Patent ID: 9021948
Filing Date: 2015-05-05
Classification: B41C,B41M,B41P,G03G

Abstract:
1. A system for selectively controlling environmental conditions in an area of a surface of a dampening fluid layer disposed on an imaging member in a variable data lithographic image forming apparatus, comprising: an enclosure disposed over a surface of a dampening fluid layer disposed on an imaging member, the enclosure substantially enclosing an area of the surface of the dampening fluid layer at which a radiation-based patterning subsystem selectively vaporizes portions of the dampening fluid layer; and a gas-flow control subsystem coupled to the enclosure that controllably generates a gas flow within the enclosure and across the area of the surface of the dampening fluid layer at which the radiation-based patterning subsystem selectively vaporizes the portions of the dampening fluid layer, the gas-flow control subsystem including a humidity control subsystem that controls a humidity of a gas generated in the area of the surface of the dampening fluid layer at which the radiation-based patterning subsystem selectively vaporizes the portions of the dampening fluid layer, the enclosure being configured (1) to permit an output of the radiation-based patterning subsystem to pass through the enclosure and to impinge on the area of the surface of the dampening fluid layer and (2) to permit the gas flow to exit the enclosure in a controlled manner at a desired location, and the gas flow evacuating the gas including vaporized dampening fluid from the area of the surface of the dampening fluid layer.