Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080204532 | System for loading and feeding solid ink sticks to an ink melter in a phase change ink printer - A solid ink delivery system for a phase change ink image generator includes a solid ink stick loader and a solid ink stick feeder that cooperate to provide solid ink sticks to an ink melter. The solid ink delivery system includes a solid ink stick loader having a moving support that transports a solid ink stick from a loading area and a solid ink stick feeder having a moving gripper for engaging a solid ink stick received from the solid ink stick moving support. The moving gripper remains in engagement with the solid ink stick as the ink stick is delivered to an ink melter and converted to liquid ink. The loader and gripper members of the delivery system interact with ink sticks that are configured with drive engagement structures at opposed sides of the ink stick. | 08-28-2008 |
20080218569 | Multi-position interlocking ink stick - An ink stick comprises an ink stick body having first and second opposed ends. A first interlocking face on the first end and a first interlocking face on the second end have complementary nesting shapes and are oriented to allow the first interlocking face of an end of the ink stick body to nest with a first interlocking face of an end of an adjacent ink stick when in a linear section of a feed path of an ink delivery system. A second interlocking face on the first end and a second interlocking face on the second end have complementary nesting shapes and are oriented to allow the second interlocking face of the ink stick body to nest with a second interlocking face of an end of an adjacent ink stick when in a non-linear section of the feed path. | 09-11-2008 |
20080218570 | IMAGING ON FLEXIBLE PACKAGING SUBSTRATES - Methods and devices for forming, such as by printing, high quality, high throughput, ultraviolet curable gel ink images on flexible substrates for packaging applications are disclosed. The methods and devices have excellent image quality and do not require pinning of the ink during color printing or nitrogen inerting during curing. | 09-11-2008 |
20080225095 | HIGH-SPEED PHASE CHANGE INK IMAGE PRODUCING MACHINE INCLUDING A STATIC ELIMINATING SOLID INK CONTAINER - An image producing machine including (a) an imaging member having a surface; (b) a printhead for forming an image onto the imaging surface; (c) a substrate supply system for feeding substrates to receive the formed image; and (d) a static eliminating container that includes a closed end; an open end; at least one cylindrical member having an interior surface defining a chamber for containing a quantity of solid phase-change ink pastilles. The static eliminating apparatus includes (i) a conductive interior portion for contacting the quantity of solid phase change ink pastilles being contained and moved therein; (ii) a groundable conductive exterior portion; and (iii) a conductive connector for connecting the conductive interior portion to the groundable conductive exterior portion, thereby enabling dissipation of static build up from frictionally moving the quantity of solid phase-change ink pastilles within the interior chamber. | 09-18-2008 |
20090009573 | INK-JET PRINTER USING PHASE-CHANGE INK PRINTING ON A CONTINUOUS WEB - A printing apparatus includes a printing station, including at least one printhead for applying phase-change ink to the substrate, and a backing member disposed on an opposite side of the substrate substantially opposite the printhead, the backing member causing the substrate to reach a predetermined ink-receiving temperature. | 01-08-2009 |
20090009574 | VALVE SYSTEM FOR MOLTEN SOLID INK AND METHOD FOR REGULATING FLOW OF MOLTEN SOLID INK - In a phase-change ink image producing machine, better control flow of molten solid ink may be provided by a solid ink valve system including a valve plate with one or more valve ports, an umbilical connector, and a valve positioned between the valve plate and the umbilical connector. Ink flow between the valve plate and the umbilical connector may be asynchronously regulated by actuating the valve. Such actuation may be performed by heating and cooling the valve, by applying electric current to a coil that surrounds a valve element of the valve and to a wire provided in the valve element and/or by asynchronously actuating a valve associated with the valve port. | 01-08-2009 |
20090066769 | Solid ink stick delivery system with static constraints, strategic barriers and breakage controls - A system for an ink delivery system of a phase change ink imaging device comprises a feed chute having an insertion end and a melt end. An ink stick transport is configured to move at least one ink stick between the insertion end and the melt end of the feed chute. At least one sensor is positioned in the feed chute for detecting a coded sensor feature of the at least one ink stick moving along the feed chute between the insertion end and melt end. The system includes at least one nudger positioned in the feed chute that is configured to influence a position of the at least one ink stick moving along the feed chute so that the coded sensor feature of the at least one ink stick is in a sensing position with respect to the at least one sensor. | 03-12-2009 |
20090091609 | Solid ink stick with visual orientation indicator - An ink stick for use in a phase change ink imaging device comprises an ink stick body configured for insertion in an insertion orientation into an ink loader of the phase change ink imaging device. The ink stick body has a plurality of surfaces. A visual orientation indicator is formed on at least one surface in the plurality of surfaces. The visual orientation indicator is configured to visually indicate a direction of orientation of at least one surface of the plurality of surfaces to place the ink stick body in the insertion orientation. | 04-09-2009 |
20090102905 | Transport system for providing a continuous supply of solid ink to a melting assembly in a printer - A solid ink printer includes a solid ink transportation control system that helps ensure a continuous supply of solid ink to a melting device within a printer. The solid ink transportation control system includes an ink loss measurement circuit configured to identify an accumulated ink mass loss of ink from an ink reservoir in a printer and to generate an ink supply replenish signal in response to the accumulated ink mass loss reaching an accumulated loss threshold, a drive motor electrically coupled to the ink loss measurement circuit, the drive motor being configured to operate in response to the ink supply replenish signal, and an ink stick drive train coupled to the drive motor, at least a portion of the ink stick drive train moving towards a melting assembly in the printer in response to the operation of the drive motor. | 04-23-2009 |
20090102906 | INK-JET PRINTER COMPRISING A STRUCTURE TO ELIMINATE INK DRIPPING - This invention provides an ink jet assembly that prevents and controls ink drips from upper print heads from contacting the lower print heads or paper in the system. A heated ink drip bib is provided below the ink jet releasing portion of a print head. This ink drip bib directs falling or dripping ink into a drip tray located below each ink bib during the purge cycle. The ink bibs and the drip trays are co-extensive so that any ink being deflected from the ink bib is caught by the ink tray. In one embodiment, the ink bib is angled away from the printing surface to ensure that any solidified ink is separated from an imaging surface. | 04-23-2009 |
20090115824 | Solid ink stick with transition indicating region - An ink stick comprises an ink stick body having a plurality of tracks formed in one or more side surfaces extending from a leading surface to a trailing surface substantially parallel to a feed direction of the ink loader. Each track forms a path corresponding to a track sensor in the ink loader and includes a leading sensor actuator and a trailing sensor actuator for actuating the respective track sensor. The leading sensor actuators and the trailing sensor actuators are configured to actuate the respective track sensors in an actuation sequence indicative of variable control/attribute information pertaining to the ink stick. A transition indicating region is formed between the leading sensor actuators and the trailing sensor actuators in the plurality of tracks. The transition indicating region is configured to interact with the track sensors to generate a signal indicative of a transition between the leading sensor actuators and the trailing sensor actuators. | 05-07-2009 |
20090160919 | System for delivering solid ink through a feed channel having non-linear sections - A system facilitates transport of solid ink by a motorized feed drive through a feed channel in a solid ink printer. The system includes a feed channel, a motorized feed drive in at least a portion of the feed channel, a meltable ink body having a drive coupler that is offset from a surface of the meltable ink body, the drive coupler having an opening to receive a portion of the motorized feed drive to enable the motorized feed drive to urge the meltable ink body, along the feed channel. | 06-25-2009 |
20090160920 | Pressure And Transfix Rollers For A Solid Ink Jet Printing Apparatus - A printing machine for transferring a phase change ink onto a print medium includes a component for applying a phase change ink in an image, an imaging member for accepting the image and transferring the image from the imaging member to the print medium and a pressure member positioned in association with the imaging member to form a nip through which the print medium passes. The pressure member includes an outer layer with a tailored electrical conductivity to eliminate ghosting in duplex printing modes. The outer layer comprises a composite of a polymer and carbon nanotubes and/or graphenes. A similar outer layer may be implemented on a pressure roller in a direct-to-paper printing machine. | 06-25-2009 |
20090185016 | Transport System Having Multiple Moving Forces For Solid Ink Delivery In A Printer - A solid printer includes a solid ink transportation system that uses multiple forces to direct solid ink to a melting assembly within the printer. The solid ink transportation system includes a housing having an opening through which solid ink is inserted, a first transportation path coupled at one end to the housing opening and configured to operate as a gravity feed to move the solid ink from the housing opening along the first transportation path, at least one other transportation path coupled at one end to the other end of the first transportation path, the solid ink being moved along the at least one other transportation path primarily by a mechanically generated force, and a melting device coupled to an exit of the at least one other transportation path to receive the solid ink moved along the at least one other transportation path. | 07-23-2009 |
20090185017 | Visual Identification Of Solid Ink Sticks - An ink stick comprises an ink stick body configured for insertion in an insertion direction into an ink loader of the phase change ink imaging device. The ink stick body has an insertion perimeter in a plane substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction and has a longitudinal dimension for aligning with a feed direction of the ink loader. A symbol contour is formed in a first position on the perimeter of the ink stick body. The symbol contour defines a portion of a perimeter of a visually recognizable symbol shape and extends at most partially along the perimeter of the ink stick in the longitudinal dimension of the ink stick body. At least one key contour is formed in a second position on the perimeter of the ink stick body corresponding to a color of the ink for the ink stick body. | 07-23-2009 |
20090207219 | Mechanized Feed Channel Barrier In A Solid Ink Printer - A method is implemented to control movement of a solid ink stick from an insertion port to a corresponding feed channel to help ensure that each feed channel in a plurality of feed channels contains only ink sticks corresponding to the feed channel. The method includes receiving solid ink sticks in an insertion port located at one end of a feed channel in the solid ink printer, identifying each ink stick received in the insertion port, and removing a passage barrier from the feed channel in response to the ink stick being identified as corresponding to ink configured for passage through the feed channel. | 08-20-2009 |
20090207220 | Solid Ink Stick with Witness Mark - A solid ink stick comprises an ink stick body having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of side surfaces extending between the top and bottom surfaces. The plurality of side surfaces defines a perimeter of the ink stick body. At least one key contour is formed in at least one side surface in the plurality of side surfaces extending at least partially between the top surface and the bottom surface. A witness mark is formed along at least a portion of the perimeter of the ink stick body with a portion of the witness mark following the at least one key contour. | 08-20-2009 |
20090207221 | METHOD OF RECONFIGURING INK STICKS - A solid ink stick comprises an ink stick body formed of a phase change ink material. The ink stick body has a plurality of exterior surfaces arranged in a first ink stick body configuration. At least one simulation surface is formed in the ink stick body. The at least one simulation surface simulates a second ink stick body configuration. The simulation surface is functionally significant though may not extend around the full perimeter of the ink stick body or to the full plurality of exterior surfaces. | 08-20-2009 |
20090213196 | Transport System Having Single Insertion Port For Solid Ink Delivery In A Printer - A method is implemented to deliver a solid ink stick from a single insertion port to a corresponding feed channel to help ensure that each feed channel in a plurality of feed channels contains only ink sticks corresponding to the feed channel. The method includes receiving solid ink sticks in a single insertion port, identifying each ink stick received in the single insertion port, and transporting each identified ink stick from the single insertion port to one feed channel in a plurality of feed channels to enable delivery of the identified ink stick to the melting assembly appropriate for the identified ink stick. | 08-27-2009 |
20090244225 | Melting Device For Increased Production Of Melted Ink In A Solid Ink Printer - A solid ink printer is enabled to eject ink onto image substrates at rates that are greater than previously known solid ink printers. The solid ink printer includes a print head that ejects melted ink, a web of image substrate that moves past the print head to receive melted ink ejected from the print head, a pair of fixing rollers positioned downstream of the print head, the fixing rollers forming a nip through which the web of image substrate passes to fix the ink onto the web of image substrate, and a melting device coupled to the print head to provide melted ink to the print head. The melting device includes a housing having an opening to receive solid ink, a first rotatable member mounted within the housing, a second rotatable member mounted with the housing, the second rotatable member being proximate to, but spatially separated from the first rotatable member mounted within the melting housing, a heater located within the first rotatable member to heat the first rotatable member to a temperature at which the solid ink melts; and a motor coupled to the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member to rotate the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member within the housing to shear the solid ink as the solid ink melts against the heated first rotatable member. | 10-01-2009 |
20090273657 | Rapid Response One-Way Valve for High Speed Solid Ink Delivery - A valve assembly is provided for a high-speed phase change ink image producing machine between a first storage reservoir for receiving and holding a first volume of melted ink from a source and a second storage reservoir for holding a second volume of melted ink to be delivered under pressure to a printhead system. The valve assembly includes a passive valve disc movable from the closed position in which said disc abuts a valve seat in sealed contact, and an open position in which said valve disc is supported by an angled surface. An upper portion of the valve disc is unsupported and a flow director surface behind the disc directs fluid flow against the upper portion to assist in closing the valve. The surface characteristics of the valve seat are controlled to improve the “crack” time of the valve disc when opening. | 11-05-2009 |
20090273658 | Heated Ink Delivery System - An ink umbilical provides different colors of heated ink to multiple print heads in an integrated structure. The ink umbilical includes a first and a second plurality of conduits, each conduit in the first and the second plurality of conduits having a flat surface between a first end and a second end of the conduit, and a heater having a first side and a second side, the flat surfaces of the conduits in the first plurality of conduits being coupled to the first side of the heater and the flat surfaces of the conduits in the second plurality of conduits being coupled to the second side of the heater to enable the heater to heat ink being carried between the first and the second ends of the conduits in the first and in the second plurality of conduits. | 11-05-2009 |
20100013898 | Ink Sticks with Visually Discernible Feature Patterns - A solid ink stick is comprised of an ink stick body formed of a phase change ink material. The ink stick body is configured for inclusion in a first set of ink sticks and has substantially a same size and shape as other ink sticks in the first set of ink sticks and ink sticks in a second set of ink sticks. The first set of ink sticks is of a different series than the second set of ink sticks. An identification pattern is formed on the ink stick body. The identification pattern is one identification pattern in a set of identification patterns. The identification pattern formed on the pattern area of the ink stick body is visually discernible from the other identification patterns in the set. | 01-21-2010 |
20100020143 | Solid Ink Stick with Reflection Features - An ink stick for use in an imaging device comprises an ink stick body formed of a phase change ink material; and a reflection surface formed in the ink stick body. The reflection surface is configured to receive light from a light source associated with the reflection surface in an ink delivery system of a phase change ink imaging device. The reflection surface is configured to direct the light from the light source away from or onto one or both a first light detector and a second light detector associated with the reflection surface in the ink delivery system. | 01-28-2010 |
20100020144 | Check Valve Unit For Solid Ink Reservoir System - A check valve unit is provided for a high-speed phase change ink image producing machine between a reservoir for receiving and holding a volume of melted ink from a source and a receiving unit, which may be a printhead system. The check valve unit includes a plurality of ball elements trapped between upper and lower housings defining a like plurality of inlet and discharge passageways. The passageways are configured to optimize flow of melted ink through the unit during charging of the secondary reservoir. The check valve unit is scalable as to size and number of reservoirs for a particular application. The unit further incorporates features that simplify the manufacturing and assembly process while maintaining optimal performance. | 01-28-2010 |
20100020145 | PHASE CHANGE INK IMAGING COMPONENT HAVING TWO-LAYER CONFIGURATION - Herein includes an offset printing apparatus for transferring and optionally fixing a phase change ink onto a print medium including a) a phase change ink application component for applying a phase change ink in a phase change ink image to an imaging member; b) an imaging member for accepting, transferring and optionally fixing the phase change ink image to the print medium, the imaging member having i) an imaging substrate, and thereover ii) an intermediate layer comprising a polyurethane, and iii) outer coating comprising a nitrile butadiene and a conductive filler; and c) a release agent management system for supplying a release agent to the imaging member, wherein an amount of release agent needed for transfer and optionally fixing the phase change ink image is reduced. | 01-28-2010 |
20100020146 | PRESSURE ROLLER TWO-LAYER COATING FOR PHASE-CHANGE INK-JET PRINTER FOR DIRECT ON PAPER PRINTING - A printing apparatus having a) a printing station including at least one printhead for applying phase-change ink to a print substrate in a phase-change ink image, and b) an ink spreading station including an ink spreading member and a back-up pressure member in pressure contact with the ink spreading member forming a nip between the ink spreading member and pressure member for spreading the phase-change ink image on the print substrate, wherein the print substrate is passed through the nip, and wherein the pressure member includes i) a pressure member substrate, and having thereon ii) an intermediate coating comprising a polyurethane material, and having thereon, iii) an outer coating comprising a nitrile butadiene and a conductive filler. | 01-28-2010 |
20100020147 | INK STICK WITH ELECTRONICALLY-READABLE MEMORY DEVICE - A machine, such as a phase change or solid ink printing apparatus, comprises at least one ink stick and a coupler external to the ink stick. The ink stick has an electronically-readable memory device attached thereto, with the memory device having stored therein electronic data associated with the ink stick. The coupler is configured to read the electronic data from the memory device. The data in the memory device may include identification data, anti-arbitrage variables, usage data, maximum use values, and performance data related to the ink stick, and the coupler and memory device may employ various means for communicating this data. Also, communication between the coupler and memory device facilitates a method for determining a quantity of marking material in the machine. | 01-28-2010 |
20100026768 | INK LOADER WITH ADJUSTABLE INSERTION OPENINGS - A system for use with a solid ink delivery system of a phase change ink imaging device comprises an insertion opening configured to enable insertion of ink sticks therethrough and into the ink delivery system. An insertion key is movably supported adjacent the insertion opening such that a portion of the insertion key protrudes into the insertion opening. The portion of the insertion key has a shape that is complementary to a key contour on a first ink stick and a second ink stick. A key positioner is operably coupled to the insertion key to move the insertion key between at least two different predetermined positions on the perimeter of the insertion opening. The predetermined positions include a first position that is complementary to a position of the key contour of the first ink stick and a second position that is complementary to a position of the key contour of the second ink stick. | 02-04-2010 |
20100026769 | Melt Plate For Use In A Solid Ink Jet Printer - A melt plate for use in a solid ink printer is formed with a drip plate to provide controlled flow of melted ink from the melt plate to a drip point. The melt plate includes a first portion having a perimeter, a second portion having a perimeter, the second planar portion angling from the first portion along a transition boundary at a first angle, a first rim extending around the perimeter of the first portion except along the transition boundary, the first rim angling from the first portion at a second angle, and a second rim extending around the perimeter of the second portion except along the transition boundary and a drip point, the second rim angling from the second portion at a third angle, the third angle being different than the second angle. | 02-04-2010 |
20100039485 | INK STICK WITH ELECTRONICALLY-READABLE MEMORY DEVICE - A machine, such as a phase change or solid ink printing apparatus, comprises at least one ink stick and a coupler external to the ink stick. The ink stick has an electronically-readable memory device attached thereto, with the memory device having stored therein electronic data associated with the ink stick. The coupler is configured to read the electronic data from the memory device. The data in the memory device may include identification data, anti-arbitrage variables, usage data, maximum use values, and performance data related to the ink stick, and the coupler and memory device may employ various means for communicating this data. Also, communication between the coupler and memory device facilitates a method for determining a quantity of marking material in the machine. | 02-18-2010 |
20100045756 | Method Of Feeding Solid Ink Sticks Into An Ink Loader Of A Phase Change Ink Printer - A method of feeding ink sticks into an imaging device enables identification of data useful for device control. The method includes inserting at least one ink stick into an ink loader, the at least one ink stick including a plurality of code element patterns formed in the ink stick, each code element pattern having a plurality of code elements that include a first code element identifying a start of a code element pattern and a second code element identifying an end of the code element pattern, each code element pattern being configured to generate a same coded signal pattern; urging the ink stick toward a melt device; actuating at least one sensor in the imaging device with the plurality of code element patterns to generate a predetermined coded pattern of signals; and comparing the predetermined coded pattern of signals to identify a code word. | 02-25-2010 |
20100053281 | Temperature Sensor Mount For Melt Plate - A solid ink printer comprises a melt plate configured to melt solid ink. A heater is connected to the melt plate in order to raise the temperature of the melt plate. The temperature of the melt plate is detected by a temperature sensor that is provided away from the surface of the melt plate but is configured to sense the temperature of the melt plate. A mount is positioned on the melt plate between the temperature sensor and the melt plate. The mount comprises a mica layer and at least one polyimide film layer. The mount is arranged on the melt plate such that the mica layer of the mount may be adjacent to the melt plate and the polyimide film layer may be adjacent to the temperature sensor. A pressure sensitive adhesive may be used to connect the mount to the melt plate. | 03-04-2010 |
20100053282 | Method for Reconfiguring Ink Loaders to Accept Different Ink Stick Identifiers - A method of using a phase change ink imaging device includes receiving an n | 03-04-2010 |
20100073443 | System And Method For Verifying Position Of An Object Before Identifying The Object - A solid ink stick loader verifies position and orientation of an ink stick prior to an ink stick identification operation. The solid ink stick loader includes an identification code detector located proximate an ink stick insertion area, the identification code detector being oriented to obtain an identification code positioned on the ink stick in a predetermined location, a first displaceable member located proximate the ink stick insertion area, the first displaceable member being movable between a first position and a second position, a second displaceable member located proximate the ink stick insertion area, the second displaceable member being movable between a third position and a fourth position, and a sensor coupled to at least one of the first displaceable member and the second displaceable member to generate a verification signal in response to the ink stick being in a position and orientation in the ink stick insertion area that enables the identification code detector to obtain the identification code from the ink stick, the sensor being coupled to the identification code detector to provide the verification signal to the identification code detector and enable the identification code detector to obtain the identification code from the ink stick. | 03-25-2010 |
20100123763 | Air Filter For Use With A Liquid Ink Umbilical Interface In A Printer - An air filter is configured for incorporation in a solid ink umbilical interface to a printhead. The air filter includes a housing having a first component and a second component that mate to one another to form the housing with an internal cavity, the housing having an air inlet and an air outlet, an air filter media positioned within the housing to divide the internal cavity; and at least one retention tab extending from the housing to engage an ink umbilical connector housing at a position that locates the air outlet of the air filter proximate an ink nozzle array extending from the ink umbilical connector. | 05-20-2010 |
20100141720 | SPREADING AND LEVELING OF CURABLE GEL INK - A method of leveling a curable phase-change ink on a surface includes printing the curable phase-change ink onto a transfer surface, pressing the transfer surface onto a print substrate with sufficient pressure to level the ink, and exposing the curable phase-change ink to radiation through the transfer surface to cure the phase-change ink. A method for leveling a region of a printed surface includes printing curable phase-change ink onto a surface, pressing a leveling surface onto the print surface to contact a region of the curable phase-change ink, and exposing the curable phase-change ink through the leveling surface to radiation to cure the phase-change ink. | 06-10-2010 |
20100182386 | Heat Element Configuration for A Reservoir Heater - A heater for use in a phase change ink printhead reservoir is provided that includes a first insulating layer having at least one ink supply path opening, and a second insulating layer having at least one ink supply path opening that aligns with the at least one ink supply path opening in the first insulating layer. The heater includes a resistance heating trace arranged in a serpentine pattern between the first and the second insulating layers. The resistance heating trace is configured to receive electric current and to convert the electric current to heat. The resistance heating trace includes a trace ring for each ink supply path opening in the first and second insulating layers that forms a continuous perimeter around the corresponding ink supply path opening. | 07-22-2010 |
20100194834 | Ink Melt Device with Solid State Retention and Molten Ink Pass-Through - A phase change ink melting assembly for use in a phase change ink imaging device includes an ink melt perimetric constraint having an open top and a melted ink egress positioned at a bottom of the perimetric constraint. The open top is sized to receive a leading end of an ink stick fed downwardly therethrough. The perimetric constraint includes an interior through path with egress at the bottom and a plurality of melted ink flow paths intermediate the open top and the melted ink egress. The assembly includes a heater for heating the perimetric constraint to a phase change ink melting temperature. | 08-05-2010 |
20100194835 | Solid Ink Melt Tub with Corrugated Melt Region and Offset Outlet - A phase change ink melting assembly includes a tub having an open top, a bottom surface, and a plurality of side walls extending upwardly from the bottom surface. The bottom surface has a solid ink melt region and a melted ink outlet offset from the solid ink melt region. The solid ink melt tub includes a three dimensional area extending from the bottom surface in the solid ink melt region. At least one constraining surface is positioned proximate the open top of the melt tub above the solid ink melt region tub and thermally isolated from the melt tub. The at least one constraining surface is configured to prevent lateral movement of an ink stick as it is being fed downwardly into contact with the solid ink melt region. | 08-05-2010 |
20100201764 | Foam Plate for Reducing Foam in A Printhead - A reservoir assembly for use in an imaging device, the reservoir assembly includes an ink input port configured to receive liquid ink from an ink source and an ink tank configured to receive ink from the input port. A filter is positioned between the input port and the ink tank configured to filter ink received via the input port prior to reaching the ink tank. The reservoir assembly includes a foam reducing path configured to guide ink that passes through the filter to the ink tank, the foam reducing path having a varying cross-sectional size and/or shape configured to collapse, compress, stretch, and/or shear air bubbles in foam that passes through the filter prior to reaching the ink tank. | 08-12-2010 |
20100208017 | IMAGING MODULE FOR HOT MELT WAX INK JET PRINTER - An imaging module includes an ink jet print head for printing human-readable or coded (e.g., bar code) information directly onto various porous and non-porous materials (e.g., a corrugated cardboard container), and a pair of reservoirs that hold the melted ink ultimately used in the printing process. The module also includes an ink feed hopper into which one or more solid sticks of hot melt wax ink are fed and an associated heater to melt the ink sticks in limited volume, together with associated vents, control pumps and valves, all integrated together within the imaging module to deliver the melted ink to the print head for printing on a container or other items. | 08-19-2010 |
20100245506 | Method And Apparatus For Melt Cessation To Limit Ink Flow And Ink Stick Deformation - A system has been developed that controls application of heat with a melt plate to an ink stick in a solid ink imaging device. The system includes a melt plate, a heater configured to heat the melt plate to a temperature sufficient to melt solid ink, a heat transfer unit configured to cool the melt plate to arrest the melting of the solid ink within a predetermined time, and a controller configured to actuate the heat transfer unit to selectively cool the melt plate in response to reaching a heater power off phase. | 09-30-2010 |
20100277557 | Segmented Ink Stick - A method facilitates insertion of a segmented ink stick into an ink feed system of a phase change ink jet printer. The method includes bending of a flexible strand between ink stick segments during insertion of the ink stick segments and then straightening the flexible strand to orient the ink stick segments in the ink feed system. | 11-04-2010 |
20100302329 | Method For Feeding Solid Ink Stick With Multiple Interlocking Axis In A Solid Ink Printer - A method of feeding solid ink sticks to a melting device in a phase change ink imaging device enables the solid ink sticks to move through the ink delivery system without buckling or being diverted from the feed path. The ink sticks fed to the ink delivery system have first and second contoured ends that complement the feed path to resist buckling due to feed forces and the bosses of one contoured end nest in the boss recesses of another contoured end of an adjacent ink stick to resist the effects of the feed forces as well. | 12-02-2010 |
20110007118 | HIGH VISCOSITY HEAT SENSITIVE INK PRINTING PROCESS - A high viscosity aqueous inkjet ink that is useful in ink jet printers. The ink comprises heat activated colorant solids that are not heat activated during the printing process, and are printed onto a substrate in the form of an image that can be transferred onto a subsequent or final substrate by applying heat and intimate contact between the two substrates. The ink can also be heat activated onto the substrate without further transfer by applying heat at the temperature that is suitable for the activation of the colorant. | 01-13-2011 |
20110025791 | Rollers for Phase-Change Ink Printing - A printer for transferring a phase-change ink onto a substrate comprises components for conveying the substrate along a path through the printing machine, a printing station including a plurality of printheads disposed along the path and configured to transfer the phase-change solid ink onto the substrate as it is conveyed along the path, a plurality of metal backing rollers facing the plurality of printheads and arranged to support to the substrate passing between the backing rollers and the printheads, and a spreader station receiving the substrate from the printing station and configured to spread the phase-change solid ink on the substrate, the spreader station including a spreader roller and a metal pressure roller opposing the spreader roller. Each of the non-oiled metal rollers includes a coating that is an oleophobic that has low adhesion toward the solid ink image but sufficient lateral friction as to not slide against the ink or paper web. | 02-03-2011 |
20110141212 | SOLID INK MELTER ASSEMBLY - A solid phase change ink melter assembly in a phase change ink image producing machine comprises an array of a plurality of spaced apart fins, the array defining a top face for receiving the solid pieces of phase change ink, a bottom face for discharging melted ink, and opposite melter surfaces for melting the solid pieces in contact therewith. The assembly further comprises a number of heat transfer devices extending through and in heat transfer contact with the plurality of fins, the heat transfer devices including a heating element for heating the device. The bottom edge of the fins defines a plurality of apexes which serve as drip points for molten phase change ink. | 06-16-2011 |
20110164100 | Solid Ink Stick Delivery System with Static Constraints, Strategic Barriers and Breakage Control - An ink delivery system of a phase change ink imaging device more effectively guides properly configured solid ink sticks from a first end of a feed chute to a melting device at a second end of the feed chute. The feed chute may include a sensor to detect coded sensor features on the properly configured solid ink sticks traveling along the feed chute and an obstructor configured to block improperly configured solid ink sticks inserted into the first end of the feed chute. | 07-07-2011 |
20110216138 | SUPPLY UNITS HAVING AN ASSOCIATED ELECTRONICALLY-READABLE MEMORY DEVICE - A machine, such as a phase change or solid ink printing apparatus, has at least one multiple supply unit in the form of an ink stick disposed therein. The ink stick has an electronically-readable memory device associated therewith, and the memory device has stored therein electronic data related to the ink stick and readable by the machine. The memory device may be attached to the ink stick and removed before the ink stick is used for printing in the machine. In another aspect, the memory device is attached to a container for the ink stick. The container may be a cartridge for use in the machine, or a container for packaging the ink stick. The machine may include a coupler configured to read electronic data from the memory device while the memory device is positioned external to the printing apparatus, thus allowing the machine to verify the suitability of the ink stick before it is installed in the machine. | 09-08-2011 |
20110221837 | No Spill, Feed Controlled Removable Container For Delivering Pelletized Substances - A solid printer includes a solid ink container that expels solid ink units in predetermined amounts for delivery to a melting device within the printer. The solid ink container includes a housing in which solid ink pellets are stored, an opening in the housing through which solid ink units are expelled, a first moveable member located within the housing proximate to the opening, the first moveable member being configured to move solid ink units through the opening, and a second moveable member located within the housing, the second moveable member being configured to move solid ink pellets to the first moveable member to enable the first moveable member to expel solid ink pellets through the opening in the housing. | 09-15-2011 |
20110242234 | System And Method For Operating A Conduit To Transport Fluid Through The Conduit - A fluid transport apparatus facilitates flow of fluid from a source to a receptacle. The fluid transport apparatus includes a fluid transport conduit for transporting fluid, the fluid transport conduit having an inlet end that is coupled to a fluid supply and an outlet end that is coupled to a receptacle, a deforming member positioned proximate the fluid transport conduit and configured to deform a portion of the fluid transport conduit selectively and propel fluid through the fluid transport conduit, and a restoring member positioned proximate the fluid transport conduit and configured to exert a force against the fluid transport conduit that opposes the deforming of the fluid transport conduit. | 10-06-2011 |
20110249066 | System And Method That Enables A Solid Ink Printer To Learn A Solid Ink Stick Type - A solid ink printer is configured to learn the identity of solid ink sticks for printer operation. The solid ink printer includes a feed channel having an insertion opening configured to receive solid ink sticks, a sensor positioned near the insertion opening of the feed channel and configured to obtain solid ink stick type data from a solid ink stick inserted into the insertion opening of the feed channel, and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor to receive the solid ink stick type data, the controller being configured to store the solid ink stick type data in a memory in response to an initialization signal and to operate the solid ink printer with reference to the solid ink stick type data stored in the memory by the controller. | 10-13-2011 |
20110254908 | RECORDING SHEET FOR INK-JET PRINTING - A recording sheet for ink-jet printing includes a supporting substrate, at least one microporous ink-receptive coating overlying a front surface of said supporting substrate and at least one protective overcoating overlying said microporous coating. The protective overcoating includes at least one compound selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides and polyacrylamides, and fluoropolymer particles. The diameter of the fluoropolymer particles is between about 0.5 and 3 micrometers. | 10-20-2011 |
20110261122 | HEAT SEALEABLE FILTER TO ENABLE VACUUM SEALING OF PARTICLE GENERATING INSULATIONS - An insulation container has an insulation material, a filter arranged to encase the insulation material, the filter of a material that prevents escape of the insulation material while allowing air to pass through, and a container arranged to encase the filter, the container being heat sealable. A printer has an ink supply, a print head arranged to receive ink from the ink supply and configured to receive electrical signals from a controller and to dispense ink in accordance with the electrical signals onto a print substrate, and an insulator to absorb heat from the print head. A method of manufacturing an insulator includes forming a filter container of a filter material, the filter material having openings small enough to prevent escape of the filter material and large enough to allow air to pass through, filling, at least partially, the filter container with an insulating material, sealing the filter container, inserting the filter container into a sealable container, applying a vacuum to the sealable container such that the vacuum is applied to the filter container as well, and sealing the sealable container. | 10-27-2011 |
20110273521 | High Flow Ink Delivery System - A system and method is provide for delivering molten ink to a printing mechanism including receiving molten ink in a receiving reservoir, and alternating which of a plurality of reservoirs is opened to the receiving reservoir to receive molten ink while at least one other of the plurality of reservoirs is opened to dispense molten ink to the printing mechanism, in response to the level of ink in a reservoir dispensing molten ink to the printing mechanism. | 11-10-2011 |
20110298874 | SOLID INK STICK WITH RETRIEVAL FEATURE - A solid ink stick for use in an imaging device, such as a phase change inkjet printer, is provided. The solid ink stick has a retrieval feature located on a top surface thereof. When the ink stick is incorrectly loaded through the insertion opening of a feed channel of the printer, the retrieval feature has a vertical dimension such that the ink stick can be grasped, such as by two fingers of a user, to remove the ink stick through the insertion opening. The retrieval feature generally includes two lower surfaces interconnected with at least one upper surface. | 12-08-2011 |
20110310200 | System and Method for Controlling Insertion of Solid Ink Sticks Into a Printer - A solid ink printer selectively enables solid ink sticks to be inserted into an insertion port. The solid ink printer includes a plurality of feed channels, each feed channel terminating at a melting device that heats solid ink sticks to a melting temperature at one end of the feed channel, an insertion port operatively connected to another end of each of the plurality of feed channels, the insertion port being configured with an opening through which solid ink sticks are inserted for movement through one of the feed channels operatively connected to the insertion port, a member positioned proximate the opening in the insertion port, an actuator operatively connected to the member and configured to move the member with respect to the opening of the insertion port, and a controller operatively connected to the actuator, the controller being configured to detect at least one event and operate the actuator to move the member to block solid ink sticks from entering through the opening of the insertion port. | 12-22-2011 |
20120013689 | Solid Ink Stick with Motion Control Inset - A solid ink stick for use in solid ink printers is provided that enables adjacent ink sticks to be separated and retained at a predetermined location in the feed channel. | 01-19-2012 |
20120026258 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DELIVERING SOLID-INK PELLETS - The present disclosure provides systems and methods for supplying solid-ink pellets from a container to an image-forming device. The system includes a delivery tube within the container, with one or more openings to receive solid-ink pellets from the container. An agitating structure coupled to the delivery tube disturbs the solid ink pellets. The movement of the delivery tube moves the agitating structure, resulting in disturbing the solid-ink pellets and maintaining flowability of the pellets to the image-forming device. | 02-02-2012 |
20120033024 | HYDROXL GROUP-CONTAINING SOLID INKS - A microfluidic device includes a first substrate, and a phase change ink deposited on a surface of the first substrate. The phase change ink includes an ink vehicle including a polymeric material having one or more hydroxyl groups, and an optional colorant, wherein the phase change ink is solid at room temperature but is liquid at a jetting temperature of from about 60 to about 150° C., and a hydroxyl group mass percentage, measured as a total mass of hydroxyl groups to an entire weight of the ink, is from about 1% to about 35%. | 02-09-2012 |
20120038720 | Melt Reservoir Housing - An imaging device includes at least one ink reservoir located within a housing in the imaging device. The housing at least partially encloses the at least one ink reservoir and includes a top, a bottom, and a plurality of side walls extending vertically between the top and the bottom of the housing. The side walls are spaced from the at least one reservoir to define a first air gap between each of the side walls and the at least one reservoir. | 02-16-2012 |
20120056959 | System and Method For Transporting Solid Ink Pellets - A molten ink supply for a solid ink printing machine includes a container for storing solid ink pellets and a withdrawal tube having an inlet end disposed within the container. A vacuum generator is disposed at the outlet end of the withdrawal tube operable to draw a vacuum within the tube. A feed conduit is connected to the outlet end for receiving solid ink pellets drawn therein by said vacuum generator and conveying the pellets to a melting station operable to melt the solid ink pellets. An assist tube is provided within the container with a discharge nozzle disposed within the withdrawal tube at the inlet end and operable to provide a flow of air into the withdrawal tube to agitate solid ink pellets and facilitate withdrawal of the pellets by the vacuum generator. | 03-08-2012 |
20120086760 | Ink Loader with Ink Stick Retractor - A solid ink loading system for a phase change ink imaging device includes an ink loader having a first end, a second end, and at least one feed channel extending between the first and the second end. The at least one feed channel includes an insertion region intermediate the first and the second end where ink sticks enter the at least one feed channel. The at least one feed channel is configured to guide ink sticks in a feed direction from the insertion region toward the second end. An ink stick retractor is configured for movement between a forward position and a rearward position substantially parallel to at least a portion of the at least one feed channel. The forward position is closer to the second end of the feed channel than the first position. The ink stick retractor is configured to selectively move ink sticks in the at least one feed channel in a retraction direction toward the first end. | 04-12-2012 |
20120086761 | CURABLE PHASE CHANGE INKS CONTAINING CRYSTALLINE POLYESTERS - This disclosure is generally directed to curable phase change inks, such as radiation-curable phase change inks, and their use in forming images, such as through inkjet printing. More specifically, this disclosure is directed to radiation-curable phase change inks, such as ultraviolet-light-curable phase change inks, that an ink vehicle and at least one crystalline polyester resin. | 04-12-2012 |
20120092425 | Solid Ink Loader with Pull-Out Drawer for Insertion Access - A phase change ink imaging device includes an ink loader operatively connected within a housing of the imaging device. At least a portion of the ink loader is configured to be withdrawn from the housing to enable ink stick insertion. | 04-19-2012 |
20120092426 | CURABLE PHASE CHANGE INKS CONTAINING FUNCTIONALIZED ISOSORBIDES - A curable phase change ink composition that includes an ink vehicle including at least one isosorbide monomer having at least one functional group. Also described is an ink printing device that includes a curable phase change ink composition for printing onto a substrate, an ink jetting device, and a curing device providing radiation that cures the curable phase change ink composition. The curable phase change ink composition of the ink printing device includes an ink vehicle including at least one isosorbide monomer having at least one functional group. | 04-19-2012 |
20120105557 | Melt Plate For Use In A Solid Ink Jet Printer - A melt plate for use in a solid ink printer is formed with a drip plate to provide controlled flow of melted ink from the melt plate to a drip point. The melt plate includes a first portion having a perimeter, a second portion having a perimeter, the second planar portion angling from the first portion along a transition boundary at a first angle, a first rim extending around the perimeter of the first portion except along the transition boundary, the first rim angling from the first portion at a second angle, and a second rim extending around the perimeter of the second portion except along the transition boundary and a drip point, the second rim angling from the second portion at a third angle, the third angle being different than the second angle. | 05-03-2012 |
20120113196 | Heat Element Configuration for A Reservoir Heater - A heater for use in a phase change ink printhead reservoir is provided that includes a first insulating layer having at least one ink supply path opening, and a second insulating layer having at least one ink supply path opening that aligns with the at least one ink supply path opening in the first insulating layer. The heater includes a resistance heating trace arranged in a serpentine pattern between the first and the second insulating layers. The resistance heating trace is configured to receive electric current and to convert the electric current to heat. The resistance heating trace includes a trace ring for each ink supply path opening in the first and second insulating layers that forms a continuous perimeter around the corresponding ink supply path opening. | 05-10-2012 |
20120133714 | Check Valve Unit For Solid Ink Reservoir System - A check valve unit is provided for a high-speed phase change ink image producing machine between a reservoir for receiving and holding a volume of melted ink from a source and a receiving unit, which may be a printhead system. The check valve unit includes a plurality of ball elements trapped between upper and lower housings defining a like plurality of inlet and discharge passageways. The passageways are configured to optimize flow of melted ink through the unit during charging of the secondary reservoir. The check valve unit is scalable as to size and number of reservoirs for a particular application. The unit further incorporates features that simplify the manufacturing and assembly process while maintaining optimal performance. | 05-31-2012 |
20120147105 | Inductive Heater for A Solid Ink Reservoir - A container for storing phase-change ink includes a housing that is comprised primarily of a thermally insulating material and an inductive heater element positioned within the housing. The inductive heater element is formed in a manner that increases the surface area of the heater and enables frozen ink in the vicinity of a reservoir outlet to melt quickly to enable printing operations. | 06-14-2012 |
20120154493 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DELIVERING SOLID-INK PELLETS - The present disclosure provides apparatus and method for maintaining the flowability of solid-ink pellets in a system for delivering the pellets to an image-forming device. The apparatus includes a container storing the solid-ink pellets, and an extraction assembly for extracting the solid-ink pellets. The extraction assembly includes a tubular housing, extending from the bottom portion of the container, and an auger member rotatably placed within the tubular housing. The tubular housing receives the solid-ink pellets from the container and the auger member rotates to break up the obstructions to pellet flow. | 06-21-2012 |
20120162330 | Phase Change Magnetic Ink And Process For Preparing Same - An in situ process for preparing a phase change magnetic ink including heating a phase change ink composition to a first temperature sufficient to provide a melt composition; wherein the phase change ink composition comprises a carrier, an optional colorant, and an optional dispersant; placing the melt composition under inert atmosphere; heating the melt composition to a second temperature sufficient to effect decomposition of a metal carbonyl; adding the metal carbonyl to the melt composition under inert atmosphere at this second temperature to form metal nanoparticles thus forming in situ a phase change magnetic ink including the metal nanoparticles; optionally, filtering the phase change magnetic ink while in a liquid state; and cooling the phase change magnetic ink to a solid state. | 06-28-2012 |
20120236088 | Phase Change Magnetic Ink Comprising Carbon Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles And Process For Preparing Same - A phase change magnetic ink including a phase change ink carrier; an optional colorant; an optional dispersant; an optional synergist; an optional antioxidant; and a carbon coated magnetic nanoparticle comprising a magnetic core and a carbon shell disposed thereover. | 09-20-2012 |
20120236089 | Phase Change Magnetic Ink Comprising Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles And Process For Preparing Same - A phase change magnetic ink and process for preparing same including comprising a phase change ink carrier; an optional colorant; an optional dispersant; an optional synergist; an optional antioxidant; and a coated magnetic nanoparticle comprising a magnetic core and a shell disposed thereover. | 09-20-2012 |
20120236090 | Phase Change Magnetic Ink Comprising Inorganic Oxide Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles And Process For Preparing Same - A phase change magnetic ink including a phase change ink carrier; an optional colorant; an optional dispersant; an optional synergist; an optional antioxidant; and an inorganic oxide coated magnetic nanoparticle comprising a magnetic core and an inorganic oxide shell disposed thereover. | 09-20-2012 |
20120236091 | Phase Change Magnetic Ink Comprising Surfactant Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles And Process For Preparing Same - A phase change magnetic ink including a phase change ink carrier; an optional colorant; an optional dispersant; an optional synergist; an optional antioxidant; and a surfactant coated magnetic nanoparticle comprising a magnetic core and a shell disposed thereover. | 09-20-2012 |
20120236092 | Phase Change Magnetic Ink Comprising Polymer Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles And Process For Preparing Same - A phase change magnetic ink and process for preparing same including comprising a phase change ink carrier; an optional colorant; an optional dispersant; an optional synergist; an optional antioxidant; and a polymer coated magnetic nanoparticle comprising a magnetic core and a polymeric shell disposed thereover. | 09-20-2012 |
20120236093 | SOLID INK MELTER ASSEMBLY - A solid phase change ink melter assembly in a phase change ink image producing machine comprises an array of a plurality of spaced apart fins, the array defining a top face for receiving the solid pieces of phase change ink, a bottom face for discharging melted ink, and opposite melter surfaces for melting the solid pieces in contact therewith. The assembly further comprises a number of heat transfer devices extending through and in heat transfer contact with the plurality of fins, the heat transfer devices including a heating element for heating the device. The bottom edge of the fins defines a plurality of apexes which serve as drip points for molten phase change ink. | 09-20-2012 |
20120242764 | SOLID INK MELTER ASSEMBLY - A solid phase change ink melter assembly in a phase change ink image producing machine comprises an array of a plurality of spaced apart fins, the array defining a top face for receiving the solid pieces of phase change ink, a bottom face for discharging melted ink, and opposite melter surfaces for melting the solid pieces in contact therewith. The assembly further comprises a number of heat transfer devices extending through and in heat transfer contact with the plurality of fins, the heat transfer devices including a heating element for heating the device. The bottom edge of the fins defines a plurality of apexes which serve as drip points for molten phase change ink. | 09-27-2012 |
20120274710 | INK COMPOSITIONS INCORPORATING SUBSTITUTED OXAZOLINE COMPOUNDS OR SUBSTITUTED OXAZOLINE DERIVATIVES - An ink composition including one or more oxazoline compounds or oxazoline derivatives having either crystalline, amorphous or even semi-crystalline properties for use in a particular printing application, such as in a direct-to-paper print process. | 11-01-2012 |
20120314009 | LIQUID EJECTION APPARATUS - A liquid ejection apparatus includes a liquid storing unit that stores a liquid, a liquid ejection head that ejects the liquid, a supply tube having one end connected to the liquid storing unit and the other end connected to the liquid ejection head so that the liquid is supplied from the liquid storing unit to the liquid ejection head, a heating unit that heats a fluid, and a circulation tube in which the fluid that has been heated in the heating unit circulate therethrough, wherein the circulation tube is wound on the supply tube at least on the side of the liquid ejection head. | 12-13-2012 |
20120320134 | High Flow Ink Delivery System - A method for delivering molten ink to a printing mechanism alternates between a first and second reservoir receiving molten ink from a receiving ink reservoir while providing ink from the other of the first and second reservoirs to a printing mechanism. The alternation of the two reservoirs is achieved with coordinated operation of two actuators operatively connected to two seal members. | 12-20-2012 |
20120320135 | System And Method For Operating A Conduit To Transport Fluid Through The Conduit - A phase change ink imaging device includes a fluid transport apparatus that facilitates flow of fluid from a source to a receptacle. The fluid transport apparatus includes a deforming member positioned proximate a fluid transport conduit to deform a portion of the fluid transport conduit selectively and propel fluid through the fluid transport conduit, and a restoring member positioned proximate the fluid transport conduit to exert a force against the fluid transport conduit that opposes the deforming of the fluid transport conduit. | 12-20-2012 |
20130021418 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DELIVERING SOLID-INK PELLETS - The present disclosure provides apparatus and method for supplying uninterrupted flow of solid-ink pellets to an image-forming device. The apparatus includes a container for retaining solid-ink pellets, and a selectably-inflatable bladder disposed within the container. Further, the apparatus includes a tube communicating the bladder with a pressure supply. | 01-24-2013 |
20130044165 | System And Method For Pressure Control Of An Ink Delivery System - A pressurized ink delivery system having two delivery reservoirs in an inkjet printer enables a control system to alternate between the two reservoirs for printhead supply without coupling pressurized air from a delivery reservoir to a low pressure source of ink. Each delivery reservoir includes a conduit having an orifice that enables the pressure within a delivery reservoir to exit the reservoir before the ink delivery reservoir is fluidly connected to the low pressure source of ink for refilling of the delivery reservoir. By dropping the high pressure reservoir to atmosphere and then switching the seal actuators for the two reservoirs, the spray of ink is avoided. | 02-21-2013 |
20130100215 | INK-JET RECORDING APPARATUS, INK SUPPLY METHOD, POWER SHUTDOWN METHOD, AND METHOD FOR SHUTTING DOWN TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT UNIT OF INK-JET RECORDING DEVICE - An ink jet recording apparatus includes: a head that ejects droplets of ink; a flow passage portion; and a temperature adjustment unit. The flow passage portion supplies the ink to the head. The flow passage portion includes, in a part thereof, a reservoir unit that reserves the ink. The temperature adjustment unit is capable of adjusting temperatures of the flow passage portion and the head independently of each other. The temperature adjustment unit controls the temperatures of the flow passage portion and the head so that the ink in the head becomes liquid from solid after ink in the flow passage portion is turned to liquid from solid. | 04-25-2013 |
20130147886 | Printhead Having Particle Circulation With Separation - A printhead having a circulation device to create a directed flow of ink and a separator to divert particulate matter, which can be present in the ink, to a location where the particulate matter falls out of the directed flow. The circulation device can include a heater configured to provide the directed flow of ink and the separator can include a divider to provide a location for particulate matter to be separated and screened from the ink and a bin to catch particulate matter falling from the ink during circulation. | 06-13-2013 |
20130162735 | Solid Ink Stick Delivery Apparatus Using a Lead Screw Drive - A solid ink stick delivery apparatus uses a rotating member mounted within a plurality of hollow sleeves to transport solid ink sticks to a melting device. The interior surface of the hollow sleeves are configured with a surface that frictionally engages the rotating member, but enables the member to slip past the interior surface when the hollow sleeve is stopped from proceeding along the length of the member. | 06-27-2013 |
20130229472 | Heated Ink Delivery System - A liquid ink transport assembly mitigates the migration of ink dye from one conduit in a plurality of conduits to another conduit in the plurality of conduits. The liquid ink transport assembly includes a plurality of conduits, each conduit in the plurality having a first end and a second end, the conduits in the plurality being arranged in a parallel configuration with at least one conduit being spatially separated from an adjacent conduit by a first distance that is greater than a second distance spatially separating other conduits in the plurality of conduits, and a heater, the plurality of conduits being positioned proximate to a first side of the heater to enable the heater to heat ink being carried between the first and the second ends of the plurality of conduits. | 09-05-2013 |
20130258010 | COMPLIANT LIQUID PATH MEMBER AND RECEPTACLE FOR INK RECIRCULATION - In an inkjet printer, an ink reclamation apparatus receives ink emitted from at least one printhead. The ink reclamation apparatus includes an ink receptacle and a liquid path member that extends from the ink receptacle to contact the face of at least one printhead proximate to a plurality of inkjets in the at least one printhead. The liquid path member draws liquid ink from the plurality of inkjets and the liquid ink enters the ink receptacle. The ink reclamation apparatus returns the ink to a reservoir in the printhead and reduces or eliminates wasted ink during operation of the at least one printhead. | 10-03-2013 |
20130307909 | Solid Ink Printer with Magnetic Ink Mixing - A phase change inkjet printer is equipped with an agitator to prevent settling of metal particles in melted magnetic phase change ink. The agitator operates to agitate the melted magnetic phase change ink as the ink enters the printhead to maintain the metal particles in suspension within the melted ink. | 11-21-2013 |
20140022319 | INK DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR AN IMAGING DEVICE - An ink delivery system for transporting thermally treated ink from different ink reservoirs to multiple print he ads of an imaging device includes a rigid injector assembly, and multiple pliable tubes attached to the injector assembly. The injector assembly includes two T-shaped members made of a conducting material, positioned one a top the of her. Each of the two members has grooves provided within it. The grooves within one of the members align with the grooves within the other member, to create channels, which carry ink to the pliable tubes. The pliable tubes are made of a flexible material, such that the lower end of each pliable tube is freely movable with respect to the injector assembly. A heating mechanism surrounds the injector assembly and the pliable tube, and remains in thermal communication with the system, to keep the ink in molten state all through the transportation path within the ink delivery system. | 01-23-2014 |
20140028764 | Heater Configuration for a Melting Device with Non-Uniform Thermal Load - A variable resistive heater element enables current to flow through a first resistive heater element and a second resistive heater element based on the temperature of the variable resistive heater element. Current flows through the first resistive heater element, and is restricted through the second resistive heater element, when the variable resistive heater element is less than a predetermined temperature. Current flows through the first and second resistive heater elements when the variable resistive heater element is at or greater than a predetermined temperature. | 01-30-2014 |
20140071213 | Phase Change Ink Compositions For Image Robustness - A phase change ink composition including a carrier; a colorant; and an acidic wax which is present in an amount of 0.1 to less than about 6 percent by weight based on the total weight of the phase change ink composition. | 03-13-2014 |
20140078227 | BLENDS OF SEMI-CRYSTALLINE MATERIALS FOR INKS FOR DIRECT-TO-PAPER PRINTING - Exemplary embodiments provide a phase change ink composition including at least a first semi-crystalline material having a high amorphous content; and at least a second semi-crystalline material having a high crystalline content, such that the phase change ink has a viscosity ranging from about 0.1 cps to about 15 cps at a temperature ranging from about 60° C. to about 145° C. and the phase change ink composition has excellent robustness when forming images or printing on a printing substrate. | 03-20-2014 |
20140104352 | Solid Ink Stick Having Identical Identifying Features On A Plurality Of Edges - A solid ink stick enables identification of the ink stick in a variety of different orientations, while preventing the ink stick from being inserted into an ink loader in an orientation in which the ink stick cannot be identified. The ink stick includes two polygon end surfaces opposite one another. Each edge of the end surfaces has a first and a second identifier, which are identical to one another to enable the ink stick to be inserted into an ink loader without regard to the orientation of the edges. | 04-17-2014 |
20140104353 | PHASE CHANGE INKS COMPRISING FATTY ACIDS - A solid ink composition suitable for ink jet printing, including printing on coated paper substrates. In embodiments, the solid ink composition comprises both a crystalline compound and an amorphous compound, and a fatty acid, which provides for a robust ink wherein the phase change ink crystallizes faster from the liquid state than the same composition without the fatty acid. | 04-17-2014 |
20140146114 | Phase Change Ink Containing Ethylene Vinyl Acetate - A phase change ink composition including an ink vehicle; an optional colorant; and ethylene vinyl acetate in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 10 percent by weight based on the total weight of the phase change ink composition. | 05-29-2014 |
20140146115 | Release Agent Applicator System with Replaceable Reservoir Pad - A release agent application system includes an image receiving member, a release agent applicator roller, a release agent pad, a release agent reservoir, and an actuator. The actuator operates the release agent applicator roller to move it between a resting position, where the roller absorbs release agent from the pad, and an application position, where the roller engages a surface of the image receiving member and to transfer release agent to the image receiving member. | 05-29-2014 |
20140146116 | PULSATING HEAT PIPE SPREADER FOR INK JET PRINTER - An inkjet printhead includes multiple inkjets arranged in a jetstack of the printhead. Each inkjet includes an inkjet nozzle and an actuator that controllably dispenses drops of a heat activated phase change ink according to a predetermined pattern. One or more heaters are arranged along the jetstack to heat the phase change ink to a temperature above the melting point of the ink. The printhead includes at least one pulsating heat pipe thermally coupled to the jetstack. | 05-29-2014 |
20140168327 | TEMPERATURE DEPENDENT SHAPE ELEMENTS FOR VOID CONTROL IN INK JET PRINTERS - Approaches to remove bubbles from ink in an ink jet printer are described. Bubble removal may be implemented using at least one temperature dependent element disposed along an ink flow path. The temperature dependent element is configured to change shape responsive to a change in ink temperature. The change in shape causes a volumetric change in a portion of the ink flow channel. | 06-19-2014 |
20140176652 | Phase Change Ink Composition And Process For Preparing Same - A process for preparing a phase change ink including (a) subjecting a white colorant to acoustic mixing at an acceleration of from about 30 to about 110 g; (b) optionally, adding a dispersant and subjecting the white colorant and dispersant to further acoustic mixing at an acceleration of from about 30 to about 110 g; (c) separately melt mixing an optional antioxidant, an optional synergist, and a phase change ink carrier comprising (i) a branched triamide and (ii) a polyethylene wax, a Fischer Tropsch wax, or a mixture or combination thereof, to form a melt mixture; (d) adding the melt mixture of (c) to the acoustically mixed white colorant of (a) or (b) with stirring; (e) optionally, adding a fluorescent dye with stirring; and (d) optionally, filtering the phase change ink. | 06-26-2014 |
20140285594 | INK COMPOSITION AND METHOD OF JETTING INK - A phase change ink composition is disclosed. The composition comprises a crystalline component including a diamide compound with an aromatic ring core; an amorphous component; and optionally a colorant. Methods of printing the phase change ink composition are also disclosed. | 09-25-2014 |
20140285595 | INDUCTION INK MELTER - A melting device melts solid ink into liquid ink by passing alternating current through an electrical conductor arranged in coils around a housing. The liquid ink passes from a reservoir, through a spool valve arrangement, and into first and second chambers. The spool valve arrangement only allows liquid ink into one chamber at a time. While the first chamber is being filled, pressure is applied to the second chamber. The pressure applied to the second chamber forces the liquid ink in the second chamber through a filter and an outlet. When the first chamber is filled to a predetermined level, pressure is no longer applied to the second chamber and is applied to the first chamber. The pressure applied to the first chamber moves the spool valve arrangement to block the first chamber. While pressure is applied to the first chamber, the second chamber is filled with liquid ink. | 09-25-2014 |
20140327723 | CONTAINER FOR DELIVERING SOLID-INK PELLETS - The present disclosure provides systems and methods for supplying solid-ink pellets from a container to an image-forming device. The system includes a delivery tube within the container, with one or more openings to receive solid-ink pellets from the container. An agitating structure coupled to the delivery tube disturbs the solid ink pellets. The movement of the delivery tube moves the agitating structure, resulting in disturbing the solid-ink pellets and maintaining flowability of the pellets to the image-forming device. | 11-06-2014 |
20140368588 | Phase Change Ink Containing Polyester For Improved Image Robustness - A phase change ink composition including an amorphous compound; a crystalline compound; a polyester polymer, wherein the polyester has a molecular weight of from about 500 to about 8,000 and a polydispersity index of from about 1.0 to about 8.0; an optional synergist; an optional dispersant; and a colorant. A process including (1) incorporating into an ink jet printing apparatus the phase change ink composition; (2) melting the ink; and (3) causing droplets of the melted ink to be ejected in an imagewise pattern onto a substrate. An ink jet printer stick or pellet including the phase change ink composition. | 12-18-2014 |
20150070448 | System And Method For Controlling Air Bubble Formation In Solid Inkjet Printer Ink Flow Paths - Protrusions are positioned on the inner surfaces of a channel within a printhead body or member to control the size and location of bubble formation. An inkjet printhead includes a member having a first opening and a second opening to enable melted ink to enter the channel at the first opening and flow through the channel to the second opening. At least one protrusion extends from the member into the channel to position a portion of the protrusion into melted ink in the channel to form a dominant stress concentration in the melted ink. | 03-12-2015 |
20150124029 | Image Formation Device - Image formation device having: an image formation drum ( | 05-07-2015 |
20150124030 | HOT MELT INK COMPOSITION, METHOD FOR PREPARING A HOT MELT INK COMPOSITION AND USE OF A HOT MELT INK COMPOSITION - The invention relates to a hot melt ink composition, the hot melt ink composition being solid at room temperature and in a liquid state at an elevated temperature, comprising a binder, a colorant, a crystalline material, and a crystallization retardant, wherein the crystalline material is a di-substituted compound and the crystallization retardant is a mono-substituted derivative of the crystalline material. The invention further relates to a method for preparing such hot melt compositions and to use of a hot melt ink composition. | 05-07-2015 |