Abstract: A printing apparatus provides a printing path disposed along one level, the printing path having a first portion and second portion, each portion having a printhead associated therewith. The apparatus further includes a drying path along a second level, the drying path including two dryer modules. In one arrangement in which the apparatus can operate, a sheet path provides for printing in the first portion of the print path, drying in the first drying module, printing on the second side of a sheet in the second portion of the sheet path, and drying in the second drying module. In another arrangement in which the apparatus can operate, a sheet path can provide for printing in either or both portions of the sheet path, followed by drying in one or both drying modules and then exit from the apparatus, such as to a second apparatus. The architecture enables the apparatus to function by itself or as part of a multi-apparatus printing system.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing printed products contains the steps of applying at least one colored and water-containing ink to image regions on a printing material in a drop-on-demand process. An essentially colorless and water-containing liquid is applied a) to non-image regions and/or b) to image regions that have only little ink in the drop-on-demand process. The printing material is dried. The printing material has a coating that contains at least one acid. After the application of ink and the application of a liquid, a water-containing further liquid, for instance a varnish, is applied both to image regions and to non-image regions of the printing material, and that the liquid and/or the further liquid contains at least one substance that at least partly neutralizes the acid. The undesired formation of waves and glossiness fluctuations between varnished image regions and varnished non-image regions may thus advantageously be avoided.

Abstract: A printed product is produced by applying at least one colored and water-containing ink to image regions on a printing material in a drop-on-demand process, applying a substantially colorless and water-containing liquid a) to non-image regions and/or b) to image regions that have little ink in a drop-on-demand process and drying the printing material. In this case, the printing material has a coating with at least one acid. After applying ink and applying the liquid, a water-containing further liquid is applied both to image regions and to non-image regions of the printing material. The first-mentioned liquid and/or the further liquid contains at least one substance for at least partly neutralizing the acid. The undesired formation of crease waves or curls and glossiness fluctuations between varnished image areas and varnished non-image areas is thus advantageously avoided.

Abstract: A printing technique is presented for efficiently printing (i.e. with production lines rates at high resolution and high accuracy) on outer surfaces of a plurality of objects passing in an optimized stream through a printing route/zone. According to this technique, at least one array of printing head units is provided being configured to define at least one printing route along a printing axis, where the at least one printing route is a substantially linear segment of a closed loop lane along which the objects are progressing.

Abstract: A real-time surface energy treatment system for a printable substrate including a surface energy modification device arranged to alter a substrate surface energy of the printable substrate to enhance wetting and adhesion of an ink to the printable substrate, a full width array sensor arranged to measure at least one print quality characteristic of the ink on the substrate, and a system control in communication with the surface energy modification device and the full width array sensor and arranged to adjust an input power to the surface energy modification device based on the at least one print quality characteristic.

Abstract: Examples described herein include a print media edge repair system that includes a first repair element disposed adjacent to a media handling path to repair a leading edge of a sheet of print media as the sheet of print media moves into a position relative to a printing system associated with the print media edge repair system. The print media repair system may also include a second repair element disposed opposite the first repair element across the media handling path to repair a trailing edge of the sheet of print media as the sheet of print media moves into the position relative to a printing system.

Abstract: A single-pass inkjet printer contains a track for guiding a printing medium in the Y direction, a plurality of printing head modules which are arranged one behind the other in the Y direction and a respective plurality of printing heads which extends in the X direction transversely over the track, and a printing region in which the printing head modules can be mounted in a respective printing position in an upright manner in the Z direction and in a reversibly insertable and removable manner along the Z direction. The single-pass inkjet printer further contains a storage region in which a number of printing head modules are mounted in a storage position in an upright manner substantially in the Z direction and in a reversibly insertable and removable manner along the Z direction. The printing heads of printing head modules set in the storage position are received in a protective cover.

Abstract: A tray includes a holding portion configured to hold a print medium in a predetermined holding area and an ink absorption portion positioned adjacent to the holding area.

Abstract: Disclosed are printer vacuum tables, and corresponding systems and methods for their use, in which the printer vacuum tables include multiple zones to apply vacuum, to hold a variety of media types and thicknesses within a given flatness range, to allow high definition printing. The vacuum zones run in the print direction, and each can be controlled for vacuum on and off. In an illustrative embodiment, the vacuum zones include one or more vacuum zones that are fixed with respect to a printer vacuum table surface, and one or more variable vacuum zones that are movable with respect to the printer vacuum table surface. One or more of the vacuum zones can be turned off if the print media does not cover the zone, such as to prevent leakage, and to provide more consistent vacuum hold down, regardless of media size or width.

Abstract: A printer includes a print head; a platen roller; a frame, to which the print head or the platen roller is attached, that includes a frame body, a sidewall that is perpendicularly bent from the frame body with respect to a longitudinal direction of the platen roller, and a back surface member that is bent from the frame body in parallel to the longitudinal direction of the platen roller, the back surface member including an end portion and a support portion provided to support the sidewall from an inner side and an outer side of the sidewall, respectively, the sidewall being supported by the back surface member while being interposed between the end portion the support portion of the back surface member.

Abstract: A printer includes a printer mechanism unit including a frame and a print head, a platen unit including a platen roller, a detection switch configured to detect connecting of the platen unit to the printer mechanism unit, and a switch holder having the detection switch attached thereto and covering part of the detection switch, wherein the switch holder is mounted to one of the frame and the platen unit.

Abstract: A printer includes a print head and a platen roller. The platen roller includes multiple bearings provided one at each longitudinal end of the platen roller, a roller positioned between the bearings, and multiple flanges of which one is positioned between the roller and one of the bearings and the other is positioned between the roller and the other of the bearings in the longitudinal direction of the platen roller. The flanges have a diameter greater than the diameter of the bearings and the diameter of the roller.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus may include a mechanism for forming a corrugated shape in a sheet to be conveyed. The mechanism may include various components include one or more pressing portions, one or more ribs, one or more discharge rollers, a switching mechanism and the like. In one arrangement, ribs and pressing portions configured to create the corrugated shape may be disposed at various locations upstream or downstream of the platen, recording portion and/or nozzles thereof. In one example, pressing portions may be disposed both upstream and downstream of the nozzles of the recording portion to maintain a corrugated shape in the conveyed sheet. Various other configurations may be used.

Abstract: A printing medium holder system is described which has first and second printing medium holders, a connection mechanism to connect the holder system to a printer and a pivot mechanism. The pivot mechanism is connected to each of the first printing medium holder, the second printing medium holder and the connection mechanism. The pivot mechanism is pivotable so that each of the first printing mechanism holder and the second printing mechanism holder move relative to the connection mechanism between a first configuration of the holder system and a second configuration of the holder system. A printing system and a printing device are also described.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a first supporting portion, a second supporting portion, and an adjusting mechanism. The adjusting mechanism includes a first rack, a second rack, a pinion gear, and a third supporting portion configured to movably support the first and second racks and configured to rotatably support the pinion gear. The third supporting portion includes first to fourth ribs. The first and second racks are respectively movable in first and second areas in an axial direction. The first area and the second area define one end and another end. The first rib and the fourth rib are positioned close to the another end, and the second rib and the third rib are positioned close to the one end.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a printing and bursting device which comprises an apparatus; a printing assembly, which is disposed inside the apparatus and includes a print head and a transfer wheel, with the transfer wheel being disposed underneath the print head; a picking assembly, which is disposed inside the apparatus and is in adjacent to the printing assembly, with the picking assembly including a guiding piece and a movable wheel, and the movable wheel being disposed underneath the guiding piece and being abutted with the transfer wheel; and a cutter assembly, which is disposed inside the apparatus and is in adjacent to the picking assembly, with the cutter assembly being away from the printing assembly farther than the picking assembly.

Abstract: Provided is a recording apparatus for recording on a recording medium by using a tray having at least two slot where a recording medium can be arranged, including: a reception unit configured to receive input of information for specifying a detection position of the recording medium in a slot of the tray; a specification unit configured to specify the detection position on the basis of the information for specifying; and a control unit configured to control the recording apparatus so that, in a case where the recording medium is arranged in a first slot corresponding to the specified detection position and no recording medium is arranged in a second slot corresponding to the specified detection position, recording processing is performed on the recording medium arranged in the first slot, and recording processing is not performed on the recording medium arranged in the second slot.

Abstract: A method for controlling a print device by generating a firing encoder signal from varying one or more characteristics of a reference signal where the one or more characteristics are varied based on at least the position of a print medium at a reference time. The firing encoder signal is used to synchronize firing of at least one print head of the print device after the reference time.

Abstract: Edge hold down (EHD) systems are described herein that enable high print quality to be achieved more consistently, particularly when using substrates that are rigid or include one or more defects. Each EHD system includes a tensioned band for holding down an edge of a substrate as it passes through a printer assembly without impacting the print area. The tensioned band can be affixed between an entry tension assembly and an exit tension assembly disposed downstream of the entry tension assembly in the media feed direction. The tensioned band holds the substrate substantially flat against a transfer belt during printing by applying pressure to the surface of the substrate. The tensioned band generally contacts the surface of the substrate substantially proximate to an outer edge that is parallel to the media feed direction.

Abstract: A pinion gear is coaxially attached to vicinity of an end of an inner bar. The pinion gear is engaged with a rack gear and rotates in response to upward and downward movements of the tension bar. When the pinion rotates, the inner bar correspondingly rotates. The inner bar and an outer bar, which is a tension applying bar, are connected to each other so as to freely rotate. When the pinion rotates, the inner bar correspondingly rotates, while the outer bar remains unrotated.

Abstract: A printing system includes a transport path for transporting a web medium. The transport path includes a slack region wherein the web medium is slack or substantially tension-free. A take-up roller is positioned at a downstream end of the transport path for receiving and winding the web medium. A tensioning device is positioned along the transport path between the slack region and the take-up roller. The tensioning device includes a first surface arranged for exerting a friction force on the web medium moving over the first surface in a direction opposite to a transport direction of the transport path, such that the web medium is tensioned between the tensioning device and the take-up roller. Since the friction force tensions the web being wound onto the take-up roller, the wound media rolls are tightly wound when applying “loose winding.

Abstract: An inkjet printing apparatus includes: a print bar unit including an inkjet head configured to eject ink to a web being conveyed; and a guide configured to guide movement of the print bar unit in a print bar movement direction intersecting a conveyance direction of the web between a first position, a second position, and a third position. The first position is a position where the print bar unit performs printing on the web. The second position and third position are located on one and the other sides of the first position in the print bar movement direction.

Abstract: Mechanisms for adjusting the position of one or more print heads at an extremely fine resolution (e.g., less than 10 ?m) are described herein. The adjustment mechanisms include a differential screw and an indexing wheel through which the differential screw extends. One threaded segment of the differential screw is connected to a threaded feature of a flexible body that is coupled to the print head(s), while another threaded segment of the differential screw is connected to a threaded feature of a rigid body that is coupled to a printer assembly. As the indexing wheel and differential screw rotate, the space between the flexible body and the rigid body changes based on the difference between the pitches of the threaded segments. The adjustment mechanisms described herein utilize the accurate, consistent motion of the flexible body upon experiencing pressure to effect predictable changes in the position of the print head(s).

Abstract: A container assembly may include a regulated tank to contain a fluid, a free tank to replenish the fluid in the regulated tank, a first expandable member between an interior of the regulated tank and ambient atmospheric pressure, a second expandable member between the interior of the regulated tank and an inflation port, a first valve to selectively connect the free tank to the regulated tank based upon a pressure differential between the interior of the regulated tank and an interior of the free tank and a second valve actuatable between an open state permitting an interior of the free tank to be pressurized and a closed state. The second valve is actuatable between the open state and the closed state based upon a position of the first expandable member.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a plurality of components for the printing apparatus, and a housing configured to house the plurality of components in an inside of the housing and having a plurality of access portions used by a user and a service man to access the inside of the housing. The access portions have predetermined difficulty levels of access of accessing the inside of the housing from the access portions respectively. At least one or more of the plurality of components housed in the inside of the housing are arranged based on positions and the predetermined difficulty levels of access of the access portions and a frequency of access to the at least one or more of the plurality of components by the user and the service man.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes: a first component; a second component; a first housing configured to house the first component; a second housing configured to house the second component and movably supported on an installation surface on which the printing apparatus is installed; and a connector configured to connect the second housing openably and closably to the first housing in a horizontal direction and to allow a tilt of a turning axis of the second housing to the first housing and an upward and downward movement of the second housing to the first housing upon opening and closing of the second housing.

Abstract: Techniques for more accurately and efficiently replicating the alignment of one or more printer components with respect to another printer component are described herein. Replication may be achieved by using a fixture and a connection media to create a near exact replica of features of the fixture, or to temporarily hold multiple printer components in position while a joining layer of the connection media hardens. More specifically, a connection media, such as epoxy, can be used to fill an intentionally-established gap between connecting bodies or components that are held in a predetermined position by the replication fixture. The replication fixture represents a mechanical mounting interface that influences the position of a print head (or an array of print heads) within a printer housing or printing mechanism. Joining printer components in such a manner enables a stable mechanical coupling to be formed that does not require post operations.

Abstract: A communication terminal device includes: an application acquisition section that acquires an application prepared to operate an image forming apparatus; an instruction acceptance section that accepts an operation instruction for processing indicated by the application; a processing executing section that makes the application runnable under an operating system of the communication terminal device and executes, in accordance with the application, the processing indicated by the operation instruction accepted by the instruction acceptance section; and a communication section that sends to the image forming apparatus a result of the processing executed by the processing executing section and an operation request.

Abstract: A thermal printer comprises: a thermal line head configured to include a plurality of resistors and prints an image based on a received print data on thermosensitive paper, the plurality of resistors being divided into unit of being able to be energized concurrently; and a head element inspection unit configured to perform inspection, with the plurality of resistors divided into the unit, to acquire a resistance value of each resistor belonging to the unit on a unit-by-unit basis; wherein, when the image is not being printed, the head element inspection unit inspects the resistors in the unit of division each; wherein the inspection of the resistors is suspended on the unit-by-unit basis, the suspension being based on the print data; and wherein, after completion of the printing of the image, the suspended inspection is resumed on the unit-by-unit basis from where suspended.

Abstract: The electronic seal device is a document stamp which includes a fingerprint reader (for authenticating the user) and a camera for recording the document being sealed/stamped. The device includes memory and communication ports. An electronic tablet may be used in the computer programming process wherein the seal device may be connected to the computer to determine the functions of the document stamp and the number of times that the stamp has been used to seal documents.

Abstract: A printing apparatus, such as a large-scale ink jet printer, includes two removable, interchangeable dryer modules, which may be operated separately or in series. Each dryer module permits a sheet or web to pass therethrough in a process direction. Each dryer module includes a lamp mount, suitable for holding one or more heating or curing lamps, the lamp mount being slidably disposed within the module for easy access to the lamps. Each dryer module defines a top portion suitable for maintaining an airflow above the lamp mount, and a bottom portion suitable for maintaining an airflow below the lamp mount. A plate having a pattern of openings therein enables an airflow through the lamps.

Abstract: A method of forming an image on a substrate by applying energy, involves a substrate in or on which there are at least two different colour-change agents, i.e. a first colour-change agent capable of giving rise to at least two different colours; and a second colour-change agent capable of giving rise to at least one different colour than achievable with the first colour change agent. A preferred embodiment of the invention is a multi-layer laminate comprising, in order, a layer comprising the first agent, a barrier layer, and a layer comprising the second agent.

Abstract: Printable substrates that provide a glossy printable surface with solvent resistance are provided. The printable substrate may include a base sheet having a first surface and a second surface, and a printable coating on the first surface. The printable coating includes a film-forming binder mixture, a crosslinking agent, a partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol, a first plurality of first silicon dioxide microparticles, a second plurality of second silicon dioxide microparticles, and a cationic dye fixative. The printable substrate may have a gloss level of about 50 to about 60 based on measurement of a gloss meter set with an angle of measurement of 75 degree on the external surface of the printable coating.

Abstract: A lamp array for drying liquid ink on a media in a printing apparatus. The printing apparatus includes a transport system arranged to move the media through the printing apparatus in a process direction. The lamp array includes at least one lamp having a longitudinal axis arranged in a direction parallel to the process direction and adjacent to the transport system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plate with a printed layer containing: a bent plate with a bent portion, including a first main surface, a second main surface and an end surface, and a printed layer formed on the first main surface, in which the printed layer has an average value (average OD value) of optical density (OD values) in visible light in a plane being 4 or more.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of manufacturing a multiplayer image blanket with a platinum catalyzed fluorosilicone topcoat for a variable data lithography printing system. The blanket consists of multiple layers that may be: (A) a commercial carcass having a Sulphur free rubber outer layer, a suitable primer layer for improving the inter-layer adhesion, and the platinum catalyzed fluorosilicone topcoat; or (B) seamless polyimide substrate coated with a platinum cured silicone, a primer layer, and the fluorosilicone topcoat.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for producing printed products, in particular softcover books, with integrated cover, where method includes at least the steps: printing of paper web or individually supplied paper sheets, preferably by means of digital printing; single or multiple folding and cutting of paper web to form signatures or else single or multiple folding of paper sheets to form signatures; stacking of signatures to form signature stack with at least one top and one bottom signature; folding open top sheet of top signature or else bottom sheet of bottom signature and applying an adhesive layer in at least area of folded-open sheet, which is intended to include at least spine and/or an area of signature stack adjacent to spine; and turning over sheet folded open and provided with adhesive layer around spine of signature stack, so that cover for printed product is formed.

Abstract: A security device includes a plurality of diffractive surface elements arranged on a carrier element. A surface covered by the diffractive surface elements on the carrier element can occupy at least a partial region of the carrier element. Each individual diffractive surface element can have a three-dimensional surface structure. A portion of the plurality of the diffractive surface elements can form a first surface element group including the portion of the plurality of diffractive surface elements, and an orientation of the diffractive surface elements in the first surface element group can be matched to each other wherein together they make a single first image point of an associated first symbol to be represented visible to an observer under particular observation conditions.

Abstract: A binder mechanism is shown and described herein. The binder mechanism may include a base, first and second ring bases pivotally coupled to the base, first and second ring portions fixed with the ring bases, at least one pin attached with the first and second ring bases, a slide operatively engaged with the base and operatively engaged with the at least one pin, the slide selectively and axially positionable relative to the base, and an actuator operatively engaged with the slide, where the actuator is configured to selectively and axially position the slide whereby the slide positions the at least one pin to pivot the first and second ring bases away from one another to disengage the first and second ring portions.

Abstract: Articulated pens are provided. A pen includes: a shank; an ink tube comprising a first section, a second section, a third section, and a fourth section; a writing tip connected to the fourth section; a first guide rail connected to the shank and that bends the ink tube at a first angle between the first section and the second section; and a second guide rail pivotally connected to the first guide rail and that bends the ink tube at a second angle between the third section and the fourth section. Pivoting the second guide rail relative to the first guide rail adjusts a third angle between the second section and the third section.

Abstract: Angled pens are provided. A pen includes: a shank; an ink tube inside the shank; a first tip member connected to a distal end of the shank; a second tip member connected to a distal end of the first tip member; and a bent tubular member including a proximal end section, a middle section, and a distal end section. An axis of the middle section is arranged at a first angle relative to a central axis of the shank. The axis of the middle section is arranged at a second angle relative to an axis of the distal end section, the second angle being in a range of 45° to 90°. The axis of the distal end section is arranged at a third angle relative to the central axis of the shank.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a position pointer that includes a plurality of refill bodies that can be configured at low cost, and ensures freedom from malfunction during exchange of signals with a sensor section of a position detection device. In one embodiment, the position pointer includes a tubular housing having an opening portion, a plurality of refill bodies, a refill body selection mechanism section that selectively causes at least a tip of one of the plurality of refill bodies to project from the opening portion, a magnetic material core, and a coil wound around the magnetic material core. The refill bodies not selected by the refill body selection mechanism section are located away from a through hole of the magnetic material core.

Abstract: A sports implement for obtaining autographs, having a core, a hole in the core having an open end and a closed bottom end, a housing disposed within the hole further comprising a latch, a spring, and a stop rim. The implement further includes a cap rotatably and slidably disposed within the housing comprising a first position wherein the cap compresses the spring toward the closed bottom end and a second position wherein the spring urges the cap against the stop rim, and a writing utensil removably coupled with the cap and rotationally coupled with the housing, further comprising a striker selectively interfacing with the latch.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to hold a tool is disclosed. In one embodiment, the tool holder comprises two elastic components. One elastic component fits around a finger and the second elastic component fits around the tool. In a more specific embodiment, the tool is a pen or pencil. A method is disclosed of attaching the device to a finger and a tool and using the device by moving the tool with one or more fingers that are adjacent to the finger with the attached tool.

Abstract: A method to permanently mark an item of laminated jewelry involves creating a laminate of two metals, and upper layer typically formed of a more precious metal such as gold, platinum or palladium that do not readily oxidize laminated onto the surface of a less precious metal, such as silver, which can be oxidized to create a dark color (e.g. black). A laser is used to create characters and/or designs in the upper layer by vaporizing portions thereof to effectively remove those portions. This exposes the upper surface of the less precious metal that does become oxidized. An oxidizer, such as liquid sulfur, is then used to blacken the silver, typically a dark gray. However, if more contrast is needed by making the marked text, designs etc. darker than gray a second step can be used by applying an additional oxidizing agent to turn the dark gray to substantially black.

Abstract: The vehicle wheel trim comprises a disc (1) that in the position of use thereof covers a rim of a vehicle wheel, and means for fastening the disc (1) to the rim, and is characterized in that the means for fastening the disc (1) to the rim comprise a plurality of magnets (2) that can be fastened to screws (7) that fasten the rim to the vehicle. It allows for achieving a quick, simple and intuitive fastening of the trim to the rim of the wheels of the vehicles, offering important advantages at the level of standardization of rims and screws.

Abstract: A wheel cover includes: a cover body having an engagement hole and configured to cover a design face of a wheel; and a cover fastener that is inserted through the engagement hole. A primary attachment member of the cover fastener includes: a supporter that supports a periphery of the engagement hole; a cylindrical portion that is inserted in a hub hole formed in the wheel; a coupler that couples the supporter and the cylindrical portion; and a hook extending from the cylindrical portion to an outer circumferential side of the cylindrical portion, the hook being contactable with an inner circumferential portion of the hub hole at a position spaced apart from an outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion. A secondary attachment member of the cover fastener has an insertion portion that is inserted in a space formed between the hook and the outer circumferential surface.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire (1) of the present invention is provided with: an attachment body (11) attached to an axle; an outer cylindrical body (13) which surrounds the attachment body (11) from the outside in a tire radial direction; a coupling member (15) which displaceably couples the attachment body (11) and the outer cylindrical body (13); a cylindrical tread member (16) which is wrapped externally around the outer cylindrical body (13); and a protective member (41) which covers a side surface in a tire width direction (H) of the outer cylindrical body (13) from the outside in the tire width direction (H).

Abstract: A mecanum-wheeled vehicle (1), in particular for transporting a load, comprising a chassis (5) extending along a longitudinal axis (L) and a width axis (B) oriented perpendicular to the same, said chassis comprising at least four mecanum wheel drives (2; 2a to 2d) which can be controlled via control means (13) for carrying out an omnidirectional operation of the mecanum-wheeled vehicle (1), wherein the chassis (5) has a first chassis section (21a) with at least two (2a, 2b) of the mecanum wheel drives (2; 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) and a second chassis section (21b) with at least two (2c, 2d) of the mecanum wheel drives (2; 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d).

Abstract: A vehicle rim is provided having a rim body and at least one capacitor. The rim body has a hub region, a rim bed and a connection region that connects the hub region to the rim bed. The rim body forms at least a part of a housing of the capacitor.