Abstract: A modular printing device has been developed that may be configured with different numbers of ink colors and ink types and with a different cross-process direction print resolution for each ink color and ink type.

Abstract: A solid or phase change inkjet ink incorporating a polar acidic wax is described. The use of polar waxes as an ink additive improves the polarity of the ink and adhesion of the ink to paper. A method for applying the solid or phase change ink incorporating an acidic polar wax additive to form an image is also described.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a printing station, including at least one printhead for applying phase-change ink to the substrate, and a backing member disposed on an opposite side of the substrate substantially opposite the printhead, the backing member causing the substrate to reach a predetermined ink-receiving temperature.

Abstract: A process transfers an image from an intermediate imaging member onto a sheet of recording media while preserving the ability to duplex print on the sheet. The process includes generating an image on an intermediate imaging member as the intermediate imaging member rotates in a first direction, synchronizing a sheet of recording media with the image on the intermediate member as the intermediate imaging member continues to rotate in the first direction, transferring the image from the intermediate imaging member onto the sheet of recording media as the intermediate imaging member continues to rotate in the first direction, and limiting release agent on the intermediate imaging member to a level that preserves duplex printing capability on the sheet of recording media.

Abstract: A method processes image data for a color separation to reduce visible perception of misalignment of printheads in a plurality of serially arranged printheads. The method includes detecting cross-process edges in image values for objects in a color separation to be printed by a plurality of serially arranged printheads, and disproportionately mapping image values corresponding to the object in the color separation to one of the printheads in the plurality of serially arranged printheads.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a printing station, including at least one printhead for applying phase-change ink to the substrate, and a backing member disposed on an opposite side of the substrate substantially opposite the printhead, the backing member causing the substrate to reach a predetermined ink-receiving temperature.

Abstract: A liquid ink imaging member having a top outer imaging surface is provided for receiving image forming ink droplets from a printhead. The liquid ink imaging member includes (a) a substrate member; (b) at least one elastomeric layer formed over the substrate member and including the top outer imaging surface; and (c) a surface texture formed into the top outer imaging surface and comprising asperities spaced apart at most from about one-half to about one pixel spot size for providing contact angle hysteresis to pin image forming ink droplets received thereon, thereby preventing ink droplet drawback, and resulting in quality images.

Abstract: A phase change ink image producing machine including (a) a control subsystem for controlling operation of all subsystems and components of the image producing machine; (b) melting apparatus for melting solid phase change ink into melted molten liquid ink; (c) a printhead system located for receiving said melted molten liquid ink, said printhead system being connected to said control subsystem for ejecting droplets of melted molten liquid ink onto an imaging member to form an image and a liquid ink imaging member having a top outer imaging surface for receiving image forming ink droplets from a printhead.

Abstract: A phase change ink image producing machine including (a) a control subsystem for controlling operation of all subsystems and components of the image producing machine; (b) melting apparatus for melting solid phase change ink into melted molten liquid ink; (c) a printhead system located for receiving said melted molten liquid ink, said printhead system being connected to said control subsystem for ejecting droplets of melted molten liquid ink onto an imaging member to form an image and a liquid ink imaging member having a top outer imaging surface for receiving image forming ink droplets from a printhead.

Abstract: Methods and system incorporating job scheduling to extend the lifetime of an ink sump according to one or more replenishment models in which two replenishing sumps are used to maintain compositional stability in a working ink sump operable in a three subcomponent ink replenishment system. Determinations of failure modes of the toner sump are made and basic principles for replenishment are presented for implementation in a control system operable to enhance ink sump performance and to extend the ink sump lifetime.

Abstract: A liquid ink imaging member having a top outer imaging surface is provided for receiving image forming ink droplets from a printhead. The liquid ink imaging member includes (a) a substrate member; (b) at least one elastomeric layer formed over the substrate member and including the top outer imaging surface; and (c) a surface texture formed into the top outer imaging surface and comprising asperities spaced apart at most from about one-half to about one pixel spot size for providing contact angle hysteresis to pin image forming ink droplets received thereon, thereby preventing ink droplet drawback, and resulting in quality images.

Abstract: Methods and system incorporating job scheduling to extend the lifetime of an ink sump according to one or more replenishment models in which two replenishing sumps are used to maintain compositional stability in a working ink sump operable in a three subcomponent ink replenishment system. Determinations of failure modes of the toner sump are made and basic principles for replenishment are presented for implementation in a control system operable to enhance ink sump performance and to extend the ink sump lifetime.

Abstract: Computer controller mixing of customer-selected colorants, including inks, for printing machines includes an ink supply station with a color matching control computer program, an ink mixing station, cleaning and waste disposal stations, for automatically emptying and cleaning ink mixing station components, which are integrally connected to a print engine, and scheduling of colorant changes to maximize use of a particular colorant and minimize colorant changes.

Abstract: Computer controller mixing of customer-selected colorants, including inks, for printing machines includes an ink supply station with a color matching control computer program, an ink mixing station, cleaning and waste disposal stations, for automatically emptying and cleaning ink mixing station components, which are integrally connected to a print engine, and scheduling of colorant changes to maximize use of a particular colorant and minimize colorant changes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for forming images which comprises (a) generating an electrostatic latent image; (b) contacting the latent image with a developer comprising a colorant and a substantial amount of a vehicle with a melting point of at least about 25° C., said developer having a melting point of at least about 25° C., said contact occurring while the developer is maintained at a temperature at or above its melting point, said developer having a viscosity of no more than about 500 centipoise and a resistivity of no less than about 108 ohm-cm at the temperature maintained while the developer is in contact with the latent image; and (c) cooling the developed image to a temperature below its melting point subsequent to development. Specific processes disclosed include electrophoretic development processes, polarizable liquid development processes, and photoelectrophoretic development processes. Optionally, the developed image is transferred to a substrate subsequent to development.

Abstract: A filtration system that rotates in conjunction with a blower wheel, and a method of attaching the same. The blower wheel typically has a plurality of fan blades arranged in a spaced relationship radially around a blower cavity to define a flow path extending radially outward from the blower cavity through the fan blades when the blower wheel is rotating. The filtration system includes a filter cartridge releasably attachable to the blower wheel in an engaged configuration. The filter cartridge includes a filter medium defining a generally center opening and a filter surface configured to be positioned generally adjacent to the fan blades and to extend across at least a portion of the flow path. In one embodiment, a plurality of flow passages extending through the filter medium.

Abstract: An image data adjustment system is described which adjusts image data to be printed based upon the level of contaminants detected in the toner reservoirs. The system detects the level of contamination of a toner to be printed and adjusts the image data so that a compensating toner is also printed with the desired toner so that an intended print color is achieved despite contaminants in the toner.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for forming images which comprises (a) generating an electrostatic latent image; (b) contacting the latent image with a developer comprising a colorant and a substantial amount of a vehicle with a melting point of at least about 25.degree. C., said developer having a melting point of at least about 25.degree. C., said contact occurring while the developer is maintained at a temperature at or above its melting point, said developer having a viscosity of no more than about 500 centipoise and a resistivity of no less than about 10.sup.8 ohm-cm at the temperature maintained while the developer is in contact with the latent image; and (c) cooling the developed image to a temperature below its melting point subsequent to development. Specific processes disclosed include electrophoretic development processes, polarizable liquid development processes, and photoelectrophoretic development processes. Optionally, the developed image is transferred to a substrate subsequent to development.

Abstract: An apparatus for developing an electrostatic latent image in a liquid developing material-based electrostatographic printing machine including a control system for controlling an amount of marking particles, carrier liquid and/or charge director added to a supply of liquid developing material utilized for developing a latent electrostatic image such that the concentration of marking particles and or charge director can be maintained at an optimal value. The amount of marking particles, carrier liquid and/or charge director in a supply of liquid developing material is maintained at a predetermined optimal value in response to the amount of marking particles and/or charge director depleted from the supply of liquid developing material with each development cycle. A supply reservoir is maintained with a substantially constant amount of liquid carrier to which is added marking particles and/or charge director to provide an operative solution of liquid developing material.

Abstract: A system and method for color mixing control in a developing material-based electrostatographic printing system. A developing reservoir containing an operative solution of customer selectable colored developing material is continuously replenished with selectively variable amounts of basic color components making up the operative solution by controlling the rate of replenishment of various color components added to the supply reservoir. An optical sensor is used to measure the optical spectrum of the developed image so that the actual optical spectrum thereof can be brought into agreement with a target optical spectrum associated with a customer selectable color. The present invention may be used to mix a customer selectable color in situ, whereby approximate amounts of primary color components are initially deposited and mixed in the developing material reservoir and the resultant developed image is monitored and adjusted until the mixture reaches a target optical spectrum.