Patent ID: 7968035
Filing Date: 2011-06-28
Classification: B29C,B29L,B41J

Abstract:
1. A method of manufacturing an ink stick for use in a phase change ink jet imaging device, the method comprising: controlling a temperature within an extruder to establish a temperature gradient in the extruder to enable phase change ink material within the extruder to reach an extrusion temperature at which the phase change ink material is a malleable semi-solid; extruding the phase change ink material at the extrusion temperature through an extrusion orifice in an extrusion direction to form an extruded element of phase change ink material having a generic cross-section solid ink form; receiving a portion of the extruded element of phase change ink material in a first forming element positioned on a transport that moves at a velocity corresponding to the velocity at which the extruded element of phase change ink material is extruded from the extrusion orifice; pressing a second forming element against the extruded element of phase change ink material with a piston to enclose the portion of the extruded element of phase change ink material received within the first forming element between the first and the second forming elements to at least partially form a protrusion or an indentation in the extruded element of phase change ink material in a direction perpendicular to and vertical to the extrusion direction.