Abstract: Lithographic printing plates are imaged using an inkjet printer to imagewise apply a chemical or masking agent onto the plate surface. In some embodiments, the chemical inhibits a photoreaction in the top layer.

Abstract: Printing members that include a topmost layer comprising a polymer and a silicone surfactant are durable and enable use of low imaging-power densities. The protective layer may contain an inorganic crosslinker.

Abstract: Cavity lasers exhibit a relatively high beam quality (e.g., M2<1.25) despite a relatively small cavity length (e.g., 50-53 mm) for a high (e.g., ?10 watt) output power device. This enables the construction of physically smaller laser and optical assemblies without sacrificing performance. Reduction of optical photonic interference, which can impair imaging performance, is also facilitated. Laser and optical assemblies may utilize an aperture defined within an optical barrier element to reduce the divergence of the light beam emanating from a diode-pumping laser.

Abstract: A magnetic plate retention system especially suitable for use in retaining a lithographic plate material to a conventional plate cylinder utilizes one or more magnetic retention devices each having a curved surface complementary to the cylinder. When disposed on the plate, the retention devices magnetically adhere the plate to the underlying cylinder.

Abstract: Printing members that include a plasma polymer layer exhibit enhanced tolerance for high imaging-power densities. The plasma polymer layer may contain or be adjacent to an oleophilic metal such as copper.

Abstract: A primer layer that includes a surface-tension modifier dispersed within a polymer binder is disposed between the imaging layer and the substrate of a lithographic printing member to inhibit the production of thermal degradation products that disrupt the oleophilicity of the exposed imaged areas, thereby improving print-making performance and efficiency. In addition, embodiments of the primer layer inhibit static charge buildup during production and during the print-making process.

Abstract: A system of detecting and adjusting the normal force exerted by a web material around the circumferential surface of a cylinder is provided. Sensors associated with the cylinder surface are wired to a processor that compares detected normal web forces with a set value. An actuation device is activated by the processor to adjust the normal force exerted by the web by, e.g., adjusting the tension in the web material. A positioning device that preferably translates a web-wound spool is also provided as an option for the actuation device.

Abstract: Lithographic printing plates are imaged using an inkjet printer to imagewise apply a chemical or masking agent onto the plate surface. In some embodiments, the chemical causes an affinity change, thereby facilitating lithographic printing.

Abstract: Lithographic printing plates are imaged using an inkjet printer to imagewise apply a chemical or masking agent onto the plate surface. In some embodiments, the chemical causes an affinity change, thereby facilitating lithographic printing.

Abstract: Lithographic printing plates are imaged using an inkjet printer to imagewise apply a chemical agent onto the plate surface. The chemical causes a change that facilitates lithographic printing.

Abstract: A plasma polymer layer facilitates selective removal of the imaging layer of a lithographic printing member, which allows for imaging with low-power lasers. The printing member can be used on press immediately after being imaged without the need for a post-imaging processing step.

Abstract: Lithographic printing plates are imaged using an inkjet printer to imagewise apply a chemical or masking agent onto the plate surface. In some embodiments, the chemical causes an affinity change, thereby facilitating lithographic printing.

Abstract: Solubility transitions rather than ablation mechanisms facilitate selective removal of the imaging layer of a lithographic plate, which allows for imaging with low-power lasers that need not impart ablation-inducing energy levels.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to reduce or eliminate misalignment, wrinkles, and creases in coated web product. A relationship between web outgassing pressure and surface roughness of the web and web transporting rollers is developed. This relationship allows for the control over the web outgassing pressure. The ability to adjust the web tension pressure, as well as the selection of web transporting rollers with prescribed surface characteristics, allows an operator to control the degree to which the web floats over or tracks the web transporting roller. A controller, in response to pressure and tension sensors, can also provide dynamic, closed-loop control of the entire system.

Abstract: A primer layer that includes a surface-tension modifier dispersed within a polymer binder is disposed between the imaging layer and the substrate of a lithographic printing member to inhibit the production of thermal degradation products that disrupt the oleophilicity of the exposed imaged areas, thereby improving print-making performance and efficiency. In addition, embodiments of the primer layer inhibit static charge buildup during production and during the print-making process.

Abstract: Cavity lasers exhibit a relatively high beam quality (e.g., M2<1.25) despite a relatively small cavity length (e.g., 50-53 mm) for a high (e.g., ?10 watt) output power device. This enables the construction of physically smaller laser and optical assemblies without sacrificing performance. Reduction of optical photonic interference, which can impair imaging performance, is also facilitated. Laser and optical assemblies may utilize an aperture defined within an optical barrier element to reduce the divergence of the light beam emanating from a diode-pumping laser.

Abstract: An image processing system for digital printing for improving throughput and efficiency of the transfer of image data to imaging devices, such as lasers, while allowing for dynamic and continuous adjustment of image size and registration (i.e., alignment) on recording media. A buffer memory structure is configured to receive data from raw image files. Specific portions of data are copied from the raw image files into a buffer memory structure and, for compilation of the final image, into an image buffer. Image overlap is resolved by copying data into the image buffer according to a defined hierarchy. Using a phase locked loop, image size and registration are adjusted to optimize the appearance of the final image on the recording medium. The optimization is performed dynamically and continuously, thereby providing a uniform final image. Many aspects of the operation of the image processing system may be under the control of a digital computer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to reduce or eliminate misalignment, wrinkles, and creases in coated web product. A relationship between web outgassing pressure and surface roughness of the web and web transporting rollers is developed. This relationship allows for the control over the web outgassing pressure. The ability to adjust the web tension pressure, as well as the selection of web transporting rollers with prescribed surface characteristics, allows an operator to control the degree to which the web floats over or tracks the web transporting roller. A controller, in response to pressure and tension sensors, can also provide dynamic, closed-loop control of the entire system.

Abstract: A magnetic plate retention system especially suitable for use in retaining a lithographic plate material to a conventional plate cylinder utilizes one or more magnetic retention devices each having a curved surface complementary to the cylinder. When disposed on the plate, the retention devices magnetically adhere the plate to the underlying cylinder.

Abstract: A multiple resolution imaging system employs an array of imaging devices each tracing a helical pattern on a recording medium. The imaging devices may be activated sequentially along multiple interlaced helical paths to allow a selectable image resolution with reduced imaging artifacts.