Abstract: A printer system includes a memory, a processor, and one or more printer heads. The processor determines a number of transmission layers and a number of barrier layers to use in a color changing expiration indicator based at least in part on a time period between a print date of the indicator and a received expiration date. The printer heads print a reactive layer onto print media, where at least a portion of the reactive layer is configured to migrate through the transmission layers. The printer heads also print the determined number of transmission layers and the determined number of barrier layers in alternation. The printer heads print a reactant layer that is configured to change color responsive to a reaction between the reactant layer and the reactive layer upon migration of the reactive layer through the transmission layers. The reaction is configured to occur on the received expiration date.

Abstract: Printing devices include a media supply storing print media, a luminescent belt positioned adjacent the media supply in a location to move sheets of the print media from the media supply, a print engine positioned adjacent the luminescent belt in a location to receive the sheets from the luminescent belt, an optical sensor positioned adjacent the belt in a location to receive belt-emitted light from the luminescent belt, and a processor electrically connected to the optical sensor. The processor receives the image from the optical sensor and identifies locations of the sheets on the belt based on where the sheets block the belt-emitted light from the luminescent belt.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead prints test patches of magnetic ink having magnetic particles using different ink droplet sizes on print media. A sensor scans the test patches to determine test patch densities. A processor determines a table-based density that produces a user-selected magnetic strength by applying the selected magnetic strength to a density and magnetic strength relationship table. The processor identifies a matching test patch as one of the test patches having a density that most closely matches the table-based density, identifies a selected droplet size as the ink droplet size used to print the matching test patch, and controls the printhead to produce magnetic ink droplets of the selected droplet size when printing a print job for the selected magnetic strength.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling archival sheet curl formation in image receiving media substrates on which images are formed using aqueous inks as the marking material. Archival curl occurs over time and is based on a partial coverage of the image receiving media substrates by the deposited water-based marking materials. A unique post-processing scheme applies selective aqueous clear fluid onto imaged substrates (cut sheets) to substantially counteract long-term archival curl formation in the individual image receiving media substrates. Both opposing sides of the cut sheet are processed in a manner that causes them to substantially equally undergo the generally irreversible shrinkage phenomenon that leads to archival curl, thus substantially canceling out the archival curl formation mechanism. A clear fluid is applied image-wise to portions of one or both sides of the image receiving media substrates to counterbalance the formed aqueous ink image.

Abstract: A decurler is configured for use in an aqueous inkjet printer to monitor ink contamination of the indent roller in the decurler and generate a signal that maintenance is required prior to the printer beginning to produce wrinkled media sheets by the ink contamination on the indent roller. A reflective sensor is mounted on a shaft for bidirectional movement to sweep the length of the indent roller and generate electrical signals indicative of the presence or absence of contamination on the indent roller. The controller receiving signals from the reflective sensor compares the signals from the reflective sensor to a predetermined threshold prior to commencing monitoring of the indent roller to determine positions where the sensor is opposite the indent roller and positons where the sensor is opposite a frame in the printer.

Abstract: A system dynamically balances a rotating body. The system includes a support that holds the body as it rotates. At least one sensor generates signals indicative of a balance of the body as it rotates and a controller identifies a position on the body where material can be placed to balance the body. The controller operates at least one actuator to move a plurality of ejectors opposite the identified position where the controller operates at least one ejector in the plurality of ejectors to eject material onto the identified position. The system can operate iteratively until the body is balanced within a predetermined range.

Abstract: Printer structures include a controller, a marking engine operatively (meaning directly or indirectly) connected to the controller, and a container connected to the marking engine. The marking engine applies marking material to print media, and the container stores that marking material. The container can include a flexible bladder storing the marking material, and an actuator structure operatively connected to the controller. The actuator structure contacts the flexible bladder and periodically moves portions of the bladder to periodically mix the marking material as controlled by the controller (based on the marking engine being idle for a previously established amount of time). Alternatively, the actuator structure contacts the container can periodically rotate the container to periodically mix the marking material as controlled by the controller.

Abstract: Printers include (among other components) a sheet path transporting printable media and a printing engine positioned within the sheet path. The printing engine prints markings on the printable media. A first roller is positioned within the sheet path, and the first roller has a harder outer surface. A second roller is positioned parallel to the first roller within the sheet path. The second roller has a softer outer surface relative to the harder outer surface. The first roller and the second roller form a decurling nip decurling sheets that have exited the printing engine. The harder outer surface comprises stainless steel having a metal plasma coating.

Abstract: Printer structures include a controller, a marking engine operatively (meaning directly or indirectly) connected to the controller, and a container connected to the marking engine. The marking engine applies marking material to print media, and the container stores that marking material. The container can include a flexible bladder storing the marking material, and an actuator structure operatively connected to the controller. The actuator structure contacts the flexible bladder and periodically moves portions of the bladder to periodically mix the marking material as controlled by the controller (based on the marking engine being idle for a previously established amount of time). Alternatively, the actuator structure contacts the container can periodically rotate the container to periodically mix the marking material as controlled by the controller.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling archival sheet curl formation in image receiving media substrates on which images are formed using aqueous inks as the marking material. Archival curl occurs over time and is based on a partial coverage of the image receiving media substrates by the deposited water-based marking materials. A unique post-processing scheme applies selective aqueous clear fluid onto imaged substrates (cut sheets) to substantially counteract long-term archival curl formation in the individual image receiving media substrates. Both opposing sides of the cut sheet are processed in a manner that causes them to substantially equally undergo the generally irreversible shrinkage phenomenon that leads to archival curl, thus substantially canceling out the archival curl formation mechanism. A clear fluid is applied image-wise to portions of one or both sides of the image receiving media substrates to counterbalance the formed aqueous ink image.

Abstract: A system dynamically balances a rotating body. The system includes a support that holds the body as it rotates. At least one sensor generates signals indicative of a balance of the body as it rotates and a controller identifies a position on the body where material can be placed to balance the body. The controller operates at least one actuator to move a plurality of ejectors opposite the identified position where the controller operates at least one ejector in the plurality of ejectors to eject material onto the identified position. The system can operate iteratively until the body is balanced within a predetermined range.

Abstract: Provided is a printing apparatus that includes: a sheet path for moving a print substrate; a decurling station positioned along the sheet path and the decurling station. The decurling station includes an indenting roller mounted for rotation around a first longitudinal axis thereof and on a first side of the sheet path, and an elastomeric roller mounted for rotation around a second longitudinal axis thereof and on a second side of the sheet path. The indenting roller includes an indenter shaft and a an anti-contamination coating disposed on the indenter shaft, wherein a drop of aqueous ink exhibits a sliding angle of less than about 30° and a contact angle of greater than about 40° with a surface of the anti-contamination coating.

Abstract: A decurler method and apparatus that compensates for ink contamination buildup on an indent roll of a decurler in aqueous ink jet products that can lead to paper wrinkle. A gap between the centers of the indent roll and a soft roll is increased to prevent sheet wrinkle by employing an algorithm that determines when the rolls are in contact and are first matching speed with each other and then treats this position as a home position.

Abstract: A functional amine release agent displaying reduced coefficient of friction as compared to standard silicone oils, the release agent comprising a polydimethylsiloxane oil and a functional amine selected from the group consisting of pendant propylamines and pendant N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyl; wherein the concentration of functional amine to polydimethylsiloxane oil is approximately less than 0.0006 meq/g. According to certain embodiments, the functional amine release agent is operable to impart a coefficient of friction of about 0.3 or more to the print media, resulting in improved finishing and converting equipment interaction.

Abstract: A functional amine release agent displaying reduced coefficient of friction as compared to standard silicone oils, the release agent comprising a polydimethylsiloxane oil and a functional amine selected from the group consisting of pendant propylamines and pendant N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyl; wherein the concentration of functional amine to polydimethylsiloxane oil is approximately less than 0.0006 meq/g. According to certain embodiments, the functional amine release agent is operable to impart a coefficient of friction of about 0.3 or more to the print media, resulting in improved finishing and converting equipment interaction.

Abstract: A functional amine release agent displaying reduced coefficient of friction as compared to standard silicone oils, the release agent comprising a polydimethylsiloxane oil and a functional amine selected from the group consisting of pendant propylamines and pendant N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyl; wherein the concentration of functional amine to polydimethylsiloxane oil is approximately less than 0.0006 meq/g. According to certain embodiments, the functional amine release agent is operable to impart a coefficient of friction of about 0.3 or more to the print media, resulting in improved finishing and converting equipment interaction.

Abstract: An approach is provided for determining a degree of curing of one or more ultraviolet sensitive inks. The approach involves causing, causing, at least in part, one or more ultraviolet inks to be applied to a substrate to form an image. The approach also involves causing, at least in part, the image to be exposed to ultraviolet light produced by one or more ultraviolet light sources to cause, at least in part, the one or more ultraviolet inks to be cured to form a cured image. The approach additionally involves determining a reflectance value of the cured image. The approach further involves determining a degree of cure of the cured image based, at least in part, on the reflectance value. The approach may be used to alter the degree of curing of another image applied to a substrate.

Abstract: A functional amine release agent displaying reduced coefficient of friction as compared to standard silicone oils, the release agent comprising a polydimethylsiloxane oil and a functional amine selected from the group consisting of pendant propylamines and pendant N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyl; wherein the concentration of functional amine to polydimethylsiloxane oil is approximately less than 0.0006 meq/g. According to certain embodiments, the functional amine release agent is operable to impart a coefficient of friction of about 0.3 or more to the print media, resulting in improved finishing and converting equipment interaction.

Abstract: An inkjet offset printer includes at least one printhead to eject ink on a release agent applied to an image receiving member for subsequent transfer of the ink to the surface of a recording media. The release agent is applied to the image receiving member by at least two release agent applicators. The release agent can be selectively applied to process sheets of recording media of different sizes to improve print quality. Selective application of release agent to the image receiving member prevents release agent from migrating to a transfix roll, and subsequently to the back side of the media which affects the image quality.

Abstract: A printer includes an image drum temperature regulation system that helps reduce thermal gradients on the image drum surface. The image drum temperature regulation system includes a feedback controller and a feed-forward controller. The image drum temperature regulation system operates the heaters and fan of the image drum with reference to a temperature difference between actual temperature of the image drum and a temperature setpoint and to the thermal effect of ejecting an ink image onto the image drum.