Patents by Inventor Bryan M. Blair

Bryan M. Blair 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).

  • Fusing system including a backup belt assembly
    Patent number: 7386264
    Abstract: In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a system is provided for fusing an unfixed toner image to a substrate comprising a rotatable hot fusing roll and a backup belt assembly. The belt assembly may comprise a backup belt and a housing structure including a nip forming pressure roll. The backup belt may be wrapped about the housing structure including the nip forming pressure roll. Preferably, the pressure roll applies a force to the belt so as to form the sole nip region between the rotatable fusing roll and the backup belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Blair, James D. Gilmore, Miranda E. Oaks
  • Fusing system including a tensioned belt with crowned roller
    Patent number: 7272353
    Abstract: In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a system is provided for fusing an unfixed toner image to a substrate including a rotatable hot fusing roll and a backup belt assembly. The belt assembly may include a backup belt and a housing structure having a nip forming pressure roll. The backup belt may be wrapped about the housing structure including the nip forming pressure roll. The pressure roll includes a crown shape and the housing structure preferably includes structure for creating a generally uniform tension across the length of the belt in a direction transverse to a process direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Blair, Thomas J. Campbell, James D. Gilmore, Miranda E. Oaks