Method for printing a high durability and/or resolution item
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A printer, method and printed item are provided where the printer and method print an image having a relatively high durability and/or resolution. In particular, the printer and method include a plasma treatment stage or step for treating the surface of an item prior to printing. A printer is provided that is configured to convey an item or a plurality of individuated items through a plasma treatment stage to prepare the surfaces of the item for printing. Such printer may use a non-continuous ink jet printing assembly such as a drop on demand printing assembly.
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Citations
44 Claims
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1-32. -32. (canceled)
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33. A method of printing an item comprising:
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providing an item having a surface for printing;
ionizing a gas to create a plasma and then directing the plasma to the surface for printing; and
printing an image on the surface with a drop on demand ink jet printer. - View Dependent Claims (34, 35, 36, 37, 38)
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39. A method of printing an item comprising:
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providing an item having a surface for printing;
ionizing a gas to create a plasma and then directing plasma to the surface for printing by providing an electrode head having a gas inlet and a plasma outlet;
ionizing gas input through the gas inlet to provide a plasma; and
directing the plasma through the plasma outlet toward the surface of the item;
wherein the plasma outlet comprises a plurality of openings. - View Dependent Claims (40)
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41. A method of printing an item comprising:
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providing an item having a surface for printing;
ionizing a gas to create a plasma and then directing plasma to the surface for printing by providing an electrode head having a gas inlet and a plasma outlet;
ionizing gas input through the gas inlet to provide a plasma;
directing the plasma through the plasma outlet to the surface of the item; and
directing the plasma to a predetermined portion of the surface of item. - View Dependent Claims (42)
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43. A method of printing an item comprising:
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providing an item having a surface for printing;
ionizing a gas to create a plasma and then directing plasma to the surface for printing;
printing an image on the surface with a curable ink; and
curing the curable ink.
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44. A method of printing an item comprising:
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providing an item having a surface for printing;
ionizing a gas to create a plasma and then directing the plasma to the surface for printing; and
printing an image on the surface having a resolution of at least about 150 dpi.
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Specification