Patents by Inventor Harald Portig

Harald Portig 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: 11565641
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method capable of providing a bumper capable of providing decreasing reversionary impact forces upon an impacting collider as the bumper is compressed. The apparatus, system and method may include at least a bumper cover; and a scissor mechanism housed within the bumper cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: JABIL INC.
    Inventors: Jarrett Gayne, Harald Portig
  • Publication number: 20210016733
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method capable of providing a bumper capable of providing decreasing reversionary impact forces upon an impacting collider as the bumper is compressed. The apparatus, system and method may include at least a bumper cover; and a scissor mechanism housed within the bumper cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Publication date: January 21, 2021
    Applicant: JABIL INC.
    Inventors: Jarrett Gayne, Harald Portig
  • Patent number: 10108142
    Abstract: A replaceable unit for an image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for storing toner. The replaceable unit includes a rotatable drive coupler and a rotatable shaft that has a cross pin on an axial end of the shaft, generally orthogonal to the shaft. At least a portion of the drive coupler is exposed on an exterior of the housing and unobstructed to receive rotational force when the replaceable unit is installed in the image forming device. A pocket is formed in a first axial side of the drive coupler. The axial end of the shaft and the cross pin are removably positioned in the pocket such that upon rotating the drive coupler in an operative direction rotational force is transferred from surfaces of the drive coupler forming the pocket to the cross pin causing the shaft to rotate with the drive coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Craig Leemhuis, Harald Portig
  • Patent number: 10048623
    Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for containing toner therein. An exit port in fluid communication with the reservoir faces downward on a front of the housing near a first side of the housing. A portion of a main interface gear for providing rotational power to a toner delivery system is exposed on the front of the housing near a top of a second side of the housing and engagable with a corresponding drive gear in the image forming device. A projection projects from the front of the housing and is spaced from the exit port toward the first side of the housing. The projection extends further forward than a frontmost portion of the exit port. A front of the projection is unobstructed for engaging a shutter on a developer unit when the toner cartridge is inserted into the image forming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjer Albaran Acosta, James Anthany Carter, II, Gary Neal Hackney, Katrina Rosit Lactuan, James Richard Leemhuis, Keith Seaman, Bryan Christopher Scharf, Matthew Lee Rogers, Christohper Gene Vowels, Jason Hale, Mark William Amann, Benjamin Keith Newman, Harald Portig, Rodney Evan Sproul
  • Publication number: 20180164717
    Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for containing toner therein. An exit port in fluid communication with the reservoir faces downward on a front of the housing near a first side of the housing. A portion of a main interface gear for providing rotational power to a toner delivery system is exposed on the front of the housing near a top of a second side of the housing and engagable with a corresponding drive gear in the image forming device. A projection projects from the front of the housing and is spaced from the exit port toward the first side of the housing. The projection extends further forward than a frontmost portion of the exit port. A front of the projection is unobstructed for engaging a shutter on a developer unit when the toner cartridge is inserted into the image forming device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Inventors: BENJER ALBARAN ACOSTA, JAMES ANTHANY CARTER, II, GARY NEAL HACKNEY, KATRINA ROSIT LACTUAN, JAMES RICHARD LEEMHUIS, KEITH SEAMAN, BRYAN CHRISTOPHER SCHARF, MATTHEW LEE ROGERS, CHRISTOHPER GENE VOWELS, JASON HALE, MARK WILLIAM AMANN, BENJAMIN KEITH NEWMAN, HARALD PORTIG, RODNEY EVAN SPROUL
  • Patent number: 9921522
    Abstract: An electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a toner cartridge having a housing that defines a reservoir for containing toner. An exit port in fluid communication with the reservoir faces downward on the front of the housing near a first side. A toner delivery system for transferring toner from the reservoir includes a main interface gear exposed on the front of the housing near the top of the second side. A rearward facing opening is exposed at the rear of the housing near the first side of the housing for receiving a first engagement feature in an image forming device. A forward facing opening is exposed at the front of the housing near the first side of the housing for receiving a second engagement feature in the image forming device. The forward facing opening overlaps with the rearward facing in a side-to-side dimension of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjer Albaran Acosta, James Anthany Carter, II, Gary Neal Hackney, Katrina Rosit Lactuan, James Richard Leemhuis, Keith Seaman, Bryan Christopher Scharf, Matthew Lee Rogers, Christohper Gene Vowels, Jason Hale, Mark William Amann, Benjamin Keith Newman, Harald Portig, Rodney Evan Sproul
  • Publication number: 20180046135
    Abstract: A replaceable unit for an image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for storing toner. The replaceable unit includes a rotatable drive coupler and a rotatable shaft that has a cross pin on an axial end of the shaft, generally orthogonal to the shaft. At least a portion of the drive coupler is exposed on an exterior of the housing and unobstructed to receive rotational force when the replaceable unit is installed in the image forming device. A pocket is formed in a first axial side of the drive coupler. The axial end of the shaft and the cross pin are removably positioned in the pocket such that upon rotating the drive coupler in an operative direction rotational force is transferred from surfaces of the drive coupler forming the pocket to the cross pin causing the shaft to rotate with the drive coupler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: MICHAEL CRAIG LEEMHUIS, HARALD PORTIG
  • Patent number: 9829855
    Abstract: A replaceable unit for an image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for storing toner. The replaceable unit includes a rotatable drive coupler and a rotatable shaft that has a cross pin on an axial end of the shaft, generally orthogonal to the shaft. At least a portion of the drive coupler is exposed on an exterior of the housing and unobstructed to receive rotational force when the replaceable unit is installed in the image forming device. A pocket is formed in a first axial side of the drive coupler. The axial end of the shaft and the cross pin are removably positioned in the pocket such that upon rotating the drive coupler in an operative direction rotational force is transferred from surfaces of the drive coupler forming the pocket to the cross pin causing the shaft to rotate with the drive coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Craig Leemhuis, Harald Portig
  • Publication number: 20170219961
    Abstract: An electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a toner cartridge having a housing that defines a reservoir for containing toner. An exit port in fluid communication with the reservoir faces downward on the front of the housing near a first side. A toner delivery system for transferring toner from the reservoir includes a main interface gear exposed on the front of the housing near the top of the second side. A rearward facing opening is exposed at the rear of the housing near the first side of the housing for receiving a first engagement feature in an image forming device. A forward facing opening is exposed at the front of the housing near the first side of the housing for receiving a second engagement feature in the image forming device. The forward facing opening overlaps with the rearward facing in a side-to-side dimension of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: BENJER ALBARAN ACOSTA, JAMES ANTHANY CARTER, II, GARY NEAL HACKNEY, KATRINA ROSIT LACTUAN, JAMES RICHARD LEEMHUIS, KEITH SEAMAN, BRYAN CHRISTOPHER SCHARF, MATTHEW LEE ROGERS, CHRISTOHPER GENE VOWELS, JASON HALE, MARK WILLIAM AMANN, BENJAMIN KEITH NEWMAN, HARALD PORTIG, RODNEY EVAN SPROUL
  • Patent number: 9709928
    Abstract: An intermediate transfer member (ITM) module including a frame; a backup roll and a drive roll rotatably disposed along a first end portion of the frame. A tension roll is rotatably disposed along a second end portion of the frame. An ITM belt forms an endless loop around the backup roll, the drive roll and the tension roll such that rotation of the drive roll causes the ITM belt to translate and the tension roll and the backup roll to rotate. The drive roll and the backup roll form a transfer nip with a transfer roll. A drive mechanism is coupled between the drive roll and the backup roll and includes a plurality of gears. The drive mechanism overdrives the backup roll relative to the drive roll while limiting an amount of tension of the ITM belt in the second transfer nip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Kerry Leland Embry, Alexander J Geyling, Bartley Charles Gould, II, Robert Watson McAlpine, Harald Portig
  • Patent number: 9658590
    Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a housing defining a reservoir for containing toner. An exit port in fluid communication with the reservoir faces downward on a front of the housing near a first side of the housing. A first alignment guide is positioned on the first side of the housing and a second alignment guide positioned on the second side of the housing. A toner delivery system for transferring toner from the reservoir out of the exit port includes a main interface gear. A portion of the main interface gear is exposed on the front of the housing at a second side of the housing above the second alignment guide. A connector on the first side of the housing has a forward facing opening positioned above the first alignment guide. Electrical contacts are positioned within the connector and are accessible through the forward facing opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjer Albaran Acosta, James Anthany Carter, II, Gary Neal Hackney, Katrina Rosit Lactuan, James Richard Leemhuis, Keith Seaman, Bryan Christopher Scharf, Matthew Lee Rogers, Christohper Gene Vowels, Jason Hale, Mark William Amann, Benjamin Keith Newman, Harald Portig, Rodney Evan Sproul
  • Publication number: 20170090357
    Abstract: An intermediate transfer member (ITM) module including a frame; a backup roll and a drive roll rotatably disposed along a first end portion of the frame. A tension roll is rotatably disposed along a second end portion of the frame. An ITM belt forms an endless loop around the backup roll, the drive roll and the tension roll such that rotation of the drive roll causes the ITM belt to translate and the tension roll and the backup roll to rotate. The drive roll and the backup roll form a transfer nip with a transfer roll. A drive mechanism is coupled between the drive roll and the backup roll and includes a plurality of gears. The drive mechanism overdrives the backup roll relative to the drive roll while limiting an amount of tension of the ITM belt in the second transfer nip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: KERRY LELAND EMBRY, ALEXANDER J. GEYLING, BARTLEY CHARLES GOULD, II, ROBERT WATSON MCALPINE, HARALD PORTIG
  • Publication number: 20170075295
    Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a housing defining a reservoir for containing toner. An exit port in fluid communication with the reservoir faces downward on a front of the housing near a first side of the housing. A first alignment guide is positioned on the first side of the housing and a second alignment guide positioned on the second side of the housing. A toner delivery system for transferring toner from the reservoir out of the exit port includes a main interface gear. A portion of the main interface gear is exposed on the front of the housing at a second side of the housing above the second alignment guide. A connector on the first side of the housing has a forward facing opening positioned above the first alignment guide. Electrical contacts are positioned within the connector and are accessible through the forward facing opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Inventors: BENJER ALBARAN ACOSTA, JAMES ANTHANY CARTER, II, GARY NEAL HACKNEY, KATRINA ROSIT LACTUAN, JAMES RICHARD LEEMHUIS, KEITH SEAMAN, BRYAN CHRISTOPHER SCHARF, MATTHEW LEE ROGERS, CHRISTOHPER GENE VOWELS, JASON HALE, MARK WILLIAM AMANN, BENJAMIN KEITH NEWMAN, HARALD PORTIG, RODNEY EVAN SPROUL
  • Patent number: 9541860
    Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a housing that defines a reservoir for containing toner. An exit port in fluid communication with the reservoir faces downward on the front of the housing near a first side. A toner delivery system for transferring toner from the reservoir includes a main interface gear exposed on the front of the housing near the top of the second side. A rearward facing opening is exposed at the rear of the housing near the first side of the housing for receiving a first engagement feature in an image forming device. A forward facing opening is exposed at the front of the housing near the first side of the housing for receiving a second engagement feature in the image forming device. The forward facing opening overlaps with the rearward facing in a side-to-side dimension of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjer Albaran Acosta, James Anthany Carter, II, Gary Neal Hackney, Katrina Rosit Lactuan, James Richard Leemhuis, Keith Seaman, Bryan Christopher Scharf, Matthew Lee Rogers, Christopher Gene Vowels, Jason Hale, Mark William Amann, Benjamin Keith Newman, Harald Portig, Rodney Evan Sproul
  • Patent number: 9488935
    Abstract: An intermediate transfer member (ITM) module including a frame; a backup roll and a drive roll rotatably disposed along a first end portion of the frame. A tension roll is rotatably disposed along a second end portion of the frame. An ITM belt forms as an endless loop around the backup roll, the drive roll and the tension roll such that rotation of the drive roll causes the ITM belt to translate and the tension roll and the backup roll to rotate. The drive roll and the backup roll form a transfer nip with a transfer roll. A drive mechanism is coupled between the drive roll and the backup roll and includes a plurality of gears. The drive mechanism overdrives the backup roll relative to the drive roll while limiting an amount of tension of the ITM belt in the second transfer nip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Kerry Leland Embry, Alexander Johannes Geyling, Bartley Charles Gould, II, Robert Watson McAlpine, Harald Portig
  • Publication number: 20160195833
    Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a housing that defines a reservoir for containing toner. An exit port in fluid communication with the reservoir faces downward on the front of the housing near a first side. A toner delivery system for transferring toner from the reservoir includes a main interface gear exposed on the front of the housing near the top of the second side. A rearward facing opening is exposed at the rear of the housing near the first side of the housing for receiving a first engagement feature in an image forming device. A forward facing opening is exposed at the front of the housing near the first side of the housing for receiving a second engagement feature in the image forming device. The forward facing opening overlaps with the rearward facing in a side-to-side dimension of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Publication date: July 7, 2016
    Inventors: BENJER ALBARAN ACOSTA, JAMES ANTHANY CARTER, II, GARY NEAL HACKNEY, KATRINA ROSIT LACTUAN, JAMES RICHARD LEEMHUIS, KEITH SEAMAN, BRYAN CHRISTOPHER SCHARF, MATTHEW LEE ROGERS, CHRISTOPHER GENE VOWELS, JASON HALE, MARK WILLIAM AMANN, BENJAMIN KEITH NEWMAN, HARALD PORTIG, RODNEY EVAN SPROUL
  • Patent number: 9323178
    Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for containing toner therein. An exit port in fluid communication with the reservoir faces downward on a front of the housing near a first side of the housing. A portion of a main interface gear for providing rotational power to a toner delivery system is exposed on the front of the housing near a top of a second side of the housing and engagable with a corresponding drive gear in the image forming device. A projection extends forward from the housing further forward than a frontmost portion of the exit port and is spaced from the exit port toward the first side of the housing. A front of the projection is unobstructed for engaging a developer unit when the toner cartridge is inserted into the image forming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjer Albaran Acosta, James Anthany Carter, II, Gary Neal Hackney, Katrina Rosit Lactuan, James Richard Leemhuis, Keith Seaman, Bryan Christopher Scharf, Matthew Lee Rogers, Christopher Gene Vowels, Jason Hale, Mark William Amann, Benjamin Keith Newman, Harald Portig, Rodney Evan Sproul
  • Patent number: 9298130
    Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for containing toner therein. An exit port in fluid communication with the reservoir faces downward on a front of the housing near a first side of the housing. A portion of a main interface gear for providing rotational power to a toner delivery system is exposed on the front of the housing near a top of a second side of the housing and engagable with a corresponding drive gear in the image forming device. A projection extends forward from the housing further forward than a frontmost portion of the exit port and is spaced from the exit port toward the first side of the housing. A front of the projection is unobstructed for engaging a developer unit when the toner cartridge is inserted into the image forming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjer Albaran Acosta, James Anthany Carter, II, Gary Neal Hackney, Katrina Rosit Lactuan, James Richard Leemhuis, Keith Seaman, Bryan Christopher Scharf, Matthew Lee Rogers, Christopher Gene Vowels, Jason Hale, Mark William Amann, Benjamin Keith Newman, Harald Portig, Rodney Evan Sproul
  • Publication number: 20160041499
    Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for containing toner therein. An exit port in fluid communication with the reservoir faces downward on a front of the housing near a first side of the housing. A portion of a main interface gear for providing rotational power to a toner delivery system is exposed on the front of the housing near a top of a second side of the housing and engagable with a corresponding drive gear in the image forming device. A projection extends forward from the housing further forward than a frontmost portion of the exit port and is spaced from the exit port toward the first side of the housing. A front of the projection is unobstructed for engaging a developer unit when the toner cartridge is inserted into the image forming device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Benjer Albaran Acosta, James Anthany Carter, II, Gary Neal Hackney, Katrina Rosit Lactuan, James Richard Leemhuis, Keith Seaman, Bryan Christopher Scharf, Matthew Lee Rogers, Christopher Gene Vowels, Jason Hale, Mark William Amann, Benjamin Keith Newman, Harald Portig, Rodney Evan Sproul
  • Publication number: 20150338825
    Abstract: A replaceable unit for an image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for storing toner. The replaceable unit includes a rotatable drive coupler and a rotatable shaft that has a cross pin on an axial end of the shaft, generally orthogonal to the shaft. At least a portion of the drive coupler is exposed on an exterior of the housing and unobstructed to receive rotational force when the replaceable unit is installed in the image forming device. A pocket is formed in a first axial side of the drive coupler. The axial end of the shaft and the cross pin are removably positioned in the pocket such that upon rotating the drive coupler in an operative direction rotational force is transferred from surfaces of the drive coupler forming the pocket to the cross pin causing the shaft to rotate with the drive coupler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Applicant: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Craig Leemhuis, Harald Portig