Matrix-addressed heat image forming device
US11780218B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 5, 2021 |
| Grant date | Oct 10, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 22, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41P2227/70
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Based on evaporation of fountain solution from a rotating blanket cylinder to create an image that may be inked and printed, a digitally addressable heater array at or just below the blanket surface evaporates deposited fountain solution and forms a fountain solution latent image on the surface. The heater array has controllable heating elements (e.g., field effect transistors, thin film transistors) that provide a transient heat pattern on the surface to evaporate the fountain solution. Heat is generated by current flow in the heating elements, and power developed by the heating circuit is the product of source-drain voltage and current in the channel. Current may be supplied along data lines by an external voltage controlled by digital electronics to provide the desired heat at heating elements addressed by a specific gate line. The heater array may include a current return line that may be a 2-dimensional mesh.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.