Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090258306 | TONER IMAGE STABILIZATION PROCESSES - Image noise is reduced in halftone imaging processes by placing clear toner particles around the colored toner particles. The clear toner particles must be placed around the colored toner particles prior to transferring the developed image from an imaging member to a receiving member or substrate. The clear toner particles force the colored toner particles to remain in their deposited location during transfer. The result is an image with less mottle and graininess. | 10-15-2009 |
20090322845 | ANISOTROPICALLY CONDUCTIVE BACKSIDE ADDRESSABLE IMAGING BELT FOR USE WITH CONTACT ELECTROGRAPHY - An addressable imaging belt for use in printing applications having embedded anisotropically conductive addressable islands configured for electric contact on a first side of the belt by a write head consisting of an array of compliant cantilevered fingers with contact pads/points to which a voltage can be applied. The conductive addressable islands electrically isolated from one another and extending substantially through the thickness of the belt in order to allow charge to flow through the belt towards a second side of the belt, in order to form a latent electrostatic image on the second side and develop this latent image by attracting colorized toner or other electrically charged particles to the second side. | 12-31-2009 |
20100109682 | SUBSTRATE CHARACTERIZATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CHARACTERIZING A SUBSTRATE - A substrate characterization device is provided which includes a sensor module and a processor. The sensor module has at least one contact surface configured to contact the substrate, the sensor module configured to measure a variance of capacitance in at least two dimensions of the substrate, the sensor module further configured to generate a signal indicative of the measured variance. The processor is in operative communication with a memory module and configured to execute a series of programmable instructions for making a comparison of the signal generated by the sensor module with at least one reference signal. The processor is further configured to generate at least one characterization signal based on the comparison. | 05-06-2010 |
20110032575 | METHOD FOR ESTIMATION OF IMAGE DEFOCUS AND DEFOCUS RESTORATION - A method for determining local defocus distance in a scanned image of a non-planar original object is provided comprising scanning at least a portion of the non-planar original object to produce first scanned image data at a first focal plane and scanning same the at least a portion of the non-planar original object to produce at least second scanned image data at a second focal plane. The first scanned image data is different from the second scanned image data wherein a distance between the first focal plane and the second focal plane is a predetermined quantity. The method further comprises estimating an out-of-focus distance of the object from the first and the second scanned image data. | 02-10-2011 |
20110075131 | OPTICAL SENSOR FOR CHARACTERIZING A SUBSTRATE - A substrate characterization device is provided which includes an optical sensor module and a processor. The optical sensor module includes a light emitting source and a light receiving detector for communicating with the substrate and providing an indication of the diffusion of light through the substrate. The indication of the diffusion of light through the substrate is a signal provided to a processor in communication with a memory module for making a comparison of the signal generated by the optical sensor module with a reference signal to determine the quality of the substrate. | 03-31-2011 |
20120087013 | PRINTED LENTICULES FOR LENTICULAR PRINTING - Exemplary embodiments provide materials and methods for lenticular printing devices, wherein both a lenticular lens sheet and an interlaced composite image can be formed using an imaging device to provide a precise registration translated from a color-to-color registration. | 04-12-2012 |
20130025487 | GHOST-FREE INKING METHODS, APPARATUS, AND SYSTEMS WITH REDUCED FOUNTAIN SOLUTION CONTAMINATION - A digital offset inking system includes an ink supply, a soft transfer roll, and a hard form roll. A cleaning blade cleaning ink and fountain solution from the surface of the hard form roll that is leftover after transferring ink to a digital imaging member. A fountain solution removal system processes the ink to remove the fountain solution from the ink. The processes ink is resupplied to the inking system for transfer to the digital imaging member. | 01-31-2013 |
20130104756 | DAMPENING FLUID FOR DIGITAL LITHOGRAPHIC PRINTING | 05-02-2013 |
20130235112 | PRINTS WITH TEMPERATURE HISTORY TRACKING CAPABILITY - In some aspects of the present application, a method is disclosed that can include determining a change in state of an ink printed on a label; and determining a change in temperature to which the label has been exposed to based on the change in state of the ink. | 09-12-2013 |
20130247787 | Evaporative Systems and Methods for Dampening Fluid Control in a Digital Lithographic System - A system and corresponding methods are disclosed for controlling the thickness of a layer of dampening fluid applied to a reimageable surface of an imaging member in a variable data lithography system. Following deposition of the dampening fluid layer, a gas is passed over a region of the fluid layer prior to pattern forming. The gas causes a controlled amount of the dampening fluid layer to evaporate such that the remaining layer is of a desired and controlled thickness. Among other advantages, improved print quality is obtained. | 09-26-2013 |
20130247788 | Dampening Fluid Deposition by Condensation in a Digital Lithographic System - A system and corresponding methods are disclosed for depositing of a layer of dampening fluid to a reimageable surface of an imaging member in a variable data lithography system by way of condensation. Dampening fluid in an airborne state is introduced proximate the reimageable surface in a condensation region. Conditions in the condensation region are such that the airborne dampening fluid preferentially condenses on the reimageable surface in a precisely controlled quantity, to thereby form a precisely controlled layer of dampening fluid of desired thickness over the reimageable surface. Among other advantages, improved print quality is obtained. | 09-26-2013 |
20130294803 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING DIFFERENTIAL GLOSS IMAGE USING LASER ENERGY - A method and system for enabling an image production device to generate differential gloss for a print includes exposing a toner image of a material to laser to cause one or more portions of the toner image to melt. The material includes the toner image and a substrate. The substrate is to remain substantially unaffected by the laser. | 11-07-2013 |
20140002572 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR GENERATING DIFFERENTIAL GLOSS IMAGE USEFUL FOR DIGITAL PRINTING | 01-02-2014 |
20140003849 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR GENERATING DIFFERENTIAL GLOSS IMAGE BY PRE-HEATING PRINTED IMAGE | 01-02-2014 |
20140013972 | Imaging System With Electrophotographic Patterning of an Image Definition Material and Methods Therefor - A system comprises an electrophotographic subsystem, a transfer subsystem, an imaging member, and an inking subsystem. The electrophotographic subsystem comprises a photoreceptor, a charging subsystem, an exposure subsystem, and a development subsystem. In operation, the photoreceptor is charged areawise. An exposure pattern is formed by the exposure subsystem on the surface of the charged photoreceptor to thereby write a latent charge image onto the photoreceptor surface. The image is developed with an image defining material, such as a dampening fluid. The image defining material forms a negative pattern of the image to be printed. This negative image is then transferred to the reimageable surface. The negative image is then developed with ink. The inked image may be transferred to a substrate. | 01-16-2014 |
20140013978 | Imaging System With Electrophotographic Patterning of an Image Definition Material and Methods Therefor - A system comprises an electrophotographic subsystem, a transfer subsystem, an imaging member, and an inking subsystem. The electrophotographic subsystem comprises a photoreceptor, a charging subsystem, an exposure subsystem, and a development subsystem. In operation, the photoreceptor is charged areawise. An exposure pattern is formed by the exposure subsystem on the surface of the charged photoreceptor to thereby write a latent charge image onto the photoreceptor surface. The image is developed with an image definition material, such as a dampening fluid. The image definition material forms a positive pattern of the image to be printed. The image pattern is then transferred to the reimageable surface. The transferred pattern is then developed by selectively applying an ink over regions of image definition material. The inked image may be transferred to a substrate. | 01-16-2014 |
20140013979 | Electrophotographic Patterning of an Image Definition Material - A method is disclosed in the context of a system comprises an electrophotographic subsystem, a transfer subsystem, an imaging member, and an inking subsystem. The electrophotographic subsystem comprises a photoreceptor, a charging subsystem, an exposure subsystem, and a development subsystem. In operation, the photoreceptor is charged areawise. An exposure pattern is formed by the exposure subsystem on the surface of the charged photoreceptor to thereby write a latent charge image onto the photoreceptor surface. The image is developed with an image definition material, such as a dampening fluid. The image definition material forms a positive pattern of the image to be printed. The image pattern is then transferred to the reimageable surface. The transferred pattern is then developed by selectively applying an ink over regions of image definition material. The inked image may be transferred to a substrate. | 01-16-2014 |
20140016112 | Electrophotographic Patterning of an Image Definition Material - A method is disclosed in the context of a system comprises an electrophotographic subsystem, a transfer subsystem, an imaging member, and an inking subsystem. The electrophotographic subsystem comprises a photoreceptor, a charging subsystem, an exposure subsystem, and a development subsystem. In operation, the photoreceptor is charged areawise. An exposure pattern is formed by the exposure subsystem on the surface of the charged photoreceptor to thereby write a latent charge image onto the photoreceptor surface. The image is developed with an image defining material, such as a dampening fluid. The image defining material forms a negative pattern of the image to be printed. This negative image is then transferred to the reimageable surface. The negative image is then developed with ink. The inked image may be transferred to a substrate. | 01-16-2014 |
20140060351 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INK-BASED DIGITAL PRINTING USING DAMPENING FLUID IMAGING MEMBER AND IMAGE TRANSFER MEMBER - An ink-based digital printing system for variable data lithographic printing includes an imaging member having a surface configured to absorb dampening fluid. A dampening fluid patterning system jets dampening fluid onto the imaging member surface according to image data to form a dampening fluid pattern. The system includes a transfer member that receives the jetted dampening fluid pattern from the imaging member at a dampening fluid loading nip for subsequent inking of the dampening fluid pattern to form an ink pattern. The ink pattern is transferred to a substrate from the transfer member at an ink pattern transfer nip. | 03-06-2014 |
20140060358 | PRINTING PLATES DOPED WITH RELEASE OIL - An imaging member surface contains a swellable elastomer doped with a release oil. This aids in complete transfer of ink to a receiving substrate when a thin film of release oil forms upon the surface during application of pressure at the nip. | 03-06-2014 |
20140060364 | VARIABLE LITHOGRAPHIC PRINTING PROCESS - A variable lithographic printing process includes absorbing a release agent into an imaging member; forming a later image by evaporating the release agent from selective locations on an imaging member surface; developing the latent image; and transferring the developed image to a receiving substrate. The release agent diffuses through the imaging member surface. | 03-06-2014 |
20140063158 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRINTING DIFFERENTIAL GLOSS IMAGE ON PACKAGING - A system for generating a differential gloss image useful for digital printing directly on packaging includes a packaging transport and a laser glossing imager. The packaging transport is configured to position packaging substrate having a printed image to a laser glossing imager. The printed image is formed of toner or ink. The packaging substrate is aligned with respect to the laser glossing imager exposing one or more portions of the printed image to radiation for altering a surface of the one or more portions of the printed image for forming a differential gloss image. | 03-06-2014 |
20140063161 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INK-BASED DIGITAL PRINTING USING IMAGING MEMBER AND IMAGE TRANSFER MEMBER - Ink-based digital printing systems useful for ink printing include an imaging member configured to receive a layer of dampening fluid, and configured to absorb light energy emitted by a laser imager; and a transfer member configured to receive ink, the transfer member and the imaging member forming a dampening fluid image loading nip. Systems include a dampening fluid metering system configured to form a uniform layer of dampening fluid onto a surface of the imaging member, and a laser imager, the laser imager configured to expose a layer of dampening fluid on the imaging member to a laser beam for selectively evaporating portions of the dampening fluid layer to form a dampening fluid image. Systems may include the transfer member being configured to receive a dampening fluid image from a surface of the imaging member at the dampening fluid image loading nip. | 03-06-2014 |
20140085396 | MARKING MATERIAL FOR LASER GLOSSING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A system for generating a differential gloss image includes a marking material having absorbing elements useful for absorbing electromagnetic radiation emitted by a laser glossing imager, and accommodating heating and resultant melting of the marking material for altering a surface of the marking material image. The absorbing element is a pigment or dye. The absorbing element is carbon black, or a pigment capable of absorbing IR light, while being transparent to visible light. | 03-27-2014 |
20140093284 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INK-BASED DIGITAL PRINTING USING LIQUID IMMERSION DEVELOPMENT - Ink-based digital printing systems useful for ink printing include a photoreceptor layer configured to receive a layer of liquid immersion fluid. The liquid immersion fluid includes dampening fluid, dispersed solid particles, and charge directors that impart charge to the solid particles. The photoreceptor surface is charged to a uniform potential, and selectively discharged using an ROS according to image data to form an electrostatic latent image. The charged liquid immersion fluid adheres to portions of the photoreceptor surface according to the electrostatic latent image to form a liquid immersion fluid image. The fluid portion of the liquid immersion fluid image is partially transferred to an imaging member and/or transfer member to form a dampening fluid image, either or both of which may be electrically biased. The dampening fluid image is inked on the transfer member, and the resulting ink image transferred to a recording medium. | 04-03-2014 |
20140168304 | System And Method For Imaging And Evaluating Coating On An Imaging Surface In An Aqueous Inkjet Printer - An inkjet printer is configured to apply a coating material to an imaging surface before an ink image is formed on the surface. At least one optical sensor generates image data of the coating on the imaging surface and identifies a thickness of the coating material. Components of the coating material applicator can be adjusted to keep the thickness of the coating material within a predetermined range. | 06-19-2014 |
20140168312 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMAGING AND EVALUATING PRINTING PARAMETERS IN AN AQUEOUS INKJET PRINTER - An aqueous inkjet printer is configured to evaluate and adjust multiple components within the printer with reference to image data of the surface of a rotating member obtained at different times during a single print cycle. The print cycle can be performed in a multiple pass manner to enable a single optical sensor to be used for generation of the image data. Alternatively, the print cycle can be performed in a single revolution of the rotating member and multiple optical sensors positioned about the rotating member to generate the image data. | 06-19-2014 |
20140168313 | System And Method For Controlling Dewpoint In A Print Zone Within An Inkjet Printer - An aqueous inkjet printer includes a print zone with a relative humidity sensor and a temperature sensor. A controller identifies a dew point of air between a printhead and an intermediate imaging member with reference to the air temperature and the moisture in the air of the print zone, and identifies a target dew point with reference to the image data used to operate the printhead. The controller operates a heater and an air mover to adjust the dew point of the air between the printhead and the intermediate imaging member to the target dew point. | 06-19-2014 |
20140168329 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INK-BASED DIGITAL PRINTING - An ink-based digital printing system for variable data lithographic printing includes an imaging member and a dampening fluid/carrier patterning system. An inkjet-type device of the patterning system jets material onto an imaging member. The as-jetted material includes dampening fluid and carrier component such as a wax jetted in a single phase. Upon contact with a surface of an imaging member, the jetted material cools and phase separation occurs, the dampening fluid leaching to a surface of the solid component on the imaging member surface, dampening the solid component, which forms an image according to image data input to the patterning system. | 06-19-2014 |
20140168330 | WETTING ENHANCEMENT COATING ON INTERMEDIATE TRANSFER MEMBER (ITM) FOR AQUEOUS INKJET INTERMEDIATE TRANSFER ARCHITECTURE - Described herein is a method and apparatus for ink jet printing. The method includes providing a wetting enhancement coating on a transfer member. The wetting enhancement coating includes water; binders selected from the group consisting of acrylic polymers, styrene acrylic polymers, vinyl-acrylic polymers, vinyl acetate ethylene; and a surfactant. The wetting enhancement coating is dried to form a film having a surface energy greater than 25 mJ/m | 06-19-2014 |
20140169849 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRINTING DIFFERENTIAL GLOSS IMAGE ON COVERED PACKAGING - A system for generating a differential gloss image useful for digital printing directly on covered packaging includes a packaging transport and a laser glossing imager. The packaging transport is configured to position packaging substrate having a printed image to a laser glossing imager. The printed image is formed of toner or ink, and covered by a transparent material. The packaging substrate is aligned with respect to the laser glossing imager exposing one or more portions of the covered printed image to radiation for altering a surface of the one or more portions of the printed image for forming a differential gloss image. | 06-19-2014 |
20140174310 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INK-BASED DIGITAL PRINTING USING A VAPOR CONDENSATION DAMPENING FLUID DELIVERY SYSTEM - An ink-based digital printing system includes a dampening fluid delivery system that forms a dampening fluid layer on a reimageable surface of an imaging plate using vapor condensation. The system includes a delivery nozzle having a chamber that receives atomized dampening fluid, mixes the fluid with hot air or nitrogen gas for rapid vaporization, and directs the vapor onto an imaging member surface for condensation and dampening fluid layer formation. | 06-26-2014 |
20140261030 | SYSTEMS FOR APPLYING DAMPENING FLUID TO AN IMAGING MEMBER FOR INK-BASED DIGITAL PRINTING - A dampening fluid metering system includes an anilox roll configured to meter dampening fluid onto a surface of an imaging member to form a thin, uniform layer of dampening fluid for subsequent imaging by exposure to light radiation. The anilox roll is configured to form a dampening fluid layer that is uniform and has a thickness of 1 micron or less, and preferably a thickness lying in a range of 0.2 to 1 micron. | 09-18-2014 |
20140318397 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPLEMENTING DIGITAL OFFSET LITHOGRAPHIC PRINTING TECHNIQUES WITH A PLURALITY OF INTERMEDIATE TRANSFERS - A system and method are provided for optimizing a multi-color variable digital data lithographic image forming system by controlling characteristics of one or more individual color inks to maximize ink transfer of a particular color ink layer onto the surface of an image receiving medium substrate, or onto other color ink layers deposited on the surface of the image receiving medium substrate when producing digital output images, including multi-color digital output images, with a proposed variable digital offset lithographic architecture. Ink characteristics and ink transfer parameters are particularly optimized in the proposed variable digital data lithographic systems to promote high efficiency ink transfer from an ink donor surface to an ink receiver surface in order that excessive amounts of untransferred ink do not remain on the ink donor surface requiring extensive cleaning of the reimageable surface in the image forming system between cycles of a multi-color ink system. | 10-30-2014 |
20140341677 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FORMING AND IMPLEMENTING BOOK BINDING GEOMETRIES AS A FUNCTION OF STACK THICKNESS - A system and method are provided for forming and implementing book binding geometries as a function of image receiving medium stack thicknesses for automated book binding in image forming devices. The disclosed schemes optimize book binding employing a plurality of strip-like binding elements to form loops in a process that employs heat and pressure to reduce residual stresses in the strips as they are formed into loops. The disclosed schemes mechanically modify a process of bending individual book-binding elements in a manner that more effectively employs less expensive material elements to provide consistent and durable “right-sized” book binding of finished documents. A combination of heat and pressure are introduced with a molded structure that results in controlling a radius of formation to be consistently followed by the “folded” binding elements in order to relieve the stress and preserve the integrity of those binding elements in the finished product. | 11-20-2014 |
20140347422 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INK-BASED DIGITAL PRINTING USING VARIABLE DATA LITHOGRAPHY INKJET IMAGING SYSTEM - A system for ink-base digital printing includes an imaging member; an inkjet system for applying a base marking material to the imaging member to for a pattern according to digital image data; a dampening fluid metering system configured for applying dampening fluid to the imaging member after the applying base marking material; and an inking system configured for applying ink to the imaging member, the ink adhering to the base marking material pattern. Methods include jetting base marking material onto the imaging member according to image data, applying dampening fluid, inking the imaging member, and optionally pre-curing the resulting ink image, which enables 99% or greater transfer of the applied ink from the imaging member to a substrate. | 11-27-2014 |
20150022605 | System and Method for Transfixing an Aqueous Ink in an Image Transfer System - An image transfer medium for transferring an ink image onto a substrate is provided on its surface with a layer of particles that include an aggregation treatment agent capable of crashing out colorants, latex and/or resin in the liquid ink. A method for transferring an ink image includes providing an image transfer medium; applying a layer of particles to the image transfer medium, the particles including an aggregation treatment agent capable of crashing out colorants, latex and/or resin in liquid ink; applying liquid ink drops to the image transfer medium; initiating crashing of the colorant, latex and/or resin in the ink drops upon contact with the particles; and upon a sufficient amount of aggregation and drying, contacting a second substrate to the image transfer medium to transfer the ink from the transfer medium to the second substrate. | 01-22-2015 |
20150049153 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INK-BASED DIGITAL PRINTING USING IMAGE OFFSET CONFIGURATION - An ink-based digital printing system includes an imaging member having an imaging surface; a dampening fluid metering system, the dampening fluid metering system being configured to apply a layer of dampening fluid to the imaging surface; an inking system, the inking system being configured to apply radiation-curable ink to the imaging surface of the imaging member after the dampening fluid layer is patterned according to digital image data using a laser imaging system; and an offset member, the offset member forming a first ink transfer nip with the imaging member, the imaging member and the offset member being configured for transferring the ink image from the imaging surface to an offset member surface of the offset member. | 02-19-2015 |
20150056419 | System And Method For Lenticular Image Printing And Print Media - A method of forming a lenticle on a substrate includes operating a plurality of inkjets to eject a plurality of ink drops of an optically transparent ink onto a surface of a substrate between a first printed line of an optically opaque ink and a second printed line of the optically opaque ink to form a lenticle from the optically transparent ink, the first printed line being formed substantially parallel to the second printed line with a separation between the first printed line and the second printed line corresponding to a predetermined width of a lenticle to be formed on the substrate. | 02-26-2015 |
20150085036 | Coating for Aqueous Inkjet Transfer - A coating composition for an image transfer member in an aqueous ink imaging system is disclosed that comprises a hydrophilic composition and a surfactant. The hydrophilic composition can be a starch-based composition. | 03-26-2015 |
20150085037 | System and Method for Image Receiving Surface Treatment in an Indirect Inkjet Printer - An inkjet printer applies a layer of a hydrophilic composition, which includes a liquid carrier and an absorption agent, to an image receiving surface of an indirect image receiving member. A dryer in the printer removes a portion of the liquid carrier from the layer of hydrophilic composition to form a dried layer of an absorption agent on the image receiving surface and an aqueous ink image is formed on the dried layer. The aqueous ink image and at least a portion of the dried layer are transferred to a surface of a print medium as the aqueous ink image and print medium move through a transfix nip formed between the indirect image receiving member and a transfix member. | 03-26-2015 |
20150085038 | Coating for Aqueous Inkjet Transfer - A coating composition for an image transfer member in an aqueous ink imaging system is disclosed that comprises a hydrophilic composition and a surfactant. The hydrophilic composition can be a polyvinyl acetate-based composition. | 03-26-2015 |
20150085039 | Coating for Aqueous Inkjet Transfer - An image transfer member (ITM) is provided with a skin over its surface in which the skin incorporates a hygroscopic agent. The hygroscopic agent is operable to make the ITM skin very hydrophilic or to provide a high surface energy. One such hygroscopic agent is glycerol that may be applied to the surface of the ITM with a carrier, such as water. In an image transfer process, the carrier is completely or partially removed, such as by drying, leaving a thin skin of the hygroscopic agent. Ink drops applied in an image pattern onto the skin spread without puddling or draw-backs, producing an optimum wet image. | 03-26-2015 |