Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A cartridge is constituted by a plurality of absorbing materials for retaining liquid, an interface formed by press-contact between opposing surfaces of the absorbing materials, an introducing portion for supplying the liquid out of the absorbing materials, and a filter provided at an end portion of the introducing portion. The absorbing materials press against the filter so that an end portion of the interface reaches the filter.

Abstract: A method of compensating for changes in drop mass of drop emitted by at least one ink jet of an ink jet imaging device is provided. The method comprises identifying a drop placement position on an image receiving member of an ink jet imaging device for at least one ink jet of a print head. The identified drop placement position for the at least one ink jet is compared to a default drop placement position for the at least one ink jet to determine a difference in drop placement position. A drive signal for the at least one ink jet is then adjusted in accordance with the difference in drop placement position.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A solid ink stick loader verifies position and orientation of an ink stick prior to an ink stick identification operation.

Abstract: A solid ink printer includes 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 includes 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.

Abstract: Disclosed is a phase change ink comprising a colorant, an initiator, and a phase change ink carrier, said carrier comprising at least one radically curable monomer compound and a compound of the formula wherein R1 and R1? are the same, and wherein R1 and R1? are each an aromatic group; and wherein R2 and R2? and R3 each, independently of the others, are alkylene groups, arylene groups, arylalkylene groups, or alkylarylene groups; or wherein, in embodiments, R1 and R1? can be the same or different, and wherein R1 and R1? each, independently of the other is an alkyl group having a least one ethylenic unsaturation, an arylalkyl group having at least one ethylenic unsaturation, an alkylaryl group having at least one ethylenic unsaturation, or an aromatic group, provided that at least one of R1 and R1? is an aromatic group; and provided that neither of R1 or R1? is a photoinitiator group. Also disclosed herein is a method of printing with the phase change ink.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method of servicing a customer replaceable unit of an imaging device includes providing a customer replaceable unit configured for insertion and removal from an imaging device. The customer replaceable unit includes at least an applicator configured to apply a release agent to a surface of an intermediate transfer drum of the imaging device, a reservoir including a supply of the release agent for the applicator, a delivery pump configured to pump release agent from the reservoir to the applicator, a recirculation pump configured to pump release agent from the applicator to the reservoir, and a memory including operational data for the customer replaceable unit. A maintenance procedure is then performed on the customer replaceable unit.

Abstract: An ink storage and supply assembly includes at least one ink reservoir configured to hold a quantity of liquid ink and to communicate the ink to at least one printhead of an imaging device. A 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 plurality of 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. At least one the side walls includes an inner wall and an outer wall spaced from each other to define a second air gap therebetween.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A solid ink stick having 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a method of forming an image, which allows a high quality image to be formed on an intermediate transfer body including a surface layer with an ink-repelling property, and then to be transferred at a high transfer rate, and provides an image forming apparatus therefor. In the embodiment of the present invention, an ink image is formed on the intermediate transfer body, on the surface of which an oil and a water-soluble surfactant having surface tension in a range between more than 0 times and not more than 1.1 times of that of the oil are present. Subsequently, the formed ink image is transferred to a recording medium.

Abstract: An apparatus controls dissipation of heat from melted ink within a component storing melted ink within a solid ink imaging device. The apparatus includes a housing, a passage within the housing that is configured to store melted ink, and a temperature control connector mechanically coupled to the housing and passage, the temperature control connector being configured to mitigate void formation in melted ink as the melted ink cools in the passage.

Abstract: A system for reading a coded marker of an ink stick has been developed. The system includes an optical detector that detects light reflected from different areas of the generates signals in response to detecting light having at least two signal strengths that is reflected from different areas of the coded marker. A controller processes the signals from the optical detector to identify a code word encoded into the coded marker of the ink stick.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for metering release agent on an imaging member includes applying a release agent to a rotating imaging member at an application location and then controlling a thickness of the release agent on the imaging member with a rotating metering roll. In at least one embodiment, the method for metering a release agent includes rotating the metering roll as a counter-roll to an imaging drum such that the metering roll moves in an opposite direction from the imaging drum at a nip between the metering roll and the imaging drum. The metering roll may include an elastomer provided over the substantial portion of its outer surface which contacts the imaging drum. The metering roll may also be forcibly biased against the imaging drum. At least one wiper blade may be provided in contact with the metering roll to wipe excess release agent from the metering roll.

Abstract: A solid phase change ink composition that includes at least one colorant and an ink vehicle. The ink vehicle further includes at least one polyhydroxyalkanoate compound of the below formula wherein R is independently selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, a hydrocarbon group, a heteroatom, and combinations thereof, and wherein n represents the number of repeating units of from 1 to about 35,000, and wherein x represents an integer from 1 to about 5.

Abstract: A long-life pump capable of simultaneously conveying plural liquids and an inkjet printer having the pump are provided. The liquid pump includes: a liquid storage unit having liquid chambers trapping at least two types of liquids with each chamber corresponding to the type of the trapped liquid; a coupling member for connection to each liquid chamber of the liquid storage unit; a pressure adjusting mechanism, connected to the coupling member, for alternately switching between a negative pressure and a positive pressure of an internal pressure of the liquid chamber; an inlet valve capable of passing the liquid to the liquid chamber; an outlet valve discharging the liquid in the liquid chamber; and a pass resistance variable mechanism adjusting an amount of the liquid trapped in the liquid chamber depending on a level of the liquid in the liquid chamber.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method of reducing intermittent weak or missing (IWM) jet failures in a phase change ink imaging device comprises fluidly connecting a positive pressure source to a print head assembly of a phase change ink imaging device. The print head assembly includes a plurality of ink jets for emitting ink drops onto an ink receiver. The method includes activating the pressure source to deliver a positive pressure pulse to the print head assembly. The pressure pulse is delivered at substantially a purge pressure. The pressure pulse has a pulse duration such that the pressure pulse bulges ink from the plurality of ink jets without emitting ink from the plurality of ink jets.

Abstract: An ink jet printer includes an ink feed apparatus. The ink feed apparatus includes an ink feed channel for conducting discrete substantially solid ink sticks along a feed channel path, a plurality of ink sticks in the ink feed channel, each of the ink sticks comprising an ink stick body having an ink stick sensing feature on an external surface of the ink stick body that is located between a first end and a second end of the ink stick body, and each of the ink stick bodies has substantially the same mass as the other ink stick bodies in the plurality, a detector positioned at a fixed position proximate the ink feed channel and configured to be triggered by an ink stick sensing feature on an ink stick in the ink feed channel as the ink stick moves along the ink feed path past the detector, and a counter configured to accumulate the number of times the detector is triggered.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A solid ink delivery system provides solid ink sticks to a melting device in a printer. 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 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A control unit for a printing apparatus has a plurality of heat sources, each heat source being operable at an individual power level. The control unit is configured to control the power supplied to the heat sources such that, at each instant, the sum of the delivered individual power levels is less than or equal to a maximum allowable power. The control unit is also configured to control the power delivered to the heat sources on the basis of sequential cycles and for each cycle, to receive for each heat source a requested power pulse duration, to schedule within the cycle instants at which power is to be delivered to the heat sources, based on the individual power levels and requested pulse durations and to deliver the power according to the scheduled instants within the cycle.

Abstract: An ink tank includes a first channel extending in the form of a groove on an external part of the tank in connection with an atmospheric communicating port. The tank also includes a second channel which branches off from the first channel and joins this again and which has a capillary force greater than that of the first channel. Even when some amount of ink has flowed out of the atmospheric communicating port, the capillary force generated in the second channel acts to hold the ink in the channel. Additionally, even when ink is stored in the second channel, the first channel is not closed, and the pressure in the tank is therefore kept in equilibrium with the atmospheric pressure. Therefore, there is little possibility that the ink in the second channel will be pushed out even when the ambient temperature changes.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An ink-jet printer, including: a recording head which ejects ink onto a recording medium; a main tank which stores the ink to be supplied to the recording head; a sub tank configured to be extended and contracted in a vertical direction and including first and second ink flow holes provided in a lower portion of the sub tank, such that the first ink flow hole communicates with the recording head while the second ink flow hole communicates with the main tank; and a communication tube which is connected, at one of opposite ends thereof, to the second ink flow hole and which has, at the other of opposite ends thereof, an opening positioned in an inside space of the sub tank, whereby the second ink flow hole and the inside space of the sub tank communicate with each other via the communication tube, wherein the communication tube is configured such that the opening of the communication tube is displaced downwardly in accordance with the contraction of the sub tank.

Abstract: A machine, such as a phase change or solid ink printing apparatus, includes 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.

Abstract: System and methods for heating and transporting liquefied solid ink in an imaging device. The system includes an electroconductive tube that not only melts the solid ink, but also permits a control system to sense the ink temperature due to the tube's inherent properties. A controller operatively coupled to the electroconductive tube provides power to the tube, which in turn enables current flow. The flow of current resistively heats the electroconductive tube, thereby heating and melting the ink. Further, the controller is configured to control the current flowing through the tube.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A solid phase change ink composition that includes at least one colorant and an ink vehicle. The ink vehicle further includes at least one polyhydroxyalkanoate compound of the below formula wherein R is independently selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, a hydrocarbon group, a heteroatom, and combinations thereof, and wherein n represents the number of repeating units of from 1 to about 35,000, and wherein x represents an integer from 1 to about 5.

Abstract: A custom color printhead module comprises a mixing reservoir having a first opening and a second opening each configured to receive a first colored ink and a second colored ink and to mix the ink in the reservoir to form a custom colored ink. A first and a second reservoir supply valve are connected to the first and second opening, respectively, to open and close the first and second openings to enable and disable a flow of a first colored ink and a second colored ink into the mixing reservoir. A printhead is connected to the mixing reservoir to receive the custom colored ink from the mixing reservoir. A housing is configured to support the mixing reservoir and the printhead and configured for connection and removal from an imaging device.

Abstract: Insertion elements can be used to provide keying features for ink loaders. Such elements connect to ink stick receptacles in the loader. The insertion elements can provide a border to a non-integer number of edges of the receptacles and be shaped to complement at least a portion of the perimeter of an ink stick. A solid ink loader that includes at least one feed channel for receiving ink sticks can use the insertion elements. The insertion elements can be part of a keying system that includes keying features supplied by both the insertion element and the receptacle itself. Multi-component key plate systems can be used as well.

Abstract: A solid ink unit enables facilitates coupling of the solid ink unit to a drive mechanism. The solid ink unit includes a meltable ink body having a longitudinal axis, a coupler support extending from the meltable ink body, and an opening in the coupler support that extends along a portion of the longitudinal axis of the solid ink body.

Abstract: A drum maintenance system for use in an imaging device includes an applicator configured to apply a release agent to a surface of an intermediate transfer drum of an imaging device at a first flow rate, and a reservoir spaced from the applicator including a supply of the release agent for the applicator. A first fluid path fluidly couples the reservoir to the applicator for delivering release agent to the applicator; and a second fluid path fluidly couples the applicator to the reservoir for recirculating release agent back to the reservoir. A delivery pump is configured to pump release agent from the reservoir to the applicator via the first fluid path at a second flow rate; and a recirculation pump is configured to pump release agent from the applicator to the reservoir at a third flow rate. The second flow rate is greater than the first flow rate, and the third flow rate is greater than the second flow rate.