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

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.