Abstract: Provided is a transfer ink jet recording method, which provides satisfactory transferability and satisfactory wet scratch resistance of a final image even at high printing duty. The transfer ink jet recording method includes using an aggregation liquid, in which the aggregation liquid includes a polymer compound including one of a polyamino acid and a polyamino acid salt each having an amino group, each of which is obtained by polymerization of an amino acid compound represented by the general formula (1).

Abstract: A transfer type inkjet recording method uses an aggregation liquid, in which the aggregation liquid contains a polyurethane resin having an amino group and the polyurethane resin has a number average molecular weight of 10,000 or more and 1,000,000 or lower and an amine value of 0.5 mmol/g or more and 3.0 mmol/g or lower.

Abstract: An ink-jet transfer system is disclosed, as well as a transfer printed product which is highly wash-resistant, colour-fast and environment-friendly, and a process for producing the same and its use in a printing process by means of the disclosed ink-jet transfer system. The disclosed ink-jet transfer system has a substrate, a hot-melt layer applied on the substrate and at least one ink-absorbing layer which comprises a mixture of a highly porous pigment and a binder. The molecules of the pigment and if required of the binder and hot-melt layer can form chemical bonds with the dyeing molecules of the ink.

Abstract: In the image-recording of an intermediate transfer system applying an ink jet recording method, reactive liquid reactable with ink is properly formed on the intermediate transfer body. By using the intermediate transfer body having a pattern consisting of lyophilic and lyophobic sections on a surface thereof, the reactive liquid is uniformly applied to the intermediate transfer body to form a layer having a suitable thickness. Thereby, it is possible to form an ink image on the intermediate transfer body while preventing the miss landing of ink droplets and restricting the deformation of an ink dots. By transferring this ink image to a recording medium, it is possible to form a high-quality ink image on various kinds of recording media in a stable manner.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus including a recording head, a feeding mechanism feeding a recording medium such that a second surface is opposed to the head, a first-area determining portion determining a first area, a second-area determining portion determining a second area, a contact-position determining portion determining a contact position on a first surface at which position a roller contacts the first surface, a feed controller capable of controlling feeding of the medium such that where the second surface is opposed to the head, the recording on the second surface is implemented with the second area skipped, and a judging portion determining whether the contact position is included in the first area at the moment of initiation of a skip operation. The feed controller controls an acceleration or a speed at which the medium is fed in the skip operation, on the basis of the determination made by the judging portion.

Abstract: A drum maintenance system for use in an imaging device includes a reservoir having a supply of release agent, and an applicator configured to receive release agent from the reservoir and to apply the release agent to an intermediate imaging surface of an imaging device. A first metering blade is positioned in wiper mode at a first position adjacent the intermediate imaging surface and configured to meter the release agent on the intermediate imaging surface applied by the applicator. A second metering blade is positioned in wiper mode at a second position adjacent the intermediate imaging surface.

Abstract: An apparatus prints and/or fixes ink on a substrate, such as in ink-jet printing with UV-curable inks. A conformable member is positioned to contact an ink-bearing side of the substrate at a nip. The conformable member substantially comprises a silicone-based elastomer having a conformability from about 20 shore A to about 10 shore A. A radiation source directs radiation to the ink-bearing side of the substrate at the nip, the radiation suitable for curing the ink on the substrate. The apparatus is particularly useful for printing onto corrugated cardboard or otherwise non-planar surfaces, since the resulting ink image is impressed uniformly onto the substrate by the conformable member without voids in the ink layer in the recesses of the non-planar surface.

Abstract: The transfer type inkjet recording method has the intermediate image formation process and the transfer process defined in the specification. The transfer type inkjet recording method includes, in the intermediate image formation process, selecting an intermediate transfer body having a center line surface roughness closest to the center line surface roughness of a recording medium from a plurality of intermediate transfer bodies different from each other in the center line surface roughness, and then an intermediate image is formed on the surface of the selected intermediate transfer body. Moreover, a transfer type inkjet recording which is used for the method is provided.

Abstract: An image forming device that includes a first moisture amount derivation component, a drying component, a storage component, and a control component is provided. The storage component stores drying information, including information representing a pre-drying moisture amount previously derived by the first moisture amount derivation component, and a drying strength of the drying component at which a recording medium was dried when the previously derived pre-drying moisture amount was derived. The control component controls the drying strength of the drying component on the basis of the pre-drying moisture amount derived by the first moisture amount derivation component and the drying information stored by the storage component.

Abstract: By an image forming method in which after a first liquid for aggregating a color material of an ink to be used and a second liquid which performs a gel reaction with the first liquid are supplied on an intermediate transfer member, the ink is supplied to a region on which the first liquid and the second liquid are supplied to form an intermediate image on the intermediate transfer member, and the intermediate image is transferred to a recording medium, the fluidity of an aggregation process liquid supplied to the intermediate transfer member is effectively decreased, and good image transfer is performed.

Abstract: An ink-jet transfer system is disclosed, as well as a transfer printed product which is highly wash-resistant, colour-fast and environment-friendly, and a process for producing the same and its use in a printing process by means of the disclosed ink-jet transfer system. The disclosed ink-jet transfer system has a substrate, a hot-melt layer applied on the substrate and at least one ink-absorbing layer which comprises a mixture of a highly porous pigment and a binder. The molecules of the pigment and if required of the binder and hot-melt layer can form chemical bonds with the dyeing molecules of the ink.

Abstract: A transfer inkjet recording method includes the step of applying an aggregating agent onto an image-forming face of an intermediate transfer member, having a pattern including lyophilic portions and a lyophobic portion, the step of forming an intermediate image by applying an ink onto the image-forming face, and the step of transferring the intermediate image to a recording medium from the image-forming face. The lyophilic portions include at least two types of portions having different areas.

Abstract: A machine, such as a phase change or solid ink printing apparatus, has at least one multiple supply unit in the form of an ink stick disposed therein. The ink stick has an electronically-readable memory device associated therewith, and the memory device has stored therein electronic data related to the ink stick and readable by the machine. The memory device is attached to the ink stick and removed before the ink stick is used for printing in the machine. In another aspect, the memory device is attached to a container for the ink stick. The container is a cartridge for use in the machine, or a container for packaging the ink stick. The machine may include a coupler configured to read electronic data from the memory device while the memory device is positioned external to the printing apparatus, thus allowing the machine to verify the suitability of the ink stick before it is installed in the machine.

Abstract: An image forming element includes an image drum including a plurality of ring electrodes and a slot. The plurality of ring electrodes are formed to be spaced apart from one another on a circumference of the image drum. The slot is formed in a longitudinal direction on the image drum. A connecting member includes a plurality of connecting electrodes and is disposed inside the image drum so that an end of the connecting member is received in the slot. The connecting electrodes are electrically connected with the ring electrodes one to one on the same line.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) and method that meters fluid film in an ink jet printing system is disclosed. The apparatus can include a source of fluid film (110) and a source metering assembly (120) rotatably supported in the apparatus. The source metering assembly can have a source metering assembly surface (122) coupled to the source of fluid film and the source metering assembly surface can be configured to transport fluid film from the source of fluid film. The apparatus can include a donor assembly (140) rotatably supported in the apparatus, where the donor assembly can have a donor assembly surface (142) coupled to the source metering assembly surface and the donor assembly surface can be configured to transport fluid film from the source metering assembly surface. The apparatus can include an ink jet printhead (195) configured to emit ink and a print assembly (170) rotatably supported in the apparatus.

Abstract: An ink-jet transfer system is disclosed, as well as a transfer printed product which is highly wash-resistant, colour-fast and environment-friendly, and a process for producing the same and its use in a printing process by means of the disclosed ink-jet transfer system. The disclosed ink-jet transfer system has a substrate, a hot-melt layer applied on the substrate and at least one ink-absorbing layer which comprises a mixture of a highly porous pigment and a binder. The molecules of the pigment and if required of the binder and hot-melt layer can form chemical bonds with the dyeing molecules of the ink.

Abstract: A machine, such as a phase change or solid ink printing apparatus, has at least one multiple supply unit in the form of an ink stick disposed therein. The ink stick has an electronically-readable memory device associated therewith, and the memory device has stored therein electronic data related to the ink stick and readable by the machine. The memory device may be attached to the ink stick and removed before the ink stick is used for printing in the machine. In another aspect, the memory device is attached to a container for the ink stick. The container may be a cartridge for use in the machine, or a container for packaging the ink stick. The machine may include a coupler configured to read electronic data from the memory device while the memory device is positioned external to the printing apparatus, thus allowing the machine to verify the suitability of the ink stick before it is installed in the machine.

Abstract: Ink absorbing particle to absorb an ink includes a polymer. The ink absorbing particles in a TMA needle penetration have a minimum temperature Ts10b of from about 80° C. to about 150° C. at which a needle enters to a depth of 10 ?m, a minimum temperature Ts100w of about 40° C. or lower at which a needle enters to a depth of 100 ?m when an equivalent amount of water is absorbed, and a minimum temperature Ts400w of about 50° C. or higher at which a needle enters to a depth of 400 ?m when an equivalent amount of water is absorbed.

Abstract: A drum maintenance system for use in an imaging device includes a reservoir for the storage of release agent used by the drum maintenance unit. The reservoir includes a bottle, an end cap, and a float sensor. The float sensor operates to detect the release agent in the bottle reaching a predetermined minimum level.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transfer member including a permeable layer, a pigment layer formed on the permeable layer by an ink jet method, and an adhesive layer having adhesivity formed on the pigment layer, wherein a dispersion medium of an ink containing a pigment to form the pigment layer permeates into the permeable layer.

Abstract: There is provided a liquid application apparatus capable of performing stable application without providing a new mechanism, by efficiently removing an application liquid increased in viscosity and fixedly adhered to an abutting portion between an application member and a liquid supplying member. A liquid application apparatus includes an application member that applies a liquid supplied to an applied face to a printing medium by rotating an application roller and a liquid holding member that abuts against the applied face to form a liquid holding space for holding the liquid, and the amount of liquid that is held in the liquid holding space and makes contact with the application member in unit time is larger before an applying operation for applying the liquid to the printing medium than in the applying operation.

Abstract: A baffle for use in a printer to protect a printhead from particulates associated with a printing medium. The baffle including a member, incorporated within the printer, that is positioned below the printing medium and above the printhead. The member having a top surface that is angled and extends a width of the printing medium and an adhesive material disposed on the angled top surface, the adhesive material. The angled top surface being positioned to generally face toward the printing medium to trap the printing medium particulates on the adhesive material of the angled top surface.

Abstract: A temperature monitoring system for a media heater of an imaging device comprises a temperature indicator overlying a surface of a media heater of an imaging device. The temperature indicator is configured to vary an optical property in response to changes in temperature at the surface of the media heater. The system includes an optical scanner for scanning the temperature indicator to detect the optical quality. The optical scanner is configured to generate a signal corresponding to the detected optical property.

Abstract: An image recording composition including a curable material that is cured upon application of an external stimulus, and a cationic resin having a cationic functional group.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling application of a substance to a substrate involve the use of a functional agent that blocks the substance from or attracts the principal substance to the substrate. The apparatus and methods may utilize ink jet technology to apply the functional agent directly to the substrate or to an intermediate surface. The principal substance may be an ink, a dye, a marking substance other than an ink, or a carrier for any other type of substance.

Abstract: A plateless-transfer printing apparatus having a plateless-transfer printing film and a transfer printing machine is disclosed. The plateless-transfer printing film includes a substrate and a transfer layer. The transfer layer has a release layer, a pattern layer, a white-ink layer and an adhesive layer. Those layers are orderly positioned on the substrate. In particular, the transfer printing machine has a pressure part, a heating part, an upper prop part and a lower prop part. An article-to-be-printed is firstly placed on the lower prop part. The plateless-transfer printing film positioned on the article is then heated by the heating part. Next, the pressure part presses both upper and lower prop parts, and the transfer printing film is formed on the surface of the article. It is featured that the pressure part evenly presses both the article and transfer printing film between the upper and lower prop parts.

Abstract: A printing device has an image receptor adapted to have an image formed thereon. The printing device also includes a transfer roller and a motor. A transfer roller load mechanism moves the transfer roller into contact with the image receptor in response to the motor output. A controller manipulates the motor in conjunction with a feedback signal from a load detector and regulates the load of the transfer roller.

Abstract: An image transfer mechanism includes a pressure element and a lever system. The lever system has a load attachment point with a range of position that depends on the thickness of a print medium positioned between the imaging element and the pressure element. A load mechanism includes a load connector with a distal end attached to the lever system load attachment point so that displacement of the lever system attachment point causes longitudinal movement of the load connector. The load mechanism applies a load that is substantially constant throughout the range of position of the lever system load attachment point. The load mechanism includes a spring and a crank attached to the spring and to the proximal end of the load connector. The crank is configured so that a change in the spring force produces a lesser change in the load force at the distal end of the load connector.

Abstract: A flange portion is provided with two abutting protrusions, a spacer is formed with two abutting projections, the respective abutting protrusions and the abutting projections are formed on the outside of a tightening point tightened by a tightening member (a spacer fixing bolt and a spacer fixing nut) in the width direction orthogonal to an imaginary line connecting the tightening points of the flange portions on both sides, and a gap G is formed between the flange portion and the spacer at the tightening point (an opening limb portion of a spacer mounting hole and an insertion hole limb portion of a head insertion hole) before being tightened by the tightening member, while the flange portion and the spacer come into abutment with each other at the tightening point after having tightened in a state in which the abutting protrusions and the abutting protrusions come into abutment with each other.

Abstract: A printing machine for transferring a phase change ink onto a print medium includes a component for applying a phase change ink in an image, an imaging member for accepting the image and transferring the image from the imaging member to the print medium and a pressure member positioned in association with the imaging member to form a nip through which the print medium passes. The pressure member includes an outer layer with a tailored electrical conductivity to eliminate ghosting in duplex printing modes. The outer layer comprises a composite of a polymer and carbon nanotubes and/or graphenes. A similar outer layer may be implemented on a pressure roller in a direct-to-paper printing machine.

Abstract: A method of leveling ink that is printed on a substrate includes establishing a thermal gradient across a thickness of the substrate, the thermal gradient characterized in that it is less than a viscosity threshold temperature of the ink across most of the substrate.

Abstract: An embodiment is a method and apparatus for thermal ink transfer. An endless belt having a thin thickness transfers ink from an ink donor roll to an image substrate based on a pattern on the belt. A heating unit heats the belt locally as needed in vicinity of contact between the belt and the ink donor roll. One disclosed feature of the embodiments is a method to transfer ink. An endless belt is driven to transfer ink from an ink donor roll to an image substrate based on a pattern of a fountain solution formed on the belt. The belt is heated locally as needed in vicinity of contact between the belt and the ink donor roll.

Abstract: An application apparatus has: a supply device which supplies a liquid in which a treatment agent having a prescribed function is dissolved; an application device which applies the liquid supplied from the supply device, onto a medium; and a condensing device which condenses the liquid supplied to the application device from the supply device during a period until the liquid is applied to the medium.

Abstract: A composition for image recording includes a curable material that is curable by an external stimulus, and an oil absorbing material.

Abstract: A recording device including: an intermediate transfer member; a particle supply unit that supplies ink receiving particles that receive ink onto the intermediate transfer member; an ink ejecting unit that ejects ink to the ink receiving particles that have been supplied onto the intermediate transfer member; a transfer unit that transfers the ink receiving particles that have received the ink to a recording medium from the intermediate transfer member; a cleaning unit that cleans the ink receiving particles remaining on the intermediate transfer member after the transfer of the ink receiving particles by the transfer unit; and a cleaning aid particle supply unit that supplies cleaning aid particles.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a fluid receiving member having fluid receiving cells in which the fluid receiving cells are configured to receive at least one of an ink repellant and an ink, a fluid ejector unit configured to eject the ink repellant to a first set of the fluid receiving cells, and an inking unit configured to apply the ink to a second set of the fluid receiving cells.

Abstract: A method for double-sided printing may include ejecting printing fluid from a fluid ejector to a platen configured to receive print media, the platen supporting a nonabsorbent substrate. In any sequence, a first print media side and a second print media side may be printed by ejecting printing fluid from the fluid ejector to the first print media side, and contacting the second print media side with the nonabsorbent substrate to transfer printing fluid from the nonabsorbent substrate to the second print media side. A method for double-side printing may further include increasing the contact between the second print media side with the nonabsorbent substrate to increase transfer of printing fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a transfer ink jet recording apparatus equipped with a substrate; an intermediate transfer member that is arranged on the substrate and has a surface containing at least one material of fluorine-containing rubber and silicone rubber, said surface being subjected to a modification treatment by a plasma treatment and an application treatment with a compound represented by the general formula (1) defined in the specification; an application unit for applying a component that causes ink viscosity increase to the modification-treatment-subjected surface of the intermediate transfer member; an ink jet recording unit for ejecting an ink on the intermediate transfer member to which the component has been applied to form an intermediate image; and a transfer unit for transferring the intermediate image formed on the intermediate transfer member to a recording medium.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for controlling printing in a solid ink jet printing system. The method comprises forming a first ink image and a second ink image on a transfer surface; passing a receiving substrate through a first nip simplex path of a first ink jet printer at a first print speed; exerting a first pressure on the receiving substrate in the first nip to transfer the first ink image from the transfer surface to a first side of the receiving substrate; moving the receiving substrate through an inverter path; passing the receiving substrate through a second nip simplex path of a second ink jet printer at a second print speed; and, exerting a second pressure on the receiving substrate in the second nip to transfer the second ink image from the transfer surface to a second side of the receiving substrate.

Abstract: An ink-jet transfer system is disclosed, as well as a transfer printed product which is highly wash-resistant, colour-fast and environment-friendly, and a process for producing the same and its use in a printing process by means of the disclosed ink-jet transfer system. The disclosed ink-jet transfer system has a substrate, a hot-melt layer applied on the substrate and at least one ink-absorbing layer which comprises a mixture of a highly porous pigment and a binder. The molecules of the pigment and if required of the binder and hot-melt layer can form chemical bonds with the dyeing molecules of the ink.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a supply unit that supplies liquid recipient particles to receive liquid; a conveyance unit that conveys the liquid recipient particles supplied by the supply unit; a discharge unit that discharges liquid droplets to the liquid recipient particles conveyed by the conveyance unit; a humidity reducing unit that reduces relative humidity inside or around the supply unit; and a humidity increasing unit, on a downstream side of the supply unit, that increases relative humidity around at least one of the liquid recipient particles conveyed by the conveyance unit and the discharge unit.

Abstract: A application apparatus for metering release agent onto an image forming device moving surface, such as a Solid Ink Jet drum. The application apparatus includes a blade positioning mechanism with first and second links each having three pivot connections for pivotally connecting first and second blades together in mutually exclusive cooperative movement alternating between a common working position at a first location and respective suspended positions. The application apparatus can include a doctor blade arrangement in which the blades are disposed in a doctor blade orientation in the working position. The application apparatus can include a wiper blade arrangement in which the blades are disposed in a wiper blade orientation in the working position. The first and second blades form similar blade holder angles, blade deflection angles and Working Angles when occupying the working position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for printing a substrate (7), in which ink is transferred from an ink carrier (3) to the substrate (7) in accordance with a predefined pattern by energy being introduced into the ink through the ink carrier (3) by a device for the introduction of energy (11), the ink carrier (3) and the substrate (7) not coming into contact. The substrate (7) is introduced into an electric field, so that a homogeneous charge field is produced on the surface of the substrate (7). The invention further relates to a printing machine, comprising an ink carrier (3) which can be coated with an ink to be printed, and a device (11) for the introduction of energy into the ink, the device (11) for the introduction of energy being arranged in such a way that the energy can be introduced into a printing area (9) on the side of the ink carrier (3) facing away from the ink, so that the ink is transferred from the ink carrier (3) to a substrate (7) to be printed in an area of action of the energy.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus of the present invention includes a conveyance mechanism having a circumferential wall. On the circumferential wall are formed suction holes which communicate an internal space inside the circumferential wall with the outside of the circumferential wall. A recording medium is placed on the outer circumferential surface of the circumferential wall, and is conveyed on the outer circumferential surface in a direction of the rotation of the circumferential wall. A suction unit sucks the air in the internal space to create an air flow from the outside of the circumferential wall to the internal space via the suction holes. A recording medium ejection path branches off from the outer circumferential surface at a separating position which is at the most downstream position of a record head or a position further from the supply position S1 than the most downstream position from the supply position.

Abstract: An image transfer mechanism includes a pressure element and a lever system. The lever system has a load attachment point with a range of position that depends on the thickness of a print medium positioned between the imaging element and the pressure element. A load mechanism includes a load connector with a distal end attached to the lever system load attachment point so that displacement of the lever system attachment point causes longitudinal movement of the load connector. The load mechanism applies a load that is substantially constant throughout the range of position of the lever system load attachment point. The load mechanism includes a spring and a crank attached to the spring and to the proximal end of the load connector. The crank is configured so that a change in the spring force produces a lesser change in the load force at the distal end of the load connector.

Abstract: A method adjusts operation of a printer in accordance with an analysis of image content used to generate printed images. The method includes measuring image content of a first print image, comparing the measured image content to a predetermined threshold, and altering a print process parameter to adjust operation of a printer component in response to the measured image content exceeding the threshold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for printing a substrate (7) in a printing machine, in which ink is transferred from a flexible carrier (3) to the substrate (7) in accordance with a predefined pattern by energy being introduced into the ink through the flexible carrier (3) by a device for the introduction of energy, some of the ink evaporating in the area of action of the energy and, as a result, a drop of ink (67) being thrown onto the substrate (7) to be printed, this step being repeated at least once, ink being transferred at least partly to the substrate (7) at the same positions in order to intensify the pattern produced. The substrate is transported through the printing machine (1) during the printing and, after the transfer of ink in step (a), the device for the introduction of energy is controlled in such a way that, during the repetition in step (b), the ink is transferred at the same position again as in step (a). The invention further relates to a printing machine for implementing the method.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus that includes: an intermediate transfer member; an ink absorbing particle supplying unit for supplying ink absorbing particles on a surface of the intermediate transfer member; an ink ejecting unit for ejecting ink to the ink absorbing particles; a transfer unit for transferring the ink absorbing particles to a recording medium; a fixing unit for fixing the transferred ink absorbing particles onto the recording medium; a particle collecting unit for collecting remaining ink absorbing particles on the intermediate transfer member; a humidity reducing unit for reducing humidity around the collected ink absorbing particles; and a particle supplying unit for supplying the ink absorbing particles with humidity reduced by the humidity reducing unit.

Abstract: A release agent applicator applies release agent to an imaging drum and absorbs release agent metered from the drum to extend the operational life of an image drum maintenance unit. The applicator includes a reservoir for storing release agent, the reservoir having a plurality of perforations for enabling release agent to seep from the reservoir, a containment membrane for wicking release agent from the perforations of the reservoir, and a delivery layer for delivering release agent from the containment membrane to an imaging drum, the delivery layer having pores in a range of about 50 ?m to about 200 ?m.

Abstract: A method of creating an image on a recording medium including a support having thereon a porous fusible layer, using an ink composition that is solid at room temperature and liquid at elevated temperature including the steps of generating droplets of the ink composition with an ink jet print head, transferring the droplets of the ink composition to the surface of the fusible layer, thermally treating the recording medium such that the ink transferred to fusible layer passes into the medium away from the surface of the fusible layer while the fusible layer remains substantially unfused, and when the ink has passed into the medium, treating the recording medium to fuse the fusible layer to become a protective overcoat. The present invention also pertains to a system for creating an image on a recording medium.