Patents by Inventor David Kurt Klaffenbach

David Kurt Klaffenbach 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).

  • Laser printer having variable beam spacing
    Patent number: 6037963
    Abstract: A laser printer includes at least three laser beams for simultaneously scanning a rotatable recording medium. The laser beams have their centers spaced uniform or non-uniform distances from each other. The centers of the laser beams are spaced predetermined distances from each other so that the print resolution may be 300, 400, 600, or 1,200 dpi depending upon the laser beams selected for use with at least two laser beams always being selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Allen Denton, David Kurt Klaffenbach
  • Motor drive system controlled by a phase accumulator and method therefor
    Patent number: 6006008
    Abstract: A high resolution speed control for a DC or BLDC phase-locked-loop (PLL) motor is provided. A phase accumulator sends a time varying frequency reference to the PLL input, where the average frequency sets the motor speed with a high degree of accuracy. A post divider is used to reduce the number of circuits required to implement the function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: David Kurt Klaffenbach, Harald Portig, Thomas Campbell Wade
  • Method and apparatus for aligning multiple laser beams
    Patent number: 5966231
    Abstract: Compensation for beam separation of multiple laser beams of a laser printer simultaneously scanning a photoconductor drum is automatically made. The time for the lead beam to travel a predetermined distance is ascertained and then the separation time between the lead beam and one of the remaining beams is determined. When using only one light sensor, the time for the lead beam to travel the predetermined distance is the scan time of the lead beam. When using two light sensors, the time for the lead beam to travel the predetermined distance is the time for the lead beam to travel between the two light sensors, which define the predetermined distance, in the same scan. This determination of the time for the lead beam to travel the predetermined distance and its separation time from another of the remaining beams is continuously made for all of the remaining beams even during printing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Palmer Bush, Philip Jerome Heink, David Kurt Klaffenbach, Thomas Campbell Wade
  • Sound reduced rotatable polygon assembly
    Patent number: 5901000
    Abstract: Mirror (1) of a laser printhead has an octagonal outer configuration. During normal use the mirror is rotated at high speed, which drives ambient air which causes noise. To control the noise a shroud (11) surrounds the mirror and confines the air except at an opening in the shroud to permit a laser beam to reach the mirror and be reflected out. A rib extends over the mirror and near the area of the opening, positioned to reduce sounds created by the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald Lee Fish, David Kurt Klaffenbach