Solid ink stick supply apparatus and method
US5917528A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 5, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jun 29, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 5, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/17593
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A solid ink stick supply system and related method for delivering solid ink sticks to an ink jet print head reservoir is disclosed. The supply system includes a housing with a keyed plate that guides the ink sticks into the proper loading position in a supply channel. A pusher rod in the supply channel transfers an ink stick onto an endless belt for delivery to the print head reservoir. A push device on the endless belt engages and delivers the ink stick to the print head reservoir. A second ink stick is transferred from the supply channel to the endless belt and is retained on the belt by a stop device. A method for efficiently loading ink sticks into the supply system is also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.