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US 6,585,364 B2Granted
Methods and apparatus for improving inkjet print quality
AssigneeHewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
InventorsVladek P Kasperchik, William J Allen
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods and apparatus for in-line conditioning of swellable print media prior to printing. Treatment with an amphiphilic solvent increases the hydrophilicity of the media surface, thereby accelerating ink penetration and improving image quality in high throughput printing. In addition, ionic components in the treatment fluid can be used to accelerate precipitation of pigment or dye from the ink.
Claims21
A method of improving print quality in a printer that applies ink to a swellable medium, comprising:
- applying a treatment fluid to the swellable medium, the treatment fluid tending to chemically accelerate the absorption of ink by the swellable medium;
- applying heat to the medium while or immediately after applying the treatment fluid;
- and
- applying ink to the swellable medium, wherein the ink is applied to the swellable medium within about one minute after the treatment fluid is applied.
1 more element
An ink-jet printer that applies ink to a swellable medium, comprising:
- a pretreatment applicator that applies a treatment fluid to the swellable medium, the treatment fluid selected to chemically increase the hydrophilicity of a surface of the swellable medium;
- an ink jet that applies ink to the swellable medium, the ink being applied within about one minute after the treatment fluid is applied;
- a heater that heats the swellable medium adjacent to the pretreatment applicator.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.