Patents by Inventor Alexander J Geyling
Alexander J Geyling 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).
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Publication number: 20230364681Abstract: An additive manufacturing system for producing a three-dimensional article includes a print engine, a post-fabrication powder removal apparatus, a transport mechanism, and a controller. The post fabrication removal apparatus includes a rotary frame defining an internal receptacle cavity, a plurality of clamps coupled to a corresponding plurality of actuators, a clamping plate coupled to a lift apparatus, and an agitation device mounted to the clamping plate. The controller is configured to perform the following steps: (1) Operate the transport mechanism to transport the build box to the internal receptacle cavity. (2) Operate the plurality of actuators to engage the build box with the plurality of clamps to secure the build box to the rotary frame. (3) Operate the rotary frame to rotate the build box until unfused powder begins to exit the build box. (4) Operate the agitation device to facilitate pouring of the unfused powder from the build box.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2023Publication date: November 16, 2023Inventors: Ahren Michael Hoy, Turner Ashby Cathey, Alexander J Geyling
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Patent number: 11794254Abstract: An additive manufacturing system for producing a three-dimensional article includes a print engine, a post-fabrication powder removal apparatus, a transport mechanism, and a controller. The post fabrication removal apparatus includes a rotary frame defining an internal receptacle cavity, a plurality of clamps coupled to a corresponding plurality of actuators, a clamping plate coupled to a lift apparatus, and an agitation device mounted to the clamping plate. The controller is configured to perform the following steps: (1) Operate the transport mechanism to transport the build box to the internal receptacle cavity. (2) Operate the plurality of actuators to engage the build box with the plurality of clamps to secure the build box to the rotary frame. (3) Operate the rotary frame to rotate the build box until unfused powder begins to exit the build box. (4) Operate the agitation device to facilitate pouring of the unfused powder from the build box.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2023Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: 3D SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Ahren Michael Hoy, Turner Ashby Cathey, Alexander J Geyling
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Patent number: 11597016Abstract: An additive manufacturing system for producing a three-dimensional article includes a print engine, a post-fabrication powder removal apparatus, a transport mechanism, and a controller. The post fabrication removal apparatus includes a rotary frame defining an internal receptacle cavity, a plurality of clamps coupled to a corresponding plurality of actuators, a clamping plate coupled to a lift apparatus, and an agitation device mounted to the clamping plate. The controller is configured to perform the following steps: (1) Operate the transport mechanism to transport the build box to the internal receptacle cavity. (2) Operate the plurality of actuators to engage the build box with the plurality of clamps to secure the build box to the rotary frame. (3) Operate the rotary frame to rotate the build box until unfused powder begins to exit the build box. (4) Operate the agitation device to facilitate pouring of the unfused powder from the build box.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2021Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: 3D SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Ahren Michael Hoy, Turner Ashby Cathey, Alexander J Geyling
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Publication number: 20220111443Abstract: An additive manufacturing system for producing a three-dimensional article includes a print engine, a post-fabrication powder removal apparatus, a transport mechanism, and a controller. The post fabrication removal apparatus includes a rotary frame defining an internal receptacle cavity, a plurality of clamps coupled to a corresponding plurality of actuators, a clamping plate coupled to a lift apparatus, and an agitation device mounted to the clamping plate. The controller is configured to perform the following steps: (1) Operate the transport mechanism to transport the build box to the internal receptacle cavity. (2) Operate the plurality of actuators to engage the build box with the plurality of clamps to secure the build box to the rotary frame. (3) Operate the rotary frame to rotate the build box until unfused powder begins to exit the build box. (4) Operate the agitation device to facilitate pouring of the unfused powder from the build box.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2021Publication date: April 14, 2022Inventors: Ahren Michael Hoy, Turner Ashby Cathey, Alexander J. Geyling
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Patent number: 9709928Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 11, 2016Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Kerry Leland Embry, Alexander J Geyling, Bartley Charles Gould, II, Robert Watson McAlpine, Harald Portig
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Publication number: 20170090357Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2016Publication date: March 30, 2017Inventors: KERRY LELAND EMBRY, ALEXANDER J. GEYLING, BARTLEY CHARLES GOULD, II, ROBERT WATSON MCALPINE, HARALD PORTIG
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Patent number: 9546695Abstract: A hub-based drive coupling mechanism for a fusing assembly, including a gear operatively coupled to a motor; a hub member; and a backup roll having a shaft rotatably coupled to the gear via the hub member, the gear including an outer cylindrical portion having a plurality of tabs disposed along an inner surface thereof, the hub member including an annular portion having a plurality of protrusions radially extending therefrom, and the backup roll shaft having a pin member. When the drive gear is rotated, the plurality of tabs of the drive gear directly contact the plurality of protrusions of the hub member to cause the hub member to rotate and the plurality of protrusions of the hub member directly contact the plurality of segments of the pin member to cause the shaft to rotate.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2016Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Jeffery James Buchanan, Alexander J Geyling
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Publication number: 20160299462Abstract: A hub-based drive coupling mechanism for a fusing assembly, including a gear operatively coupled to a motor; a hub member; and a backup roll having a shaft rotatably coupled to the gear via the hub member, the gear including an outer cylindrical portion having a plurality of tabs disposed along an inner surface thereof, the hub member including an annular portion having a plurality of protrusions radially extending therefrom, and the backup roll shaft having a pin member. When the drive gear is rotated, the plurality of tabs of the drive gear directly contact the plurality of protrusions of the hub member to cause the hub member to rotate and the plurality of protrusions of the hub member directly contact the plurality of segments of the pin member to cause the shaft to rotate.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2016Publication date: October 13, 2016Inventors: Jeffery James Buchanan, Alexander J. Geyling
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Patent number: 9341996Abstract: A hub-based drive coupling mechanism for a fusing assembly, including a gear operatively coupled to a motor; a hub member; and a backup roll having a shaft rotatably coupled to the gear via the hub member, the gear including an outer cylindrical portion having a plurality of tabs disposed along an inner surface thereof, the hub member including an annular portion having a plurality of protrusions radially extending therefrom, and the backup roll shaft having a pin member. The gear rotates for a first fraction of a revolution without rotating the hub member and the backup roll due to the tabs of the gear not contacting the protrusions of the hub member, and rotates for a second fraction of the revolution with the hub member due to contact between the tabs and protrusions, but without rotating the backup roll.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2015Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Jeffery James Buchanan, Alexander J Geyling
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Patent number: 8219012Abstract: A toner image transfer apparatus in a printer is provided. The toner image transfer apparatus comprises a transfer belt structure, a rotatable transfer rod and a transfer roll retraction mechanism. The transfer belt structure comprises a driven toner image transfer belt and a rotatable backup roll engaging an inner surface of the transfer belt. The rotatable transfer roll is adapted to define a nip with the belt and backup roll. The transfer roll retraction mechanism comprises motion transfer structure coupled to the transfer roll and drive apparatus associated with the motion transfer structure.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2007Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Kerry Leland Embry, Alexander J Geyling, Michael David Maul, Stacy Marie Pargett, Harald Portig
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Patent number: 7957673Abstract: The present application is directed to toner transfer systems with an adjustable transfer belt. The transfer belt transfers toner images from a first location to a second location. Two or more support rolls position and drive the transfer belt. A tensioning device is operatively connected to one of the support rolls. The tensioning device moves the support roll between a first position that places a first amount of tension on the belt, and a second position that places a lesser second amount of tension on the belt. The support roll is in the first position during image formation, and in the second position during non-image formation such as storage and shipping.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2007Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Alexander J. Geyling, John D. Butler, James Philip Harden
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Patent number: 7796932Abstract: A fuser assembly is provided comprising first and second fuser structures, drive apparatus and nip engagement and release apparatus. The first fuser structure comprises a heated rotatable member and first structure for supporting the heated rotatable member. The second fuser structure comprises a rotatable backup member positioned adjacent the heated rotatable member and second structure for supporting the backup member. The rotatable backup member is adapted to define a nip with the heated member. The drive apparatus is associated with one of the heated rotatable member and the backup member for effecting rotation of the one member in a selected first direction or a second direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2007Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Alexander J Geyling, Michael David Maul
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Publication number: 20090142097Abstract: The present application is directed to toner transfer systems with an adjustable transfer belt. The transfer belt transfers toner images from a first location to a second location. Two or more support rolls position and drive the transfer belt. A tensioning device is operatively connected to one of the support rolls. The tensioning device moves the support roll between a first position that places a first amount of tension on the belt, and a second position that places a lesser second amount of tension on the belt. The support roll is in the first position during image formation, and in the second position during non-image formation such as storage and shipping.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2007Publication date: June 4, 2009Inventors: Alexander J. Geyling, John D. Butler, James Philip Harden
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Publication number: 20080181686Abstract: A fuser assembly is provided comprising first and second fuser structures, drive apparatus and nip engagement and release apparatus. The first fuser structure comprises a heated rotatable member and first structure for supporting the heated rotatable member. The second fuser structure comprises a rotatable backup member positioned adjacent the heated rotatable member and second structure for supporting the backup member. The rotatable backup member is adapted to define a nip with the heated member. The drive apparatus is associated with one of the heated rotatable member and the backup member for effecting rotation of the one member in a selected first direction or a second direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventors: Alexander J. Geyling, Michael David Maul
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Publication number: 20080179013Abstract: A toner image transfer apparatus in a printer is provided. The toner image transfer apparatus comprises a transfer belt structure, a rotatable transfer rod and a transfer roll retraction mechanism. The transfer belt structure comprises a driven toner image transfer belt and a rotatable backup roll engaging an Inner surface of the transfer belt. The rotatable transfer roll is adapted to define a nip with the belt and backup roll. The transfer roll refraction mechanism comprises motion transfer structure coupled to the transfer roll and drive apparatus associated with the motion transfer structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventors: Kerry Leland Embry, Alexander J. Geyling, Michael David Maul, Stacy Marie Pargett, Harald Portig