Apparatus and method for loading solid ink pellets into a printer
US5038157A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 18, 1989 |
| Grant date | Aug 6, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 18, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/17593
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A printer using meltable solid ink pellets loaded into a reservoir in which a holder with an attached solid ink pellet is inserted through a doorway for access to the reservoir and a release mechanism within the reservoir releases the ink pellet from the holder by engagement of the ink and release mechanism. The holder surrounds the pellet on all but one end and includes keyed projections on the holder for matching to keyed slots on said doorway, such that only a matching keyed holder will pass through said doorway. The keyed projections on the holder are used to open the doorway. The release mechanism includes a bore for receiving and restraining the pellet against rotation of the holder, or can include a thin chisel for severing the connection of the pellet to the holder.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.