Phase change waste ink control apparatus and method
US6783221B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 16, 2002 |
| Grant date | Aug 31, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 17, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/17593
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A phase change waste ink control apparatus and method are provided and are suitable for use in a phase change ink image producing machine including a printhead system. The apparatus for the method includes (a) devices for producing phase change waste ink such as from a printhead system; (b) a waste ink gutter assembly, including a heating device, for collecting, accumulating and coalescing the phase change waste ink. The apparatus also includes (c) a controller for periodically turning the heating device on to heat and melt coalesced phase change waste ink within the waste ink gutter assembly; and (d) a waste ink collection container for collecting melted phase change waste ink from the waste ink gutter assembly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.