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 (30) 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 (12). 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.