JPS60259489A - Method of regenerating image through electrocoagulation in plane of colloid - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and system for high speed image reproduction by electro-coagulation of an electrolytically coagulable colloid. A plurality of negative and positive electrolytically inert electrodes (12, 14) which are electrically insulated from one another are arranged to define a matrix of dot-forming elements (16), the negative and positive electrodes of each matrix element having respective planar active surfaces with the negative electrode active surface extending in the same plane as the positive electrode active surface and in close proximity thereto. A layer of substantially liquid colloidal dispersion is applied over the electrode active surfaces of the matrix elements (16), the colloidal dispersion containing an electrolytically coagulable colloid, a liquid dispersing medium and a soluble electrolyte, and having a substantially uniform temperature throughout the layer. The negative and positive electrodes (12, 14) of selected ones of the matrix elements (16) are electrically energized to cause selective coagulation and adherence of the colloid onto the positive electrode active surfaces of the selected matrix elements and to thereby form a series of corresponding dots representative of a desired image, and any remaining non-coagulated colloid is thereafter removed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an improved method for high speed image reconstruction. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for image reconstruction by electrocoagulation of electrolytically coagulable colloids.

No. 3,89 issued July 1, 1975
No. 2.645, a thin layer of a liquid composition comprising a colloid such as gelatin or albumin, water and an electrolyte is disposed between at least one pair of spaced opposing cathodes and anodes and filled with the liquid composition. A method and apparatus for electroprinting such as a gap-forming method is described. In one embodiment, there is a plurality of electrically insulated cathodes in an array, selected ones of which are energized with electrical energy such that they pass electrical pulses through the layer at selected points. The selective coagulation of the colloid is caused to deposit dot by dot on the anode directly against the cathode, forming a trace.

It is very important that the gap between the cathode and anode be uniform throughout the electrode active surface. Otherwise there would be variations in the thickness of the layer and therefore corresponding variations in electrical resistance at different locations between the electrodes, resulting in non-uniform image reproduction since the coagulated colloid thickness is proportional to the amount of current passing through the layer. This is because. Since the gap is about 50μ, it is very difficult to maintain its uniformity as well as the vA node. Moreover, if the cathodes are energized once more in image reproduction, they will polarize and cause gas generation and accumulation at the cathode, which will have a negative effect on image reproduction. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages and to Electrode 1 that does not require precise adjustment of the electrode gap or hinders image reproduction, image reconstruction method and system using colloid electrocoagulation that does not cause polarization.

According to one aspect of the invention, an image reconstruction method is provided by electrocoagulation of electrolytically coagulable colloids. The method consists of providing a large number of electrolytically inert cathodes and anodes electrically insulated from each other and arranged in a matrix of point-forming elements, with the cathode and anode of each matrix element being respectively The cathode active surface has a planar active surface, and the cathode active surface extends in close proximity to the anode active surface, b. positioning the anode active surface in the same territory of a layer of colloidal dispersion, provided that the colloidal dispersion contains an electrolytically coagulable colloid, a liquid dispersive medium, and a soluble electrolyte and is at a substantially uniform temperature throughout the layer; ) the cathode of selected matrix elements and
(~ Create the desired image by creating an electric field extending substantially parallel to the planar active surfaces of the cathode and anode between the anodes to cause selective condensation and deposition of colloids on the anode active surfaces of selected matrix elements. and d) removing the remaining non-solidified colloid.

In another form, the present invention provides an image reconstruction device using electrocoagulation of electrolytically coagulated colloids. The method is electrically isolated from each other! Also, a number of electrolytically inert cathodes and anodes arranged in a matrix of point-forming elements, provided that the cathodes and anodes of each matrix element each have an active surface, and the cathode active surface is the same as the anode active surface. Extending in the plane and immediately adjacent to the surface, the electrode-active surface has a layer thereon of a substantially colloidal dispersion containing an electrolytically condensable colloid, a liquid dispersion medium, and a soluble electrolyte and having a substantially Yanagi temperature throughout. Suitable for attaching: and.

Electrical energy is applied on the cathodes and anodes of selected matrix elements to cause selective coagulation and deposition of colloids on the anode active surfaces of selected matrix elements, thereby forming a series of corresponding points representing the desired image. The means to do so consist of 9 things.

According to the invention, therefore, the active surfaces of the cathode and anode are no longer located in different planes, but rather extend essentially in the same plane, so that it is no longer necessary to precisely control the thickness of the applied colloidal dispersion layer. In addition, since the electrodes of the IJ sock elements for forming each point are given energy once for image reproduction, the electrode polarization is barely sufficient to cause gas accumulation that interferes with image reproduction.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cathode and anode of the matrix are comprised of first and second sets of electrically insulated strip-shaped electrodes in parallel relationship with each other, the cathode portion of the first set being Extending laterally and spaced along the length of the two sets of anode sections, each is made up of a number of protruding conductive elements each having a planar active end surface. The protruding portion of each cathode portion extends through a corresponding hole formed in the anode portion so that the flat active end face of each protruding portion and the flat active surface portion of each anode portion near the hole 6 extend substantially into a common plane. It ends flat to form a matrix element. Therefore, electrically energizing the cathodes and anodes of selected matrix elements can be accomplished by sequentially energizing one set of electrodes and simultaneously energizing selected portions of the other set of electrodes. It is preferable to apply energy to selected cathode sections simultaneously while applying energy to the anode section sequentially.

, 1.1 Simultaneous selective energy injection of other sets of electrode sections is conveniently accomplished by swiping the electrode sections and delivering electrical pulses to selected ones in the meantime. This electrical pulse produces a point of varying intensity that can vary from one electrode to another in either voltage or time such that the amount of coagulated colloid deposited on the anodic active surface of the selected matrix element varies correspondingly. It is possible to reproduce a halftone image.

Commonly used colloids have a high molecular weight, i.e. about 10,000
0 to about i, o o o, o o o, preferably io
It is a linear colloid with a high molecular weight of o,ooo to 500,000. Examples of suitable colloids include albumin,
These include animal proteins such as gelatin and casein, vegetable proteins such as agar, and synthetic copolymers such as polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamide, polyvinyl alcohol and their derivatives. Water is preferably used as the medium for dispersing the colloids to create the desired colloidal dispersion.

Colloidal dispersions also contain soluble electrolytes that make water highly conductive. Water is believed to move towards the cathode under direct current, thus drying the colloidal dispersion and causing coagulation and deposition of the colloid on the anode. Examples of suitable electrolytes include chlorides and sulfates such as potassium chloride, sodium chloride, calcium chloride, nickel chloride, lithium chloride, ammonium chloride and magnesium sulfate. Since the rate of electrocoagulation is temperature dependent, the layer of colloidal dispersion must be kept at a substantially constant temperature, for example using a constant temperature water jacket, for uniform image reproduction. After coagulation of the colloid, remove any remaining uncongealed colloid using an appropriate method such as washing, blowing with air, or wiping to thoroughly remove the solidified particles.

Applications of the present invention are described in Applicant's US Pat. No. 3,8 (164).
This is basically the same as described in No. 5. For example, coagulated colloids can be colored with hydrotypical pigments. The pigment is absorbed and the colored solidified colloid is transferred to an end use support such as paper. The solidified colloid can also be fixed or hardened chemically or by radiation, as used in offset lithography. It is also possible to produce solidified colloidal images of different colors which can be transferred onto the final use support in a double-baked state to produce multicolored images.

Further features and advantages of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and will become more readily apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an image reproduction apparatus according to the invention, in which the matrix printer is shown partially cut away.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary open view of the point matrix printer of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG.

4 is another cross-sectional view taken along line 4--4 in FIG. 1; FIG. 5 is a top view of the matrix element of the dot matrix printer shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 6 is the same view as FIG. Showing different types of matrix elements.

The image reproduction apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is a dot matrix printer, generally indicated by the number 10, which includes electrically insulated strip-shaped cathode sections 1 arranged in parallel.
The cathode section 12 is arranged at right angles to the anode section 14, and there are a large number of dot-forming matrix elements 16 at their intersections.

Each cathode section 12 is electrically swept (sweepi).
ng) is connected to the device 18, and the sweaving device is connected to the sweaving device 18;
A modulator connected to the negative terminal of the DC power supply 20 via a modulator 22 combined with a mobile electronic counter 24 transmitting electrical pulses to selected ones of the electrode sections 1z by 8 transmits the electrical pulses. useful for varying either voltage or time. On the other hand, each anode section 14 is connected to another sweeping device 18' which is electrically connected to the positive terminal of the power source 20. Therefore, the electrodes of the selected matrix element 160 are connected to the sweving device 18.
' The anode section 14 is continuously injected with energy and at the same time the cathode section 12 is swiped by the device 18 to be electrically energized, while the counter 24 applies electrical pulses to the selected electrode section 12. and it is modulated either in voltage or time by modulator 22.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the cathode portions are electrically insulated from each other by a layer of insulating material 26 having a thickness of approximately 10/J. The cathode sections 12 are also electrically insulated from each other by a layer of insulating material 28 about 25μ thick. The anode section 14 is similarly electrically insulated from each other by a layer 30 of insulating material about 10 to 25μ thick, preferably 10p. Each insulated cathode section 12 has a number of protruding conductive sections 32 of circular cross-section with flat active end faces 34 spaced along its length. 32 extends through a corresponding hole 36 in the anode section 14 to connect the flat active end surface 34 of each section 32 and the flat active surface portion 3 of the anode section 14 proximate the hole 36.
Each protrusion 3z, which ends flat so that B extends in a common plane, has a thickness of about 5 to 10 μm, preferably 1 μm.
Insulating material such as silicon monooxide with 0μ40
It is electrically insulated from the adjacent anode section 14 by the zero layer.

In this manner, each flat surface 34 of each protrusion 32 and the flat surface portion 3B of each anode portion 14 adjacent to each portion 32 constitute an electrode active surface of each point-forming matrix element 16. Each matrix element has a square surface area of approximately 125/J
Therefore, the protrusion 3z is invisible to the naked eye.The zero-point matrix printer 10 consists of 16 such matrix elements, approximately 40,000 per square inch.The cathode 12Ii can be made of any metal;
Copper or stainless steel is preferred. However, the anode section 14 must be made of a metal that is resistant to electrolytic attack and that is electrostatic to hydrogen, a metal that promotes electrocoagulation, such as aluminum, nickel, chromium, or tin. Surface 38 of section 14 may be unpolished to facilitate the deposition of solidified colloid thereon. Since the electrode portion 14 can be produced by ion sputtering, it is approximately 10 μm thin.

To reproduce an image by a device such as that described above, a layer of a colloidal dispersion containing various colloids of gelatin or albumin, water and an electrolyte such as potassium chloride and having a substantially uniform temperature throughout the layer is placed in a dot matrix printer 10. It is attached to the topsoil of. The sweaving devices 18 and 18' and the counter 24 are activated to apply electrical energy to the electrodes of selected ones of the matrix elements 16, thereby selectively coagulating and depositing colloids on the anodic active surfaces 38 of the selected matrix elements. The coagulated colloid 42 forms a series of corresponding points representing the desired image.

The layer of insulating material 30 between the anode sections 14 must be as thin as possible to avoid continuous imaging streaks. The layer of insulating material 40 around each protrusion 32 must also be as thin as possible since the thinner the layer, the faster the rate of electrocoagulation.

Instead of having matrix elements 16 each formed by a single central projection 32 as shown in FIG. 5, the embodiment shown in FIG. It is of course also possible to create elements 16'. Such an arrangement allows image production with a more even tone distribution.

It has been found that the force required to produce a coagulum on a square surface area of approximately 125μ x 125μ using the image reconstruction device described above is a capacitance load of 2 microfarads at 50 volts. In other words, 25 watts) (50V, 5
Approximately 100,000 mA per second using a generator of 00 mA)
You can score 0 points.

Although the dot matrix printer 10 is shown as having a flat viewing surface, it is clear that the entire surface of the anode portion 14 comprising the viewing surface of the printer 10 need not be flat. However, the electrode active surfaces of each matrix element are planar and thus extend substantially in a common plane. Thus, for example, a cylindrical point matrix printer could be designed such that each matrix element would have the required properties described above.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an image reproduction apparatus according to the present invention, showing a point matrix printer partially cut away; FIG. 2 shows the point matrix printer of FIG. 1 in an exploded view. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 94-4 in FIG. FIG. 5 is a top view of the matrix element of the point matrix printer of FIG. FIG. 6 is a top view of a different type of matrix element. Numbers in each figure:' 10... Dot matrix printer 12... Cathode part 14... Anode part 30. 40... Insulating material 32... Protrusion part 16...
・Point forming matrix element 18.18'...
Sweaving device. Patent applicant Kolucosui Incorporated Procedural amendment (method) June 17, 1985 Commissioner of the Patent Office Manabu Shiga 1 Display of case 1985 Patent application No. 102803 2 Title of invention In the plane of colloid Image reconstruction method by electrocoagulation 3, relationship with the case of the person making the amendment Patent applicant name Elkosui, Inc. 4 Engraving of the handwritten specification attached to the representative application 6, contents of amendments As shown in the attached sheet, but no amendments have been made to the contents. .

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. (a) A plurality of electrolytically inert cathodes and anodes, electrically insulated from each other and arranged in a matrix of point-forming elements, are provided, each of the above Ma)
The cathode and anode of the IJ Lux element each have a flat active surface, and the cathode active surface extends in the same plane as and in close proximity to the anode active surface, ('b) on the cathode and anode active surface of the matrix element. is substantially coated with a layer of colloidal dispersion, in which case the cathode and anode active surfaces are on the same side of the colloidal dispersion layer, and the colloidal dispersion is electrolyzed. (e) between the negative and active anodes of selected ones of said matrix elements substantially parallel to the planar active surfaces of said cathodes and anodes; (d) forming an electric field extending in the direction of the selected matrix element to cause selective coagulation and deposition of the colloid on the anode active surface of the selected matrix element, thereby forming a corresponding series of points representing the desired image; An image reconstruction method by electrocoagulation of coagulable colloids by electrolysis, characterized by comprising a step of removing residual uncoagulated colloids. 2. The cathode and anode of the above matrix are arranged in parallel. The cathode part of the first set extends in the lateral direction of the anode part of the second set, and the cathode part of the first set extends in the lateral direction of the anode part of the second set. It is formed of a number of protruding conductive parts spaced apart and having flat active end faces, each protrusion of said cathode part passing through a corresponding hole in said anode part. the flat active end surface of the anode portion and the flat active surface portion of each of the anode portions adjacent to each of the holes are flat and terminated so as to extend substantially in a common plane to form the matrix element; 2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein e) is accomplished by energizing a set of electrode sections in succession and simultaneously energizing selected ones of the sets of electrode sections. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein step (C>) is carried out by successively applying energy to the anode portion and simultaneously applying energy to selected ones of the cathode portions. 4. Others. According to claim 2, the simultaneous selective injection of energy into the set of electrode parts is carried out by means of swiping said electrode parts and transmitting electrical pulses to selected ones thereof during swiping. 5. A patent in which the electrical pulses are varied in voltage or time from one electrode section to another, thereby correspondingly varying the amount of coagulated colloid deposited on the anode active surface of the selected matrix element. The method of claim 4. 6. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of coloring the solidified colloid and transferring the colored solidified colloid onto an end-use support.
The method described in section. 7. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of curing the coagulated colloid and using the colloid for offset lithographic printing. 8. The above colloid is about i o, o o o to about i, o
The method according to claim 1, wherein the colloid is a linear colloid having a molecular weight of o o, o o o. 9. The colloid has about 100,000 to about soo,o
9. The method according to claim 8, having a molecular weight of oo. 10. The method of claim 8, wherein said colloid is selected from the group consisting of animal and vegetable proteins and synthetic copolymers. 11. The colloid is a synthetic copolymer selected from the group consisting of polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamide, polyvinyl alcohol and derivatives thereof, the dispersing medium is water, and the electrolyte is potassium chloride or chloride. Sodium, calcium chloride, nickel chloride, lithium chloride,
Ammonium chloride, copper chloride and magnesium sulfur9
9. A method according to claim 8, wherein the method is selected from the group consisting of: 12. A large number of electrolytically inert cathodes and anodes insulated from each other and arranged to form a matrix of elements for forming υ points, each of the cathodes and anodes of each matrix element having a flat active surface and a cathode active surface. The surface extends in the same plane as, and in close proximity to, the anode active surface, and the electrode active surface contains thereon an electrolytically solidified colloid, a liquid dispersive medium, and a soluble electrolyte at a substantially uniform temperature throughout the layer. and applying electrical energy to the cathodes and anodes of selected ones of said matrix elements so that said selected matrices are suitable for receiving a layer of a substantially colloidal dispersion having An apparatus for reconstructing an image by electrocoagulation of an electrolytically solidified colloid, characterized in that it comprises means for selectively coagulating and depositing said colloid to form a series of corresponding points representing a desired image. 13. The cathode and anode of the above matrix 9 are each connected to the first part of the strip-shaped electrode parts which are arranged in parallel and are electrically insulated from each other.
and a second set, the cathode sections of the first set extending laterally of the anode sections of the second set and spaced apart along their lengths, each having a flat active end surface. The protruding parts of each of the cathode parts are connected to the flat active end surfaces of each of the protruding parts through the corresponding holes in the anode part, and the anodes adjacent to the six holes. the planar active surface portions of the portions are flat and terminated so as to extend substantially in a common plane to form the matrix elements, and the means for applying electrical energy is a means for applying energy to a continuous set of electrodes; 13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12, including means for simultaneously energizing selected ones of the other sets of electrodes. 14. The means for continuously energizing comprises a sweeping device suitable for sweeping the positive electrode connected to the positive terminal of a DC power source, and the means for selectively energizing further comprises a sweaving device connected to the negative terminal of said power supply for polar section sweaving and a computing device coupled to said sweaving device for transmitting electrical pulses to selected ones of said cathode sections during operation of a coupling device; 14. A device according to claim 13, comprising: 15. Further comprising modulating means for varying said electrical pulses in voltage or time from one cathode area to another to correspondingly vary the amount of coagulated colloid deposited on the anode active surface of said selected matrix element. The method described in Section 14. 16. Claim 13, wherein said matrix element comprises a single said protrusion substantially at the center thereof.
Equipment described in Section. 17. The device according to claim 13, wherein said matrix element comprises a plurality of said protrusions spaced apart to form an image with a uniform tone distribution.
゜The above matrix element is approximately 125μ x 125μ
Claim 16, wherein said single protrusion has a square surface area of approximately 25 to 50 microns in cross section and wherein said single protrusion is circular in cross section and has a diameter of approximately 25 to 50 microns.
Equipment described in Section. 19. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein each of said protrusions is electrically insulated from its adjacent anode portion by a layer of insulating material approximately 5 to 10 microns thick. 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the devices are electrically insulated from each other by layers of insulating material having a thickness of about 10 to 25 μm, wherein said layers of insulating material have a thickness of about 10 μm. Apparatus according to scope 20. Feathers, the above matrix is about 40,000 per square inch
13. The device according to claim 12, comprising a dot-forming matrix element.