Abstract A method and apparatus for printing an image in scanned electronic form on an ink receiving surface using ordinary printer''s ink. The method and apparatus employ quasi-lithographic techniques and equipment, but unlike conventional lithography, the method does not require the preparation, prior to the printing process, of a lithographic plate containing in permanent form the image to be printed. The scanned electronic image is used to form a fountain solution image on a lithographically blank plate by the selective deposition and/or removal of the fountain solution from the plate. Lithographic ink is applied to the fountain solution imaged plate and then transferred to an ink receiving surface, such as paper or an offset blanket. Thereafter, the lithographically blank plate is cleaned and ready for the formation of the same or a different fountain solution image.
Apparatus for applying a fountain solution image to a lithographic plate comprising: 1. a printing head comprising: a. means containing a vaporized or liquid fountain solution, b. a plurality of spaced fountain solution dispensing passageways fluidly coupled to said fountain solution containing means, c. selectively energizable electrical means in each passageway for supplying heat to the fountain solution passing through selected dispensing passageways 2. means positioning a lithographic plate in pre-determined spaced relation with respect to the dispensing passageways of said printing head; and, 3. means producing relative movement between said lithographic plate and said printing head.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
97 words
Apparatus for applying a fountain solution image to a lithographic plate comprising: 1. a printing head comprising: a. means containing a vaporized or liquid fountain solution, b. a plurality of spaced fountain solution dispensing passageways fluidly coupled to said fountain solution containing means, c. selectively energizable electrical means in each passageway for supplying heat to the fountain solution passing through selected dispensing passageways 2. means positioning a lithographic plate in pre-determined spaced relation with respect to the dispensing passageways of said printing head; and, 3. means producing relative movement between said lithographic plate and said printing head.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
means positioning a lithographic plate in pre-determined spaced relation with respect to the dispensing passageways of said printing head; and,
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
means positioning a lithographic plate in pre-determined spaced relation with respect to the dispensing passageways of said printing head; and,
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
means producing relative movement between said lithographic plate and said printing head.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
means producing relative movement between said lithographic plate and said printing head.