Patent ID: 6761443
Filing Date: 2004-07-13
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A set of ink sticks for use in a solid ink feed system of a phase change ink jet printer, the solid ink feed system having at least first, and second ink feed channels, wherein each feed channel is adapted to receive an ink stick inserted an insertion direction, the set of ink sticks comprising:a first, second, and third ink sticks; wherein each ink stick comprises a three dimensional ink stick body; wherein each ink stick body has an insertion perimeter substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction; wherein each ink stick body has common orientation feature to establish a unique insertion orientation for the ink stick insertion perimeter for insertion of the ink stick into a feed channel; wherein each ink stick body has a lateral center of gravity between opposite sides of the insertion perimeter when the ink stick is in the insertion orientation; wherein each ink stick body has one or more key elements along its insertion perimeter; wherein each of the key elements is substantially identical in shape to the others of the key elements; wherein each of the key elements is substantially identical in size to the others of the key elements; wherein, when each ink stick is in its insertion orientation, the key element of the first ink stick is on a first side of the lateral center of gravity of the first ink stick, and the key element of the second ink stick is on a second side of the lateral center of gravity of the second ink stick, opposite the first side.