System and method for extracting solid-ink pellets from a container
AssigneeXerox Corporation
InventorsJan M. Enderle, Matthew Fabrizio, Srinivasa R. Deshiikan, Michael Brundige
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for supplying solid-ink pellets from a container to a printing apparatus. The solid-ink pellets are held in a collapsible, hermetic bag, which is carried in the container. The bag is partially or fully transparent. A vacuum interface provides an access point to the bag. Further, a perforated nozzle, adapted to engage the vacuum interface, provides airflow within the bag and is configured to apply a suction force to extract solid-ink pellets from the bag.
Claims11
A system for supplying solid-ink pellets from a rigid container to a printing apparatus, the system comprising:
- a structure forming a substantially rigid container;
- a collapsible, hermetic bag, carried in the container, wherein the bag contains the solid-ink pellets;
- a vacuum interface for providing an access point to the bag;
- a perforated nozzle adapted to engage the vacuum interface, the nozzle comprising a substantially hollow, perforated member extending into the bag;
- a vacuum hose coupled to the nozzle through the vacuum interface, wherein the vacuum hose is configured to admit a suction force, through the nozzle, into the bag to extract the solid-ink pellets from the bag;
- and
- a lumen configured to provide airflow within the bag, wherein the lumen is coupled to the nozzle through the vacuum interface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.