Abstract: According to aspects of the embodiments, there is provided a method of determining the amount of fountain solution employed in a digital offset lithography printing system. Fountain solution thickness is determined from diagnostic images that are printed and analyzed using the existing Image Based Controls (IBC). An analysis of the density of solids, halftones, and background as a function of the fountain solution control parameter is performed to decide on the appropriate level of fountain solution. A latitude window of control parameters is then derived for which the digital offset lithography printing system in operation minimizes the undesirable effects of too much or too little fountain solution.

Abstract: According to aspects of the embodiments, there is provided a method of determining the amount of fountain solution employed in a digital offset lithography printing system. Fountain solution thickness is determined by examining optical density of some halftone or solid patch versus laser current level. The apparatus and method uses a variable current signal to dither or perturb the laser imaging system to irradiate a fountain solution layer to create patches at different laser current levels. An aptly programmed controller then process optical density measurements to indirectly estimate fountain solution level.

Abstract: According to aspects of the embodiments, there is provided a method of determining the amount of fountain solution employed in a digital offset lithography printing system. Fountain solution thickness is determined from diagnostic images that are printed and analyzed using the existing Image Based Controls (IBC). An analysis of the density of solids, halftones, and background as a function of the fountain solution control parameter is performed to decide on the appropriate level of fountain solution. A latitude window of control parameters is then derived for which the digital offset lithography printing system in operation minimizes the undesirable effects of too much or too little fountain solution.

Abstract: According to aspects of the embodiments, there is provided a method of determining the amount of fountain solution employed in a digital offset lithography printing system. Fountain solution thickness is determined by examining optical density of some halftone or solid patch versus laser current level. The apparatus and method uses a variable current signal to dither or perturb the laser imaging system to irradiate a fountain solution layer to create patches at different laser current levels. An aptly programmed controller then process optical density measurements to indirectly estimate fountain solution level.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the preparation of developer compositions comprising: providing a first developer including carrier and a first toner comprised of resin, pigment, polyolefin, a first compatibilizer, a first charge control agent, and a first metal oxide surface additive; and, adding thereto a second developer including carrier, and a second toner, second compatibilizer, a second charge control agent, and a second metal oxide surface additive.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the preparation of developer compositions comprising: providing a first developer including carrier and a first toner comprised of resin, pigment, polyolefin, a first compatibilizer, a first charge control agent, and a first metal oxide surface additive; and, adding thereto a second developer including carrier, and a second toner, second compatibilizer, a second charge control agent, and a second metal oxide surface additive.

Abstract: A Hybrid Scavengeless Development electrophotographic printing system is provided wherein the electrode wires contain carbon nanotube yarn. The use of carbon nanotube yarn alleviates the problem of fundamental strobing image defects, because the electrodes made from the carbon nanotube yarn can be put at a higher tension to density set point, and thereby achieve fundamental resonance frequencies larger than that obtainable from steel. Additionally the yarn's strength is sufficient to withstand the typical forces it is subjected to in a Hybrid Scavengeless Development environment.

Abstract: A Hybrid Scavengeless Development electrophotographic printing system is provided wherein the electrode wires contain carbon nanotube yarn. The use of carbon nanotube yarn alleviates the problem of fundamental strobing image defects, because the electrodes made from the carbon nanotube yarn can be put at a higher tension to density set point, and thereby achieve fundamental resonance frequencies larger than that obtainable from steel. Additionally the yarn's strength is sufficient to withstand the typical forces it is subjected to in a Hybrid Scavengeless Development environment.

Abstract: An apparatus for developing a latent image recorded on a movable imaging surface, including: a reservoir for storing a supply of developer material including toner particles, said reservoir including a transport member; a donor member being arranged to receive toner particles from said transport member and to deliver toner particles to the image surface at locations spaced apart from each other in the direction of movement of the imaging surface thereby to develop the latent image thereon; a power supply, connected to said donor member, for biasing said donor member to deliver toner to the image surface during a printing mode of operation; a second power supply, connected to the transport member, for maintaining a predefined voltage difference between the transport member and the donor member such that toner particles are attracted to the donor member from the transport member during a printing mode of operation; a controller for generating a donor member purge signal trigger based on sensed or calculated dev

Abstract: An apparatus for developing a latent image recorded on a movable imaging surface, including: a reservoir for storing a supply of developer material; a first donor member and a second donor member, the first and second donor members both being arranged to receive toner particles from the reservoir and to deliver toner particles to the image surface at locations spaced apart from each other in the direction of movement of the imaging surface thereby to develop the latent image thereon; and system for moving the outer surface of first donor member at a first velocity; and system for moving the outer surface of second donor member at a second velocity; wherein the first velocity could be slightly different than the second velocity to reduce a ghosting print defect.

Abstract: An apparatus for developing a latent image recorded on a movable imaging surface, including: a reservoir for storing a supply of developer material; a first donor member and a second donor member, the first and second donor members both being arranged to receive toner particles from the reservoir and to deliver toner particles to the image surface at locations spaced apart from each other in the direction of movement of the imaging surface thereby to develop the latent image thereon; and system for moving the outer surface of first donor member at a first velocity; and system for moving the outer surface of second donor member at a second velocity; wherein the first velocity could be slightly different than the second velocity to reduce a ghosting print defect.

Abstract: A toner maintenance system for an electrophotographic developer unit, including a sump for storing a quantity of developer material comprised of carrier and toner material; a first member for transporting a mixture of developer material and toner particles from the sump, the first member having a voltage applied thereto; a metering blade, positioned closely adjacent to the first member to maintain the compressed pile height of the developer material on first member at a desired level; and a sensor device for measuring the current between the first member and the metering blade, and generating a signal indicative thereof.

Abstract: A toner maintenance system for an electrophotographic developer unit, including a sump for storing a quantity of developer material comprised of carrier and toner material; a first member for transporting a mixture of developer material and toner particles from the sump, the first member having a voltage applied thereto; a metering blade, positioned closely adjacent to the first member to maintain the compressed pile height of the developer material on first member at a desired level; and a sensor device for measuring the current between the first member and the metering blade, and generating a signal indicative thereof.

Abstract: A cleaning blade has a fixed end and a distal cleaning end, with the fixed end maintained in a substantially fixed position. The cleaning blade has a blade cleaning surface arranged for facing a photosensitive element surface of a moving photosensitive element, with the cleaning end arranged to contact and clean the photosensitive element surface. The cleaning blade has a blade temperature. The cleaning blade includes at least one heater for maintaining the blade temperature at a fixed temperature.

Abstract: A cleaning blade has a fixed end and a distal cleaning end, with the fixed end maintained in a substantially fixed position. The cleaning blade has a blade cleaning surface arranged for facing a photosensitive element surface of a moving photosensitive element, with the cleaning end arranged to contact and clean the photosensitive element surface. The cleaning blade has a blade temperature. The cleaning blade includes at least one heater for maintaining the blade temperature at a fixed temperature.

Abstract: A developer unit for developing a latent image recorded on an image receiving member with marking particles, to form a developed image, including an image receiving member moving at a predetermined process speed. A donor member is spaced from the image receiving member and adapted to transport marking particles to a development zone adjacent the image receiving member. An electrode is positioned in the development zone between the image receiving member and the donor member. A voltage supply to electrically bias the electrode during a developing operation with an alternating current, to detach marking particles from the donor member, forming a cloud of marking particles in the development zone, and developing the latent image with marking particles from the cloud. A modulator, responsive to the predetermined process speed, controls a modulation rate of the voltage supply to minimize harmonic resonant vibrations of the electrode.

Abstract: A developer unit for developing a latent image recorded on an image receiving member with marking particles, to form a developed image, including: a drive mechanism for moving the surface of the image receiving member at a predetermined process speed. A donor member is spaced from the image receiving member and adapted to transport marking particles to a development zone adjacent the image receiving member. A plurality of wires having a predefined tension are positioned in the development zone between the image receiving member and the donor member. A voltage supply to electrically bias the plurality of wires during a developing operation with an alternating current, to detach marking particles from the donor member, forming a cloud of marking particles in the development zone, and developing the latent image with marking particles from the cloud.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for reducing accumulation of toner from the surface of an electrode member in a development unit of an electrostatographic printing apparatus by providing an inorganic coating on at least a portion of the electrode member.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for reducing accumulation of toner from the surface of an electrode member in a development unit of an electrostatographic printing apparatus by providing an organic coating on at least a portion of the electrode member.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing accumulation of toner from the surface of an electrode member in a development unit of an electrostatographic printing apparatus which includes providing a low surface energy coating on at least a portion of the electrode member.