Abstract A homogeneous ink for use in postage meter inking systems. The homogeneous ink is formulated by dissolving a coloring material composed of fluorescent toner in a non-volatile solution blend consisting of low molecular weight, low viscosity, non ionic surfactants with alcohol or ester terminal groups having an HLB number varying from 8 to 15 and glycols. Viscosity modifiers can be used as thinners and thickeners. A surface tension modifier compatible to the system of the polyether-alkl/polymethylsiloxane copolymers type can be added in trace concentrations. The ink components of this invention are all hazard free, non-hygroscopic and do not adversely affect the materials of the inking system in which they are used.
Inventors
👤 Judith Auslander
👤 Norman C. Hochwalt
👤 Thjagaraj Sarada
Bibliographic Details
Application Number—
JurisdictionUS
Data Sourcegoogle_patents
Last Synchronized2026-10-25 06:12
CPC Classifications
C; C09; C09D; C09D11/00; C09D11/50
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
80 words
A homogeneous ink composition comprising: 5% to 25% glycol having a low vapor pressure of<1 mm Hg at ambient, a polarity expressed as Hildebrand solubility parameter>9, 15% to 35% non ionic surfactant with a viscosity<100 cps and an HLB between 3 and 15, 3% to 5% non volatile polar solvent having a viscosity of<10 cps, a boiling point>230° C. and being inert to rubber, 20% to 50% resin, 0.3% to 5% fluorescent dye and less than 0.1% non fluorescent dye.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
80 words
A homogeneous ink composition comprising: 5% to 25% glycol having a low vapor pressure of<1 mm Hg at ambient, a polarity expressed as Hildebrand solubility parameter>9, 15% to 35% non ionic surfactant with a viscosity<100 cps and an HLB between 3 and 15, 3% to 5% non volatile polar solvent having a viscosity of<10 cps, a boiling point>230° C. and being inert to rubber, 20% to 50% resin, 0.3% to 5% fluorescent dye and less than 0.1% non fluorescent dye.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The homogeneous ink composition of claim 1 wherein said resin is selected from triazine formaldehyde modified with aromatic sulphonamide and polyester.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The homogeneous ink composition of claim 1 including 1% to 12% of a second non ionic surfactant with a viscosity>200 cps and an HLB between 5 and 15, inclusive.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The homogeneous ink composition of claim 3 including 0.1% to 0.3% silicon glycol polymer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
11 words
The homogeneous ink composition of claim 4 including a viscosity modifier.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The homogeneous ink composition of claim 5 including a trace amount of a surface tension modifier.