Patents by Inventor Benjamin C. DeVore

Benjamin C. DeVore has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7594647
    Abstract: Embodiments of a pick mechanism for use in an image forming device. In one embodiment, a first mechanism individually moves each of the media sheets from a stack in the input area thereby gradually decreasing a height of the stack. The first mechanism applies a first force profile to the stack while individually moving each of the plurality of media sheets. As the media sheets are moved, the height of the stack gradually decreases from a first height to a second height. As the stack decreases below the second height, a second force profile is applied to the stack. The second force profile is different from the first profile. The first and second force profiles prevent slip as the media sheets are fed from the input area, and also prevent double sheet feeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin C. DeVore, Darin M. Gettelfinger, Paul Douglas Horrall
  • Patent number: 7396009
    Abstract: Methods and devices for moving a media sheet along a media path from an input area to a toner transfer area. One method comprises initially determining that the media sheet is to be moved from the input area. After making the determination, the media path is detected to ensure it is capable of moving the media sheet. If the media path is available, the media sheet is picked and moved along the path. If the media path is not available, the media sheet remains in the input area until the path is available. When required to wait for the path, an amount of delay is determined. Once the path is available, the delayed media sheet is picked from the input area and then accelerated to compensate for the delay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Lexmark International Inc.
    Inventors: Delbert Lester Elliott, Benjamin C. DeVore, Christopher E. Rhoads