Abstract: A maintenance method for a liquid discharging apparatus including a discharging portion that discharges liquid, the maintenance method includes acquiring first viscosity information related to viscosity of the liquid inside the discharging portion, discharging a first amount of the liquid from the discharging portion, acquiring second viscosity information related to viscosity of the liquid inside the discharging portion, and discharging a second amount of the liquid based on the first viscosity information and the second viscosity information, from the discharging portion.

Abstract: Fill stations and base stations are provided for personal pump systems. The fill stations may be opened and closed to accept a reservoir and to allow fluid to be introduced into the reservoir for use with personal pump systems. The fill stations may hold the reservoir at a tilt relative to an underlying surface and may discourage overfilling of the reservoir. The filling stations may also include viewing windows having fluid lines marked thereon for indicating volume of fluid within the reservoir.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a cured product film, which is capable of increasing the formation accuracy of a fine cured product film and also increasing the adhesion of the cured product film. The method for producing a curable film according to the present invention includes an application step in which a curable composition that is photocurable and thermocurable and also is in liquid form is applied using an ink jet device, a first light irradiation step in which the curable composition is irradiated with light from a first light irradiation part, and a heating step in which a precured product film irradiated with light is heated, the ink jet device has an ink tank to store the curable composition, a discharge part, and a circulation flow path part, and in the application step, the curable composition is applied while being circulated in the ink jet device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the additive manufacturing of a three-dimensional workpiece from a liquid material (1), in which method the liquid material (1) is fed to a displacement chamber (2) and discharged in drop form via a jet hole (4) by means of a pressure pulse which is generated with the aid of a reciprocating piston (3) delimiting the displacement chamber (2). According to the invention, in order to optimise the wetting properties of at least one surface (5, 6) which delimits the displacement chamber (2) and/or the jet hole (4), sound waves are coupled into the liquid material (1) for a limited period of time with the aid of the piston (3) which is caused to vibrate for this purpose. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method according to the invention.

Abstract: A method for operating a printer can include draining a print material from a printer, placing a sacrificial metal into the printer, ejecting the sacrificial metal from a nozzle of the printer, and cooling to printer to a temperature that is below a melting point of the print material and the sacrificial metal. The print material can be or include aluminum and the sacrificial metal can be or include tin. The print material can be drained from the printer when the print material is in molten form, for example, from about 600° C. to about 2000° C. The sacrificial metal can be ejected from the nozzle at a temperature above the melting point of the sacrificial metal but below the melting point of the print material, for example, below about 300° C. The method can reduce or eliminate cracking of various printer structures such as the nozzle during a shutdown or cooling of the printer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a printhead (1) for a 3D printer, particularly a metal printer, comprising a housing (3), a device (28) for supplying a metal (14), a reservoir (7, 27), a nozzle device (2) and a piston (5), the nozzle device (2) comprising a guide sleeve (11), a nozzle plate (9) provided with an outlet (10), and a clamping device (4). The nozzle plate (9) and the guide sleeve (11) are mutually elastically braced by means of the clamping device (4), and the guide sleeve (11) and the reservoir (7, 27) are mutually elastically braced by means of the clamping device (4).

Abstract: The invention relates to a piston (5) for a printhead (1) of a 3D printer, particularly a metal printer, comprising a piston rod (17) and a ram (18), the ram (18) having a discharge side (19) that has a convex or tapering surface (39). The invention also relates to a printhead (1) for a 3D printer, particularly a metal printer, comprising a housing (3), a device (28) for supplying a metal (14), a reservoir (7, 27) for a liquid phase (8) of the metal (14), a nozzle device (2) comprising a guide sleeve (11) and a nozzle plate (9), and a piston (5) according to one of the preceding claims, the ram (18), the guide sleeve (11) and the nozzle plate (9) forming a displacement chamber (21), and the ram (18) and the guide sleeve (11) forming at least one area (40) for conducting the liquid phase (8) between the reservoir (27) and the displacement chamber (21).

Abstract: In an image-recording device, a cartridge has a first chamber and an outlet. A mount body includes a tank, first and second sensors. The tank has an inlet, and a second chamber. The liquid in the first chamber flows into the second chamber via the outlet and the inlet. The first sensor outputs a first signal when a level of the liquid in the second chamber is higher than a first position, and outputs a second signal when the level is lower than the first position. The second sensor outputs a third signal when the level is higher than a second position higher than the first position, and outputs the fourth signal when the level is lower than the second position. A controller controls a notification device to issue a notification if a condition based on the first and second signals is satisfied.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a support portion configured to support a part of a printing medium to be transported, a heating portion configured to heat the part of the printing medium supported by the support portion, and a curved portion disposed upstream of the support portion in a transport path of the printing medium and including a curved surface that curves the transport path. The curved portion is formed of a member having a lower thermal conductivity than the support portion. In addition, the temperature of the curved portion is lower than the temperature of the support portion.

Abstract: An ink recirculation system for recirculating printheads includes a housing with two chambers, a series of pressure sensors, a vacuum generator and a pressure generator The container has two entrances for transmitting signals towards the pressure sensors, a first feed connection to the printhead, a second flow connection to the printhead, a third ink feed connection, a fourth connection for returning the ink to the main tank and means for connecting and supporting the vacuum generator and the pressure generator.

Abstract: A liquid discharge apparatus includes a head configured to discharge a pretreatment liquid from nozzles formed on a nozzle surface of the head onto a medium, a holder configured to hold the medium with a gap between the nozzle surface of the head and the holder, and a heater configured to heat the medium held by the holder. The head discharges the pretreatment liquid onto the medium held by the holder with the gap of 4.0 mm or more.

Abstract: A method of controlling a liquid ejecting apparatus that includes a liquid ejecting head having nozzles configured to eject a liquid, pressure chambers communicating with the nozzles, and drive elements configured to change the volume in the pressure chambers, and a drive-waveform generating circuit configured to generate a drive waveform for driving the drive elements to vibrate the liquid in the nozzles is provided. The method includes detecting a power-off operation for issuing an instruction for turning off an electric power of the liquid ejecting apparatus and vibrating the liquid by driving piezoelectric elements by the drive waveform in response to detecting the power-off operation by the detecting.

Abstract: Liquid submersion cooling devices and systems are described that use a cooling liquid, for example a dielectric cooling liquid, to submersion cool individual electronic devices or an array of electronic devices. In one embodiment, the electronic device includes a non-pressurized device housing defining an interior space where pressure in the interior space equals or is only slightly different than pressure outside the non-pressurized device housing.

Abstract: According to aspects of the embodiments, there is provided process and architecture for enabling multiple digital micromirror devices (DMDs) that include optical modulation elements configured to modulate light outputting from a light source, and a projection unit configured to project light modulated by the optical modulation elements on a printing plate. Image defects due to misalignment in the cross-process direction of the output from the DMDs are discovered by using a single test pattern image and combined with knowledge of how individual pixels are rendered to register printing elements which can render a variable number of pixels. Misalignment errors can be corrected by selecting a different set of mirrors for a given DMD.

Abstract: Effective systems for separating, collecting and transferring organic waste from multi-unit residential buildings to deliver to composting centers are described which facilitate the reduction of contamination of the organic waste with non-compostable plastic bags. This is accomplished both by ensuring that the residents are constantly provided with compostable replacement bags for their kitchen caddies after each delivery of a bag by the resident to the recycling room, and through consistent marking that reminds residents of the system's requirements.

Abstract: An ink supply system for supplying ink to a drop-forming unit of a print-head in a printing apparatus includes a reservoir for holding or storing a volume of liquid ink to be supplied to a drop-forming unit in a print-head, and a heating device arranged upstream of the reservoir for heating the ink to an desired operating temperature. The heating device includes a heating body for transferring heat to the ink, wherein the heating body includes a plurality of channels which extend from an top side of the heating body to an bottom side of the heating body for conveying the ink to the reservoir, whereby the ink is heated via contact with walls of the channels. The heating body typically includes a substantially monolithic body of a highly thermally conductive material and the plurality of channels are substantially parallel channels which extend through the heating body. A print-head of a printing apparatus incorporating the ink supply system, and a heating device are also disclosed.

Abstract: The ultrasonic probe includes a transducer array that generates ultrasonic waves, a backing layer that is provided on a rear surface of the transducer array, a pulsating heat pipe that absorbs heat generated in the transducer array, and a heat radiation unit that receives the heat from the pulsating heat pipe to emit the received heat to the outside.

Abstract: A heating device along a slot of a print head is selectively actuated to form temperature gradients within fluid along the slot to facilitate convective fluid flow within and along the slot.

Abstract: An inkjet print head including a plurality of single jet elements. Each of the single jet elements includes an aperture configured to eject ink during a jetting event, and a channel for receiving ink, the channeling including a recirculation portion configured to receive ink during a non-jetting event. The print head also includes a first manifold structured to supply ink to the channel, and a second manifold structured to receive ink from the recirculation portion of the channel. The ink flows from the inlet portion to the second outlet portion during non-jetting through the second outlet portion.

Abstract: A liquid discharge head includes a plurality of nozzles, a plurality of individual liquid chambers, a common liquid chamber, a common circulation liquid chamber, and a filter portion. The common liquid chamber includes a first portion disposed side by side with the common circulation liquid chamber in a direction perpendicular to a nozzle array direction in and a second portion not disposed side by side with the common circulation liquid chamber in the direction perpendicular to the nozzle array direction. In a plan view, the second portion partially overlaps the common circulation liquid chamber in the direction perpendicular to the nozzle array direction. A width of the second portion in the direction perpendicular to the nozzle array direction is greater than a width of the first portion in the direction perpendicular to the nozzle array direction. In the plan view, the filter portion is disposed in the second portion.

Abstract: An ink composition useful for digital offset printing applications includes a colorant and a high viscosity thickening agent. The ink is formulated to incorporate polyester viscosity modifier to help meet the requirement of two different viscosity or temperature pairs at two different stages of the process. In digital offset printing a bulk ink is first transferred onto an anilox roll, and then from the anilox roll onto the imaging cylinder blanket. During the bulk ink to anilox roll the disclosed ink has a low viscosity while the transfer from roll to imaging blanket the ink has a higher viscosity. The addition of the polyester viscosity modifier increases the viscosity difference within the allowable temperature range, thus, increasing process latitude and robustness.

Abstract: A substrate carrier unit includes a substrate carrier and a phase transition material. The substrate carrier defines an isolated space therein. The phase transition material is filled into the isolated space of the substrate carrier and has a melting point ranging between 18° C. and 95° C. The phase transition material is capable of absorbing thermal energy from the substrate carrier as latent heat to change the phase from solid to liquid.

Abstract: An ink jet recording apparatus including: a head that ejects droplets of ink; a flow passage portion; and a temperature adjustment unit. The flow passage portion supplies the ink to the head. The flow passage portion includes, in a part thereof, a reservoir unit that reserves the ink. The temperature adjustment unit is capable of adjusting temperatures of the flow passage portion and the head independently of each other. The temperature adjustment unit controls the temperatures of the flow passage portion and the head so that the ink in the head becomes liquid from solid after ink in the flow passage portion is turned to liquid from solid.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide determining an ink drop size. One embodiment comprises a system that includes a printhead fluidly coupled to an ink input supply, and a controller to direct the printhead to eject drops of ink of an ink drop type. The system further includes an ink output estimator to estimate an ink output amount ejected from the printhead based on an estimated quantity of the ejected drops of ink of the ink drop type and an estimated size of the drop type, and an ink measurement device to measure an ink input amount provided by the ink input supply to the printhead. The system also includes a correction module to adjust the estimated size of the drop type based on the ink output amount and the ink input amount for a printing operation.

Abstract: A printer is provided for forming a phase change inkjet image on a print substrate. The printer includes a sheet transport unit for advancing the sheet along a print station. The sheet transport unit includes a sheet support platen, a sheet attraction mechanism and a feed mechanism. The sheet support platen includes a print surface for supporting a contact side of the print substrate. The sheet attraction mechanism is arranged for attracting the print substrate to the print surface. The feed mechanism is arranged for advancing the print substrate in a transport direction over the print surface, wherein the feed mechanism is arranged upstream of the print surface. The print station includes a print head assembly, the print head assembly being arranged for providing ink droplets for forming the phase change inkjet image on a process side of the print substrate, the print substrate being arranged on a print area of the print surface, the process side being opposite to the contact side.

Abstract: A liquid heating apparatus for heating a liquid that is supplied to a liquid droplet ejection head is provided. The liquid heating apparatus includes a liquid chamber unit configured to be disposed on the supply route of the liquid and to temporarily store the liquid, and a temperature-adjusting flow path unit configured to heat the liquid supplied from the liquid chamber unit.

Abstract: A cartridge for holding ink pellets is provided. The cartridge comprises a first part and a second part. The first part comprises a first body, which first body comprises an exit adapted for releasing an ink pellet from the cartridge, and the first part comprising a separating unit, said separating unit being adapted for separating and releasing a single ink pellet and transporting said single ink pellet to said exit. The second part is configured for holding said ink pellets and comprises a second body being adapted for a sliding movement with respect to said first part in order to adjust a volume of the cartridge. The cartridge of the present invention improves transportation of said cartridge without reducing a capacity of the cartridge for holding a plurality of ink pellets.

Abstract: A printer including an optical moving amount calculator, an angle calculator, and a moving amount corrector is provided. The optical moving amount calculator calculates a moving amount of the printer or an object to be irradiated after a movement thereof, based on a difference in image data generated before and after the movement. The image data is generated by emitting light to the print medium or the object and receiving light reflected therefrom. The angle calculator calculates a deviation angle of an installation angle of the optical moving amount calculator installed in the printer, based on a calibration moving amount of the printer or the object after a calibration movement thereof that is a parallel translation. The moving amount corrector corrects the moving amount of the printer after the movement thereof, based on the calculated deviation angle of the optical moving amount calculator.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides apparatus and method for supplying uninterrupted flow of solid-ink pellets to an image-forming device. The apparatus includes a container for retaining solid-ink pellets, and a selectably-inflatable bladder disposed within the container. Further, the apparatus includes a tube communicating the bladder with a pressure supply.

Abstract: Protrusions are positioned on the inner surfaces of a channel within a printhead body or member to control the size and location of bubble formation. An inkjet printhead includes a member having a first opening and a second opening to enable melted ink to enter the channel at the first opening and flow through the channel to the second opening. At least one protrusion extends from the member into the channel to position a portion of the protrusion into melted ink in the channel to form a dominant stress concentration in the melted ink.

Abstract: The techniques described are applied for trapping particles within a partially enclosed region of a reservoir of a printer head using thermal gradients and buoyant flows within the ink contained in the reservoir. One disclosed embodiment includes a reservoir for an ink jet printer that has a plurality of walls and a cavity. The plurality of walls include at least a first wall and a second wall. During operation, the first wall is provided with a temperature differential with respect to the second wall. The cavity is formed by the plurality of walls and operationally retains an ink of the ink jet printer. The cavity has a partially enclosed region that communicates with a remainder of the cavity. The partially enclosed region is adapted to retain particles that have separated from the ink.

Abstract: A functional amine release agent displaying reduced coefficient of friction as compared to standard silicone oils, the release agent comprising a polydimethylsiloxane oil and a functional amine selected from the group consisting of pendant propylamines and pendant N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyl; wherein the concentration of functional amine to polydimethylsiloxane oil is approximately less than 0.0006 meq/g. According to certain embodiments, the functional amine release agent is operable to impart a coefficient of friction of about 0.3 or more to the print media, resulting in improved finishing and converting equipment interaction.

Abstract: A phase change ink composition including an amorphous compound; a crystalline compound; a polyester polymer, wherein the polyester has a molecular weight of from about 500 to about 8,000 and a polydispersity index of from about 1.0 to about 8.0; an optional synergist; an optional dispersant; and a colorant. A process including (1) incorporating into an ink jet printing apparatus the phase change ink composition; (2) melting the ink; and (3) causing droplets of the melted ink to be ejected in an imagewise pattern onto a substrate. An ink jet printer stick or pellet including the phase change ink composition.

Abstract: The present disclosure is drawn to an inks, printed articles, and related methods. In one example, the a neutral gray reflective ink can include an aqueous liquid vehicle, iron oxide reflective particles having an average particle size from 3 nm to 180 nm dispersed in the aqueous liquid vehicle, and a dye system solvated in the aqueous liquid vehicle. The iron oxide particles and the dye system are present at relative concentrations to provide a reflective ink that is neutral gray.

Abstract: An inkjet printer is configured to reduce the settling of magnetic particles in magnetic ink. The inkjet printer is configured to eject magnetic ink and black ink in areas where the corresponding image data only has black ink pixels. The printing of the magnetic ink in the black ink areas helps prevent the magnetic particles in the magnetic ink from settling.

Abstract: A pressure regulation system for a high throughput inkjet printer uses a peristaltic pump to provide a meniscus vacuum to the printheads. A peristaltic pump is a small and inexpensive device which can produce a low flow rate suitable for achieving the relatively small meniscus vacuum required by drop on demand systems. Furthermore the pump can operate in both directions, and seals in the event of power loss.

Abstract: Image formation device having: an image formation drum (50) for rotationally conveying a recording medium while holding the recording medium; a supply means (22) for supplying the recording medium (P) to the drum; a recording head (71) for forming an image on the recording medium on the drum; and a conveyance mechanism (80) for receiving the recording medium from the drum at a reception position (m2) on the downstream side in a conveyance direction from the recording head and distributing the recording medium to a paper discharge path or an inversion path. The conveyance mechanism returns the recording medium to the drum at a return position (m9) on the downstream side in the conveyance direction from the reception position (m2) after the front and back surfaces thereof are inverted, and a drum heating means (94) for heating the surface drum is provided between the reception position and the return position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hot melt ink composition, the hot melt ink composition being solid at room temperature and in a liquid state at an elevated temperature, comprising a binder, a colorant, a crystalline material, and a crystallization retardant, wherein the crystalline material is a di-substituted compound and the crystallization retardant is a mono-substituted derivative of the crystalline material. The invention further relates to a method for preparing such hot melt compositions and to use of a hot melt ink composition.

Abstract: In one aspect, inks for use with a 3D printer are described herein. In some embodiments, an ink comprises a polymerizable material and a reactive wax comprising a saturated alkyl moiety bonded to an ethyleneically unsaturated moiety through a urethane, urea, ester, or carbonate ester linkage, wherein the ink is free or substantially free of non-reactive wax.

Abstract: Protrusions are positioned on the inner surfaces of a channel within a printhead body or member to control the size and location of bubble formation. An inkjet printhead includes a member having a first opening and a second opening to enable melted ink to enter the channel at the first opening and flow through the channel to the second opening. At least one protrusion extends from the member into the channel to position a portion of the protrusion into melted ink in the channel to form a dominant stress concentration in the melted ink.

Abstract: Among other things, ink is jetted onto a substrate, the ink includes (a) a pigment and (b) a wax, and the jetted ink on the substrate is heated to fire the pigment on the substrate.

Abstract: A phase change ink composition including an ink vehicle; an optional colorant; and ethylene vinyl acetate in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 10 percent by weight based on the total weight of the phase change ink composition.

Abstract: In order to perform recording head maintenance by discharge and reflux of ink with higher pressures without creating instability of the meniscus in the nozzle surface, this image forming device may be provided with a recording head having multiple nozzles, a first reservoir unit and a second reservoir unit which store the ink supplied to the recording head, a supply unit which is opened and closed by a solenoid valve and connects the recording head and the first reservoir unit, a pump which supplies the ink in the second reservoir unit to the first reservoir unit, a recovery passage which is opened and closed by solenoid valves and connects the recording head and the second reservoir unit, and a control unit which controls operation of the solenoid valves and the pump.

Abstract: A phase change ink composition including an amorphous compound; a crystalline compound; a polyester polymer, wherein the polyester has a molecular weight of from about 500 to about 8,000 and a polydispersity index of from about 1.0 to about 8.0; an optional synergist; an optional dispersant; and a colorant. A process including (1) incorporating into an ink jet printing apparatus the phase change ink composition; (2) melting the ink; and (3) causing droplets of the melted ink to be ejected in an imagewise pattern onto a substrate. An ink jet printer stick or pellet including the phase change ink composition.

Abstract: A main frame supports a printer head. A first movable frame supports a platen and a first paper feeding roller, and is pivotally connected to one end of the main frame via a first pivot shaft to permit itself to be opened or closed relative to the main frame. A second movable frame supports a second paper feeding roller, and is pivotally connected to the other end of the main frame via a second pivot shaft to permit itself to be opened or closed relative to the main frame. When the first movable frame and the second movable frame are closed relative to the main frame, the printer head is opposite to the platen to form a printing position; and the first paper feeding roller is tangent to the second paper feeding roller.

Abstract: A melting device melts solid ink into liquid ink by passing alternating current through an electrical conductor arranged in coils around a housing. The liquid ink passes from a reservoir, through a spool valve arrangement, and into first and second chambers. The spool valve arrangement only allows liquid ink into one chamber at a time. While the first chamber is being filled, pressure is applied to the second chamber. The pressure applied to the second chamber forces the liquid ink in the second chamber through a filter and an outlet. When the first chamber is filled to a predetermined level, pressure is no longer applied to the second chamber and is applied to the first chamber. The pressure applied to the first chamber moves the spool valve arrangement to block the first chamber. While pressure is applied to the first chamber, the second chamber is filled with liquid ink.

Abstract: A light emitting device includes a substrate, a light emitting body, a thermally conductive member, and a heat radiation member. The substrate has a first face and a second face which is a face opposite to the first face. The light emitting body is held on a side of the first face of the substrate and emits light. The thermally conductive member is provided so as to be in contact with the second face of the substrate and contains a high thermal conductive material. The heat radiation member is provided so as to be in contact with the thermally conductive member and radiates heat conducted from the substrate through the thermally conductive member.

Abstract: A method of solid ink printer operation compensates for missing black ink in solid fill areas. The method includes ejecting at least one other color of ink into a black solid fill area at a predetermined distance to the area missing the black ink. The additional non-black ink urges black ink between the non-black ink and the area missing the black ink to migrate into the area in which the black ink is missing.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for supplying solid-ink pellets from a container to an image-forming device. The system includes a delivery tube within the container, with one or more openings to receive solid-ink pellets from the container. An agitating structure coupled to the delivery tube disturbs the solid ink pellets. The movement of the delivery tube moves the agitating structure, resulting in disturbing the solid-ink pellets and maintaining flowability of the pellets to the image-forming device.

Abstract: A solid ink stick transport system has been developed that differentiates between ink sticks inserted into a single insertion port of an inkjet printer. The system includes a solid ink support platform that moves between a position exposed outside of a printer housing to receive solid ink sticks and a position within the housing. The support includes a sensor that enables a controller to identify the solid ink stick before transporting the solid ink stick to an appropriate feed channel.