Supply system for solid ink jet ink

摘要

A solid ink stick supply system (12) and related method for delivering solid ink sticks to an ink jet print head reservoir is disclosed. The supply system (12) includes a housing (14) with a keyed plate (20) that guides the ink sticks (16A-16D) into the proper loading position in a supply channel (24). A pusher rod (26) in the supply channel transfers an ink stick onto an endless belt (30) for delivery to the print head reservoir (28). A push device (44) on the endless belt engages and delivers the ink stick to the print head reservoir. A second ink stick is transferred from the supply channel to the endless belt and is retained on the belt by a stop device (58). A method for efficiently loading ink sticks into the supply system is also provided. <IMAGE>