Patent ID: 8240831
Filing Date: 2012-08-14
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. A solid ink printer comprising: a plurality of feed channels, each feed channel terminating at a melting device that heats solid ink sticks to a melting temperature at one end of the feed channel; an insertion port operatively connected to another end of each of the plurality of feed channels, the insertion port being configured with an opening through which solid ink sticks are inserted for movement through one of the feed channels operatively connected to the insertion port; a member positioned proximate the opening in the insertion port; an actuator operatively connected to the member and configured to move the member with respect to the opening of the insertion port, the actuator being operatively connected to the member by one of a continuous belt assembly, a continuous screw, a cam, and a chain; and a controller operatively connected to the actuator, the controller being configured to detect at least one event and operate the actuator to move the member to block solid ink sticks from entering through the opening of the insertion port.