Abstract: A printing system includes a printer that prints only a sense mark on a substrate and an imaging unit. The imaging unit prints data onto the substrate and includes a plurality of printheads. The printing system also includes a sensor that detects the sense mark and a controller that instructs the imaging unit to print data onto the substrate, wherein the controller distributes print data among the plurality of printheads.

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 first cylinder. Aqueous solution is applied to a second cylinder to produce a negative image. At least a portion of the ink from the first cylinder is transferred to the second cylinder. A positive image in ink is then transferred from the second cylinder to a print medium, and residue ink and aqueous solution is cleaned from the second cylinder. The systems and methods described herein may be used to create high-quality one-to-one marketing applications.

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. At least one area of a plate is reserved for variable information to be printed. The plate may already comprises static information to be printed. Ink is then applied to the at least one area of the plate reserved for the variable information. An aqueous solution is applied to a web to produce a negative image of the variable information, and a positive image of the variable information is transferred in ink to the web. The systems and methods described herein may be used to create high-quality one-to-one marketing applications.

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: An apparatus that comprises a plurality of printing cartridges to reproduce an image, wherein each printing cartridge prints a portion of the image onto a substrate. The apparatus further comprises a media transport for moving the substrate parallel to a first dimension. The printing cartridges are disposed on a carrier in a two dimensional pattern such that the plurality of printing cartridges are able to print on the substrate a line that is perpendicular to the first dimension. Fewer than half of the plurality printing cartridges that print segments of the line that abut each other are adjacent to each other along the first dimension.

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. An aqueous solution is applied to a cylinder to produce a negative image. The aqueous solution may comprise a block copolymer capable of physical bonding with the cylinder. Ink is then applied to the cylinder, and a positive image is 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: 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. A protective positive image in an aqueous solution is applied on top of ink applied to a print cylinder. The ink is then stripped away from the area of the cylinder not covered by the protective positive image, and the positive image is 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: A cleaning system for an inkjet printhead comprises an inkjet printhead having an inkjet nozzle array associated therewith. The inkjet printhead is in fluid communication with a first source of a first pressurized fluid. A fluid nozzle associated with the inkjet printhead is in fluid communication with a second source of a second pressurized fluid. The cleaning system further comprises a collection plate. Ink is forcibly ejected from the inkjet printhead by the first source of the first pressurized fluid. A stream of the second pressurized fluid is guided by the fluid nozzle across a surface of the inkjet printhead to direct ink ejected from the inkjet printhead onto the collection plate.

Abstract: A modular ink delivery system using ink jet heads effectively supplies ink to a multi-level array of ink jet heads, and ensures that the heads remain in position during printing even if there is vibration of the supporting structures. Delivery is provided by a number of ink containing chambers, at least one for each level and stacked one atop the other. A connection extends from each chamber to at least one ink jet, and ink is automatically supplied to all of the chambers for example by pumping ink to the upper of the chambers, the ink then cascading downwardly from each upper chamber to a lower chamber through standpipe connections between them. The heads are positively held in place by a first circular bar and a second non-circular bar, which bars are operatively engaged by a mounting block for each head for guided movement.

Abstract: Images, particularly colored images, are precisely registered with respect to each other when printed at spaced locations in the direction of movement of a web or sheet. Invisible sense marks are provided at spaced locations along the direction of movement and are opto-electronically sensed at each location where an imaging device is provided. The sense marks may be provided so as to define a rule to provide substantially an absolute measure of the position of the web or sheet. The sense marks may be spaced from each other about 0.01 inches or less, e.g. about one pixel.

Abstract: A method and system for verifying the intended imaging produced by a printer allow this task to be accomplished in essentially real-time, and utilizing relatively inexpensive, and high speed (e.g. about 200 feet per minute or greater) components. A computer control commands a raster image processor (RIP) to generate electronic print data (e.g. a bitmap) that is sent to an electronic digital printer (such as an inkjet cartridge array) and also to a print monitor. The printer images the bitmap onto a web or sheet, then a linear digital photosensor (e.g. photodiode) array scans essentially every pixel across the width of the web or sheet image area and transmits the scanned data to the print monitor system, which compares it to the bitmap produced by the RIP.