Abstract: An ink stick for use in a phase change ink printer includes 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 includes 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.

Abstract: An ink stick support for use in an ink loader of a phase change ink imaging device includes 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 removable ink stick support for use in an ink loader of a phase change ink imaging device having 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: A solid ink feed system for a phase change ink imaging device includes 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 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: 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.

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 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.