Method and system for achieving uniform ink and web temperatures for spreading
US8152288B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 25, 2008 |
| Grant date | Apr 10, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 10, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J11/0024
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system for use with a phase change ink imaging device comprises a leveler roller disposed along a web path downstream from a printing station. The leveler roller is formed of a thermally conductive material and includes a heater configured to generate thermal energy to heat the leveler roller to a leveling temperature. The leveler roller is positioned to be partially wrapped by the continuous web in order to generate a predetermined dwell time between the continuous web and the leveler roller as the continuous web is being moved. The predetermined dwell time is configured to allow conductive heat transfer to occur between the continuous web and the leveler roller to equalize the continuous web and the melted phase change ink temperatures on the web to within a predetermined range about the leveling temperature. A midheater is disposed along the web path downstream from the leveler roller. The midheater is configured to heat the continuous web and the melted phase change to a midheating temperature that is greater than the leveling temperature.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.