Abstract: A novel solid ink supply container adapted for use with solid ink printers, at least includes: removable housing adapted to receive solid ink masses, the housing adapted to be coupled to at least one printhead; a heater subsumed by the housing, the heater adapted to liquefy solid ink masses; an outlet port adapted to facilitate fluid ink transfer to at least one printhead; an ink sensor adapted to sense the amount of ink in the supply container; at least one electronic storage device attached to the housing, the electronic storage device adapted to exchange printer operation information with the printer to which the ink supply container is attached; and electrical contacts attached to the housing; the electrical contacts adapted to exchange power and information between the printer, and exchange power and information between the storage device and other components of the housing.

Abstract: A drum heater consisting of a plurality of vanes made preferably from mica material and having multiple separate heater wire channels controlled from an electrical cable is provided for heating the interior of a printer drum or fuser. The drum heater has element wires, which can be operated in two different modes, and which are wound around eight mica vanes. The mica vanes are held together on both ends with mica end caps for assembly, electrical isolation and thermal isolation. The mica vanes additionally define protruding tabs for attachment of wire restraining and protecting mica panels.

Abstract: A drum heater consisting of a plurality of vanes made preferably from mica material and having multiple separate heater wire channels controlled from an electrical cable is provided for heating the interior of a printer drum or fuser. The drum heater has element wires, which can be operated in two different modes, and which are wound around eight mica vanes. The mica vanes are held together on both ends with mica end caps for assembly, electrical isolation and thermal isolation. The mica vanes additionally define protruding tabs for attachment of wire restraining and protecting mica panels.