Feed guidance and identification for ink stick
US6722764B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 29, 2002 |
| Grant date | Apr 20, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 29, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/17593
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An ink stick for use in a solid ink feed system of a phase change ink jet printer includes a three dimensional ink stick body that has a lateral center of gravity, a substantially horizontal perimeter, and opposed end surfaces. An ink stick guide element is formed in the bottom of the ink stick body, and the ink stick is adapted to travel through the feed channel along a feed channel guide rail. A portion of the ink stick perimeter forms a visually recognizable symbol, and a portion of the ink stick perimeter that is transverse to the feed direction of the channel has an insertion key element. Nesting elements are formed in the leading and trailing end surfaces of the ink stick body to nest with one another when ink sticks abut in the feed channel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.