T-Ink

Summary

The sheer compactness and environmental “green” formulations of printed electronic systems from T-Ink have opened up new vistas of utility and entertainment. Textiles can be transformed with T-Ink’s printed heat technology to deliver streamlined outerwear complete with adjustable settings; the clothing’s ability to generate heat creates a microclimate ranging from 85 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit, a welcome antidote to heavy, bulky parkas. Sears employs T-Ink’s Thermotex technology in its washable, stretchable, durable Craftsman Heated Workwear jacket, equipped with a 5-hour battery and engineered to function in frigid temperatures as low as -40 degrees F.

Medicine bottles display suggested dosages; now, thanks to T-Ink, containers can go further, offering audiovisual timer prompts for when a dosage must be taken. This innovation was jointly developed by T-Ink and MeadWestvaco Corp., an international packing solutions company. Another advance by T-Ink and MeadWestvaco is an interactive DVD box that emits light and sound when handled.

T-Ink has cornered the market on engaging children with imaginative printed electronics. For SwimWays, a pool accessory company, T-Ink devised a touch-activated talking pool float, and for Playtex, the first talking sippy cup. Elmer’s Color ’N Sound talking coloring books use T-Inkeractive coloring sheets that elicit sound effects when placed in an easel clipboard. Fisher-Price features talking characters from Blue’s Clues, Care Bears, Dora the Explorer, Sesame Street, and Winnie the Pooh on interactive posters with 36 T-Ink pressure points. Also, animated Pixar hits got an audiovisual boost on 160 million McDonald’s Happy Meal tray liners and toy tie-ins enhanced by tactile T-Ink talking points.