Solid phase change ink melter assembly and phase change ink image producing machine having same
US6866375B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 16, 2002 |
| Grant date | Mar 15, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 16, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/17593
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In a high-speed phase change ink image producing machine having a printhead system and a controller, apparatus and method for melting solid phase change ink into melted molten liquid ink, and for controlling the melted molten liquid ink to achieve a high throughput rate of image production are provided. The apparatus for the method includes (a) feeding assembly for first feeding solid pieces of phase change ink into a solid pieces melter housing; (b) a melter assembly including a melter housing and a melting device for heating and melting the solid pieces of phase change ink to form melted molten liquid ink; (c) a first storage and control apparatus including a first storage reservoir for storing and controlling a first quantity of the melted molten liquid ink in the first storage reservoir; (d) a second storage reservoir and filter assembly connected to the first storage reservoir for holding a second volume of the melted molten liquid ink; and (e) control apparatus for controlling flow of melted molten liquid ink from the first storage reservoir into the second storage reservoir and filter assembly, and from the second storage reservoir towards a printhead system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.