Abstract: An intermediate roller positioned between a fountain solution vapor supply and an imaging member decouples fountain solution vapor deposition from the surface of the imaging member. The intermediate roller may be temperature controlled. A uniform layer of fountain solution condenses onto the surface of the temperature controlled intermediate roller regardless of the imaging blanket temperature. The fountain solution condensate layer deposited onto the intermediate roller splits and deposits a thin uniform layer of fountain solution liquid onto the imaging member surface. This liquid layer split may be independent of the temperature of the imaging member surface, resulting in a uniform layer of fountain solution on the imaging blanket for better imaging quality. Remotely locating the vaporizing chamber away from the imaging member prevents undesired heat transfer from a hot vaporizing chamber/baffle to the imaging member surface.

Abstract: A copolymer includes (i) a plurality of ethylenic moieties A having a structure according to the formula: wherein R2 and R3 independently represent hydrogen, a halogen, an optionally substituted linear, branched, or cyclic alk(en)yl group, or an optionally substituted aromatic or heteroaromatic; (ii) a plurality of acetal moieties B having a structure according to the formula: wherein L1 represents a divalent linking group, x=0 or 1, and R1 represents an optionally substituted aromatic or heteroaromatic group including at least one hydroxyl group; and (iii) a plurality of acetal moieties C and/or moieties D which include a structural moiety including a chromophoric group having its main absorption in the infrared region.

Abstract: An (ethylene, vinyl acetal) copolymer includes (i) a plurality of ethylenic moieties A having a structure according to the formula: wherein R2 and R3 independently represent hydrogen, a halogen, an optionally substituted linear, branched or cyclic alk(en)yl group, or an optionally substituted aromatic or heteroaromatic group; (ii) a plurality of acetal moieties B having a structure according to the formula: wherein L1 represents a divalent linking group; X=0 or 1; and R1 represents an optionally substituted aromatic or heteroaromatic group including at least one hydroxyl group; and (iii) a plurality of acetal moieties C and/or moieties D which are different from the acetal moieties B, and which include at least one nitrogen atom.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device and method include a crystalline substrate and an emitter contact portion formed in contact with the substrate. A back-surface-field junction includes a homogeneous junction layer formed in contact with the crystalline substrate and having a same conductivity type and a higher active doping density than that of the substrate. The homogeneous junction layer includes a thickness less than a diffusion length of minority carriers in the homogeneous junction layer. A passivation layer is formed in contact with the homogeneous junction layer opposite the substrate, which is either undoped or has the same conductivity type as that of the substrate.

Abstract: A method for controlling the inking in a printing press includes compensation of an ink requirement in an inking unit and/or compensation of a dampening solution requirement in a dampening unit of the printing press in the event of a change in the printing speed. The printing speed profile or machine state prevailing before the instant of the change in the printing speed is taken into consideration in the compensation of the metering of ink or dampening solution.

Abstract: An ink-based digital printing system for variable data lithographic printing includes an imaging member having a surface configured to absorb dampening fluid. A dampening fluid patterning system jets dampening fluid onto the imaging member surface according to image data to form a dampening fluid pattern. The system includes a transfer member that receives the jetted dampening fluid pattern from the imaging member at a dampening fluid loading nip for subsequent inking of the dampening fluid pattern to form an ink pattern. The ink pattern is transferred to a substrate from the transfer member at an ink pattern transfer nip.

Abstract: A method for forming fine patterns includes (S1) closely contacting a cliche-forming film to a hard mold concavely patterned, thereby making a disposable cliche; (S2) coating an elastic blanket cylinder with ink or resin; (S3) compressing the elastic blanket cylinder to the disposable cliche to remove ink or resin on a surface of the elastic blanket cylinder at a portion contacting with a relatively protruded embossed portion of the disposable cliche; and (S4) transcribing ink or resin remaining on the surface of the elastic blanket cylinder to a substrate. This method allows simple and fast works and greatly reduces costs by adopting a disposable cliche that may be easily installed and removed. Also, this method may be effectively utilized to form a fine pattern of an electronic device or a display device such as color filter and electrode.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a novel inkjet printing device advantageously equipped to prevent the occurrence of blocking. The inkjet printing device includes: an inkjet head for discharging an ink on a medium to carry out printing; a transferring roller for moving the medium and the inkjet head relative to each other; and a powdering applying unit for applying a powder on the medium, wherein the powdering applying unit is located on a downstream side relative to the inkjet head in a transferring direction by the transferring roller.

Abstract: An apparatus for flipping a semiconductor device comprises a platform comprising a carrier and a roller system, a positioning unit above the platform and comprising a circular opening, and an elevating unit connecting the platform and the positioning unit.

Abstract: In a method for re-imaging a printing form that has been used for printing in a prior printing process a substrate of the printing form is cleaned globally of ink or varnish and the substrate is treated abrasively globally in order to erase a preceding printing image. The substrate to be imaged with a new printing image is treated locally in image regions with a pulsed laser beam and, in the process, a nanoscopic and hydrophobic surface structure is produced locally. The substrate is treated globally with a hydrophilicity intensifier, as a result of which the substrate becomes hydrophilic locally in the previously hydrophobic image regions. An apparatus has a corresponding erasing unit and an imaging unit with a femtosecond laser.

Abstract: An alkali soluble resin is disclosed comprising a first monomeric unit including at least one sulfonamide group and a second monomeric unit derived from the monomer according to the following structure (I) wherein R1 represents a structural moiety comprising an ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable group; R2, R3 and R4 independently represent hydrogen, an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkaryl, aralkyl, aryl or heteroaryl group or, the necessary atoms to form a five to eight membered ring.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling application of a substance to a substrate involve the use of one or more gating agents that block the substance from or attracts the substance to the substrate. The apparatus and methods may utilize ink jet technology to apply the gating agent directly to the substrate or to an intermediate surface. The substance may be an ink, an electrically conductive material, a magnetic material, a carrier for a therapeutic, diagnostic, or marking substance other than an ink, a carrier or any other substance.

Abstract: A system and corresponding methods are disclosed for controlling the thickness of a layer of dampening fluid applied to a reimageable surface of an imaging member in a variable data lithography system. Following deposition of the dampening fluid layer, a gas is passed over a region of the fluid layer prior to pattern forming. The gas causes a controlled amount of the dampening fluid layer to evaporate such that the remaining layer is of a desired and controlled thickness. Among other advantages, improved print quality is obtained.

Abstract: A method is used to prepare lithographic printing plates by developing positive-working lithographic printing plate precursor that has a single imageable layer that comprises a polymer binder having recurring units represented by Structure (Ib) below: wherein the recurring units of Structure (Ib) are present in an amount of at least 25 and up to and including 60 mol %, all based on total recurring units in the polymer binder, and R2 is a substituted or unsubstituted hydroxyaryl group in which the hydroxyl group is ortho to the ester linkage, to form exposed and non-exposed regions in the imageable layer. The resulting imaged lithographic printing plate is developed using a silicate-free developer composition having a pH of at least 12 and comprising at least 0.001 gram-atom/kg of a metal cation M2+ selected from the group consisting of barium, calcium, strontium, and zinc cations.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor includes at least a white substrate and an image-recording layer, the white substrate has a reflection density of 0.25 or less at a side having the image-recording layer, and the image-recording layer contains an infrared absorbing agent, an onium salt polymerization initiator, a polymerizable compound and a color-forming compound and is capable of being removed with at least any one of printing ink and dampening water.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for producing variable pearlescent image elements or portions on image receiving media substrates using a variable digital data offset lithographic architecture which provides for varying lithographic images between cycles of a marking device. Pearlescent inks are provided with a solid particle pearlescent pigment components in a proportion of at least 10% by weight suspended in solution in an ink composition. Pearlescent inks are provided with a solid particle pearlescent pigment components having particle sizes in excess of ten microns suspended in solution in the ink composition. The disclosed systems and methods provide for variable pearlescent image elements or portions to be formed on an image receiving medium substrate separate from, or in combination with, other ink image elements or portions applied using other inks in a single device, and/or in a single pass of the image receiving media substrates through an image forming system.

Abstract: A method of producing and distributing printed product applies aqueous solution to a print medium to define non-image and image areas of the print medium, and contacts the non-image area and the image area with ink. Ink is transferred substantially only to the image area of the print medium to produce the printed product. The printed product is distributed to an end user.

Abstract: A method of printing a printed output of a press comprising ink on a print medium applies ink to a surface, places individually controlled drops of aqueous solution onto the print medium in a drop pattern, and transfers ink from the surface to areas of the print medium that are free of aqueous solution to produce the printed output of the press. A method of variable printing is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of producing a printed sheet output of a printing press uses an aqueous solution, an ink, and an input sheet. The method applies aqueous solution to the input sheet to form a non-image area and an image area thereon, and contacts the non-image and image areas of the input sheet with ink. Ink is transferred substantially only to the image area to produce the printed sheet output of the printing press. A method of producing a printed web of a printing press is also disclosed.

Abstract: A printing system deposits a principal substance on a surface and further deposits a gating agent on selectable portions of a print medium. A portion of the principal substance is transferred from the surface to the print medium after the gating agent is applied thereto. The gating agent substantially determines where the principal substance is deposited onto the print medium. A production system and method are also disclosed, as is a production apparatus.

Abstract: Sequentially subjecting an imaged ablation-type printing member having a silicone topmost layer to, first, a cleaning liquid that is not a solvent for silicone, followed by subjecting to a second cleaning liquid that is a silicone solvent, conditions the printing member for subsequent printing with high-solids inks.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for transferring a principal substance to a substrate involve the use of a gating agent that blocks the substance from or attracts the substance to the substrate. The apparatus and methods may utilize ink jet technology to apply the gating agent directly to the substrate or to an intermediate surface. The substance may be an ink, an electrically conductive material, a magnetic material, a carrier for a therapeutic, diagnostic, or marking substance other than an ink, or a carrier for any other type of substance.

Abstract: A system comprises an electrophotographic subsystem, a transfer subsystem, an imaging member, and an inking subsystem. The electrophotographic subsystem comprises a photoreceptor, a charging subsystem, an exposure subsystem, and a development subsystem. In operation, the photoreceptor is charged areawise. An exposure pattern is formed by the exposure subsystem on the surface of the charged photoreceptor to thereby write a latent charge image onto the photoreceptor surface. The image is developed with an image defining material, such as a dampening fluid. The image defining material forms a negative pattern of the image to be printed. This negative image is then transferred to the reimageable surface. The negative image is then developed with ink. The inked image may be transferred to a substrate.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor includes an image-recording layer and a protective layer containing a stratiform compound, wherein at least one of the image-recording layer and the protective layer contains a polymer containing as a repeating unit, a structural unit having an ammonium structure.

Abstract: A variable lithographic printing process includes absorbing a release agent into an imaging member; forming a later image by evaporating the release agent from selective locations on an imaging member surface; developing the latent image; and transferring the developed image to a receiving substrate. The release agent diffuses through the imaging member surface.

Abstract: An imaging member includes a surface layer comprising a silicone rubber and an infrared-absorbing filler. Methods of fabricating the imaging member and processes for variable lithographic printing using the imaging member are also disclosed.

Abstract: An imaging member includes a surface layer comprising a fluoroelastomer-silicone composite formed from a reaction mixture comprising a fluoroelastomer, an oxyaminosilane, and an oxysilane-terminated compound. Methods of manufacturing the imaging member and processes for variable lithographic printing using the imaging member are also disclosed.

Abstract: An imaging member includes a surface layer comprising a fluoroelastomer-perfluoropolyether composite formed from a reaction mixture comprising a fluoroelastomer and a perfluoropolyether compound. Methods of manufacturing the imaging member and processes for variable lithographic printing using the imaging member are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for regulating the concentrations of components of additives in a printing process liquid for maintaining predetermined desired concentrations of components of additives in a printing process liquid, wherein the actual concentrations of components are determined followed by redosing of measured components to a predetermined desired concentration. The method is characterized in that the components to be measured are spectroscopically detected. The invention also concerns a device for regulating the concentrations of components of additives in a printing process liquid comprising a measuring means for measuring the concentrations of at least part of the components in the process liquid, comprising a control loop and a means for redosing at least part of the components, wherein the measuring means comprises at least one spectrometer.

Abstract: In ablation-type printing plates involving silicone acrylate top layers, curing at high oxygen levels not only substantially reduces or eliminates toning, but does not adversely affect plate durability or printing performance.

Abstract: A method for printing a print medium applies ink to a surface and ejects drops of an aqueous solution onto the print medium to define image and non-image areas. The ejection of each drop is individually controlled. Ink from the surface is transferred to the image areas of the print medium. Methods of printing on a web and for printing a printed sheet output of a press are also disclosed.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor includes an image-recording layer and a support, and the image-recording layer contains: (A) at least one compound selected from compounds represented by the following formulae (1) and (2); and (B) an infrared absorbing agent: wherein R1 and R2 each represents Ra—SO3—, Ra—CO2— or Ra—OCO2—, Ra represents a monovalent organic group, R3 to R12 each represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent, or adjacent two of R3 to R12 may be combined with each other to form a ring, X1, Y1 and Z1 and X2, Y2 and Z2 each represents an atomic group necessary to form a thiazole ring, an oxazole ring, an imidazole ring, a triazole ring or a 3H-indole ring, provided that one nitrogen atom of the imidazole ring is connected to a hydrogen atom or a monovalent organic group.

Abstract: A printhead subsystem is disclosed for selectively removing portions of a layer of dampening fluid disposed over an arbitrarily reimageable surface in a variable data lithographic system. The subsystem comprises a thermal printhead element disposed proximate the arbitrarily reimageable surface, and driving circuitry communicatively connected to the thermal printhead for selectively temporarily heating the thermal printhead to an elevated temperature. Portions of the dampening fluid layer proximate the thermal printhead are vaporized and driven off the arbitrarily reimageable surface by the thermal printhead when the thermal printhead is at the elevated temperature, to thereby form voids in the dampening fluid layer.

Abstract: Methods for controlling application of a substance to a substrate involve the use of a gating agent that blocks the substance from the substrate. The methods may utilize ink jet technology to apply the gating agent directly to the substrate or to an intermediate surface. The gating agent composition includes a nonionic surfactant, and water. The gating agent composition does not contain a discernable amount of dye, pigment or other colorant agent.

Abstract: A positive-working lithographic printing plate precursor is disclosed which comprises on a support having a hydrophilic surface or which is provided with a hydrophilic layer a heat and/or light-sensitive coating including an infrared absorbing agent, said heat and/or light-sensitive coating comprising a first layer comprising a binder including a monomeric unit including a sulfonamide group; characterized in that the binder further comprises a monomeric unit including a phosphonic acid group or a salt thereof, and that the monomeric unit comprising the phosphonic acid group is present in an amount comprised between 2 mol % and 15 mol %.

Abstract: A method of printing a printed output of a press comprising ink on a print medium applies ink to a surface, places individually controlled drops of aqueous solution onto the print medium in a drop pattern, and transfers ink from the surface to areas of the print medium that are free of aqueous solution to produce the printed output of the press. A method of variable printing is also disclosed.

Abstract: A reusable printing form is treated after printing. The printing form has a substrate provided with amphiphilic molecules and it is cleaned to remove printing ink and provided with amphiphilic molecules, for fresh printing in the course of a reimaging process. Here, the printing form is provided with amphiphilic molecules in the course of the reimaging process substantially before cleaning to remove the printing ink.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for printing a material onto a substrate with a relief printing form made from a photosensitive element. The method includes forming an in-situ mask having a line screen resolution equal to or greater than 250 lines per inch on the photosensitive element, exposing the element to actinic radiation through the in-situ mask in an environment having an inert gas and a concentration of oxygen between 190,000 and 100 ppm, and treating the exposed element to form a relief structure having a plurality of raised surfaces with a line screen resolution equal to or greater than 250 lines per inch. Printing is accomplished by applying an imaging material to the plurality of raised surfaces and contacting to transfer the imaging material to the substrate. The method is suitable for printing high resolution graphic images, as well as for forming a uniform layer of imaging material on the substrate.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor which is capable of undergoing on-press development by supplying at least one of printing ink and dampening water and includes a support and an image-recording layer, wherein the image-recording layer contains at least one of compounds represented by the formulae (1) to (3) as defined herein.

Abstract: A method of developing a laser sensitive lithographic printing plate is described. The plate comprises on a substrate a photosensitive layer soluble or dispersible in ink and/or fountain solution and capable of hardening upon exposure to a laser. The plate is exposed with a laser and deactivated under a safe light or in the dark, and then on-press developed with ink and/or fountain solution preferably under white light. Alternatively, the plate is developed off press with ink and/or fountain solution, or with an organic solvent-based or oil-based liquid or paste and/or an aqueous solution, and then mounted on press for lithographic printing.

Abstract: A negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor is disclosed that can be developed on the press without going through a development processing step, and a method of lithographic printing is also disclosed that uses this negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor. A negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor is provided that exhibits excellent on-press developability, nonimage area fine line reproducibility and printing durability and that resists the production of scum during on-press development.

Abstract: A method of forming visible image on an on-press developable lithographic printing plate is described. The plate comprises on a substrate a photosensitive layer developable with ink and/or fountain solution and capable of hardening upon exposure to a radiation. The plate is imagewise exposed with a radiation, overall treated with a discoloring agent to form visible image or enhanced visible image, and then on-press developed with ink and/or fountain solution. The formation of visible image allows easy identification or inspection of the plate by the pressman before mounting on press.

Abstract: A method of making imaged elements such as lithographic printing plates is achieved by imagewise exposing an infrared radiation-sensitive positive-working imageable element to provide exposed and non-exposed regions. The imaged element is developed using a single processing solution having a pH of from about 9 to about 11.5 and containing carbonate ion and at least 1 weight % of one or more anionic surfactants, to remove predominantly only the exposed regions to provide an image and to provide a protective coating on the imaged surface. The imageable element comprises a substrate and a radiation absorbing compound, and has an imageable layer on the substrate that comprises a developability-enhancing compound and a poly(vinyl acetal) in which at least 25 mol % of its recurring units comprise pendant nitro-substituted phenolic groups.

Abstract: Methods for high-speed printing include deposition of individual drops of an aqueous solution on top of a hydrophobic ink applied to a print cylinder. The methods further include stripping away the ink from the area of the cylinder not covered by the aqueous solution and transferring the ink covered by the aqueous solution to a print medium.

Abstract: A method of processing an overcoat-free on-press developable lithographic printing plate with ink and/or fountain solution is described. The plate comprises on a substrate a photosensitive layer which is either capable of hardening (negative-working) or solubilization (positive-working) upon exposure to a laser, the non-hardened or solubilized areas of the photosensitive layer being soluble or dispersible in ink and/or fountain solution. The plate is exposed with a laser, heated to an elevated temperature, and then developed with ink and/or fountain solution on a lithographic press. The laser exposed plate is preferably heated by passing through a heating device or while mounted on a lithographic press before on-press development.

Abstract: A method of developing a laser sensitive lithographic printing plate with ink and/or fountain solution is described. The printing member comprises on a substrate a photosensitive layer soluble or dispersible in ink and/or fountain solution and capable of hardening upon exposure to a laser. The plate is exposed with a laser, deactivated, and then on-press developed with ink and/or fountain solution. Alternatively, the plate is developed with ink and/or fountain solution or the like off press, and then mounted on press for lithographic printing. The deactivation or off-press development allows the plate to be handled on press under white light or other light which is unsafe for a non-deactivated plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to negative-working imageable elements that can be used for the manufacture of printing plates. These imageable elements can be developed on on-press by the action of a lithographic printing ink used in combination with either water or a fountain solution. The imageable elements comprise an imageable layer that is not removable in water or fountain solution alone. The imageable layer includes a free radically polymerizable compound, a free radical initiator composition, an infrared radiation absorbing compound, and a polymeric binder comprising poly(alkylene oxide) pendant groups, and preferably additionally pendant cyano groups.

Abstract: In a method and device to generate a print image on a carrier material, a surface of a print carrier is covered with a layer of a fountain solution which is one of ink-repelling and ink-attracting. Ink-attracting and ink-repelling regions are generated via structuring. Ink is applied that adheres to the ink-attracting regions and that is not absorbed by the ink-repelling regions. The applied ink is transferred onto the carrier material. To structure, radiation of a lamp is directed toward the print carrier surface and is controlled via a control element with a control signal.

Abstract: A fountain solution composition for lithographic printing characterized by comprising at least one acyclic hydrocarbon diol compound, having 9 carbon atoms in total and two —OH groups, wherein the number of carbon atoms existing between said two —OH groups via minimal distance is from 2 to 6; said fountain solution composition can be used to improve blanket piling.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling application of a substance to a substrate involve the use of a gating agent that blocks the substance from or attracts the substance to the substrate. The apparatus and methods may utilize ink jet technology to apply the gating agent directly to the substrate or to an intermediate surface. The substance may be an ink, an electrically conductive material, a magnetic material, a carrier for a therapeutic, diagnostic, or marking substance other than an ink, or a carrier for any other type of substance.