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).
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Publication number: 20240201235Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2023Publication date: June 20, 2024Applicant: Aclara Meters LLCInventors: Scott David Brown, Christopher Andrew Porter
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Patent number: 11559993Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 17, 2022Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: Electronics for Imaging, Inc.Inventor: Christopher Andrew Porter
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Publication number: 20220314635Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2022Publication date: October 6, 2022Inventor: Christopher Andrew Porter
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Patent number: 11400727Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 1, 2021Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: ELECTRONICS FOR IMAGING, INC.Inventor: Christopher Andrew Porter
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Patent number: 11141988Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 10, 2019Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Assignee: ELECTRONICS FOR IMAGING, INC.Inventor: Christopher Andrew Porter
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Publication number: 20210155008Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2021Publication date: May 27, 2021Inventor: Christopher Andrew Porter
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Patent number: 10933666Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 18, 2019Date of Patent: March 2, 2021Assignee: ELECTRONICS FOR IMAGING, INC.Inventors: Keith Vaillancourt, Christopher Andrew Porter
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Patent number: 10913285Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 2, 2019Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: ELECTRONICS FOR IMAGING, INC.Inventor: Christopher Andrew Porter
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Publication number: 20210001637Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2019Publication date: January 7, 2021Inventor: Christopher Andrew Porter
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Publication number: 20200139719Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2019Publication date: May 7, 2020Inventor: Christopher Andrew PORTER
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Patent number: 10532577Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 7, 2018Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: ELECTRONICS FOR IMAGING, INC.Inventor: Christopher Andrew Porter
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Publication number: 20190240999Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2019Publication date: August 8, 2019Inventors: Keith VAILLANCOURT, Christopher Andrew PORTER
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Patent number: 10265978Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 19, 2017Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: ELECTRONICS FOR IMAGING, INC.Inventors: Keith Vaillancourt, Christopher Andrew Porter
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Publication number: 20170341435Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2017Publication date: November 30, 2017Inventors: Keith VAILLANCOURT, Christopher Andrew PORTER