Abstract: A dryer-fuser apparatus and method are provided to evaporate volatile, flammable carrier liquid from and to fuse solids color-imparting particles to a travelling web of paper in a high speed electrophotographic printing process. Volatiles from the dryer are vented to a catalytic converter, with heat recovered from the catalytic converter being recycled to supply heat to the dryer-fuser. An electric resistance heater may be used to supply heat during system start up and during such times when auxiliary heat is required. Regulation of the amount of venting is provided and is dependent upon the concentration of flammable volatiles present in the dryer.

Abstract: A release assembly is mounted adjacent a track to release selected ones of a plurality of gripper clamps movable along the track past the release assembly. The release assembly includes a cam mounted for movement relative to the track between a first position in which the cam is engageable by a gripper clamp moving along the track, to open the gripper clamp, and a second position in which the cam is spaced from and not engageable by the moving gripper clamp. The release assembly includes a rotary actuator selectively operable to move the cam between its first and second positions. The release assembly includes an overcenter linkage for blocking movement of the cam out of its first position toward its second position upon engagement by a moving gripper clamp.

Abstract: A printing or duplicating machine has a suction control system which includes a source of vacuum and a conduit connecting the source of vacuum to a suction feeder. An operator panel is used to set a pattern of relative weight of each sheet in a stack. A controlled bleed valve is operatively associated with any of the suction feeder, source of vacuum or conduit for automatically adjusting vacuum at the suction feeder responsive to relative weight of any given sheet as selected by an operator.

Abstract: A large scale LED exposure array and system for printers, and unique methods of inputting data to and operating such an array, is disclosed. The array can be loaded and refreshed with data information at rates compatible with high speed printing, and forms part of an electronic image forming and handling system which can load and refresh an exposure array at variable speeds of at least 100 to 300 ft./min. The system includes compensation for differences in illuminating capability of individual LEDs in a large array, by introducing modifications in LED on-time which are centered with respect to the incremental area of the photoreceptor on which a pixel is to be formed, and to compensate for changes in pixel exposure time with increase in speed of the photoreceptor.

Abstract: A transfer mechanism and method are provided for utilization in a high speed electrophotographic printing process of the type wherein the electrophotoconductive cylinder on which the image is formed travels at a peripheral speed of at least 100 ft./min. Transfer of the image is made to a continuous web of paper or the like travelling synchronously with the cylinder surface speed. A transfer corona focuses a narrow band of ions proximate the cylinder-web interface to attract at least 95% of the solids, toner particles from the cylinder to the travelling web. The charge on the transfer corona exceeds the charge on the image portions of the rotating cylinder by at least about 5,000 volts.

Abstract: A diazo copy machine comprises a roll of diazo sensitized copy paper cradled between a pair of drive rollers above an exposure apparatus. The copy machine is activated by insertion of an original tracing sheet whereupon the copy paper and original are automatically fed in superimposed relation into the entrance of the exposure apparatus, with the leading edge of the copy paper being advanced by a programmable amount relative to the leading edge of the original. Upon exiting the exposure apparatus the superimposed sheets are directed to an automatic sheet separating apparatus which deflects and feeds the copy paper along a downward path to a developer and carries the original along an exit path out of the front of the copy machine. In the event that the two superimposed sheets both inadvertently enter the downward path, a fail-safe mode of operation is initiated for redirecting both sheets along the exit path.

Abstract: A system for adjusting a finishing head relative to an impression cylinder in a printing, duplicating and like machine wherein copy sheets are fed through a printing couple and then to a finishing couple which includes the impression cylinder. The finishing head includes a finishing wheel for penetrating a copy sheet on the impression cylinder, and the head is mounted on a bar which is rotatably mounted between side frame plates of the machine. A preliminary adjusting mechanism is provided between the head and the bar for preliminarily adjusting the position of the finishing wheel relative to the bar. The bar is removably mounted between the side frame plates so that the preliminary adjustment can be made away from the machine. A very fine adjusting system is provided on the machine, operatively associated with the bar and including a dial on the outside of one of the side frame plates to provide fine adjustment of the finishing wheel while the machine is operating.

Abstract: A press, and a process of printing a combination of fixed and variable data on such press, wherein printed images are created by direct digital driving of an imaging device at normal press speed, optionally followed by one or more processing operations in the case of business forms. The content or arrangement of the printed images can be changed without stopping the press. The press and process use one or more novel electrostatic printing engines having a direct digital imaging system which can create latent electrostatic images at normal press speeds, including the ability to accommodate substantial speed variations. Together with these printing engines, an electronic imaging system is provided in which fixed (or base) image data and variable image data are combined electronically to drive a single exposure system. Repetitive latent images are formed and developed using a liquid toner, and the resultant visible image is transferred and fixed to a variety of materials, in a continuous web.

Abstract: A moisture distribution roller assembly for use in a moisture feeding system of a printing, duplicating or like machine includes a shaft with a plurality of roller sections slidably mounted thereon. The roller sections are selectively positionable on the shaft at varying axial positions thereon to vary the effective surface area of the distribution roller assembly and, therefore, the amount of moisture carried by the composite roller assembly. As illustrated, the assembly has a central roller portion with stub shafts projecting axially outwardly from opposite ends therof, with the roller sections positionable on the stub shafts. Therefore, the central roller portion can be dimensioned axially to be substantially equal to the narrowest paper intended to be used in the machine.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for receiving and positionally adjusting the shaft end of a distribution roller in a printing, duplicating or like machine. A pin head structure is mounted on a framework of the machine. A triangular array of pins project inwardly of the pin head axially of the roller for receiving the shaft end of the roller in a position of engagement between the pins. At least one of the pins is adjustable generally in a radial direction to take up any radial play between the roller shaft end and the pin array. At least one of the pins includes means adjustable in an axial direction to take up any axial play between the roller shaft end and the pin head structure. At least one of the pins is retractable to allow for insertion of the roller into position between the pins. The entire pin head structure is rotatable about a given axis generally parallel to and offset from the axis of rotation of the roller to effect movement of the roller bodily in a radial direction relative to an adjacent roller.

Abstract: An ink fountain assembly for use in duplicating machines, such as rotary offset lithographic machines. A fountain trough is defined by an elongated blade extending along one side of the trough and an ink fountain roller extending along the other side of the trough defining a gap therebetween. A plurality of independently adjustable thumb screws are provided for varying the gap and the ink flow therethrough. A plurality of caps are positionable over the thumb screws in any angular position relative thereto. The caps have indicators to facilitate calibrating the positions of adjustment of the thumb screws.

Abstract: A drive system between a master cylinder, a form roller and a distributor roller in a moisture system of a printing, duplicating or like machine. The surface of the master cylinder has a longitudinal gap within which master clamping hardware are disposed. The drive system includes a first gear train, including a lost motion mechanism, between the master cylinder and the form roller for rotating the form roller only during an interval of a revolution of the master cylinder when the surface of the form roller is juxtaposed in the gap of the master cylinder. A second gear train independent of the first gear train is disposed between the form roller and the distributor roller for rotating the distributor roller continuously at the same surface speed as the form roller.

Abstract: A developer electrode and reverse roller assembly are provided for use in conjunction with the rotatable print cylinder of a high speed electrophotographic printing press. The normal tendency of toner particles to stick to the developer electrode is inhibited due to the velocity by which toner dispersion is fed to the developer electrode. A pair of slots formed in the electrode face ensure that uniform amount and constituency of the dispersion are supplied to the print cylinder. Both the developer electrode and reverse roller assembly are pivotally mounted adjacent the cylinder with the reverse roller comprising a location sensor to sense reverse roller position and to stop the print cylinder when the reverse roller is not in proper position.

Abstract: In a high speed electrophotographic printing apparatus and method wherein a charge of desired polarity and potential is applied uniformly to a photoconductive surface of a rapidly rotating drum, an improvement is provided which comprises an electrometer located adjacent the drum surface for sensing and measuring the charge imparted to the surface. The electrometer is operatively connected through a programmable logic controller to a variable power output that drives the corona array to impart the charge to the drum surface. Irregularities in charge potential imparted to the surface are thereby measured by the electrometer with appropriate adjustment being made in the charge applied to the drum by the corona array.

Abstract: A high density multi-channel array, electrically pulsed droplet deposition apparatus comprises a bottom sheet of piezoelectric material poled in a direction normal to said sheet and formed with a plurality of parallel channels mutually spaced in an array direction normal to the length of said channels. Each channel is defined by a pair of facing side walls and a bottom surface extending between the respective side walls. A top sheet facing said bottom surfaces of said channels and bonded to said side walls closes the channels at their tops. Each of at least some of the side walls include electrodes on opposite sides thereof to form shear mode actuators for effecting droplet expulsion from the channels associated with the actuators.

Abstract: An automated system and method are provided to supply a liquid toner dispersion to the printing station of a high speed electrophotographic printing press. A highly concentrated form of the liquid toner dispersion is supplied in a first container. Density measurement of the liquid toner in a process tank controls the feed of concentrate to the process tank. Liquid level switches in the process tank control toner carrier liquid flow to the process tank. Conductivity sensor monitoring of the toner in the process tank controls the flow of liquid charge control agent into the process tank. Flow rate of the liquid toner from the process tank to the printing station of the printing unit is controlled by a sensor, logic circuitry, and motorized adjustable flow valve and flow meter.

Abstract: A copy sheet feeding system for use in a printing, copying, duplicating and like machine includes a conveyor board for moving copy sheets thereover in seriatim fashion. A vacuum chamber extends lengthwise of the conveyor board, with openings extending longitudinally of the conveyor board and communicating with the vacuum chamber. An access mechanism is movable relative to the vacuum chamber and openings to effectivly expose the openings progressively in the direction of movement of the copy sheets. This effectively provides a moving vacuum device which moves with the copy sheets as the sheets move over the conveyor board.

Abstract: A method for testing body components of pulsed droplet deposition apparatus comprises applying a variable frequency voltage to the electrodes of each of a number of selected channel wall elements. The resulting impedance variations are used to determine the natural frequencies of the selected wall elements which, in turn, are used to determine whether the compliance ratios of the selected wall elements and the droplet liquid to be used therewith lies within a desired range of values.

Abstract: In a duplicating machine, a system for readily interchanging a printing head on a permanent rotatable shaft of a printing couple of the machine, to facilitate rapid changing of printed indicia in short run duplicating situations. An elongated manually manipulatable segment is readily removably mountable on the rotatable shaft. At least one ring-like mounting member is fixable to the manually manipulatable segment at any position therealong. At least one adjustable printing head is secured to the mounting member. The manually manipulatable segment can be bodily removed from the shaft and the printing head can be replaced or adjusted while the machine continues to operate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the repeat length (L) of a moving web includes forming a plurality of detectable marks along the length of the web at a repeated length interval. First and second detectors positioned along the web path are separated by a known distance (S). The repeat length of the web is obtained by detecting a mark moving past the first detector and then detecting a mark moving past the second detector, determining the time (t) separating the detections, and measuring the speed of the moving web (V), wherein the repeat length is calculated using the formula L=S+Vt.