Patent ID: 8052265
Filing Date: 2011-11-08
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. A solid ink stick loader that verifies position and orientation of an ink stick prior to an ink stick identification operation comprising: an identification code detector located proximate an ink stick insertion area, the identification code detector being oriented with reference to the ink stick insertion area to enable the identification code detector to obtain an identification code positioned on the ink stick in a predetermined location; a first displaceable member located proximate the ink stick insertion area, the first displaceable member being movable between a first position and a second position, one of the first position and the second position being within the ink stick insertion area; a second displaceable member located proximate the ink stick insertion area, the second displaceable member being movable between a third position and a fourth position, one of the third position and the fourth position being within the ink stick insertion area; a sensor operatively connected to the first displaceable member, the second displaceable member, and the identification code detector, the sensor being configured to generate a verification signal in response to the first displaceable member being in the second position and the second displaceable member being in the fourth position when the ink stick is positioned at the predetermined location in a predetermined orientation in the ink stick insertion area, the identification code detector being enabled to obtain the identification code from the ink stick in response to the verification signal indicating the ink stick is in the predetermined orientation at the predetermined location generated by the sensor being received by the identification code detector.