Abstract: An ink stick for use in a phase change ink jet printer is provided wherein the ink jet printer has an ink feed channel having a feed direction leading to a melt plate. The ink stick comprises an ink stick body having an external surface and an axis of rotation. The ink stick body is adapted for insertion into the ink feed channel so that the axis of rotation is oriented substantially perpendicular to the feed direction. The external surface of the ink stick body forms a circle on a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A maintenance system and method for maintaining an imaging member of an imaging device includes a pre-cleaning device to clean the imaging member; an applicator to apply release agent to the imaging member; a metering device to meter release agent on the imaging member; a reservoir to remotely store release agent; and a pump to supply the applicator with release agent from the reservoir. The saturation level of the applicator is monitored and maintained within a predetermined range. The applicator, pre-cleaning device and metering device may be independently actuated to engage the imaging member. Release agent collected by the pre-cleaning device and/or metering device may be recycled. Debris collected by the pre-cleaning device and/or metering device may be stored and/or removed.

Abstract: A locking mechanism in an image processing device is needed to lock a movable element of the image processing device. In embodiments, the locking mechanism has a support member disposed between the driving element and the movable element, the support member being movable between a first position and a second position, a pivot on the support member about which the support member is able to rotate, and a first rotating member on the support member, the first rotating member rotating when the movable element is moved by the driving element, and the locking mechanism is locked when both the first rotating member is stopped from rotating and the support member is rotated from the first position to the second position about the pivot.

Abstract: A feed system for a phase change ink jet printer includes a longitudinal feed channel for guiding solid ink sticks along a path form an insertion point to a melt plate. The surfaces of the feed channel that come into contact with the ink stick are formed of, or coated with, a non-marking material. The non-marking material is a material having a very low surface energy, to which the ink material does not adhere or build up, and/or that readily sheds any ink material that should adhere. Exemplary non-marking materials include tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) fluorocarbon polymers or fluorinated ethylene-propylene (FEP) resins. In a particular embodiment, the surfaces of the feed channel are covered with a film tape of polyetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or similar material.

Abstract: A drum maintenance unit (drum maintenance unit) to reduce build up of electrostatic charge within a printer device. The drum maintenance unit may have a static shield positioned to reduce the build up of an electrostatic charge and to act as a physical barrier by preventing discarded oil from becoming airborne and returning to the oiling roller unfiltered. The static shield may also be utilized to retain and house the filtration system of the drum maintenance unit thus reducing part count and manufacturing time.