Abstract: A system and method for applying an overcoat to a printed image on a substrate generally includes a radiative source that transmits electromagnetic radiation within a predefined wavelength range to the printed image on the substrate to be absorbed by the printed image and heat the printed image to a predetermined temperature range, a depositing device that deposits an overcoating powder onto the heated printed image, the overcoating powder having a melting point within the predetermined range such that upon deposition thereof, the overcoating powder adheres and/or melts onto the heated printed image, and a residual powder removing device that removes any residual overcoating powder not adhered to the printed image or the substrate.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object printing system comprises a ejectors configured to eject drops of material towards a platen, a heater, a sensor configured to sense temperature of the ejected material, a radiator configured to direct radiation to the ejected material, a cooler configured to cool the ejected material, and a controller operatively connected to the ejectors, heater, sensor radiator and cooler. The controller is configured to control the ejectors to form layers of material for a three-dimensional object on the surface of the platen with reference to image data of the three-dimensional object, to operate the heater to heat the surface of the platen, to compare a temperature signal received from the sensor to a predetermined threshold, to operate the radiator to radiate the object layers, and to operate the cooler to attenuate heat produced by the radiated material in response to the signal from sensor exceeding the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A system and method for applying an overcoat to a printed image on a substrate generally includes a radiative source that transmits electromagnetic radiation within a predefined wavelength range to the printed image on the substrate to be absorbed by the printed image and heat the printed image to a predetermined temperature range, a depositing device that deposits an overcoating powder onto the heated printed image, the overcoating powder having a melting point within the predetermined range such that upon deposition thereof, the overcoating powder adheres and/or melts onto the heated printed image, and a residual powder removing device that removes any residual overcoating powder not adhered to the printed image or the substrate.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object printing system comprises a ejectors configured to eject drops of material towards a platen, a heater, a sensor configured to sense temperature of the ejected material, a radiator configured to direct radiation to the ejected material, a cooler configured to cool the ejected material, and a controller operatively connected to the ejectors, heater, sensor radiator and cooler. The controller is configured to control the ejectors to form layers of material for a three-dimensional object on the surface of the platen with reference to image data of the three-dimensional object, to operate the heater to heat the surface of the platen, to compare a temperature signal received from the sensor to a predetermined threshold, to operate the radiator to radiate the object layers, and to operate the cooler to attenuate heat produced by the radiated material in response to the signal from sensor exceeding the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An inkjet printer includes a thermally conductive endless belt configured to carry media past at least one printhead with a plurality of inkjets that are configured to eject ink onto a first surface of the media, a plurality of micro-heaters configured to direct heat to a second surface of the media, and a controller. The controller is operatively connected to the at least one printhead and the plurality of micro-heaters, and is configured to operate the inkjets in the at least one printhead to eject ink onto the first surface of the media and to operate the micro-heaters to direct heat into the thermally conductive endless belt to transmit heat to different positions on the second surface of the media selectively.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for cooling and de-curling output image receiving media substrates prior to stacking them in output trays of office-sized image forming devices. Customer requirements are met by providing a cooling capacity with a simple module that is particularly adaptable to a standard office-sized image forming device without increasing a vertical footprint of the device. The substrate de-curling and cooling capacity is able to be retrofit on typical office-sized image forming devices as, for example, an upgraded output catch tray to provide an all stocks at rated speed capacity in the image forming device. A substrate and de-curling unit cools sheets of image receiving media substrate via conduction by pressing the sheets individually and in order to a pair of rotating cooling drums with a pair of cooperating belts supported by appropriate idler rollers in a paper path having a horizontal “S” shape.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for cleaning an imaging surface of a printing system by way of a cleaning member having a nanowire mesh portion configured to contact the imaging surface.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for cooling and de-curling output image receiving media substrates prior to stacking them in output trays of office-sized image forming devices. Customer requirements are met by providing a cooling capacity with a simple module that is particularly adaptable to a standard office-sized image forming device without increasing a vertical footprint of the device. The substrate de-curling and cooling capacity is able to be retrofit on typical office-sized image forming devices as, for example, an upgraded output catch tray to provide an all stocks at rated speed capacity in the image forming device. A substrate and de-curling unit cools sheets of image receiving media substrate via conduction by pressing the sheets individually and in order to a pair of rotating cooling drums with a pair of cooperating belts supported by appropriate idler rollers in a paper path having a horizontal “S” shape.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for cleaning a pressure roll of a fuser unit useful in printing by way of a cleaning member having a compressible surface portion configured to contact the pressure roll, the compressible surface portion comprising a porous material configured to absorb a release agent from the pressure roll.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for cleaning a pressure roll of a fuser unit useful in printing by way of a cleaning member having a compressible surface portion configured to contact the pressure roll, the compressible surface portion comprising a porous material configured to absorb a release agent from the pressure roll.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for cleaning an imaging surface of a printing system by way of a cleaning member having a nanowire mesh portion configured to contact the imaging surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for priming a printhead. The method includes the steps of bringing a vacuum pump up to a predetermined speed and sealingly engaging a printhead with a capping mechanism after the pump reaches the predetermined speed. The pump is connected to the capping mechanism through a tube with a suitable volume. After a period of time long enough to prime the printhead, the capping mechanism is disengaged from the printhead.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for priming a printhead. The method includes the steps of bringing a vacuum pump up to a predetermined speed and sealingly engaging a printhead with a capping mechanism after the pump reaches the predetermined speed. The pump is connected to the capping mechanism through a tube with a suitable volume. After a period of time long enough to prime the printhead, the capping mechanism is disengaged from the printhead.

Abstract: A firmware sensoring system and method includes a driving and control portion for rotating a cam shaft to actuate various maintenance operations of a maintenance station. In various exemplary embodiments, the driving and control portion includes a sensor wheel that rotates with the cam shaft. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor wheel has an optical window formed therein. The optical window may be aligned with an optical relay in both an extreme clockwise position of the cam shaft and an extreme counterclockwise position of the cam shaft. Depending on whether the optical window is aligned with the optical relay or not, the optical relay is in either a closed-circuit condition or an open-circuit condition. The condition of the optical relay is communicated to or sensed by a controller that rotates the cam shaft.