Abstract: A module is configured to selectively apply release agent to a web having a sequence of printed imaged formed thereon by a printer. The module includes a plurality of dispensers arranged in a cross-process direction across the imaged web. The module detects positions of areas in the printed images and determines whether the amount of ink in the areas meet or exceed a predetermined density threshold. If an area meets or exceeds the threshold, a controller operates a dispenser to apply release agent to the area on the web as the area passes the dispenser. The controller operates the dispensers with reference to image data of the surface of the web.

Abstract: A module is configured to selectively apply release agent to a web having a sequence of printed imaged formed thereon by a printer. The module includes a plurality of dispensers arranged in a cross-process direction across the imaged web. The module detects positions of areas in the printed images and determines whether the amount of ink in the areas meet or exceed a predetermined density threshold. If an area meets or exceeds the threshold, a controller operates a dispenser to apply release agent to the area on the web as the area passes the dispenser. The controller operates the dispensers with reference to image data of the surface of the web.

Abstract: A printhead wiper assembly includes an elongated member having a first and second wiper, a linkage, and an actuator. The linkage includes a clutch that enables the elongated member to move to a plurality of positions in response to the actuator activating a plurality of times. The sequence of positions enables first wiper and then the other wiper to contact the printhead face to remove purged ink from the face.

Abstract: A leveling and spreading system has been developed that enables the speed and position of the web to be determined from a sensor on a first roller. In a duplex print process, the first roller also reduces a temperature of the media web and an ink image printed in the first side print operation to within a first predetermined temperature range. A second roller modulates the temperature of the media web and ink ejected onto the media web immediately before the web enters the leveling and spreading system to within a second predetermined temperature range to enable uniformity of the ink and web temperatures for spreading the ink in a nip formed with a third roller.

Abstract: A leveling and spreading system has been developed that enables the speed and position of the web to be determined from a sensor on a first roller. In a duplex print process, the first roller also reduces a temperature of the media web and an ink image printed in the first side print operation to within a first predetermined temperature range. A second roller modulates the temperature of the media web and ink ejected onto the media web immediately before the web enters the leveling and spreading system to within a second predetermined temperature range to enable uniformity of the ink and web temperatures for spreading the ink in a nip formed with a third roller.

Abstract: A printhead wiper assembly includes an elongated member having a first and second wiper, a linkage, and an actuator. The linkage includes a clutch that enables the elongated member to move to a plurality of positions in response to the actuator activating a plurality of times. The sequence of positions enables first wiper and then the other wiper to contact the printhead face to remove purged ink from the face.

Abstract: An inkjet printer for printing on a continuous web of recording media includes a receiver to receive a beam of collimated light transmitted across the surface of a continuous web of recording media supported by a roller. The intensity of the transmitted beam received by the receiver can be used to determine the presence of a defect in the continuous web or in the roller. A controller is configured to reduce the speed of or stop movement of the web through the printer and to retract one or more printheads from a printing location to prevent the defect from damaging the printhead(s).

Abstract: Herein includes an offset printing apparatus for transferring and optionally fixing a phase change ink onto a print medium including a) a phase change ink application component for applying a phase change ink in a phase change ink image to an imaging member; b) an imaging member for accepting, transferring and optionally fixing the phase change ink image to the print medium, the imaging member having i) an imaging substrate, and thereover ii) an intermediate layer including a polyurethane, and iii) outer coating including a nitrile butadiene and a conductive filler; and c) a release agent management system for supplying a release agent to the imaging member, wherein an amount of release agent needed for transfer and optionally fixing the phase change ink image is reduced.

Abstract: A printing apparatus having a) a printing station including at least one printhead for applying phase-change ink to a print substrate in a phase-change ink image, and b) an ink spreading station including an ink spreading member and a back-up pressure member in pressure contact with the ink spreading member forming a nip between the ink spreading member and pressure member for spreading the phase-change ink image on the print substrate, wherein the print substrate is passed through the nip, and wherein the pressure member includes i) a pressure member substrate, and ii) an outer coating with a urethane and conductive salt.

Abstract: A printing apparatus having a) a printing station including at least one printhead for applying phase-change ink to a print substrate in a phase-change ink image, and b) an ink spreading station including an ink spreading member and a back-up pressure member in pressure contact with the ink spreading member forming a nip between the ink spreading member and pressure member for spreading the phase-change ink image on the print substrate, wherein the print substrate is passed through the nip, and wherein the pressure member includes i) a pressure member substrate, and having thereon ii) an intermediate coating comprising a polyurethane material, and having thereon, iii) an outer coating comprising a nitrile butadiene and a conductive filler.

Abstract: Herein includes an offset printing apparatus for transferring and optionally fixing a phase change ink onto a print medium including a) a phase change ink application component for applying a phase change ink in a phase change ink image to an imaging member; b) an imaging member for accepting, transferring and optionally fixing the phase change ink image to the print medium, the imaging member having i) an imaging substrate, and thereover ii) an outer coating with a urethane and a conductive salt; and c) a release agent management system for supplying a release agent to the imaging member, wherein an amount of release agent needed for transfer and optionally fixing the phase change ink image is reduced.

Abstract: A printing apparatus having a) a printing station including at least one printhead for applying phase-change ink to a print substrate in a phase-change ink image, and b) an ink spreading station including an ink spreading member and a back-up pressure member in pressure contact with the ink spreading member forming a nip between the ink spreading member and pressure member for spreading the phase-change ink image on the print substrate, wherein the print substrate is passed through the nip, and wherein the pressure member includes i) a pressure member substrate, and having thereon ii) an intermediate coating comprising a polyurethane material, and having thereon, iii) an outer coating comprising a nitrile butadiene and a conductive filler.

Abstract: A printing apparatus having a) a printing station including at least one printhead for applying phase-change ink to a print substrate in a phase-change ink image, and b) an ink spreading station including an ink spreading member and a back-up pressure member in pressure contact with the ink spreading member forming a nip between the ink spreading member and pressure member for spreading the phase-change ink image on the print substrate, wherein the print substrate is passed through the nip, and wherein the pressure member includes i) a pressure member substrate, and ii) an outer coating with a urethane and conductive salt.

Abstract: Herein includes an offset printing apparatus for transferring and optionally fixing a phase change ink onto a print medium including a) a phase change ink application component for applying a phase change ink in a phase change ink image to an imaging member; b) an imaging member for accepting, transferring and optionally fixing the phase change ink image to the print medium, the imaging member having i) an imaging substrate, and thereover ii) an intermediate layer comprising a polyurethane, and iii) outer coating comprising a nitrile butadiene and a conductive filler; and c) a release agent management system for supplying a release agent to the imaging member, wherein an amount of release agent needed for transfer and optionally fixing the phase change ink image is reduced.

Abstract: Herein includes an offset printing apparatus for transferring and optionally fixing a phase change ink onto a print medium including a) a phase change ink application component for applying a phase change ink in a phase change ink image to an imaging member; b) an imaging member for accepting, transferring and optionally fixing the phase change ink image to the print medium, the imaging member having i) an imaging substrate, and thereover ii) an outer coating with a urethane and a conductive salt; and c) a release agent management system for supplying a release agent to the imaging member, wherein an amount of release agent needed for transfer and optionally fixing the phase change ink image is reduced.

Abstract: An offset printing apparatus for transferring and optionally fixing a phase change ink onto a print medium including a) a phase change ink application component for applying a phase change ink in a phase change ink image to an imaging member; b) an imaging member for accepting, transferring and optionally fixing the phase change ink image to the print medium, the imaging member having: i) an imaging substrate, and thereover ii) an outer coating comprising a polymer matrix with an oleophobic resin, a fluoropolymer lubricant, and a first additive; and c) a release agent management system for supplying a release agent to the imaging member, wherein an amount of release agent needed for transfer and optionally fixing the phase change ink image is reduced.

Abstract: A printing apparatus, including a) a printing station with at least one printhead for applying phase-change ink to a substrate in a phase-change ink image, and b) an ink spreading station including a heated or unheated ink spreading member and a back-up pressure member in pressure contact with the ink spreading member, and wherein a nip is formed between the ink spreading member and the back-up pressure member for spreading the phase-change ink image on the substrate, wherein said substrate is passed through the nip, and wherein the pressure member includes i) a substrate, and ii) an outer coating having a polymer matrix with an oleophobic resin, a fluoropolymer lubricant, and a first additive.

Abstract: An offset printing apparatus for transferring a phase change ink onto a print medium having a phase change ink component for applying a phase change ink in a phase change ink image; an imaging member for accepting the phase change ink image from the phase change ink component, and transferring the phase change ink image from the imaging member to the print medium, and a transfix pressure member positioned in association with the imaging member, wherein the print medium passes through a nip formed between the imaging member and the transfix pressure member, and wherein the imaging member exerts pressure on the transfix pressure member so as to transfer and fuse the phase change ink image from the imaging member to the print medium, and further wherein the transfix pressure member includes a substrate; and an outer layer having a modulus of from about 8 to about 300 MPa, a thickness of from about 0.3 to about 10 mm, and wherein the pressure exerted at the nip is from about 750 to about 4,000 psi.