摘要:
An improved microvalve is described. The microvalve includes a corresponding actuation aperture in an actuation aperture layer. A control fluid flows through the actuation aperture. The flow of the control fluid is controlled by an electric field typically applied via a charge distribution near an actuation aperture layer. In one embodiment, the electric field may adjust the opening and closing of the actuation aperture thereby controlling the flow of the control fluid. In a second embodiment, the control fluid is an electrorheological fluid where the electric field controls the viscosity of the ER fluid thereby controlling fluid flow through the actuation aperture. In both embodiments the flow of the control fluid controls stretching of a flexible membrane formed along the wall of a conduit through which a fluid to be controlled flows. The stretching of the flexible membrane controlling the flow of the main fluid to be controlled.
摘要:
A method of controlling a main fluid in a conduit using a microvalve is described. The microvalve includes a corresponding actuation aperture in an actuation aperture layer. A control fluid flows through the actuation aperture in response to an electric field applied via a charge distribution near an actuation aperture layer. In one embodiment, the electric field may adjust the opening and closing of the actuation aperture thereby controlling the flow of the control fluid. In a second embodiment, the control fluid is an electrorheological fluid where the electric field controls the viscosity of the ER fluid, thereby controlling fluid flow through the actuation aperture. In both embodiments the flow of the control fluid controls stretching of a flexible membrane into and out of the conduit, thereby controlling the flow of the main fluid by opening or closing the conduit.
摘要:
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.
摘要:
An cleaning subsystem for a variable data lithography system includes a first cleaning member having a conformable adhesive surface disposed for physical contact with an imaging member such that residual ink remaining on the imaging member, such as following transfer of an inked latent image from the imaging member to a substrate, adheres to the conformable adhesive surface and is thereby removed from the imaging member. The cleaning subsystem may further include a second cleaning member, in physical contact with the first cleaning member, having a relatively hard, smooth surface such that residual ink removed from the imaging member and adhering to the adhesive surface of the first cleaning member may split onto the second cleaning member.
摘要:
A non-atmospheric pressure vapor oven system that utilizes a controllable pressure zone to facilitate fast phase change heat transfer at any desired temperature to heat or cool flat substrates, and to level temperatures across different locations of the substrates. The system enables the use of a heat transfer fluid, such as water, without being limited to a particular temperature, such as the fluid's natural boiling point at atmospheric pressure. The system includes a vapor oven (hermetic enclosure) defining a pressure chamber having sealed entry and exit ports for transferring an object (e.g., a sheet of paper) with added material (e.g., toner) through the pressure chamber, and a pressure regulation apparatus for setting the saturation temperature (boiling point) of heat transfer fluid inside the vapor oven to an optimal heating/cooling temperature by selectively controlling the pressure inside the hermetic enclosure.
摘要:
A method of controlling fluid through a layer of a soft compressible (e.g., gel) material including an array of fluid flow paths. The fluid flow paths are normally open, allowing fluid flow. An electric field is applied in regions where fluid flow is undesirable. The electric field compresses the material closing the flow path thereby preventing further fluid flow.
摘要:
A method of controlling a main fluid in a conduit using a microvalve is described. The microvalve includes a corresponding actuation aperture in an actuation aperture layer. A control fluid flows through the actuation aperture in response to an electric field applied via a charge distribution near an actuation aperture layer. In one embodiment, the electric field may adjust the opening and closing of the actuation aperture thereby controlling the flow of the control fluid. In a second embodiment, the control fluid is an electrorheological fluid where the electric field controls the viscosity of the ER fluid, thereby controlling fluid flow through the actuation aperture. In both embodiments the flow of the control fluid controls stretching of a flexible membrane into and out of the conduit, thereby controlling the flow of the main fluid by opening or closing the conduit.
摘要:
Methods for controlling the rheology of ink applied to an imaging surface of a variable data lithography system include applying ink in a layer with a first complex viscoelastic modulus such that said ink layer readily separates in regions over the imaging surface covered by a dampening solution and into regions over the imaging surface at which dampening solution has been removed, increasing the complex viscoelastic modulus of the ink to a second complex viscoelastic modulus while the ink is over the imaging surface, thereby increasing the level of at least one of ink cohesive energy and ink tack prior to the transfer of said ink to said substrate at said image transfer subsystem.
摘要:
A variable data lithography system includes an improved imaging member, a dampening solution subsystem, a patterning subsystem, an inking subsystem, and an image transfer subsystem. The imaging member comprises a reimageable surface layer comprising a polymer, the reimageable surface having a surface roughness Ra in the range of 0.10-4.0 μm peak-to-valley, and peak-to-valley nearest neighbor average distances finer than 20 μm. A structural mounting layer may be provided to which the reimageable surface layer is attached, either directly or with intermediate layers therebetween. The relatively rough surface facilitates retention of dampening solution and improves inking uniformity and transfer. The reimageable surface layer may be comprised of polydimethylsiloxane (silicone), and may optionally have particulate radiation sensitive material disbursed therein to promote absorption, and hence heating, from an optical source.
摘要:
A system enables ink on an image receiving member to be re-distributed to reduce banding effects in the image. The system includes an ink applicator for applying ink to form an ink image on an image receiving member as it passes by the ink applicator; a plenum chamber for receiving a flow of pressurized fluid from a fluid source, and at least one opening in the plenum chamber to direct the flow of pressurized fluid from the plenum towards the ink image on the image receiving member to re-distribute the ink on the image receiving member.