Patents by Inventor Carmen J. Sofia

Carmen J. Sofia 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: 6167223
    Abstract: A drive module for a photoreceptor in an electrophotographic printing machine. The drive module has retractable features that allow the insertion and removal of the xerographic CRU without causing damage to the photoreceptor and other critical subsystems. The unit further has many locating members for other subsystems so that critical tolerances are maintained. A single handle assembly retracts/unlocks and extends/locks the drive module and the associated CRU subsystems into an operative position. The drive module also has electrical and drive connections for the cleaning system, the charging system and transfer/detack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Fiore, Frank A. Porter, Carmen J. Sofia, Anthony G. Poletto, Edward T. Hinton
  • Patent number: 5918085
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to track toner waste and the level of waste toner in a toner waste receptacle. A sensor measures the amount of toner developed on a photoreceptive member. At regular intervals a signal representing this developed toner amount is sent to a machine controller. The machine controller coverts the developed toner amount into an amount of residual waste based on the machine transfer efficiency. This residual waste amount is tracked and a signal is generated for a user as the toner waste receptacle approaches capacity. At full capacity an end of life signal is generated and for preservation of machine components the machine shuts down until the waste container is replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: David E. Rollins, Carmen J. Sofia, Guru B. Raj