Abstract: A UV curing system and method for providing an adjustable beam profile are disclosed for UV curing for ultra high speed industrial applications, such inkjet printing with improved print quality and efficiency. Also provided is a lamp head assembly for a UV source for such a system, which provides an adjustable beam profile for optimizing UV curing. The lamp head assembly comprises one or more light sources and reflectors or other optical elements, which may be relatively movable and adjustable, to adjust the beam profile to processing conditions and requirements for consistent curing efficiency and print quality at different print speeds. Specific features of such a lamp head assembly may permit adjustment of the spectral, spatial and temporal distribution of light for improved or optimized curing efficiency in ultra-fast UV curing applications.

Abstract: A UV curing system and method for providing an adjustable beam profile are disclosed for UV curing for ultra high speed industrial applications, such inkjet printing, with improved print quality and efficiency. Also provided is a lamp head assembly for a UV source for such a system, which provides an adjustable beam profile for optimizing UV curing. The lamp head assembly comprises one or more light sources and reflectors or other optical elements, which may be relatively movable and adjustable, to adjust the beam profile to processing conditions and requirements for consistent curing efficiency and print quality at different print speeds. Specific features of such a lamp head assembly may permit adjustment of the spectral, spatial and temporal distribution of light for improved or optimized curing efficiency in ultra-fast UV curing applications.

Abstract: A system, method, and portable or mobile controller are provided for network management of functions such as monitoring, control, programming, and calibration of a plurality of (UV) light sources, for photo-reactive and photo-curing applications. Beneficially, a reliable and controlled closed-loop feedback network is provided in which a dose of light, or exposure profile, for e.g. spot curing, can be programmed into a light source unit to perform a highly repeatable operation across a single or multiple work stations. The system is scalable up to 1000's of workstations.

Abstract: A system, method, and portable or mobile controller are provided for network management of functions such as monitoring, control, programming, and calibration of a plurality of (UV) light sources, for photo-reactive and photo-curing applications. Beneficially, a reliable and controlled closed-loop feedback network is provided in which a dose of light, or exposure profile, for e.g. spot curing, can be programmed into a light source unit to perform a highly repeatable operation across a single or multiple work stations. The system is scalable up to 1000's of workstations.

Abstract: A linear electromechanical translation apparatus is provided of the type comprising first and second clamps fixed to a support, first and second elongate movable members each extending through one of the clamps, and an extension actuator connected between the movable members and adapted to move each one of the elongate movable members longitudinally relative to the other member as the extension actuator is extended or retracted. The apparatus is characterized in that the first elongate movable member has a rear end connected to a front end of the extension actuator, and the second movable member has a rear end connected to a rear end of the actuator and has a forwardly extending elongate portion which lies beside and parallel to the first elongate movable member. Both the clamp assemblies may be located forwardly of the front end of the actuator.

Abstract: A UV curing system and method for providing an adjustable beam profile are disclosed for UV curing for ultra high speed industrial applications, such inkjet printing, with improved print quality and efficiency. Also provided is a lamp head assembly for a UV source for such a system, which provides an adjustable beam profile for optimizing UV curing. The lamp head assembly comprises one or more light sources and reflectors or other optical elements, which may be relatively movable and adjustable, to adjust the beam profile to processing conditions and requirements for consistent curing efficiency and print quality at different print speeds. Specific features of such a lamp head assembly may permit adjustment of the spectral, spatial and temporal distribution of light for improved or optimized curing efficiency in ultra-fast UV curing applications.

Abstract: A linear electromechanical translation apparatus is provided of the type comprising first and second clamps fixed to a support, first and second elongate movable members each extending through one of the clamps, and an extension actuator connected between the movable members and adapted to move each one of the elongate movable members longitudinally relative to the other member as the extension actuator is extended or retracted. The apparatus is characterized in that the first elongate movable member has a rear end connected to a front end of the extension actuator, and the second movable member has a rear end connected to a rear end of the actuator and has a forwardly extending elongate portion which lies beside and parallel to the first elongate movable member. Both the clamp assemblies may be located forwardly of the front end of the actuator.

Abstract: A light source unit comprises a support for supporting a lamp unit, e.g., a gas discharge lamp or the like. The lamp unit has longitudinal and transversal fiduciary surfaces and the support has guide rails for guiding the lamp unit as it is inserted transversely with the longitudinal fiduciary surfaces sliding along a reference surface until transversal fiduciary surfaces engage one or more stops. The support may comprise a first part for supporting the lamp unit, a second part for supporting a light guide, and at least first and second light baffles between the first part and the second part, the first and second baffles each having an aperture for passing only a portion of light from the lamp unit incident upon the baffle, the arrangement being such that light from the lamp unit must pass through the apertures in both baffles to be incident upon the light guide.

Abstract: A light source unit, for supplying light via a light guide to a remote location, comprises a support for supporting a light source and a light guide in a prescribed alignment relative to each other, the support comprising a first part for supporting the light source, a second part for supporting the light guide, and at least first and second light baffles between the first part and the second part, the first and second baffles each having an aperture for passing only a portion of light from the light source incident upon the baffle, the arrangement being such that light from the light source must pass through the apertures in both baffles to be incident upon the light guide.

Abstract: In a light delivery system comprising a lightguide coupled to an optical apparatus for delivering substantially uniform light to a predetermined plane within the apparatus, images of non-uniformities caused by imperfections at or near an outlet end of the lightguide are displaced away from the predetermined plane. The image displacement may be performed by a lens adjacent the end of the lightguide, or integral therewith, or by a suitably formed plug or end cap of a liquid lightguide.

Abstract: A light source unit, for supplying light via a light guide to a remote location, comprises a support for supporting a light source and a light guide in a prescribed alignment relative to each other, the support comprising a first part for supporting the light source, a second part for supporting the light guide, and at least first and second light baffles between the first part and the second part, the first and second baffles each having an aperture for passing only a portion of light from the light source incident upon the baffle, the arrangement being such that light from the light source must pass through the apertures in both baffles to be incident upon the light guide.