Patents by Inventor Jeffrey Lawrence Tonges

Jeffrey Lawrence Tonges 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: 11754969
    Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example includes first and second alignment guides that extend outward from a first side and a second side of the toner cartridge, respectively, for positioning the toner cartridge. The first and second alignment guides define a pivot axis about which the toner cartridge is pivotable relative to an imaging unit when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit. An engagement member is positioned on a rear of the toner cartridge for receiving a bias force for biasing the toner cartridge about the pivot axis when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit. The engagement member is positioned next to the bottom of the housing. The engagement member includes an angled contact surface that faces upward and rearward for contacting a corresponding hold-down on the imaging unit when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Scott Carpenter, Gregory Alan Cavill, James Richard Leemhuis, Jeffrey Lawrence Tonges
  • Patent number: 11635706
    Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a reservoir for holding toner. An outlet is positioned on a front of the toner cartridge for exiting toner from the toner cartridge. First, second and third electrical contacts are positioned on a first side of the toner cartridge for contacting corresponding first, second and third electrical contacts in an image forming device. Each of the first, second and third electrical contacts of the toner cartridge is electrically connected to a respective imaging component positioned on the toner cartridge. The first, second and third electrical contacts of the toner cartridge are positioned such that an imaginary line that angles downward in a direction from a rear of the toner cartridge toward the front of the toner cartridge passes through the first, second and third electrical contacts of the toner cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Scott Carpenter, Gregory Alan Cavill, Jeffrey Lawrence Tonges
  • Publication number: 20220283524
    Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a reservoir for holding toner. An outlet is positioned on a front of the toner cartridge for exiting toner from the toner cartridge. First, second and third electrical contacts are positioned on a first side of the toner cartridge for contacting corresponding first, second and third electrical contacts in an image forming device. Each of the first, second and third electrical contacts of the toner cartridge is electrically connected to a respective imaging component positioned on the toner cartridge. The first, second and third electrical contacts of the toner cartridge are positioned such that an imaginary line that angles downward in a direction from a rear of the toner cartridge toward the front of the toner cartridge passes through the first, second and third electrical contacts of the toner cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2022
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    Inventors: BRIAN SCOTT CARPENTER, GREGORY ALAN CAVILL, JEFFREY LAWRENCE TONGES
  • Publication number: 20220244677
    Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example includes first and second alignment guides that extend outward from a first side and a second side of the toner cartridge, respectively, for positioning the toner cartridge. The first and second alignment guides define a pivot axis about which the toner cartridge is pivotable relative to an imaging unit when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit. An engagement member is positioned on a rear of the toner cartridge for receiving a bias force for biasing the toner cartridge about the pivot axis when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit. The engagement member is positioned next to the bottom of the housing. The engagement member includes an angled contact surface that faces upward and rearward for contacting a corresponding hold-down on the imaging unit when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2022
    Publication date: August 4, 2022
    Inventors: BRIAN SCOTT CARPENTER, GREGORY ALAN CAVILL, JAMES RICHARD LEEMHUIS, JEFFREY LAWRENCE TONGES
  • Patent number: 11402766
    Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a reservoir for holding toner. An outlet is positioned on a front of the toner cartridge for exiting toner from the toner cartridge. First, second and third electrical contacts are positioned on a first side of the toner cartridge for contacting corresponding first, second and third electrical contacts in an image forming device. Each of the first, second and third electrical contacts of the toner cartridge is electrically connected to a respective imaging component positioned on the toner cartridge. The first, second and third electrical contacts of the toner cartridge are positioned such that an imaginary line that angles downward in a direction from a rear of the toner cartridge toward the front of the toner cartridge passes through the first, second and third electrical contacts of the toner cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Scott Carpenter, Gregory Alan Cavill, Jeffrey Lawrence Tonges
  • Patent number: 11340554
    Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example includes first and second alignment guides that extend outward from a first side and a second side of the toner cartridge, respectively, for positioning the toner cartridge. The first and second alignment guides define a pivot axis about which the toner cartridge is pivotable relative to an imaging unit when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit. An engagement member is positioned on a rear of the toner cartridge for receiving a bias force for biasing the toner cartridge about the pivot axis when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit. The engagement member is positioned next to the bottom of the housing. The engagement member includes an angled contact surface that faces upward and rearward for contacting a corresponding hold-down on the imaging unit when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Scott Carpenter, Gregory Alan Cavill, James Richard Leemhuis, Jeffrey Lawrence Tonges
  • Patent number: 11086247
    Abstract: An assembly for an electrophotographic image forming device according to one example includes a rotatable roll having an electrically conductive shaft. An electrically conductive bracket is positioned adjacent to the roll and in a spaced relationship from the roll along a length of the roll. An electrical contact is positioned to receive an electrical voltage from a power supply of the image forming device. The electrical contact is electrically connected to a first end portion of the shaft of the roll by way of a first electrical path and to a second end portion of the shaft of the roll by way of a second electrical path to transfer the electrical voltage to the roll. The bracket forms a portion of the second electrical path such that the electrical voltage transferring from the electrical contact to the second end portion of the shaft of the roll passes through the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Lawrence Tonges
  • Publication number: 20210200113
    Abstract: An assembly for an electrophotographic image forming device according to one example includes a rotatable roll having an electrically conductive shaft. An electrically conductive bracket is positioned adjacent to the roll and in a spaced relationship from the roll along a length of the roll. An electrical contact is positioned to receive an electrical voltage from a power supply of the image forming device. The electrical contact is electrically connected to a first end portion of the shaft of the roll by way of a first electrical path and to a second end portion of the shaft of the roll by way of a second electrical path to transfer the electrical voltage to the roll. The bracket forms a portion of the second electrical path such that the electrical voltage transferring from the electrical contact to the second end portion of the shaft of the roll passes through the bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Inventor: JEFFREY LAWRENCE TONGES
  • Publication number: 20210157264
    Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example includes first and second alignment guides that extend outward from a first side and a second side of the toner cartridge, respectively, for positioning the toner cartridge. The first and second alignment guides define a pivot axis about which the toner cartridge is pivotable relative to an imaging unit when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit. An engagement member is positioned on a rear of the toner cartridge for receiving a bias force for biasing the toner cartridge about the pivot axis when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit. The engagement member is positioned next to the bottom of the housing. The engagement member includes an angled contact surface that faces upward and rearward for contacting a corresponding hold-down on the imaging unit when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Inventors: BRIAN SCOTT CARPENTER, GREGORY ALAN CAVILL, JAMES RICHARD LEEMHUIS, JEFFREY LAWRENCE TONGES
  • Publication number: 20210080865
    Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a reservoir for holding toner. An outlet is positioned on a front of the toner cartridge for exiting toner from the toner cartridge. First, second and third electrical contacts are positioned on a first side of the toner cartridge for contacting corresponding first, second and third electrical contacts in an image forming device. Each of the first, second and third electrical contacts of the toner cartridge is electrically connected to a respective imaging component positioned on the toner cartridge. The first, second and third electrical contacts of the toner cartridge are positioned such that an imaginary line that angles downward in a direction from a rear of the toner cartridge toward the front of the toner cartridge passes through the first, second and third electrical contacts of the toner cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2020
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Inventors: BRIAN SCOTT CARPENTER, GREGORY ALAN CAVILL, JEFFREY LAWRENCE TONGES
  • Patent number: 10942486
    Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example includes first and second alignment guides that extend outward from a first side and a second side of the toner cartridge, respectively, for positioning the toner cartridge. The first and second alignment guides define a pivot axis about which the toner cartridge is pivotable relative to an imaging unit when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit. An engagement member is positioned on a rear of the toner cartridge for receiving a bias force for biasing the toner cartridge about the pivot axis when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit. The engagement member is positioned next to the bottom of the housing. The engagement member includes an angled contact surface that faces upward and rearward for contacting a corresponding hold-down on the imaging unit when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Scott Carpenter, Gregory Alan Cavill, James Richard Leemhuis, Jeffrey Lawrence Tonges
  • Publication number: 20210003962
    Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example includes first and second alignment guides that extend outward from a first side and a second side of the toner cartridge, respectively, for positioning the toner cartridge. The first and second alignment guides define a pivot axis about which the toner cartridge is pivotable relative to an imaging unit when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit. An engagement member is positioned on a rear of the toner cartridge for receiving a bias force for biasing the toner cartridge about the pivot axis when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit. The engagement member is positioned next to the bottom of the housing. The engagement member includes an angled contact surface that faces upward and rearward for contacting a corresponding hold-down on the imaging unit when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Publication date: January 7, 2021
    Inventors: BRIAN SCOTT CARPENTER, GREGORY ALAN CAVILL, JAMES RICHARD LEEMHUIS, JEFFREY LAWRENCE TONGES
  • Patent number: 10884353
    Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a reservoir for holding toner. An outlet is positioned on a front of the toner cartridge for exiting toner from the toner cartridge. First, second and third electrical contacts are positioned on a first side of the toner cartridge for contacting corresponding first, second and third electrical contacts in an image forming device. Each of the first, second and third electrical contacts of the toner cartridge is electrically connected to a respective imaging component positioned on the toner cartridge. The first, second and third electrical contacts of the toner cartridge are positioned such that an imaginary line that angles downward in a direction from a rear of the toner cartridge toward the front of the toner cartridge passes through the first, second and third electrical contacts of the toner cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Scott Carpenter, Gregory Alan Cavill, Jeffrey Lawrence Tonges
  • Publication number: 20200356025
    Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a reservoir for holding toner. An outlet is positioned on a front of the toner cartridge for exiting toner from the toner cartridge. First, second and third electrical contacts are positioned on a first side of the toner cartridge for contacting corresponding first, second and third electrical contacts in an image forming device. Each of the first, second and third electrical contacts of the toner cartridge is electrically connected to a respective imaging component positioned on the toner cartridge. The first, second and third electrical contacts of the toner cartridge are positioned such that an imaginary line that angles downward in a direction from a rear of the toner cartridge toward the front of the toner cartridge passes through the first, second and third electrical contacts of the toner cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventors: BRIAN SCOTT CARPENTER, GREGORY ALAN CAVILL, JEFFREY LAWRENCE TONGES
  • Patent number: 10809661
    Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example includes first and second alignment guides that extend outward from a first side and a second side of the toner cartridge, respectively, for positioning the toner cartridge. The first and second alignment guides define a pivot axis about which the toner cartridge is pivotable relative to an imaging unit when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit. An engagement member is positioned on a rear of the toner cartridge for receiving a bias force for biasing the toner cartridge about the pivot axis when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit. The engagement member is positioned next to the bottom of the housing. The engagement member includes an angled contact surface that faces upward and rearward for contacting a corresponding hold-down on the imaging unit when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Scott Carpenter, Gregory Alan Cavill, James Richard Leemhuis, Jeffrey Lawrence Tonges
  • Patent number: 10725424
    Abstract: An assembly for an electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a toner cartridge and an imaging unit. Contact between first and second guide posts of the toner cartridge and first and second alignment guides of the imaging unit define a pivot axis about which the toner cartridge is pivotable relative to the imaging unit when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit. Contact between an engagement member of the toner cartridge and a hold-down of the imaging unit biases the toner cartridge about the pivot axis relative to the imaging unit and biases a developer roll of the toner cartridge against a photoconductive drum of the imaging unit when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Scott Carpenter, Gregory Alan Cavill, James Richard Leemhuis, Jeffrey Lawrence Tonges
  • Patent number: 10466617
    Abstract: A toner container according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for holding toner. A first electrode and a second electrode are positioned on the housing. The first electrode and the second electrode form a capacitor having a capacitance that changes in response to a change in an amount of toner in the reservoir between the first electrode and the second electrode. The first electrode includes a first rod and the second electrode includes a second rod spaced from the first rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Lawrence Tonges, Brad Edward Mattingly, Jarrett Clark Gayne, Ann Marie Trebolo, Gregory Alan Cavill
  • Publication number: 20190187585
    Abstract: A toner container according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for holding toner. A first electrode and a second electrode are positioned on the housing. The first electrode and the second electrode form a capacitor having a capacitance that changes in response to a change in an amount of toner in the reservoir between the first electrode and the second electrode. The first electrode includes a first rod and the second electrode includes a second rod spaced from the first rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Inventors: JEFFREY LAWRENCE TONGES, BRAD EDWARD MATTINGLY, JARETT CLARK GAYNE, ANN MARIE TREBOLO, GREGORY ALAN CAVILL
  • Patent number: D947938
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Scott Carpenter, Gregory Alan Cavill, Jeffrey Lawrence Tonges
  • Patent number: D952030
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Scott Carpenter, Gregory Alan Cavill, James Richard Leemhuis, Kyle Bradley Martin, Jay Scott Siekmann, Jeffrey Lawrence Tonges, Randal Scott Williamson, Trey Dustin Gilliam