Patents by Inventor Alan Spencer

Alan Spencer 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).

  • Publication number: 20110004502
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a food safety management system, including a web portal for management and reporting and a handheld computing device for checklist completion. A checklist of tasks to be performed in a food service establishment is obtained and displayed on a touchscreen of the handheld computing device. Confirmation is obtained on the touchscreen whether a task has been completed. An identifier at a location in the food service establishment is inputted to verify that a task has been completed. Temperature and humidity readings are obtained from one or more stationary sensors monitoring a food storage environment. Task completion data, temperature data, and humidity data are sent to a server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: ORDERITE, INC.
    Inventors: Douglas Brown Dillard, Robert Bradford Gray, Thomas Paul Schmitt, David Alan Spencer, John Ashwell Raymond
  • Patent number: 7811017
    Abstract: A non-gated print media crossover for a printing system includes crossover pathways which intersect at a crossover junction. A control system controls arrival of sheets of print media at the crossover junction whereby a sheet conveyed on the first crossover pathway traverses the junction in an intersheet gap between sheets traversing the junction on the second crossover pathway. The printing system includes print media processing units, such as marking engines, paper sources, and output destinations, which are connected by a conveyor system incorporating the crossover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Stan Alan Spencer, Daniel W. Costanza
  • Publication number: 20100225691
    Abstract: A method evaluates printhead position in a staggered full width array (SFWA) printhead assembly. The method includes selecting a first printhead configuration for printing a first test pattern on an image receiving member, generating positional correction data for roll and stitch displacements obtained from captured image data of the first test pattern, comparing the positional correction data to at least one threshold in a displacement range, and operating at least one printhead actuator in accordance with the positional correction data in response to the positional correction data exceeding at least one predetermined threshold in the displacement range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: John Albert Wright, Stan Alan Spencer, Cary Eric Sjolander
  • Patent number: 7421241
    Abstract: Parallel printing systems and methods incorporate inverter assemblies for not only inverting media during transport through the system but also to register the media or provide a velocity buffer transports with different drive velocities. The inverter assemblies can include the capability to optionally deskew the media and provide lateral registration corrections. The inverter assembly nip rollers are sufficiently spaced from process drive nip rollers to decouple a document in the inverter assembly from the highway paths. The method comprises combining the inverting function selectively with either the registering or the velocity buffering functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Joannes N. M. deJong, Lloyd A. Williams, Barry Paul Mandel, James L. Giacobbi, Steven Robert Moore, Stan Alan Spencer, Carlos Manuel Terrero, Ming Yang, Carl B. Lewis, Lisbeth S. Quesnel
  • Publication number: 20080174802
    Abstract: Described herein is a printing system including a plurality of print processing modules which can selectively transfer print media there between during printing. The system further including a controller that can predict the impending unhealthy state of at least one module and redirect one of an unprocessed job and a partially processed job preemptively from an impending unhealthy module to selectively one of a healthy module and another unhealthy module, with suitable characteristics, to process unprocessed portions of the job.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Meera Sampath, Stan Alan Spencer, Rajinderjeet Singh Minhas
  • Patent number: 7272334
    Abstract: A method is provided for aligning images on media produced by one or more print engines in an integrated print system. The method includes printing a first pattern of first symbols on a first region of a print medium with a first print engine and printing a second pattern of second symbols on a second region of the print medium with at least a second print engine in a manner to superpose the second pattern on the first pattern. The method further includes measuring a first deviation of the second pattern of second symbols relative to the first pattern of first symbols, recording the first deviation as a first offset distance relative to the first print engine, reporting the first offset distance to a controller of the second print engine, and, using the first offset distance for aligning at least the second print engine relative to the first print engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Steven R. Moore, Stan Alan Spencer
  • Publication number: 20070031170
    Abstract: Parallel printing systems and methods incorporate inverter assemblies for not only inverting media during transport through the system but also to register the media or provide a velocity buffer transports with different drive velocities. The inverter assemblies can include the capability to optionally deskew the media and provide lateral registration corrections. The inverter assembly nip rollers are sufficiently spaced from process drive nip rollers to decouple a document in the inverter assembly from the highway paths. The method comprises combining the inverting function selectively with either the registering or the velocity buffering functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventors: Joannes deJong, Lloyd Williams, Barry Paul Mandel, James Giacobbi, Steven Robert Moore, Stan Alan Spencer, Carlos Manuel Terrero, Ming Yang, Carl Lewis, Lisbeth Quesnel
  • Patent number: 7123873
    Abstract: Parallel printing systems and methods incorporate inverter assemblies for not only inverting media during transport through the system but also to register the media or provide a velocity buffer transports with different drive velocities. The inverter assemblies can include the capability to optionally deskew the media and provide lateral registration corrections. The inverter assembly nip rollers are sufficiently spaced from process drive nip rollers to decouple a document in the inverter assembly from the highway paths. The method comprises combining the inverting function selectively with either the registering or the velocity buffering functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Joannes N. M. deJong, Lloyd A. Williams, Barry Paul Mandel, James L. Giacobbi, Steven Robert Moore, Stan Alan Spencer, Carlos Manuel Terrero, Ming Yang, Carl B. Lewis, Lisbeth S. Quesnel
  • Publication number: 20060222384
    Abstract: A method is provided for aligning images on media produced by one or more print engines in an integrated print system. The method includes printing a first pattern of first symbols on a first region of a print medium with a first print engine and printing a second pattern of second symbols on a second region of the print medium with at least a second print engine in a manner to superpose the second pattern on the first pattern. The method further includes measuring a first deviation of the second pattern of second symbols relative to the first pattern of first symbols, recording the first deviation as a first offset distance relative to the first print engine, reporting the first offset distance to a controller of the second print engine, and, using the first offset distance for aligning at least the second print engine relative to the first print engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Publication date: October 5, 2006
    Inventors: Steven Moore, Stan Alan Spencer
  • Publication number: 20060118580
    Abstract: A dispensing nozzle is provided which is attachable to dispensing apparatus. The nozzle includes attachment means for attaching the nozzle to the apparatus, inlet means through which a fluid can flow from the dispensing apparatus into the dispensing nozzle, and outlet means through which the fluid can be dispensed from said dispensing nozzle. The outlet means includes two or more outlets to facilitate simultaneous multiple dispensing of fluid, such as grout adhesive, to a surface, such as a tile surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Publication date: June 8, 2006
    Inventor: Alan Spencer
  • Patent number: 6687479
    Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a guide member for directing sheets toward a transfer zone. The guide member defines a set of ribs which hold the sheets above the main surface of the guide member. Thus, any stray marking material which lands on the guide member is relatively unlikely to contact a sheet moving over the guide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Gerardo Leute, John W. D. Cooper, Ian Brailsford, Stan Alan Spencer, Roger D. Masham, Derek J. Milton, Robert G. Hall, Roderick A. Cooley, John M. Wysocky, Charles H. Tabb, Jorge A. Alvarez, Alexander C. Bisland, Peter A. Mayfield, Clifford W. Imes, IV, Peter J. M. Bloemen, Michael B. Thomson, Krzysztof J. Less, David G. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6661989
    Abstract: In a fusing apparatus, such as used in xerography, two rolls form a nip therebetween. A guide member is positionable to direct a sheet approaching the nip to enter the nip at an angle so that an arc or buckle is created in the sheet between a marking station and the nip. The arc or buckle is helpful in avoiding the transfer of mechanical energy from the fusing apparatus to the marking station. As the trailing edge of the sheet exits the marking station, the guide member is positioned to straighten the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Ian Pitts, Stan Alan Spencer
  • Publication number: 20030223787
    Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a guide member for directing sheets toward a transfer zone. The guide member defines a set of ribs which hold the sheets above the main surface of the guide member. Thus, any stray marking material which lands on the guide member is relatively unlikely to contact a sheet moving over the guide member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Gerardo Leute, John W. D. Cooper, Ian Brailsford, Stan Alan Spencer, Roger D. Masham, Derek J. Milton, Robert G. Hall, Roderick A. Cooley, John M. Wysocky, Charles H. Tabb, Jorge A. Alvarez, Alexander C. Bisland, Peter A. Mayfield, Clifford W. Imes, Peter J. M. Bloemen, Michael B. Thomson, Krzysztof J. Less, David G. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20030190175
    Abstract: In a fusing apparatus, such as used in xerography, two rolls form a nip therebetween. A guide member is positionable to direct a sheet approaching the nip to enter the nip at an angle so that an arc or buckle is crated in the sheet between a marking station and the nip. The arc or buckle is helpful in avoiding the transfer of mechanical energy from the fusing apparatus to the marking station. As the trail edge of the sheet exits the marking station, the guide member is positioned to straighten the sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Ian Pitts, Stan Alan Spencer
  • Publication number: 20020077947
    Abstract: An electronic information processing repository which receives position information from clearing houses, determines netted margin and cover information using the position information for an entity, and provides the netted margin and cover information back to the clearing houses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: David Charles Ward, Alan Spencer Milligan
  • Patent number: 6363238
    Abstract: A fluid sealing device for sealing liquid within a conditioning system wherein the liquid is supplied through a fluid supply hose to a fluid reservoir defined by the area of contact between a transfer roll and a metering device which controls the amount of fluid supplied to the transfer roll. The sealing device includes a nozzle positioned at an end of the fluid reservoir to generate a first pressure at the end of the fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Stan Alan Spencer, Jack G. Elliot
  • Patent number: 6282403
    Abstract: The present invention is useful in a nip-forming apparatus including a first roll and a second roll, wherein one of the rolls is displaceable toward the other to control the position of the first roll relative to the second roll, and wherein one of rolls is driven and the other is rotatable. The invention defines a setup procedure that includes rotating the driven roll and sensing a rotational speed of the rotatable roll. While the driven roll is rotating, the displaceable roll is displaced to a home displacement position relative to the other roll, wherein the home displacement position corresponds to a displaced position of the displaceable roll where the rotatable roll rotates at a select speed in response to contact with the driven roll. This home displacement position is then recorded. The invention is particularly well-suited for setup of a sheet decurler in an image forming apparatus. Change in the home displacement position over time due to roll wear is monitored and used to predict roll failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Stan Alan Spencer, Jack G. Elliot, Leonid Buchman
  • Patent number: 6063860
    Abstract: A water dispersible blocked polyisocyanate of formula (I) R--Y.sub.m, where R is an m valent group comprising an aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, heterocyclic or aromatic group and comprising at least three consecutive ethylene oxide groups or at least one residue of a polyhydroxy carboxylic acid, and each group Y, which may be the same or different, is a group of formula (II), ##STR1## where each R.sup.1 is the same or different when n is more than 1 and each R.sup.1 is an alkyl, alkenyl, aralkyl, N-substituted carbamyl, phenyl, NO.sub.2, halogen or a group --C(O)--O--R.sup.2 where R.sup.2 is hydrogen or an alkyl group; n is 0, 1, 2 or 3; and m is an integer of 2 or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Baxenden Chemicals Limited
    Inventors: Ian Kevin Rimmer, Richard Alan Spencer
  • Patent number: 5720478
    Abstract: A device for inverting a sheet along a path in an electric photographic printing machine. A gateless sheet inverter is provided in which a curved portion of a sheet path branch intersects a second portion of the sheet path to form a curved inverter throat. As the sheet is driven from the curved branch portion of the path into the throat portion the beam strength of the sheet causes the trail edge of the sheet to flip toward a second nip leading to the second sheet path. A pair of reversing rolls captures the lead edge of the sheet to be inverted and then reverses to drive the sheets out of the second nip formed by a tri-roll arrangement. A sheet having a radius of curvature equal to or greater than the radius of curvature of the throat will be guided along the throat baffle and fed through the second nip. To further assist in assuring the trail edge flips to the second sheet path an air knife can be added at the intersection of the path branches to assist in moving the trail edge into the second path branch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel L. Carter, Stan Alan Spencer, Carl B. Lewis, David M. Attridge