Patent ID: 8449093
Filing Date: 2013-05-28
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. A phase change ink image producing machine comprising: (a) a control subsystem configured to control operation of subsystems and components of the image producing machine; (b) a movable imaging member having an imaging surface; (c) a printhead system operatively connected to said control subsystem to enable said control subsystem to control the printhead system for ejecting drops of melted molten liquid phase change ink onto said imaging surface to form an image; (d) at least one ink supply for supplying solid pieces of phase change ink to be heated and melted; and (e) a melter assembly associated with said at least one ink supply, the melter assembly being configured to heat and melt said solid pieces of phase change ink into melted molten liquid ink, the melter assembly including: an array of a plurality of spaced apart fins, said array defining a top face for receiving the solid pieces of phase change ink, a bottom face for discharging melted ink, and melter surfaces for melting said solid pieces in contact therewith, wherein at least two fins of said plurality of spaced apart fins are substantially flat plates having a top edge at said top face and a bottom edge at said bottom face, said bottom edge having a plurality of triangular shapes to form a plurality of apexes, each apex providing a drip point for melted ink; and a device for heating said melter surfaces for each fin in said array.