Abstract: An optical gloss meter above an imaging member surface measures fountain solution surface gloss on the imaging member surface in real-time during a printing operation. The measured gloss corresponds to a thickness of the fountain solution layer and may be used in a feedback loop to actively control fountain solution layer thickness by adjusting the volumetric feed rate of fountain solution added onto the imaging member surface during a printing operation to reach a desired uniform thickness for the printing. This fountain solution monitoring system may be fully automated.

Abstract: A formative surface having a conductive base covered with a dielectric and oleophobic/hydrophobic surface layer is created with defined pits to grow micro-puddles of a defined volume. The formative surface is brought into close proximity with a charge retentive surface carrying a charge image. Fountain solution vapor nucleates and grows preferentially on the base of the pits as micro-puddle droplets. The puddles are charged and extracted from the surface to provide a fog of charged droplets of narrow volume and charge distribution. The charged droplets are attracted and repelled respectively from the charged and discharged image regions of the charge retentive surface, thus developing the charged image into a fountain solution latent image. The developed latent image is then brought into contact with a transfer member blanket and split, thus creating on the blanket a fountain solution latent image ready for inking.

Abstract: A service tracking system for a printing press (1), spray applicator (1?) or the like includes at least one replaceable component (10) having at least one memory unit (20). The service tracking system further includes a controller (30) which is connected to the memory unit (20). The controller (30) is configured to control the operation of the replaceable component (10) and to periodically update data stored on the memory unit (20) related to run-time data regarding the operation of the specific replaceable component (10).

Abstract: A multilayer imaging blanket for a variable data lithography system, including a multilayer base including a sulfur-containing layer; and a cured topcoat layer including a polyurethane in contact with the sulfur-containing layer of the multilayer base.

Abstract: A solid particle aerosol development device form fogs of solid (e.g., frozen) fountain solution particles that are charged, and brings the charged solid fountain solution particles into proximity of an electrostatic charged image pattern on a imaging member's charge retentive surface. The charged solid fountain solution particles bond to the charge retentive surface at the charged image pattern to develop that image into a fountain solution latent image. The solid particle aerosol development devices produce solid fountain solution particles to develop electrostatic latent images while mitigating issues of evaporation and vapor production, and thus may apply fine films of fountain solution which may otherwise evaporate. In examples, the fountain solution aerosol development devices may include an anilox member, a metering member in contact with the anilox member, a fountain solution reservoir, a particle charger and a particle delivery baffle.

Abstract: According to aspects of the embodiments, there is provided a method of measuring the amount of fountain solution using a hot wire anemometer. Fountain solution thickness is measured using the flow rate of vaporized fountain solution and comparing to baseline air only flow rate. The vaporized measurement is correlated with the baseline utilizing specific heat, density and enthalpy values and keeping velocity of fluid constant. Changes in the measurement will then be related to the specific heat, density and enthalpy. Density can be back calculated to yield volume and knowing the area of the image being printed give a real time thickness value.

Abstract: A beverage maker may include a fermenter having a space therein to make a beverage; a fluid tank configured to contain fluid; a fluid supply pump connected with the fluid tank; a flow rate detection sensor disposed in a channel connected with the fluid supply pump to detect a flow velocity or a flow rate of fluid which is discharged through the channel by the fluid supply pump; and a controller configured to perform a plurality of operations related to making of a beverage or cleaning of an inside of the beverage maker. The controller may be configured to when an operation requiring a supply of fluid is ongoing from among the plurality of operations, turn on the fluid supply pump to discharge fluid contained in the fluid tank; detect a lack of fluid in the fluid tank based on a first flow velocity or a first flow rate detected by the flow rate detection sensor; and generate a fluid replenishment request for the fluid tank based on a result of detecting.

Abstract: An adhesive application apparatus is provided. The apparatus uses a rolled on adhesive applied to a substrate. After roll application, an adhesive activator is sprayed onto the substrate. By spraying an activator onto the substrate after the adhesive is applied, the adhesive may be made tacky for adhesion, but the adhesive used for rolling may be highly stable and slow to dry/cure without said activator, which enhances rolled application effectiveness.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for cleaning an anilox roll and/or ink chamber of a converter. The system includes: a water supply adapted to supply water through an automatically controllable water supply valve to wash anilox roll and/or ink chamber; a cleaning solution supply adapted to supply a cleaning solution through an automatically controllable cleaning solution supply valve to clean the anilox roll and/or ink chamber; and a programmable controller programmed to operate the automatically controllable valves so as to deliver a timed sequence of water and cleaning solution to the cleaning part upon the occurrence of a cleaning cycle initiation condition.

Abstract: This application presents a solution for measuring different physical parameters from the felt and its surrounding environment, such as: pressure, temperature, humidity, pH, airflow and the degradation of the felt. It is disclosed a monitoring system, comprising: an independent measuring unit fixed in a felt, comprising at least one of the following sensors: temperature, humidity, pH, pressure or air flow; a central acquisition unit comprising a microcontroller, a real-time clock, a communication transceiver connected to at least one independent measuring unit and a communication transceiver connected to a computing device; and a polymeric encapsulation material layer. Applications for this technology are the monitoring of the felt and its surrounding environment in, for example, dry filtration, laundries, wet filtration and other suitable applications.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for coating selected regions of a surface of a substrate with a film. A cyclically moveable transfer member has an imaging surface which is coated with individual particles formed of, or coated with a thermoplastic polymer, and substantially all particles that are not in direct contact with the imaging surface are removed so as to leave a uniform monolayer particle coating on the imaging surface. Selected regions of the imaging surface are exposed to radiation to render the particles tacky within the regions, and the coated imaging surface and the substrate are pressed against one another to cause transfer of only the tacky particle coating, such that only the particles in the tacky regions form a film on the substrate. The monolayer on the imaging surface of the transfer member is replenished with fresh thermoplastic particles and the cycle repeats.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for cleaning an anilox roll and/or ink chamber of a converter. The system includes: a water supply (10a) adapted to supply water through an automatically controllable water supply valve (11a) to wash anilox roll and/or ink chamber; a cleaning solution supply (20a) adapted to supply a cleaning solution through an automatically controllable cleaning solution supply valve (21a) to clean the anilox roll and/or ink chamber; and a programmable controller (70) programmed to operate the automatically controllable valves (11a,21a) so as to deliver a timed sequence of water and cleaning solution to the cleaning part upon the occurrence of a cleaning cycle initiation condition.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for printing directly onto Infra-Red (IR) transparent material (print media) such as Mylar using a method that is capable of using medium to high viscosity materials such as those needed for printed electronics. The proposed method would be able to print with variable data/imaging. A proposed method uses an IR receptor of which a print media is placed or passed over. Prior to irradiation the print media is coated with a sub-micron layer of dampening solution such as silicone oil that is then selectively evaporated off via a laser imaging device which passes IR energy thorough the dampening solution, print media and onto the receptor to evaporate dampening solution in areas that will be inked.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for continuously manufacturing moisture films are revealed. At least one loading surface formed by a belt conveyor is used to support and move a lower fabric layer synchronously. During the movement, a top surface of the lower fabric layer is coated with a first fixing solution layer, a gel layer and a second fixing solution layer so as to form a film gradually. Moreover, an upper fabric layer is provided to be attached over the gel layer correspondingly. Then the second fixing solution layer is coated over the upper fabric layer. Thereby a continuous manufacturing of moisture films with or without carriers is completed.

Abstract: A system and a method for cleaning a printing cylinder or other printing equipment such as printing plates, ink pans or floors of printing units, the method comprising applying a detergent to the surface to be cleaned, after a period to allow action of the detergent, removing the detergent by rinsing, using a vapor and high velocity air stream, i.e. atomized water fog; or steam; or a combination of steam and air, which allows dislodging particles encrusted within cells of the surface of the piece of equipment to be cleaned.

Abstract: An ink-based digital printing system includes a dampening fluid delivery system that forms a dampening fluid layer on a reimageable surface of an imaging plate using vapor condensation. The system includes a delivery nozzle having a chamber that receives atomized dampening fluid, mixes the fluid with hot air or nitrogen gas for rapid vaporization, and directs the vapor onto an imaging member surface for condensation and dampening fluid layer formation.

Abstract: A method for operating an offset printing press having at least one printing unit with an inking unit, a plate cylinder for receiving a printing plate, a blanket cylinder, an impression cylinder and a dampening unit, and for controlling an application of dampening solution from the dampening unit onto the plate cylinder, includes predampening the printing plate. After a printing pressure has been switched on between the blanket cylinder and the impression cylinder and after a printing material transport through the offset printing press has been switched on, a supply of dampening solution to the plate cylinder in the printing unit is reduced to a pronounced extent at least once for a short predefined time period, as a result of which an excess of dampening solution produced by the predampening does not accumulate permanently in the inking unit. A printing press for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: A system and corresponding methods are disclosed for depositing of a layer of dampening fluid to a reimageable surface of an imaging member in a variable data lithography system by way of condensation. Dampening fluid in an airborne state is introduced proximate the reimageable surface in a condensation region. Conditions in the condensation region are such that the airborne dampening fluid preferentially condenses on the reimageable surface in a precisely controlled quantity, to thereby form a precisely controlled layer of dampening fluid of desired thickness over the reimageable surface. Among other advantages, improved print quality is obtained.

Abstract: A method for preparing a lenticular guide roll for use in a lenticular printing run. The method comprises providing a printing roll of a printing press and a first piece of lenticular media. The first piece of lenticular printing substrate has a pitch which is substantially identical to a second lenticular printing substrate to be used in the lenticular printing run. The, method further comprises attaching the first piece of lenticular printing substrate to the printing roll to allow the maneuvering of the second lenticular printing substrate by the printing roll in the printing press.

Abstract: A system for dampening fluid recovery in an ink-based digital printing system includes a seal manifold having a front seal portion, the front seal portion having an upper wall facing the imaging surface, the upper wall being configured to define an air flow channel with the imaging surface, the upper wall being contoured to form a distance between the upper wall and the imaging surface at an evaporation location that is less than distance between the upper wall and the imaging surface at locations interposing the evaporation location and a vacuum inlet channel of the seal manifold.

Abstract: A system and corresponding methods are disclosed for applying a dampening fluid to a reimageable surface of an imaging member in a variable data lithography system, without a form roller. In one embodiment, the system includes subsystems for converting a dampening fluid from a liquid phase to a dispersed fluid phase, and for directing flow of a dispersed fluid comprising the dampening fluid in dispersed fluid phase to the reimageable surface. The dampening fluid reverts to the liquid phase directly on the reimageable surface. In another embodiment a continuous ribbon of dampening fluid may be applied directly to the reimageable surface. This embodiment includes a body structure having a port for delivering dampening fluid in a continuous fluid ribbon directly to the reimageable surface, and a mechanism, associated with the body structure, for stripping an entrained air layer over the reimageable surface when the reimageable surface is in motion.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling application of a substance to a substrate involve the use of one or more gating agents that block the substance from or attracts the substance to the substrate. The apparatus and methods may utilize ink jet technology to apply the gating agent directly to the substrate or to an intermediate surface. The substance may be an ink, an electrically conductive material, a magnetic material, a carrier for a therapeutic, diagnostic, or marking substance other than an ink, a carrier or any other substance.

Abstract: A system and corresponding methods are disclosed for controlling the thickness of a layer of dampening fluid applied to a reimageable surface of an imaging member in a variable data lithography system. Following deposition of the dampening fluid layer, a gas is passed over a region of the fluid layer prior to pattern forming. The gas causes a controlled amount of the dampening fluid layer to evaporate such that the remaining layer is of a desired and controlled thickness. Among other advantages, improved print quality is obtained.

Abstract: An image processing system comprising: a color conversion unit configured to perform color conversion from color data in a first color space into color data in a second color space by using a color profile; a correction unit configured to perform correction for the color data in the second color space by using correction data; a printing unit configured to print on a printing medium in accordance with the color data in the second color space that is corrected by the correction unit; a first changing unit configured to change the color profile; a second changing unit configured to change the correction data; and a selection unit configured to select, based on a color measurement result of a color chart for correcting a color of an image printed on the printing medium, one of processes including change of the color profile and change of the correction data.

Abstract: A method of producing a printed sheet output of a printing press uses an aqueous solution, an ink, and an input sheet. The method applies aqueous solution to the input sheet to form a non-image area and an image area thereon, and contacts the non-image and image areas of the input sheet with ink. Ink is transferred substantially only to the image area to produce the printed sheet output of the printing press. A method of producing a printed web of a printing press is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for optimizing a multi-color variable digital data lithographic image forming system by controlling characteristics of one or more individual color inks to maximize ink transfer of a particular color ink layer onto the surface of an image receiving medium substrate, or onto other color ink layers deposited on the surface of the image receiving medium substrate when producing digital output images, including multi-color digital output images, with a proposed variable digital offset lithographic architecture. Ink characteristics and ink transfer parameters are particularly optimized in the proposed variable digital data lithographic systems to promote high efficiency ink transfer from an ink donor surface to an ink receiver surface in order that excessive amounts of untransferred ink do not remain on the ink donor surface requiring extensive cleaning of the reimageable surface in the image forming system between cycles of a multi-color ink system.

Abstract: A dampening fluid metering system includes an anilox roll configured to meter dampening fluid onto a surface of an imaging member to form a thin, uniform layer of dampening fluid for subsequent imaging by exposure to light radiation. The anilox roll is configured to form a dampening fluid layer that is uniform and has a thickness of 1 micron or less, and preferably a thickness lying in a range of 0.2 to 1 micron.

Abstract: An ink-based digital printing system includes a dampening fluid delivery system that forms a dampening fluid layer on a reimageable surface of an imaging plate using vapor condensation. The system includes a delivery nozzle having a chamber that receives atomized dampening fluid, mixes the fluid with hot air or nitrogen gas for rapid vaporization, and directs the vapor onto an imaging member surface for condensation and dampening fluid layer formation.

Abstract: An ink-based digital printing system for variable data lithographic printing includes an imaging member having a surface configured to absorb dampening fluid. A dampening fluid patterning system jets dampening fluid onto the imaging member surface according to image data to form a dampening fluid pattern. The system includes a transfer member that receives the jetted dampening fluid pattern from the imaging member at a dampening fluid loading nip for subsequent inking of the dampening fluid pattern to form an ink pattern. The ink pattern is transferred to a substrate from the transfer member at an ink pattern transfer nip.

Abstract: An imaging member includes a surface layer comprising a fluoroelastomer-perfluoropolyether composite formed from a reaction mixture comprising a fluoroelastomer and a perfluoropolyether compound. Methods of manufacturing the imaging member and processes for variable lithographic printing using the imaging member are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for regulating the concentrations of components of additives in a printing process liquid for maintaining predetermined desired concentrations of components of additives in a printing process liquid, wherein the actual concentrations of components are determined followed by redosing of measured components to a predetermined desired concentration. The method is characterized in that the components to be measured are spectroscopically detected. The invention also concerns a device for regulating the concentrations of components of additives in a printing process liquid comprising a measuring means for measuring the concentrations of at least part of the components in the process liquid, comprising a control loop and a means for redosing at least part of the components, wherein the measuring means comprises at least one spectrometer.

Abstract: A system and corresponding methods are disclosed for controlling the thickness of a layer of dampening fluid applied to a reimageable surface of an imaging member in a variable data lithography system. Following deposition of the dampening fluid layer, a gas is passed over a region of the fluid layer prior to pattern forming. The gas causes a controlled amount of the dampening fluid layer to evaporate such that the remaining layer is of a desired and controlled thickness. Among other advantages, improved print quality is obtained.

Abstract: A system and corresponding methods are disclosed for depositing of a layer of dampening fluid to a reimageable surface of an imaging member in a variable data lithography system by way of condensation. Dampening fluid in an airborne state is introduced proximate the reimageable surface in a condensation region. Conditions in the condensation region are such that the airborne dampening fluid preferentially condenses on the reimageable surface in a precisely controlled quantity, to thereby form a precisely controlled layer of dampening fluid of desired thickness over the reimageable surface. Among other advantages, improved print quality is obtained.

Abstract: Different solvents for a dampening fluid are disclosed. The solvent is a volatile hydrofluoroether liquid or a volatile silicone liquid. Such liquids have a lower heat of vaporization, a lower surface tension, and better kinematic viscosity compared to water, which is the conventional solvent used in dampening fluids. The dampening fluids, which are relatively nonpolar, can be used in a combination with polar inks to form a new type of digital lithographic printing system.

Abstract: A method for printing a print medium applies ink to a surface and ejects drops of an aqueous solution onto the print medium to define image and non-image areas. The ejection of each drop is individually controlled. Ink from the surface is transferred to the image areas of the print medium. Methods of printing on a web and for printing a printed sheet output of a press are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a scanning head configured to move one or more sensors back and forth across a surface of a moving web of material. The apparatus also includes a vibration dampening device configured to reduce vibrations of the one or more sensors when the scanning head moves the one or more sensors back and forth across the surface of the web. The vibration dampening device includes at least one mass and one or more springs configured to create oscillatory movement of the at least one mass. The at least one mass and the one or more springs can be located within a housing that rides on a rail back and forth to move the scanning head across the surface of the web. The at least one mass and the one or more springs can also be located on a web deflector connected to the scanning head.

Abstract: A dampening fluid delivery apparatus includes a water delivery line, a surfactant delivery line, and a cleaning solution delivery line, each connected to a mixing chamber. An open and closed state and a flow rate of one or more of the delivery lines may be controlled. Delivery lines may be pressurized and fitted with valves. The valves may be controlled using an electrically connected controller. The controller may control the dampening fluid delivery apparatus in accordance with at least one of print mode data and cleaning mode data.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for conditioning a dampening solution of a wet offset printing machine, include keeping constant or changing the hardness of the dampening solution added to a container during processing of a print job. The hardness of the dampening solution is determined by measuring the conductivity of the dampening solution and is converted into a hardness value according to a determined formula-based or table-based relationship between the hardness and the conductivity of the dampening solution. The change of the hardness of the dampening solution is compensated for during printing by replacing used or withdrawn dampening solution with dampening solution that has a lower or higher hardness, wherein the amount and/or the degree of hardness of the supplied dampening solution having lower or higher hardness is determined from the conductivity measurements and the formula-based or table-based relationship.

Abstract: A method for producing a dampening system housing, includes the steps of providing a longitudinal housing element prepared from a flat component, making available two side parts with grooves for accommodating the longitudinal housing element, inserting the longitudinal housing element in the grooves and sealing the longitudinal housing element in the grooves, as well as a correspondingly produced dampening system housing.

Abstract: A method for roller adjustment in a printing press includes providing a first roller, a second roller and a third roller. The second roller bears both against the first roller and against the third roller and is oriented in an axially nonparallel manner relative to the third roller. The first roller is displaced into a position in which the first roller is oriented in an axially nonparallel manner relative to the third roller. A dampening unit for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: A variable data lithography system includes an improved imaging member, a dampening solution subsystem, a patterning subsystem, an inking subsystem, and an image transfer subsystem. The imaging member comprises a reimageable surface layer comprising a polymer, the reimageable surface having a surface roughness Ra in the range of 0.10-4.0 ?m peak-to-valley, and peak-to-valley nearest neighbor average distances finer than 20 ?m. A structural mounting layer may be provided to which the reimageable surface layer is attached, either directly or with intermediate layers therebetween. The relatively rough surface facilitates retention of dampening solution and improves inking uniformity and transfer. The reimageable surface layer may be comprised of polydimethylsiloxane (silicone), and may optionally have particulate radiation sensitive material disbursed therein to promote absorption, and hence heating, from an optical source.

Abstract: An installation for preparing dampening solutions for offset printing with a device (10, 62, 72) for preparing a dampening solution and a device (40, 60, 70 for feeding one or more basic liquid materials (42) for preparing the dampening solution into the device (10, 62, 72) for preparing the dampening solution, in which the feeding device (40, 60, 70) is provided for cooling the basic material or materials (42) or a mixture thereof, which is to be supplied.

Abstract: A system and method for accurately controlling a printing process regardless web width or printing layout. A user interface is provided for configuring a printing application that includes a plurality of sensors arranged to form an interface region. The sensors are configured to generate feedback indicating user interaction with the interface region. A controller is configured to map the plurality of sensors into virtual keys based on at least a columniation of the printing application and adjust parameters of the printing application based on the feedback.

Abstract: A printing group of a printing press is comprised of a transfer cylinder, a forme cylinder and a first roller of an inking unit. That first inking unit roller cooperates, as an ink application roller, with the forme cylinder. The inking unit is provided with two axially traversing friction cylinders which are serially disposed in the ink path to the forme cylinder. The first inking unit roller has substantially the same diameter as the forme cylinder.

Abstract: A device for feeding dampening solution in an offset printing unit is presented. The device comprises a plurality of nozzles (22), each of which comprises an orifice (24), wherein each nozzle (22) is configured to eject a solitary droplet of dampening solution of a predetermined volume through said orifice (24) to a roller/cylinder (2, 5) of said offset printing unit, and a control means connected to the plurality of nozzles (22) and programmed to allow a predetermined number of nozzles to eject solitary droplets such that a film of dampening solution is provided across hydrophobic areas and hydrophilic areas of a printing plate of said offset printing unit.

Abstract: The use of polymers which comprise amino groups modified with acid groups for the preparation of fountain solutions for offset printing. A process for printing by means of the offset technique, in which a fountain solution which comprises polymer which comprises amino groups modified with acid groups is used.

Abstract: A measurement field allows determining the smearing limit during printing, in particular during lithographic wet offset printing. The measurement field is arranged on a printing form, in particular a printing plate, which has printing, ink-carrying regions and nonprinting, dampening solution-carrying regions on its surface. A dampening solution-carrying property in the region of the measurement field is reduced by a nanoscopic coating (e.g., with amphiphilic molecules) or an unscreened, microscopic coating (e.g., a polymer coating) in comparison with the dampening solution-carrying property in the nonprinting regions of the surface of the printing form. The nanoscopic coating or the microscopic coating advantageously leads to a shifting of the smearing limit, that is to say to a displacement of the starting point of scumming, by the dampening solution requirement which is increased for scum-free printing within the region of the measurement field.

Abstract: The invention involves a printing press comprising a spray dampening unit 2 having a spray nozzle cleaning device 3, a spray dampening unit 2 having a spray nozzle cleaning device 3 and a spray nozzle bar 22 having a spray nozzle cleaning device 3. Said spray nozzle cleaning device 3, respectively, was produced with fluid nozzles 34 using a fluid line system 31, the use of a fluid line system with fluid nozzles to produce such a spray nozzle cleaning device and a procedure to clean the spray nozzles 23 of a spray dampening unit by means of such a spray nozzle cleaning device 3. Said spray nozzle cleaning device has been or can be assembled in a spray dampening unit, comprising a fluid line system 31 having several fluid nozzles 34 by means of which a cleaning fluid can be sprayed on the spray nozzles 23.

Abstract: A printer includes an upper unit which opens and closes about a fulcrum lying at a rear position of a lower unit, and a paper path which is opened by opening the upper unit. A sensor unit is attached to the lower unit and includes a lower sensor holder and an upper sensor holder which are disposed in opposition to each other via the paper path. The paper path can be opened by pivoting the upper sensor holder relative to the lower sensor holder. When the upper unit is closed, the upper sensor holder is also closed in accordance with a closing pivoting motion of the upper unit.

Abstract: In order to keep a spray nozzle (3) in a printing press spray beam (1) clean, air with a certain overpressure is supplied to a cover (5; 13; 24) surrounding the spray nozzle (3), the spray cone from the spray nozzle leaving the cover undisturbed through a slot (7; 16; 26) therein.