Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090154968 | Ultra-Heated/Slightly Heated Steam Zones For Optimal Control Of Water Content In Steam Fuser - A dual-zone steam fuser for a xerographic system includes a ultra-heated first zone maintained at 200-500° C. that quickly heats a paper substrate to an optimal toner fusing temperature (e.g., 120-150° C.), and a second, relatively cool second zone for maintaining the substrate at the optimal temperature during completion of the fusing process. A conveying system conveys the substrate so that it exits the first zone and enters the second zone immediately after the substrate temperature reaches the optimal toner fusing temperature, and is maintained in the second zone for a predetermined fusing operation time period. The gas (e.g., steam) temperatures and timing are selected such that surface condensation is minimized during initial heating, and such that moisture content is normalized at the end of the fusing process. | 06-18-2009 |
20090154969 | Pressure-Controlled Steam Oven For Asymptotic Temperature Control Of Continuous Feed Media - A non-atmospheric pressure vapor oven system that utilizes a controllable pressure zone to facilitate fast phase change heat transfer at any desired temperature to heat or cool flat substrates, and to level temperatures across different locations of the substrates. The system enables the use of a heat transfer fluid, such as water, without being limited to a particular temperature, such as the fluid's natural boiling point at atmospheric pressure. The system includes a vapor oven (hermetic enclosure) defining a pressure chamber having sealed entry and exit ports for transferring an object (e.g., a sheet of paper) with added material (e.g., toner) through the pressure chamber, and a pressure regulation apparatus for setting the saturation temperature (boiling point) of heat transfer fluid inside the vapor oven to an optimal heating/cooling temperature by selectively controlling the pressure inside the hermetic enclosure. | 06-18-2009 |
20090159822 | NOVEL ELECTROSTATICALLY ADDRESSABLE MICROVALVES - An improved microvalve is described. The microvalve includes a corresponding actuation aperture in an actuation aperture layer. A control fluid flows through the actuation aperture. The flow of the control fluid is controlled by an electric field typically applied via a charge distribution near an actuation aperture layer. In one embodiment, the electric field may adjust the opening and closing of the actuation aperture thereby controlling the flow of the control fluid. In a second embodiment, the control fluid is an electrorheological fluid where the electric field controls the viscosity of the ER fluid thereby controlling fluid flow through the actuation aperture. In both embodiments the flow of the control fluid controls stretching of a flexible membrane formed along the wall of a conduit through which a fluid to be controlled flows. The stretching of the flexible membrane controlling the flow of the main fluid to be controlled. | 06-25-2009 |
20090195572 | System And Method For Leveling Applied Ink In A Printer - A system enables ink on an image receiving member to be re-distributed to reduce banding effects in the image. The system includes an ink applicator for applying ink to form an ink image on an image receiving member as it passes by the ink applicator; a plenum chamber for receiving a flow of pressurized fluid from a fluid source, and at least one opening in the plenum chamber to direct the flow of pressurized fluid from the plenum towards the ink image on the image receiving member to re-distribute the ink on the image receiving member. | 08-06-2009 |
20100059122 | Controlling Fluid Through an Array Of Fluid Flow Paths - A method of controlling fluid through a layer of a soft compressible (e.g., gel) material including an array of fluid flow paths. The fluid flow paths are normally open, allowing fluid flow. An electric field is applied in regions where fluid flow is undesirable. The electric field compresses the material closing the flow path thereby preventing further fluid flow. | 03-11-2010 |
20100252117 | Novel Electrostatically Addressable Microvalves - A method of controlling a main fluid in a conduit using a microvalve is described. The microvalve includes a corresponding actuation aperture in an actuation aperture layer. A control fluid flows through the actuation aperture in response to an electric field applied via a charge distribution near an actuation aperture layer. In one embodiment, the electric field may adjust the opening and closing of the actuation aperture thereby controlling the flow of the control fluid. In a second embodiment, the control fluid is an electrorheological fluid where the electric field controls the viscosity of the ER fluid, thereby controlling fluid flow through the actuation aperture. In both embodiments the flow of the control fluid controls stretching of a flexible membrane into and out of the conduit, thereby controlling the flow of the main fluid by opening or closing the conduit. | 10-07-2010 |
20120103212 | Variable Data Lithography System - A variable data lithography system includes an improved imaging member, a dampening solution subsystem, a patterning subsystem, an inking subsystem, and an image transfer subsystem. The imaging member comprises a reimageable surface layer comprising a polymer, the reimageable surface having a surface roughness Ra in the range of 0.10-4.0 μm peak-to-valley, and peak-to-valley nearest neighbor average distances finer than 20 μm. A structural mounting layer may be provided to which the reimageable surface layer is attached, either directly or with intermediate layers therebetween. The relatively rough surface facilitates retention of dampening solution and improves inking uniformity and transfer. The reimageable surface layer may be comprised of polydimethylsiloxane (silicone), and may optionally have particulate radiation sensitive material disbursed therein to promote absorption, and hence heating, from an optical source. | 05-03-2012 |
20120103214 | Heated Inking Roller for a Variable Data Lithography System - An inking subsystem for a variable data digital lithography system comprises a first ink roller disposed to receive ink on a surface thereof, the ink being provided from an ink reservoir such that it may be provided by the first ink roller to a reimageable surface of said variable data digital lithography system, and a heating apparatus disposed proximate the first ink roller to provide heating of the first ink roller preferentially at the point of application of the ink by the first ink roller to the reimageable surface. Various methods and apparatus for heating the first ink roller are disclosed. | 05-03-2012 |
20120103217 | Cleaning Subsystem for a Variable Data Lithography System - An cleaning subsystem for a variable data lithography system includes a first cleaning member having a conformable adhesive surface disposed for physical contact with an imaging member such that residual ink remaining on the imaging member, such as following transfer of an inked latent image from the imaging member to a substrate, adheres to the conformable adhesive surface and is thereby removed from the imaging member. The cleaning subsystem may further include a second cleaning member, in physical contact with the first cleaning member, having a relatively hard, smooth surface such that residual ink removed from the imaging member and adhering to the adhesive surface of the first cleaning member may split onto the second cleaning member. | 05-03-2012 |
20120285550 | Novel Electrostatically Addressable Microvalves - A method of controlling a main fluid in a conduit using a microvalve is described. The microvalve includes a corresponding actuation aperture in an actuation aperture layer. A control fluid flows through the actuation aperture in response to an electric field applied via a charge distribution near an actuation aperture layer. In one embodiment, the electric field may adjust the opening and closing of the actuation aperture thereby controlling the flow of the control fluid. In a second embodiment, the control fluid is an electrorheological fluid where the electric field controls the viscosity of the ER fluid, thereby controlling fluid flow through the actuation aperture. In both embodiments the flow of the control fluid controls stretching of a flexible membrane into and out of the conduit, thereby controlling the flow of the main fluid by opening or closing the conduit. | 11-15-2012 |
20130032050 | Environmental Control Subsystem for a Variable Data Lithographic Apparatus - Methods and structures are disclosed to minimize the presence of vapor clouding in the path between an energy (e.g., radiation) source and the dampening fluid layer in a variable data lithography system. Also disclosed are conditions for optimizing vaporization of regions of the dampening fluid layer for a given laser source power. Conditions are also disclosed for minimizing re-condensation of vaporized dampening fluid onto the patterned dampening fluid layer. Accordingly, a reduction in the power required for, and an increase in the reproducibility of, patterning of a dampening fluid layer over a reimageable surface in a variable data lithography system are disclosed. | 02-07-2013 |
20130033686 | Direct Application of Dampening Fluid for a Variable Data Lithographic Apparatus - A system and corresponding methods are disclosed for applying a dampening fluid to a reimageable surface of an imaging member in a variable data lithography system, without a form roller. In one embodiment, the system includes subsystems for converting a dampening fluid from a liquid phase to a dispersed fluid phase, and for directing flow of a dispersed fluid comprising the dampening fluid in dispersed fluid phase to the reimageable surface. The dampening fluid reverts to the liquid phase directly on the reimageable surface. In another embodiment a continuous ribbon of dampening fluid may be applied directly to the reimageable surface. This embodiment includes a body structure having a port for delivering dampening fluid in a continuous fluid ribbon directly to the reimageable surface, and a mechanism, associated with the body structure, for stripping an entrained air layer over the reimageable surface when the reimageable surface is in motion. | 02-07-2013 |
20130033687 | Method for Direct Application of Dampening Fluid for a Variable Data Lithographic Apparatus - A system and corresponding methods are disclosed for applying a dampening fluid to a reimageable surface of an imaging member in a variable data lithography system, without a form roller. In one embodiment, the system includes subsystems for converting a dampening fluid from a liquid phase to a dispersed fluid phase, and for directing flow of a dispersed fluid comprising the dampening fluid in dispersed fluid phase to the reimageable surface. The dampening fluid reverts to the liquid phase directly on the reimageable surface. In another embodiment a continuous ribbon of dampening fluid may be applied directly to the reimageable surface. This embodiment includes a body structure having a port for delivering dampening fluid in a continuous fluid ribbon directly to the reimageable surface, and a mechanism, associated with the body structure, for stripping an entrained air layer over the reimageable surface when the reimageable surface is in motion. | 02-07-2013 |
20130087167 | TUNABLE SURFACTANTS IN DAMPENING FLUIDS FOR DIGITAL OFFSET INK PRINTING APPLICATIONS - A dampening fluid useful in offset ink printing applications contains water and a surfactant whose structure can be altered. The alteration in structure aids in reducing accumulation of the surfactant on the surface of an imaging member. The surfactant can be decomposed, switched between cis-trans states, or polymerizable with ink that is subsequently placed on the surface. | 04-11-2013 |
20130340638 | Method for Direct Application of Dampening Fluid for a Variable Data Lithographic Apparatus - Methods are disclosed for applying a dampening fluid to a reimageable surface of an imaging member in a variable data lithography system without a form roller. Dampening fluid in liquid form is converted to vapor phase, and directed to the reimageable surface. The dampening fluid reverts to the liquid phase directly on the reimageable surface. Controlling the temperatures of elements of the delivery subsystem prevents unwanted condensation of the dampening fluid vapor on those elements. Generation and delivery of the vapor can be controlled in a feedback arrangement as a function of measured layer thickness formed on the reimageable surface to obtain a desired dampening fluid layer thickness formed on the reimageable surface. | 12-26-2013 |
20140071198 | METHOD OF FABRICATING LOW-COST TRANSFIX DRUMS FOR SOLID INK TRANSFER - A printer has a print head arranged to jet molten ink onto a surface, a transfix surface arranged to provide the surface for the print head, the transfix surface having a core and an outer shell of a predetermined grade of aluminum arranged on the core, the outer shell forming the surface for the print head. The printer also has a transport subsystem to transport a print substrate past the transfix surface such that the molten ink transfers from the transfix surface to the print substrate. | 03-13-2014 |
20140126213 | LED BULB WITH INTEGRATED THERMAL AND OPTICAL DIFFUSER - A light emitting diode (LED) light bulb includes a thermally conductive base and at least one LED assembly disposed on and thermally coupled to a surface of the base. The LED assembly includes at least one LED configured to generate light. A thermal optical diffuser defines an interior volume and the LED is arranged to emit light into the interior volume and through the thermal optical diffuser. The thermal optical diffuser is disposed on the surface of the base and extends from the base to a terminus on the light emitting side. The thermal optical diffuser is configured to include one or more openings that allow convective air flow between the interior volume of the thermal optical diffuser and ambient environment. | 05-08-2014 |
20140204171 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR INK-BASED DIGITAL PRINTING USING IMAGING PLATE HAVING REGULAR TEXTURED SURFACE FOR REDUCED PULLBACK - An ink-based digital printing apparatus includes an imaging member having a surface layer with regular texture. The regular texture includes an array of microstructures such as cavities. Methods include forming the imaging member textured surface using photolithography and molding processes. | 07-24-2014 |
20140268739 | LED LIGHT BULB WITH STRUCTURAL SUPPORT - A light emitting diode (LED) light bulb includes a base and at least one support structure coupled to the base. The support structure is formed into a shape that defines contours for a luminous surface and an open volume. The LED light bulb includes least one LED assembly comprising two or more electrically connected LEDs. The LED assembly is attached to and in physical contact with the support structure along a length of the support structure to form the luminous surface. The support structure has openings between neighboring segments of the LED assembly. | 09-18-2014 |
20140268740 | LED LIGHTING DEVICE WITH CURED STRUCTURAL SUPPORT - A light emitting diode (LED) lighting device includes at least one LED assembly comprising a substrate and two or more LEDs configured to generate light spaced apart along the substrate. A cured structural coating is disposed on at least a portion of the LED assembly, wherein the cured structural coating is configured to maintain the LED assembly in a predetermined shape. The substrate of the LED assembly may comprise an elongated and/or flexible substrate. | 09-18-2014 |
20150040939 | TUNABLE SURFACTANTS IN DAMPENING FLUIDS FOR DIGITAL OFFSET INK PRINTING APPLICATIONS - A dampening fluid useful in offset ink printing applications contains water and a surfactant whose structure can be altered. The alteration in structure aids in reducing accumulation of the surfactant on the surface of an imaging member. The surfactant can be decomposed, switched between cis-trans states, or polymerizable with ink that is subsequently placed on the surface. | 02-12-2015 |
20150055340 | OPTICAL ARRAY FOR LED BULB WITH THERMAL OPTICAL DIFFUSER - An LED light bulb includes a thermally conductive base and at least one LED assembly disposed on the base. The LED assembly includes at least one LED configured to emit light. A thermal optical diffuser defines an interior volume of the LED light bulb. The LED is arranged to emit light into the interior volume and through the thermal optical diffuser. The thermal optical diffuser extends from the base to a terminus on a light emitting side of the LED assembly. The thermal optical diffuser includes one or more openings. An array of optical elements is disposed within the interior volume and is configured to focus the emitted light toward the openings. The thermal optical diffuser and the array of optical elements are arranged to allow convective air flow between the interior volume of the thermal optical diffuser and ambient environment. | 02-26-2015 |