pressurized jet comprising a liquid and nanoparticle material produces droplets from the breakup of the jet stream. The liquid droplets may be irradiated with energy to produce and expand cavities formed within the droplets by irradiation of the nanoparticles contained within the droplets or alternatively, a volatile fluid with or without a metal nanoparticle may form the cavity. The droplets are collided with a target to collapse the cavities within the droplets. The irradiating (if provided) and colliding are timed to enhance implosion energy resulting from the cavities' collapse. The implosion energy and the fuel in the cavity may be used to activate and sustain a fusion reaction or from any other purposes.

Abstract: Various configurations and applications of traveling wave grids are disclosed. Systems for transporting particles to feed apertures, and/or for transporting particles from storage reservoirs are described. The systems are particularly useful for transporting toner particles in printing systems.

Abstract: A print head of a continuous ink jet printer includes a housing that holds the components of the printer head. The housing is made of at least two housing parts that can be separated and that are particularly fastened to each other in an articulated manner. A cavity, that is traversed by the produced ink jet, is arranged between the housing parts. An insert is arranged on each of the housing parts and a cavity that is traversed by the ink jet is formed between the joined inserts. Surface areas of a respective insert that bound the cavity merge seamlessly with each other and form smooth surfaces without gaps, edges, or undercuts.

Abstract: A device and a method of controlling fluid flow are provided. The method includes providing a moving fluid including a fluid flow characteristic; providing a fluid control device including a fluid control surface, a portion of the fluid control surface being moveable; causing the fluid to contact the fluid control surface of the fluid control device; and causing the fluid to interact with the fluid control surface of the fluid control device by moving the moveable portion of the fluid control surface while the fluid is in contact with the fluid control surface such that the fluid flow characteristic of the fluid after interacting with the fluid control surface of the fluid control device is different from the fluid flow characteristic of the fluid before interaction with the fluid control surface of the fluid control device depending on the position of the moveable portion of the fluid control surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming fluid droplets includes a nozzle channel, a pressurized source of a non-conductive fluid in fluid communication with the nozzle channel, and a stimulation electrode. The pressurized source is operable to form a jet of the non-conductive fluid through the nozzle channel. At least one portion of the stimulation electrode is electrically conductive and contactable with a portion of the non-conductive fluid jet. The at least one electrically conductive and contactable portion of the stimulation electrode is operable to transfer an electrical charge to a region of the portion of the non-conductive fluid jet with the electrical charge stimulating the non-conductive fluid jet to form a non-conductive fluid droplet.

Abstract: A method of printing and a printhead are provided. The printhead includes a nozzle array having a width; a gas flow source; and a gas flow duct in fluid communication with the gas flow source. The gas flow duct includes an expansion region and a compression region. The expansion region of the gas flow duct gradually expands along its cross sectional length to at least the width of the nozzle array. The compression region of the gas flow duct gradually contracts along its cross sectional length.

Abstract: A continuous inkjet system includes a plurality of nozzles producing a respective liquid jet through each nozzle. A stimulation device at each nozzle is responsive to different types of stimulation signals to produce a modulation in the respective liquid jet to selectively control droplet break off relative to phases of the cycle of a varying voltage source that is connected to a charge electrode. The break off phase of a droplet relative to the voltage phase of the voltage source will determine whether the droplet is charged or not charged. Droplets that become charged may be deflected from their paths and a deflection mechanism including the charge electrode determines which droplets are allowed to reach a surface for say printing and which droplets are collected and not deposited upon the surface.

Abstract: An ink jet apparatus electrifies ink in a nozzle, and ejects the ink from an ink ejecting hole onto a printing medium by a first electric field generated between the nozzle and the printing medium. The apparatus includes an ink catching device including an ink catching portion adjacent to the nozzle that catches an ejected substance. Between the nozzle and the ink catching portion, the apparatus applies a voltage for generating a second electric field which (i) causes an ejected substance, formed from the ink or the ink whose viscosity is changed, to be ejected from the nozzle, and (ii) causes the ink catching portion to attract the ejected substance. The apparatus, utilizes an electrostatic force to eject fluid, removes a clogging of an ejection head at any position, realizes less initial ejection fluctuation and improves the reliability of ejection.

Abstract: To clean a print head of an ink jet printer, an ink gun is connected to an ink chamber, a solvent chamber, a vacuum source, and an ink collection gutter, which is capable of being connected in a controlled manner to a vacuum source. During cleaning, an interruption of a hydraulic connection between the gun and the ink chamber is ordered. Next, the gun is connected to the vacuum source. Finally, the solvent chamber is hydraulically connected to the vacuum source via a conduit which includes the ink gun.

Abstract: A continuous inkjet method in which liquid passes through a nozzle, the liquid being jetted comprising one or more dispersed or particulate components and where the particle Peclet number, Pe, defined by Pe = 1.25 ? ? T · d eff 3 ? ? S kT ? ? ? ? U 3 x is less than 500 and where the effective particle diameter, deff, is calculated as d eff = ( ? 0 ? ? d 3 ? ? ? ( d ) ? ? ? d ? 0 ? ? ? ? ( d ) ? ? ? d ) 1 / 3 where ?(d) is the volume fraction of the particles or components of diameter d (m) and where ?T is the total volume fraction of dispersed or particulate components, ?S is the viscosity of the liquid without particles (Pa.s), ? is the liquid density (kg/m3), U is the jet velocity (m/s), x is the length of the nozzle in the direction of flow (m), k is Boltzmann's constant (J/K) and T is temperature (K).

Abstract: A printer includes a printhead and a source of liquid. The printhead includes a nozzle bore. The liquid is under pressure sufficient to eject a column of the liquid through the nozzle bore. The liquid has a temperature. A thermal modulator is associated with the nozzle bore. The thermal modulator is operable to transiently lower the temperature of the liquid as the liquid is ejected through the nozzle bore.

Abstract: In an ink-jet printing a succession of ink droplets are projected along a longitudinal trajectory at a target substrate. A group of droplets is selected from the succession in the trajectory, and this the group of droplets is combined by electrostatically accelerating upstream droplets of the group and/or decelerating downstream droplets of the group into a single drop.

Abstract: An ink, method of inkjet printing the ink and game ball utilizing the ink are disclosed. The ink preferably comprises a diacrylate oligomer. The ink more preferably comprises an acrylate monomer in an amount ranging from 15 to 40 parts of a solid component of the ink, a diacrylate oligomer in an amount of 20 to 40 parts of a solid component of the ink, a pigment in an amount of 5 to 15 parts of a solid component, and a thinning agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of generating scalable micro to nano patterned features on a substrate. The methods include ejecting a succession of droplets; applying a force to the droplets in a manner such that the droplets travel along a designated path; altering the properties of droplets in a manner so as to adjust the size of the droplets from micrometer to nanometer; and depositing droplets on the substrate to generate patterned features on the substrate. Another aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for generating scalable patterned features on a substrate. The apparatus includes a means for droplet forming and ejecting a succession of droplets; a means for altering the properties of droplets in a manner so as to adjust the size of the droplets from micrometer to nanometer; and one or more stream deflectors to control the direction of the droplets to generate patterned features on the substrate.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to a composition, an apparatus, and a method for authenticating a product. In particular, the invention relates to an ink composition for marking a product with a continuous inkjet printer. The composition includes a visible ink and a UV, visible, and/or IR marker. Marking includes depositing the ink composition on the product with the continuous inkjet printer. A marked product is authenticated with a hand-held apparatus that activates the marker in the mark with UV radiation. Activation of the marker in the mark changes the absorbance/reflectance of visible radiation by the mark without changing the visual appearance of the mark. Authenticity of the product is assessed by a change in absorbance or reflectance of visible radiation by the mark after activation of the mark.