Abstract: Disclosed are colorants comprising a colored laked complex of (a) a chromogen molecule having at least one (i) carboxylic acid group, (ii) carboxylate group, (iii) sulfonic acid group, (iv) sulfonate group, or (v) combination thereof, and (b) a polymer, said chromogen molecule and said polymer each being complexed to (c) a metal. Also disclosed are phase change inks containing the colorants.

Abstract: A method for operating a printer having multiple printheads includes activating a heater that is operatively connected to a printhead that ejects ink having a single color in response to receiving a print job. The printer detects the presence of colors other than the single color in image data received in the print job, and activates heaters operatively coupled to printheads that eject ink drops that correspond to the detected colors.

Abstract: A recording method includes a first drying step of evaporating 50 to 85 wt % of ink adhering on a recording medium, the ink being ejected from a recording head onto a surface of the recording medium back side of which is supported on a medium-supporting unit which faces the recording head, and a second drying step of drying the recording medium, which has been subjected to the first drying step, at the downstream side of the medium-supporting unit in a feeding direction of the recording medium.

Abstract: An in situ process for preparing a phase change magnetic ink including heating a phase change ink composition to a first temperature sufficient to provide a melt composition; wherein the phase change ink composition comprises a carrier, an optional colorant, and an optional dispersant; placing the melt composition under inert atmosphere; heating the melt composition to a second temperature sufficient to effect decomposition of a metal carbonyl; adding the metal carbonyl to the melt composition under inert atmosphere at this second temperature to form metal nanoparticles thus forming in situ a phase change magnetic ink including the metal nanoparticles; optionally, filtering the phase change magnetic ink while in a liquid state; and cooling the phase change magnetic ink to a solid state.

Abstract: A solid ink includes an ink vehicle that is solid at room temperature, including a ketone wax and at least one resin selected from a branched amide resin, a branched urea resin, and a branched urethane resin, a colorant, and optional additives.

Abstract: An imaging device includes a media supply and handling system configured to move media along a path. A printing system is disposed along the path that includes at least one printhead for applying melted phase-change ink of at least one color to the media to form images thereon. A fixing assembly is disposed along the path downstream of the printing system that is configured to apply heat and/or pressure to the melted phase change ink of the images on the media. A coating system is disposed along the path downstream from the spreader. The coating system includes at least one printhead for applying a clear ink on top of the images formed on the media by the printing station.

Abstract: A check valve unit is provided for a high-speed phase change ink image producing machine between a reservoir for receiving and holding a volume of melted ink from a source and a receiving unit, which may be a printhead system. The check valve unit includes a plurality of ball elements trapped between upper and lower housings defining a like plurality of inlet and discharge passageways. The passageways are configured to optimize flow of melted ink through the unit during charging of the secondary reservoir. The check valve unit is scalable as to size and number of reservoirs for a particular application. The unit further incorporates features that simplify the manufacturing and assembly process while maintaining optimal performance.

Abstract: A material jet system, comprising a container for molten jet material (3) to be ejected, a heater (4) for melting and/or keeping molten said jet material, and a jetting unit (5, 6, 7) which is arranged to form and eject droplets (8) of said jet material. The system, moreover, comprises supply structures (2) which are arranged for providing an uninterrupted supply of said material, which comprises a metal in solid form (1), and which preferably have the shape of a wire, bar or tape. Furthermore the system comprises a structure for sealing the material in solid form and a pressure controller to control a heat insulating fluid pressure in the container.

Abstract: A phase change ink imaging device includes a transfix apparatus configured to apply ultrasonic action to ink pixels deposited onto an image bearing surface to facilitate transfer and/or fixing of the ink pixels to print media.

Abstract: A phase change ink imaging device includes an ink loader operatively connected within a housing of the imaging device. At least a portion of the ink loader is configured to be withdrawn from the housing to enable ink stick insertion.

Abstract: A phase separation ink including at least one crystallizable component that crystallizes as it cools from a first ink jetting temperature to a second lower temperature; at least one amorphous component comprising a material that remains amorphous at the second temperature; an optional colorant; wherein the at least one crystallizable component and the at least one amorphous component are in a molten, single phase state at the first ink jetting temperature; wherein at the second temperature, the phase separation ink comprises a crystalline phase comprising the at least one crystallizable component and an amorphous phase comprising the at least one amorphous component; wherein the amorphous phase of the at least one phase separation ink substantially penetrates into the final image receiving substrate and the crystalline phase of the at least one phase separation ink substantially remains on the surface of the final image receiving substrate.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for supplying solid-ink pellets from a container to a printing apparatus. The solid-ink pellets are held in a collapsible, hermetic bag, which is carried in the container. The bag is partially or fully transparent. A vacuum interface provides an access point to the bag. Further, a perforated nozzle, adapted to engage the vacuum interface, provides airflow within the bag and is configured to apply a suction force to extract solid-ink pellets from the bag.

Abstract: A solid ink stick configuration efficiently provides functional features for use of the ink stick in a phase change ink printer without adversely impacting the volumetric content of the ink stick and its appearance.

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 phase change ink melter assembly in a phase change ink image producing machine includes an array of a plurality of spaced apart fins, the array defining a top face for receiving the solid pieces of phase change ink, a bottom face for discharging melted ink, and opposite melter surfaces for melting the solid pieces in contact therewith. The assembly further including a number of heat transfer devices extending through and in heat transfer contact with the plurality of fins, the heat transfer devices including a heating element for heating the device. The bottom edge of the fins defines a plurality of apexes which serve as drip points for molten phase change ink.

Abstract: A synergist for pigment in a solid ink having the following formula:

Abstract: This disclosure is generally directed to curable solid inks, such as radiation-curable solid inks, and their use in forming images, such as through transfuse printing. More specifically, this disclosure is directed to radiation-curable solid inks, such as ultraviolet-light-curable phase-change inks, that comprise curable and non-curable waxes.

Abstract: A melt plate for use in a solid ink printer is formed with a drip plate to provide controlled flow of melted ink from the melt plate to a drip point. The melt plate includes a first portion having a perimeter, a second portion having a perimeter, the second planar portion angling from the first portion along a transition boundary at a first angle, a first rim extending around the perimeter of the first portion except along the transition boundary, the first rim angling from the first portion at a second angle, and a second rim extending around the perimeter of the second portion except along the transition boundary and a drip point, the second rim angling from the second portion at a third angle, the third angle being different than the second angle.

Abstract: A method for calibrating in situ a plurality of printheads in an imaging device has been developed. Firing signals operate a plurality of printheads to form ink test patterns on an image receiving member. Reflectance measurements of light reflected from the test patterns and optical density measurements for a portion of the patterns formed by only one printhead in the plurality of printheads are used to adjust the firing signals and enable the printheads to print within a predetermined range about an average reflectance value and a predetermined optical density.

Abstract: A printing system has a print mechanism to dispense a curable ink onto print media, a texture roller having a textured surface arranged to transfer a texture through a film to the curable ink on the media resulting in textured ink, and a curing mechanism to cure the textured ink. A printing system has a print head to dispense a curable ink onto print media, a film arranged adjacent a side of the media upon which the ink is dispensed, a texture roller arranged on a side of the film opposite the media to transfer texture to the curable ink, resulting in textured ink, and a curing mechanism to cure the textured ink. A method of controlling gloss in a printed image includes forming a printed image on print media using curable ink, using a roller to transfer a texture pattern to the curable ink, and curing the ink such that the pattern cures into the ink.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for forming images on substrates in printing are provided.

Abstract: A solid phase change ink melter assembly in a phase change ink image producing machine includes an array of a plurality of spaced apart fins, the array defining a top face for receiving the solid pieces of phase change ink, a bottom face for discharging melted ink, and opposite melter surfaces for melting the solid pieces in contact therewith. The assembly further includes a number of heat transfer devices extending through and in heat transfer contact with the plurality of fins, the heat transfer devices including a heating element for heating the device. The bottom edge of the fins defines a plurality of apexes which serve as drip points for molten phase change ink.

Abstract: A solid ink printer is configured to learn the identity of solid ink sticks for printer operation. The solid ink printer includes a feed channel having an insertion opening configured to receive solid ink sticks, a sensor positioned near the insertion opening of the feed channel and configured to obtain solid ink stick type data from a solid ink stick inserted into the insertion opening of the feed channel, and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor to receive the solid ink stick type data, the controller being configured to store the solid ink stick type data in a memory in response to an initialization signal and to operate the solid ink printer with reference to the solid ink stick type data stored in the memory by the controller.

Abstract: A microfluidic device includes a first substrate, and a phase change ink deposited on a surface of the first substrate. The phase change ink includes an ink vehicle including a polymeric material having one or more hydroxyl groups, and an optional colorant, wherein the phase change ink is solid at room temperature but is liquid at a jetting temperature of from about 60 to about 150° C., and a hydroxyl group mass percentage, measured as a total mass of hydroxyl groups to an entire weight of the ink, is from about 1% to about 35%.

Abstract: A solid ink stick for use in an imaging device, such as a phase change inkjet printer, is provided. The solid ink stick has a retrieval feature located on a top surface thereof. When the ink stick is incorrectly loaded through the insertion opening of a feed channel of the printer, the retrieval feature has a vertical dimension such that the ink stick can be grasped, such as by two fingers of a user, to remove the ink stick through the insertion opening. The retrieval feature generally includes two lower surfaces interconnected with at least one upper surface.

Abstract: An in situ process for preparing a phase change magnetic ink including combining a phase change ink composition with a reducing agent; wherein the phase change ink composition comprises a carrier, an optional colorant, and an optional dispersant, and wherein the reducing agent has at least one alcohol functionality; heating the combined phase ink composition and reducing agent to a first temperature sufficient to provide a melt composition; adding a metal salt to the melt composition under an inert atmosphere to provide a metal salt-melt composition; heating the metal salt-melt composition to a second temperature sufficient to effect a metal reduction reaction to reduce the metal salt to metal nanoparticles thus forming in situ a phase change magnetic ink including the metal nanoparticles; optionally, filtering the phase change magnetic ink while in a liquid state; cooling the phase change magnetic ink to a solid state.

Abstract: An ink including (a) a carrier and (b) a colorant comprising nanodiamond black.

Abstract: A molten ink supply for a solid ink printing machine includes a container for storing solid ink pellets and a withdrawal tube having an inlet end disposed within the container. A vacuum generator is disposed at the outlet end of the withdrawal tube operable to draw a vacuum within the tube. A feed conduit is connected to the outlet end for receiving solid ink pellets drawn therein by said vacuum generator and conveying the pellets to a melting station operable to melt the solid ink pellets. An assist tube is provided within the container with a discharge nozzle disposed within the withdrawal tube at the inlet end and operable to provide a flow of air into the withdrawal tube to agitate solid ink pellets and facilitate withdrawal of the pellets by the vacuum generator.

Abstract: An apparatus fixes ink on a substrate, such as in ink-jet printing. A leveling member is positioned to contact an ink-bearing side of the substrate at a nip. A radiation source is positioned to direct radiation to the ink-bearing side of the substrate at the nip, the radiation suitable for curing the ink on the substrate.

Abstract: A system for recycling waste phase change ink in a phase change ink imaging device includes a printhead having an on-board phase change ink reservoir and a waste ink collector for receiving ink from an ejecting face of the printhead. The printhead is supplied ink from a remote ink reservoir, which is also fluidly connected to the waste ink collector by a waste phase change ink conveyor, which is configured to convey melted waste phase change ink from the waste ink collector to the remote ink reservoir.

Abstract: A solid ink stick for use in solid ink printers is provided that enables adjacent ink sticks to be separated and retained at a predetermined location in the feed channel.

Abstract: A solid ink loading system for a phase change ink imaging device includes an ink loader having a first end, a second end, and at least one feed channel extending between the first and the second end. The at least one feed channel includes an insertion region intermediate the first and the second end where ink sticks enter the at least one feed channel. The at least one feed channel is configured to guide ink sticks in a feed direction from the insertion region toward the second end. An ink stick retractor is configured for movement between a forward position and a rearward position substantially parallel to at least a portion of the at least one feed channel. The forward position is closer to the second end of the feed channel than the first position. The ink stick retractor is configured to selectively move ink sticks in the at least one feed channel in a retraction direction toward the first end.

Abstract: A volumetric container for storing phase-change ink includes a housing that is comprised primarily of a thermally insulating material and a heater element positioned within the housing. The heater element is positioned in the container to melt solid ink quickly to enable printing operations.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for maintaining flowability of solid-ink pellets when delivering solid-ink pellets from a container to an image-forming apparatus. The apparatus includes an extraction tube inserted into the container and also connected to a vacuum source. Suction produced by the vacuum source impels pellets into the extraction tube through an extraction inlet, but pellet agglomerations may clog the system. Such a clog produces an immediate pressure spike within the extraction tube, an event detected by the clog detector. An actuator, responsive to the clog detector, drives an agitating structure that breaks up agglomerations and restores smooth pellet flow. Alternative embodiments can include devices having only the clog detector or the agitating structure along with the clog detectors. Alternative implementations of the agitating structure provide means for accomplishing the pellet break up.

Abstract: An ink umbilical provides different colors of heated ink to multiple print heads in an integrated structure. The ink umbilical includes a first plurality of ink carrying conduits mounted on one side of a heater and a second plurality of conduits mounted on a second side of the heater opposite the first side of the heater. The heater is operated to keep the ink in the conduits on each of the heater in a predetermined temperature range.

Abstract: A phase separation ink including at least one crystallizable component that crystallizes as it cools from a first ink jetting temperature to a second lower temperature; at least one amorphous component comprising a material that remains amorphous at the second temperature; an optional colorant; wherein the at least one crystallizable component and the at least one amorphous component are in a molten, single phase state at the first ink jetting temperature; wherein at the second temperature, the phase separation ink comprises a crystalline phase comprising the at least one crystallizable component and an amorphous phase comprising the at least one amorphous component; wherein the amorphous phase of the at least one phase separation ink substantially penetrates into the final image receiving substrate and the crystalline phase of the at least one phase separation ink substantially remains on the surface of the final image receiving substrate.

Abstract: An inkjet printer operates to produce a print with at least one component operating at less than a normal operating parameter. The printer identifies an image density for an image to be printed and operates the printer with operational parameters different than normal operational parameters to enable printing operations before all of the components in the printer reach their operational parameters.

Abstract: A method has been developed that reduces the electrical energy consumption of an inkjet printing system. The method regulates the energy consumption of the printing system with reference to a monitored temperature of at least one component in the inkjet printing system.

Abstract: This disclosure is generally directed to curable gel inks, such as radiation-curable phase-change inks, and their use in forming images, such as through inkjet printing. More specifically, this disclosure is directed to radiation-curable gel inks, such as ultraviolet-light-curable phase-change inks, that comprise a curable gellant and a curable solid.

Abstract: A temperature leveling system for thermally conditioning ink deposited onto a print media includes a non-contact cooling device for reducing temperatures of ink deposited onto a print media to a first average temperature. A leveler includes a thermal control for maintaining the leveler at a second temperature that is different than the first average temperature. The leveler is configured to bring the temperatures of the ink to within a predetermined range about the second temperature after the reduction in temperature at the non-contact cooling device. A heater is positioned to heat the ink and media to a third temperature after the leveler, the third temperature being greater than the second temperature.

Abstract: A printhead provides selective heating to a supply of molten ink within an ink flow channel. The printhead is adapted to be in electrical communication with a controller and programmed to determine ink required by a print job. Based on the determined ink required by the print job, the controller accordingly provides selective heating to the printhead. The printhead includes an ink inlet, a nozzle in fluid communication with the ink inlet, and an ink flow channel having a length and extending between the ink inlet and the nozzle. A molten ink supply from a solid ink supply retaining device is received by the ink inlet and ejected from the nozzle on a print medium. A plurality of heating zones is also disposed along the length and adjacent to the ink flow channel to provide heating to the molten ink supply adjacent to each of the plurality of heating zones.

Abstract: A solid printer includes a solid ink container that expels solid ink units in predetermined amounts for delivery to a melting device within the printer. The solid ink container includes a housing in which solid ink pellets are stored, an opening in the housing through which solid ink units are expelled, a first moveable member located within the housing proximate to the opening, the first moveable member being configured to move solid ink units through the opening, and a second moveable member located within the housing, the second moveable member being configured to move solid ink pellets to the first moveable member to enable the first moveable member to expel solid ink pellets through the opening in the housing.

Abstract: A solid phase change ink melter assembly in a phase change ink image producing machine having an array of a plurality of spaced apart fins, the array defining a top face for receiving the solid pieces of phase change ink, a bottom face for discharging melted ink, and opposite melter surfaces for melting the solid pieces in contact therewith. The assembly further includes a number of heat transfer devices extending through and in heat transfer contact with the plurality of fins, the heat transfer devices including a heating element for heating the device. The bottom edge of the fins defines a plurality of apexes which serve as drip points for molten phase change ink.

Abstract: A solid ink printer selectively enables solid ink sticks to be inserted into an insertion port. The solid ink printer includes a plurality of feed channels, each feed channel terminating at a melting device that heats solid ink sticks to a melting temperature at one end of the feed channel, an insertion port operatively connected to another end of each of the plurality of feed channels, the insertion port being configured with an opening through which solid ink sticks are inserted for movement through one of the feed channels operatively connected to the insertion port, a member positioned proximate the opening in the insertion port, an actuator operatively connected to the member and configured to move the member with respect to the opening of the insertion port, and a controller operatively connected to the actuator, the controller being configured to detect at least one event and operate the actuator to move the member to block solid ink sticks from entering through the opening of the insertion port.

Abstract: An in situ process for preparing a phase change magnetic ink including heating a phase change ink composition to a first temperature sufficient to provide a melt composition; wherein the phase change ink composition comprises a carrier, an optional colorant, and an optional dispersant; placing the melt composition under inert atmosphere; heating the melt composition to a second temperature sufficient to effect decomposition of a metal carbonyl; adding the metal carbonyl to the melt composition under inert atmosphere at this second temperature to form metal nanoparticles thus forming in situ a phase change magnetic ink including the metal nanoparticles; optionally, filtering the phase change magnetic ink while in a liquid state; and cooling the phase change magnetic ink to a solid state.

Abstract: To provide a method for fixing an image, wherein the image has a high fastness even immediately after being recorded, and is free from inconveniences such as thermal influence or unfavorable curing inherent to the conventional fixing device, as well as safety problems. To achieve such an object, in a method for fixing an image recorded on a recording medium with a recording material containing a component curable by a plasma processing, the image is fixed on the recording medium by the plasma processing at a normal pressure.

Abstract: A printer for transferring a phase-change ink onto a substrate includes components for conveying the substrate along a path through the printing machine, a printing station including a plurality of printheads disposed along the path and configured to transfer the phase-change solid ink onto the substrate as it is conveyed along the path, a plurality of metal backing rollers facing the plurality of printheads and arranged to support to the substrate passing between the backing rollers and the printheads, and a spreader station receiving the substrate from the printing station and configured to spread the phase-change solid ink on the substrate, the spreader station including a spreader roller and a metal pressure roller opposing the spreader roller. Each of the non-oiled metal rollers includes a coating that is oleophobic that has low adhesion toward the solid ink image but sufficient lateral friction as to not slide against the ink or paper web.

Abstract: A fluid transport apparatus maintains temperature of a fluid transported through a conduit. The fluid transport apparatus includes a fluid transport conduit that is selectively deformed by a pressure within a compressor conduit and allowed to return to its original shape by venting the pressure through a venting valve. The alternating pressurization and release of pressure from the compressor conduit moves fluid through the fluid transport conduit. A thermal conductor is associated with the fluid transport conduit to maintain the temperature of the fluid in the fluid transport conduit within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A fluid transport apparatus facilitates flow of fluid from a source to a receptacle. The fluid transport apparatus includes a fluid transport conduit for transport of fluid through the conduit, the conduit being coupled between a fluid supply and a fluid receptacle, a compressor conduit proximate the fluid transport conduit along a portion of the fluid transport conduit between the fluid supply and the fluid receptacle, and a pump coupled to the compressor conduit for injecting fluid into the compressor conduit, and a vent that is operated to selectively enable pressurization and venting of the compressor conduit to compress and decompress the portion of the fluid transport conduit proximate the compressor conduit to pump fluid through the fluid transport conduit.

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.