Abstract: An ink stick for use in an ink delivery system of a phase change ink imaging device comprises an ink stick body having first and second opposed end surfaces and first and second opposed lateral side surfaces. The ink stick body is rotationally symmetric about a vertical central axis of the ink stick body. The ink stick body includes an interlocking face on the first end surface and a complementarily shaped interlocking face on the second end surface. A key is on each of the first and second side surfaces. The keys of the first and second side surfaces are similarly shaped. The key on the first side surface and the key on the second side surface are rotationally symmetrically positioned with respect to each other about the vertical central axis.

Abstract: An ink stick for use in solid ink printers is provided. The ink stick is for use in a solid ink delivery system for delivering ink to a melting unit to melt the solid ink. The ink stick has opposed first and second stick external surfaces. At least one of the first and second stick external surfaces is arcuate.

Abstract: A solid ink delivery system with discrimination feature for identifying the presence of improper ink sticks for use in solid ink printers for delivering ink to media to form an image thereon is provided. The ink delivery system includes a proper ink stick having a first feature on the stick. The ink delivery system also includes a frame and a guide connected to the frame. The guide guides the sticks in a prescribed path and cooperates with the first feature of the proper ink sticks. The ink delivery system also includes a sensor for sensing the presence of a target surface of a stick at a first position with respect to the frame. The guide cooperates with the first feature of the proper ink sticks to position the target surface of the proper ink sticks in the first position. The guide cooperates with the improper ink sticks to position the target surface of the improper ink sticks spaced from the first position so that proper ink sticks may be distinguished from improper ink sticks.

Abstract: A solid ink delivery system for use with a plurality of solid ink sticks for use in solid ink printers is provided. The delivery system includes a guide for guiding the solid ink sticks in a prescribed path and a drive member for simultaneous engagement with a plurality of the solid ink sticks and extending along a portion of the prescribed path of the guide.

Abstract: A solid ink delivery system for use with a solid ink stick for use in printers is provided. The solid ink delivery system delivers the stick to a melting station for melting the stick so that the ink may be transferred to media to form an image on the media. The delivery system includes a guide for guiding the stick in a prescribed path. The guide defines an inlet for receiving the stick. The inlet provides unobstructed passage of the stick through the inlet. The guide also defines a channel having a first end and a second end. The first end extends from the inlet. The channel provides unobstructed passage of the stick through the channel. The channel is adapted to contain a plurality of sticks in the channel. The guide further defines an outlet extending from the second end of the channel. The outlet provides unobstructed passage of the stick through the channel. The outlet is positioned below the inlet whereby only gravity is used to advance the sticks from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: An ink delivery system for use with a solid ink stick for use in printers is provided. The ink delivery system is used for receiving the stick and converting it to molten ink that may be transferred to media to form an image on the media. The delivery system includes a guide for receiving the stick and guiding the stick in a prescribed path and a melting unit. The melting unit is operably associated with the guide. The melting unit converts the stick to molten ink. The melting unit defines a receiving surface for receiving a first end of the stick. The receiving surface defines a plane. The guide defines a longitudinal axis of the guide adjacent the melting unit. The longitudinal axis defines an acute angle with respect to the plane.

Abstract: A solid ink stick adapted for use with solid ink printers is provided. The stick includes a body defining a longitudinal axis of the body. The body defines an external periphery of the body. The external periphery has a groove formed on the periphery. The groove extends in a direction generally along the longitudinal axis of the body and at least a portion of the groove length is non linear.

Abstract: A solid ink delivery system for use with a solid ink stick for use in solid ink printers is provided. The solid ink delivery system is used for delivering the stick to a melting station for melting the stick so that the ink may be transferred to media to form an image on the media. The delivery system includes a guide for guiding the stick in a prescribed path. The guide defines a loading position to permit the stick to be placed in the guide and a delivery position adjacent the melt station. The stick advances from the loading position to the delivery position in the prescribed path and a portion of the prescribed path is arcuate.

Abstract: An ink stick support for use in an ink loader of a phase change ink imaging device comprises an ink stick carrier for receiving and supporting an ink stick. The ink stick carrier includes a loading platform for receiving the ink stick thereon and a substantially vertically oriented back wall extending from a back edge of the base plate. A coupler for removably attaching the ink stick carrier to a drive mechanism of an ink loader.

Abstract: A solid ink feed system for a phase change ink imaging device comprises an ink loader having an insertion area and a melt area. A collapsible support in the ink loader has a first end attached adjacent the melt area and a second end configured to receive at least one ink stick inserted into the ink loader at the insertion area. The first and second ends are connected by a collapsible body configured to support the at least one ink stick and to vary in length corresponding to the distance of the least one ink stick from the melt area of the ink loader.

Abstract: A system is provided for forming solid ink sticks comprising a molten ink delivery station for introducing molten ink material into a forming tub to form a solid ink stick. The forming tub includes an open top for receiving the molten ink material and a cavity defining a lower portion of a solid ink stick shape. The system includes a top surface conditioning station for altering the top surface of the ink material introduced into the cavity of the forming tub.

Abstract: A removable ink stick support for use in an ink loader of a phase change ink imaging device comprises a first end for ink stick support proximate a melt end of an ink loader and a second end for ink stick support proximate an insertion end of an ink loader. A longitudinal member extends between the first and second ends, the longitudinal member being configured to provide a contact surface for contacting at least a portion of an ink stick as the ink stick is fed along the feed channel.

Abstract: An ink stick for use in a phase change ink printer comprises a first portion of a solid ink stick body, the first portion being formed of a first material of a phase change ink composition. The ink stick also comprises a second portion of the solid ink stick body, the second portion being formed of a second material. The first material and the second material combine when the ink stick body is melted.