Patents by Inventor Douglas L. Robertson

Douglas L. Robertson 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: 7688956
    Abstract: Methods and system for validating facsimile communications by ensuring that each detected facsimile calling tone is actually a facsimile calling tone that was generated by a sending facsimile device. The method can include establishing a connection between a sending facsimile device and a receiving facsimile device, which was initiated by either the sending facsimile device or the receiving facsimile device. The connection can be utilized for at least one of facsimile communication, voice communication, and a combination of facsimile communication and voice communication. The method can also comprise switching the receiving facsimile machine from a voice-capable mode to a facsimile mode once at least one facsimile calling tone is detected after a first facsimile calling tone is detected while the receiving facsimile device in the line monitoring mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Duane E. Norris, Steven A. Rice, Douglas L. Robertson
  • Patent number: 7616745
    Abstract: A method for printing incoming facsimiles assigns a print-priority number to a plurality of known facsimile origination identification numbers, wherein the print-priority number is different for at least two of the plurality. The method also identifies the facsimile origination identification number of incoming facsimiles. The method also stores the incoming facsimiles if from a known facsimile origination identification number assigned one of at least two different print-priority numbers. The method also prints the stored facsimiles in an order based at least on their corresponding print-priority numbers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian K. Owens, Douglas L. Robertson
  • Patent number: 7469107
    Abstract: A method for providing a virtual replenishing of a supply item with an imaging substance includes the steps communicating to a database a first serial number associated with a first supply item; comparing the first serial number with a plurality of serial numbers stored in the database; receiving from the database one of a first data indicating non-correspondence between the first serial number with one of the plurality of serial numbers and a second data indicating correspondence between the first serial number with one of the plurality of serial numbers, wherein the second data includes a verification key; and if the verification key corresponds to the first key stored in the memory associated with the first supply item, then performing the step of allocating at least a portion of a surplus amount of the imaging substance contained in the first supply item for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A Adkins, Douglas L. Robertson, David C. Stevenson, Barry B. Stout
  • Patent number: 7359500
    Abstract: A method for carrying out predetermined actions by a telecom receiving device. A predetermined answer string is entered and stored in a memory portion of a receiving telecom device. Incoming calls are checked for appropriateness. Accepted incoming calls are monitored for a predetermined event. If the predetermined event is detected, a set of steps are accomplished in accordance with the previously stored answer string. The receiving telecom device then resumes normal operation after completing the actions represented by the answer string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Lexmark International Inc.
    Inventors: Steven A. Rice, Douglas L. Robertson
  • Patent number: 7128385
    Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for detecting the presence of an ink jet printhead when a printhead controller fails to properly identify an installed printhead using a printhead identification device. The system includes a printhead including heater resistors and control elements, and a controller connected to the printhead via address and data lines. When the controller fails to properly identify an installed printhead, the controller operates to bias the control elements in a predetermined manner via at least one address line, detect a signal via the data lines, and generate a signal indicative of the presence of the installed printhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Bush, III, Marenz S. Ganadillo, Tommy O. Lowe, Bryan D. McKinley, Douglas L. Robertson
  • Publication number: 20040120495
    Abstract: A method of disabling call-waiting before receiving incoming digital data. An incoming call is answered by connecting a first line and a second line. The first line is then connected to a third line of a three-way calling feature. A dial tone is detected on the third line. A call-waiting disable signal is transmitted over the third line. The connection between the first line and the third line is terminated. The digital data is then received over the first line and the second line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Steven A. Rice, Douglas L. Robertson