Patents by Inventor Bradley L. Beach

Bradley L. Beach 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: 7352988
    Abstract: A fuser member adapted to fuse toner onto the surface of a recording medium as the recording medium passes a nip area of the fuser member comprises a electrically conductive polymer layer, a resistive layer, and an electrically conductive layer. The fuser member further comprises a current supply element and a current return element, wherein the current supply element and the current return element are configured to provide current flow through the electrically conductive polymer layer and the resistive layer to generate fusing heat at the nip area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley L. Beach, Ronald L. Roe, Jerry W. Smith
  • Patent number: 7347808
    Abstract: Rolls having a polyurethane elastomer formed from a polyurethane mixture, wherein the polyurethane mixture comprises polydiene, tri-functional polyol curative, an additional graft polymer curative having a molecular weight of at least about 800 and comprising diol, polyol, diamine, polyamine or a combination thereof, conductive modifier, antioxidant, and hydrolytic stabilizer. Methods of forming such rolls include casting the polyurethane mixture, followed by curing, then demolding, grinding to desired dimensions and baking such that the outer layer of the cured roll is oxidized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley L. Beach, Bhaskar Gopalanarayanan, Johnny D. Massie, II
  • Patent number: 7336919
    Abstract: A fuser member adapted to fuse toner onto the surface of a recording medium as the recording medium passes a nip area of the fuser member comprises a electrically conductive polymer layer, a resistive layer, an electrically conductive layer, a primer layer, and a release layer. The fuser member further comprises a current supply element and a current return element, wherein the current supply element and the current return element are configured to provide current flow through the electrically conductive polymer layer and the resistive layer to generate fusing heat at the nip area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley L. Beach, Ronald L. Roe, Jerry W. Smith
  • Patent number: 7292815
    Abstract: A fuser member adapted to fuse toner onto the surface of a recording medium as the recording medium passes a nip area of the fuser member comprises a electrically conductive polymer layer, a resistive layer, and an electrically conductive layer. The fuser member further comprises a current supply roll and a current return roll, wherein the current supply roll and the current return roll are configured to provide current flow through the electrically conductive polymer layer and the resistive layer to generate fusing heat at the nip area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley L. Beach, Ronald L. Roe, Scott S. Wu
  • Patent number: 7034097
    Abstract: Polyurethane elastomers are formed from first and second graft curatives, each graft curative having a molecular weight of at least about 800, wherein the first and second graft curatives are substantially immiscible with one another, and wherein the polyurethane elastomer exhibits a hardness of less than about 40 Shore A according to ASTM D2240-86 and a compression set of less than about 8% according to ASTM D395-89, method B, at a temperature of about 70° C. for about 22 hours. Rolls are manufactured using such polyurethane elastomers, particularly rolls that are suitable for use in image forming devices, such as electrophotographic print applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley L. Beach, Bhaskar Gopalanarayanan, Kelly A. Killeen, Johnny D. Massie, II, Ronald L. Roe
  • Patent number: 6689528
    Abstract: Heat rolls and fuser belts utilized in the fusing step of the electrophotographic process are disclosed. These belts and rollers eliminate toner offset while still maintaining excellent release characteristics of the printed page from the fuser. The heat rolls comprise a core member having coated thereon a plurality of concentric layers, wherein at least one of said layers (preferably the top layer) does not contain electrically conductive materials and wherein the roll exhibits electrical breakdown at about 250 volts or less. The fuser belts comprise a heat resistant resin substrate (such as a polyimide belt) carrying thereon a plurality of layers coating the outer surface of said belt, wherein at least one of said layers (preferably the top layer) does not contain electrically conductive materials and wherein the belt exhibits electrical breakdown at about 250 volts or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory L. Ream, Ronald L. Roe, Bradley L. Beach, Steven A. Curry
  • Publication number: 20030190470
    Abstract: Heat rolls and fuser belts utilized in the fusing step of the electrophotographic process are disclosed. These belts and rollers eliminate toner offset while still maintaining excellent release characteristics of the printed page from the fuser. The heat rolls comprise a core member having coated thereon a plurality of concentric layers, wherein at least one of said layers (preferably the top layer) does not contain electrically conductive materials and wherein the roll exhibits electrical breakdown at about 250 volts or less. The fuser belts comprise a heat resistant resin substrate (such as a polyimide belt) carrying thereon a plurality of layers coating the outer surface of said belt, wherein at least one of said layers (preferably the top layer) does not contain electrically conductive materials and wherein the belt exhibits electrical breakdown at about 250 volts or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Gregory L. Ream, Ronald L. Roe, Bradley L. Beach, Steven A. Curry
  • Publication number: 20010044025
    Abstract: Heat rolls and fuser belts utilized in the fusing step of the electrophotographic process are disclosed. These belts and rollers eliminate toner offset while still maintaining excellent release characteristics of the printed page from the fuser. The heat rolls comprise a core member having coated thereon a plurality of concentric layers, wherein at least one of said layers (preferably the top layer) does not contain electrically conductive materials and wherein the roll exhibits electrical breakdown at about 250 volts or less. The fuser belts comprise a heat resistant resin substrate (such as a polyimide belt) carrying thereon a plurality of layers coating the outer surface of said belt, wherein at least one of said layers (preferably the top layer) does not contain electrically conductive materials and wherein the belt exhibits electrical breakdown at about 250 volts or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: Gregory L. Ream, Ronald L. Roe, Bradley L. Beach, Steven A. Curry
  • Patent number: 6309452
    Abstract: A wet rub resistant ink composition comprises, by weight, at least about 15% carrier medium, colorant in an amount of no more than about 20%, and at least about 2% polymeric capsules having central cavities containing water. The composition is substantially free of film-forming resins. The ink composition may be used in combination with other ink compositions having different colors or shades to increase the color gamut of an ink system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley L. Beach, Ameeta B. Madhava, Anna M. Pearson, Ajay K. Suthar
  • Patent number: 6284373
    Abstract: Heat rolls and fuser belts utilized in the fusing step of the electrophotographic process are disclosed. These belts and rollers eliminate toner offset while still maintaining excellent release characteristics of the printed page from the fuser. The heat rolls comprise a core member having coated thereon a plurality of concentric layers, wherein at least one of said layers (preferably the top layer) does not contain electrically conductive materials and wherein the roll exhibits electrical breakdown at about 250 volts or less. The fuser belts comprise a heat resistant resin substrate (such as a polyimide belt) carrying thereon a plurality of layers coating the outer surface of said belt, wherein at least one of said layers (preferably the top layer) does not contain electrically conductive materials and wherein the belt exhibits electrical breakdown at about 250 volts or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory L. Ream, Ronald L. Roe, Bradley L. Beach, Steven A. Curry
  • Patent number: 6160073
    Abstract: A silicone copolymer for use in an electrophotographic process is disclosed. This composition includes a specifically-defined heat-stable silicone oil-silicone wax copolymer. The copolymer has a melting point such that it is liquid on the hot fuser roll, but solidifies at room temperature on the printed page. A random silicone copolymer, in the form of a paste or pliable caulk, which is useful for sealing leaks in toner cartridges is also disclosed. Finally, the method for preparing these copolymers is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Kathryn E. Dowlen, Bradley L. Beach, Steven A. Curry, Earl D. Ward, II
  • Patent number: 6084049
    Abstract: A release agent composition for use in an electrophotographic process is disclosed. This composition includes a specifically-defined heat-stable silicone oil-silicone wax random copolymer. The copolymer has a melting point such that it is liquid on the hot fuser roll, but solidifies at room temperature on the printed page. A random silicone copolymer, in the form of a paste or pliable caulk, which is useful for sealing leaks in toner cartridges is also disclosed. Finally, the method for preparing these copolymers is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley L. Beach, Kathryn E. Dowlen, Terence E. Franey, Douglas C. Hamilton, Gerald G. Leslie, Alexander D. Meade, Jing X. Sun, Peter E. Wallin
  • Patent number: 5959056
    Abstract: A release agent composition for use in an electrophotographic process is disclosed. This composition includes a specifically-defined heat-stable silicone oil-silicone wax copolymer. The copolymer has a melting point such that it is liquid on the hot fuser roll, but solidifies at room temperature on the printed page. A random silicone copolymer, in the form of a paste or pliable caulk, which is useful for sealing leaks in toner cartridges is also disclosed. Finally, the method for preparing these copolymers is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley L. Beach, Kathryn E. Dowlen, Terence E. Franey, Douglas C. Hamilton, Gerald G. Leslie, Alexander D. Meade, Jing X. Sun, Peter E. Wallin
  • Patent number: 5952442
    Abstract: A silicone copolymer for use in an electrophotographic process is disclosed. This composition includes a specifically-defined heat-stable silicone oil-silicone wax copolymer. The copolymer has a melting point such that it is liquid on the hot fuser roll, but solidifies at room temperature on the printed page. A random silicone copolymer, in the form of a paste or pliable caulk, which is useful for sealing leaks in toner cartridges is also disclosed. Finally, the method for preparing these copolymers is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Kathryn E. Dowlen, Bradley L. Beach, Steven A. Curry, Earl D. Ward, II
  • Patent number: 5929186
    Abstract: A release agent composition for use in an electrophotographic process is disclosed. This composition includes a specifically-defined heat-stable silicone oil-silicone wax random copolymer. The copolymer has a melting point such that it is liquid on the hot fuser roll, but solidifies at room temperature on the printed page. A random silicone copolymer, in the form of a paste or pliable caulk, which is useful for sealing leaks in toner cartridges is also disclosed. Finally, the method for preparing these copolymers is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jing X. Sun, Terence E. Franey, Bradley L. Beach, Kathryn E. Dowlen
  • Patent number: 5783719
    Abstract: A release agent composition for use in an electrophotographic process is disclosed. This composition includes a specifically-defined heat-stable silicone oil-silicone wax random copolymer. The copolymer has a melting point such that it is liquid on the hot fuser roll, but solidifies at room temperature on the printed page. A random silicone copolymer, in the form of a paste or pliable caulk, which is useful for sealing leaks in toner cartridges is also disclosed. Finally, the method for preparing these copolymers is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jing X. Sun, Terence E. Franey, Bradley L. Beach, Kathryn E. Dowlen
  • Patent number: 5735941
    Abstract: An ink system comprising a first ink containing a flocculating dye in an aqueous solution and a second ink containing a dispersant-pigment complex in an aqueous solution reduces bleed between the two inks when they are applied side by side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: James F. Feeman, Ann P. Holloway, Agnes K. Zimmer, Jing X. Sun, Terence E. Franey, James M. Mrvos, Bradley L. Beach
  • Patent number: 5714538
    Abstract: The invention relates to polymeric dispersants used in formulating aqueous ink compositions, as well as inks containing those dispersants. The dispersants are graft copolymers comprising a hydrophilic polymeric segment, a hydrophobic polymeric segment incorporating a hydrolytically-stable siloxyl substituent, and a stabilizing segment, such as a reactive surfactant macromer, a protective colloid macromer, or a non-siloxyl hydrophobic monomer. The inks made with these dispersants show excellent stability, print characteristics, water-fastness, optical density, and in-use maintenance characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley L. Beach, Anna Marie Pearson, Jing Xiao Sun, Richard B. Watkins
  • Patent number: 5589522
    Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous ink composition for use in ink jet printers comprising an aqueous carrier, a pigment, and, preferably, a graft polymer having a polyacrylic acid backbone and hydrophobic side chains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley L. Beach, James F. Feeman, Anna M. Pearson, Jing X. Sun
  • Patent number: 5562876
    Abstract: Open-Cell urethane foam is thoroughly dried in a convection oven or controlled atmosphere and then compressed with heat to a felt immediately. Alternatively, the dried foam is sealed in a plastic bag until the felting step. The amount of non-volatile residue is significantly reduced to produce a foam for use to contain ink in an ink jet cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley L. Beach, Donald L. Elbert, Terence E. Franey, Sean D. Smith