Pulse Heating Methods and Apparatus for Printing and Dyeing
The present invention provides apparatus, systems and methods in which a pulse heater is used to apply dyes to a receiver in a rotary heating processing equipment. The pulse heater is first applied to a belt and is then removed from the belt, creating a dissipating heat. A sandwiched receiver comprising of two dyed donor papers is then subjected to the dissipating heat off the belt and also subjected to a constant heat generated from a drum to cause a phase change of the dyes within the donor papers to phase change from a solid to a gas, so the receiver can absorb and capture the phase changed dyes for a more saturated and brilliant finish.
1 . A method of printing on both sides of a receiver comprising:
positioning first and second donors on opposite sides of a receiver;
applying a first heat source to a thermal capacitor;
removing the first heat source from the thermal capacitor to generate a dissipating heat;
subjecting the first donor to the dissipating heat; and
applying a second heat source to the second donor.
2 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising positioning a reflector on a first heat source.
3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the thermal capacitor is thermally resistant and flame resistant.
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the thermal capacitor is a calendar belt.
5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the first heat source applies a temperature differential of less than 25° F. across a width of the thermal capacitor.
6 . The method of claim 5 , wherein the width is at least 150 cm (60 in).
7 . The method of claim 5 , wherein an average temperature applied across the width is no less than 300° F.
8 . The method of claim 7 , wherein an average temperature applied across the width is no more than 650° F.
9 . The method of claim 7 , wherein an average temperature applied across the width is adjusted according to a weight of the receiver.
10 . The method of claim 7 , wherein an average temperature applied across the width is adjusted according to a density of the receiver.
11 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the first heat source is at most 100° F. more than the second heat source.
12 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the first heat source is generated from overlapping a plurality of heating elements.
13 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the heating elements are quartz tubes.
14 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the first heat source is at least 7 cm (3 in) away from the thermal capacitor.
15 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of applying the first heat source to a thermal capacitor lasts no longer than 15 seconds.
16 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the second heat source is a drum.
17 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising positioning a tissue between the first donor and the thermal capacitor.
18 . The method of claim 1 , wherein at least part of the step of applying the second heat source is concurrent with the step of subjecting the first donor to the dissipating heat.
19 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of applying the second heat source happens at least 5 seconds behind the step of subjecting the first donor to the dissipating heat.
20 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the each of the first and second donors comprise a sublimation dye.
21 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the first donor comprises a high-energy dye.
22 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising depositing a temperature-sensitive release agent to the first donor.
23 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the receiver comprises a synthetic fiber.
24 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the receiver comprises a clothing fabric.
25 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the receiver comprises a carpet.
26 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the receiver comprises a banner and a flag fabric.
27 . A method of printing high energy dyes on a receiver comprising:
depositing a first high-energy dye on a donor;
positioning the donor on a receiver;
applying a heat source to a thermal capacitor;
removing the heat source from the thermal capacitor to generate a pulse energy; and
applying the pulse energy to the donor to phase change the high-energy dye onto the receiver.
28 . A method of printing high energy dyes on both sides of a receiver comprising:
depositing first and second high-energy dyes on first and second donor, respectively;
positioning the first and second donors on opposite sides of a receiver;
applying a first heat source to a thermal capacitor;
removing the first heat source from the thermal capacitor to generate a pulse energy applying the pulse energy to the first donor; and
applying a second heat source to the second donor.
29 . An apparatus for printing on both sides of a receiver comprising:
a thermal capacitor that travels through a heat transfer passage and a phase change passage;
a heater that heats the heat transfer passage;
a donor provider that feeds a first donor on a first side of a receiver into the phase change passage, wherein the first donor abuts the first side of the receiver;
a drum that heats a second donor on a second side of the receiver within the phase change passage.
30 . The apparatus of claim 29 , wherein the thermal capacitor is a belt.
31 . The apparatus of claim 29 , wherein the heater comprises a plurality of heating elements.
32 . The apparatus of claim 31 , wherein the heating elements are quartz tubes.
33 . The apparatus of claim 29 , wherein the heater generates a temperature of at least 300° F.
34 . The apparatus of claim 29 , wherein the heater generates a temperature of no more than 650° F.
35 . The apparatus of claim 29 , further comprising a reflector disposed to reflect a heat from the heater towards an edge of the thermal capacitor.
36 . The apparatus of claim 29 , wherein the heat transfer passage lasts at least 15 seconds.
37 . The apparatus of claim 29 , wherein the phase change passage lasts at least 20% as long as the length of the heat transfer passage.
38 . The apparatus of claim 29 , wherein the drum generates a temperature of no more than 450° F.
39 . The apparatus of claim 29 , wherein the first and second donors comprises a sublimation dye.
40 . The apparatus of claim 29 , wherein the first and second donors comprises a high-energy dye.
41 . The apparatus of claim 29 , wherein the thermal capacitor is made with a meta-aramid.
42 . An apparatus for printing on both sides of a receiver comprising:
a belt that travels through a heat transfer passage and a phase change passage;
a heater that heats the heat transfer passage; and
a donor provider that feeds a first donor on a first side of a receiver into the phase change passage, wherein the first donor abuts the receiver.
43 . An article of clothing manufactured at least in part using the method according to claim 1 .
44 . A carpet manufactured at least in part using a method according to claim 1 .