Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) identification system includes a tag for identifying characteristics of an ink, and a reader that receives transmitted RF signals from the tag. The tag includes a memory which stores data, and an RF source which generates RF signals. Selective data are transmitted as the RF signals, identifying characteristics of the ink, such as the color of the ink and the age of the ink. A disabler circuit can be used to shut down printing operations if the identified characteristics of the ink do not meet pre-determined criteria.

Abstract: A printing apparatus having an array of printheads arranged along a single printhead axis, and capable of printing images and a coating layer on the substrate during a single printing operation. The coating layer can comprise a specialized printing fluid such as a layer of substantially white ink. The apparatus can perform a pre-coat printing operation, in which the coating layer is deposited first on the substrate, and the image is then printed over the coating layer. The apparatus can also perform a post-coat printing operation, in which the image is first printed onto the substrate, and the coating layer is then deposited over the image. The printhead array includes at least one printhead for printing inks to form the images, and at least one printhead for printing a specialized fluid to form the coating layer. Depending on the printing mode, a controller allocates certain nozzles of the array for printing inks and certain nozzles for printing the specialized fluid.

Abstract: Radiation curable ink compositions that include a curable component having a functionality that is greater than two, is present in the ink composition in an amount greater than 30 percent by weight, and has a molecular weight in the range of about 400 g/mole to about 10,000 g/mole; a component that has a functionality that is less than or equal to 2; and an initiator component. A solvent component, pigment, a surface tension modifier and other materials also can be included. The radiation curable inks are employed in ink jet printers and are particularly suited for use in printing on large-scale substrates. The printed images described herein have good adhesion to polymeric substrates such as styrene-based, polycarbonates, polyolefins, polyethylene terephthalate glycol ester, acrylic and others.

Abstract: A printing apparatus for printing images on a substrate includes a first set of print heads S1 having at least one print head P1,1 arranged to deposit a first ink I1, and a second set of print heads S2 having at least two print heads P2,1, P2,2 arranged to deposit a second ink I2. The at least one print head P1,1 of the first set S1 and a first print head P2,1 of the second set S2 respectively depositing the first ink I1 and the second ink I2 in a first order of deposition O1, and the at least one print head P1,1 of the first set I1 and a second print head P2,2 of the second set S2 respectively depositing the first ink I1 and the second ink I2 in a second order of deposition O2 as the printing apparatus traverses across the substrate in one direction D1. The order of deposition of the first ink I1 and the second ink I2 from the print heads is reversed as the printing apparatus traverses across the substrate in an opposite direction D2.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for a printing system that includes a threaded bolt that engages a threaded bore of a first dovetail nut. The assembly also includes a second dovetail nut with a bore through which a shaft of the bolt passes. Each dovetail nut has two tapered portions located on opposite sides of the bore of the respective nut. When the bolt/dovetail nut combination is assembled, the two dovetail nuts are located a distance apart so that the tapered portions of the two nuts define a pair of slots. To connect sections of the web guide together, each slot engages a flared connector of a respective section.