Keying elements for solid ink loader
AssigneeXerox Corporation
InventorsBrent R. Jones, Timothy L. Crawford
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An insertion element that connects to an ink stick receptacle in a key plate, wherein the insertion element forms at least one edge of an insertion opening, and wherein the insertion element is shaped to complement at least a portion of the perimeter of an ink stick. The element is used in a solid ink loader, which includes at least one feed channel for receiving ink sticks and at least one key plate for covering the at least one feed channel. The at least one key plate includes a receptacle for the insertion opening surround element.
Claims20
A solid ink loader, comprising:
- at least one feed channel for receiving ink sticks;
- at least one key plate for covering the at least one feed channel, wherein the at least one key plate includes a first receptacle;
- and
- a first insertion opening surround element connected to the receptacle that is separate from the first receptacle, wherein the first insertion opening surround element defines a first portion of the perimeter of an ink stick insertion opening and provides keying features along the first portion.
A key plate for use with a solid ink jet printer, the key plate comprising:
- a main installation portion having at least one receptacle therein;
- a first insertion opening surround portion that connects to at least part of the installation portion, wherein the insertion opening surround portion defines a first part of an insertion opening.
A first insertion element that connects to an ink stick receptacle in a key plate, wherein the first insertion element forms at least one edge of an insertion opening, and wherein the first insertion element is shaped to complement at least a portion of the perimeter of an ink stick.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.