Abstract: A large scale LED exposure array and system for printers, and unique methods of inputting data to and operating such an array, are disclosed. The array can be loaded and refreshed with data information at rates compatible with high speed printing, and forms part of an electronic image forming and handling system which can load an refresh an exposure array at variable speeds of at least 100 to 300 ft./min. The system includes compensation for differences in illuminating capability of individual LEDs in a large array, by introducing modifications in LED on-time which are centered with respect to the incremental area of the photoreceptor on which a pixel is to be formed, and to compensate for changes in pixel exposure time with increase in speed of the photoreceptor.

Abstract: A large scale LED exposure array and system for printers, and unique methods of inputting data to and operating such an array, are disclosed. The array can be loaded and refreshed with data information at rates compatible with high speed printing, and forms part of an electronic image forming and handling system which can load an refresh an exposure array at variable speeds of at least 100 to 300 ft./min. The system includes compensation for differences in illuminating capability of individual LEDs in a large array, by introducing modifications in LED on-time which are centered with respect to the incremental area of the photoreceptor on which a pixel is to be formed, and to compensate for changes in pixel exposure time with increase in speed of the photoreceptor.

Abstract: A dryer-fuser apparatus and method are provided to evaporate volatile, flammable carrier liquid from and to fuse solids color-imparting particles to a travelling web of paper in a high speed electrophotographic printing process. Volatiles from the dryer are vented to a catalytic converter, with heat recovered from the catalytic converter being recycled to supply heat to the dryer-fuser. An electric resistance heater may be used to supply heat during system start up and during such times when auxiliary heat is required. Regulation of the amount of venting is provided and is dependent upon the concentration of flammable volatiles present in the dryer.

Abstract: A press, and a process of printing a combination of fixed and variable data on such press, wherein printed images being manufactured are created by direct digital driving of an imaging device at normal press speed, optionally followed by one or more processing operations in the case of business forms or the like, as required for a particular job. The content of the printed images can be changed without stopping the press. The press and process uses novel electrostatic printing engines having a direct digital imaging system which can create latent electrostatic images at normal press speeds, including the ability to accommodate substantial speed variations. Together with these printing engines, an electronic imaging system is provided in which fixed (or base) image data and variable image data are combined electronically to drive a single exposure system.

Abstract: A large scale LED exposure array and system for printers, and unique methods of inputting data to and operating such an array, is disclosed. The array can be loaded and refreshed with data information at rates compatible with high speed printing, and forms part of an electronic image forming and handling system which can load and refresh an exposure array at variable speeds of at least 100 to 300 ft./min. The system includes compensation for differences in illuminating capability of individual LEDs in a large array, by introducing modifications in LED on-time which are centered with respect to the incremental area of the photoreceptor on which a pixel is to be formed, and to compensate for changes in pixel exposure time with increase in speed of the photoreceptor.

Abstract: A press, and a process of printing a combination of fixed and variable data on such press, wherein printed images are created by direct digital driving of an imaging device at normal press speed, optionally followed by one or more processing operations in the case of business forms. The content or arrangement of the printed images can be changed without stopping the press. The press and process use one or more novel electrostatic printing engines having a direct digital imaging system which can create latent electrostatic images at normal press speeds, including the ability to accommodate substantial speed variations. Together with these printing engines, an electronic imaging system is provided in which fixed (or base) image data and variable image data are combined electronically to drive a single exposure system. Repetitive latent images are formed and developed using a liquid toner, and the resultant visible image is transferred and fixed to a variety of materials, in a continuous web.

Abstract: A developer electrode and reverse roller assembly are provided for use in conjunction with the rotatable print cylinder of a high speed electrophotographic printing press. The normal tendency of toner particles to stick to the developer electrode is inhibited due to the velocity by which toner dispersion is fed to the developer electrode. A pair of slots formed in the electrode face ensure that uniform amount and constituency of the dispersion are supplied to the print cylinder. Both the developer electrode and reverse roller assembly are pivotally mounted adjacent the cylinder with the reverse roller comprising a location sensor to sense reverse roller position and to stop the print cylinder when the reverse roller is not in proper position.

Abstract: An automated system and method are provided to supply a liquid toner dispersion to the printing station of a high speed electrophotographic printing press. A highly concentrated form of the liquid toner dispersion is supplied in a first container. Density measurement of the liquid toner in a process tank controls the feed of concentrate to the process tank. Liquid level switches in the process tank control toner carrier liquid flow to the process tank. Conductivity sensor monitoring of the toner in the process tank controls the flow of liquid charge control agent into the process tank. Flow rate of the liquid toner from the process tank to the printing station of the printing unit is controlled by a sensor, logic circuitry, and motorized adjustable flow valve and flow meter.

Abstract: Problems of wear and bounce created by imperfections in the surface of a magnetic recording medium, such as a chromium dioxide-coated drum, are circumvented by a hydrodynamic magnetographic imaging technique that provides the intended effective intimate contact between the recording head the magnetographic recording surface. A readily evaporatable liquid (e.g. water, alcohol, acetone) is applied to the surface of the drum slightly upstream of the location of the recording head, so as to create a liquid bearing against which the recording head is urged, and thereby intimately magnetically coupled with the surface of the drum, except for an extremely thin liquid film between the head and drum surface. As a result of this extremely thin liquid bearing, continuous pressure can be applied to the head to maintain the head in effective intimate contact with the surface of the recording medium without the fear of scratching the medium or causing wear on the head.

Abstract: A transfer mechanism for a magnetographic recording apparatus employs a pair of imaging/printing drums arranged for pivotal translation past one another so as to be controllably positionable at a respective one of imaging and printing stations. At the imaging station a latent image of the desired graphics/text to be reproduced is written onto a first drum while, at the same time, at the printing station, a latent image that was previously written at the imaging station onto a second drum is employed for hard copy reproduction. The transfer mechanism preferably comprises a set of rotatably driven and meshed gear wheels about the respective axes of which pivot of a pair of support arms upon which the imaging/printing drums are mounted.