In one aspect an apparatus for use in an electrographic printer is described. The apparatus includes a housing having a base, a first wall, and a second wall, wherein the housing defines a cavity. The apparatus also includes a developer roller and an ink developer electrode for developing ink to the developer roller. The apparatus also includes an ink outlet, and a gutter for directing ink in the cavity towards the ink outlet, the gutter being disposed between the first wall and second wall, and between the developer roller and base. The gutter has a floor, a first side, and a second side, each extending along a length of the gutter. The floor slopes towards the ink outlet to direct ink towards the ink outlet, and the floor and sides of the gutter form a curve transverse to the length of the gutter to direct ink towards the floor.
Disclosed is a heat source for radiating heat onto an intermediate printing material transfer element of a printing apparatus. The heat source comprises a plurality of heat generating segments disposed along an axis, the plurality of heat generating segments including a first heat generating segment, a second heat generating segment and a third heat generating segment. The second heat generating segment is disposed between the first heat generating segment and the third heat generating segment. The second heat generating segment has a length shorter than a length of the first heat generating segment and shorter than a length of the third heat generating segment. Also disclosed is a printing system comprising the disclosed heat source. Also disclosed is a method of selecting a heat radiating pattern of a heat source.
An example cleaning station for a liquid electrophotographic printer is described. The cleaning station has a first cleaning member, a second cleaning member, and a biasing member. The cleaning station is configured to move between a first position and a second position with respect to a photo imaging member of the printer. In the first position, the first cleaning member is arranged to remove particles from the photo imaging member of the printer and the second cleaning member is arranged to apply a force to a layer of liquid applied to the photo imaging member. In the second position, the biasing member is configured to cause the second cleaning member to contact the first cleaning member to clean the second cleaning member.
In an example, an apparatus comprising an image processor is configured to perform edge detection on the image to detect a plurality of edges, automatically identify a path across the image based on the detected plurality of edges, divide the image into two adjacent sub-images based on the determined path, and generate first and second print data to cause the printing device to print the two adjacent sub-images.
An example cleaning station for a liquid electrophotographic printer is provided. The cleaning station has a sponge arranged to remove particles from a photo imaging plate of the printer, a fluid supply arranged to apply cleaning fluid to the sponge, a squeezing component arranged to squeeze the sponge in order to remove cleaning fluid and particles from the sponge, and a charging component arranged to electrically charge the squeezing component such that particles are attracted from the sponge to the squeezing component. The squeezing component is electrically isolated within the cleaning station.
In an example, a method includes determining, using a processor, a first halftone screen comprising a plurality of cells. Each of the cells may contain a predetermined pixel cluster pattern, and a centre position of a cluster pattern within a first cell may be different to a centre position of a cluster pattern within a second cell.
A liquid electrophotographic (LEP) printing device that includes a photo-imaging plate (PIP) to receive a liquid printing fluid, the liquid printing fluid including a pigment incorporated into a resin, a charge conductor, and a carrier liquid, and a transfer roller to transfer the liquid printing fluid from the PIP to a fabric substrate while wet.
In one aspect an apparatus (200) for use in an electrographic printer (100) is described. The apparatus includes a housing (210) defining a cavity (220), a developer roller (250), a developer electrode (240) for developing printing substance onto the developer roller, the electrode being arranged within the cavity, and a heater (260) for heating printing substance to be developed onto the developer roller, the heater being arranged in the cavity.
In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a liquid electrophotographic electrode ink composition comprising: a thermoplastic polymer comprising a copolymer of an olefin and acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid; an electroactive material comprising a lithium intercalation material; a charge adjuvant, and a liquid carrier.
An intermediate transfer member for digital offset printing is described, comprising a UV cured silicone release formulation. There is also described a method of producing an intermediate transfer member,and a UV curable release formulation for an intermediate transfer member.
G03G 15/16 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for transferring a pattern to a second base of a toner pattern, e.g. a powder pattern
A method is described in which an image is received, the image including a document and background area; a candidate location of a boundary between the document and the background area is found; and a validity of the candidate location of the boundary is checked, based on pixel values around the candidate location of a first channel of the image, and pixel values around the candidate location of at least one other channel of the image, wherein the at least one other channel is different from the first channel.
A method for processing an image is disclosed. The method may include obtaining a target image to be printed using print agent in a printable area of a substrate of a particular colour. The method may include obtaining a scanned image of a substrate on which the target image has been printed, the substrate being of the particular colour. The method may include determining, from the scanned image, the particular colour of the substrate. The method may include using the target image as a reference image against which the scanned image is to be compared. The method may include adjusting a colour in the reference image according to the determined particular colour of the substrate. An apparatus and a machine-readable medium are also disclosed.
In an example of a printing system, the amount of a printing fluid that is transferred from a developer unit onto an imaging plate is varied in order to alter the optical density of an area covered by the printing fluid.
In one example of the disclosure, a substantially transparent substrate is provided at a printer. A primer layer is applied upon a first surface of the substrate. A security ink layer that includes security information is applied upon the primer layer. An opaque background ink layer is applied upon the security ink layer. A corona treatment is applied to a second surface, located on an opposite side of the substrate relative to the first surface. A release ink layer is applied upon the corona- treated second surface. An opaque cover image ink layer is applied upon the release ink layer.
Herein is disclosed an intermediate transfer member for liquid electrophotographic printing. The intermediate transfer member comprises a silicone release layer bonded to a layer comprising a thermoplastic polyester polyurethane. A method of producing an intermediate transfer member is also described.
G03G 15/16 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for transferring a pattern to a second base of a toner pattern, e.g. a powder pattern
A print agent supply unit comprising: an inlet chamber to distribute print agent within the print agent supply unit; a valve to selectively permit print agent into the inlet chamber, the valve comprising: a print agent inlet opening; and a valve member to selectively close the print agent inlet opening, the valve member being tapered towards an upstream end of the valve member.
The present disclosure relates to a pre-treatment composition for sealing polymeric film, said composition comprising: 0.5 to 10 weight % of a halogenated carboxylic acid, a surfactant, and a liquid solvent.
C09J 5/02 - Adhesive processes in general; Adhesive processes not provided for elsewhere, e.g. relating to primers involving pretreatment of the surfaces to be joined
C08J 5/12 - Bonding of a preformed macromolecular material to the same or other solid material such as metal, glass, leather, e.g. using adhesives
B29C 65/00 - Joining of preformed parts; Apparatus therefor
A print agent application assembly includes a print agent transfer roller to receive print agent and transfer a portion of the print agent to a photoconductive surface. The assembly may also include a print agent regulator roller to regulate a film thickness of print agent on the print agent transfer roller. The assembly may also include a mechanism to generate an oscillating force to be applied to print agent on the print agent transfer roller. A method and a print apparatus are also disclosed.
In an example, a method includes collecting (102) print agent from a print agent reservoir to form a print agent layer on a first print agent transfer member (204). The print agent layer may be transferred (104) directly from the first print agent transfer member to a second print agent transfer member (206), where the print agent layer may be heated (106). The print agent layer may be applied (108) directly from the second print agent transfer member to a substrate.
G03G 15/10 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a liquid developer
G03G 15/16 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for transferring a pattern to a second base of a toner pattern, e.g. a powder pattern
In an example, a method includes rotating a print apparatus component to be cleaned about a first rotational axis. A cleaning element having a cleaning surface in contact with the print apparatus component may be driven such that the cleaning surface has a component of motion which is parallel to the first rotational axis in a contact region. A relative velocity of the cleaning element and the print apparatus component may be varied during a cleaning operation.
The present disclosure relates to an electrophotographic printer comprising a photoconductive cylinder, and a cleaning element comprising an absorbent foam substrate. The absorbent foam substrate has an abrasive material disposed on at least an outer surface of the absorbent foam substrate. At least part of the outer surface of the absorbent foam substrate is engageable with the photoconductive cylinder.
There is disclosed a selective wetting apparatus (2) comprising a roller (20) rotatable about a roller axis (24) and comprising a wettable roller surface (22); an applicator unit (10) having a lip (12) which extends parallel to the roller axis (24) and is radially spaced apart from the roller surface (22) by a gap (30), wherein the applicator unit (10) is to convey liquid agent (14) towards the roller (20) so that the liquid agent (14) forms a liquid bridge (32) over the gap (30) to wet a wettable axial portion of the roller surface (22); and a flow guide (50) to direct a gas flow (56) into a regulated axial portion of the gap (30) to locally prevent formation of a liquid bridge (32), and thereby prevent wetting of a corresponding axial portion of the roller surface (22).
B41F 31/04 - Ducts, containers, supply or metering devices with duct-blades or like metering devices
B05C 1/08 - Apparatus in which liquid or other fluent material is applied to the surface of the work by contact with a member carrying the liquid or other fluent material, e.g. a porous member loaded with a liquid to be applied as a coating for applying liquid or other fluent material to work of indefinite length using a roller
B41F 31/08 - Ducts, containers, supply or metering devices with ink-ejecting means, e.g. pumps, nozzles
B41F 31/18 - Inking arrangements or devices for inking selected parts of printing formes
B41F 31/28 - Spray apparatus, e.g. containing brushes
B41M 5/025 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein by transferring ink from the master sheet
B05D 3/04 - Pretreatment of surfaces to which liquids or other fluent materials are to be applied; After-treatment of applied coatings, e.g. intermediate treating of an applied coating preparatory to subsequent applications of liquids or other fluent materials by exposure to gases
23.
METHOD AND PRINTER SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING ADJUSTED OUTPUT SETTINGS
A method of printing comprises executing an output settings calibration procedure, the procedure comprising: depositing, by one or more printing elements, ink onto a first substrate according to respective output settings. The procedure further comprises measuring, by a sensor, an actual color value of the ink deposited onto the first substrate at each of a plurality of locations. The procedure further comprises determining a difference between the actual color value and a target color value for each of the plurality of locations and determining adjusted respective output settings for each of the plurality of locations based on the determined difference. The method further comprises depositing, by the one or more printing elements, ink onto a second substrate according to the adjusted respective output settings.
In one example of the disclosure, a first measurement of actual quantity of ink in a target cartridge is taken utilizing a scale. An incremental dosage quantity be deposited into the target cartridge in a dosing pass is determined based upon a desired quantity, the actual quantity, and an undershoot safety factor. A valve is opened to enable a pressure deposit of the incremental dosage quantity of ink to the target cartridge, and then closed. A residue cutter is utilized to scrape the valve and thereby make a scraper deposit of ink to the target cartridge. A second measurement of actual quantity of ink in the target cartridge is taken utilizing the scale. An additional dosage pass is performed if the second measurement is not within an accepted variance of the desired quantity. The making of dosing passes is discontinued if the second measurement is within the accepted variance.
In an example, a method includes rasterizing a seed image using a processor. A plurality of rasterized modified images may be generated from the rasterized seed image. Generating each rasterized modified image may include determining an image attribute modification and applying the determined image attribute modification to at least a portion of the rasterized seed image to generate the rasterized modified image.
In an example, a method includes determining an indication of pixel separation for an image region to be printed to a substrate. A power level of a laser light source to address a pixel on a region of a photoconductive surface corresponding to the image region may be adjusted based on the indication of pixel separation to compensate for print spot size variation associated with pixel separation.
G03G 15/04 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for exposing, i.e. imagewise exposure by optically projecting the original image on a photoconductive recording material
G03G 15/043 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for exposing, i.e. imagewise exposure by optically projecting the original image on a photoconductive recording material with means for controlling illumination or exposure
A method of balancing current in a developer roller is described. The method comprises pulsing voltage to a squeegee roller and a cleaner roller. The pulsed voltage yields a differential voltage at the developer roller after impression. The method also comprises pulsing compensating voltage to at least one of the squeegee roller or the cleaner roller to reduce or cancel an accumulated developer current imbalance of the developer roller. The compensating voltage pulses comprise pulses before or after the impression.
The present disclosure relates to a method for producing a conductive liquid electrophotographic ink composition. The method comprises: heating a polymer resin in a carrier liquid to dissolve the polymer resin; adding conductive metallic pigment particles to the carrier liquid; and cooling the carrier liquid to effect precipitation of the polymer resin from the carrier liquid, such that a coating comprising the resin is formed on the conductive metallic pigment particles; wherein: I) the polymer resin comprises (i) a copolymer of an alkylene monomer and a monomer selected from acrylic acid and methacrylic acid, and (ii) an ionomer of an alkylene monomer and a monomer selected from acrylic acid and methacrylic acid, wherein at least a portion of the acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid groups are neutralised with metal ions; and/or II) a charge adjuvant is included in the coating that is formed on the conductive metallic pigment particles.
A printing system comprises a print station and print medium transport system. The print medium transport system comprises a track and a transport apparatus engaged with the track. The track defines a transport path past the print station, the transport path has a print medium entry point and a print medium exit point. The transport apparatus comprises: a drive for moving the transport apparatus along the track; and a gripping system. The gripping system can be moved between a first position in which a sheet of print medium is gripped and a second position in which the sheet of print medium is released. In use, the gripping system is configured to be in the first position when the transport apparatus is in motion along the track from the print medium entry point to the print medium exit point.
B65H 5/08 - Feeding articles separated from piles; Feeding articles to machines by grippers, e.g. suction grippers
B65H 29/02 - Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles by mechanical grippers engaging the leading edge only of the articles
A process for preparing a printed rigid plastic substrate is described, the process comprising: providing a rigid plastic substrate comprising a primer on a surface of the rigid plastic substrate, the primer comprising a primer resin; printing a liquid electrophotographic ink composition comprising a thermoplastic resin onto the primer on the surface of the rigid plastic substrate; depositing a cross-linking composition comprising a cross-linker onto the printed electrophotographic ink composition disposed on the primer; and laminating the rigid plastic substrate with a flexible film such that the ink composition and the cross-linker are disposed between the rigid substrate and the flexible film and wherein the lamination of the rigid substrate with the flexible film causes cross-linking of the thermoplastic resin of the ink composition and of the primer resin.
An electrostatic ink composition comprising a carrier liquid; a first resin comprising a copolymer of an alkylene monomer and a methacrylic acid monomer; and a second resin comprising a copolymer of an alkylene monomer and an acrylic acid monomer, wherein the second resin constitutes at least 35 wt.% of the total amount of resin is disclosed.
C09D 11/03 - Printing inks characterised by features other than the chemical nature of the binder
C09D 11/106 - Printing inks based on artificial resins containing macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
In an example, a rotogravure printer roller is described. The printer roller (300) comprises a contact surface formed from a plurality of adjacent roller sections (302, 304). The roller sections are constructed and arranged to be removably assembled to form the roller.
Example aspects described herein relate to an apparatus for adjusting control parameters of a printing substance for a printing system. Such adjustments may occur in conjunction with a color calibration process of the printing system.
In one example, a wheel includes an annular body having a central axis; and multiple concentric grooves in the body surrounding the central axis. A first one of the grooves penetrates the body from a first side and a second one of the grooves penetrates the body from a second side opposite the first side.
G03G 15/02 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for laying down a uniform charge, e.g. for sensitising; Corona discharge devices
G03G 15/00 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
G03G 21/16 - Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements
In one example in accordance with the present disclosure, a fluid application device is described. The device includes an application roller to deposit a fluid containing metallic particles on a surface. A squeegee roller of the device forms a first nip with the roller and a cleaner roller forms a second nip with the application roller. A first resistive coating is disposed on a surface of the application roller.
Described herein is a liquid electrostatic ink developer assembly comprising a developer roller having a surface coating, the surface coating comprising a polyurethane resin formed from a polyol; a hydroxyl-terminated polysiloxane; and a polyisocyanate. Also, described herein is a liquid electrostatic printing apparatus comprising the liquid electrostatic ink developer assembly.
In one example of the disclosure,a first print engine is caused to print a first image in a first set of sectors of a substrate. A second print engine is caused to print a second image in a second set of sectors of the substrate. The second print engine is caused to print a cover-up image over an incidence of the first image printed by the first print engine. The second print engine is caused to print a calibration image upon the cover-up image.
A radio frequency identification (RFID) device programming apparatus includes a transport system (102) to transport media (104) in a transport direction (106), and an RFID device reader (112) to obtain first device identification data from a first RFID device (108) on the media and second device identification data from a second RFID device (110) on the media that is offset from the first RFID device in the transport direction. A first RFID device programmer (114) may program the first RFID device associated with the first device identification data, and a second RFID device programmer (116) may program the second RFID device associated with the second device identification data.
There is disclosed a vacuum table (400) comprising a vacuum plate (402) separating a first vacuum chamber (406) from a substrate zone (60) for receiving a substrate (50). The vacuum plate has a plurality of suction holes (404) for conveying a gas flow from the substrate zone (60) to the first vacuum chamber (406). There is an evacuation port (422) in communication with a second vacuum chamber (420) to evacuate gas from the substrate zone (60) when a substrate (50) is received over the suction holes (404) of the vacuum plate (402), and a vacuum port (424) for discharging gas received in the second vacuum chamber (420) to a vacuum source. The first vacuum chamber (406) and the second vacuum chamber (420) are in fluid communication via a valve (430) so that gas flows from the first vacuum chamber (406) to the vacuum port (424) via the second vacuum chamber (420). The valve (430) is controllable to vary a gas flow rate through the vacuum plate (402) and thereby vary a retaining force on a substrate (50) received thereon.
H01L 21/683 - Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components for supporting or gripping
B25B 11/00 - Work holders or positioners not covered by groups , e.g. magnetic work holders, vacuum work holders
40.
METHOD, APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR MATERIAL DISPLACEMENT BY A PULSED LASER BEAM
A method comprises : providing a first stream of discrete volumes (908b) of material, and directing a pulsed laser beam (912) at a first discrete volume (908b) of material in the first stream of discrete volumes of material so as to interact with the first discrete volume of material and thereby displace the first discrete volume away from the first stream. An apparatus and a system for achieving such steps are also disclosed.
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
B01J 2/02 - Processes or devices for granulating materials, in general; Rendering particulate materials free flowing in general, e.g. making them hydrophobic by dividing the liquid material into drops, e.g. by spraying, and solidifying the drops
B22F 3/105 - Sintering only by using electric current, laser radiation or plasma
B41J 2/435 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of radiation to a printing material or impression-transfer material
B23K 26/146 - Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring using a fluid stream, e.g. a jet of gas, in conjunction with the laser beam; Nozzles therefor the fluid stream containing a liquid
Certain examples described herein relate to an optical controller (140) for an exposure unit (115, 215) of a printer. In certain examples, memory (150) stores a plurality of data structures each comprising adjustment factors useable to adjust a plurality of optical elements (216) of the exposure unit. Different data structures correspond to different gray coverages in an image generated by the printer. In certain examples, a processor (160) determines gray levels for different image regions in input image data. In certain cases, the processor links the determined gray levels to corresponding data structures within the plurality of data structures to obtain adjustment factors for the different image regions. In certain cases, the processor adjusts the optical elements for each image region using the corresponding obtained adjustment factors to enable the generation of an exposed image using the exposure unit based on the input image data.
G03G 15/04 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for exposing, i.e. imagewise exposure by optically projecting the original image on a photoconductive recording material
G03G 15/10 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a liquid developer
G03G 15/043 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for exposing, i.e. imagewise exposure by optically projecting the original image on a photoconductive recording material with means for controlling illumination or exposure
G03G 15/00 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
In one example, a door apparatus is described, having a door leaf (102) part including a first door leaf portion (104a) and a second door leaf portion(104b), and having a pivot mechanism (106) defining a pivot axis connected to the first door leaf portion. The second door leaf portion is slidably movable with respect to the first door leaf portion between a first position, in which the door leaf part extends a first distance from the pivot axis, and a second position in which the door leaf part extends a second distance from the pivot axis, the first distance being larger than the second distance, and the pivot mechanism is to enable the door leaf part to pivot about the pivot axis when the second door leaf portion is in the second position.
Electrically conductive electrostatic ink compositions are disclosed. In an 5 example, an electrically conductive electrostatic ink composition can comprise: a liquid carrier; and particles dispersed in the liquid carrier. The particles dispersed in the liquid carrier can comprise: thermoplastic resin, and electrically conductive metal particles. The electrically conductive metal particles can comprise: a core comprising a first metal, and a shell comprising a second 10 metal. The shell can enclose the core at least partially. The first metal and the second metal may not be the same.
C09D 11/037 - Printing inks characterised by features other than the chemical nature of the binder characterised by the pigment
C09D 11/106 - Printing inks based on artificial resins containing macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
C09D 11/107 - Printing inks based on artificial resins containing macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds from unsaturated acids or derivatives thereof
Aspects presented herein are directed towards a carrier evaporator for a Liquid Electrophotography Printing (LEP) system. In an example, the carrier evaporator provides a hot air supply to absorb an evaporated carrier liquid resulting in first air flow comprising a carrier vapour, an evacuator to evacuate at least a portion of the carrier vapour, a heat exchanger to decrease a temperature of the remaining carrier vapour thereby transforming the first air flow to a second airflow comprising carrier particles, and a filter to remove the carrier particles from the second air flow.
Method and apparatus for printing on a printing substrate which is a web which is elongate in a longitudinal direction, wherein frames of a maximum printing format can be printed in a sequence on the web. The printing includes arranging a number of pages on sheets of a given sheet format, wherein the maximum printing format is larger in the longitudinal direction of the web than the sheet format, wherein pages which are adjacent in the longitudinal direction of the web are separate from each in the longitudinal direction of the web, imposing pages of more than one sheet into printing frames which are larger in the longitudinal direction of the web than the sheet format but not larger than the maximum printing format, printing the frames, and grouping the pages from the printed frames to sheets on which the pages are arranged as originally.
According to examples, a method comprises receiving, at a processor, print job data relating to a print job to be performed by a print apparatus, the print job data defining order in which a plurality of colour separation images are to be transferred onto an imaging surface of the print apparatus. The method may comprise determining, based on the print job data, a number of null segments to be inserted into the print job and a location at which each null segment is to be inserted amongst the plurality of colour separation images. A print apparatus and a machine-readable machine are also disclosed.
A duplex printing system and method of configuring the same are described. In examples, an image, such as a test pattern, on one side of a print substrate is printed to be out of phase with an image, such as a test pattern, on the other side of the print substrate. This is achieved by adjusting a configuration of a print buffer that is located between first and second print engines of the duplex printing system. In particular examples, a length of a web within the print buffer is controlled such that the images are out of phase.
G03G 15/00 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
G03G 15/23 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern involving the combination of more than one step according to groups specially adapted for copying both sides of an original or for copying on both sides of a recording or image-receiving material
In an example, a method for controlling termination of a print procedure subsequent to a node reset within print apparatus including a plurality of nodes includes identifying the node at which the reset occurred, and controlling operation within the print apparatus by way of a selected node. The selected node is different from the identified node and selected responsive to the identification of the identified node for operation of a component of the print apparatus as part of a termination procedure.
In an example, a method includes providing a print agent comprising chargeable particles in a carrier fluid to a print agent concentration apparatus (600). The print agent may be passed between a conveyor (604) and an electrode (602), and a potential applied to cause the chargeable particles to be attracted to the conveyor and to form a concentrated layer of particles on the conveyor. A proportion of the carrier fluid may be separated from the concentrated layer of particles and a thickness of a remaining layer on the conveyor may be measured. It may be determined if the measured thickness of the layer meets predetermined criteria and, if not, an operational parameter of the print agent concentration apparatus may be adjusted.
In one example,a flow structure for an ink supply in a liquid electrophotographic developer unit includes an elongated basin having a volume that shrinks progressively from an upstream part of the basin to a downstream part of the basin such that a rate of shrinkage increases towards the downstream part.
A roller charging device may include a Y-shaped electrically conductive brush and a screw terminal coupling the Y-shaped electrically conductive brush to a housing of the roller charging device and electrically coupling the Y-shaped electrically conductive brush to a power source. A printing fluid developer may include a plurality of rollers and a plurality of Y-shaped brushes to each contact one of the plurality of rollers wherein each of the Y-shaped brushes provides an electrical charge to each of the plurality of rollers.
G03G 15/10 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a liquid developer
G03G 13/045 - Charging or discharging distinct portions of the charge pattern on the recording material, e.g. discharging non-image areas, contrast enhancement
In one aspect an apparatus (200) for use in an electrographic printer includes a tray (260) defining a cavity (262), the tray having an internal surface, and an ink developer electrode (250) disposed in the cavity for developing an ink. There is a first layer (264) disposed on the internal surface, the first layer comprising a dielectric material, and a second layer (266) disposed on the first layer, the second layer adhering to the first layer and being resistant to the adhesion of ink. In another aspect manufacturing such apparatus comprises applying respective polymer precursor compositions to form the two layers and crosslinking the second polymer composition.
Herein is described a method of providing a printed label. The method comprises: providing a printed label substrate having disposed thereon an electrostatically printed ink; applying a UV curable overcoat composition to the printed ink, wherein the UV curable overcoat composition comprises (i)a component selected from UV curable monomers and UV curable oligomers, and (ii)a slip agent; curing the overcoat composition under UV irradiation with an output power of 2500 W or less. Printed labels and an ink and overcoat composition set are also described herein.
C09D 11/101 - Inks specially adapted for printing processes involving curing by wave energy or particle radiation, e.g. with UV-curing following the printing
A monitoring device includes circuitry to compare a printed output with a reference representing a target output and to determine potential defects in the printed output based on the comparison. The monitoring device further includes and circuitry to implement a convolutional neural network to classify each potential defect as a true defect or a false alarm.
The present disclosure provides a method and system for delivering a high- viscosity fluid 300. In an example, a reciprocating a piston pumps a high-viscosity fluid 300 through a one-way check valve 130 into a pump chamber 125. Responsive to receipt of a request for a dose of the high-viscosity fluid 300, an output valve 135 in the pump chamber 125 is opened, and the piston is reciprocated in order to eject a dose of the high-viscosity fluid 300 from the pump chamber 125 through the output valve 135.
F04B 13/00 - Pumps specially modified to deliver fixed or variable measured quantities
F04B 15/02 - Pumps adapted to handle specific fluids, e.g. by selection of specific materials for pumps or pump parts the fluids being viscous or non-homogeneous
F04B 49/22 - Control of, or safety measures for, machines, pumps, or pumping installations, not otherwise provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups by means of valves
F04B 53/12 - Valves; Arrangement of valves arranged in or on pistons
In one example, an apparatus for selectively removing primer in a printing system is described, having a chamber for supply of a pressurised fluid, a plurality of valves fluidically coupled to the chamber and individually pivotable about a common elongate member that extends along a length of the apparatus, and a set of actuators to pivot the plurality of valves about the elongate member to selectively supply pressurised fluid from the chamber along the length of the apparatus.
B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
B41M 5/00 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
B05C 1/08 - Apparatus in which liquid or other fluent material is applied to the surface of the work by contact with a member carrying the liquid or other fluent material, e.g. a porous member loaded with a liquid to be applied as a coating for applying liquid or other fluent material to work of indefinite length using a roller
Herein is described a method of providing a printed label. The method comprises: providing a printed label substrate having disposed thereon an electrostatically printed ink; applying a radiation curable overcoat composition to the printed ink, wherein the radiation curable overcoat composition comprises: radiation curable monomers and/or oligomers; a photoinitiator; and an organosilane having at least one hydrolysable group. Printed labels and an ink and overcoat set are also described herein.
C09D 11/101 - Inks specially adapted for printing processes involving curing by wave energy or particle radiation, e.g. with UV-curing following the printing
In an example, at least one production sheet is printed onto a first substrate by transferring an ink image onto an intermediate transfer member and then applying the ink image from the intermediate transfer member onto the first substrate. A cleaner sheet is printed, at predetermined intervals, onto a second substrate by transferring a patch of ink onto the intermediate transfer member and then applying the ink patch from the intermediate transfer member onto the second substrate. The applied ink patch in the cleaner sheet has a thickness lower than that of the applied ink image on the production sheet.
In one example, a sheet media alignment system includes: a guide (12) defining a curved media path (14) that extends from an upstream part of the guide to a downstream part of the guide; a movable blocker (16, 56) to block the curved media path (14) at the downstream part of the guide, the blocker movable into and out of a blocking position in which the blocker is spaced from the downstream part of the guide a first distance; and a driver (24, 58) upstream from the curved media path to drive a media sheet into the guide along the curved media path and into the blocker. The driver is spaced from the upstream part of the guide a second distance greater than the first distance such that a media sheet driven into the blocker will buckle between the driver and the guide before it will buckle between the guide and the blocker.
The present disclosure relates to an intermediate transfer member for use in electrophotographic printing. The intermediate transfer member comprises a release layer comprising fluoropolymer particles dispersed in a silicone polymer matrix.
G03G 15/16 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for transferring a pattern to a second base of a toner pattern, e.g. a powder pattern
G03G 15/10 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a liquid developer
In an example, an apparatus includes a marking assembly to print a mark on a web, a printing assembly to apply an image to the web, and a controller to detect the mark and to control a web transport parameter based on the detection of the mark.
A print agent transfer assembly (200) comprising a print agent transfer member ((202) to receive a first layer and second layer of print agent, and an energy source (208) to provide energy at a first predetermined intensity level to the first layer and to provide energy at a second, different, predetermined intensity level to the second layer.
According to some examples, a method comprises successively transferring a series of images from an imaging surface to an intermediate transfer member, ITM, then from the ITM to positions on a web substrate. The method may comprise intermittently adjusting a position at which particular images are transferred to the ITM by a first defined distance laterally across the ITM and by a second defined distance longitudinally with respect to the ITM. The method may comprise adjusting a position at which the particular images are transferred to the web substrate by approximately the first defined distance laterally relative to the ITM and by approximately the second defined distance longitudinally relative to the ITM. The method may comprise, after a first defined number of intermittent position adjustments, changing a direction in which the position is adjusted. A print apparatus and a machine-readable medium are also disclosed.
A print agent application assembly cleaning tool is disclosed. The print agent application assembly cleaning tool may include a handle and a flexible blade. The flexible blade may be inserted into a gap between a pair of electrodes of a print agent application assembly. The blade may protrude from a distal end of the handle in a lengthwise direction. The blade may have a width that varies to define a curved profile. The width may reduce and subsequently increase along a length of the blade so as to define a recess in an edge of the blade.
An example printing system for printing liquid ink has a developer device to transfer ink to an image plate of the printing system. The developer device has an ink inlet to receive ink from an ink reservoir of the printing system; a developer roller to transfer ink to the image plate, a motor to rotate the developer roller, and an ink sensor to detect arrival of ink at the developer device. The printing system is configured to start the motor in response to the ink sensor detecting arrival of ink at the developer device.
A liquid electro-photographic, LEP, printing system, comprising a photo imaging plate, PIP, an intermediate transfer member, ITM, and a control unit. The control unit causes the system to initiate a maintenance program, wherein the maintenance program comprises driving the PIP and the ITM while disabling particle transfer to the PIP and applying a voltage difference between the PIP and surface portions of the ITM.
G03G 15/10 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a liquid developer
G03G 15/16 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for transferring a pattern to a second base of a toner pattern, e.g. a powder pattern
G03G 21/00 - Arrangements not provided for by groups , e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge
There is provided a process for heat transfer printing, comprising: electrostatically printing a transparent release composition onto a transfer material (1) to form a release layer (2) disposed on the transfer material; (1) electrostatically printing an electrostatic ink composition to form an image layer (3) disposed on the release layer (2); applying a heat-activatable adhesive composition to the image layer to form a heat-activatable adhesive layer (4); contacting the heat-activatable adhesive layer (4) with a target substrate (5) under conditions such that the heat-activatable adhesive layer (4) is activated to adhere to the target substrate and the release layer (2) is softened; and separating the target substrate (5) and the transfer material (1) such that the heat-activatable layer (4), image layer (3) and release layer (2) are transferred to the target substrate.
An example method of collecting liquid carrier from a vapour in a printing system includes: heating a vapour carrying a liquid carrier and passing the heated vapour carrying liquid carrier through a volume of liquid carrier. Liquid carrier carried in the heated vapour condenses into the volume of liquid carrier as it passes through the volume of liquid carrier.
An electrostatic ink composition is disclosed. The electrostatic ink composition can comprise: a liquid carrier; and particles dispersed in the liquid carrier, wherein the particles comprise a thermoplastic resin, and a metal or metal alloy pigment having a melting of point of less than about 200° C. The metal or metal alloy pigment can have a diameter of from about 0.01 µm to about 50 µm.
In an example, charged particles suspended in a non-conductive fluid are fed to a transfer device. A width of a charged particles layer of uniform density on a surface of the transfer device is controlled. Charged particles are transferred from the charged particles layer to a photo imaging plate of a liquid electro-photographic printing system.
G03G 15/10 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a liquid developer
G03G 15/32 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern involving the combination of more than one step according to groups in which the charge pattern is formed dotwise
In one example of the disclosure, a set of scanned images is accessed. The scanned images are scans of distinct printouts of subject images produced utilizing an intermediate transfer member. A set of defect maps is created by comparing the scanned images to reference data for the subject images. The set of defect maps are combined into an integrated defect map. A dent defect on the ITM is identified utilizing the integrated defect map.
G03G 15/00 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
G03G 15/10 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a liquid developer
G03G 15/16 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for transferring a pattern to a second base of a toner pattern, e.g. a powder pattern
Herein is described a liquid electrophotographic adhesive composition comprising a thermoplastic resin, a moisture activatable adhesive, and a liquid carrier.
In one example of the disclosure, a set of scanned images is accessed. The scanned images are scans of distinct printouts of subject images produced utilizing a photo imaging plate. A set of defect maps is created by comparing the scanned images to reference data for the subject images. The set of defect maps are combined into an integrated defect map. A scratch defect on the PIP is identified utilizing the integrated defect map.
A binary printing fluid developer assembly may include a developer roller to receive a printing fluid and transfer a portion of the printing fluid to a photoconductive member; a number of electrodes to create an electrical potential bias between the number of electrodes and the developer roller; a cleaner roller to remove an amount of printing fluid from the developer roller; and a sponge roller to clean the cleaner roller wherein a gap is maintained between the sponge roller and the number of electrodes.
A printing fluid developer that includes a developer roller; a cleaner roller forming a nip with the developer roller and held by a number of bearings at each end that are free to move within a slot towards and away from the developer roller; and at least one spring biased to force the bearings towards one side of the slot.
An example stand for the support of a Binary Ink Development unit has first and second spaced supports upstanding from a base portion to securely receive a Binary Ink Development unit and also to securely receive a component of a Binary Ink Development unit.
The present disclosure discloses a liquid electrophotographic ink. The ink can include (A) a liquid vehicle; (B) at least one colorant; (C) a resin comprising an ethylene acid copolymer; (D) an ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid C1-10 alkyl ester copolymer selected from the group consisting of an ethylene/methyl acrylate copolymer and an ethylene/butyl acrylate copolymer; and (E) a condensation product of urea and aldehyde.
C09D 11/033 - Printing inks characterised by features other than the chemical nature of the binder characterised by the solvent
C09D 11/103 - Printing inks based on artificial resins containing macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions other than those only involving unsaturated carbon-to-carbon bonds of aldehydes, e.g. phenol-formaldehyde resins
C09D 11/106 - Printing inks based on artificial resins containing macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
C09D 11/107 - Printing inks based on artificial resins containing macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds from unsaturated acids or derivatives thereof
In one example of the disclosure, a first transfer of ink is made from a photoconductor to a blanket in contact with the photoconductor. The blanket is to cycle along a path. The first transfer occurs at a first arc of the blanket path. A second transfer of the ink is made from the blanket to a media in contact with the blanket. The second transfer occurs at a second arc of the blanket path. A heat source located adjacent to a third arc of the blanket path is utilized to heat an external surface of the blanket. The heating is to occur following the second transfer of the ink.
G03G 15/11 - Removing excess liquid developer e.g. by heat
G03G 15/16 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for transferring a pattern to a second base of a toner pattern, e.g. a powder pattern
A print agent application assembly is disclosed. The print agent application assembly may include a first roller to remove print agent from a surface of a print agent transfer roller. The print agent application assembly may include a second roller having an absorbent element to engage the first roller as the second roller rotates relative to the first roller, the absorbent element to absorb print agent from the first roller. The print agent application assembly may include a wiper assembly. The wiper assembly may include a wiper element to scrape print agent from the surface of the first roller as the first roller rotates, and an engagement element to engage with and compress a portion of the absorbent element of the second roller as the second roller rotates relative to the wiper assembly. A method and a roller cleaning assembly are also disclosed.
B41J 2/435 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of radiation to a printing material or impression-transfer material
In an example, a print agent application assembly includes a print agent transfer roller to receive print agent and transfer a portion of the print agent to a photoconductive surface and a print agent regulator roller to regulate a film thickness of print agent on the print agent transfer roller. The print agent regulator roller may include a nip forming region and a first mounting region. The print agent application assembly may further include a first resilient component which spans a diametrical width of the print agent regulator roller and acts on the print agent regulator roller outside the nip forming region to impart a lateral force to the first mounting region, the lateral force urging the print agent regulator roller towards the print agent transfer roller.
B41J 2/41 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective supply of electric current or selective application of magnetism to a printing or impression-transfer material for electrostatic printing
In an example, a condenser apparatus to condense vapored fluid has a gas inlet, a mesh, a cooling element, and a gas outlet. The mesh is configured to carry a layer of condensed fluid. The cooling element is configured to cool the layer of condensed fluid. The mesh is configured to let pass through vapored fluid and to create bubbles including vapored fluid in the layer of condensed fluid.
B01D 5/00 - Condensation of vapours; Recovering volatile solvents by condensation
B41J 2/00 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
B01D 53/14 - Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases or aerosols by absorption
In an example, a liquid dispenser is for dispensing liquid into a liquid reservoir with reduced foam formation. The liquid dispenser has a baffle element, guiding element and a discharge element. The baffle element is to receive liquid, the guiding element is to guide liquid from the baffle element to the discharge element, and the discharge element is to discharge liquid into the liquid reservoir. The baffle element, the guiding element and the discharge element are arranged in cascade to flow liquid from the baffle element to the discharge element.
A method and apparatus for generating print data are described herein. An apparatus comprising an image processor (110) is configured to select a region of an image spanning an intersection between at least two adjacent sub-images that partition the image. The spanning region is divided based on a non-linear path that is determined on the basis of a user input, resulting in at least two modified adjacent sub-images. Print data operable to cause a printing device (150) to print the respective modified adjacent sub-images are generated on the basis of the dividing.
In an example, a first wiper blade is to contact the photoconductive surface and to wipe at least some of particles and fluid from the photoconductive surface and wherein a second wiper blade is to contact the photoconductive surface and to wipe at least some of the particles and fluid that have passed the first wiper blade, from the photoconductive surface. The first wiper blade includes at least one perforation forming a passage through the wiper blade to transmit part of the particles and fluid during wiping.
In an example, a method includes applying a liquid print agent comprising a carrier fluid to a photoconductive surface and reducing a proportion of the carrier fluid in the liquid print agent on the photoconductive surface at a first location during a print cycle of a print apparatus. The method may further include, during a non-print cycle of the print apparatus, adding carrier fluid to the photoconductive surface at the first location.
Certain examples described herein relate to splice detection. In certain cases, a splice is detected in a web being conveyed towards a transfer member of the printing system. In certain cases, a print frame is identified from a sequence of pending print frames using successive repeat lengths of the sequence and a distance of the splice from the transfer member. The identified print frame is to be transferred from the transfer member across the splice. In certain cases, writing of the identified print frame onto a photo-imaging plate of the printing system is deferred. In certain examples, the web is disengaged from the transfer member following transfer of an image of a print frame preceding the identified print frame. The web is re-engaged with the transfer member so as to transfer an image of the identified print frame to the web from the transfer member after the splice is conveyed beyond the transfer member.
In an aspect, there is provided a method of foil printing that may comprise providing a substrate, the substrate having a first area and a second area, wherein the first area has printed thereon a first electrostatic ink composition comprising a thermoplastic resin; applying a liquid solvent composition to the first electrostatic ink composition on the first area, to swell the thermoplastic resin and not applying the liquid solvent composition to the second area; and contacting a foiling material with the first area of the surface, such that the foiling material selectively adheres to the first area. In another aspect, an electrostatic and foil printing system for performing the method is provided.
In an example, a method of operating a liquid electrophotographic printer is described. The method involves applying limits to a printer control signal. In particular, the printer control signal is digitally processed to reduce signal values to within the obtained limits, wherein neighboring values are modified to maintain the total energy of the printer control signal. The liquid electrophotographic printer is controlled using the processed printer control signal.
In an example, a method includes determining, using a processor, a set of halftone screens each comprising tiles spanning a plurality of cells, wherein at least one screen is a non-orthogonal screen and the cells comprise parallelograms being defined by a first vector having a first length and second vector having a second length. A first and a second fundamental frequency may be determined for each of the screens using a projection of the first and of the second vector into each axis of a print apparatus reference frame, the first length and the second length. Using the first and second fundamental frequencies, it may be determined which screens are associated with moiré effects below a threshold.
In an aspect, there is provided a method of foil printing that may comprise providing a substrate having a surface comprising a first area and a second area, wherein the first area has printed thereon a first electrostatic ink composition comprising a first thermoplastic resin and substantially lacking a pigment and the second area has printed thereon a second electrostatic ink composition comprising a second thermoplastic resin and a pigment; applying a liquid solvent composition to the first electrostatic ink composition on the first area and the second electrostatic ink composition on the second area, to swell the first and second thermoplastic resins; and contacting a foiling material with the first electrostatic ink composition on the first area, such that the foiling material selectively adheres to the first area on the surface of the substrate. In another aspect, an electrostatic and foil printing system for performing the method is provided.
A method of controlling a laser unit in order to negate heat build-up caused by a laser modulation current, and eliminating artifacts caused by image related thermal effects. Upon receipt of an activation signal, an activation current is applied which causes lasing of the laser unit. Upon receipt of a deactivation signal, the method ceases lasing by selectively applying either an idle current below the activation current, or a cooling current below the idle current.
In one example, a seal for a developer roller in a liquid electrophotographic printer includes an arcuate body curved along a body arc. The body has an inboard face that defines an annular sealing surface along the body arc to contact a face on one end of the developer roller and a guide surface across the body arc at a first end of the annular sealing surface. The guide surface is oriented along a chord of the body arc and intersects the body arc at an obtuse interior angle, to guide any ink encountering the guide surface outward toward the circular outer surface of the developer roller.
In one example, a sealing system for a developer roller in a liquid electrophotographic printer includes a pair of arcuate seals each with an annular sealing surface to seal one end of the developer roller; a pair of washers each having a low friction surface to contact one of the sealing surfaces; and a pair of retainers each to hold one of the washers flat against the end of the roller.
Described herein is a method for priming a polymeric print substrate for subsequently receiving a liquid electrophotographic (LEP) ink in which a surface of a polymeric print substrate is coated with a first primer using an analogue printing technique and a second primer is digitally printed to the surface of the polymeric print substrate coated with the first primer.
In an example, a method includes charging a photoconductive surface in a print apparatus and monitoring an electrical parameter associated with a proximity of a print apparatus component to the photoconductive surface.A relative spacing between the print apparatus component and the photoconductive surface may be changed and a contact between the print apparatus component and the photoconductive surface may be detected when the electrical parameter meets predetermined criteria.
In an example, a printing device comprises a component to engage with a surface, a first load sensor, a second load sensor and a controller. The component has a first part which is drivable to engage and disengage with the surface by a first engagement device and a second part which is drivable to engage and disengage with the surface by a second engagement device. The first load sensor is to measure a load on the first engagement device. The second load sensor is to measure a load on the second engagement device. The controller is to receive first load information from the first load sensor and second load information from the second load sensor; and determine whether or not to alter an operational parameter of the printing device, based on the received first load information and the received second load information.
In an example, a method includes determining, by a processor, a cumulative indication of defects present in linear sub-portions located in a common position of each of a plurality of substrate sheets bearing a printed image. The method may further comprise identifying, by the processor, a linear defect based on the cumulative indication of defects.
In an example, a method includes determining, by a processor, at least one separation distance between defects in a scanned image of a printed substrate sheet bearing a printed image, wherein the separation distance determined in a predetermined direction. The method may further comprise determining, by the processor, if the defects have a characteristic separation distance.
In one example, a developer roller for liquid electrophotographic printing includes a cylindrical metal inner core, a rigid conductive plastic outer core surrounding the inner core, and a compliant exterior surrounding the outer core.
In an example, a method includes identifying a contact area of a substrate within which an apparatus will make contact with the substrate and defining a boundary area of the substrate between the contact area and a remaining area of the substrate. Print agent may be printed on the substrate, wherein the print agent is printed at a first coverage in the remaining area, a second coverage less than the first coverage in the contact area; and a gradually reducing coverage across the boundary area from the first to the second coverage.
patents
