Patent ID: 6434352
Filing Date: 2002-08-13
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
Apparatus for controlling a thickness (h) of a film of development fluid within a development nip of a liquid ink development (LID) machine, the apparatus comprising:(a) a first moveable member having a first velocity (V1) and a path of movement defining a radius of curvature (R) for forming a long development nip: (b) a second moveable member mounted partially about said first moveable member for forming said long development nip, said second moveable member having a second velocity (V2) and a tension (T); (c) a mechanism for introducing into said long development nip liquid development fluid having a viscosity (&mgr;) ;and (d) a programmed controller connected to said first moveable member and to said second moveable member for controlling said first velocity (V1), said second velocity (V2), and said tension (T) so that h=K1R{K2 &mgr;(V1+V2)]/T}&frac23;, where K1 and K2 are each a constant.