Abstract

The present invention relates to a radiation-curable ink composition. The present invention further relates to a method for preparing a radiation-curable ink composition. In addition, the present invention relates to a method for applying an image onto a recording medium.

IPC Classes  ?

• C09D 11/38 - Inkjet printing inks characterised by non-macromolecular additives other than solvents, pigments or dyes
• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• C09D 11/32 - Inkjet printing inks characterised by colouring agents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for cooling down a printer comprising an endless cleaning member and an endless image transfer member. The invention further relates to a printer comprising an endless cleaning member and an endless image transfer member The invention further relates to a software product.

IPC Classes  ?

• G03G 21/20 - Humidity or temperature control
• G03G 15/16 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for transferring a pattern to a second base of a toner pattern, e.g. a powder pattern

Abstract

An electronic circuit for driving an individual print element in a print head is disclosed. The print head comprises an array of print elements, each print element having a piezo-electric actuator that is capable of generating an acoustic wave in an ink chamber of the print element, resulting in the ejection of an ink drop out of a nozzle that is in fluid connection with the ink chamber. The electronic circuit comprises a number of analog drivers for amplifying an output current at a voltage level in-between two source voltage levels, wherein the drivers can be switched into a tristate condition at a voltage level that does not equal one of the source voltage levels.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
• B41J 2/14 - Structure thereof

Abstract

A printing system and a method for printing a test chart by the printing system having a media input holder, a media output holder, a print engine and a print controller. The method includes receiving print data of a print job to be printed by the printing system, establishing a job type of the print job, upon establishing the job type to be a test chart type, establishing media properties of the print job, determining a first amount of empty sheets for the test chart which sheets have the established media properties and are suitable to serve as backing sheets for the test chart in a further analysis of the test chart when printed, the print engine producing the test chart by printing the print data of the print job on a sheet having the established media properties transported from the media input holder to the print engine, receiving the printed sheet in the media output holder, and automatically depositing the determined first amount of empty sheets before or after the printed sheet in the same media output holder, wherein the first amount of empty sheets is automatically transported from the media input holder to the media output holder.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06K 15/02 - Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data using printers
• G06K 15/00 - Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data

Abstract

A method for maintenance of a print head of an inkjet printer, the print head comprising a nozzle surface (or plate) with a plurality of ink nozzles for jetting ink, wherein the method comprises the steps of purging the plurality of ink nozzles at least once, and performing a contact wipe over the nozzle surface (or plate) with a contact pressure such that the contact wipe barely touches the nozzle surface (or plate), with a wet tissue comprising a wetting liquid, with vacuum pressure provided by an air pressure support unit. The invention also relates to an inkjet printer configured to execute the method.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles

Abstract

Method for printing a plurality of layers of an object on a surface in an XY plane in a print direction in the XY plane in at least one pass of at least one printhead of a printing system relatively over the surface per layer, while ejecting filling material from nozzles of the at least one printhead towards the surface. nozzle distances between the nozzles of the at least one printhead determine a first resolution in a direction perpendicular to the print direction. The at least one printhead is rotatable parallel to the XY plane. Specifications of the object are received which define the object to be printed with a second resolution in the direction perpendicular to the print direction, which second resolution is higher than the first resolution. At least one of the at least one printhead is rotated parallel to the XY plane such that projections of the nozzle distances on a direction perpendicular to the print direction correspond to the second resolution. The plurality of layers of the object are printed with the second resolution by ejecting filling material from the nozzles of the at least one rotated printhead towards the surface.

IPC Classes  ?

• B29C 64/209 - Heads; Nozzles
• B29C 64/112 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material using individual droplets, e.g. from jetting heads
• B29C 64/241 - Driving means for rotary motion
• B33Y 10/00 - Processes of additive manufacturing
• B33Y 30/00 - ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING - Details thereof or accessories therefor

Abstract

A test pattern is described for detecting an impaired nozzle of an inkjet printing device. The test pattern has a matrix with matrix points. The columns of the matrix differ from one another such that a lateral offset of up to ±V columns can be detected and compensated for due to the differently designed columns. An impaired nozzle can thus be particularly reliably and robustly detected.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
• B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
• B41J 29/393 - Devices for controlling or analysing the entire machine

Abstract

A test pattern is described for detecting an impaired nozzle of an inkjet printing device. The test pattern has a matrix with matrix points. The printed matrix points in the individual columns respectively exhibit a defined spacing relative to one another in the row direction. An impaired nozzle with transverse offset can thus be particularly reliably and robustly detected.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing

Abstract

Provided is a controller for regenerating a print head of an inkjet printing device. The controller is configured to convey ink out of the print head via the nozzle openings of one or more nozzles of the print head, and to subsequently convey said ink into the print head again, in order to efficiently and reliably remove deposits from the nozzle plate of the print head.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
• B41J 2/17 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling

Abstract

Provided is a device for adjusting the height of a print bar of an inkjet printing device. The printing device has a cleaning sled for cleaning the one or more print heads of the print bar. A controller including a processor is configured to determine, using a sensor unit, clearance information with regard to the clearance between the cleaning sled and the print bar at different measurement points, and to adjust the height of the print bar depending on the determined clearance information. A precise adjustment of the print bar can thus be effected for a qualitatively high-grade and gentle cleaning.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
• B41J 2/15 - Arrangement thereof for serial printing

Abstract

Deformation is reduced or prevented in a printed print medium during steam treatment by a print medium treatment device for a printer. The print medium treatment device includes a steam treatment unit for treating a first side of a print medium with steam, the steam treatment unit including a steam generator connectable to a steam chamber; and a conveyor for transporting the print medium through the steam chamber. The conveyor includes a holding device for engaging a second side of the print medium opposite the first side, such that the print medium is flattened against the conveyor.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41J 13/08 - Bands or like feeding devices
• B65H 5/22 - Feeding articles separated from piles; Feeding articles to machines by air-blast or suction device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a polymer. In particular, the present invention relates to a polyester polymer. The present invention further relates to a polymer dispersion and an ink composition prepared from said dispersion. The present invention further relates to a method for preparing said polymer, a method for preparing said polymer dispersion as well as a method for preparing said ink composition. In addition, the present invention relates to a printed product. The present invention further relates to a method for printing and to use of a polymer for preparing an ink composition.

IPC Classes  ?

• C09D 11/104 - Polyesters
• C08G 63/199 - Acids or hydroxy compounds containing cycloaliphatic rings
• C08G 63/78 - Preparation processes

Abstract

The present invention relates to a radiation-curable ink composition. The present invention further relates to a method for preparing a radiation-curable ink composition. In addition, the present invention relates to a method for applying an image onto a recording medium.

IPC Classes  ?

• C09D 11/38 - Inkjet printing inks characterised by non-macromolecular additives other than solvents, pigments or dyes
• B41M 7/00 - After-treatment of printed works, e.g. heating, irradiating
• C09D 11/101 - Inks specially adapted for printing processes involving curing by wave energy or particle radiation, e.g. with UV-curing following the printing

Abstract

In a method for operating a printing apparatus and an printing apparatus suitable for performing such a method, the printing apparatus includes a page-wide curing array including a number of individually controllable units. The individually controllable units are operable in at least two modes, the at least two modes being an Off mode and an On mode.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/45 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of radiation to a printing material or impression-transfer material using arrays of radiation sources using light-emitting diode arrays
• B41J 2/47 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of radiation to a printing material or impression-transfer material using the combination of scanning and modulation of light

Abstract

A method of printing and stacking sheets improves the relative alignment of images in a stack of printed sheet. The method includes feeding a sheet at least twice past a printhead assembly for printing an image on both sides of the sheet, wherein in the first and second passes the respective front and back images are aligned with respect to a first edge of the sheet by detecting a skew angle between the first and second edges and applying the skew angle to align the front and back images; and stacking the sheet, wherein the sheet is registered to a predetermined stacking reference direction by one of its edges, and wherein during the stacking, the sheet is registered by its first edge.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 3/60 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for printing on both faces of the printing material
• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form

Abstract

A method for a printer including a transport device including an endless transport belt supported on a pair of support rollers, which between them define a medium support plane, over which medium support plane a print station is provided. The method includes transporting in parallel a plurality of individual print media perpendicular to a scanning direction of the print station on the medium support plane, the print media having different dimensions; determining positions of the individual print media based on the determined positions; and jetting marking material for forming a designated image specific for each print medium on each respective print medium. The above steps are repeated such that print media are printed in a plurality of parallel lanes on the medium support plane perpendicular to the scanning direction. The printer is provided with a plurality of guiding bars extending in the transport direction and positioned at a side of at least one lane of the plurality of parallel lanes in order to guide the individual print media into one of the plurality of parallel lanes. The printer includes a print controller for controlling the print process for a digital image to be printed, the print controller including two print queues for receiving digital images to be printed by the printer. It is established if the digital image requires to be right aligned or left aligned along a guiding bar. In case of a required left alignment, the digital image is added to a first print queue of the two print queues. In case of a required right alignment, the digital image is added to a second print queue of the two print queues.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 3/12 - Digital output to print unit

Abstract

An inkjet printing device for printing to a recording medium includes a printing unit that has a plurality of print bars that respectively have one or more print heads. The printing device also includes a transfer printing sled to guide the recording medium, which can be moved into and out of a space below the printing unit. In a print operation state, the transfer printing sled is arranged in the space and guides the recording medium during printing. In a maintenance operation state, the transfer printing sled is moved out of the space. The printing device also includes at least one cleaning element for cleaning at least one print head of the printing module. An inkjet printing device for printing to a recording medium includes a printing unit that has a plurality of print bars that respectively have one or more print heads. The printing device also includes a transfer printing sled to guide the recording medium, which can be moved into and out of a space below the printing unit. In a print operation state, the transfer printing sled is arranged in the space and guides the recording medium during printing. In a maintenance operation state, the transfer printing sled is moved out of the space. The printing device also includes at least one cleaning element for cleaning at least one print head of the printing module. In the transport direction of the recording medium, the at least one cleaning element is arranged laterally next to the space in the print operation state and in this space in the maintenance operation state.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
• B41J 15/08 - Supporting, feeding, or guiding devices; Mountings for web rolls or spindles characterised by being applied to printers having transversely-moving carriages
• B41J 29/377 - Cooling or ventilating arrangements

Abstract

A method for a printer including a transport device including an endless transport belt, supported on a pair of support rollers which between them define a medium support plane, over which medium support plane a print station is provided. The method includes transporting in parallel a plurality of individual print media perpendicular to a scanning direction of the print station on the medium support plane, the print media having different dimensions, determining positions of the individual print media and based on the determined positions, jetting marking material for forming a designated image specific for each print medium on each respective print medium. The above steps are repeated such that print media are printed in a plurality of parallel lanes on the medium support plane perpendicular to the scanning direction. The method further includes enabling or disabling each individual lane of the plurality of parallel lanes in order to respectively facilitate or block jetting of the marking material at the individual lane.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41J 11/24 - Detents, brakes, or couplings for feed rollers or platens

Abstract

In a method for selecting a print job and displaying the print job on a second window, the print job includes a digital image to be printed on an image receiving medium by a digital printer having a user interface including a first window representing a waiting room for the print job which is selectable to be printed, and the second window for displaying a virtual representation of the image receiving medium. The method includes displaying a corner indication on the second window, the corner indication indicating a location where a top left corner of the digital image of the print job will be placed on the image receiving medium, and selecting the print job in the first window. Upon selection of the print job in the first window, the corner indication is replaced by a canvas item with a size of a layout of the digital image of the selected print job, and the corner indication is moved to a location on the virtual representation where a next to be selected print job will originate. Upon moving or copying the selected print job from the first window to the second window, the canvas item is replaced by a preview image of the digital image of the selected print job of the same size as the layout.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 3/12 - Digital output to print unit
• H04N 1/00 - PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION - Details thereof

Abstract

In a method for printing a digital image in swaths with a swath time corresponding to the width of the digital image on the image receiving medium in the main scanning direction, the print controller issues a trigger that a spitting action for at least part of the printing elements of the print head needs to be performed. A swath time of subsequent swaths is gradually increased until the print head reaches a maintenance tray at a side of the print surface. The print head stays at the maintenance tray until air between the print head and the maintenance tray has approximately reached a standstill. Then, at least part of the printing elements of the print head are spitting marking material in the maintenance tray. After the spitting, the swath time of subsequent swaths is gradually decreased until the swath time is corresponding again with the width of the digital image on the image receiving medium in the main scanning direction. A digital inkjet printer is configured to perform the method.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
• B41J 2/17 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling

Abstract

In a method of controlling a digital inkjet printer, the digital printer is arranged to operate in a selected first print mode which includes a first speed in a main scanning direction. A digital image and a print setting that the digital image is planned to be printed in an enhanced adhesion print mode are received. A time period needed for a pass in the main scanning direction is extended by lowering a speed from the first speed to a second speed, and by enlarging the pass width up to a maximum medium width and/or by temporarily stopping the printer at an end of the pass. Marking material is ejected during the pass on the image receiving medium by a print head at the second speed within the extended time period, and is cured by a UV curing device at the second speed within the extended time period.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers

Abstract

Method for graphically providing status information of a data processing system having a plurality of disjunct system statuses, wherein the data processing system is monitored during a predetermined period of time. A donut chart is created which has an inner hole region linked to the one particular system status and an outer region having as many segments as the total number of system statuses in the collection minus one. An area size of the inner hole region and an area size of each segment in the outer region is proportional to the amount of time that the corresponding monitored system status occurred during the predetermined period of time.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 11/32 - Monitoring with visual indication of the functioning of the machine
• G06F 11/34 - Recording or statistical evaluation of computer activity, e.g. of down time, of input/output operation

Abstract

A device is described that is designed to activate the different heating elements of a drying unit respectively per block within a heating cycle in order to enable an operation of the drying unit that is particularly power-efficient and gentle on the mains.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41J 29/38 - Drives, motors, controls, or automatic cut-off devices for the entire printing mechanism

Abstract

A method for predicting a service state of a printing machine at a defined point in time includes: measuring a plurality of successive process values of a process parameter which is an indicator of the functionality of the printing machine; determining a plurality of successive scatter values which describe the spread of the measured process values within a predetermined time range; determining a local scatter minimum of the scatter values; determining a baseline, in that a baseline value is established that correlates with the value of the process parameter at the point in time of the local minimum and that does not change up until a new determination of a baseline; and determining a health value at a specific point in time, with a predetermined relation of the process value to the baseline value at this point in time. A service state is assessed upon the health value exceeding a predetermined threshold.

IPC Classes  ?

• G05B 19/4065 - Monitoring tool breakage, life or condition

Abstract

Provided is a device for controlling the printing of a print image with a nozzle of an inkjet printing device. The device is configured to—given the presence of a relatively long printing pause of the nozzle insert one or more print image-independent pre-ejection pulse phases, followed by a print image-dependent pre-ejection pulse phase, between the printing of two successive dots, in order to efficiently and reliably increase the print quality of the printing device.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers

Abstract

Provided is a device for cleaning exhaust air from a printing device by means of a heat exchanger. The device is configured to operate the heat exchanger in a standard phase such that an output temperature of the exhaust air exhibits a standard value such that hydrocarbons are condensed out of the exhaust air. The device is also configured to operate the heat exchanger in a regeneration phase such that the output temperature of the exhaust air exhibits a value. The value is reduced relative to the standard value, such that water is condensed out of the exhaust air.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41F 23/04 - Devices for treating the surfaces of sheets, webs or other articles in connection with printing by heat drying, by cooling, by applying powders
• F28D 21/00 - Heat-exchange apparatus not covered by any of the groups

Abstract

A printer apparatus for recording images having matt portions and glossy portions and a print method for recording images having matt portions and glossy portions onto a porous media are disclosed. The method involves locally applying a support layer and subsequently applying an image portion on top of the support layer.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form

Abstract

Provided is a device for determining an empty ink state of an ink container for an ink printing system. The ink container has a rigid outer container and an inner, flexible fluid pouch. The inner fluid pouch is connected via a fluid conduit to a pump that is configured to convey fluid out of the inner fluid pouch. The pump is configured to output an electrical signal whose periodicity is proportional to a rotational speed of the pump. The device has an evaluation unit that is configured to monitor the frequency of the electrical signal and, upon the frequency falling below a predetermined threshold, to output that the ink container is empty.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems

Abstract

A printing method includes forming an image by applying marking material onto the surface of a substrate; optionally applying an intermediate layer onto the substrate; subjecting the image to a fixation treatment; applying a layer of an ionically stabilized varnish on the surface of the image; and performing image-wise gloss control by locally varying at least one of a fixation parameter and a primer application parameter.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41M 5/00 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
• B41M 7/00 - After-treatment of printed works, e.g. heating, irradiating

Abstract

Provided is an evacuation device for an inkjet printing device that is designed to guide a printed recording medium along a transport direction through a constriction with an opposite gas flow, in order to be able to efficiently and comprehensively evacuate ink vapor before the constriction, in terms of the transport direction.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/17 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling

Abstract

A method for printing and curing an image uses a printer having a curing unit including at least one controllable radiation emitting unit. The printer includes a medium support configured to, in operation, support the recording medium. The method includes applying a predetermined pattern of a radiation-curable ink composition onto a recording medium to form an image; curing the image in a curing zone, wherein in the curing zone the recording medium covers a first area of the medium support, the medium support further having a second area not covered by the recording medium; controlling the curing unit to be in a curing mode in the first area of the medium; and controlling the curing unit to be in a non-curing mode in the second area of the medium support. A printer and a software product are also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form

Abstract

Method for a printing system for processing a print job comprising the print data and the plurality of print job settings. Automatically an area of the recording medium is established that is deemed to be removed or made invisible during the at least one finishing action by a finisher. A digital object is retrieved from memory of the printer which is used for checking and monitoring at least one characterization of the desired end product. The print data are printed and also the digital object is printed at the automatically established area.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 3/12 - Digital output to print unit

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aqueous pre-treatment liquid for use in ink jet printing, the pre-treatment liquid comprising: water; magnesium-sulfate; and a crystallization retarding agent selected from the group consisting of: sorbitol, xylitol, adonitol, β-alanine, proline and γ-aminobutyric acid. The pre-treatment liquid is non-yellowing, non-smelling and does not crystallize upon drying. Prints made by using a pre-treatment liquid according to the present invention in combination with an aqueous ink shows a significant decrease of end-curl after a long period of time.

IPC Classes  ?

• C09D 11/54 - Inks based on two liquids, one liquid being the ink, the other liquid being a reaction solution, a fixer or a treatment solution for the ink
• C09D 11/322 - Pigment inks
• C09D 11/40 - Ink-sets specially adapted for multi-colour inkjet printing
• C09D 11/38 - Inkjet printing inks characterised by non-macromolecular additives other than solvents, pigments or dyes
• B41M 5/00 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein

Abstract

To prevent deformation to relatively stiffer sheets during flipping, while ensuring reliable holding of relatively weaker sheets, a method for stacking sheets received from a printer by a sheet flipping device includes at least one slot for receiving a leading portion of a sheet. The method includes determining a respective insertion depth parameter for a first and a second sheet, wherein the second sheet has a greater stiffness than the first sheet; inserting a length of the first sheet into the at least one slot in correspondence with its respective insertion depth parameter, followed by flipping said first sheet; inserting a length (D2) of the second sheet into the at least one slot in correspondence with its respective insertion depth parameter, followed by flipping said second sheet, wherein the inserted length of the first sheet is greater than that of the second sheet.

IPC Classes  ?

• B65H 29/40 - Members rotated about an axis perpendicular to direction of article movement, e.g. star-wheels formed by S-shaped members
• B65H 15/00 - Overturning articles
• B65H 29/06 - Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles by mechanical grippers engaging the leading edge only of the articles the grippers being carried by rotating members
• B65H 43/00 - Use of control, checking, or safety devices, e.g. automatic devices comprising an element for sensing a variable

Abstract

A method of ink jet printing using an ink jet imaging device including a plurality of nozzles arranged for expelling droplets of an ink by actuation of an ink channel includes the steps of: a) providing a bit map of a spit pattern comprising an arrangement of refresh dots to be printed by each of the plurality of nozzles; and d) printing the bitmap of the spit pattern. The spit pattern includes a plurality of clusters of refresh dots, each cluster including at least two sequential refresh dots expelled from a single nozzle. A spit pattern for use in such a method is disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles

Abstract

When using a flipping wheel to flip sheets of weak or long media, there is a risk that these sheets collapse upon themselves. To reduce this risk, a method of stacking sheets includes flipping a sheet while holding its leading edge and bringing the leading edge down towards a stack support; bringing a trailing portion of the sheet into contact with a guide member positioned over the stack support; forming an overpressure in an inner volume of the bent sheet during flipping, while its trailing portion is in contact with the guide member; and maintaining the overpressure and contact while a trailing edge of the sheet travels along the guide member.

IPC Classes  ?

• B65H 29/24 - Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles by air-blast or suction apparatus
• B65H 29/40 - Members rotated about an axis perpendicular to direction of article movement, e.g. star-wheels formed by S-shaped members
• B65H 29/22 - Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles by contact with rotating friction members, e.g. rollers, brushes, or cylinders and introducing into a pile

Abstract

The present invention relates to a print method. In the print method, a first layer of ink is deposited and cured before a second layer is applied. The present invention further relates to a software product. The present invention also relates to an inkjet printing apparatus.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form

Abstract

A method for processing a print job by a printing system and a finishing system resulting in an end product is disclosed. The printing system includes a print controller. The finishing system is an in-line or near-line finishing system and includes a finishing controller for controlling the finishing process by means of a collection of finishing templates stored in memory of the finishing controller. The printing system and the finishing system are connected via a digital connection. The method includes the steps of the print controller receiving the print job including a plurality of print job settings, the print controller establishing an identifier of a finishing template from the collection of finishing templates in accordance with at least one print job setting of the plurality of print job settings, the print controller sending the established identifier of the finishing template to the finishing system, the finishing controller receiving the established identifier of the finishing template, the printing system printing the print job, the finishing system retrieving the finishing template identified by the received identifier from memory of the finishing controller, and the finishing system finishing the print job according to the retrieved finishing template.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 3/12 - Digital output to print unit
• G06K 15/00 - Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data

Abstract

A device for printing to a recording medium with an inkjet printing unit that has at least one nozzle arrangement and is designed to generate a print image on the recording medium. The print image includes at least one test pattern that exhibits at least two different spatial frequencies. The device also has an image acquisition unit that is designed to acquire an image of an acquisition region on the recording medium, which acquisition region includes at least a portion of the test pattern; and a processor that is designed to generate image data corresponding to the image and determine a functional state of the nozzle arrangement, by means of the image data, using a neural network.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
• G01R 31/3183 - Generation of test inputs, e.g. test vectors, patterns or sequences
• B41J 29/393 - Devices for controlling or analysing the entire machine

Abstract

When duplex printing non-rectangular sheets of printable media, the sheets require proper registration to prevent misalignment of front and back images. This is ensured by: determining relative orientations of three different edges of a sheet being transported towards print station on a first pass; registering the sheet on the first pass by aligning one of the edges with respect to a predetermined alignment direction; printing a first image on a first side of the registered sheet; flipping the sheet on a second pass; registering the flipped sheet by aligning one of the edges with respect to a predetermined alignment direction; and printing a second image on a second side of the registered, flipped sheet aligned with the first image based on the determined relative orientations.

IPC Classes  ?

• B65H 9/16 - Inclined tape, roller, or like article-forwarding side registers
• B65H 9/20 - Assisting by photoelectric, sonic, or pneumatic indicators
• B41J 11/42 - Controlling
• B41J 13/26 - Registering devices

Abstract

A print method includes a) applying an activator composition onto a recording medium, the activator composition comprising a photoinitiator; b) applying an inkjet ink composition onto the recording medium, the inkjet ink composition comprising a curable monomer and a gellant, the inkjet ink composition comprising no photo initiator or comprising a photo initiator in an amount of 1.0 wt % or less, based on the total amount of the ink composition; and c) curing the ink and the activator composition. Step c is started within a time period of 2 s-1000 s after applying the ink composition onto the recording medium. an ink set comprising an activator composition and an inkjet ink composition, a software product, and an inkjet printing apparatus are also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/01 - Ink jet
• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41M 5/00 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
• C09D 11/17 - Writing inks characterised by colouring agents
• C09D 11/38 - Inkjet printing inks characterised by non-macromolecular additives other than solvents, pigments or dyes
• C09D 11/54 - Inks based on two liquids, one liquid being the ink, the other liquid being a reaction solution, a fixer or a treatment solution for the ink

Abstract

To ensure reliable and productive processing of printed sheets into stacks, a sheet stacker includes: a flipping device for flipping a sheet with respect to the sheet's orientation before being received by the flipping device onto a stack support or a stack of sheets on the stack support; a sensor assembly for detecting an out-of-plane deformation of a top sheet with respect to the underlying stack support or a stack of sheets on the stack support at least for each sheet added to the stack; and a controller configured to determine from data from the sensor assembly whether the top sheet was successfully flipped and stacked.

IPC Classes  ?

• B65H 43/04 - Use of control, checking, or safety devices, e.g. automatic devices comprising an element for sensing a variable detecting, or responding to, presence of faulty articles
• B65H 29/40 - Members rotated about an axis perpendicular to direction of article movement, e.g. star-wheels formed by S-shaped members
• B65H 31/18 - Positively-acting mechanical devices

Abstract

A low cost and low air resistance belt support structure for an endless belt conveyor of an inkjet printer can be achieved with the belt support structure being provided over a suction chamber. The belt support structure includes a plurality of longitudinal, narrow support beams positioned spaced apart from one another and parallel to one another in a transport direction of the belt to define a flat support plane for the belt. The support beams provides a relatively small contact area with the belt, which results in low friction. The support beams further allow for a relatively large open area between them to achieve a low air resistance.

IPC Classes  ?

• B65H 29/24 - Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles by air-blast or suction apparatus
• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B65G 15/32 - Belts or like endless load-carriers made of rubber or plastics
• B65G 15/60 - Arrangements for supporting or guiding belts, e.g. by fluid jets
• B65G 21/10 - Supporting or protective framework or housings for endless load-carriers or traction elements of belt or chain conveyors movable, or having interchangeable or relatively- movable parts; Devices for moving framework or parts thereof
• B65G 21/20 - Means incorporated in, or attached to, framework or housings for guiding load-carriers, traction elements or loads supported on moving surfaces

Abstract

The present invention seeks to flatten a sheet when transferred onto an endless belt conveyor facing a print head assembly in a simple and/or low costs manner. Thereto a sheet conveyor is provided comprising an endless, air permeable belt and pressing means. The pressing means comprise a plurality of pressing members spaced apart from one another in a lateral direction of the belt, each pressing member comprising a body which body is moveable in a perpendicular direction with respect to the belt as well rotatable or pivotable around an axis in the perpendicular direction independent of the corresponding bodies of other pressing members. This provides a simple and passive sheet flattening means, resulting in low operational and material costs.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form

Abstract

A sheet printer includes a sheet conveyor assembly including a first conveyor with a first holding device configured for exerting a holding force on a sheet proportional to a coverage of the sheet on the first conveyor and a second conveyor upstream of the first conveyor including a second holding device configured for holding and releasing the sheet, a print head assembly positioned over the first conveyor, a detector assembly for sensing the transport of the first conveyor, a controller storing on its memory a sheet media catalogue and configured to control a release timing of the second holding device for releasing the sheet partially engaged by the first conveyor based on a media type parameter selected from the media catalogue and to control the print head assembly to commence printing the sheet based on transport information from the detector assembly.

IPC Classes  ?

• B65H 5/22 - Feeding articles separated from piles; Feeding articles to machines by air-blast or suction device
• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41J 13/00 - Devices or arrangements specially adapted for supporting or handling copy material in short lengths, e.g. sheets
• B41J 13/02 - Rollers
• B41J 13/08 - Bands or like feeding devices
• B41J 13/26 - Registering devices
• B65H 7/02 - Controlling article feeding, separating, pile-advancing, or associated apparatus, to take account of incorrect feeding, absence of articles, or presence of faulty articles by feelers or detectors
• B65H 7/20 - Controlling associated apparatus
• B65H 9/00 - Registering, e.g. orientating, articles; Devices therefor
• B65H 9/08 - Holding devices, e.g. finger, needle, suction, for retaining articles in registered position

Abstract

A stacker module includes a lift table, a stacker configured to place sheets that are successively supplied thereto onto the top of a stack forming on the lift table, a controller configured to lower the lift table as the stack grows, a height-adjustable eject table, and an eject mechanism configured to transfer a completed stack from the lift table onto the eject table. The eject mechanism is height-adjustable for transferring stacks onto the eject table in different height positions of the lift table.

IPC Classes  ?

• B65H 31/10 - Pile receivers with movable end support arranged to recede as pile accumulates the articles being piled one above another and applied at the top of the pile
• B65H 31/30 - Arrangements for removing completed piles

Abstract

The invention relates to a print system comprising at least two page-wide arrays of ink jet print heads, positioned in a frame over a conveyor belt for transporting a substrate underneath the arrays, three sensors for reading markers on the conveyor belt and a control unit that is configured to derive control signals from encoder signals of the three sensors. Two sensors are directly connected to the frame and a third sensor is connected to one of the said two sensors by an element with virtually no thermal expansion, extending in transport direction. The control signals, comprising signals for controlling a transport speed of the conveyor belt and line pulses for the at least two print heads, are derived in such a way that an amount of thermal expansion of the frame is determined and an absolute print resolution is maintained.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
• B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form

Abstract

For printing to a recording medium in the form of a web that is moved in a horizontal direction to the printing position by a web carriage. There, the recording medium is raised up to the print heads. To clean the print heads, a maintenance carriage is used that is moved horizontally into a maintenance position below the print bars. There, a cleaning unit with covering caps is then driven upward to the print heads in order to either place a covering cap onto the print heads or clean the print heads. The web carriage and the maintenance unit are moved only in a horizontal direction while the printing unit remains stationary.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles

Abstract

A method and an arrangement for calibrating a delivery rate of an ink pump of a printing device with the aid of an ink container including a sensor unit for detecting at least a first fill level value. Based on the initial fill level of the ink container below the first fill level value, the ink pump conveys ink from an ink reservoir into the ink container up to a final fill level above the first fill level value, so that at least a predetermined volume between the initial fill level and the first fill level value is filled. Upon conveying the ink into the ink container, an ink pump parameter is determined as of reaching the initial fill level and until the first fill level value is reached. A delivery rate of the ink pump is determined based on the predetermined volume and the ink pump parameter.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• G06K 15/02 - Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data using printers

Abstract

A drying unit for a printing device for printing with ink to a recording medium in the form of a web includes at least one heating element. The recording medium to be dried is movable along an emission region of the heating element. The emission region is arranged angled in the transport direction of the recording medium.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form

Abstract

A liftable transport pinch is provided with a simplified construction to enhance lifetime and productivity. This transport device includes at least one roller mounted on an arm, and an actuator connected to a frame for moving the roller between a first and second position. The arm is mounted onto the frame by means of an elastic hinge element. The elastic hinge element provides a simple, cheap, wear-resistant, and easy-to-assembly alternative to prior art solutions.

IPC Classes  ?

• B65H 5/06 - Feeding articles separated from piles; Feeding articles to machines by rollers
• B41J 11/04 - Roller platens

Abstract

In a method for fixing a print good in a printing system, the print good is a substrate printed to with ink, and the print speed of the print good is initially determined. Air heated to a predetermined temperature is then blown onto the print good. The heated air is supplied with a volumetric flow rate that is adjusted depending on the print speed.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form

Abstract

A controller may detect an elevation of a recording medium that is to be printed to, the elevation may result in the printing element of a printing device being negatively affected. The controller may automatically produce a time-limited printing pause of the printing element in which the printing gap between the printing element and the recording medium is temporarily enlarged in order to direct the detected elevation past the printing element. A negative effect on the printing device given the presence of a damaged recording medium may thus be efficiently and reliably avoided or reduced.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
• B41J 29/393 - Devices for controlling or analysing the entire machine

Abstract

A controller may transition an inkjet printing device, starting from the printing operation, at least predominantly into a continuation mode where the printing is interrupted in which, however, the active tempering of the ink in the one or more print heads of the printing device is continued in order to enable an accelerated restart of the printing operation.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
• B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers

Abstract

A modular print bar may include at least one first print head module and at least one second print head module. Each print head module may include a base plate with which at least one print head can be connected. At least one first ink supply line for supplying ink to the respective print head may respectively run in the base plates. The print head modules may be firmly connected to a print bar such that a connection can be established between the first ink supply line of the first print head module and the first ink supply line of the second print head module.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/17 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling
• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 29/377 - Cooling or ventilating arrangements

Abstract

A computing device for a printing device may include a first transducer for generating a first clock frequency and a second transducer for generating a second clock frequency. The computing device may determine the timing signal for clocking the printing operation of the printing device on the basis of the first clock frequency and/or on the basis of the second clock frequency, in particular to increase the uniformity of the timing signal and/or in order to enable a dynamic adaptation of the timing signal to a changing property of the printing device and/or of the recording medium to be printed to.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aqueous pre-treatment liquid for use in ink jet printing, the pre-treatment liquid comprising water and magnesium-disulfamate. Such pre-treatment composition is and yellowing and crystal-free and shows good jetting properties. These properties are retained even when a solid co-solvent is added to the composition for anti-curl improvement. Therefore, the present invention enables providing non-yellowing pre-treatment liquids with good jetting properties and anti-curl behavior.

IPC Classes  ?

• C09D 11/54 - Inks based on two liquids, one liquid being the ink, the other liquid being a reaction solution, a fixer or a treatment solution for the ink
• C09D 11/38 - Inkjet printing inks characterised by non-macromolecular additives other than solvents, pigments or dyes
• C09D 11/033 - Printing inks characterised by features other than the chemical nature of the binder characterised by the solvent

Abstract

A method for cleaning an ink jet imaging device, the ink jet imaging device including a main ink supply channel including an entrance side for supplying ink, a first ink channel including a first pressure chamber fluidly connected to a first nozzle; a first actuator associated with the first pressure chamber, the first ink channel being in fluid connection with the main ink supply channel and defining a first ink path from the entrance side of the main ink supply channel to the first nozzle and having a first length L1; a second ink channel including a second pressure chamber fluidly connected to a second nozzle; and a second actuator associated with the second pressure chamber, the second ink channel being in fluid connection with the main ink supply channel and defining a second ink path from the entrance side of the main ink supply channel to the second nozzle and having a second length L2, wherein L2>L1. The method includes purging ink through the first and the second nozzle by applying a pressure on the entrance side of the main ink supply channel; and simultaneously actuating the first ink channel by applying a first actuation pulse to the first actuator wherein the actuation pulse provides a pressure wave in the first ink channel that counteracts the local pressure in the first ink channel, such that the flow through the first ink channel is reduced during purging.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
• B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers

Abstract

During flipping sheets may fold upon themselves under the influence of gravity. To prevent a sheet stacker is provided with a support device for supporting an inner surface of the sheet during flipping, the support device comprising a plurality of flexible fingers elements of different length, each configured to support a different inner area of the sheet during its flipping motion.

IPC Classes  ?

• B65H 29/40 - Members rotated about an axis perpendicular to direction of article movement, e.g. star-wheels formed by S-shaped members
• B65H 31/26 - Auxiliary devices for retaining articles in the pile

Abstract

During flipping sheets may fold upon themselves under the influence of gravity. To prevent a sheet stacker is provided with a holding device for releasably holding at least a portion of the sheet at least partially during the flipping of the sheet by a sheet flipping device, wherein the holding device is configured for movement of the held portion of the sheet in a first direction perpendicular to the flipping axis.

IPC Classes  ?

• B65H 29/22 - Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles by contact with rotating friction members, e.g. rollers, brushes, or cylinders and introducing into a pile
• B65H 29/40 - Members rotated about an axis perpendicular to direction of article movement, e.g. star-wheels formed by S-shaped members
• B65H 29/24 - Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles by air-blast or suction apparatus

Abstract

A digital printer and a method of controlling the digital printer having a print head with an array of printing elements and a failure detection system arranged to detect malfunctioning printing elements. When, during printing, a malfunctioning printing element is detected, a switch from the current print strategy to another print strategy is arranged during printing which leaves the number of passes per swatch constant, i.e. the print quality is not affected by the switch.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers

Abstract

A controller for a print head of an inkjet printing device is described that is configured to generate a virtual timing signal during a printing pause of the printing device, and to use the virtual timing signal for the generation of pre-ejection pulses in order to produce a reliable regeneration of the nozzles of the print head during the printing pause.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers

Abstract

An arrangement for supplying ink to a print bar with small pressure fluctuations may include an ink reservoir and a damping vessel. The print bar may include at least two print heads and is connected with the ink reservoir via a supply line. Each of the print heads is connected with the damping vessel via at least one damping line. The damping vessel is connected with a discharge line. The end of the damping line ends at a first height in the damping vessel. The end of the discharge line ends at a second height above the first height in the damping vessel. The arrangement may supply ink to the print bar with small gas fraction in the ink.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems

Abstract

A method of handling a sheet defect error in a duplex print process, wherein media sheets are successively supplied along a feed path and are moved past a print engine where a first image is printed on a first side of each sheet in a first print pass, the sheets are then returned, via a duplex loop that contains a sheet flipping mechanism, to the feed path upstream of the print engine so that a second image can be printed on a second side of each sheet in a second print pass, the finished sheets being then discharged in a predetermined page sequence, and wherein, when a sheet defect is found a first print pass of a sheet, the defective sheet is diverted into an eject path downstream of the print engine, and a print pass for an immediate successor of the defective sheet is skipped. The subsequent semi-finished sheets are recirculated in the duplex loop while the supply of fresh sheets into the feed path is interrupted, and duplex printing is resumed during or after recirculating the subsequent semi-finished sheets.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 13/00 - Devices or arrangements specially adapted for supporting or handling copy material in short lengths, e.g. sheets
• B41J 3/60 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for printing on both faces of the printing material
• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41J 2/17 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling
• B41J 29/393 - Devices for controlling or analysing the entire machine

Abstract

An aqueous ink composition includes a film-forming retardation additive, which enhances the pigment efficiency in the ink composition. A method for making such an ink and a method of printing with such an ink are also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• C09D 11/037 - Printing inks characterised by features other than the chemical nature of the binder characterised by the pigment
• B41M 5/00 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
• C09D 11/033 - Printing inks characterised by features other than the chemical nature of the binder characterised by the solvent
• C09D 11/106 - Printing inks based on artificial resins containing macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
• C09D 11/322 - Pigment inks
• B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
• B41J 2/01 - Ink jet

Abstract

A printing device may include two printers for printing to the front side and the back side of a recording medium. The physical page length of at least one print image applied onto the front side of the recording medium is determined. The required page length of at least one print image to be applied onto the back side of the recording medium is adapted to the determined page length. At least one print line of the print image for the back side is printed repeatedly if the required page length for application of the rear print page onto the back side of the recording medium is smaller than the determined page length.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
• B41J 3/60 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for printing on both faces of the printing material

Abstract

In a method and a printing device for influencing an optical property of a varnish layer to be applied onto a printed recording medium, a coating substance is applied onto the recording medium by digital printing before the printing of at least one color separation of the print image on said recording medium. The quantity of the coating substance applied per area unit may be adjusted depending on the desired optical property of the varnish layer to be applied later.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form

Abstract

A fixation unit for use in a printing apparatus includes a substantially closed box for enclosing a heated space, the substantially closed box including an entry opening and an exit opening for enabling transport of a print substrate through the substantially closed box, a heating element arranged for heating the heated space enclosed by the substantially closed box, and a transport mechanism for engaging a sheet of the print substrate from the entry opening to the exit opening of the substantially closed box. The transport mechanism includes a nip of two belts that are pressed together and run concurrently and in the same direction, the belts being impermeable to any ink component. A printer includes such a fixation unit and a printing method uses such a fixation unit.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form

Abstract

A sheet stacking apparatus includes a sheet alignment mechanism configured for aligning a sheet in a predetermined reference position; a gripper arrangement configured to grip the aligned sheet at at least two spaced-apart points of the sheet and to release the sheet on a stack; and a holder configured to hold the sheet in position on the stack while the gripper arrangement releases the sheet. The gripper arrangement is movable along a predetermined trajectory for moving the sheet from the reference position to a stacking position.

IPC Classes  ?

• B65H 31/26 - Auxiliary devices for retaining articles in the pile
• B65H 29/10 - Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles by mechanical grippers engaging the leading edge only of the articles the grippers being reciprocated in rectilinear paths
• B65H 29/04 - Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles by mechanical grippers engaging the leading edge only of the articles the grippers being carried by endless chains or bands
• B65H 31/34 - Apparatus for squaring-up piled articles

Abstract

In a method and device for ascertaining print data for a print image to be printed, the print data is adapted and/or determined such that the time curve of the ink flow quantity, exhibits no quantity changes or flow rates due to which ink ejection errors might be produced, in particular nozzle failures. The device includes: a communication interface configured to receive the print data; and processing circuitry that ascertains, based on the print data, a time curve of an ink flow quantity of ink that, during the printing of the print image, flows in the print bar and/or is ejected from the one or more nozzles of the print bar; and determine, based on the time curve of the ink flow quantity, whether an ink ejection error will be produced.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 29/393 - Devices for controlling or analysing the entire machine
• B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
• G06K 15/10 - Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data using printers by matrix printers
• G06K 15/02 - Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data using printers
• G06K 15/00 - Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data

Abstract

A device may be configured to check, via evaluation of resistance data of a cleaning sensor arranged on a print bar of an inkjet printing device, whether a cleaner for cleaning the one or more print heads of the print bar exhibits a negative effect. The state of a cleaner may be reliably and efficiently monitored via the installation of a cleaning sensor in a print bar.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles

Abstract

A printer includes a print station; a media transport mechanism arranged for conveying print media on a transport path past the print station, the transport mechanism having a support surface for supporting the media; and a vacuum device arranged for attracting the media against the support surface on a section of the transport path downstream of the print station. The vacuum device is divided, in the direction along the transport path, into at least two segments in which the media are attractable with different non-zero suction pressures.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B65H 11/00 - Feed tables

Abstract

In a method and system for increasing print quality, activation pulses are activated with which a nozzle of an inkjet printing device to print dots on a recording medium. The activation pulses may be adapted based on sensor data with respect to already printed dots. The method and system can further include an automatic adaptation of the activation pulses to increase print quality even given the presence of soiling at the nozzle.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
• B41J 2/14 - Structure thereof
• B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers

Abstract

A liquid jetting device is arranged to eject a droplet of a liquid. The device includes a nozzle, a liquid duct connected to the nozzle, an electro-mechanical transducer arranged to create an acoustic pressure wave in the liquid in the duct, and an electronic control system arranged to apply to the transducer a voltage signal having a waveform configured for ejecting a droplet from the nozzle. The waveform is further configured to quench a residual acoustic pressure wave in the liquid duct and includes a jet pulse, a subsequent first quench pulse having a polarity opposite to that of the jet pulse, and a subsequent second quench pulse having the same polarity as the jet pulse.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 29/38 - Drives, motors, controls, or automatic cut-off devices for the entire printing mechanism
• B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers

Abstract

A paper input module for use in a printing apparatus includes a substantially closed box for holding a stack of sheets of a print substrate; a duct in fluid connection with the closed box and arranged for transporting a sheet of the print substrate out of the paper input module; and a transport mechanism for engaging a sheet of the print substrate to exit the paper input module via the duct. A method for conditioning a stack of print substrates in such a paper input module is also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• B65H 3/12 - Suction bands, belts, or tables moving relatively to the pile
• B41J 13/08 - Bands or like feeding devices

Abstract

An air knife assembly is provided to jet an air current to control the landing of sheet of print media during transfer between two adjacent conveyors in a printer. The air knife forming unit is configured for jetting an air curtain formed such that said air curtain and air currents resulting from it flow substantially perpendicular to a transport direction of the conveyors. Thereby, lifting and consequently wrinkling of the leading edge during transfer and landing may be avoided.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41J 13/00 - Devices or arrangements specially adapted for supporting or handling copy material in short lengths, e.g. sheets
• B41J 2/01 - Ink jet

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aqueous reaction liquid composition including an anti-deforming agent. selected from the group consisting of a choline salt (formate, acetate, chloride), a guanidine salt (formate, acetate, chloride), trimethylglycine (betaine), potassium formate and ammonium nitrate. The present invention also relates to an aqueous reaction liquid composition including a Deep Eutectic Solvent (DES) having urea in combination with an anti-deforming agent as disclosed above. In another aspect the invention relates to an ink set including such aqueous reaction liquid composition and an ink composition, preferably a pigmented ink composition. In another aspect the present invention relates to a printing method including application of an aqueous reaction liquid composition according to the present invention and application of an ink composition.

IPC Classes  ?

• C09D 11/54 - Inks based on two liquids, one liquid being the ink, the other liquid being a reaction solution, a fixer or a treatment solution for the ink
• B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
• B41M 5/00 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
• C08K 5/053 - Polyhydroxylic alcohols
• C08K 5/098 - Metal salts of carboxylic acids
• C08K 5/17 - Amines; Quaternary ammonium compounds
• C08K 5/19 - Quaternary ammonium compounds
• C08K 5/21 - Urea; Derivatives thereof, e.g. biuret
• C09D 11/037 - Printing inks characterised by features other than the chemical nature of the binder characterised by the pigment
• C09D 11/106 - Printing inks based on artificial resins containing macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds

Abstract

An ink printing device has a dryer chamber that is connected via two openings with the internal space of the printer. To detect whether operational exhaust air flows, as leakage air, from the drying chamber into the internal space, the temperature in the opening region may be measured and compared with a reference value. Given a temperature difference above a threshold value, an error signal is generated and/or corresponding countermeasures are taken in order to reduce the leakage.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 29/393 - Devices for controlling or analysing the entire machine
• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• G01K 3/14 - Thermometers giving results other than momentary value of temperature giving differentiated values in respect of space
• G01N 25/72 - Investigating presence of flaws

Abstract

A dryer system is described that is configured to purify, by means of a wet scrubber, the exhaust gases created in the drying of a recording medium that has been printed to. Moreover, thermal energy may be extracted from the exhaust gases in the wet scrubber, which thermal energy is used in turn to dry the recording medium. An environmentally safe and energy-efficient drying may thus be enabled.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for printing on an adhesive medium. The present invention further relates to a printed product. In addition, the present invention relates to a method for applying an image onto an object. The present invention also relates to a radiation-curable ink composition.

IPC Classes  ?

• C09D 11/101 - Inks specially adapted for printing processes involving curing by wave energy or particle radiation, e.g. with UV-curing following the printing
• B41M 7/00 - After-treatment of printed works, e.g. heating, irradiating
• B41M 5/00 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
• C09D 11/38 - Inkjet printing inks characterised by non-macromolecular additives other than solvents, pigments or dyes
• C09D 11/107 - Printing inks based on artificial resins containing macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds from unsaturated acids or derivatives thereof

Abstract

In the print data for a nozzle of a printer, white dots are replaced by pre-ejection pulses. One or more repetitions of the pre-ejection pulses may be inserted into the print data, depending on the actual print speed of the printer, to determine print speed-dependent print data with which the nozzle is activated to print a print image with high print quality.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
• G06K 15/10 - Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data using printers by matrix printers
• G06K 15/02 - Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data using printers

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for profiling a print medium for use in a printing system. The print medium is received in an input holder and a plurality of test jobs is received in a test job receiver. For each test job a uniquely determined combination of at least a first printing system parameter of print speed of the printing system and a second printing system parameter of coverage of the marking material is intended to be prepared by a print controller. The printing system registers a test result of each test job. The print controller creates a two-dimensional media print mode table of media print modes for the print medium to be profiled based on the test results of the test jobs for the print medium. When a print job arrives intended to be printed on the profiled medium, a media print mode is selected from the two-dimensional media print mode table.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 29/393 - Devices for controlling or analysing the entire machine
• G03G 15/00 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern

Abstract

A sheet transport system for moving a sheet in a transport direction while adjusting a position of the sheet in a lateral direction normal to the transport direction to a target position, includes first and second pinch roller sets spaced apart from one another in the transport direction, each pinch roller set including two pairs of pinch rollers spaced apart from one another in the lateral direction, each pair forming a nip for pinching and driving the sheet with an individually controllable speed; a detection system for detecting a position of the sheet in the lateral direction while the sheet is pinched by the first pinch roller set; and a control system configured for carrying out the following actions: by controlling the speeds of the pinch rollers of the first pinch roller set before the sheet has reached the second pinch roller set, rotating the sheet by a first rotation angle for adjusting a given reference point on a leading part of the sheet to its target position; and when the sheet has left the first pinch roller set and while the reference point travels along a path segment that is symmetric with respect to the second pinch roller set, rotating, by controlling the speeds of the pinch rollers of the second pinch roller set, the sheet by a second rotation angle for aligning a leading edge of the sheet in the lateral direction.

IPC Classes  ?

• B65H 9/00 - Registering, e.g. orientating, articles; Devices therefor
• B65H 9/20 - Assisting by photoelectric, sonic, or pneumatic indicators
• B65H 7/10 - Controlling article feeding, separating, pile-advancing, or associated apparatus, to take account of incorrect feeding, absence of articles, or presence of faulty articles by feelers or detectors responsive to presence of faulty articles or incorrect separation or feed responsive to incorrect side register
• B65H 7/06 - Controlling article feeding, separating, pile-advancing, or associated apparatus, to take account of incorrect feeding, absence of articles, or presence of faulty articles by feelers or detectors responsive to presence of faulty articles or incorrect separation or feed

Abstract

In a method for monitoring a pump arranged in a flow path to pump a fluid, the temperature of a fluid is regulated by a tempering element during the operation of the pump. The regulation of the temperature may include detecting at least one status point which is formed from an energy supplied to the tempering element and a temperature slope of the tempering element. The status point may be determined in a hazard range by checking whether the status point is located outside of a normal status range, which means that the lifespan of the pump is limited.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• F04D 15/02 - Stopping of pumps, or operating valves, on occurrence of unwanted conditions

Abstract

A method of printing for improving print quality includes applying a layer of a pre-treatment liquid to a surface of a print substrate; printing an image on top of the layer of the pre-treatment liquid; pre-drying a printed print substrate obtained in the printing step at a temperature of between 30 and 50 degrees Celsius for 2-6 seconds; and drying of and/or fixation of the image on the print printed substrate obtained after the pre-drying step. A printing system is disclosed for performing the method.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41M 7/00 - After-treatment of printed works, e.g. heating, irradiating
• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41M 5/00 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for applying an image onto the recording medium, the method including the step of applying a primer composition comprising a stoichiometric polyelectrolyte complex to a recording medium. The present invention further relates to a printing apparatus for carrying out said method.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41M 5/00 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• C09D 11/322 - Pigment inks
• C09D 11/54 - Inks based on two liquids, one liquid being the ink, the other liquid being a reaction solution, a fixer or a treatment solution for the ink

Abstract

A controller for operating a print head is described, which controller is designed to shift the activation points in time of the print head for printing of different lines of a print image on a recording medium relative to the line signal points in time, said line signal points in time being dependent on the transport velocity of the recording medium, such that the print head is operated with quantized operating frequencies from a set of predefined quantized operating frequencies. The print quality of the print head may thus be increased.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form

Abstract

The invention relates to an ink jet printer having a print carriage, a curing unit and a holder arranged to move a recording medium relative to the carriage assembly in a sub-scanning direction, wherein the print carriage is movable in a main scanning direction normal to the sub-scanning direction, and a print head unit arranged on the print carriage for printing a swath of an image onto the recording medium in each scan pass of the print carriage, the print carriage further having a mirror assembly arranged to deflect light from the curing unit onto an exposure area on the printed swath.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing

Abstract

A fixer includes a fixing roller around which a recording medium is directed such that the print image to be fixed faces toward the shell surface of the fixing roller. A fixing gap is generated with a gaseous fixing medium between the shell surface of the fixing roller and the recording medium. This advantageously produces an efficient and gentle fixing of the print image.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41M 7/00 - After-treatment of printed works, e.g. heating, irradiating

Abstract

A flatbed printer and a method for a flatbed printer are disclosed. The flatbed printer includes a print controller configured to receive a digital image intended to be printed by the flatbed printer, to receive position information entered by a parameter window of the user interface of the position of the image on the flatbed area, to receive an indication entered by the parameter window that the image has to be positioned on the media piece, to open the parameter window for entry of a set of parameters allowing to define a size of the media piece and a position of the media piece on the flatbed surface, and the image position relative to the media piece, to receive the entered set of parameters, to show the media piece and the image on the flatbed area in the preview window, and, when moving the media piece or the image over the flatbed area in the preview window, the relative position of the image with respect to the media piece is preserved.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06K 15/02 - Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data using printers
• G06K 15/00 - Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data
• G06F 3/12 - Digital output to print unit

Abstract

A user interface includes a display and a controller configured for displaying image frames with variable contents. Each image frame includes a selection of display items. At least some of the image frames include a summary window displayed at a fixed location on a screen of the display. The controller is configured to assign a summary attribute to at least some of the display items and to display these display items in the summary window. The controller has an editing function allowing a user to change a configuration of the image frames. The editing function includes a function allowing the user to assign the summary attribute to a display item by dragging the display item into the summary window.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 3/12 - Digital output to print unit
• G06F 3/0482 - Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
• G06F 3/0486 - Drag-and-drop

Abstract

A method of printing using a thermo reversible gelling primer composition, a thermo reversible gelling primer composition, and an ink set comprising the thermo reversible gelling primer composition.

IPC Classes  ?

• C09D 11/54 - Inks based on two liquids, one liquid being the ink, the other liquid being a reaction solution, a fixer or a treatment solution for the ink
• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41M 5/00 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
• C09D 11/38 - Inkjet printing inks characterised by non-macromolecular additives other than solvents, pigments or dyes

Abstract

A method of ink jet printing comprising a step of printing a primer onto a media sheet is disclosed. This method comprises a step of printing with ink onto the media sheet so as to form an image superposed on the primer, the step of printing with ink being carried out with a print head having an array of nozzles staggered in several rows, while performing a relative scan movement of the print head and the media sheet in a transport direction normal to the rows. The primer is printed on the media sheet non-uniformly in a pattern that corresponds with a pattern in which the nozzles of the print head are staggered.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/14 - Structure thereof
• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41M 5/00 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein

Abstract

In a method and a device for determining faulty print nozzles of a printing device, a plurality of print nozzles of at least one primary color are activated so that they print dots of a test image onto a recording medium, said dots forming lines as viewed in the printing direction, in a plurality of line rows that are successive as viewed in the printing direction and travel in the line direction. The lines of successive line rows are displaced counter to one another in the line direction, and the lines of each line row have a predetermined constant pitch from one another in the line direction. Furthermore, using an image detector, the printed test image is detected per pixel and image data are provided, wherein an image pattern processing implements a homogenization of the image data via filtering, evaluates the homogenized image data, and determines defective image regions.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers

Abstract

A dryer comprises at least one dryer that is configured to supply thermal energy to a substrate in order to dry said substrate via evaporation of fluid. Information with regard to the degree of drying of the substrate may be precisely determined via comparison of a measurement value of the temperature of the substrate with the equilibrium temperature that results given an equilibrium of latent heat and supplied thermal energy. Alternatively or additionally, the degree of drying of the substrate may be precisely set.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form

Abstract

An attachment device for attaching an electronic assembly to a base module (e.g. print head) of a printing device can include a carrier plate of the assembly and a support body of the base module that has a groove into which the carrier plate may be inserted and arrested by means of a latch that engages in a recess of the carrier plate. The attachment device advantageously enables an efficient and reliable attachment of the assembly to the base module.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/14 - Structure thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for applying an image onto a recording medium. Using the method according to the present invention, images may be printed having a predetermined gloss. The method further enables to make prints having local differences in gloss level. The present invention further relates to an ink-jet printing apparatus.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing

Abstract

A printing method comprising the steps of: supplying media of a given media type to a printer; printing images onto the media in accordance with given print specifications and settings, thereby to obtain a print result; measuring a performance indicator that is representative of a property of the print result; and comparing the measured performance indicator to a corresponding target value, wherein the target value for said performance indicator is obtained from an actual or simulated production print process on media of the given media type; and in that a message is produced when the measured performance indicator deviates from the target value by more than a threshold value.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 29/393 - Devices for controlling or analysing the entire machine
• G06F 3/12 - Digital output to print unit

Abstract

A controller for an inkjet printing device is configured to predict a remaining time period until a failure of the nozzle on the basis of a time curve of offset measurement values with regard to the offset of the ink droplets ejected by said nozzle. A compensation measure may be introduced promptly, before the actual failure of the nozzle on the basis of the prediction in order to have the effect that the compensation measure takes effect at latest at the point in time of the failure of the nozzle, and thus an interruption of the print quality may be prevented.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers

Abstract

An air fan assembly includes a suction box including a wall having an open area distributed across the wall. The suction box is configured to contain an underpressure on an inner side of the wall, so as to cause a cut sheet to adhere to a perforated transport belt. An impingement unit is configured to expel air supplied thereto towards the perforated transport belt. An air fan is arranged to create and maintain the underpressure in the suction box and to supply the air to be expelled by the impingement unit via an air outlet of the suction box. A first valve is arranged upstream of the air fan for conditionally admitting an additional air flow into the suction box. An inkjet printer and a method of operating the air fan assembly include the air fan assembly.

IPC Classes  ?

• B65H 5/22 - Feeding articles separated from piles; Feeding articles to machines by air-blast or suction device
• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41F 21/06 - Suction-operated grippers
• B65H 11/00 - Feed tables