Production of color conversion profile for printing

Synopsis

Patent US 6,682,604 B1 describes a method for restoring contaminated polymer articles, particularly those used in electrophotographic (EP) machines, such as fuser and pressure rolls. This invention addresses the common problem of polymer degradation due to contamination by toner, developer, paper dust, and other debris, which can lead to costly replacement of components and increased machine downtime. Current cleaning methods are often ineffective, require harsh chemicals, or involve laborious manual processes.

The novel aspects of this invention lie in its use of a specific class of oils—soybean oil or other vegetable oils, optionally emulsified—to effectively restore contaminated polymer articles. The method involves contacting the contaminated polymer article with the oil under conditions (e.g., temperature and mixing) that cause the contaminants to be removed and the polymer to be restored to a desired state of "newness." This process is gentle on the polymer while being highly effective at removing various types of contaminants without damaging the polymer's surface or bulk properties.

Key innovations and advantages include:

• Bio-based and Environmentally Friendly Solvent: The use of soybean oil or other vegetable oils offers a biodegradable and less toxic alternative to harsh chemical solvents typically used for cleaning, making the process more environmentally sound and safer for workers.

• Effective Contaminant Removal: The oil effectively dissolves and lifts away toner, developer, and other contaminants from the polymer surface and pores, restoring the article's original properties.

• Polymer Restoration: Beyond just cleaning, the method can "restore" the polymer, potentially rejuvenating its surface characteristics and extending its operational life.

• Versatility in Application: The method can be applied to a wide range of polymer articles and various types of contamination, demonstrating broad applicability.

• Scalability: The process can be implemented using various mixing devices (e.g., ultrasonic tanks, mixing blades), allowing for scalability from small-batch restoration to industrial-scale operations.

• Cost-Effective: By enabling the restoration and reuse of expensive polymer components like fuser rolls, the invention offers significant cost savings compared to frequent replacement.

This patented technology offers substantial commercial potential across various industries:

• Electrophotographic Machine Service and Maintenance: Licensees can establish or enhance services for restoring fuser and pressure rolls, as well as other polymer components in laser printers, photocopiers, and multifunction devices. This provides a cost-effective alternative to replacing expensive parts, reducing maintenance costs for businesses and print service providers.

• Remanufacturing Industry: The invention is highly valuable for companies involved in remanufacturing toner cartridges and EP machine components. It allows for the efficient cleaning and restoration of used polymer parts, facilitating a more sustainable and profitable remanufacturing process.

• Polymer Manufacturing and Processing: Companies involved in producing or processing polymer articles for other industries (e.g., automotive, industrial machinery) could utilize this method for post-production cleaning or for restoring components during their lifecycle.

• Ink and Toner Manufacturers: The technology could be licensed to develop cleaning solutions compatible with their specific toner and ink formulations, offering a complete product and maintenance solution to their customers.

• Environmental Services: With growing emphasis on sustainability, the method's eco-friendly nature provides an advantage for businesses focused on recycling, waste reduction, and green industrial practices.

By providing an effective, environmentally friendly, and cost-efficient solution for restoring contaminated polymer articles, this invention presents a compelling opportunity for licensees to enhance service offerings, reduce operational expenses, and contribute to more sustainable practices across multiple industrial sectors.