Patents Represented by Attorney Coats and Bennett, PLLC
  • Patent number: 7221958
    Abstract: A delay-and-add filtering technique positions one or more filter nulls substantially at points of narrowband interference in a relatively wideband received signal. For example, the technique is useful in removing adjacent channel interference in a received W-CDMA signal caused GSM radio transmissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Ericsson Inc.
    Inventors: Tracy L. Fulghum, William O. Camp, Jr., Rajaram Ramesh, Yi-Pin Eric Wang
  • Patent number: 7209741
    Abstract: An access network obtains a non-native mobile station identifier, such as an International Mobile Station Identifier, for use in establishing a packet data call by inducing the mobile station to transmit a non-native message containing the mobile station identifier encapsulated in a native message. The access network de-capsulates and parses the non-native message to obtain the mobile station identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Vibhor Julka, Erik Colban
  • Patent number: 7209511
    Abstract: Transmitted signals from plurality of mobile terminals are received at one or more base stations in a Code Division Multiple Access system. The base stations send the received signals to a central processor in the form of complex signal sample streams. The central processor determines the correlations between the spreading codes used by the mobile terminals and combines the interference correlations with channel estimates to form an interference matrix. The central processor uses the interference matrix to process the received signals reduce the interference between signals from different mobile terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Ericsson Inc.
    Inventor: Paul W. Dent
  • Patent number: 7205738
    Abstract: A motor control circuit uses a stored commutation table to effect time-based commutation of a brushless dc motor. Each entry in the commutation table defines a motor winding commutation state, and an exemplary method of open-loop motor control based on the commutation table comprises commutating the motor based on sequentially selecting table entries at a desired selection rate. That is, motor speed is controlled precisely by controlling the sequential selection rate rather than by relying on feedback from the motor. However, motor feedback for closed-loop control may be used in some modes of operation. For example, the method may include closed-loop control or open-loop control depending on the motor speed range, and may transition from closed-loop to open-loop control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Danny Keith Chapman, Thomas Austin Fields, Steven Michael Turney
  • Patent number: 7197810
    Abstract: In a transport system for flow line production, especially in the car manufacturing industry, workpieces are movable along at least two first guides between working stations in transportation direction. At least one working station is configured as a screwing and/or assembling means which particularly comprises a plurality of working tools. To improve such a transport system in a way that with little constructional efforts and at reduced costs the assignment of working station and workpiece to be worked thereby is simplified and made possible in an accurate and reproducible manner, the screwing and/or assembling means is integrated into the transport system and is movable at least over a working path in parallel with the first guides in the transport system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Cooper Power Tools GmbH + Co.
    Inventors: Werner A. Lutz, Klaus Wohlfarth
  • Patent number: 7182540
    Abstract: A hand-held washing device comprises a pouf and a fluid dispenser secured to the pouf. The fluid dispenser comprises a fluid reservoir and a nozzle with a discharge outlet. The nozzle may be integrally formed with the fluid reservoir, or may be a separate component that is removable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Roger Sorrell
  • Patent number: 7182192
    Abstract: A clutch adapted for use to move media in an image forming apparatus having an independently rotatable first race, an independently rotatable second race, and an open central section within the interior of the first and second races. The clutch has a bearing movable between an engaged position in simultaneously contact with the first and second races to transmit a rotational torque from the first race to the second race and a second disengaged position moveable through the open central section. During torque transmission, the bearing simultaneously engages one of a plurality of spaced-apart fins disposed around the open central section on the first race and one of a plurality of spaced-apart catches on the second race disposed outside of the plurality of fins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Niko J. Murrell, Daniel L. Carter
  • Patent number: 7171134
    Abstract: The white vector—the voltage difference between white areas of a latent image on a photoconductive unit and a developer roller—may be independently adjusted at each photoconductive unit, allowing multiple image forming units to be driven from a shared power supply. The photoconductive unit is charged to a high voltage level relative to the developer roller, and selectively optically discharged to the desired white vector. The voltage of the discharged area may be measured, or may be calculated by increasing the developer roller voltage a predetermined amount, discharging the photoconductive unit until toner is sensed in white image areas, and then reducing the developer roller voltage. The white areas may be discharged using a lower optical power from the writing light source or a different light source, such as a laser, LED or electroluminescent source. A second laser may be of a different wavelength than a writing laser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Denton, Roger S. Cannon, Eric W. Westerfield
  • Patent number: 7167673
    Abstract: A device and method for applying images to continuous media stock, such as rolls of paper, blank labels, etc., using a cut-sheet image forming device. While the continuous media stock moves along a media path in the cut-sheet image forming device, one or more sensors in the cut-sheet image forming device detect inter-sheet holes disposed along the continuous media stock. Based on the detected inter-sheet holes, the cut-sheet image forming device tracks the position of the continuous media stock. By tracking the position of the continuous media stock, the cut-sheet image forming device can identify specific sections of the continuous media stock as image areas appropriate for image transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Cahill, Curtis D. Woodson, David Anthony Schneider
  • Patent number: 7167672
    Abstract: A conveyor mechanism for moving waste toner within an interior of a waste toner reservoir. The conveyor mechanism has a first end positioned in proximity to an inlet into the waste toner reservoir, and a second end positioned vertically above the first end. The conveyor mechanism operates to move the toner from a lower position within the waste toner reservoir to the vertically elevated position. The conveyor device may allow for the capacity of the waste toner reservoir to be more fully utilized. In use, the conveyor device is activated and waste toner is moved into the upper reaches of the waste toner reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Wayne Stafford, Robert Watson McAlpine, Franklin Joseph Palumbo, Alfred Louis Fahmy, Gregory Scott Tigges, William Dale Smith
  • Patent number: 7159863
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for limiting the height of media inserted into a media tray of an image forming apparatus 10 while also allowing for the inserted media to expand due to changing environmental conditions is described herein. An exemplary stack height limiting system comprises an elongated arm with a striking end spaced from a control end, where the arm is movable between first and second positions. A limiter positioned relative to the arm defines the first position, where the striking end is spaced from the bottom surface of the tray by a first gap. As media disposed in the tray expands beyond the first gap, the expanding media moves the arm to form a second, greater distance between the striking end and the bottom surface of the tray. As a result, pinch points between the first end and the media are avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Niko J. Murrell, Daniel L. Carter, Kimberly A. Thuringer, David Wayne Hunter
  • Patent number: 7162182
    Abstract: A door assembly movably positioned to a body of an image forming device. The door assembly includes a first frame and a second frame. The first frame is movably attached to the body, and the second frame is movably attached to the first frame. The movable connections between the frames and the main body cause accurate locating of a photoconductive member mounted on the door assembly within the body. In one embodiment, a contour surface within the body contacts the second frame to locate the second frame within the body. Methods of moving the door assembly are also disclosed including moving the door assembly from an open orientation that is spaced from the body, to a closed orientation that is in proximity to the body. The movement of the door assembly causes interaction between the frames and the body to accurately locate the second frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Tonges, Richard G. Boyatt, III, Daniel L. Carter, Kerry Leland Embry, Larry Steven Foster, Harald Portig, David Erwin Rennick, Darren Wayne Tosh, Edward Lynn Triplett
  • Patent number: 7155655
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating a message from a transmitting station to a remote receiving station by adaptively selecting a retransmission protocol from two or more retransmission protocols based on at least one changing transmission variable is described herein. The transmitting station transmits a first version of the message in a first transmission. When the previous transmission was unsuccessful, a controller adaptively selects either the first version of the message or a second version of the message in accordance with the selected protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
    Inventor: Jung-Fu Cheng
  • Patent number: 7149467
    Abstract: A waste toner removal system for an image forming device. The invention includes a mechanism for removing the waste toner from the cartridge and transporting it through a toner chute to a waste toner tank. One or more actuators within the device allow for the connection between the various elements to seal the waste toner path and prevent toner leakage. Methods of moving waste toner are also disclosed that include moving the waste toner through the cartridge and into a waste toner chute. The waste toner is moved through the chute and into a waste toner tank where it may be removed from the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Lenmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom E Stickler, Larry Steven Foster, Michael Craig Leemhuis, Benjamin Alan Askren
  • Patent number: 7130562
    Abstract: In an image forming apparatus containing a plurality of rollers disposed with generally parallel axes, a retraction plate containing a plurality of rotational couplings is movable between engaged and retracted positions. Each rotational coupling is operative to transmit a rotary force to each cartridge when the retraction plate is in the engaged position. The couplings move laterally in an axial direction of the rollers as the retraction plate moves between the engaged and retracted positions, in response to an applied force. In one embodiment, the retraction plate is rotated about a pivot point to move the couplings between engaged and retracted positions. In another embodiment, the retraction plate is translated laterally in the axial direction of the couplings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Steven Foster, Edward Lawrence Kiely, Robert Galon Newman, Harald Portig, David Erwin Rennick, Edward Lynn Triplett
  • Patent number: 7130574
    Abstract: An image forming device in a color printer or the like includes duplex printing. Multiple media sheets are moved through a media path which includes a primary path and a duplex path. Various parameters of the image forming device control the interpage gap between sheets. Parameters include peek-a-boo duplexing, sharing of motors within the drive rollers, and sharing of power supplies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel L. Carter, William Paul Cook
  • Patent number: 7127184
    Abstract: A method and device for removing media sheet jams within an image forming device. The position of the media sheets is monitored as the media sheets move through the image forming process. The occurrence of a media jam is detected, and the position of each media sheet within the device at the time of the jam is also detected. A message is displayed to an operator indicating the number of sheets within the device that should be removed to clear the jam. The order of media sheet removal may also be displayed to the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Christopher Coriale, Delbert Lester Elliott, Michael David Maul, Jason Rowe, David Anthony Schneider
  • Patent number: 7122800
    Abstract: An optical density sensor disposed over a target surface in an image formation apparatus comprises an integrating cavity having a diffuse, reflective interior surface and a view port formed therein. An optical source directs light through the view port onto the target surface, without striking any interior surface of the cavity. Light reflected from the target surface is detected by an optical detector disposed within the cavity. The optical source may be disposed in a collimator, which may extend into the interior of the cavity, and may include a lens. A circuit card which may include an optical detector sensing circuit may be disposed proximate the optical detector. A compensating slot formed in the cavity may allow some reflected light to directly impact the optical detector as the gap between the cavity and the target surface increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Jay Barry, Gary Scott Overall
  • Patent number: D534751
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Davis L. Thomas
  • Patent number: D541872
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: Kenneth James Houle