Abstract: An imaging module includes an ink jet print head for printing human-readable or coded (e.g., bar code) information directly onto various porous and non-porous materials (e.g., a corrugated cardboard container), and a pair of reservoirs that hold the melted ink ultimately used in the printing process. The module also includes an ink feed hopper into which one or more solid sticks of hot melt wax ink are fed and an associated heater to melt the ink sticks in limited volume, together with associated vents, control pumps and valves, all integrated together within the imaging module to deliver the melted ink to the print head for printing on a container or other items.

Abstract: A printing pressure adjustment system and a method for adjusting the pressure applied by a print head against a backup member are disclosed. The adjustment system includes an elongated member that is slidably displaceable with respect to an outer surface of the print head. The elongated member has an inclined bearing surface on which a biasing member is positioned in order to apply a force to the elongated member. The elongated member includes a load transfer surface for transferring the biasing force to the print head.

Abstract: A printing system and a method for multi-color printing is provided whereby print registration errors may be minimized. The printing system includes a series of print stations and a label web drive system for advancing a label web through each of the print stations. Each of the print stations includes a print head having a printing surface for printing images and a platen against which the printing surface is applied during printing. The print stations are arranged in a generally arcuate arrangement whereby the web follows a substantially straight path between printing surfaces of adjacent print stations. Also provided is a print adjustment system and a method for adjusting the level of pressure of a print head against a backup member. The adjustment system includes an elongated member that is slidably displaceable with respect to an outer surface of the print head. The elongated member has an inclined bearing surface on which a biasing member is positioned in order to apply a force to the elongated member.

Abstract: An offset electrostatic imaging process is disclosed which comprises the steps of (a) forming a latent electrostatic image on a dielectric imaging member, said dielectric imaging member being prepared by coating an electrically conductive substrate with a porous layer of a non-photoconductive metal oxide using a deposition process; (b) developing the latent electrostatic image with a developer material which comprises a silicone polymer and from about 0.

Abstract: An offset electrostatic printer is disclosed which comprises (a) an ion modulated electrostatic print head for forming latent electrostatic images, (b) a dielectric imaging member comprising a layer of dielectric material, (c) means for developing a latent electrostatic image on the dielectric imaging member, (d) means for transferring a developed electrostatic image from the dielectric imaging member to an image receiving surface, (e) means for supplying a flow of heated air having a temperature in the range of from about 120.degree. F. (49.degree. C.) to about 200.degree. F. (93.degree. C.), and (f) means for directing the flow of heated air at, near or through the print head and at or near the dielectric imaging member. The flow of heated air reduces the accumulation of chemical deposits in the print head.

Abstract: An electrostatic print head system is disclosed which comprises an ion modulated electrostatic print head, means for supplying a flow of heated air having a temperature in the range of from about 120.degree. F. (49.degree. C.) to about 200.degree. F. (93.degree. C.), and means for directing the heated air at, near or through the print head to reduce chemical deposit accumulation at the print head. The print head may comprise a modulated aperture board having a plurality of selectively controlled apertures therein and an ion generator for providing ions for electrostatic projection through the apertures. The electrostatic print head system may be used for forming latent electrostatic images and employed in an electrostatic printer which further comprises a means for developing the latent electrostatic images.

Abstract: An offset electrostatic printer is disclosed which comprises (a) an ion modulated electrostatic print head for forming latent electrostatic images, (b) a dielectric imaging member comprising a layer of dielectric material, (c) means for developing a latent electrostatic image on the dielectric imaging member, (d) means for transferring a developed electrostatic image from the dielectic imaging member to an image receiving surface, (e) means for supplying unheated dehumidified air having a relative humidity of less than about 20 percent at or near ambient temperature, and (f) means for directing the dehumidified air at, near or through the print head and at or near the dielectric imaging member.

Abstract: An electrostatic print head system is disclosed which comprises an ion modulated electrostatic print head, a means for supplying unheated dehumidified air having a relative humidity of less than about 20 percent at or near ambient temperature, and a means for directing the dehumidified air at, near or through the print head. The print head may comprise a modulated aperture board having a plurality of selectively controlled apertures therein and an ion generator for providing ions for electrostatic projection through the apertures. The electrostatic print head system may be used for forming latent electrostatic images and employed in an electrostatic printer which further comprises a means for developing the latent electrostatic images.