Patents by Inventor Brian Lester

Brian Lester 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: 9471027
    Abstract: A replaceable unit for an image forming device having features for aligning the replaceable unit when installed in the image forming device and to ensure alignment between the replaceable unit and a detachable unit attachable to the replaceable unit. End walls support a photoconductive drum and have a first bullet nose, second bullet nose and stop arm used for alignment of the replaceable unit in a frame of the image forming device. Support members are on a top surface of the bottom plate with a top planar surface of one of the support members forming a rotational stop and a datum surface for the detachable unit when attached. A mounting channel in one end wall provides a second datum surface for the detachable unit and a mounting channel in the other provides a deskewing plug to adjust axial alignment between the photoconductive drum and a roll in the detachable unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Lester Boettcher, Jeffrey Alan Abler, Paul Douglas Horrall, Michael David Maul, Jennifer Marie Murphy, Joshua Carl Poterjoy
  • Patent number: 9420809
    Abstract: Methods and systems for customized pet food are described. Generally, the systems and methods comprises obtaining a pet profile information from a user, which includes at least one of a species, an activity level, a medical history, a breed, a gender, a breeding status, a feeding method, an age, a spayed/neutered status, a snack schedule, a biological sample, a body condition, a dental health, a coat information, a digestive health information and a weight of the pet. The methods and systems may also comprise obtaining a second pet profile information from a user, related to a preference regarding an ingredient, a food form, a flavor, a protein source, a shape and a texture. The methods and systems also may include correlating the first pet profile information and second pet profile information to a stored nutritional information to determine a pre-made pet blend based.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Nestec SA
    Inventors: Mark A Donavon, Mark A Roos, Brian Lester
  • Patent number: 9411303
    Abstract: A replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device includes a housing and a positioning stop on the housing that is translatable between a latching position and an unlatching position. The positioning stop limits the travel of the replaceable unit in the image forming device when the positioning stop is in the latching position. A compression spring that biases the positioning stop toward the latching position is positioned in line with the translation of the positioning stop between the positioning stop and a first side of a post on the housing. A deflectable arm extends from the positioning stop in line with the translation of the positioning stop proximate the compression spring. The deflectable arm includes a hook that wraps over the post in position to contact a second side of the post to limit translation of the positioning stop away from the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Lester Boettcher
  • Patent number: 9389576
    Abstract: A deskewing plug and assembly mountable in a frame having a first and a second shaft forming a nip therebetween with the second shaft rotatably mounted in a pair of opposed channels and biased toward the first shaft for adjusting the axial alignment of the shafts. The deskewing plug has a generally cylindrical body having first portion, a second portion and a tab portion. The second portion has a circumferential camming surface cooperatively engageable with the second shaft. Rotation of the plug and camming surface adjusts the axial alignment of the second shaft. The tab portion radially extends from the first portion and has radially extending ridges frictionally engageable with a wall of the opening in the frame to prevent rotation of the deskewing plug after adjustment. A cap may be provided to cover and frictionally engage the tab with the cap being fastenable to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Lester Boettcher, Mark Duane Foster, Michael David Maul, Joshua Carl Poterjoy
  • Publication number: 20160179053
    Abstract: An imaging unit for an electrophotographic image forming device having positional control features for aligning the imaging unit in a supporting frame in the image forming device. The positional control features include on each end wall, first and second bullet noses and a stop arm positioned between the two bullet noses. The first and second bullet noses engage support or datum surfaces provided in corresponding openings in the frame. The stop arm receives a biasing force that rotates the imaging unit into its final operating position. A latching assembly is provided on one end wall to prevent the imaging unit from ejecting from the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: BRIAN LESTER BOETTCHER, JEFFREY ALAN ABLER, MARK WILLIAM AMANN, DONN DUANE BRYANT, GEOFFREY KIRK CARLSON, PAUL DOUGLAS HORRALL, MICHAEL DAVID MAUL, JENNIFER MARIE MURPHY, JOSHUA CARL POTERJOY
  • Publication number: 20160179050
    Abstract: A replaceable unit for an image forming device having features for aligning the replaceable unit when installed in the image forming device and to ensure alignment between the replaceable unit and a detachable unit attachable to the replaceable unit. End walls support a photoconductive drum and have a first bullet nose, second bullet nose and stop arm used for alignment of the replaceable unit in a frame of the image forming device. Support members are on a top surface of the bottom plate with a top planar surface of one of the support members forming a rotational stop and a datum surface for the detachable unit when attached. A mounting channel in one end wall provides a second datum surface for the detachable unit and a mounting channel in the other provides a deskewing plug to adjust axial alignment between the photoconductive drum and a roll in the detachable unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: BRIAN LESTER BOETTCHER, JEFFREY ALAN ABLER, PAUL DOUGLAS HORRALL, MICHAEL DAVID MAUL, JENNIFER MARIE MURPHY, JOSHUA CARL POTERJOY
  • Publication number: 20160179049
    Abstract: A deskewing plug and assembly mountable in a frame having a first and a second shaft forming a nip therebetween with the second shaft rotatably mounted in a pair of opposed channels and biased toward the first shaft for adjusting the axial alignment of the shafts. The deskewing plug has a generally cylindrical body having first portion, a second portion and a tab portion. The second portion has a circumferential camming surface cooperatively engageable with the second shaft. Rotation of the plug and camming surface adjusts the axial alignment of the second shaft. The tab portion radially extends from the first portion and has radially extending ridges frictionally engageable with a wall of the opening in the frame to prevent rotation of the deskewing plug after adjustment. A cap may be provided to cover and frictionally engage the tab with the cap being fastenable to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: Brian Lester Boettcher, Mark Duane Foster, Michael David Maul, Joshua Carl Poterjoy
  • Patent number: 9317004
    Abstract: A replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device includes a housing having a photoconductive drum rotatably mounted thereon. The photoconductive drum has a rotational axis. A guide channel on an exterior of the housing extends parallel to the rotational axis of the photoconductive drum and is positioned to guide insertion of the housing into the image forming device. A positioning stop on the housing is movable between a latching position and an unlatching position. In the latching position the positioning stop obstructs at least a portion of the guide channel to limit the travel of the replaceable unit in the image forming device parallel to the rotational axis of the photoconductive drum. A release handle on the housing is operatively connected to the positioning stop to move the positioning stop from the latching position of the positioning stop to the unlatching position of the positioning stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Lester Boettcher, Michael David Maul, Jennifer Marie Murphy, Joshua Carl Poterjoy
  • Patent number: 9291992
    Abstract: An imaging unit for an electrophotographic image forming device having positional control features for aligning the imaging unit in a supporting frame in the image forming device. The positional control features include on each end wall, first and second bullet noses and a stop arm positioned between the two bullet noses. The first and second bullet noses engage support or datum surfaces provided in corresponding openings in the frame. The stop arm receives a biasing force that rotates the imaging unit into its final operating position. A latching assembly is provided on one end wall to prevent the imaging unit from ejecting from the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Lester Boettcher, Jeffrey Alan Abler, Mark William Amann, Donn Duane Bryant, Geoffrey Kirk Carlson, Paul Douglas Horrall, Michael David Maul, Jennifer Marie Murphy, Joshua Carl Poterjoy
  • Patent number: 9285758
    Abstract: A replaceable unit for an image forming device having features for aligning the replaceable unit when installed in the image forming device and to ensure alignment between the replaceable unit and a detachable unit attachable to the replaceable unit. End walls support a photoconductive drum and have a first bullet nose, second bullet nose and stop arm used for alignment of the replaceable unit in a frame of the image forming device. Support members are on a top surface of the bottom plate with a top planar surface of one of the support members forming a rotational stop and a datum surface for the detachable unit when attached. A mounting channel in one end wall provides a second datum surface for the detachable unit and a mounting channel in the other provides a deskewing plug to adjust axial alignment between the photoconductive drum and a roll in the detachable unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Lester Boettcher, Jeffrey Alan Abler, Paul Douglas Horrall, Michael David Maul, Jennifer Marie Murphy, Joshua Carl Poterjoy
  • Patent number: 8886080
    Abstract: A device for cleaning a photoconductive member in an image forming device. The device includes a blade extending across the photoconductive member and having an edge that contacts a surface of the photoconductive member to remove toner therefrom. An elongated seal disposed adjacent the blade extends across a length of the blade such that an opening for receiving removed toner is formed between the elongated seal and the blade. The elongated seal includes at least one tab projecting at each longitudinal end thereof and extending between the blade and the photoconductive member so as to prevent a longitudinal end section of the edge of the blade from contacting the surface of the photoconductive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene David Allen, Brian Lester Boettcher, Alan Stirling Campbell
  • Publication number: 20140272028
    Abstract: Methods and systems for customized pet food are described. Generally, the systems and methods comprises obtaining a pet profile information from a user, which includes at least one of a species, an activity level, a medical history, a breed, a gender, a breeding status, a feeding method, an age, a spayed/neutered status, a snack schedule, a biological sample, a body condition, a dental health, a coat information, a digestive health information and a weight of the pet. The methods and systems may also comprise obtaining a second pet profile information from a user, related to a preference regarding an ingredient, a food form, a flavor, a protein source, a shape and a texture. The methods and systems also may include correlating the first pet profile information and second pet profile information to a stored nutritional information to determine a pre-made pet blend based.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: NESTEC SA
    Inventors: Mark A. Donavon, Mark A. Roos, Brian Lester
  • Publication number: 20130287429
    Abstract: A device for cleaning a photoconductive member in an image forming device. The device includes a blade extending across the photoconductive member and having an edge that contacts a surface of the photoconductive member to remove toner therefrom. An elongated seal disposed adjacent the blade extends across a length of the blade such that an opening for receiving removed toner is formed between the elongated seal and the blade. The elongated seal includes at least one tab projecting at each longitudinal end thereof and extending between the blade and the photoconductive member so as to prevent a longitudinal end section of the edge of the blade from contacting the surface of the photoconductive member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Eugene David Allen, Brian Lester Boettcher, Alan Stirling Campbell
  • Patent number: 8301057
    Abstract: A printer cartridge is provided that allows a charge roller to be separated from a photoconductive drum when the printer cartridge is not used within an image forming device. The printer cartridge includes the photoconductive drum, the charge roller, and a separating member having a resilient member disposed thereon with the separating member being disposed on the charge roller. The separating member engages and disengages the photoconductive drum in a first position and in a second position. The first position provides a spaced relationship between the charge roller and the photoconductive drum and the second position provides an engaged relationship between the charge roller and the photoconductive drum. The printer cartridge also includes the photoconductive drum disposed adjacent to the charge roller in an offset orientation that includes a centerline of a charge roller shaft offset by a predetermined distance from a centerline of a photoconductive drum shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Agnissey, Brian Lester Boettcher, Darin Michael Gettelfinger, Michael Craig Leemhuis
  • Publication number: 20110044722
    Abstract: A printer cartridge is provided that allows a charge roller to be separated from a photoconductive drum when the printer cartridge is not used within an image forming device. The printer cartridge includes the photoconductive drum, the charge roller, and a separating member having a resilient member disposed thereon with the separating member being disposed on the charge roller. The separating member engages and disengages the photoconductive drum in a first position and in a second position. The first position provides a spaced relationship between the charge roller and the photoconductive drum and the second position provides an engaged relationship between the charge roller and the photoconductive drum. The printer cartridge also includes the photoconductive drum disposed adjacent to the charge roller in an offset orientation that includes a centerline of a charge roller shaft offset by a predetermined distance from a centerline of a photoconductive drum shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Kevin Agnissey, Brian Lester Boettcher, Darin Michael Gettelfinger, Michael Craig Leemhuis
  • Patent number: 7399274
    Abstract: The present invention provides a capsule endoscope (CE) having sensors configured to form or to conform to the shell of the CE. The sensors are curved to correspond to the capsule's shape. According to this embodiment, the sensors may be covered by a coating material to protect the sensors. The sensors may also form the capsule shell. Instead of being covered by a shell associated with the capsule, the sensors are formed as the capsule shell. The sensors may also form part of the capsule shell. For example, one half of the capsule shell may be formed from the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Lester Halla, Joseph Domenick Montalbo, Gobi R. Padmanabhan, Peter Yi-Ning Wang
  • Patent number: D693400
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Lester Boettcher, James Anthany Carter, II, Gregory Allan Cavill, Gary Neal Hackney, Jonathan David Kelley, Katrina Rosit Lactuan, James Richard Leemhuis, Benjamin Keith Newman, Matthew Lee Rogers, Bryan Christopher Scharf, Keith Seaman, Leighton De Leon Venezuela, Christopher Gene Vowels, Bryan Joseph Wiemers
  • Patent number: D695338
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Lester Boettcher, James Anthany Carter, II, Gregory Alan Cavill, Gary Neal Hackney, Jonathan David Kelley, Katrina Rosit Lactuan, James Richard Leemhuis, Benjamin Keith Newman, Matthew Lee Rogers, Bryan Christopher Scharf, Keith Seaman, Leighton De Leon Venezuela, Christopher Gene Vowels, Bryan Joseph Wiemers
  • Patent number: D695820
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: James Anthany Carter, II, Brian Lester Boettcher, Gregory Alan Cavill, Gary Neal Hackney, Jonathan David Kelley, James Richard Leemhuis, Benjamin Keith Newman, Matthew Lee Rogers, Bryan Christopher Scharf, Keith Seaman, Bryan Joseph Wiemers, Christopher Gene Vowels, Katrina Rosit Lactuan, Leighton De Leon Venezuela
  • Patent number: D695821
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: James Anthany Carter, II, Brian Lester Boettcher, Gregory Alan Cavill, Gary Neal Hackney, Jonathan David Kelley, James Richard Leemhuis, Benjamin Keith Newman, Matthew Lee Rogers, Bryan Christopher Scharf, Keith Seaman, Bryan Joseph Wiemers, Christopher Gene Vowels, Katrina Rosit Lactuan, Leighton De Leon Venezuela