The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 12, 2013
Filed:
Dec. 17, 2010
Srinivasa R. Deshiikan, Wilsonville, OR (US);
Antonio P. Sarmiento, Portland, OR (US);
Mark R. James, Lake Oswego, OR (US);
John Mulley, Portland, OR (US);
Michael Brundige, Rochester, NY (US);
Srinivasa R. Deshiikan, Wilsonville, OR (US);
Antonio P. Sarmiento, Portland, OR (US);
Mark R. James, Lake Oswego, OR (US);
John Mulley, Portland, OR (US);
Michael Brundige, Rochester, NY (US);
Xerox Corporation, Norwalk, CT (US);
Abstract
The present disclosure provides apparatus and method for maintaining the flowability of solid-ink pellets in a system for delivering the pellets to an image-forming device. The apparatus includes a container storing the solid-ink pellets, and an extraction assembly for extracting the solid-ink pellets. The extraction assembly includes a tubular housing, extending from the bottom portion of the container, and an auger member rotatably placed within the tubular housing. The tubular housing receives the solid-ink pellets from the container and the auger member rotates to break up the obstructions to pellet flow.