Patent Grant
11642896
The present invention refers to a printing plant, particularly for digitally printing, a fibrous material having a shape as a discrete sheet or as a web; the invention moreover refers to a process of printing, particularly of digitally printing, said fibrous material as a discrete sheet or web. The plant and the respective process object of the invention can find an application in the field for printing fabrics and/or non-woven fabrics. The invention is generally, but in a non-limiting way, applicable in the textile or knitted fabrics or non-woven fabric industry.
As it is known, the conventional printing—in other words the one using printing silk-screen cylinders or frames—and the digital-type printing—in other words the one using one or more printing nozzle heads—are technologies used for applying inks or paints defining motives, patterns, colorations on sheet materials of several types, such as for example, paper, fabrics, non-woven fabrics, fell and more.
The fabrics, non-woven fabrics, or other fibrous materials having a laminar structure destined both to the conventional and digital printing, are subjected to a number of preparation steps, before the printing step, and to one or more steps of finishing the fabric, after the printing step. A suitable pre-treatment at least for the surface of the fibrous material, before the printing process, ensures to deposit the ink in the desired way and position, and to suitably fix it to the fibrous material itself.
As an example, the fibrous material to be printed can be treated by substances adapted to enable a suitable definition of the printed pattern on the fibrous material and to correctly fix the printing colors on the material itself: these treatments are for example performed by means of alkali-based or acid-based substances (according to the type of ink subsequently applied), thickener-based, anti-migration-based substances and/or moisture givers. These substances and the associated pre-treatment processes are known and used in the textile field and—generally—change as a function of the fabric and type of printing ink. The pre-treatment enables the ink drops to be fixed to the fibers of the material to be printed without forming marks and without spreading around in an uncontrolled way: the preliminary step of treating the fabric therefore ensures a good color yield and a suitable definition. Particularly, in the digital printing processes, a suitable pre-treatment of the material to be printed, has a crucial importance. Actually, in the digital printing, jet heads having a plurality of nozzles having a small ink passage opening are used: in this situation, it is virtually impossible to directly add the ink because this latter could become, for example, too much viscous, which would prevent the ink from regularly passing through the heads, or could get chemical-physical characteristics which are not easily manageable by the systems controlling the same digital heads. Due to this reason, the material to be printed is previously treated and, only after, is subjected to the digital printing.
Now, it is known a pre-treatment step providing the application of a liquid solution containing both anti-migration agents (preventing the dispersion of the printing ink) and agents adapted to enable to fix the printing color on the fibrous material. This pre-treatment substances are typically applied by dipping the fibrous material in suitable tanks: this technique inevitably leaves the material to be printed wet. Therefore, for enabling to print pre-treated fibrous materials, now it is provided a step of drying the material before the printing step and after the step of applying additives. See, for example, the pre-treatment and digital printing apparatus for sheet materials, described in the patent application WO2012069242. Such apparatus is provided with a station for unwinding the fibrous material, which is adapted to supply an impregnating station (pre-treating station). The impregnating station consists of a tank receiving a liquid solution of fixing agents configured for enabling to fix the printing color on the fibrous material. The fibrous material is introduced in the tank so that the same can be completely dipped in the liquid solution (fixing agents). The material, exiting the impregnating tank, is constrained to pass through squeezing rolls configured for removing part of the fixing solution from the fibrous material. Then, the fibrous material is positioned on a conveyor belt and is printed. The printed fibrous material, exiting the conveyor belt, is delivered to a color-fixing station which provides to hit the material by hot air or a hot stream. The printed and fixed fibrous material, exiting the fixing station, is lastly wound on a roll.
A further known way of pre-treating and digitally printing a sheet material (fabrics included) is described in the patent EP1577101B1 (and in the associated patent application US 2005-206711A1) disclosing an apparatus provided with a closed-loop movable conveyor belt on which the sheet material to be printed can be fixed. Particularly, the sheet material is constrained to the conveyor belt along a portion of the closed loop defining an operative length. The apparatus exhibits a pre-treatment substance applicator, a pre-treated material drier and a printing device active at the operative length: such elements operate on the sheet material engaged on the conveyor belt.
Although the above cited apparatuses enable to pre-treat and print sheet fibrous materials, the Applicant has discovered that such apparatuses are however not devoid of some shortcomings and therefore are improvable under different aspects.
De facto, the nowadays known apparatuses comprise an impregnating step which considerably wets the fibrous material so that the material itself, at the end of the impregnating step, cannot be immediately printed or can be printed with a reduced and insufficient printing resolution.
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to substantially solve at least one of the shortcomings and/or limitations of the previous solutions.
A first object of the invention consists of providing a plant and an associated printing process enabling an efficient treatment of fibrous materials as discrete sheet or web, for example fabrics, knitted fabrics and/or non-woven fabrics, in order to place the sheet material under optimal conditions for being printed, particularly for being digitally printed. Specifically, it is an object of the invention to provide a plant enabling a controlled and efficient step of treating the sheet material as discrete sheet or continuous web wherein the same is wetted and/or impregnated with pre-treatment substances—for example thickening and/or anti-migration additives for appropriately preparing the fibrous material for the printing.
An object of the present invention consists of providing a plant for digitally printing a fibrous material as discrete sheet or continuous web, which enables dedicated printing heads to operate at a reduced distance from the fibrous material in order to ensure high printing resolutions.
A further object of the invention consists of providing a plant and an associated process of printing fibrous materials as discrete sheet or continuous web, which enable to quickly treat the material itself; particularly it is an object of the present invention to provide a plant enabling to minimize the treatment time of the fibrous material as discrete sheet or continuous web, in order to reduce to the smallest possible amount the time and cost of the printing process.
Then, it is an object of the invention to provide a printing plant and process which can be implemented with reasonable running costs and offering a high productivity, by minimizing the quantity of the used pre-treatment substances for the sake of the environment.
One or more of the above described objects which will better appear during the following description, are substantially met by a plant and process of printing fibrous materials as discrete sheet or continuous web according to anyone of the attached claims and/or according to one or more of the following aspects.
The aspects of the invention are described in the following. In a 1st aspect it is provided a plant (1), particularly for digitally printing, a fibrous material as a discrete sheet or continuous web (T), said plant (1) comprising:
In a 2nd aspect according to the aspect 1, the plant (1) comprises at least one station (14) for supplying the fibrous material (T) to be printed, the supplying station (14) being configured for supplying the fibrous material (T) to be printed along a predetermined operative path.
In a 3rd aspect according to the aspect 1 or 2, the treating station (4) comprises at least one applicator (12) of a treatment composition operating below the sheet fibrous material (T) supplied along said predetermined operative path.
In a 4th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, the plant (1) comprises at least one conveyor belt (2) exhibiting an exposed surface (S) configured for receiving the fibrous material (T), the exposed surface exhibiting constantly an operative path (3) configured for temporarily contactingly receiving the first side (T1) of the fibrous material (T), optionally from the supplying station (14), and for guiding such fibrous material along an advancement direction (A).
In a 5th aspect according to the aspect 4, the exposed surface (S) of the conveyor belt (2) comprises constantly a depositing section (3a) extending upstream the operative section (3) of the conveyor belt itself with respect to the advancement direction (A), said applicator (12) being positioned and configured for disposing the treatment composition on the exposed surface of the depositing section (3a) of the conveyor belt.
In a 6th aspect according to the aspect 5, the conveyor belt is configured for transporting the treatment composition applied on the depositing section (3a) to an initial contact area wherein the conveyor belt is estimated to start to come in contact with the sheet fibrous material (T), particularly supplied along the advancement direction and optionally along said operative path.
In a 7th aspect according to the aspect 6, the plant comprises at least one pressure organ (5a), optionally comprising at least one pressure cylinder operating above the exposed surface of the conveyor belt at said initial contact area, the pressure organ (5a) being configured for acting under pressure on the fibrous material, particularly supplied along the operative path, by thrusting said fibrous material against the exposed surface (S) of the conveyor belt for promoting a continuous adhesion.
In an 8th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the plant (1) comprises at least one anvil pressure organ (5b), optionally comprising at least one anvil pressure cylinder, operating below the exposed surface (S) of the conveyor belt at said initial contact area, the anvil pressure organ (5b) being in a position opposite to the pressure organ (5a) with respect to the conveyor belt (2) and being configured for supportingly acting on the conveyor belt in opposition to the pressure organ.
In a 9th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, the treatment composition—supplied from the treating station (4)—comprises at least one treatment foam comprising at least one of:
In a 10th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the treatment foam comprises at least one treatment liquid in a quantity comprised between 5% and 75% by weight with respect to the total weight of the foam, said treatment liquid comprising:
In an 11th aspect according to the aspect 9 or 10, when these latter depend on anyone of the aspects from 3 to 8, wherein the plant comprises:
In a 12th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the foam sensor (11) is configured for generating said control signal which contains at least one characteristic related to a size of said foam accumulation in a predetermined control plane, said control unit being configured for:
In a 13th aspect according to the aspect 11 or 12, the foam sensor (11) comprises:
said primary signal being an electric, electromagnetic or acoustic signal, said secondary signal being an electric, electromagnetic or acoustic signal; or wherein the foam sensor comprises:
In a 14th aspect according to the aspect 11 or 12 or 13, the control unit is configured for:
In a 15th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 4 to 14, the plant comprises:
In a 16th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the control unit (9) is configured for:
In a 17th aspect according to the aspect 15 or 16, the monitoring sensor comprises an encoder.
In an 18th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 15 to 17, the control unit is configured for:
In a 19th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 4 to 18, the conveyor belt (2) exhibits the exposed surface (S) thereof, treated with a non-water-soluble adhesive material, particularly exhibits the exposed surface treated with an adhesive material comprising a polymeric glue sensitive to at least one between pressure and temperature.
In a 20th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 4 to 19, the printing station (6) operates at the conveyor belt (2) and is configured for printing on the second side (T2) of the fibrous material (T) placed on the operative section (3) of the conveyor belt (2).
In a 21st aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 4 to 20 comprising a drying station (16) operating at the conveyor belt (2), upstream the printing station and configured for drying at least part of the second side (T2) of the fibrous material (T) placed on the operative section (3) of the conveyor belt (2).
In a 22nd aspect according to the preceding aspect wherein the drying station comprises at least one selected in the group among:
In a 23rd aspect according to the aspect 21 or 22, the plant comprises at least one drying station (16) interposed between the pressure organ (5b) and the printing station (6).
In a 24th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 9 to 23 when these latter depend on anyone of the aspects from 3 to 8, wherein the applicator (12) is configured for applying on the exposed surface of the conveyor belt, a treatment foam exhibiting, immediately downstream the applicator, a thickness less than 5 mm, particularly comprised between 0.5 and 3 mm.
In a 25th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 11 to 24, the control unit is connected to the applicator (12) and is configured for adjusting said thickness of the treatment foam as a function of said difference between said measured value and said reference value or range.
In a 26th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 3 to 25, the applicator (12) comprises at least one among:
In a 27th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 3 to 26, wherein the plant comprises:
In a 28th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 3 to 27, the plant comprises at least one auxiliary foam sensor configured for determining the presence of foam in said applicator.
In a 29th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 3 to 28, the plant comprises at least a further foam sensor—according to the foam sensor of anyone of the aspects from 11 to 15, said further foam sensor being configured for emitting a control signal representative of the foam quantity disposed immediately at a supplying area of the treatment composition performed by the applicator, particularly immediately upstream the blade of the applicator (12);
the control unit (9) being connected to the further foam sensor and configured for receiving the control signal from the further foam sensor and controlling said applicator based on said control signal.
In a 30th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the further foam sensor is configured for generating the control signal which exhibits at least one characteristic related to a side of an accumulation of foam in a predetermined control plane immediately upstream the applicator blade, said control unit being configured for:
In a 31st aspect according to the aspect 29 or 30, wherein the control unit is configured for:
In a 32nd aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, the treating station (4) is configured for applying to the fibrous material (T) a quantity of the treatment composition so that the fibrous material (T) itself exhibits a weight percentage per square meter variation, between a cross-section immediately upstream the treating station (4) wherein the fibrous material has not received the treatment composition, and a cross-section immediately downstream the initial contact area between the fibrous material and the conveyor belt, wherein the fibrous material has received said foam, comprised between 10% and 50%.
In a 33rd aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 4 to 32, the plant comprises at least one control unit (9) active on the conveyor belt (2) and on the treating station (4), said control unit (9) being configured for:
In a 34th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the plant comprises at least one sensor capable of emitting a signal regarding the motion of the conveyor belt, said control unit (9) being configured for:
In a 35th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 11 to 34, wherein the control unit (9) is configured for commanding the movement of the conveyor belt (2) for defining an operative condition under which said conveyor belt (2) continuously moves along the advancement direction (A) the fibrous material (T) at a speed constantly comprised between 20 and 100 m/min,
particularly comprised between 30 and 70 m/min, particularly wherein the printing station (6) comprises a printing module (7) configured for:
In a 36th aspect, it is provided a process of printing of sheet fibrous material, optionally by using the plant of anyone of the preceding aspects, comprising the following steps:
In a 37th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the step of applying the composition comprises to deposit this latter directly on the first side (T1) of the sheet fibrous material, since there is no direct deposit of the treatment composition on said second side (T2).
In a 38th aspect according to the aspect 36 or 37, the movement of the fibrous material occurs by a conveyor belt (2) exhibiting an exposed surface configured for receiving the fibrous material (T), the exposed surface constantly exhibiting an operative section (3) configured for temporarily contactingly receiving the first side (T1) of the fibrous material (T) and guiding such fibrous material along an advancement direction (A),
the exposed surface of the conveyor belt constantly comprising a depositing section (3a) extending upstream the operative section (3) of the conveyor belt (2) itself with respect to the advancement direction (A),
wherein the step of applying the treatment composition comprises at least to deposit a predetermined quantity of the treatment composition on the depositing section of the conveyor belt.
In a 39th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the step of applying the treatment composition is performed by an applicator (12) acting on the conveyor belt (2) upstream the operative section (3) with reference to the advancement direction of the sheet fibrous material itself.
In a 40th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the process comprises at least the following steps:
wherein the step of applying the treatment composition is performed by one or more of the following:
In a 41st aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 38 to 40, wherein—after the step of applying the treatment composition on the depositing section—the conveyor belt (2) moves the treatment composition to an initial contact area wherein the conveyor belt (2) is estimated to start to come in contact with the fibrous material (T),
particularly, the process comprises at least the following sub-steps:
In a 42nd aspect according to the preceding aspect, the process comprises a step of pressing the fibrous material against the conveyor belt at the initial contact area, for example by means of one or more pressure cylinders.
In a 43rd aspect according to the aspect 41 or 42, moving the treatment composition defines an accumulation of the composition at the initial contact area.
In a 44th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 36 to 43, the treatment composition comprises a treatment foam comprising at least one of:
In a 45th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 41 to 44, the process comprises the following steps:
In a 46th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the treatment composition comprises a treatment foam, wherein the process comprises the following steps:
In a 47th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the control step comprises at least the following sub-steps:
In a 48th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 45 to 47, the process comprises the following steps:
In a 49th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 36 to 48, the step of moving the fibrous material (T) is continuously performed at a speed constantly greater than 0, particularly constantly comprised between 20 and 100 m/min, still more particularly is comprised between 30 and 70 m/min,
the steps of applying the treatment composition and printing being performed in line during the continuous movement of the sheet fibrous material (T).
Some embodiments and some aspects of the invention will be described in the following with reference to the attached drawings, given only in an indicative and therefore non-limiting way, wherein:
Figures from 3 to 7 are lateral schematic view of an applicator of the treating station of the printing plant according to the present invention;
The figures could illustrate the object of the invention by not-to-scale representations; therefore, parts and components illustrated in the figures regarding the object of the invention, could only indicate schematic representations.
In the following description and in the attached claims, the terms listed in the following take the meanings specified in the following.
The ink for this type of printing can exhibit a viscosity comprised in the range from 1 to 10 mPa·s, preferably from 4 to 8 mPa·s, more preferably about 6 mPa·s measured according to the ASTM D7867-13 method.
Moreover, the ink can exhibit a surface tension comprised in the range from 25 to 45 mN/m, preferably from 30 to 40 mN/m, more preferably about 35 mN/m, measured according to the ASTM D1331-14 method. The viscosity and surface tension were measured at a temperature of 20° C. and at the atmospheric pressure. Further, the operative temperature is comprised in the range between 15° C. and 45° C., preferably between 30° C. and 40° C.; the operative temperature is understood as the temperature of the ink inside a printing head.
A person skilled in the art is capable of selecting the type of ink and also the application conditions and the additives suitable for this type of printing and as a function of the type of fibrous material to be printed.
Sheet fibrous material: a fibrous material as hereinbefore defined formed by a structure having two dimensions (length and width) having dimensions substantially prevailing with respect to a third dimension (thickness). The term sheet fibrous material means both a fibrous material consisting of discrete sheets having a limited length (for example the formats A0, A1, A2, A3, A4, etc.) and continuous webs exhibiting a significant length, which can be supplied by a roll on which the sheet material is wound, or can come from an in-line printing step. In any case, the sheet fibrous material, herein described, exhibits two sides or main surfaces, on at least one of which it is provided a print.
Optionally, the treatment liquid can comprise one or more of the following agents:
The neutral salts have the function of accelerating the depletion of the colorant and are mainly applied to the cotton fibers. Such suitable neutral salts are known to the person skilled in the art and include, for example, sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, and similar.
The anti-reducing agent is a substance which prevents the reduction of the colorant and therefore prevents a decrease of the colorant concentration. Suitable anti-reducing agents are known to the person skilled in the art and include, for example, meta-nitro benzene sulfonic acid and similar.
The humectants have the function of moisturizing the fibrous material so that it can be adapted to the ink jet head, and further have the function of controlling the viscosity. Suitable humectants comprise, for example: ethylene glycole, propylene glycole, and similar.
The anti-fermentation agents instead can comprise 2′-dihydroxy-5,5′-dichlorodiphenylmethane.
The treatment liquid can be prepared by mixing one or more of the components by conventional methods. As an alternative, individual liquid compositions such as for example: a liquid composition containing an anti-migration agent, a liquid composition containing an anti-diffusion agent, a liquid composition containing a pH control agent for an acid colourant ink, a liquid composition containing a pH control agent for a dispersed colourant ink, a liquid composition containing a pH control agent for a reactive colourant ink, a liquid composition containing a hydrotropic agent, a liquid composition containing a surfactant, or a liquid composition containing a neutral salt, and/or an anti-reducing agent and similar can be prepared. As an alternative, each individual composition can be applied alone to such fibrous material. Both the individual liquid compositions and the treatment liquid are filtered by a membrane, for example an acetate or cellulose nitrate membrane.
As an alternative, the treatment liquid can be prepared by suitably diluting a concentrated treatment composition, comprising at least one anti-migration agent, a pH control agent, a hydrotropic agent and, optionally, one or more of the other components as hereinbefore defined. The concentrated composition can be in the form of a paste, preferably having a viscosity of about 300-500 cP measured according to the Brookfield method.
The treatment liquid, according to the invention, generally has a viscosity greater than 2.0 cP, preferably greater than 5 cP, particularly comprised between 10 and 20 cP. Such viscosity is measured by a DV-II+Viscometer instrument (Brookfield Inc.). Generally, the treatment liquid has a surface tension greater than 20 N/cm2, preferably greater than 25 N/cm2, greater than 30 N/cm2; and/or less than 70 N/cm2, less than 65 N/cm2, less than 60 N/cm2. Generally, such treatment liquid has a surface tension comprised in the range from 20 to 70 N/cm2. Such surface tension is measured by a Surface Tensiomat 21 instrument (Fisher Scientific Inc.).
The viscosity and surface tension were measured at a temperature of 20° C. and at the atmospheric pressure.
In a general formulation of the treatment liquid, the same comprises at least one of:
Optionally, the treatment liquid comprises:
Optionally, the treatment liquid can further comprise at least one surfactant and/or a neutral salt and/or an anti-reducing agent and/or one humectant and/or one anti-fermentation agent.
In a first embodiment, the treatment liquid can comprise:
In an embodiment variant of the first embodiment of the treatment liquid, this latter can comprise:
In an embodiment variant of the first embodiment, the treatment liquid can comprise:
The above described treatment liquid does not comprise both pH control agents and hydrotropic agents. The treatment liquid, defined in the second embodiment, is suitable for interacting with a dispersed ink which does not require both to use pH control agents and hydrotropic agents; further such treatment liquid enables to apply the anti-migration agent separately from the pH control agent and from the hydrotropic agent when reactive or acid ink is used.
In a second embodiment, the treatment liquid can comprise:
In an embodiment variant of the second embodiment of the treatment liquid, this latter can comprise:
The treatment liquid defined in the second embodiment does not comprise anti-migration agents and is adapted to interact with pigment inks, which do not require to use anti-migration agents.
Moreover, as an individual composition, the above defined treatment liquid enables to apply the pH control and hydrotropic agents separately from the anti-migration agent when a reactive or acid ink is used.
In a third embodiment, the treatment liquid can comprise:
Preferably, according to the third embodiment, the treatment liquid, for example adapted to interact with reactive inks, can comprise:
Preferably, according to the third embodiment, the treatment liquid, for example adapted to interact with an acid ink, can comprise:
Another example of a treatment liquid according to the third embodiment comprises:
Another example of the treatment liquid according to the third embodiment comprises:
The above defined treatment liquid is advantageously adapted to interact with reactive inks.
Another example of a treatment liquid according to the third embodiment comprises:
The above defined treatment liquid is advantageously adapted to interact with an acid colourant ink.
Another example of the treatment liquid according to the third embodiment comprises:
The above defined treatment liquid is advantageously, but in a non-limiting way, adapted to interact with a dispersed ink.
Examples of individual compositions useable in the present invention, are listed in the following:
In a first embodiment variant, an individual composition can comprise:
In a further embodiment variant, an individual composition can comprise:
This latter defined individual liquid composition is advantageously, but in a non-limiting way, adapted to interact with reactive colourant inks.
In a further embodiment variant, an individual composition can comprise:
The above defined individual liquid composition is advantageously, but in a non-limiting way, adapted to interact with acid colourant inks.
In a further embodiment variant, an individual composition can comprise:
The above defined individual liquid composition is advantageously, but in a non-limiting way, adapted to interact with dispersed colourant inks.
In a further embodiment variant, an individual composition can comprise:
In an embodiment, the treatment foam comprises the treatment liquid, as hereinbefore described and, optionally, one or more additives such as for example: foaming agents, wetting agents and viscosity modifying agents.
Suitable foaming agents are known to the person skilled in the art, and comprise, for example, surfactants, for example cationic, anionic, amphoteric, non-ionic surfactants; for example, alkyl betaines, particularly laurylamidopropylbetaine, can be used. Adapted wetting agents comprise, for example, silicone derivatives. Viscosity modifying agents comprise, for example, modified or substituted cellulose and poly(meth)acrylic acids and salts thereof, such as for example, ammonium salts, preferably: hydroxyethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose and cellulose dimethylpropane sulfonate.
The composition defining the treatment foam can, for example, comprise:
The wetting agent, if present in the composition of the treatment liquid used for producing the foam, has a percentage comprised between 0.001% and 5%, preferably from 0.01% to 1% wt. with respect to the total weight of said composition. The viscosity modifying agent, if present in the composition of the treatment liquid used for producing the foam, has a percentage comprised between 0.001 and 5%, preferably from 0.01% to 1% wt. with respect to the total weight of said composition.
The medium which can be used for producing the foam of the invention is well known to the person skilled in the art, and many different mediums are commercially available. For example, in case a gas, for example air, is directly blown at high pressure into the liquid medium and/or in case foaming agents are used, a mechanical stirrer, a conventional mixer, or a foam generator can be used.
The density of the treatment foam is greater than 0.005 g/cm3, preferably is comprised between 0.01 g/cm3 and 0.3 g/cm3; the foam density was obtained by introducing a determined foam volume in a graduated laboratory cylinder of a known weight, by determining the weight of the foam and calculating the density from the known volume and weight. The expansion ratio of the treatment foam, defined as the ratio between the weight of the liquid and a weight of the same volume of foam prepared by this liquid, is comprised between 2:1 and 6:1, preferably between 3:1 and 5:1.
The average diameter of the cells of the foam, according to the invention, is greater than 0.05 mm, preferably comprised between 0.08 and 0.5 mm. The average diameter of the cells of the foam was measured by placing a foam sample on a microscope slide, by observing with a microscope having an enlargement of 32 times, and by counting the number of cells in an area of 6.77 mm2. Particularly, the average diameter D of the cells, measured in mm, was determined by the equation:
D=2/√π·[(6.77)(liquid density−foam density)/cells number]1/2
Preferably, the treatment foam can comprise:
The variation of hydrophobicity of the fibrous material before and after the plasma-treatment is measured by the contact angle, in other words the magnitude of the angle, measured in Angstrom degrees, present between the surface of the fibrous material and the tangent to the liquid-vapour interface of a water drop. The hydrophobicity variation of the fibrous material before and after the plasma treatment according to the invention, can be measured when the surface of a sample of the fibrous material contacts a distilled water drop 1 cm high for 60 seconds, by measuring the quantity in grams of distilled water absorbed by the material, and weighing the sample of the material before and after the test. The results are expressed in grams/m2 of absorbed water.
Standard atmosphere: an atmosphere at a temperature of 288.15 K (15° C.), at a pressure of 101.325 kPa (1 tm) and at a humidity of 0.00.
Printing Plant
1 generally indicates a plant for printing, particularly for digitally printing, a sheet fibrous material T, for example as a discrete sheet or as continuous web. The plant 1, object of the invention, is useable for ink-printing at least one side of said sheet fibrous material T which, for example, can be formed by or can comprise a fabric and/or non-woven fabric. Generally, but in a non limiting way, the plant 1 can be applied in the textile or knitted fabric or non-woven fabric industry for printing by ink.
As it is visible in the attached figures, the plant 1 comprises at least one conveyor belt 2 movable along a closed path, particularly between at least one first and one second end idler members 2a, 2b. The conveyor belt 2 exhibits a structure having two dimensions: length and width (the width is identified by the letter L as illustrated in
The conveyor belt 2 exhibits two main surfaces or sides: an exposed surface S and an inner surface I. The inner surface I is configured for directly contacting the idler members 2a, 2b adapted to guide the operative section of the belt 2 along the cited movement direction, while the exposed surface S is configured for receiving the fibrous material T; particularly, the exposed surface S is configured for facing and receiving a first side T1 of the sheet fibrous material T. In a preferred, but non limiting configuration of the invention, the conveyor belt 2—at least at a continuous longitudinal band of the exposed surface S destined to receive the sheet fibrous material T—is devoid of through openings crossing the thickness of the belt 2 itself; particularly, at least the exposed surface S destined to receive the sheet fibrous material T is completely smooth, devoid of holes (through openings, for example) and advantageously devoid of valleys and projections. Advantageously, but in a non-limiting way, the conveyor belt 2 comprises at least one continuous layer of water-proof material defining the exposed surface and capable of providing the surface itself, according to a view normal to the movement direction, with a continuous and preferably rectilinear outline. For example, the conveyor belt 2 can be made at least partially of at least one material selected in the group of the following: elastomeric materials, silicone, silicone rubber or other.
The exposed surface S of the conveyor belt 2 exhibits constantly an operative section 3 configured for temporarily contactingly receiving the first side T1 of the fibrous material T. De facto, at least part of the closed path of the conveyor belt 2 defines the operative section 3 for transporting the fibrous material T; the operative section 3 is defined by the portion of the belt 2 which moves the fibrous material T, in other words from the portion of the belt 2 directly supporting the fibrous material T. The operative section 3 is defined by a portion of the path between the first and second idler members as illustrated in
In a preferred but non-limiting arrangement of the invention, the conveyor belt 2 comprises only the first and second idler members and therefore exhibits a substantially rectangular closed path, radiused at said members; under such condition, the operative section 3 is defined by a rectilinear portion of the rectangular path: the material T therefore would be transported by the belt 2 along a rectilinear section, particularly a flat one. De facto, the conveyor belt 2 is configured for temporarily receiving and supporting the fibrous material T; during the movement of the conveyor belt 2, this latter is configured for guiding the fibrous material T moving along an advancement direction A (see
As it is visible in the attached figures, the exposed surface of the conveyor belt 2 comprises constantly a depositing section 3a extending upstream the operative section 3 of the conveyor belt 2 itself with respect to the advancement direction A. As it will be better described in the following, the depositing section 3a of the exposed surface S is configured for receiving a treatment composition M adapted to contact the fibrous material T in the operative section 3.
The depositing section 3a extends on the same rectilinear section of the rectangular closed path of the conveyor belt 2 on which said operative section 3 is defined. More particularly, the depositing section 3a extends substantially from the first idler member 2a towards the second member 2b. Still more particularly, the depositing section 3a extends from the first idler member 2a to the operative section 3: the depositing section 3a and operative section 3 are immediately consecutive to each other along the advancement direction A of the fibrous material T.
From the dimensional point of view, the conveyor belt 2 is configured for exhibiting a width L equal to or greater than a maximum width of the fibrous material T (see
The conveyor belt 2—during a predetermined operative condition is configured for moving continuously the fibrous material T at a speed constantly greater than 0 along the advancement direction A. During the operative condition of the conveyor belt 2, the same is always and constantly moving. Still in other words, during the operative condition of the conveyor belt 2, the same does not provide to alternately move step-by-step, wherein dwells of the belt along the moving direction are provided.
In a preferred but non-limiting arrangement of the invention, the plant 1 comprises at least one control unit 9 (outlined in
As hereinbefore discussed, the depositing section 3a is configured for receiving a treatment composition. The conveyor belt 2—due to the motion thereof—is configured for transporting the treatment composition applied on the depositing section 3a to an initial contact area wherein the conveyor belt 2 is estimated to start to come in contact with the fibrous material T supplied along said operative path. Particularly, the initial contact area is a connecting area between the depositing section 3a and operative section 3: the depositing section, initial contact area and operative section are immediately consecutive to each other and extend, without interruption, along the closed operative path of the belt 2, particularly along the advancement direction A of the fibrous material T.
Advantageously but in a non-limiting way, the plant 1 comprises at least one pressure organ 5a (see
Moreover, the plant 1 can comprise an anvil pressure organ 5b (see
The initial contact area of the belt is—with the fibrous material—interposed between the pressure organs 5a and 5b.
Advantageously, at least the pressure organ 5a (optionally both the pressure organ 5a and anvil organ 5b) extend transversally to the conveyor belt 2 (particularly normal)—with respect to said movement direction and particularly with respect to the advancement direction A of the fibrous material T—for defining a length substantially identical to the width of the sheet fibrous material. More particularly, each pressure organ exhibits a length substantially equal to the width L of the belt 2.
Advantageously, at least the pressure organ 5a comprises a completely smooth (devoid of cavities and/or through openings) outer circular contact surface of waterproof material.
As it is visible in
The treating station 4 comprises at least one applicator 12 of the treatment composition, operating below the fibrous material T supplied along the operative path. Particularly, the applicator 12 is disposed upstream the pressure organ 5a with respect to the movement direction, particularly with respect to the advancement direction A of the fibrous material T.
More specifically, the applicator 12 is positioned and configured for disposing the treatment composition M on the exposed surface S of the depositing section 3a of the conveyor belt 2. De facto, the applicator 12 deposits the treatment composition on the portion of the conveyor belt 2 which does not still contact the fibrous material T.
After moving the belt, the treatment composition M applied on the exposed surface is guided to the initial contact area wherein the composition is brought in direct contact with the first side T1 of the fibrous material. The contact of the belt with the fibrous material causes the composition to treat the fibrous material T from the first side T1: the composition passes through at least part of the thickness of the fibrous material for enabling the treatment.
As hereinbefore described, in an embodiment of the invention, the conveyor belt 2 defines an operative condition wherein the same continuously moves the fibrous material T constantly at a speed greater than 0; the treating station 4 is configured for disposing, during the predetermined operative condition, on the depositing section 3a, the treatment composition M. More particularly, the conveyor belt 2, during the operative condition, is configured for continuously moving the fibrous material T through the treating station 4 which deposits continuously the treatment composition M on the section 3a.
The treatment composition M supplied by the treating station 4, independently from the liquid or foam state of the treatment composition, can comprise for example one of the following agents: an anti-migration agent, a pH control agent, a hydrotropic agent.
The treating station 4 is configured for disposing, on the sliding section 3a, a predetermined quantity of the treatment composition M; said quantity of the treatment composition M is selected so that the treated fibrous material T (the fibrous material which has received the treatment composition) exhibits a weight percentage per square meter variation, between a cross-section immediately upstream the pressure organ 5a (the fibrous material which is not still in contact with the treatment composition) and a cross-section immediately downstream the pressure organ 5a, less than 70%, particularly comprised between 10% and 50%, still more particularly comprised between 10% and 30%.
As hereinbefore described, in a configuration of the plant 1, the same comprises the control unit 9. In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the treatment composition M comprises, and particularly is, a treatment foam, and the plant 1 comprises:
More particularly, the foam sensor 11 is configured for generating said control signal which exhibits at least one characteristic related to a size of the foam accumulation in a predetermined control plane, said control unit being configured for:
Still more particularly, the control unit 9 is configured for:
The sensor 11, as illustrated in
The primary signal can comprise an electric, electromagnetic or acoustic signal. The secondary signal can comprise an electric, electromagnetic or acoustic signal.
As an alternative, the foam sensor 11 can comprise:
Moreover, the plant 1 can comprise at least one movement sensor connected to the conveyor belt 2 and configured for emitting a monitoring signal representative of a movement speed of the conveyor belt along the advancement direction A. The control unit is connected to the movement sensor and is configured for receiving said monitoring signal and controlling said applicator based on said monitoring signal.
Particularly, the control unit is configured for:
Particularly, the control unit is configured for:
The quantity of the treatment composition, managed by the control unit 9 by means of the applicator 12, is selected so that the fibrous material T itself exhibits a weight percentage per square meter variation, between a cross-section immediately upstream the pressure organ 5a (the material has not still received the composition) and a cross-section immediately downstream the pressure organ 5a, less than 70%, particularly comprised between 10% and 50%, still more particularly between 10% and 30%.
More particularly, in a first example, the applicator 12 of the treating station 4 comprises at least one nozzle dispenser 18 (
The applicator 12 is configured for applying on the exposed surface S of the conveyor belt, a treatment foam exhibiting, immediately downstream the applicator 12, a thickness less than 5 mm, particularly comprised between 0.5 and 3 mm.
In a further alternative, the applicator is reciprocally movable transversally to a motion direction of the conveyor belt and is configured for covering a predetermined transversal width of this latter.
In a second example, the applicator 12 of the treating station 4 comprises a coating blade 19 (FIGS. 2A and 4) placed transversally to the motion of the conveyor belt 2, and distanced above the depositing section 3a. The coating blade 19 can be associated to a distributor 20 of the treatment composition M, configured for disposing on the depositing section 3a, a predetermined quantity of the treatment composition M. The blade 19 is disposed immediately downstream the distributor 20 along the movement direction and is configured for coating on the exposed surface, the treatment composition M supplied by the distributor 20. Advantageously, the coating blade is used, in a non-limiting way, for coating a material M comprising or consisting only of a treatment foam. Advantageously, as illustrated in
Moreover, the control unit 9 can be connected to an actuator (not illustrated in the attached figures), connected to the blade and configured for moving this latter along the adjustment direction R: the control unit can be configured for commanding the actuator to manage a minimum distance between the blade and the conveyor belt 2.
Moreover, the plant 1 can comprise at least one further sensor, for example a further foam sensor, substantially identical to the above described foam sensor 11. However, the further foam sensor is configured for emitting a control signal representative of the foam quantity placed immediately at an area wherein the treatment composition is supplied by the applicator, particularly immediately upstream the blade of the applicator 12. The control unit is connected to the further foam sensor and is configured for receiving the control signal of the further foam sensor and for determining the quantity of foam placed immediately upstream the blade and particularly at a supplying area of the applicator. The control unit, after detecting the quantity of foam, is configured for controlling the applicator and particularly the distributor 20.
More particularly, the further foam sensor is configured for generating the control signal which exhibits at least one characteristic related to a size of an accumulation of foam in a predetermined control plane immediately upstream the applicator blade; the control unit being configured for:
Based on the detected value, the control unit is configured for:
In a third example, the applicator 12 of the treating station 4 comprises a drum 23 (
In a fourth example, the applicator 12 of the treating station 4 comprises an applicator roll (this condition is not illustrated in the attached figures) with an associated respective blade for adjusting a thickness of the treatment composition M deposited on a lateral surface of the applicator roll. The applicator roll and blade extend transversally to the conveyor belt 2 and extend substantially along all the width of said belt. The applicator roll is positioned with the rotation axis transversal to the motion of the conveyor belt 2 and with the lateral surface distanced above the section 3a of the conveyor belt 2.
In a fifth example, the applicator 12 of the treating station 4 comprises a distributor 25 comprising a reservoir 26 configured for receiving the treatment composition M (
As hereinbefore described, advantageously the plant 1 can comprise a control unit 9; in such arrangement, the unit 9 can be active on the pusher for managing the quantity of the treatment composition M to be supplied on the conveyor belt 2. More particularly, the control unit 9 is connected to the pusher and is configured for:
The applicator 12 is configured for applying on the exposed surface of the conveyor belt, a treatment foam exhibiting, immediately downstream the applicator 12, a thickness less than 5 mm, particularly comprised between 0.5 and 3 mm.
As it is visible in the attached figures, the plant 1 further comprises a printing station 6 configured for ink-printing, particularly by a digital print, at least part of the second side T2 of the fibrous material T opposite to the first side T1. The printing station 6 operates at the conveyor belt 2 and is configured for printing the fibrous material T (particularly the second side T2) placed on the operative section 3 of the conveyor belt 2. The printing station operates on the conveyor belt 2 immediately downstream the treating station 4. In an embodiment variant, between the treating station 4 and printing station 6, there can be a drying station 16 configured for drying the fibrous material moving along the advancement direction A.
The printing station 6 comprises at least one printing module 7 extending transversally, particularly normal, to the movement direction of the operative section of the conveyor belt 2. In a preferred but non-limiting arrangement of the invention, each printing module 7 exhibits a width, measured normal to the cited movement direction, slightly less (for example 5%-10% less), equal to or greater than the width of the conveyor belt 2. De facto, each printing module 7 is configured for defining a width equal to or greater than the width of the fibrous material T which, during the use, is brought to adhere on the conveyor belt; such width being measured normal to the advancement direction A of the fibrous material T.
Each printing module 7, during the predetermined operative condition of the conveyor belt 2 (the conveyor belt moves continuously so that the fibrous material T continuously moves at a speed greater than 0), is configured for:
In other words, providing a printing module 7 extending along all the width of the fibrous material T, enables the module itself to remain still—particularly enables to not perform any type of displacements along a longitudinal and/or transversal directions with respect to the movement direction of the operative section of the conveyor belt 2—during the operative condition of the conveyor belt (continuously moving the belt 2) and continuously performing a printing on the fibrous material T by only the movement imparted to the fibrous material T.
More particularly, each printing module 7 comprises a plurality of heads 8 (Figures from 9 to 11) configured for covering, by the respective nozzles, all the width of the conveyor belt, particularly of the fibrous material T.
In a further embodiment illustrated in
As hereinbefore described, in a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the plant 1, this latter comprises a control unit 9 active on the conveyor belt 2 and connected to a monitoring sensor engaged with said belt 2; moreover, the control unit 9 is connected to the printing station 6 (see the connecting lines c-d-f in
Particularly, the control unit 9 is configured for managing the continuous movement of the conveyor belt 2 and, simultaneously, for managing the printing station 6 as a function of the movement speed of the fibrous material T along the advancement direction A.
Therefore, the plant 1, provided with the conveyor belt 2 and printing station 6, can comprise one or more treating stations 4 positioned upstream the printing station 6.
In an embodiment of the plant illustrated in
As it is visible in the attached figure, the plant 1 can comprise a supplying station 14 configured for supplying, particularly directly, the fibrous material to the treating station 4.
The supplying station 14 can comprise a roll of material T placed on a drum, the rotation thereof being commanded by a motor. The fibrous material T is unwound from the drum and supplied to the treating station 4. In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the plant 1 comprises a control unit 9 active on the supplying station 14 (see the line a in
In an embodiment variant of the invention, the fibrous material T can be withdrawn from a different supplying station 14 configured for storing as flat layers or bends the fibrous material T (this condition is not illustrated in the attached figures). Moreover, it is not excluded the possibility of directly withdrawing the fibrous material exiting from a further plant for treating the material T such as, for example, a rameuse machine.
As it is visible in the attached figures, moreover the plant 1 can comprise a vaporizer 15 (typically known in the field as “vapor treating devices” or “steam agers”) placed downstream the printing station 6 and, if present, downstream the further treating station 10. The vaporizer 15 is configured for drying the fibrous material T provided with print in order to perform a fixing treatment of the printing ink on the material T: the printed material is contained in an environment having a vapor at conditions of pressure and temperature suitable for ensuring to fix the ink to the fibers of the material.
As it is visible in the attached figures, moreover the plant 1 can further comprise at least one drying station 16 positioned downstream the printing station 6 and configured for drying the fibrous material T.
Advantageously, but in a non-limiting way, the plant can comprise a drying station positioned upstream the printing station 6 and particularly positioned between the pressure organ 5a and printing station 6. The drying station can comprise, for example, one or more irradiation lamps, particularly infrared lamps. Moreover, the drying station 16 can comprise a blowing system configured for generating an air flow at the sheet fibrous material.
As it is visible in
The gathering station 17 can comprise a drum rotatively commanded by a motor, on which the printed fibrous material is wound.
In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the control unit 9 active on the gathering station 17 (see line m in
In an embodiment variant of the invention, the printed fibrous material T can be accumulated as flat layers or as bends in a different gathering station (this condition is not illustrated in the attached figures).
Moreover, it is not excluded the possibility of directly supplying the printed fibrous material exiting the printing station 6—as an alternative exiting the vaporizer or drying station if present—to a further plant for treating the material T.
Printing Process
Moreover, it is an object of the present invention a process of printing a sheet fibrous material T particularly performed by the plant 1 according to anyone of the attached claims and/or according to the above given description. The process comprises a step of accumulating the fibrous material T, for example from the supplying station 14, and of supplying the same to the treating station 4. Particularly, the process can comprise a step of unwinding the fibrous material T from the drum of the supplying station 14.
The fibrous material is constrained on the exposed surface of the conveyor belt 2 for defining the operative section 3 wherein the belt supports the fibrous material. The first side T1 is brought in contact with the exposed surface of the belt 2. The fibrous material T therefore is moved—by the conveyor belt 2—along an advancement direction A.
Advantageously, but in a non-limiting way, the fibrous material T is constrained (for example by applying an adhesive material) to the exposed surface of the belt 2 so that this latter can stably support said moving material T. The exposed surface S exhibits constantly an operative section 3 of the belt 2, configured for temporarily contactingly receiving the first side T1 of the fibrous material T and guiding such fibrous material along an advancement direction A. In a preferred but non-limiting arrangement of the invention, the conveyor belt 2 continuously moves the fibrous material T along an advancement direction A at a speed constantly greater than 0 (the operative condition of the conveyor belt 2). More particularly, the fibrous material T is continuously moved along the advancement direction A at a speed constantly comprised between 20 and 100 m/min, particularly comprised between 30 and 70 m/min.
The process comprises a step of applying the treatment composition to the first side T1 of the fibrous material T for example by means of one or more applicators 12. Particularly, the step of applying the composition comprises depositing this latter directly on the first side T1 of the sheet fibrous material, since there is no direct deposition of the composition on the second side T2. The step of applying the treatment composition is performed by an applicator 12 acting on the conveyor belt 2 upstream the operative section 3 with respect to the advancement direction of the sheet fibrous material itself.
More particularly, the step of applying the treatment composition comprises at least depositing a predetermined quantity of the treatment composition on the depositing section 3a of the conveyor belt 2 by one or more applicators.
More particularly, the process comprises at least the following steps:
The step of applying the treatment composition is performed by one or more of the following steps:
Following the step of applying the treatment composition on the depositing section—the conveyor belt 2 moves the treatment composition to an initial contact area wherein the conveyor belt 2 is estimated to start to come in contact with the fibrous material T. As illustrated in
The process comprises at least one step of bringing in contact the first side T1 of the fibrous material T with the exposed surface of the conveyor belt 2 so that the same can define an operative section 3 wherein the conveyor belt 2 supports the fibrous material. Constraining the fibrous material to the belt is performed by a step of pressing the material itself against the conveyor belt at the initial contact area, for example by one or more pressure organs or rolls or cylinders.
Due to the pressure of the fibrous material on the belt, the process enables the treatment composition—directly and only applied on the first side T1 of the material T—to treat the material and particularly to expand inside the material itself. In this way, the step of contacting (pressuring) the material enables an uniform and correct treatment of the sheet fibrous material.
In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the process, the treatment composition comprises a treatment foam. In such arrangement, the process can comprise at least the following steps:
commanding to supply the treatment composition on the depositing section 3a as a function of the accumulated foam quantity at the initial contact area. Particularly, the process comprises the following steps:
More particularly, the control step comprises at least the following sub-steps:
De facto, by monitoring the accumulation of foam, the process adjusts the supply of the treatment composition in order to deliver the desired foam quantity to the fibrous material.
Besides such control, the process can adjust the supply of the treatment composition—comprising both liquid and/or treatment foam—by monitoring and controlling the movement speed of the conveyor belt. De facto, based on the movement speed of the belt and therefore of the fibrous material along the advancement direction A, the process adjusts the quantity of the composition to be supplied on the depositing section 3a.
More particularly, the process can comprise the following steps:
Controlling the quantity of the treatment composition can be performed by considering at least one of the following parameters: accumulation of the treatment composition at the initial contact area, the speed of the moving belt 2.
After the step of contacting the fibrous material with the belt, the second side T2 of the material T itself—opposite to the first side T1—is ink-printed, optionally by a digital print. De facto, the second side T2 of the treated fibrous material exiting the treating station and in contact with the belt 2 is printed. The printing step is performed on the second side T2 of the fibrous material placed on the operative section 3.
As hereinbefore described, the printing station 6 comprises at least one printing module 7 which, during the movement of the fibrous material T (operative condition of the conveyor belt 2), remains in a fixed position and prints on all a width of the fibrous material T. Plural printing modules 7 can be provided (for example from 3 to 10) parallelly positioned to each other astride the conveyor belt and consecutively placed along the advancement direction A: for example the printing heads of each module can be supplied by a respective ink in order to obtain any chromatic combination.
The step of moving the fibrous material T is preferably but in a non-limiting way performed continuously at a speed constantly greater than 0, particularly constantly comprised between 20 and 100 m/min, still more particularly comprised between 30 and m/min. The steps of applying the treatment composition and printing are performed in-line during the continuous movement of the fibrous material T.
Moreover, the process can comprise, after the printing step, a further treatment step, for example performed by the station 10, during which the treatment composition is applied on the second side T2 of the printed material T.
Moreover, the process can comprise one or more steps of drying the sheet fibrous material, for example by means of the station 16; particularly, the process can comprise a step of drying the fibrous material immediately exiting the pressure organ 5a: such drying step enables to dry the treated fibrous material before the printing step. Moreover, the process can comprise a second drying step performed after the printing step: the printed material exiting the station 6 is caused to pass through the drying station 16.
The process, according to the present invention, can further comprise a step of supplying the fibrous material T by means of the station 14. The supplying step enables to directly supply the fibrous material T towards the treating station 4.
The supplying step can be performed by unwinding a roll of the material T placed on a drum rotatively commanded by a motor. In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the process comprises the following steps:
Moreover, the process can comprise a vaporizing step
Moreover, the process can comprise a step of drying the printed fibrous material. The drying step can be performed on the material exiting the belt 2 or on the material placed on the operative section of the conveyor belt 2. In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the drying step is performed immediately after the vaporizing step.
Moreover, the process comprises a step of gathering the printed material for example by the gathering station 17. The gathering step enables to bring together the printed material exiting the conveyor belt 2 for example around a gathering drum, for defining a roll of printed material, or as an alternative in a container for gathering the printed material as layers.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 102016000078681 | Jul 2016 | IT | national |
This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/320,324, filed on Jan. 24, 2019, which is a U.S. National Stage Entry under 35 USC § 371 of International Patent Application No. PCT/IB2017/054510, filed on Jul. 25, 2017, which claims the benefit of Italian Patent Application No. 102016000078681, filed on Jul. 27, 2016, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| 20220314641 A1 | Oct 2022 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16320324 | US | |
| Child | 17845613 | US |
