Abstract:
A printer includes a printhead assembly and a dryer. A transport mechanism conveys the printed media in a downstream direction between the printhead assembly and a dryer and between the dryer and an output device. The transport mechanism includes an electric field-generating transport member. The transport member includes a continuous belt supported by rollers. The belt is driven to transport the printed media on an upper surface of the belt. The belt includes an electrically-insulating inner layer and an electrically-insulating outer layer. First and second sets of electrical conductors are positioned intermediate the inner and outer layers. Electrical conductors in the second set are grounded and alternate with electrical conductors in the first set, A charging unit selectively applies a voltage to only a subset of the electrical conductors in the first set at a time, to electrostatically attract the printed media to the upper surface of the belt.
Abstract:
A decurler is configured for use in an aqueous inkjet printer to monitor ink contamination of the indent roller in the decurler and generate a signal that maintenance is required prior to the printer beginning to produce wrinkled media sheets by the ink contamination on the indent roller. A reflective sensor is mounted on a shaft for bidirectional movement to sweep the length of the indent roller and generate electrical signals indicative of the presence or absence of contamination on the indent roller. The controller receiving signals from the reflective sensor compares the signals from the reflective sensor to a predetermined threshold prior to commencing monitoring of the indent roller to determine positions where the sensor is opposite the indent roller and positons where the sensor is opposite a frame in the printer.
Abstract:
Printer structures include a controller, a marking engine operatively (meaning directly or indirectly) connected to the controller, and a container connected to the marking engine. The marking engine applies marking material to print media, and the container stores that marking material. The container can include a flexible bladder storing the marking material, and an actuator structure operatively connected to the controller. The actuator structure contacts the flexible bladder and periodically moves portions of the bladder to periodically mix the marking material as controlled by the controller (based on the marking engine being idle for a previously established amount of time). Alternatively, the actuator structure contacts the container can periodically rotate the container to periodically mix the marking material as controlled by the controller.
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 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 method of inkjet printer operation produces a security pattern in a printed document. In one embodiment, the security feature is printed in the document as a line target with printheads that have been rotated so the rows of inkjets in the printhead are not aligned in the cross-process direction. The line target in the original document has a frequency response to that differs from a copy formed with a device that does not have rotated printheads. In another embodiment, a sneeze pattern is modified by shifting pixels of at least one color separation in the sneeze pattern in a cross-process direction or a process direction. A copy is identified because it does not contain the shifted pixels.
Abstract:
A method of inkjet printer operation produces a security pattern in a printed document. In one embodiment, the security feature is printed in the document as a line target with printheads that have been rotated so the rows of inkjets in the printhead are not aligned in the cross-process direction. The line target in the original document has a frequency response to that differs from a copy formed with a device that does not have rotated printheads. In another embodiment, a sneeze pattern is modified by shifting pixels of at least one color separation in the sneeze pattern in a cross-process direction or a process direction. A copy is identified because it does not contain the shifted pixels.
Abstract:
A method includes printing, by one or more printer heads of the printing system, a reactive layer onto print media. The method also includes printing, by the one or more printer heads, a determined number of transmission layers and a determined number of barrier layers in alternation with one another. At least a portion of the reactive layer is configured to migrate through the transmission layers. The method further includes printing, by the one or more printer heads, a reactant layer that is configured to change color responsive to a reaction that occurs between the reactant layer and the reactive layer upon migration of the reactive layer through the determined number of transmission layers. The reaction is configured to occur on a received expiration date.
Abstract:
A three-dimensional (3D) metal object manufacturing apparatus is equipped with a vessel having a receptacle that holds melted metal. The vessel has a divider that prevents metal dross formed at a solid metal inlet of the receptacle to migrate to a portion of the receptacle where a melted metal level sensor directs light.
Abstract:
A marker transport system and a method of operating the marker transport system can include one or more print heads and a marker transport platen upon which a sheet of media moves. The transport platen can include airflow sections comprising process-direction slots. The plates can move in a cross-process direction, and can control airflow in an area under the print heads. The one or more plates in a first position can allow for airflow when the sheet of media is located at the first position and in a second position can block the airflow at the second position. A vacuum can be provided under the sheet of media as the sheet of media traverses a print path across the marker transport platen. A no-vacuum inter-document zone can be provided, which moves along with the sheet of media under the one or more print heads.