Solid ink delivery system
US4870430A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 2, 1987 |
| Grant date | Sep 26, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 2, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/17593
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A solid ink delivery system for supplying sticks of solid ink to a ink jet printer is disclosed. The solid ink delivery system includes a delivery assembly for each color ink stick supplied to the printer. Each delivery assembly includes a tube assembly where the ink sticks are stacked prior to their delivery to the printer. A triggerable ink stick feed assembly is provided for normally holding the in sticks in place. When triggered, the ink stick feed assembly releases the bottommost ink stick or sticks to an opening in the printer adapted to receive them, and restricts the movement of the above stacked ink sticks. The solid ink delivery system is adapted for use with a moving print head having a number of reservoir openings each adapted to receive ink sticks of a different color. A positioning means aligns the print head so the reservoir openings are under the tube assemblies that supply them with the appropriate color ink. Registration assemblies inhibit the triggering of the ink stick feed assemblies unless a reservoir opening for the color ink stick they supply is properly aligned.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.