Patents by Inventor Benjamin Charles DeVore
Benjamin Charles DeVore 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: 20230324842Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for holding toner. A first electrical contact and a second electrical contact are positioned on a first longitudinal end of the housing. The first electrical contact is electrically connected to processing circuitry positioned on the housing. The second electrical contact is electrically connected to an imaging component positioned on the housing. The first electrical contact is positioned higher than the second electrical contact. A first drive coupler and a second drive coupler are positioned on a second longitudinal end of the housing. The first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are positioned higher than a first rotational axis of the first drive coupler. The first electrical contact is positioned higher than a second rotational axis of the second drive coupler and the second electrical contact is positioned lower than the second rotational axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2023Publication date: October 12, 2023Inventors: MARK WILLIAM AMANN, BRIAN LESTER BOETTCHER, JAMES ANTHANY CARTER, II, BENJAMIN CHARLES DEVORE, DARIN MICHAEL GETTELFINGER
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Patent number: 11714373Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for holding toner. A first electrical contact and a second electrical contact are positioned on a first longitudinal end of the housing. The first electrical contact is electrically connected to processing circuitry positioned on the housing. The second electrical contact is electrically connected to an imaging component positioned on the housing. The first electrical contact is positioned higher than the second electrical contact. A first drive coupler and a second drive coupler are positioned on a second longitudinal end of the housing. The first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are positioned higher than a first rotational axis of the first drive coupler. The first electrical contact is positioned higher than a second rotational axis of the second drive coupler and the second electrical contact is positioned lower than the second rotational axis.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2021Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Mark William Amann, Brian Lester Boettcher, James Anthany Carter, II, Benjamin Charles Devore, Darin Michael Gettelfinger
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Patent number: 11221582Abstract: A system for an electrophotographic image forming device includes a basket having a first side, a second side and a plurality of positioning slots extending between the first side and the second side, each positioning slot is configured to receive a corresponding toner cartridge. Each positioning slot includes a first latch at the first side of the basket and a second latch at the second side of the basket. Each of the first and second latches is independently pivotable between a latched position for applying a hold-down force on a respective end portion of a corresponding toner cartridge positioned in a corresponding positioning slot of the plurality of positioning slots to rigidly hold the corresponding toner cartridge against datums of the basket and an unlatched position to release the corresponding toner cartridge permitting removal of the corresponding toner cartridge from the basket.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2021Date of Patent: January 11, 2022Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Mark William Amann, Brian Allen Blair, Brian Lester Boettcher, James Anthany Carter, II, Jie Chen, Benjamin Charles Devore, Darin Michael Gettelfinger
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Patent number: 11194287Abstract: A system for an electrophotographic image forming device includes a basket for holding multiple toner cartridges. A guide rail assembly operatively connected to an access door moves between a raised position and a lowered position to raise and lower the basket when the access door moves between an open position and a closed position. The basket is slidable along the guide rail assembly into and out of the image forming device when the guide rail assembly is in the raised position, and is in an operational position within the image forming device when the guide rail assembly is in the lowered position. A rail lock mechanism locks the access door in the open position when the guide rail assembly is in the raised position and the basket is extended out of the image forming device and unlocks the access door from the open position when the basket is inserted.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2021Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Jie Chen, Benjamin Charles Devore, Michael James Shanor, Christopher Kent Washing
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Patent number: 11194285Abstract: A system for an electrophotographic image forming device includes a basket including a plurality of positioning slots each including cartridge datum locators that position a plurality of toner cartridges relative to the basket. A first guide rail and a second guide rail, each movable between a raised position and a lowered position, raise and lower the basket when the first and second guide rails move between the raised and lowered positions. In the raised positions the first and second guide rails support the basket permitting the basket to slide along the first and second guide rails into and out of the image forming device. When the first and second guide rails are in the lowered positions basket datum locators within the image forming device support the basket and position the basket relative to the image forming device in order to position the toner cartridges relative to the image forming device.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2021Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Brian Allen Blair, Jie Chen, Benjamin Charles Devore, Darin Michael Gettelfinger, Michael James Shanor, Christopher Kent Washing
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Patent number: 11194286Abstract: A system for an electrophotographic image forming device includes a basket insertable into and extendable out of the image forming device. The basket includes a plurality of positioning slots each configured to receive a corresponding toner cartridge of a plurality of toner cartridges. The basket includes a cartridge latching assembly configured to apply a hold-down force on each toner cartridge to rigidly hold each toner cartridge against corresponding datums of the basket. A basket latching assembly in the image forming device is configured to apply a hold-down force on the basket when the basket is inserted into the image forming device to rigidly hold the basket against corresponding datums of the image forming device for positioning the plurality of toner cartridges in respective operational positions within the image forming device with only the cartridge latching assembly of the basket directly applying hold-down forces on the plurality of toner cartridges.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2021Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Mark William Amann, Brian Allen Blair, Brian Lester Boettcher, James Anthany Carter, II, Jie Chen, Benjamin Charles Devore, Darin Michael Gettelfinger, Michael James Shanor, Christopher Kent Washing
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Publication number: 20210255581Abstract: A system for an electrophotographic image forming device includes a basket having a first side, a second side and a plurality of positioning slots extending between the first side and the second side, each positioning slot is configured to receive a corresponding toner cartridge. Each positioning slot includes a first latch at the first side of the basket and a second latch at the second side of the basket. Each of the first and second latches is independently pivotable between a latched position for applying a hold-down force on a respective end portion of a corresponding toner cartridge positioned in a corresponding positioning slot of the plurality of positioning slots to rigidly hold the corresponding toner cartridge against datums of the basket and an unlatched position to release the corresponding toner cartridge permitting removal of the corresponding toner cartridge from the basket.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2021Publication date: August 19, 2021Inventors: MARK WILLIAM AMANN, BRIAN ALLEN BLAIR, BRIAN LESTER BOETTCHER, JAMES ANTHANY CARTER, II, JIE CHEN, BENJAMIN CHARLES DEVORE, DARIN MICHAEL GETTELFINGER
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Publication number: 20210255578Abstract: A system for an electrophotographic image forming device includes a basket including a plurality of positioning slots each including cartridge datum locators that position a plurality of toner cartridges relative to the basket. A first guide rail and a second guide rail, each movable between a raised position and a lowered position, raise and lower the basket when the first and second guide rails move between the raised and lowered positions. In the raised positions the first and second guide rails support the basket permitting the basket to slide along the first and second guide rails into and out of the image forming device. When the first and second guide rails are in the lowered positions basket datum locators within the image forming device support the basket and position the basket relative to the image forming device in order to position the toner cartridges relative to the image forming device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2021Publication date: August 19, 2021Inventors: BRIAN ALLEN BLAIR, JIE CHEN, BENJAMIN CHARLES DEVORE, DARIN MICHAEL GETTELFINGER, MICHAEL JAMES SHANOR, CHRISTOPHER KENT WASHING
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Publication number: 20210255580Abstract: A system for an electrophotographic image forming device includes a basket insertable into and extendable out of the image forming device. The basket includes a plurality of positioning slots each configured to receive a corresponding toner cartridge of a plurality of toner cartridges. The basket includes a cartridge latching assembly configured to apply a hold-down force on each toner cartridge to rigidly hold each toner cartridge against corresponding datums of the basket. A basket latching assembly in the image forming device is configured to apply a hold-down force on the basket when the basket is inserted into the image forming device to rigidly hold the basket against corresponding datums of the image forming device for positioning the plurality of toner cartridges in respective operational positions within the image forming device with only the cartridge latching assembly of the basket directly applying hold-down forces on the plurality of toner cartridges.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2021Publication date: August 19, 2021Inventors: MARK WILLIAM AMANN, BRIAN ALLEN BLAIR, BRIAN LESTER BOETTCHER, JAMES ANTHANY CARTER, II, JIE CHEN, BENJAMIN CHARLES DEVORE, DARIN MICHAEL GETTELFINGER, MICHAEL JAMES SHANOR, CHRISTOPHER KENT WASHING
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Publication number: 20210255582Abstract: A system for an electrophotographic image forming device includes a basket for holding multiple toner cartridges. A guide rail assembly operatively connected to an access door moves between a raised position and a lowered position to raise and lower the basket when the access door moves between an open position and a closed position. The basket is slidable along the guide rail assembly into and out of the image forming device when the guide rail assembly is in the raised position, and is in an operational position within the image forming device when the guide rail assembly is in the lowered position. A rail lock mechanism locks the access door in the open position when the guide rail assembly is in the raised position and the basket is extended out of the image forming device and unlocks the access door from the open position when the basket is inserted.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2021Publication date: August 19, 2021Inventors: JIE CHEN, BENJAMIN CHARLES DEVORE, MICHAEL JAMES SHANOR, CHRISTOPHER KENT WASHING
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Publication number: 20210124301Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for holding toner. A first electrical contact and a second electrical contact are positioned on a first longitudinal end of the housing. The first electrical contact is electrically connected to processing circuitry positioned on the housing. The second electrical contact is electrically connected to an imaging component positioned on the housing. The first electrical contact is positioned higher than the second electrical contact. A first drive coupler and a second drive coupler are positioned on a second longitudinal end of the housing. The first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are positioned higher than a first rotational axis of the first drive coupler. The first electrical contact is positioned higher than a second rotational axis of the second drive coupler and the second electrical contact is positioned lower than the second rotational axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2021Publication date: April 29, 2021Inventors: MARK WILLIAM AMANN, BRIAN LESTER BOETTCHER, JAMES ANTHANY CARTER, II, BENJAMIN CHARLES DEVORE, DARIN MICHAEL GETTELFINGER
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Patent number: 10908551Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for holding toner. A first electrical contact and a second electrical contact are positioned on a first longitudinal end of the housing. The first electrical contact is electrically connected to processing circuitry positioned on the housing. The second electrical contact is electrically connected to an imaging component positioned on the housing. The first electrical contact is positioned higher than the second electrical contact. A first drive coupler and a second drive coupler are positioned on a second longitudinal end of the housing. The first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are positioned higher than a first rotational axis of the first drive coupler. The first electrical contact is positioned higher than a second rotational axis of the second drive coupler and the second electrical contact is positioned lower than the second rotational axis.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2020Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Mark William Amann, Brian Lester Boettcher, James Anthany Carter, II, Benjamin Charles Devore, Darin Michael Gettelfinger
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Publication number: 20200310330Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for holding toner. A first electrical contact and a second electrical contact are positioned on a first longitudinal end of the housing. The first electrical contact is electrically connected to processing circuitry positioned on the housing. The second electrical contact is electrically connected to an imaging component positioned on the housing. The first electrical contact is positioned higher than the second electrical contact. A first drive coupler and a second drive coupler are positioned on a second longitudinal end of the housing. The first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are positioned higher than a first rotational axis of the first drive coupler. The first electrical contact is positioned higher than a second rotational axis of the second drive coupler and the second electrical contact is positioned lower than the second rotational axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2020Publication date: October 1, 2020Inventors: MARK WILLIAM AMANN, BRIAN LESTER BOETTCHER, JAMES ANTHANY CARTER, II, BENJAMIN CHARLES DEVORE, DARIN MICHAEL GETTELFINGER
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Patent number: 10725422Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for holding toner. A first electrical contact and a second electrical contact are positioned on a first longitudinal end of the housing. The first electrical contact is electrically connected to processing circuitry positioned on the housing. The second electrical contact is electrically connected to an imaging component positioned on the housing. The first electrical contact is positioned higher than the second electrical contact. A first drive coupler and a second drive coupler are positioned on a second longitudinal end of the housing. The first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are positioned higher than a first rotational axis of the first drive coupler. The first electrical contact is positioned higher than a second rotational axis of the second drive coupler and the second electrical contact is positioned lower than the second rotational axis.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2018Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Mark William Amann, Brian Lester Boettcher, James Anthany Carter, II, Benjamin Charles Devore, Darin Michael Gettelfinger
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Publication number: 20200133188Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for holding toner. A first electrical contact and a second electrical contact are positioned on a first longitudinal end of the housing. The first electrical contact is electrically connected to processing circuitry positioned on the housing. The second electrical contact is electrically connected to an imaging component positioned on the housing. The first electrical contact is positioned higher than the second electrical contact. A first drive coupler and a second drive coupler are positioned on a second longitudinal end of the housing. The first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are positioned higher than a first rotational axis of the first drive coupler. The first electrical contact is positioned higher than a second rotational axis of the second drive coupler and the second electrical contact is positioned lower than the second rotational axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2018Publication date: April 30, 2020Inventors: MARK WILLIAM AMANN, BRIAN LESTER BOETTCHER, JAMES ANTHANY CARTER, II, BENJAMIN CHARLES DEVORE, DARIN MICHAEL GETTELFINGER
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Patent number: 9696661Abstract: A method of operating an imaging device is disclosed. The imaging device is designed to start the imaging process before picking a sheet. During a pick retry, the device waits to start the imaging process until after the sheet is picked successfully. This method improves pick reliability and reduces wasted toner. Other systems and methods are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2016Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Charles DeVore, Delbert Lester Elliott, James Marion Nimmo, David Anthony Schneider
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Patent number: 8437653Abstract: A system for cooling a developer roll inside an image forming device. In one embodiment of the invention, the system for cooling the developer roll includes an air duct for carrying an airflow, the air duct having at least one opening to allow airflow to pass therethrough, and at least one toner cartridge in fluid communication with the air duct. The at least one toner cartridge includes the developer roll and at least one input port. The at least one input port is coupled to the at least one opening of the air duct to receive the airflow and to direct the received airflow towards end portions of the developer roll via a conduit and nozzles located within the toner cartridge. The system provides an effective way for introducing the airflow into the toner cartridge for cooling the developer roll.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2010Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Stephen Andrew Brown, Benjamin Charles DeVore, Nicholas Fenley Gibson
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Publication number: 20110206408Abstract: A system for cooling a developer roll inside an image forming device. In one embodiment of the invention, the system for cooling the developer roll includes an air duct for carrying an airflow, the air duct having at least one opening to allow airflow to pass therethrough, and at least one toner cartridge in fluid communication with the air duct. The at least one toner cartridge includes the developer roll and at least one input port. The at least one input port is coupled to the at least one opening of the air duct to receive the airflow and to direct the received airflow towards end portions of the developer roll via a conduit and nozzles located within the toner cartridge. The system provides an effective way for introducing the airflow into the toner cartridge for cooling the developer roll.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2010Publication date: August 25, 2011Inventors: Stephen Andrew Brown, Benjamin Charles DeVore, Nicholas Fenley Gibson
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Patent number: 6567620Abstract: Toner is conserved in an image forming apparatus, such as an electrophotographic printer (e.g., laser printer), by varying the interpage gap when approaching an exhaustion of the recording media supply (“paper out”). A supply level sensor is used to determine whether the supply of discrete recording media (e.g., paper sheets) is above or below a predetermined level. A smaller value interpage gap is used when the supply level is above the predetermined level. The interpage gap is automatically lengthened to a second larger value when the sensed media supply level drops below the predetermined level. The longer second interpage gap allows for “paper out condition” that may result from printing of sheet N−1 to be determined prior to image formation beginning for sheet N. The interpage gap may be reset to the smaller value when the supply has been refilled to above the pre-determined level.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2001Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: William Frank Brown, Jr., Daniel Paul Cahill, Benjamin Charles DeVore, Rodney Lee Jensen
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Publication number: 20030059222Abstract: Toner is conserved in an image forming apparatus, such as an electrophotographic printer (e.g., laser printer), by varying the interpage gap when approaching an exhaustion of the recording media supply (“paper out”). A supply level sensor is used to determine whether the supply of discrete recording media (e.g., paper sheets) is above or below a predetermined level. A smaller value interpage gap is used when the supply level is above the predetermined level. The interpage gap is automatically lengthened to a second larger value when the sensed media supply level drops below the predetermined level. The longer second interpage gap allows for “paper out condition” that may result from printing of sheet N−1 to be determined prior to image formation beginning for sheet N. The interpage gap may be reset to the smaller value when the supply has been refilled to above the pre-determined level.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2001Publication date: March 27, 2003Inventors: William Frank Brown, Daniel Paul Cahill, Benjamin Charles DeVore, Rodney Lee Jensen