Patents by Inventor Christopher Andrew PORTER

Christopher Andrew PORTER 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).

  • Publication number: 20240201235
    Abstract: A utility metering device includes a housing positioned in communication with a utility distribution system. A utility sensor unit is configured to measure at least one parameter of the utility distribution system to obtain utility system data. A gas sensor unit is in communication with an external environment outside of the housing and configured to obtain gas data related to the air quality of the external environment. One or more processors are in communication with the utility sensor unit and the gas sensor unit. A memory unit is in communication with the one or more processors. A communication unit is configured to send and receive data over a network. A sensing system can be created using a plurality of meters to detect environmental conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2023
    Publication date: June 20, 2024
    Applicant: Aclara Meters LLC
    Inventors: Scott David Brown, Christopher Andrew Porter
  • Patent number: 11559993
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices related to a printer system that includes a first primary ink tank holding a dark-colored ink, a second primary ink tank holding a light-colored ink, a first selector valve configured to change a state, a first secondary ink tank connected to the first primary ink tank via the first selector valve, a second secondary ink tank connected to the first and second primary ink tanks via the first selector valve, a second selector valve connected to the first primary ink tank configured to return the dark-colored ink from the print heads to the first primary ink tank, and a third selector valve connected to the second selector valve and the second primary ink tank configured to either return the light-colored ink from the print heads to the second primary ink tank or to direct the dark-colored ink to the second selector valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Electronics for Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Andrew Porter
  • Publication number: 20220314635
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices related to a printer system that includes a first primary ink tank holding a dark-colored ink, a second primary ink tank holding a light-colored ink, a first selector valve configured to change a state, a first secondary ink tank connected to the first primary ink tank via the first selector valve, a second secondary ink tank connected to the first and second primary ink tanks via the first selector valve, a second selector valve connected to the first primary ink tank configured to return the dark-colored ink from the print heads to the first primary ink tank, and a third selector valve connected to the second selector valve and the second primary ink tank configured to either return the light-colored ink from the print heads to the second primary ink tank or to direct the dark-colored ink to the second selector valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2022
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Inventor: Christopher Andrew Porter
  • Patent number: 11400727
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices related to a printer system that includes a first primary ink tank holding a dark-colored ink, a second primary ink tank holding a light-colored ink, a first selector valve configured to change a state, a first secondary ink tank connected to the first primary ink tank via the first selector valve, a second secondary ink tank connected to the first and second primary ink tanks via the first selector valve, a second selector valve connected to the first primary ink tank configured to return the dark-colored ink from the print heads to the first primary ink tank, and a third selector valve connected to the second selector valve and the second primary ink tank configured to either return the light-colored ink from the print heads to the second primary ink tank or to direct the dark-colored ink to the second selector valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: ELECTRONICS FOR IMAGING, INC.
    Inventor: Christopher Andrew Porter
  • Patent number: 11141988
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a system for generating a unitary structure with a three-dimensional (3D) printing process. The unitary structure includes a cavity configured to contain a fluid and a passageway configured to route the fluid to or from the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: ELECTRONICS FOR IMAGING, INC.
    Inventor: Christopher Andrew Porter
  • Publication number: 20210155008
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices related to a printer system that includes a first primary ink tank holding a dark-colored ink, a second primary ink tank holding a light-colored ink, a first selector valve configured to change a state, a first secondary ink tank connected to the first primary ink tank via the first selector valve, a second secondary ink tank connected to the first and second primary ink tanks via the first selector valve, a second selector valve connected to the first primary ink tank configured to return the dark-colored ink from the print heads to the first primary ink tank, and a third selector valve connected to the second selector valve and the second primary ink tank configured to either return the light-colored ink from the print heads to the second primary ink tank or to direct the dark-colored ink to the second selector valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2021
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Inventor: Christopher Andrew Porter
  • Patent number: 10933666
    Abstract: Edge hold down (EHD) systems are described herein that enable high print quality to be achieved more consistently, particularly when using substrates that are rigid or include one or more defects. Each EHD system includes a tensioned band for holding down an edge of a substrate as it passes through a printer assembly without impacting the print area. The tensioned band can be affixed between an entry tension assembly and an exit tension assembly disposed downstream of the entry tension assembly in the media feed direction. The tensioned band holds the substrate substantially flat against a transfer belt during printing by applying pressure to the surface of the substrate. The tensioned band generally contacts the surface of the substrate substantially proximate to an outer edge that is parallel to the media feed direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: ELECTRONICS FOR IMAGING, INC.
    Inventors: Keith Vaillancourt, Christopher Andrew Porter
  • Patent number: 10913285
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices related to a printer system that includes a first primary ink tank holding a dark-colored ink, a second primary ink tank holding a light-colored ink, a first selector valve configured to change a state, a first secondary ink tank connected to the first primary ink tank via the first selector valve, a second secondary ink tank connected to the first and second primary ink tanks via the first selector valve, a second selector valve connected to the first primary ink tank configured to return the dark-colored ink from the print heads to the first primary ink tank, and a third selector valve connected to the second selector valve and the second primary ink tank configured to either return the light-colored ink from the print heads to the second primary ink tank or to direct the dark-colored ink to the second selector valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: ELECTRONICS FOR IMAGING, INC.
    Inventor: Christopher Andrew Porter
  • Publication number: 20210001637
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices related to a printer system that includes a first primary ink tank holding a dark-colored ink, a second primary ink tank holding a light-colored ink, a first selector valve configured to change a state, a first secondary ink tank connected to the first primary ink tank via the first selector valve, a second secondary ink tank connected to the first and second primary ink tanks via the first selector valve, a second selector valve connected to the first primary ink tank configured to return the dark-colored ink from the print heads to the first primary ink tank, and a third selector valve connected to the second selector valve and the second primary ink tank configured to either return the light-colored ink from the print heads to the second primary ink tank or to direct the dark-colored ink to the second selector valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Publication date: January 7, 2021
    Inventor: Christopher Andrew Porter
  • Publication number: 20200139719
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a system for generating a unitary structure with a three-dimensional (3D) printing process. The unitary structure includes a cavity configured to contain a fluid and a passageway configured to route the fluid to or from the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Inventor: Christopher Andrew PORTER
  • Patent number: 10532577
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a system for generating a unitary ink tank with a three-dimensional (3D) printing process. The system includes a processor configured to execute computer instructions that control 3D printing of an ink tank for a printer system. The system further includes a 3D printer coupled to the processor and configured to, based on the computer instructions, print the ink tank in accordance with a selective laser sintering process that sinters a powdered nylon material to form the ink tank as a unitary that includes a network of passageways configured to route ink of the printer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: ELECTRONICS FOR IMAGING, INC.
    Inventor: Christopher Andrew Porter
  • Publication number: 20190240999
    Abstract: Edge hold down (EHD) systems are described herein that enable high print quality to be achieved more consistently, particularly when using substrates that are rigid or include one or more defects. Each EHD system includes a tensioned band for holding down an edge of a substrate as it passes through a printer assembly without impacting the print area. The tensioned band can be affixed between an entry tension assembly and an exit tension assembly disposed downstream of the entry tension assembly in the media feed direction. The tensioned band holds the substrate substantially flat against a transfer belt during printing by applying pressure to the surface of the substrate. The tensioned band generally contacts the surface of the substrate substantially proximate to an outer edge that is parallel to the media feed direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Publication date: August 8, 2019
    Inventors: Keith VAILLANCOURT, Christopher Andrew PORTER
  • Patent number: 10265978
    Abstract: Edge hold down (EHD) systems are described herein that enable high print quality to be achieved more consistently, particularly when using substrates that are rigid or include one or more defects. Each EHD system includes a tensioned band for holding down an edge of a substrate as it passes through a printer assembly without impacting the print area. The tensioned band can be affixed between an entry tension assembly and an exit tension assembly disposed downstream of the entry tension assembly in the media feed direction. The tensioned band holds the substrate substantially flat against a transfer belt during printing by applying pressure to the surface of the substrate. The tensioned band generally contacts the surface of the substrate substantially proximate to an outer edge that is parallel to the media feed direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: ELECTRONICS FOR IMAGING, INC.
    Inventors: Keith Vaillancourt, Christopher Andrew Porter
  • Publication number: 20170341435
    Abstract: Edge hold down (EHD) systems are described herein that enable high print quality to be achieved more consistently, particularly when using substrates that are rigid or include one or more defects. Each EHD system includes a tensioned band for holding down an edge of a substrate as it passes through a printer assembly without impacting the print area. The tensioned band can be affixed between an entry tension assembly and an exit tension assembly disposed downstream of the entry tension assembly in the media feed direction. The tensioned band holds the substrate substantially flat against a transfer belt during printing by applying pressure to the surface of the substrate. The tensioned band generally contacts the surface of the substrate substantially proximate to an outer edge that is parallel to the media feed direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Keith VAILLANCOURT, Christopher Andrew PORTER