System for direct application of dampening fluid for a variable data lithographic apparatus

摘要

A system and corresponding methods are disclosed for applying a dampening fluid to a reimageable surface of an imaging member in a variable data lithography system, without a form roller. In one embodiment, the system includes subsystems for converting a dampening fluid from a liquid phase to a dispersed fluid phase, and for directing flow of a dispersed fluid comprising the dampening fluid in dispersed fluid phase to the reimageable surface. The dampening fluid reverts to the liquid phase directly on the reimageable surface. In another embodiment a continuous ribbon of dampening fluid may be applied directly to the reimageable surface. This embodiment includes a body structure having a port for delivering dampening fluid in a continuous fluid ribbon directly to the reimageable surface, and a mechanism, associated with the body structure, for stripping an entrained air layer over the reimageable surface when the reimageable surface is in motion.

主权项

1. A system for applying a dampening fluid to a reimageable surface of an imaging member in a variable data lithography system, comprising:
a body structure having a lower surface facing the reimageable surface between a leading edge and a trailing edge such that a space is defined between the lower surface and the reimageable surface, the lower surface having formed therein a port, said port extending in a first direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of travel of said reimageable surface when in use, said port having a width at least equal to a width of said reimageable surface in said first direction, said port configured to deliver dampening fluid in a continuous fluid sheet directly to said reimageable surface such that said continuous fluid sheet has a sheet width substantially equal to the width of said reimageable surface to thereby form a dampening fluid layer thereover; a vortex generating structure disposed on said body structure adjacent to said leading edge and above the lower surface, wherein said vortex generating structure is configured to strip at least a portion of an entrained air layer that is disposed over said reimageable surface and located adjacent leading edge when said reimageable surface is in motion, whereby a slight negative pressure is produced in the space defined between the lower surface and said reimageable surface that draws said fluid sheet into surface contact with said reimageable surface; a dampening fluid reservoir disposed to provide dampening fluid to said port; and a control mechanism for controlling the flow of dampening fluid from said reservoir to said port and from said port to said reimageable surface.