Abstract: Some embodiments relate to printing system is described that has an intermediate transfer member (ITM) in the form of a seamed endless belt for transporting an ink image from an image forming station, at which an ink image is deposited on ITM, to an impression station, where the ink image is transferred onto a printing substrate. Two drive members are provided for movement in synchronism with one another. Rotation of the drive members during installation of a new ITM serves to thread the strip through the printing system by pulling the strip from its leading end. Alternatively or additionally, indirect printing system comprising the ITM and an image forming station at which droplets of ink are applied to the ITM to form ink images thereon is disclosed. One or more blowing mechanisms (e.g. associated with the image forming station) are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A printing system comprises an intermediate transfer member, an image-forming station comprising a print bar disposed over a surface of the ITM, a conveyer for driving rotation of the ITM, a detection system configured to detect foreign matter 5 transported at a detection location upstream of the image-forming station, and a response system operatively coupled to the detection system to respond to the detection of foreign matter by performing at least one collision-prevention action to prevent a potential collision between foreign matter and the print bar.

Abstract: A friction reduction system for reducing friction of an intermediate transfer member (ITM) of a printing system, while the ITM is guided along the printing system by a guiding arrangement. The friction reduction system includes a fluid reservoir mounted within the printing system, a fluid depositing arrangement disposed along the ITM, and a control mechanism, adapted to control depositing of fluid, from the fluid depositing arrangement onto the guiding arrangement or onto at least a portion of the ITM. Depositing of the fluid reduces friction between the ITM and the guiding arrangement.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to printing system is described that has an intermediate transfer member (ITM) in the form of a seamed endless belt for transporting an ink image from an image forming station, at which an ink image is deposited on ITM, to an impression station, where the ink image is transferred onto a printing substrate. Two drive members are provided for movement in synchronism with one another. Rotation of the drive members during installation of a new ITM serves to thread the strip through the printing system by pulling the strip from its leading end. Alternatively or additionally, indirect printing system comprising the ITM and an image forming station at which droplets of ink are applied to the ITM to form ink images thereon is disclosed. One or more blowing mechanisms (e.g. associated with the image forming station) are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A printing system comprises an intermediate transfer member, an image-forming station comprising a print bar disposed over a surface of the ITM, a conveyer for driving rotation of the ITM, a detection system configured to detect foreign matter 5 transported at a detection location upstream of the image-forming station, and a response system operatively coupled to the detection system to respond to the detection of foreign matter by performing at least one collision-prevention action to prevent a potential collision between foreign matter and the print bar.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to printing system is described that has an intermediate transfer member (ITM) in the form of a seamed endless belt for transporting an ink image from an image forming station, at which an ink image is deposited on ITM, to an impression station, where the ink image is transferred onto a printing substrate. Two drive members are provided for movement in synchronism with one another. Rotation of the drive members during installation of a new ITM serves to thread the strip through the printing system by pulling the strip from its leading end. Alternatively or additionally, indirect printing system comprising the ITM and an image forming station at which droplets of ink are applied to the ITM to form ink images thereon is disclosed. One or more blowing mechanisms (e.g. associated with the image forming station) are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A printing system is described that has an intermediate transfer member in the form of a seamed endless belt for transporting an ink image from an image forming station, at which an ink image is deposited on the intermediate transfer member, to an impression station, where the ink image is transferred onto a printing substrate. The belt has along its edges formations of a greater thickness than the belt. The formations are received in channels to guide the belt and maintain the belt under lateral tension. Two drive members are provided, each located within a respective one of the channels. The two drive members are connected for movement in synchronism with one another and each has a respective laterally projecting gripper shaped for form locking engagement with the formations on a leading end of a strip from which the intermediate transfer member is to be formed.

Abstract: A printing system is described that has an intermediate transfer member in the form of a seamed endless belt for transporting an ink image from an image forming station, at which an ink image is deposited on the intermediate transfer member, to an impression station, where the ink image is transferred onto a printing substrate. The belt has along its edges formations of a greater thickness than the belt. The formations are received in channels to guide the belt and maintain the belt under lateral tension. Two drive members are provided, each located within a respective one of the channels. The two drive members are connected for movement in synchronism with one another and each has a respective laterally projecting gripper shaped for form locking engagement with the formations on a leading end of a strip from which the intermediate transfer member is to be formed.

Abstract: A printing system is described that has an intermediate transfer member in the form of a seamed endless belt for transporting an ink image from an image forming station, at which an ink image is deposited on the intermediate transfer member, to an impression station, where the ink image is transferred onto a printing substrate. The belt has along its edges formations of a greater thickness than the belt. The formations are received in channels to guide the belt and maintain the belt under lateral tension. Two drive members are provided, each located within a respective one of the channels. The two drive members are connected for movement in synchronism with one another and each has a respective laterally projecting gripper shaped for form locking engagement with the formations on a leading end of a strip from which the intermediate transfer member is to be formed.

Abstract: A printing system is described that has an intermediate transfer member in the form of a seamed endless belt for transporting an ink image from an image forming station, at which an ink image is deposited on the intermediate transfer member, to an impression station, where the ink image is transferred onto a printing substrate. The belt has along its edges formations of a greater thickness than the belt. The formations are received in channels to guide the belt and maintain the belt under lateral tension. Two drive members are provided, each located within a respective one of the channels. The two drive members are connected for movement in synchronism with one another and each has a respective laterally projecting gripper shaped for form locking engagement with the formations on a leading end of a strip from which the intermediate transfer member is to be formed.

Abstract: A printing system is described that has an intermediate transfer member in the form of a seamed endless belt for transporting an ink image from an image forming station, at which an ink image is deposited on the intermediate transfer member, to an impression station, where the ink image is transferred onto a printing substrate. The belt has along its edges formations of a greater thickness than the belt. The formations are received in channels to guide the belt and maintain the belt under lateral tension. Two drive members are provided, each located within a respective one of the channels. The two drive members are connected for movement in synchronism with one another and each has a respective laterally projecting gripper shaped for form locking engagement with the formations on a leading end of a strip from which the intermediate transfer member is to be formed.

Abstract: A printing system is described that has an intermediate transfer member in the form of a seamed endless belt for transporting an ink image from an image forming station, at which an ink image is deposited on the intermediate transfer member, to an impression station, where the ink image is transferred onto a printing substrate. The belt has along its edges formations of a greater thickness than the belt. The formations are received in channels to guide the belt and maintain the belt under lateral tension. Two drive members are provided, each located within a respective one of the channels. The two drive members are connected for movement in synchronism with one another and each has a respective laterally projecting gripper shaped for form locking engagement with the formations on a leading end of a strip from which the intermediate transfer member is to be formed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a printing assembly which includes a printing drum such as an impression drum, a pair of eccentric bearings between and on which the drum is mounted for rotation, a pair of self aligning bearings on which the eccentric bearings are supported, and a pair of frameless motors directly connected to the eccentric bearings in order to effect the rotation thereof through closed loop feedback control, in order to facilitate the automatic and accurate control of pressure level and uniformity along the nip of a printing press.

Abstract: A solar receiver is provided. The solar receiver may include a receiver housing with front and rear ends. The solar receiver may also include a window configured to allow radiation to pass therethrough. The window may be mounted at the front end and project within the housing. The solar receiver may also include a receiver chamber defined between the housing and the window. The receiver chamber may include a working fluid inlet for ingress of working fluid to be heated therewithin, and a working fluid outlet for egress therethrough of the heated working fluid. The solar receiver may also include a solar radiation absorber configured for absorbing the radiation and heating the working fluid thereby. The absorber may be located within the receiver chamber and may surround at least a portion of the window. The solar radiation absorber may be formed with projections.

Abstract: The present invention provides a printing assembly which includes a printing drum such as an impression drum, a pair of eccentric bearings between and on which the drum is mounted for rotation, a pair of self aligning bearings on which the eccentric bearings are supported, and a pair of frameless motors directly connected to the eccentric bearings in order to effect the rotation thereof through closed loop feedback control, in order to facilitate the automatic and accurate control of pressure level and uniformity along the nip of a printing press.