Abstract: Systems and methods of the various embodiments may provide a refuelable battery for the power grid to provide a sustainable, cost-effective, and/or operationally efficient solution to energy source variability and/or energy demand variability. In particular, the systems and methods of the various embodiments may provide a refuelable primary battery solution that addresses bulk seasonal energy storage needs, variable demand needs, and other challenges.

Abstract: Crystalline microparticles consisting of a phenylalkylamino beta2-adrenergic agonist coated with a C12-C20 fatty acid are useful for the preparation of pharmaceutical aerosol formulations in form of suspension in a liquefied propellant gas or powder formulations.

Abstract: The subject technology provides rendering an image in a first view including a plurality of tiles, each tile comprising image data corresponding to a portion of the image. The subject technology, responsive to detecting an initiation of touch input corresponding to the image, copies the image data from the plurality of tiles to a graphical canvas. The subject technology displays the image data in the graphical canvas in a second view, the graphical canvas being overlaid over at least a portion of the rendered image. The subject technology receives input stroke data corresponding to the second view, the input stroke data being continuous with the touch input. The subject technology responsive to detecting that the touch input has ended, copies the input stroke data to the plurality of tiles of the first view. Further, The subject technology displays the input stroke data and the image in the plurality of tiles of the first view.

Abstract: Methods for printing a three-dimensional part are provided. The method can include charging an outer surface of a rotating photoreceptor drum with an electrostatic charge; neutralizing the electrostatic charge on a portion of the outer surface of the rotating photoreceptor drum surface to form a layer definition corresponding to the neutralized portion; transferring a plurality of charged metal powder particles onto the outer surface of the rotating photoreceptor drum corresponding to the neutralized portion; and transferring the charged metal powder particles from the outer surface of the rotating photoreceptor drum onto a workpart to form a metal print layer.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for removing a residue of resin from the surface of equipment. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing a cleaning solution comprising a pH-adjusting agent, a chemical solvent, and water, wherein the chemical solvent is selected from the group consisting of ?-lactam, ?-lactam, ?-lactam, ?-lactam, 2-pyrrolidone, N-methylpyrrolidone, 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone (DMI), caprolactam, cyclohexanone, cyclopentanone, ?-butyrolactone, ?-butyrolactone, ?-decalactone, ?-valerolactone, ?-caprolactone, butylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, and ethylene carbonate, any combination thereof, and any derivative thereof; allowing the cleaning solution to contact a surface at least partially coated with a layer of resin; and allowing the cleaning solution to at least partially dissolve the resin.

Abstract: A method is disclosed in the context of 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 definition material, such as a dampening fluid. The image definition material forms a positive pattern of the image to be printed. The image pattern is then transferred to the reimageable surface. The transferred pattern is then developed by selectively applying an ink over regions of image definition material. The inked image may be transferred to a substrate.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a process for making a lithographic printing plate that enables a one-bath processable lithographic printing plate having excellent printing durability, ink laydown and resistance to staining during printing.

Abstract: A process for making a lithographic printing plate enables a one-bath processable lithographic printing plate having excellent printing durability, ink laydown and resistance to staining during printing. The process includes a step of producing a negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor having, above a support, a photopolymerizable photosensitive layer containing a vinylcarbazole compound-derived monomer unit-containing acrylic polymer and/or a urethane-acrylic hybrid polymer, a step of image-wise exposing the negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor, and a step of developing the exposed negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor by means of a developer having a pH of 4 to 10, comprising (Component A) a compound represented by Formula (I) and/or Formula (II) below and (Component B) water, and having an organic solvent content of less than 5 mass %. The process does not comprise a washing step or a gumming step before or after the development step.

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: 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: By a method of preparing a lithographic printing plate having exposing a lithographic printing plate precursor including a photosensitive layer containing (A) a polymerization initiator, (B) a polymerizable compound, (C) a sensitizing dye and (D) a binder polymer and a protective layer in this order on a hydrophilic support with laser and then removing the protective layer and an unexposed area of the photosensitive layer in the presence of a developer, in which the developer is a developer which has pH of from 2 to less than 10 and contains an amphoteric surfactant and a nonionic surfactant having an alkylene oxide chain, a simple processing of one solution and one step which does not require a water washing step becomes possible, excellent development property is achieved and a lithographic printing plate which has good printing durability and does not cause printing stain can be provided.

Abstract: To provide a lithographic printing plates having excellent printing durability, chemical resistance, scratch resistance, and ink adhesion while retaining staining resistance as well as processes for preparing such lithographic printing plates. A lithographic printing plate precursor comprising a support and a photosensitive layer on the support, wherein the photosensitive layer comprises (A) a polymerizable compound, (B) a polymerization initiator, (C) a polyvinyl acetal resin containing at least one hydroxyl group, (D) a crosslinker capable of reacting with at least one of the hydroxyl group and acid group in the polyvinyl acetal to form a crosslink, and (E) a (meth)acrylic resin.

Abstract: A color-forming composition contains (A) a radical generator, (B) a compound represented by the following formula (1) and (C) a binder polymer: wherein, in the formula (1), R1 represents a group which reacts with a radical generated from the radical generator (A) to be released and forms a dye after the release, and T represents a nitrogen-containing hetero ring.

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: A polymerizable composition contains a binder polymer containing a functional group having a dipole moment of 3.8 debye or more and being represented by the formula (1), (2), (3), (4) or (5) as defined herein, a radical polymerizable compound and a radical polymerization initiator.

Abstract: A light controlled laser imaging method includes exposing a surface layer of an imaging member substrate to a first expose source to render the surface layer uniformly hydrophilic, wherein the surface layer comprises a compound having reversible light controlled wettability whereby the surface layer is reversibly hydrophilic and hydrophobic; exposing the surface layer to a second expose source in an image-wise fashion to render image areas of the surface layer hydrophobic; exposing the surface layer to a polar liquid wherein the polar liquid attracts to non-image hydrophilic areas; exposing the surface layer to a hydrophobic liquid colorant wherein the hydrophobic liquid colorant attracts to hydrophobic image areas; contacting the surface layer with an image receiving substrate to transfer the image thereto; fixing the image; and optionally, treating the surface layer to remove residual hydrophobic liquid colorant.

Abstract: A process for making a lithographic printing plate is provided that includes a step of producing a negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor comprising, above a support, a photopolymerizable photosensitive layer comprising a vinylcarbazole compound-derived monomer unit-containing acrylic polymer and/or a urethane-acrylic hybrid polymer, a step of imagewise exposing the negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor, and a step of developing the exposed negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor using a developer comprising (Component A) an organic solvent having a solubility in water at 20° C. of 1.5 to 7.0 g/100 mL, (Component B) an amphoteric surfactant represented by Formula (I) below and/or Formula (II) below, and (Component C) water.

Abstract: A system comprises an electro-wetting subsystem, a transfer subsystem, an imaging member, and an inking subsystem. The electro-wetting subsystem comprises a photo-responsive photoreceptor, a charging mechanism, an image definition material reservoir, a charge erase mechanism, and an exposure subsystem, such as a light source and rotating polygon forming a raster output scanner (ROS) disposed for exposure of the photoreceptor through the image definition material reservoir. The imaging member comprises a reimageable surface having certain properties, such as having a low surface energy to promote ink release onto a substrate. In operation, the photoreceptor is charged areawise. An exposure pattern is formed by the exposure subsystem on the surface of the charged photoreceptor, which is developed with image definition material. The image definition material pattern is transferred to the reimageable surface. The pattern is developed with ink. The inked image may be transferred to a substrate.

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 definition material, such as a dampening fluid. The image definition material forms a positive pattern of the image to be printed. The image pattern is then transferred to the reimageable surface. The transferred pattern is then developed by selectively applying an ink over regions of image definition material. The inked image may be transferred to a substrate.

Abstract: A method is disclosed in the context of 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 definition material, such as a dampening fluid. The image definition material forms a positive pattern of the image to be printed. The image pattern is then transferred to the reimageable surface. The transferred pattern is then developed by selectively applying an ink over regions of image definition material. The inked image may be transferred to a substrate.

Abstract: A directly imageable waterless lithographic printing plate precursor includes at least a heat sensitive layer and a silicone rubber layer formed on a substrate in this order, wherein the heat sensitive layer contains at least a novolac resin, a polyurethane and a light-to-heat conversion material, and also has a phase separation structure including at least a phase containing a novolac resin and a phase containing a polyurethane. The directly imageable waterless lithographic printing plate precursor has high sensitivity and is less likely to cause blister, that is, having wide latitude.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an engraved plate used in intaglio printing, said plate being engraved by a tool, for example a laser beam, characterized in that the engraving tool uses data from a depth-map, based on a three-dimensional raster image of the document to be printed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention involve three-layer printing members having a central layer that is non-conductive yet abalatable at commercially realistic fluence levels. In various embodiments, the central layer is polymeric with a dispersion of nonconductive carbon black particles therein at a loading level sufficient to provide at least partial layer ablatability and water compatibility of the resulting ablation debris.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor includes a support and a layer containing a polymer compound having at least one support-adsorbing group at a terminal of a main chain.

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: To provide a developer for processing of a lithographic printing plate precursor, containing a non-reducing sugar having bonded therein two or more monosaccharides and having a pH of 6 to 14 and thereby provide a developer having a pH stable to aging and an excellent film-forming property, a method for manufacturing a lithographic printing plate, where a lithographic printing plate excellent in developability and dispersibility of development scum and kept from staining of the non-image area can be manufactured even by simple processing of one solution and one step requiring no water washing step, a developer used therefor, and a printing method of performing printing by using the manufacturing method of a lithographic printing plate.

Abstract: A process for treating an imaged printing form, in particular a printing form covered with amphiphilic molecules or with polymers, such as saccharides, includes applying a gum, in particular a microscopic gum layer, to the surface of the printing form in the liquid state. The gum is removed or reduced down to a remaining nanoscopic covering after a short or negligible time interval, relative to the time interval until the application of lithographic liquid, for example dampening solution or printing ink, to the surface. The removal or reduction of the gum is preferably carried out in the still liquid state, i.e. before the applied gum dries on, and preferably immediately after the application. The remaining gum covering protects the printing form against contaminants and increases its hydrophily/hydrophoby contrast. An apparatus for treating an imaged printing form, a re-imageable printing form and a machine for processing printing material, are also provided.

Abstract: Affinity transitions from hydrophobic to hydrophilic states, rather than ablation mechanisms, facilitate the creation of an imagewise lithographic pattern on a printing plate. In various embodiments, a lithographic printing member comprises a topmost “imaging” layer that undergoes, in response to heat, a transition from a hydrophobic and oleophilic state to a hydrophilic state (which may or may not also be oleophilic); and a substrate disposed below the imaging layer. The affinity change in the imaging layer may be due essentially to a foaming agent therein. The foaming agent decomposes upon heating, creating a gas that foams the surface of the imaging layer. The resulting spongelike texture enables the surface to retain water, i.e., renders it hydrophilic.

Abstract: A method for preparing a lithographic printing plate includes treating a lithographic printing plate precursor including a hydrophilic support and an image-forming layer containing the following (i) to (iii) with an aqueous solution having a buffering ability: (i) a binder polymer comprising a repeating unit having a structure represented by the following formula (1); (ii) an ethylenically unsaturated compound; and (iii) a polymerization initiator, P-L-(CO2H)n??(1) wherein P represents a part constituting a main chain skeleton of the polymer, L represents an (n+1) valent connecting group, and n represents an integer of 1 or more.

Abstract: A layered printing plate that attains a high degree of clarity and improved clean out. The printing plate may include an oleophilic substrate, a laser absorbing imaging layer and an oleophobic silicon layer. One embodiment utilizes an amine resin rather than a traditional polymer as the basic organic matter of the imaging layer, adds of colloidal silica into the imaging layer to improve the cleanout properties, and utilizes a substrate that absorbs IR radiation rather than reflects it.

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: The use of polymers which comprise amino groups modified with acid groups for the preparation of fountain solutions for offset printing. A process for printing by means of the offset technique, in which a fountain solution which comprises polymer which comprises amino groups modified with acid groups is used.

Abstract: A measurement field allows determining the smearing limit during printing, in particular during lithographic wet offset printing. The measurement field is arranged on a printing form, in particular a printing plate, which has printing, ink-carrying regions and nonprinting, dampening solution-carrying regions on its surface. A dampening solution-carrying property in the region of the measurement field is reduced by a nanoscopic coating (e.g., with amphiphilic molecules) or an unscreened, microscopic coating (e.g., a polymer coating) in comparison with the dampening solution-carrying property in the nonprinting regions of the surface of the printing form. The nanoscopic coating or the microscopic coating advantageously leads to a shifting of the smearing limit, that is to say to a displacement of the starting point of scumming, by the dampening solution requirement which is increased for scum-free printing within the region of the measurement field.

Abstract: A method of on-press development of a lithographic printing plate having an imaged photosensitive (PS) coating by (a) applying an emulsive film of press ink and fountain onto the entire PS coating; (b) transferring all nonimage areas of the inked PS coating and all of the ink film on the nonimage areas of the PS coating from the plate to a blanket roll while the image areas of the PS coating remain on the substrate, wherein the nonimage areas are transferred to the blanket roll in particulate form without dissolution or dispersion in any ink or fountain; and (c) contacting the blanket roll with a paper leader to further transfer all the ink, fountain water, and particles of nonimage PS coating that were transferred to the blanket roll, from the blanket roll to the paper leader.

Abstract: This invention relates to iodonium salts, acetal copolymers and polymer binders comprising functional groups capable of undergoing cationic or radical polymerization, their method of preparation and their use in the preparation of coating solutions and coatings. This invention also relates to coatings containing the iodonium salts, acetal copolymers and/or polymer binders and to negative working lithographic printing plates comprising these coatings.

Abstract: Systems and methods for high-speed variable printing are provided. Ink jet technology and lithographic systems may be combined in such a way to create a fully variable and high-quality print system. Ink is applied to a printing cylinder. An aqueous solution is then applied on top of the ink to produce a negative image. A positive image is then transferred in ink to a print medium. The systems and methods described herein may be used to create high-quality one-to-one marketing applications.

Abstract: Permeability 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: Permeability 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: A printing apparatus includes a plate forming member that forms a rewritable plate, a latent image forming unit, a projection forming unit configured to selectively adhere particles to a portion of a surface of the plate forming member where a latent image is formed in order to form a projection, a recording material supply unit, an intermediate transfer member for transfer of a recording material, a pressing unit configured to press the recording material on a surface of the intermediate transfer member during transfer of the recording material to a recording medium, and a conveying unit configured to convey the medium. A surface of the particles has properties to repel the recording material, and the surface of the plate forming member has properties not to repel the recording material. The printing apparatus further includes a unit configured to apply a voltage to the recording material supply unit.

Abstract: A negative-working photosensitive material is provided which includes: a support; an undercoat layer; and a photosensitive layer including a polymerization initiator, a polymerizable compound, and a binder polymer, wherein the support, the undercoat layer, and the photosensitive layer are sequentially layered, the undercoat layer includes a polymer including a structural unit (a) including at least one of a carboxylic acid or a carboxylic acid salt and a structural unit (b) including at least one carboxylic acid ester; and the content of the structural unit (a) in the polymer is from 30% to 90% by mole. Also, a negative-working planographic printing plate precursor including the negative-working photosensitive material is provided.

Abstract: An ink composition includes (A) a polymerization initiator; (B) an ester or amide of a mono-functional (meth)acrylic acid having an alkylene oxide repeating unit in a molecule; and (C) a colorant, and preferably further includes (E) a sensitizing dye.

Abstract: Negative-working imageable elements that can be imaged using infrared radiation comprise an imageable layer and a protective overcoat on a hydrophilic substrate. The imageable layer includes an IR-sensitive cyanine dye. The protective overcoat predominantly comprises one or more poly(vinyl alcohol) resins, each of which has a hydrolysis level of 85% or less. The use of this particular overcoat composition used in combination with the IR-sensitive cyanine dye provides improved tolerance to fogging by white light while maintaining desired imaging speed.

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: A method for making a lithographic printing plate including the steps of providing a lithographic printing plate precursor including a heat sensitive image-recording layer, the image-recording layer including hydrophobic thermoplastic particles; image-wise exposing the precursor to infrared radiation having an energy density of 190 mJ/cm2 or less; mounting the exposed precursor on a printing press; developing the mounted precursor by supplying ink and/or fountain; and baking the plate by keeping the plate at a temperature above the glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic particles during a period between 5 seconds and 2 minutes.

Abstract: A metal pattern of the present invention is a metal pattern (13?) formed on a surface of a substrate by etching, and a monomolecular film containing fluorinated alkyl chains (CF3(CF2)n—, where n represents an integer) is formed on a surface of a metal film composing the metal pattern (13?), and a masking film (18) is formed by penetration of a molecule having a mercapto group (—SH) or a disulfide (—SS—) group into interstices between molecules composing the monomolecular film.

Abstract: A method of making a relief image on a flexographic print plate including imagewise exposing a mask including an imageable material disposed on a mask substrate to form an imaged mask having a mask image in the imageable material disposed on the mask substrate, the mask image including mask image areas each having a highlight value. The method further includes laminating the imaged mask to a front surface of a flexographic printing plate precursor, and exposing selected areas of the flexographic printing plate precursor to an imagewise addressable curing radiation via a back surface of the flexographic printing plate precursor based on the highlight values of corresponding mask image areas of the mask image.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image forming method comprising the steps of exposing imagewisely an image forming material having a photosensitive layer comprising an infrared absorbing agent, a polymerization initiator and a polymerizable compound on a substrate to overlapping infrared beams. The solubility of the photosensitive layer in an alkali developing solution reduces upon exposure to light of wavelengths in the range of 750 nm to 1400 nm. The exposed image forming material is developed, and the infrared beam diameter used in light exposure is 20 ?m or less, and the overlapping coefficient is 0.8 or more.

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: A metal pattern of the present invention is a metal pattern (13?) formed on a surface of a substrate by etching, and a monomolecular film containing fluorinated alkyl chains (CF3(CF2)n—, where n represents an integer) is formed on a surface of a metal film composing the metal pattern (13?), and a masking film (18) is formed by penetration of a molecule having a mercapto group (—SH) or a disulfide (—SS—) group into interstices between molecules composing the monomolecular film.