| 摘要 |
An airflow system for a solid-ink melter tank is disclosed, which prevents clogging of drop tube supplying solid ink to the solid-ink melter tank. An inlet may provide airflow as well as solid ink to the melter tank and an outlet maintained at a temperature higher than temperature of the inlet, promotes a convective air current. The inlet may be coaxial with the drop tube or is present as a separate opening in the solid-ink melter tank. The outlet can be taller, externally insulated, and fabricated with a thermally conductive material as compared to the inlet. The heated outlet promotes expulsion of hot air from the solid-ink melter tank and prevents heating of drop tube, which leads to drop tube clogging by partially melting the solid ink.
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