Method of and apparatus for printing digitally imaged signs
Assignee3M Innovative Properties Company
InventorsScott Boyd, Billy Weaver, Michael Free, Daniel Hennen
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Various methods and fluid delivery systems are described for printing digitally imaged signs. One method of applying pigmented material to a print medium involves using a fluid delivery system to coat at least a portion of an exterior surface of a cable with a pigmented material and then placing the coated portion of the cable in close proximity to the print medium. An air stream is then directed at the portion of the cable coated with the pigmented material such that a the pigmented material is removed from the exterior surface of the cable and is deposited onto the print medium.
Claims20
A method of forming an image on a signage, comprising:
- applying a pigmented material to at least a portion of an elongate structure;
- positioning the elongate structure in proximity to a substrate;
- and
- directing a fluid stream at the portion of the elongate structure to which the pigmented material was applied such that at least a portion of the pigmented material is deposited onto the substrate to thereby form the signage.
A method of digital printing to form an image on a signage, comprising:
- coating at least a portion of a wire-like member with a pigmented material;
- positioning the wire-like member in proximity to a substrate;
- and
- directing a fluid stream at the coated portion of the wire-like member such that at least a portion of the pigmented material is removed from the wire-like structure and is deposited onto the substrate to thereby form a pattern on the substrate.
A signage, comprising:
- an optically active sheeting;
- and
- a pigmented material having a viscosity of between about 25 cP and about 2000 cP at ambient temperature that is digitally printed on at least a portion of the sheeting to form an image.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.