text:
A method of printing an ink jet ink on a print medium is provided, wherein a printed image is formed that is both waterfast and smearfast. The method employs a water-insoluble colorant and comprises: (a) providing an aqueous-based ink containing at least one disperse, sublimation dye and at least one dispersant for dispersing the dye; (b) jetting the ink onto the print medium to form an intermediate printed image; and (c) subjecting the print medium to a combination of heat and pressure for a period of time to convert the intermediate printed image to the waterfast and smearfast printed image. The temperature is high enough to cause the disperse, sublimation dye to disintegrate and diffuse into the print medium, thereby diffusing the coloring agents out of the dispersant "shell" around the dye particulate and recondensing in the same place as solvent dyes, free of the dispersant. Solvent dyes are insoluble in water. Thus, the recondensed solvent dyes on the substrate are essentially impervious to water, and the printed ink attains a waterfastness and smearfastness not previously achieved in aqueous thermal ink jet printing.
1. A method of printing an ink jet ink on a paper print medium is provided, wherein a printed image is formed that is both waterfast and smearfast, employing a water-insoluble colorant, said method comprising:
(a) providing an aqueous-based ink jet ink containing at least one disperse, sublimation dye and at least one dispersant for dispersing the dye;
(b) jetting said ink onto said paper print medium to form an intermediate printed image thereon; and
(c) subjecting said paper print medium to a combination of heat and pressure for a period of time to convert said intermediate printed image to said waterfast and smearfast printed image on said paper print medium, said temperature being high enough to cause said disperse, sublimation dye to disintegrate and diffuse into said paper print medium.
2. The method of
3. The method of
4. The method of
5. The method of
6. In combination, an ink jet printing unit, including an ink jet printing cartridge, and an aqueous-based ink jet contained therein, said ink jet printing unit configured to print intermediate images on a paper print medium, said ink jet printing unit associated with apparatus for applying heat and pressure to said intermediate images printed on said paper print medium, thereby converting said intermediate images to final printed images on said paper print medium, wherein said ink jet ink contains at least one disperse, sublimation dye and at least one dispersant for dispersing said dye.
7. The combination of
8. The combination of
9. The combination of
10. The combination of
11. The combination of
12. The combination of
13. The combination of
The present invention is directed generally to ink jet inks, and, more particularly, to ink jet inks having both improved waterfastness and smearfastness.
Ink jet prints formed from ink jet inks employing water-insoluble colorants, such as pigments, typically do not have very good smearfastness, even though other properties of the ink are improved with the presence of the colorant. This is due to the fact that the inks are water-based. Dispersants are designed to "solubilize" the colorant particles, and as a consequence, the ink is rendered more susceptible to smear, such as when using a highlighter pen.
Emulsion polymer systems have been developed to co-print with the colorants, which, upon drying, create polymeric films that protect the colorant from abrasion and chemical attack. However, these additives are, in many instances, quite difficult to formulate for ink jet applications.
The present invention is an improvement over U.S. Pat. No. 6,090,749, issued Jul. 18, 2000, to the present inventor and assigned to the same assignee as the present application. The '749 patent is directed to a method for applying clear, vivid, and water-fast printed images to a substrate, and employs an ink containing a sublimable dye diffusion thermal transfer coloring agent. The substrate includes a backing layer and an ink absorbent layer on the backing layer. The backing layer is designed to receive the coloring agent therein after sublimation of the coloring agent. While the patent is quite useful for its intended purpose, it requires a special print medium, comprising a specialized multi-layer substrate.
There remains a need for an ink jet ink that employs water-insoluble colorant, together with a dispersant, which is both waterfast and smearfast and is suitable for printing on common print media, such as paper.
In accordance with the present invention, a method of printing an ink jet ink on a print medium is provided, wherein the resulting printed ink is both waterfast and smearfast, employing a water-insoluble colorant. The method comprises:
(a) providing an aqueous-based ink containing at least one disperse, sublimation dye and at least one dispersant for dispersing the dye;
(b) jetting said ink onto the print medium to form an intermediate printed image; and
(c) subjecting the print medium to a combination of heat and pressure for a period of time to convert the intermediate printed image to the waterfast and smearfast printed image. The temperature is high enough to cause the disperse, sublimation dye particle to disintegrate and diffuse into the media.
Further in accordance with the present invention, the aqueous-based ink as described above is employed in combination with an ink jet printing unit, including an ink jet printing cartridge containing the aqueous-based ink jet contained therein. The ink jet printing unit is configured to print images on a print medium, and the ink jet printing unit is also associated with apparatus for applying heat and pressure to images printed on the print medium.
The approach of the present invention does not require the addition of polymers to the ink; rather, it takes advantage of the change of state of the sublimation dispersed dye solid to gas to solid, shedding the solubilizing dispersant, and yielding in effect a solvent dye that is not soluble in water and unaffected by abrasion. Smear data provide evidence of the increased smearfastness afforded by the method of the present invention.
FIG. 1 is a sequential, schematic view of the steps which are used to deliver a printed image to a printable substrate, using the materials and processes of the present invention, including an ink-jet ink containing a sublimation dye in combination with heating and pressure to form a waterfast and smearfast image;
FIG. 2 is a sequential, schematic view of the steps used to deliver a printed image to a printable substrate in an alternative embodiment of the present invention, which uses a different heating method;
FIG. 3 is a histographic plot of percent ink transfer by an acid smear test of different inks on different papers (GBND=Gilbert Bond, HPMS=Hewlett-Packard MultiSystem, Clay coated=Hewlett-Packard Premium Ink Jet Paper, and WFCH=Weyerhauser First Choice); and
FIG. 4 is a plot similar to that of FIG. 3, but depicting the percent ink transfer by an alkaline smear test.
1. Ink Composition.
The present invention employs an ink composition that comprises an ink vehicle and at least one coloring agent. The coloring agent is a water-insoluble dye from the class of dyes known as solvent, or disperse, dyes. These dyes are, in general, substantially insoluble in water and completely or partially soluble in organic solvents. Of particular interest in the present invention is a sub-class of solvent dyes known as sublimation dyes. These dyes disintegrate and diffuse into the media at temperatures as low as about 200� C.
All of the sublimation coloring agents employed in the method of the present invention basically involve "dispersions" in which micro-particulate dye solids are essentially suspended within a dispersant system preferably containing water and a selected liquid or solid chemical dispersing agent. Many different commercially-available sublimation coloring agents may be employed in the practice of the present invention, which shall not be restricted to any particular ingredients for this purpose. For example, a first class of dye compositions consists of a group of materials known as "liquid colors", which basically involve sublimation coloring agents (in micro-particulate form) which are already suspended in a selected dispersant system of the type listed above. These "liquid color" materials typically contain about 50 to 80 wt % water, about 10 to 20 wt % of the coloring agent, about 5 to 10 wt % of the dispersant (either a solid or liquid type as discussed below), and about 5 to 20 wt % of a humectant (for inhibiting water evaporation). Representative, non-limiting examples of these pre-manufactured, ready-to-use liquid color materials are commercially available from many sources including, but not limited to, BASF of Charlotte, N.C. under the trademark BAFIXAN. Examples of the coloring materials available from BASF include the following, with the C.I. (Color Index) name of the coloring agent in the composition being listed following the commercial name of the product: (1) BAFIXAN RED BF (C.I. Disperse Red 60); (2) BAFIXAN YELLOW 3GE (C.I. Disperse Yellow 54); (3) BAFIXAN BLUE R (C.I. Disperse Blue 326); and (4) BAFIXAN BLACK BN (a blend of C.I. Disperse Red 60, C.I. Disperse Yellow 54, and C.I. Disperse Blue 79). Many other formulations involving the above-listed and other C.I. sublimation dyes may also be employed in the practice of the present invention.
Another class of ink compositions containing one or more sublimation dye coloring agents which may be employed in the practice of the present invention involve solid dye materials (e.g., in powder form) that can be combined during ink formulation with a selected liquid or solid dispersing agent, water, and the like. Specifically, these materials do not involve "pre-manufactured" liquid dye compositions as previously described in connection with the "liquid colors" listed above. Instead, they are subsequently converted into a liquid dispersion (having similar ingredients and proportions as those designated above in connection with the "liquid colors") immediately before or during ink production. Representative, non-limiting examples of these solid dye compositions include the following, with the C.I. (Color Index) name of the coloring agent in the composition being followed by the commercial name of the product: (1) C.I. Disperse Blue 3 (Keystone Aniline, Chicago, Ill.—SUBLAPRINT BLUE 70014); (2) C.I. Disperse Blue 14 (Keystone Aniline, SUBLAPRINT BLUE 70013); (3) C.I. Disperse Blue 72 (Tricon Colors, Elmwood, N.J.); (4) C.I. Disperse Blue 359 (Crompton & Knowles, Charlotte, N.C.—INTRATHERM BLUE P-1305NT); (5) C.I. Disperse Red 60 (Crompton & Knowles—INTRATHERM BRILLIANT RED P1314NT); and (6) C.I. Disperse Yellow 54 (Crompton & Knowles—INTRATHERM YELLOW P343NT). Again, the present invention is not limited to any particular sublimation dye coloring agents and ink compositions containing the same, with the representative products listed above being provided for example purposes.
In both of the previously-described classes of dye compositions (e.g., "liquid colors" and solid colorant materials), at least one liquid or solid dispersing agent is employed. Many different dispersing agents may be used for this purpose, including, but not limited to, acrylic polymers sold under the trademark JONCRYL by S. C. Johnson Co., Racine, Wis., condensed naphthalene sulfonates sold under the trademark LOMAR by the Henkel Co. of Kankakee, Ill., and sodium lignosulfonates sold by Lignotech, Rothschild, Wis. As noted above, the final liquid dye product (in completed dispersion form) in both embodiments will typically include about 50 to 80 wt % water, about 10 to 20 wt % dye, about 5 to 10 wt % dispersant, and about 5 to 20 wt % humectant. Representative humectants include 2-pyrrolidone, 1,5-pentanediol, diethylene glycol, and 2-ethyl-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol. However, these values and materials may be varied in accordance with the particular dye compounds under consideration and other factors. Likewise, the completed ink composition in the present case will preferably contain about 0.1 to 12.5 wt % completed dispersion containing the selected sublimation dye coloring agent (e.g., the selected dye plus dispersant materials in combination).
Having described in detail the coloring agents and materials to be employed in the practice of the present invention, the other ink ingredients of primary concern will now be discussed. In addition to the coloring agents listed above, the ink composition will also include an ink "vehicle", which is primarily used as a carrier medium for the other components in the completed ink product. The term "vehicle" is typically defined to encompass all of the other ingredients in the completed ink composition aside from the colorant materials. In this regard, many different materials may be employed as the ink vehicle (alone or in combination), with the claimed invention not being limited to any particular compositions for this purpose. A preferred primary ink vehicle component will consist of water, although other compositions may be employed in combination with water, including 2-pyrrolidone, ethoxylated glycerol, diethylene glycol, 1,5-pentanediol, N-methyl pyrrolidone, 2-propanol, polyethylene glycol, and 2-ethyl-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol. These materials are commercially available from numerous sources, including, but not limited to, Aldrich Chemicals, Inc., Milwaukee, Wis. All of these components can be used in various combinations as determined by preliminary pilot studies on the ink compositions of concern. However, in a preferred embodiment of the ink composition listed above will include about 87.5 to 99.9 wt % total combined ink vehicle (e.g., all of the vehicle components in combination). Likewise, the ink composition will typically contain about 50 to 80 wt % water and about 10 to 40 wt % organic solvent materials of the type listed above.
Next, the ink composition may include a number of optional ingredients as part of the total ink vehicle in varying amounts. For example, an optional biocide may be added to prevent any microbial growth in the final ink product. Exemplary biocides suitable for this purpose include proprietary products sold under the trademarks PROXEL GXL by Avecia, Manchester, England; UCARCID 250 by Union Carbide, Danbury, Conn.; and NUOSEPT 95 by Huls America, Inc., Piscataway, N.J. In a preferred embodiment, if a biocide is used, the final ink composition will contain about 0.05 to 0.5 wt % biocide, with about 0.2 wt % being preferred.
Finally, one or more optional humectants may be employed in the completed ink product. These materials are intended to inhibit water evaporation as noted above. Representative humectant compositions suitable for this purpose (which may also function as solvents) include, but are not limited to, 2-pyrrolidone, 1,5-pentanediol, diethylene glycol, and 2-ethyl-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol. In a preferred embodiment, the ink composition employed in the practice of the present invention will include about 5 to 40 wt % humectant therein (if used). Additional ingredients (e.g., surfactants) may also be present in the ink if needed.
The completed ink compositions may then be used directly in the methods of the present invention. Upon completion, the ink compositions will typically have an average viscosity of about 1.0 to 5.0 centipoise (cp), with a surface tension of about 30 to 55 dynes/cm, although these values are subject to variation in accordance with the specific materials that are selected to produce the final ink product. The following ink formulations represent non-limiting, specific examples of completed ink products which may be used in the claimed process which include (1) a sublimation dye colorant and (2) an ink vehicle:
As previously noted, the present invention is not limited to the representative ink compositions listed above, which are provided for example purposes.
2. Image Printing Process.
A representative procedure for generating clear, vivid, and waterfast printed images on a substrate, or print medium, is now described. While many different printing systems may be employed to deliver the desired ink composition onto the image-receiving substrate, the present invention is advantageously employed in thermal ink jet technology, and the following description is so directed. The printed image may be either monochromatic or multi-colored. While thermal ink jet technology is specifically discussed herein, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other drop-on-demand technologies, such as piezoelectric, may also be used in the practice of the present invention. Further, other printing technologies, such as continuous ink jet, may also be used in the practice of the present invention.
With reference to FIG. 1, a thermal ink jet printing unit 10 is provided which is used as the printing apparatus in this embodiment. Many different systems may be selected for use in connection with the printing unit 10, including printers manufactured and sold by the Hewlett-Packard Company, Palo Alto, Calif. under the following product designations: DESKJET 400C, 500C, 540C, 660C, 693C, 820C, 850C, 870C, 1200C, and 1600C, although the present invention is not limited to these specifically enumerated printers. A thermal ink jet cartridge unit 12 is provided within the printing unit 10 which is supplied with the selected ink composition 14, as described above. Again, many different cartridge types may be employed in this case which include a housing, a printhead attached to and in fluid communication with the housing, and at least one ink ejector in the printhead (e.g., one or more thin film tantalum-aluminum resistors if thermal ink jet systems are involved). However, in the printing unit 10 associated with this embodiment, a thermal ink jet cartridge 12 is employed, with a number of commercially available cartridge units being suitable for this purpose, including those produced by the Hewlett-Packard Company under one of the following product designations: 51641A, 5164A, 51640C, 51640A, 51629A, and 51649A, although the present invention is not limited to these specifically enumerated cartridges. Such thermal ink jet cartridges are well-known and are disclosed in a number of references, including above-referenced U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,090,749 and 5,278,584 to Keefe et al, among others. As previously noted, the ink composition 14 contains at least one ink vehicle and at least one sublimation dye coloring agent.
Next, an image-receiving substrate 16 is provided and inserted into the printing unit 10. The image-receiving substrate, or print medium, 16, may comprise any of the common print media employed in ink jet printing, and especially plain paper, whether provided with a coating or not.
The printing unit 10 is electrically connected to an image generating apparatus 18, which may involve many different systems selected from the group consisting of a personal computer (e.g., of the type manufactured by the Hewlett-Packard Company under the trademark PAVILION), a scanner (e.g., of the type sold by Hewlett-Packard Company under the trademark SCANJET), a digital camera, an internet device or appliance or some combination of the above. In this regard, the claimed method shall not be restricted to any particular image generation device or protocol.
Next, the image generating apparatus 18 and the printing unit 10 are cooperatively activated in order to deliver a desired intermediate printed image 20 onto the image-receiving substrate 16 (shown in phantom in FIG. 1). Both the image generating apparatus 18 and the printing unit 10 are used to control the operation of the ink cartridge 12. As is well-known, the printing process is initiated by activation of the ink ejectors in the printhead of the ink cartridge 12. Selectively energizing the thin-film resistors in the printhead 12 causes ink to be expelled outwardly through the ink ejection orifices in the printhead onto the image-receiving substrate 16. In this manner, the cartridge 12 may be used to deliver the intermediate printed image 20 to the image-receiving substrate 16 using the ink composition described above.
Delivery of the ink composition 14 to the top surface 16 a of the print medium 16 as described above causes the ink composition to be absorbed entirely or at least partially into the print medium. Whether the ink composition 14 is entirely absorbed into the print medium 16 or only partially absorbed (with some of the ink composition remaining adsorbed on the top surface 16 a of the print medium), both of these interactions between the ink composition 14 and the print medium 16 shall be considered equivalent in function, purpose, and final result.
At this stage, the intermediate printed image 20 is characterized as "intermediate", since the sublimation coloring agent(s) in the ink composition 14 have not yet been activated. This results in a printed image which, while sharp in edge acuity, has non-vivid color characteristics due to the unsublimed, particulate nature of the coloring agents at this stage in the claimed method.
The printed substrate 16 is now ready for the next step in the production process. With continued reference to FIG. 1, the substrate 16 is heated to a temperature to cause diffusion of the sublimation dye diffusion coloring agents in the ink composition 14. In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment, this step is achieved by heating the entire substrate 16 to a temperature of about 180� to 220� C. over a non-zero time period of less than about 30 seconds. However, these parameters may be varied as needed in accordance with the particular ink compositions being employed and the specific materials used in conjunction with the substrate 16 as determined by routine preliminary tests, as well as the heat and pressure components of the printing apparatus employed.
This step of the present invention (which involves heating the substrate 16) is accomplished using a heating apparatus 22 schematically shown in FIG. 1. Many different systems may be employed as the heating apparatus 22, with the claimed invention not being restricted to any particular devices for this purpose. For example, in a representative embodiment, a conventional heat press may function as the heating apparatus 22. A commercially available heat press system suitable for this purpose is available from the HIX Corporation (Pittsburgh, Kans.) as model no. N-800. When this type of heat press system is used, an optional additional step would involve the placement of a temporary film-type cover sheet (e.g., made of polytetrafluoroethylene [Teflon�] —not shown) on the top surface 16 a of the substrate 16 during the heat-pressing process. Since the use of a heat press necessarily involve direct physical contact between the substrate 16 and the plate members of the heat press unit, the use of an optional cover sheet will protect the top surface 16 a of the substrate 16 from dirt, physical abrasion/damage, and excessive (uneven) heat concentration. Likewise, the cover sheet will keep the heat press clean. The decision to use a cover sheet may be reached in accordance with one or more preliminary tests on the substrates 16 being printed and the particular type of heating apparatus 22 under consideration.
A number of other heating systems may also be used as the heating apparatus 22 including (1) a continuous web transfer press of conventional design which may be obtained, for example, from GBC Pro-Tech (DeForest, Wis.); (2) conventional infrared illumination/heating systems; and (3) conventional resistance or microwave-type heating units (ovens). Thus, as noted above, the claimed process shall not be restricted to any particular heating devices or systems in connection with the heating apparatus 22. It should be noted that a more specialized, self-contained heating system will be discussed below in an alternative, and preferred, embodiment of the invention (see FIG. 2).
While the above discussion has been primarily directed to heating systems, a further step of the present invention involves the application in a uniform manner to the substrate 16 (e.g., to the top surface 16 a, the bottom surface 16 b, or both surfaces of the substrate). Pressure application optimally occurs during the heating step. This additional step is particularly appropriate when a heat press system of the type described above is used as the heating apparatus 22, with the application of pressure to the substrate 16 further enhancing the dye diffusion/affixation process. Conventional heat press systems as shown in FIG. 1 operate by pressing the printed substrate 16 between dual plate-like press members. As a result of this "pressing" process, pressure is uniformly applied to both the top and bottom surfaces of the substrate 16 during the application of heat. Even if other heating systems are employed in the claimed method, pressure may still be applied to the substrate 16 using any known or conventional press system or pressure-exerting device. Regardless of which approach is selected to deliver pressure to the substrate 16, efficient results are achieved when pressure levels are applied to the substrate (e.g., to the top surface 16 a, the bottom surface 16 b, or both surfaces) within a range of about 3 to 40 psi during or immediately after heating.
The particular pressure levels of interest may again be determined in accordance with preliminary studies on the materials being processed. Accordingly, the claimed invention shall not be restricted to any particular pressure levels.
As the substrate 16 is heating within the heating/pressing apparatus 22 in accordance with the parameters listed above, the sublimation dye coloring agent in the ink composition 14 (which was present in micro-particulate, solid form prior to heating) undergoes diffusion within the substrate 16. The sublimation process employed herein involves the disintegration of the dye particle and diffusion into the print media. As a result of this step, the coloring agents diffuse out of the dispersant "shell" around the dye particulate and recondense in the same place as solvent dyes, free of the dispersant. As noted earlier, solvent dyes are insoluble in water. Thus, the recondensed solvent dyes on the substrate are essentially impervious to water, and the printed ink attains a waterfastness and smearfastness not previously achieved in thermal ink jet printing.
With continued reference to FIG. 1, the substrate 16 with the final printed image 24 thereon is then removed from the heating/pressing apparatus 22 and is used as desired. Again, it is important to emphasize that the present invention may involve many different coloring agents, substrate materials/sizes, and other factors which are determined in accordance with the intended use of the final printed product.
An alternative embodiment of the process and system illustrated in FIG. 1 is schematically shown in FIG. 2. All of the steps, parameters, materials, and chemical compositions associated with the embodiment of FIG. 1 are equally applicable to the embodiment of FIG. 1 unless otherwise indicated. Reference numbers of FIG. 1 which correspond with those of FIG. 2 signify parts, components, and elements which are common to the structures and process steps in both embodiments. These common elements are discussed above in connection with FIG. 1, with the discussion of these elements being incorporated by reference relative to the embodiment of FIG. 2.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the substrate 16 and ink composition 14 are the same as those discussed above in connection with FIG. 1. However, the manner in which the substrate 16 is heated and subjected to pressure is different compared with the embodiment of FIG. 1. Specifically, with reference to FIG. 2, the printer unit 110 includes a heating/pressure-exerting apparatus 122 therein (e.g., with the term "therein" involving a situation in which this subsystem is either placed inside the printer unit 110 or is externally attached to the printer unit). This embodiment shall not be restricted to any type of integral heating/pressing system, provided that the printer unit 110 incorporates one or more heat-generating and pressure-exerting subsystems which deliver heat and pressure to the substrate 16 during or immediately after to heating process.
Heat and pressure may be applied much like as is done in laserjet printing. Alternatively, a pair of heated rollers may be used. Other analogous schemes may alternatively be employed for subjecting the printed substrate 16 to heat and pressure, and all such schemes are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.
As with FIG. 1, in a preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the temperature of heating is within the range of about 180� to 220� C., the pressure is within the range of about 3 to 40 psi, and the time of heating/pressing is within the range of about 5 to 30 seconds. However, these parameters may again be varied as needed in accordance with the particular ink compositions being employed and the specific materials used in connection with the substrate 16 as determined by routine preliminary tests.
To heat the substrate 16 at the temperature and pressure levels listed above over the time range indicated, the printer unit 110 includes at least one heating member 122 inside the printer unit 110 or otherwise attached thereto. The heating member 122 (which generally functions as the heating apparatus 22 in this embodiment) may involve one or more elements 25, including (1) apparatus analogous to laser fusion (roller and fuser combination) and (2) apparatus comprising a pair of "pinch"-type rollers, at least one of which is heated, through which the substrate 16 is passed. Other heating elements may alternatively be used, including, without limitation, platens, rods, bars, plates, and the like. Thus, as noted above, the claimed process shall not be restricted to any particular heating devices or systems in connection with the heating apparatus 122.
The heating/pressing member 122 is designed to come in direct physical contact with the top surface 16 a, the bottom surface 16 b, or both surfaces of the substrate 16 after or during the printing state of the claimed process. As a result, the necessary amount of heat and pressure may be efficiently applied to the substrate 16 (with the exact heating time, pressure, and temperature levels being controlled by the delivery speed of the printing unit 110, namely, the rate at which the substrate 16 is ejected from the printing unit as determined by preliminary tests). Operation of the heating/pressing member 122 and printer unit 110 may be adjusted as needed to ensure that sufficient heating of the substrate 16 for the necessary time period takes place, with these parameters being subject in variation in accordance with many factors including the materials that are used in the ink composition 14 and substrate 16. Likewise, the exertion of pressure against the substrate 16 at the levels listed above may be accomplished by adjustment of the tension associated with the heating member 122 as it pushes against the substrate. By placing the substrate 16 in contact with the heating/pressing member 122 in the foregoing manner, a stable, vivid, waterfast, and smearfast printed image may be created on the substrate 16 from the ink composition 14.
In the specific, non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 2, the heating member 122 consists of dual heating metallic rollers 26, 28 which include one or more electrical resistive-type heating elements therein. The roller 26 contacts the top surface 16 a of the substrate 16. with the roller 28 contacting the bottom surface 16 b of the substrate. Proper and desired pressure levels within the preferred range listed above are maintained through the use of a spring-biased tensioning system 30 of conventional design (schematically illustrated in FIG. 2) which is attached to the rollers 26, 28. This particular system basically involves one or more spring elements 32, 34 which urge the rollers 26, 28 against the substrate 16. However, the present invention shall not be restricted to the specific components described above which are provided for example purposes only. Either one or multiple heating members 122 may be used in conjunction with the substrate 16 as needed and desired. While the "pinch roller" embodiment of FIG. 2 is preferred and provides ideal results, the heating member 122 positioned within the printer unit 110 may simply involve an electrically-heated bar member or plate which is placed in direct contact with the top surface 16 a of the substrate 16 as it passes out of the printer unit 110. Or, alternatively, a "fuser roll" of the type employed in laserjet printing may be employed, with the substrate 16 subjected to heating and pressing as it passes out of the printer unit 110. Thus, many variations are possible in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 2, provided that they encompass the basic process described above, namely, a sequential diffusion procedure in which sublimation coloring agents are first printed onto a print medium, or substrate, 16 and then are converted into water-insoluble colorants by the application of heat and pressure from the heating/pressing member 122. This particular system eliminates the need for a heating/pressing apparatus 22 which is located outside of the printer unit 110. However, the result of this embodiment is the same as that provided by the embodiment of FIG. 1, namely, the production of a substrate 16 having a final printed image 24.
As previously noted, the present invention provides numerous benefits and advantages, including: (1) the rapid printing of reasonably clear and vivid ("high chroma") images with a minimal amount of equipment and process steps; (2) enhanced image waterfastness, smearfastness, and stability; (3) a minimal level of complexity and required equipment which facilitates at-home use by consumers; (4) the ability to use thermal ink jet technology (or other comparable printing technology) to generate high resolution multi-color images which are characterized by improved stability levels; and (5) the ability to accomplish these goals using low-cost materials and equipment.
An ink formulation ("dispersed dye") was prepared as follows:
Notes: The BASF Dispersed Dye Black is a composite black (combination of cyan, yellow, and magenta) and includes a proprietary dispersant.
The ink was printed onto various print media, specifically, various plain papers, with a Hewlett-Packard 51645A pen in which the black ink cartridge was filled with the disperse dye-based ink. The printing was performed on a Hewlett-Packard DeskJet 850C printer, under nominal conditions.
The printed paper was then placed on a press, heated at 190� C. under a pressure of 40 psi for 10 seconds, and then cooled. Alternatively, the printed paper could be run through a fuser-type mechanism, such as commonly used with LaserJet printers, designed to deliver similar heat, pressure, and residence time. For comparison, a pigment-based black ink ("pigment black"), which served as a control (H-P 51645A pen as commercially available), was printed onto various papers under the same printing conditions.
The papers printed on were: GBND (Gilbert Bond), HPMS (Hewlett-Packard MultiSystem), clay-coated (CC) (Hewlett-Packard Premium Ink Jet Paper), and WFCH (Weyerhauser First Choice).
A test for smearfastness was performed. The smearfastness test measures the amount of colorant transfer from the printed area with a highlighter. This test uses both an alkaline highlighter (Sanford Major Accent Fluorescent) and an acid highlighter (Sanford Major Accent) to simulate user highlighter use. The test was performed by passing a highlighter across a plurality of printed bars at a specific time, here, five minutes after printing for example. A two pass refers to passing the highlighter over the same area twice. In particular, a spring-loaded highlighter is used to apply constant pressure from one test to another.
A control patch is measured to obtain an optical density reading. Next, a measurement is made between the bars to obtain a second optical density reading. A large difference between the two readings is indicative of little or no transfer of colorant, and is desirable. There are two ways to express the transfer of color. The first is in terms of optical density in milli-OD units, and the second is the percent transfer of the original color. The latter is determined by the ratio of mOD/OD. In both instances, the measured value should be as small as possible.
A test matrix was planned, comparing the two inks with and without heat/pressure:
The results are summarized in the Table below:
The results from the foregoing Table are depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4 for acid smear and alkaline smear, respectively. In FIGS. 3 and 4, bar 40 represents pigment black control; bar 42 represents pigment black subjected to heat and pressure; bar 44 represents disperse dye control; and bar 46 represents disperse dye subjected to heat and pressure, where the paper designations on the x-axis are as given above. Negative transfer numbers reflect errors in measurement.
From the foregoing data and FIGS. 3 and 4, it is clear that the combination of disperse dye and heat and pressure provides the most improvement in smearfastness. Prints using disperse dyes start with slightly better smearfastness, but when tested, the particles disintegrated, shedding the dispersant and filling voids in the paper.
The method of printing a disperse, sublimation dye in an aqueous-based ink onto a print medium and then subjecting the dye to a combination of heat and pressure to cause sublimation of the dye and resolidification as a water-insoluble dye on the print medium is expected to find use in printing applications where waterfastness and smear-fastness of the printed image is required.
Patent Citations
Referenced by
Legal Events
Original Image


text:
14 Toilet Paper Roll Craft Ideas
Bonus: Get our newsletter & special offers for free. We will not share or sell your email address. View our Privacy Policy
Apple Mini Album
We are adding the craft to your Craft Projects.
The project was added to your Craft Projects.
Click here to view your Craft Projects.
Get ready for back to school fun with this Apple Mini Album from Maureen Wilson. You can use back to school crafts like this either in our out of the classroom...and they make great gifts for teachers, too! Scrapbook with your kids as they tell you all about their first day!
- Ribbon, 1 yd.
- Small clothespin
- Double-sided adhesive
- Embellishments (stickers, paper, etc.)
- Small scrap of black cardstock
- Free apple template (use to print on red and white cardstock below)
- 3 sheets red cardstock, 8.5×11
- 2 sheets white cardstock, 8.5×11
Begin by downloading the free apple template. You will need a total of 5 apple shapes, printed on red cardstock. Since there are two on each page, you will need to print three copies of the apple. (Make sure your print settings are set to "no margins, no scaling.")
You will also need to print the second page, which has the apple core shapes. You can print this on white cardstock, or print several sheets on different colored cardstock. You will need a total of 10 apple core shapes, so print two copies.
Start by cutting out the apple shapes. Cut just inside the line so that it won't show. Then, fold in half by matching up the sides. Crease each apple shape down the center.
Now we'll combine the apple shapes. Put adhesive on one half of a folded apple. Lay another folded apple directly on top of it, matching up all the sides.
Then, adhere another folded apple shape on top of that one. Continue adding the apples until you have one apple shape left.
Before gluing the last apple, we need to add a ribbon tie closure. Cut one piece of ribbon that is about 16 inches and another that is around 9. Adhere one to each side of the apple shape, in the middle.
Then, glue the last apple shape on top of the ribbon. Now when you unfold the album, it should be able to stand up by itself. To tie, loop the long ribbon around the back , then tie in a bow with the short ribbon at front.
Now it's time to decorate! Cut out the apple core shapes and adhere one to each half of every page. You will need to flip the ones on the left side over so they will fit.
Cut small raindrop shaped seeds from a scrap of black cardstock and adhere to one half of the front. You can add text to your core shapes before printing, or you can add a title afterwards, with markers, stickers, or stamps.
Embellish your album with scrapbooking paper, stickers, journaling, and photos.
- Finally, make a stem for your apple, by tying a 6-inch piece of ribbon in a knot around a small clothespin. Clip to the top of the album.
Tags / Related Topics
Your Recently Viewed Projects
Images from other crafters
Love these projects? Get MORE delivered to your Inbox – FREE Click Here!
Report Inappropriate Comment
Are you sure you would like to report this comment? It will be flagged for our moderators to take action.
Thank you for taking the time to improve the content on our site.
What's Hot
- 17 Flower Craft Ideas: How to Make Paper Flowers, Easy Fabric Flowers and More
- Book Page Fall Leaves
- Under the Sea
- Newspaper Planter
- 12 Handmade Paper Crafts and Gifts
- How to Use Distress Inks by Tim Holtz
- Pretty Paper Pinwheel Wreath
- "Fuse Creativity System Project Guide: Fun Party Themes, Ideas for Handmade Cards, and More Paper Crafts from Fiskars" eBook
- Movie Gift Card Envelope
- 17 Scrap Paper Crafts & Paint Chip Crafts
Something worth saving?
- SAVE all your favorite crafts
- ADD personal notes
- QUICKLY reference your crafts
Free eBooks
- 14 Toilet Paper Roll Craft Ideas
- 23 Fabulous Picnic Craft Ideas + Restaurant Copycat Recipes
- 4th of July Crafts and Recipes
- 4th of July Crafts: Blogger Edition 2010
- Crafts for Father's Day: 36 Homemade Father's Day Gift Ideas
- Garden Crafts
- Graduation Crafts
- How To Make Tie Dye Shirts, Decor & More: 18 Tie Dye Patterns
- The Best Blogger Craft Ideas 2015: Home Decor Ideas, DIY Jewelry, Easy Crochet Patterns and More
Our Newest Projects & Articles
- Quilted Paper DIY Wall Art
- Sweet Decoupage Picture Frame
- Super Simple Painted DIY Wall Art
- Scrap Fabric Hair Accessories
- Metal Stamped Floral Stakes
- Ultimate Plaid Home Decor Assortment
- 9 Free Knitting Patterns for Accessories
- Grab & Go Organizer
- Suzanne Cannon
- Surface Life

subset: commoncrawl


text:
to page content
to site navigation
Explore the Entrepreneurship.org Resource Center to find resources. Designed with entrepreneurs in mind, our resource center allows you to find materials to grow great ideas.
This article from business consultant Stephen Shapiro's blog offers a useful matrix-based method to think strategically about your company and to allocate your time. It also guides the most valuable ways to spend your time, based on the matrix you create.
A robust online curriculum for entrepreneurs.
Explore Founders School >
A network of U.S. cities facilitating a weekly entrepreneur education program. Go to 1 Million Cups >
Whether you are starting or growing a company, FastTrac will help you live your dream at each stage.
Get started with FastTrac >
Want to get connected? Sign up to receive regular news, polls and updates from The Kauffman Foundation.


text:
Alice Cooper
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 7:00 pm
The Warfield, San Francisco, CA
Sorry, this event has already taken place. Please see similar events below.
|Motley Crue and Alice Cooper
|Sat, Jul 25
7:30 pm
|California Mid-State Fair
Paso Robles, CA
|Alice Cooper with Five Finger Death Punch
|Sat, Aug 1
|Buffalo Chip Campground
Sturgis, SD
|Motley Crue with Alice Cooper
|Sun, Aug 23
7:00 pm
|Canadian Tire Centre
Kanata, ON
|Alice Cooper
|Tue, Sep 1
8:00 pm
|Florida Theatre Jacksonville
Jacksonville, FL
|Motley Crue
|Fri, Sep 4
8:00 pm
|Smoothie King Center
New Orleans, LA
|Motley Crue
|Mon, Oct 5
7:00 pm
|State Farm Arena
Hidalgo, TX
|Motley Crue
|Wed, Oct 7
7:00 pm
|American Airlines Center
Dallas, TX
|Motley Crue
|Sat, Oct 10
7:00 pm
|Ford Center
Evansville, IN
|Motley Crue
|Sun, Oct 11
7:00 pm
|Rupp Arena
Lexington, KY
|Motley Crue
|Tue, Oct 13
7:00 pm
|Van Andel Arena
Grand Rapids, MI
|Motley Crue
|Sat, Oct 17
7:00 pm
|Verizon Wireless Arena-NH
Manchester, NH
|Motley Crue
|Mon, Dec 7
7:00 pm
|Denny Sanford Premier Center
Sioux Falls, SD
|Motley Crue
|Tue, Dec 8
7:00 pm
|Alerus Center
Grand Forks, ND
|Motley Crue
|Sat, Dec 12
7:00 pm
|Rexall Place
Edmonton, AB
|Motley Crue
|Sun, Dec 13
7:00 pm
|Scotiabank Saddledome
Calgary, AB
|Motley Crue
|Sat, Dec 19
7:00 pm
|US Airways Center
Phoenix, AZ
|Motley Crue
|Sun, Dec 20
7:00 pm
|Viejas Arena
San Diego, CA
|Motley Crue
|Tue, Dec 22
7:00 pm
|Honda Center
Anaheim, CA
|Tweet | State Guides | Gift Certificates | Policies | Blog | About Us | TicketMasters sold out |


text:
Tuesday, June 30
TONIGHT 10/9cThings Get Out of Control When a Man with a Shotgun Shows Up
WEDNESDAY 8/7cWhat Has Miki Howard Been Up To Since Her Last Unsung Episode?
RETURNS JULY 15The Divas Are Back and More Diva Than Ever!
COMING AUGUST 5How Long Could YOU Give Up Sex?
The Godfather of Go-Go Put D.C.'s Signature Sound On the Map
Copyright ©2015,
© 2014 TV One, LLC . All Rights Reserved
Powered by WordPress.com VIP


text:
I'm scared lol
Anyone else measuring big?
I was measuring a week ahead at 27 weeks. I will find out in two weeks if that's still the case. He was 2 lbs. 10 ounces at that appointment.
Wife To My High School Sweethart Rob
Mommy To The Two Craziest Wildest Beautiful Boys...
Due With Boy Number 3 Feb. 10, 2013
Proud Mama to Harper Joy (8.27.10) and my Valentine's Day baby, Cohen Conrad (2.14.13)
I'm having twins and both are measuring ahead and have extra fluid. Oh what joy...though honestly for twins I'd def rather they be bigger than smaller but it just increases the risks of ptl.
Danielle(25)+Oscar(35) Married 12/14/05
Ciara(7), Pascual & Eduardo(3), SurroTwins 12/12/12,
Sugar Plum EDD 12/26/13
My LO is measuring 3.5 weeks ahead, but she is following the same place on the curve, so we are god with that. I'm being induced at 37-38 weeks, so I'm good with a nice big baby :) DD was 9lbs at 38 weeks
Mommy to Ava 11/2009 Rainbow GIRL arriving January 2013
My 4 angels - Lily 8/08, Ruby born silent 1/11, Sophia 6/11, and Cole 11/11.


text:
Definition of Clot-dissolving medication
Clot-dissolving medication: An agent such as plasminogen-activator (t-PA) or streptokinase that is effective in dissolving clots and reopening arteries. For example, clot-dissolving medications may be used in the treatment of heart attacks, to reestablish blood flow to the heart muscle (myocardium). Also known as thrombolytic agents.Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionary
Last Editorial Review: 3/19/2012
Medical Dictionary Definitions A - Z
Search Medical Dictionary
From WebMD
Drugs and Treatment Resources
- Psoriasis Treatment Strategies for You and Your Doctor
- Medications for Skin Allergies
- Hep C Treatment Options


text:
Padres get Street from Rockies to replace Bell
"I've always had the feeling that I had good stuff when I pitched at Petco Park. I've always had good success there. Plus, we're going to have a good defense behind me and that's a huge benefit."
Said Byrnes: "Huston doesn't beat himself. He's not a velocity guy, but has a great slider and change-up. He's a strike thrower who is hard to run on."
Byrnes said the Padres had been working on acquiring Street for a month, but had to wait on any deal until Bell determined what he was going to do. Acquiring Street ahead of Bell's decision could have left the Padres with two expensive closers had Bell accepted arbitration.
The son of famed Texas quarterback James Street, the 6-foot, 190-pound Huston Street was the 40th overall pick of the Oakland A's out of the University of Texas in 2004. A season later, he was the American League Rookie of the Year.
Padres notes
•The Padres now have four players under contract for 2012, Street, shortstop Jason Bartlett ($5.5 million with a $1.5 million buyout against a $5.5 option for 2013), second baseman Orlando Hudson ($5.25 million with a $2 million buyout against a $8 million option for 2013) and outfielder-first baseman Mark Kotsay ($1.25 million).
•The Padres had talked to the Rockies about swapping Hudson for Street. Although the Rockies are interested in acquiring a second baseman, they balked at reacquiring Hudson.
•To create an opening for Street on the 40-man roster, the Padres released outfielder Jeremy Hermida.


text:
Skip to content
Text Size
Travel and Expense Reimbursement
All reimbursements are to be submitted post-conference with original full receipts submitted electronically by March 15th, 2015; please download a copy of the reimbursement form.
NPF will reimburse travel expenses up to $1,000 per center. Please note this figure is per center – rather than per traveler – to cover reasonably priced airfare, taxi and airport parking if submitted with a receipt. Two representatives from each Center in the U.S. and Canada (a Medical Director and a Coordinator) and one representative from each Center outside North America are invited to attend. Last minute travel booking (less than two weeks) which exceeds the allowed amount may not be approved for reimbursement.
Download presentations from the 2015 Centers Leadership Conference:
Welcome and NPF Update by Joyce Oberdorf
Balancing Guidelines vs Expertise in Clinical Care:Lessons from the Ebola Outbreak by Marshall Lyon
Parkinson's Outcomes Project - PD20 Cohort by Anhar Hassan, MBBCH
Clinical Research Priorities in Parkinson's Disease by Allan Tobin, MD
"Prion-like Propagation of Alpha-Synuclein Pathology" by Edward Fon, MD, FRCP(c)
Roundtable Discussion - Disease- and Treatment-Related Contributions to Cognition in Parkinson's Disease by Daniel Weintraub, MD
Roundtable Discussion - Cholinergic Function and Cognitive Decline in Parkinson's Disease by Joe Quinn, MD
Roundtable Discussion - Managing Cognitive Issues as PD Advances by Laura Marsh, MD
COE Changes 2015-2016 by Peter Schmidt, PhD
The Role of a Nurse in a Parkinson's Disease Center by Joan Gardner, RN, BSN & Lisa Mann, RN, BSN
The Future of Neuromodulation by Mahlon DeLong, MD
Parkinson's Outcomes Project - Intro by Connie Marras, MD
Depression by Danny Bega, MD
Exercise by Tanya Simuni, MD
Update on Hospitalization by Michael Okun, MD
Falls Studies in the Parkinson's Project by Sotirios Parashos, MD, PhD
Site Visits Identifying by Mark Guttman, MD
The Navigator Model for Parkinson's by Anne-Louise Lafontaine, MD, FRCPC
A Comprehensive Approach to Parkinson's Disease by Stewart Factor, DO
Ongoing Telemedicine Research and Clinical Care Efforts for Parkinson's Disease by Kevin Biglan, MD
© 2015 National Parkinson Foundation | Privacy & Terms of Use


text:
HOUSTON Consider two drivers, each with a key that fits the same car. Driver 1 wants simply to turn on the ignition and leave the vehicle idling, ready and waiting to roll. Driver 2 wants to take it on a destructive joy ride.
Such is the case with two proteins identified by scientists at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center that fit on to the same binding site on an important cellular growth factor receptor called FGFR2 with starkly different results.
"There is competition for binding to FGFR2 and one of the two competitors, phospholipase Cγ1 (Plcγ1), will increase cancer cell metastasis. The other protein inhibits the opportunity for this to occur," said John Ladbury, Ph.D., professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Ladbury is senior author of a paper published Sunday online at Nature Structural & Molecular Biology that describes the competition, identifies Plγcl's role and its relationship to the metastasis-blocking growth factor receptor bound protein 2 (Grb2).
In a 2012 paper in the journal Cell, Ladbury and colleagues showed that Grb2 binds to FGFR2 and holds it in check, ready to be activated by a growth factor to signal other proteins. In performing this role, Grb2 blocks the binding of other proteins such as Plcγ1.
More Grb2, less Plcγ1 stymies metastasis
These interactions occur outside normal activation of FGFR2 by growth factors, so the protein with the highest concentration levels in the cell wins the contest to bind to FGFR, or fibroblast growth factor receptor 2, Ladbury said. "In cells with depleted Grb2 concentration, Plcγ1gets on the receptor, increasing cellular motility equipping cells to move, escape the tumor, invade other tissue and spread."
Quantifying the relative concentration of these two proteins in a patient's tumor, Ladbury said, might be developed into reliable markers for gauging the likelih
|Contact: Scott Merville
University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center


text:
Resolution: standard / high
Figure 4.
Genetic distances for mitochrondrial data. A neighbor-joining network depicts the genetic distance estimates between South Indian castes, Europeans, and East Asians for 32 mtDNA SNPs and 411 bp of HVS1 sequence. Pie diagrams indicate the proportion of major mtDNA lineages found in each population. The inset shows the proportion of mtDNA U sub-lineages. Inset circle size is proportional to the total number of U lineages.
Watkins et al. BMC Genetics 2008 9:86 doi:10.1186/1471-2156-9-86


text:
Amid the old Terps jerseys and the "Daddy's Girls" picture frame and the College Cup posters in Sasho Cirovski's office sit the Maryland soccer coach's two bookcases. They're packed, he says, with "every coaching book you can imagine."
One book in particular stands out: the autobiography of Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson, who before his 2013 retirement won 13 English Premier League titles, 19 domestic cups and two Champions League crowns. He is, in short, probably soccer's most successful manager of all time — and by far its most legendary.
He's also a good friend of Cirovski's.
- World Cup fans [Pictures]
- Ex-Terps star Taylor Twellman a rising star as analyst
- World Cup All-Hair Team
- Get to know the United States Men's National Team ahead of the 2014 World Cup
- World Cup 2014 WAGs: Shakira, Sara Carbonero and more soccer stars' wives and girlfriends
- 2014 World Cup Jerseys
See more photos »
- Video Reports: World Cup
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Maryland Terrapins
See more topics »
The two met in 1980, when Ferguson was the manager of Scottish league champions Aberdeen FC and Cirovski an aspiring pro from Ontario. Cirovski was there for a trial, and Ferguson — impressed with the Yugoslavian-born midfielder who took notes after every practice — ultimately offered him a contract.
Cirovski turned it down. Longing for a college degree, he started the next fall at Wisconsin-Milwaukee instead.
In recent years, that kind of path has come under increasing criticism in U.S. soccer circles with the transformative appointment of Juergen Klinsmann as national team manager. College soccer's seasons are too short, its detractors say, and the training environments aren't good enough to compete with the Manchester Uniteds of the world.
"The good players are going to go with the MLS teams — that's just the reality of it," said Bohemians coach Santino Quaranta, a Baltimore native who joined D.C. United at 16. "They're not looking to play in college. That's not what the best players are going to do. If the kids on this team — obviously it plays a role with their families and stuff, but I can tell you, if they had a chance to play in MLS today, I'd imagine that they'd take the opportunity."
Yet when Klinsmann announced his 30-man preliminary roster for this summer's World Cup, four former Terps were on the list. Two of those — midfielder Graham Zusi and defender Omar Gonzalez — ultimately went with Klinsmann to Brazil.
Against Ghana on Monday night, it was Zusi's corner-kick assist that led to the United States' 86th-minute game-winner.
"It really ticks me off when ... people who don't spend the time to see what happens internally at the University of Maryland, [criticize college soccer]," Cirovski said. "If you come here and see what really happens and then you make that argument, then fine.
"But do your homework before you make claims like that."
And so it is that Cirovski, now approaching his 21st year in College Park, continues to see the value in education.
An issue of philosophy
At the 1990 World Cup in Italy — the United States' first appearance at the tournament in 40 years — all 23 players on the U.S. roster had gone to college. Two of them (midfielders Chris Henderson and Neil Cavone) were still in college when they were named to the squad. And one, then-Blast player Desmond Armstrong, was a Maryland alum, the school's first World Cup player.
With no professional outdoor league in the country at the time, college soccer was more important than ever. Still, when Cirovski arrived at Maryland in 1993, there were just four scholarships, no men's soccer media guide, no TV or VCR in his old office to break down film, and too few players to scrimmage 11-a-side in practice.
As he looked to build the program, then, he looked to Manchester United.
"There's just a commitment to excellence and a complete, all-in mentality of everybody associated, from the parking attendants to the grounds crew to the people in charge of the tea at Manchester United," Cirovski said.
That formula appears to have paid off, too: Maryland won its first Atlantic Coast Conference tournament in 1996, reached its first College Cup in 1998 and won its first of two national championships seven years later.
This season, 16 former Terps are also on Major League Soccer rosters — a total that trails only UCLA in terms of MLS alma maters.
"[Cirovski has] built an atmosphere, he's built a program, he's built a culture that a lot of top players in the country identify with and get excited about and want to play in," Georgetown coach Brian Wiese said.


text:
Kanye West, Rihanna, Jason Aldean Tweet Support for Jay Z's Newly Launched TIDAL
Could it mean new surprise Kanye West and/or Rihanna albums?
Rihanna Just Dropped Her New Single 'BBHMM'
Rihanna has a new song, but she's not necessarily making it easy for you to hear it right now.
Judge Closes Chris Brown's Rihanna Assault Case
After six years, Superior Court Judge James R. Brandlin has closed Chris Brown and Rihanna's assault case.
Rihanna Will Headline March Madness Music Fest
You may want to add Rihanna and Zac Brown Band to your NCAA brackets because they're a sure bet to be playing in the Final Four.
Rihanna Talks Lending Her Voice to 'Home' on 'Good Morning America'
"I tried to give her a little bit of my personality," Rihanna explained.
Swatted! 6 Celebrities Who Were Victims of 911 Hoax
With Lil Wayne the latest victim of a swatting hoax, here's 6 more times your favorite celebs have suffered the same fate.
Rihanna Documentary in the Works from Peter Berg
Berg and Rihanna first worked together professionally on the film Battleship, which he directed and in which she starred.
This Superfan Covered Her Entire Body in Rihanna Tattoos
Did she go overboard? Your call.
Rihanna's New Song 'American Oxygen' Revealed in March Madness Commercial: Watch
RiRi is looking all-American in the clip, which has her looking phresh off the runway, walking that walk in a white T-shirt, leather jacket and blue jeans—all in front of a huge American flag.
Rihanna Teases New Song 'Higher' On Instagram: Listen
They are just teasers of a track titled "Higher," but find the singer not only sounding great, but straight up amped to be sharing the music with her fans.


text: We travel the waterways of Muskoka a lot. This little pizza place is close enough to the river to make it possible to call them enroute, and run up the hill to pick up the pizza when we arrive at the dock - or to just run up and grab a few slices without waiting. We always bring it back... read more


text:
Best WordPress FAQ Plugin integrated with Custom Post Type. WP Awesome FAQ comes with accordion based jQuery UI.
Requires: 3.8 or higher
Compatible up to: 4.2.2
Last Updated: 2015-5-29
Active Installs: 7,000+
1 of 2 support threads in the last two months have been resolved.
Got something to say? Need help?


text: Friday May 31, 2013 This episode, TED speakers uncover surprising realities about violence. Sascha Burkard/iStockphoto hide caption itoggle caption Sascha Burkard/iStockphoto The Violence Within Us Violence and brutality are grim realities of life. In this hour, TED speakers explore the sinister side of human nature, and whether we're all capable of violence. Listen to Full Show Loading… 49:11 Playlist Share Share 5104Facebook Twitter Google+ Email


text:
April 4, 2007 2:37 PM PDT
GM's next car model? You decide
- Related Stories
New York auto show gets into gearApril 7, 2007
"In the 1950s, design ran the place and we had some great cars," said Bob Lutz, GM's vice chairman of global product development. The company plans to get back to that way of thinking, he said.
Ed Welburn, vice president of GM Global Design, presented the three concept cars, which have been the subject of much debate in the blogosphere. People can vote for their favorite concept model on GM's Web site, and the company plans to produce the winning model as a production car.
The Chevy Groove is a miniature roadster that looks like it could be a little brother to the PT Cruiser. The Chevy Trax is a micro SUV, and the Chevy Beat strongly resembles a Smart Car.
Welburn said there is no timeline for when one of the vehicles would be in production but that the winning car would be available globally.
"I don't know if it's Car 2.0, but this is a more creative way of doing marketing. We get to do this online and, yes, target a young market, or people who consider themselves quite youthful," said Welburn.
The company asked a design team in South Korea to come up with a concept car. The team, consisting of South Korean, Australian and American designers, came up with several choices. The company liked three of the choices so much that it decided to conduct its own public marketing research.
GM's attempt to change its public perception was evident in the way the company revealed the cars. A hip-hop dance troupe did an interpretive dance for each model, followed by blonde, identical triplet women asking the crowd to throw colored foam balls to signify their favorite of the three.
See more CNET content tagged:
General Motors, concept car, Chevrolet, car, New York
5 commentsJoin the conversation! Add your comment
- No mpg data available?
- The number one factor for me is the mpg, then the design comes next. Concept cars are just concepts. The real value comes if they designed it as a gas sipper instead of guzzler, without compromising power and efficiency. The look and feel is at a distant bottom criteria, and yet we are forced to vote based on it alone, without other technical data. The look and feel will only account for 5% of my criteria, 75% would be the mileage efficiency, and the 20% for other criteria.
Thus I am voting on only a possible 5% of what I value from a personal vehicle.
- Like Reply Link Flag
- Voted For The Diesel
- According to the descriptions, only the Groove is a diesel. I would love an American company to offer a diesel
- Like Reply Link Flag
- Theyre all ugly
- Maybe the pictures are not representative, but from what I'm seeing, they are all U-G-L-Y!
- Like Reply Link Flag
- Isn't it the trend?
- We now starting to like monsters such as the Beast in Beauty and the Beast.
We love the ugly Shrek.
lately we go crazy over Ugly Betty.
The PT cruiser is ugly and people bought it. The super-ugly square frame type of car shape is the trend and the current generation goes for it.
Naturally, GM designed ugly cars for us, because of the trend towards ugliness is good business.
Call me retro but I'm not buying into the ugly hype just like you.
- Like Link Flag
- flunk!!!
- The most important single thing I want is an all-electric drive train. GM has been hearing that for 10 years from everyone that is concerned about the environment and economy, but they showed us what they are really interested in when they crushed all the EV-1's, and have not given us an electric since-- they pretend they can't even give us a hybrid for 3 years, and maybe they'll have the Volt ready then. I don't want a Volt... I want a super efficient, high-performance EV like the Zap-X that is going to sell for about $10,000.
The new Zap is in collaboration with Lotus. It only costs about a penny per mile for electricity, yet has 644 hp, can go 350 miles on a charge, 0-60 of 4.8 seconds, and the battery pack has a cycle life of 9,000 charges. It has plenty of high tech too: photovoltaic windows and windshield help recharge the battery, it has four-wheel drive with a hub motor at each wheel, and only takes 10 minutes to recharge-- just like the Phoenix Motorcar.
I am not settling for anything less than a full-electric car.
- Like Reply Link Flag


text:
"We ordered this card for our son's baptism and, even though we already expected them to be nice, were pleasantly surprised when were even more beautiful than anticipated. We will definitely continue using Tiny Prints in the near future because: - our invitations were delivered earlier than the estimated delivery time - our specifications were met - we got what we asked for - the cards and printed envelopes exceeded our expectations - the quality of the paper and printing was exquisite"
"I loved the fact that I could customize the text to what I wanted to say, not be obligated to use the text provided. It was extremely easy to do. Overall, I was very happy with the invites I created and was even more happy when I recieved them in 2 days like they said I would."
"I loved the detail in the border and I really liked being able to design my own edging style. There are so many fonts to choose from. The quality of the paper is great."
"They are very professional. Excellent customer service. Very fast service. I wish it came in more colors. But, I am happy with finished product."
"I really like this invite when I ordered it online it looked great but I I received it the print was so tiny I could hardly see it. I called their customer service and they send me new invites with larger fonts looks great Amazing customer service"


text:
Wounded Warrior Project
Rating: 3.85 stars 468 468 reviews 51,541
Nonprofit Issues:
Human Services, Veterans
4899 Belfort Road Suite 300 Jacksonville FL 32256 USA
To Honor And Empower Wounded Warriors
Target demographics:
veterans and service members who incurred a physical or mental injury, illness, or wound, co-incident to their military service on or after September 11, 2001 and their families.
Direct beneficiaries per year:
thousands of wounded veterans and their families. You can visit our impact pages here:http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/mission/who-we-serve.aspx.
Geographic areas served:
the veterans service industry
combat stress recovery, physical health and wellness, employment and education, long-term support, benefits and peer engagement opportunities. In total we offer 19 free programs and services warriors and their families.
Filter Reviews by Role
Promote This Nonprofit
GreatNonprofits badges allow you to raise awareness of your favorite nonprofits on your own web sites!
Reviews for Wounded Warrior Project
14 people found this review helpful
Following a wartime injury and separation from service I felt both bitter about being "let go" from the Army and hesitant to call myself a "service-disabled" person because I had seen other soldiers who were hurt so much worse than I was. I felt like I didn't belong as either a veteran or a civilian. Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) brought me in to a SoldierRide event and just accepted me. Surrounded by other warriors- some with severe injuries and some with invisible wounds, I just felt included. I was never separated out within the group for being "not injured enough" or "not injured in the right way". They just made me feel part of the team. My experience was so positive, in fact, that I later looked for job opportunities with their team- they just made me feel whole.
The WWP helped me out in a big way just when I needed help the most. They fought for me and they got my claimed finished in record time. They never got angry when I was emailing them constant and always very professional and polite. They tell you what is going on and what forms or paperwork you need and then they are always on top of getting it done right. If it wasn't for the WWP I will still be waiting and who Knowes how much money I would have lost. I can't explain how grateful I am and for all the hard work they do for us veterans. By far the best orginazation out there and I am happy to say I am an Alumni with the WWP. Thank you so so much.
I am a wounded warrior in the Kansas City metro area. I was struggling to start my business due to the lack of funds I need to buy the right tools. I was getting ready to take a job as a truck driver so that I could help off set the cost of my tools and bring in cash flow. I spoke with the Warriors to Work program in the Overland Park, Kansas office. These guys rock. They got me a grant to buy all the tools I needed so I wouldn't have to spend another night away from my family. This office has gone above and beyond the call of duty for myself and other veterans I know personally. If anyone needs help contact them they will do everything they can to help you and if they cant do it themselves they will not stop until you have the help you need. It doesn't stop there. They will stay in contact with you to make sure you are successful in your venture.
Without WWP and the services and activities provided I wouldn't be where I am in my recovery from PTSD and MST. WWP has allowed me to reconnect with other military members and shown me that I am not alone. For the longest time, I thought I was. I found that there are others who get it. They understand what I'm facing and help provide support when the demons come knocking on the door. Without the 12 ladies I met on a Project Odyssey, I would still be hiding in my home afraid to confront the world. I'm slowing healing, and I owe a lot of my progress to WWP. They have provided me more opportunities to be in the world and interact with other people that I would not get to do otherwise. I've been able to take my daughter to the circus and attend a concert. Four years ago, I wouldn't have been able to do that. I am able to do those types of activities because I'm "safe" with my fellow WWP Alumni. WWP has also helped kick start me to get healthier. Through Soldier Ride, I have found "my thing". I found the freedom of riding and the knowledge that I can accomplish what I set out to do.
There are no words to describe the gratitude I have for WWP and its staff members. Everyone I have met has gone above and beyond to help me in my recovery. WWP is my main link to the outside world. Thanks for being the organization you are.
They have helped me Since my spinal surgeries in Walter Reed and ever since they have become my Family. With out their support and the support of my wife and son I honestly think I would just be another statistic. The programs they offer exceed my expectations and assist and help me more than anything the VA has done for me.
I went to PIT this past weekend for the Soldiers Ride. The staff was great and the guest were as well. The trip helped me more than I could ever express.
I participated in the Pittsburgh Solider's Ride last weekend and had a great time. I met fellow warriors/veterans who have experienced similar combat experiences that I've gone thru and was able to really to discuss how my deployments have affected me and my family.
This was the first time I have been on a bicycle in over 15 years and biking with fellow warriors was a refreshing experience. It was not about who fisnished first, but about how everyone helped each other to complete the rides together! This was a great time for everyone who was involved.
This has also sparked my interest in continuing to bicycle as a mean of relaxation and to help improve my physical fitness.
I am great full to WWP for allowing me to participate in the outstanding event!!!!!!
I first started with Wounded Warrior Project on the Combat Stress Retreat, Camp Odyssey. It was the perfect timing, as I was fresh coming out of 4 months of rehab for PTSD and other issues stemming from my combat and exposure to combat in Afghanistan. The experience was awesome. I rediscovered myself and refocused the view of my military service in a positive light, and that's a group of brothers who are there for each other unconditionally and share that unwavering commitment to one another. From there I have gon to participate in the Writers Workshop and subsequently the Health and Wellness Expo, and at each one I've received even more encouragement, guidance and hope. Wounded Warrior and all the truly committed wonderful staff making it happen have had an enormous positive impact on my life. I've regained the confidence in my ability to succeed and overcome in life. I'm truly grateful to all the staff (Joe Shear, Alex Santana, Danny Galvan, Jackie Cantu, Tim Horton just to name a few) and the organization.
As a wounded warrior I have been on the front lines and praise the Lord there is wounded warrior project if not for them and all they have done for me I wouldn't be here now.
Thank you so much for your services, time, and patience with us wounded while we try to rebuild who we once were.
Is there any way that I can get the post for activities in Minnesota as well as the ones I'm receiving now?


text:
There are 139 results - Show results on a map Print this page
Showing 41 - 50 of 139
The Crown is situated on the High Street in Henlow with easy access from the A1. It's a traditional pub with a modern feel and an attractive beer garden where guests can relax in the summer. Bedrooms ...More about The Crown
Just five miles from Stamford and ten miles from Peterborough, this charming 17th-century inn is home to Ufford Ales, which are served in the bar. The property is built from local stone and retains ma...More about The White Hart
Orton Hall is an impressive country-house hotel set in 20 acres of woodland on the outskirts of town and with easy access to the A1. The spacious and relaxing public areas include the baronial Great R...More about BEST WESTERN PLUS Orton Hall Hotel & Spa
High quality, budget accommodation ideal for both families and business travellers. Spacious, en suite bedrooms feature tea and coffee making facilities, and Freeview TV in most hotels. Internet acces...More about Premier Inn Cambridge (A14 Jct 32)
High quality, budget accommodation ideal for both families and business travellers. Spacious, en suite bedrooms feature tea and coffee making facilities, and Freeview TV in most hotels. Internet acces...More about Premier Inn Cambridge North (Girton)
The Abbey is well placed for visiting the historic town centre. The property is split between several old buildings, the main core dating from the 15th century. The public rooms in the Tudor inn secti...More about The Abbey
Little Willows enjoys a peaceful location in the charming village of Thaxted. The stylish, individually designed bedrooms are most comfortable and very well equipped. Hot breakfasts are served to gues...More about Little Willows B&B
Located beside the New Bedford River with stunning country views, this 17th-century inn has a wealth of original features complemented by period furniture, and the spacious bedrooms are tastefully app...More about The Anchor Inn
The White Hart is a large timber-framed character building that includes the main restaurant and bar areas while the bedrooms are located in the converted coach house; all are smartly appointed and we...More about The White Hart
Built in 1908, this fine Edwardian house has been sympathetically restored and has retained many of its original features. Ixworth House enjoys a prominent position on a quiet cul de sac and is a shor...More about Ixworth House


text:
Call us toll-free
Personalized Crystal & Glass Awards are a classy way to commend employee or client achievements. Set your award ceremony apart with our unique selection of upscale Logo Glass Awards.
Geodesic Optical Crystal Awards
The eye-catching design of these Geodesic Awards is the perfect place to display recognition or appreciation. Awards are perfect for appreciation gifts, award ceremonies, upscale promotions, corporate gifts and more.
From: $134.50 | Min Qty: 1 | Production Time: 5 Days
Optic Crystal Stella Luminosa Award
Shine like a star! This optically perfect creation will command attention in every setting. Recognize employee contributions much more with Glass Awards.
From: $97.80 | Min Qty: 1 | Production Time: 7 Days
Rainbow Cylinder Art Glass Awards
Ensure you are remembered with these awards. Brilliant optical crystal is coated with alluring and delicate Dichroic glass to capture and reflect light in a most creative fashion.
From: $88.91 | Min Qty: 1 | Production Time: 5 Days
|Images are not necessarily shown in proportion to other products.
|Images are not necessarily shown in proportion to other products.


text:
According to Google, the most asked question on the World Wide Web in 2010 was how to tie a tie.
At first blush, you might think this is just another example of DOA (Dumbing-down Of America) —- but not so fast, Sparky.
It's a little known fact that Albert Einstein, genius that he was, couldn't figure out how to operate a car with a standard transmission.
Guess he wasn't clutch.
Be that as it may, the popular hits of the year were of Megan and Miley. No surprise there.
But what about those least Googled? What out there in the InterWeb was so outrageous —- such a turn-off —- that even introverts and geekatoids who have no life but a search mode wouldn't even download? Well, there's:
1. He's the most famous blowhard on talk radio, but even his most devoted and equally delusional fan base weren't moved to download "Rush Limbaugh's Guide to a Successful Third Marriage."
2. Levi Johnston's Think Tank.
3. Nancy Pelosi's image makeover tips.
4. Mitt Romney's Guide on how to keep the public interested in your presidential run when Palin gets all the press.
5. Passover with Mel Gibson.
6. Newt Gingrich modeling Speed-Os.
7. Video conference showing Steny Hoyer's unconvincing argument that he wasn't "Stimpy" of "Ren and Stimpy" fame, and that the show wasn't called "Rimp and Steny."
8. The New York J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets blog sighting the main excuses for getting thumped by the New England Patriots on Monday Night Football:
* Defense admitted that looking directly into Tom Brady's penetrating dreamy eyes really hypnotic.
* People in the stands kept booing them.
* Still hounded by the way Favre treated that female reporter when he was with team back in 2009.
* Obama capitulating to GOP —- giving them everything they wanted on tax cuts —– screwed with team's ability to perform up to standard.
* Coach Rex Ryan is just too darn cuddly.
9. Flo the Progressive lady's campaign to land a "Playboy" shoot.
10. Streaking with Larry King.


text:
3 sign plea deals in lottery scam
Posted: August 1, 2014 at 2:53 a.m.
FARGO, N.D. — The first plea agreements have been reached in a wide-ranging federal investigation into a Jamaican lottery scam targeting mostly elderly victims in the United States, including one woman from North Dakota who agreed to empty her savings account and then take out a loan on a life insurance policy.
More than two dozen people have been indicted in the case, including some who will likely go to trial. Prosecutors say the defendants induced people to send millions of dollars to them to cover fees for lottery winnings.
U.S. Attorney Timothy Purdon would not comment specifically on the case but said people should be on guard.
Jamaican lottery schemes have been happening for many years. The Jamaican and U.S. governments set up a task force in 2009 to stop the scams, but the problem has gotten worse, prosecutors say. The case being investigated in North Dakota was unsealed in March 2013 with 15 indictments.
Three of the defendants signed plea agreements this week on conspiracy charges. Shannon O'Connor, James Simpson and Mikael Gillette each face a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a $1 million fine. O'Connor and Gillette are from south Florida. Simpson was arrested in Kentucky.
« Previous Story
Study plots dinosaurs downsizing into birds
WASHINGTON -- Scientists have mapped how a group of fearsome dinosaurs evolved and shrank to the likes of robi... Read »
Next Story »
Obama aims to halt labor-law violations
President Barack Obama signed an executive order Thursday to improve working conditions for employees of feder... Read »


text:
Ben Affleck was truly shocked when he won Best Director and Jennifer Lawrence earned two acting awards.
18th Annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards
39 / 39
18th Annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards - Arrivals
SANTA MONICA, CA - JANUARY 10: Actress Naomi Watts arrives at the 18th Annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards at Barker Hangar on January 10, 2013 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Fifty States of Great: Can You Name Every Movie in Our Great American Supercut?
Yahoo Movies Staff
Box Office: 'Inside Out' and 'Jurassic' Rule Over 'Terminator' and 'Magic Mike XXL'
The Hollywood Reporter


text:
Just heard on 700. Dusty told Hurdle Volquez can start or pitch whenever but a max of 1 inning, as he will only be on 2 days rest.
I'm sure Hurdle called the Giants, DBacks and all other teams who have an all star pitcher to see what they want - but it's still good to hear it from Dusty's mouth.
Good luck to Edinson!