Patents by Inventor Darin Michael Gettelfinger

Darin Michael Gettelfinger 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: 12169381
    Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for holding toner. A first electrical contact and a second electrical contact are positioned on a first longitudinal end of the housing. The first electrical contact is electrically connected to processing circuitry positioned on the housing. The second electrical contact is electrically connected to an imaging component positioned on the housing. The first electrical contact is positioned higher than the second electrical contact. A first drive coupler and a second drive coupler are positioned on a second longitudinal end of the housing. The first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are positioned higher than a first rotational axis of the first drive coupler. The first electrical contact is positioned higher than a second rotational axis of the second drive coupler and the second electrical contact is positioned lower than the second rotational axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2024
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark William Amann, Brian Lester Boettcher, James Anthany Carter, II, Benjamin Charles Devore, Darin Michael Gettelfinger
  • Patent number: 11714373
    Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for holding toner. A first electrical contact and a second electrical contact are positioned on a first longitudinal end of the housing. The first electrical contact is electrically connected to processing circuitry positioned on the housing. The second electrical contact is electrically connected to an imaging component positioned on the housing. The first electrical contact is positioned higher than the second electrical contact. A first drive coupler and a second drive coupler are positioned on a second longitudinal end of the housing. The first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are positioned higher than a first rotational axis of the first drive coupler. The first electrical contact is positioned higher than a second rotational axis of the second drive coupler and the second electrical contact is positioned lower than the second rotational axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark William Amann, Brian Lester Boettcher, James Anthany Carter, II, Benjamin Charles Devore, Darin Michael Gettelfinger
  • Patent number: 11221582
    Abstract: A system for an electrophotographic image forming device includes a basket having a first side, a second side and a plurality of positioning slots extending between the first side and the second side, each positioning slot is configured to receive a corresponding toner cartridge. Each positioning slot includes a first latch at the first side of the basket and a second latch at the second side of the basket. Each of the first and second latches is independently pivotable between a latched position for applying a hold-down force on a respective end portion of a corresponding toner cartridge positioned in a corresponding positioning slot of the plurality of positioning slots to rigidly hold the corresponding toner cartridge against datums of the basket and an unlatched position to release the corresponding toner cartridge permitting removal of the corresponding toner cartridge from the basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark William Amann, Brian Allen Blair, Brian Lester Boettcher, James Anthany Carter, II, Jie Chen, Benjamin Charles Devore, Darin Michael Gettelfinger
  • Patent number: 11194286
    Abstract: A system for an electrophotographic image forming device includes a basket insertable into and extendable out of the image forming device. The basket includes a plurality of positioning slots each configured to receive a corresponding toner cartridge of a plurality of toner cartridges. The basket includes a cartridge latching assembly configured to apply a hold-down force on each toner cartridge to rigidly hold each toner cartridge against corresponding datums of the basket. A basket latching assembly in the image forming device is configured to apply a hold-down force on the basket when the basket is inserted into the image forming device to rigidly hold the basket against corresponding datums of the image forming device for positioning the plurality of toner cartridges in respective operational positions within the image forming device with only the cartridge latching assembly of the basket directly applying hold-down forces on the plurality of toner cartridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark William Amann, Brian Allen Blair, Brian Lester Boettcher, James Anthany Carter, II, Jie Chen, Benjamin Charles Devore, Darin Michael Gettelfinger, Michael James Shanor, Christopher Kent Washing
  • Patent number: 11194285
    Abstract: A system for an electrophotographic image forming device includes a basket including a plurality of positioning slots each including cartridge datum locators that position a plurality of toner cartridges relative to the basket. A first guide rail and a second guide rail, each movable between a raised position and a lowered position, raise and lower the basket when the first and second guide rails move between the raised and lowered positions. In the raised positions the first and second guide rails support the basket permitting the basket to slide along the first and second guide rails into and out of the image forming device. When the first and second guide rails are in the lowered positions basket datum locators within the image forming device support the basket and position the basket relative to the image forming device in order to position the toner cartridges relative to the image forming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Allen Blair, Jie Chen, Benjamin Charles Devore, Darin Michael Gettelfinger, Michael James Shanor, Christopher Kent Washing
  • Patent number: 10908551
    Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for holding toner. A first electrical contact and a second electrical contact are positioned on a first longitudinal end of the housing. The first electrical contact is electrically connected to processing circuitry positioned on the housing. The second electrical contact is electrically connected to an imaging component positioned on the housing. The first electrical contact is positioned higher than the second electrical contact. A first drive coupler and a second drive coupler are positioned on a second longitudinal end of the housing. The first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are positioned higher than a first rotational axis of the first drive coupler. The first electrical contact is positioned higher than a second rotational axis of the second drive coupler and the second electrical contact is positioned lower than the second rotational axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Mark William Amann, Brian Lester Boettcher, James Anthany Carter, II, Benjamin Charles Devore, Darin Michael Gettelfinger
  • Patent number: 10725422
    Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for holding toner. A first electrical contact and a second electrical contact are positioned on a first longitudinal end of the housing. The first electrical contact is electrically connected to processing circuitry positioned on the housing. The second electrical contact is electrically connected to an imaging component positioned on the housing. The first electrical contact is positioned higher than the second electrical contact. A first drive coupler and a second drive coupler are positioned on a second longitudinal end of the housing. The first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are positioned higher than a first rotational axis of the first drive coupler. The first electrical contact is positioned higher than a second rotational axis of the second drive coupler and the second electrical contact is positioned lower than the second rotational axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Mark William Amann, Brian Lester Boettcher, James Anthany Carter, II, Benjamin Charles Devore, Darin Michael Gettelfinger
  • Patent number: 9547275
    Abstract: An imaging device, including a locking assembly connected to the frame of the imaging device and selectively engaged with the fuser assembly thereof when the fuser assembly is mounted to the frame. The locking assembly includes a lock member slidingly coupled to the frame between a first position in which the lock member engages with the fuser assembly for locking the fuser assembly to the frame and a second position in which the lock member is disengaged from the fuser assembly to allow the fuser assembly to be disconnected and removed from the frame. A lever mechanism is movably coupled to the frame and coupled to the lock member, wherein actuation of the lever mechanism moves the lock member between the first position and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Allen Blair, Richard Gordon Boyatt, III, Darin Michael Gettelfinger, Alexander Johannes Geyling, Edward Lawrence Kiely
  • Patent number: 8401437
    Abstract: The present application is directed to toner cartridges for use with image forming devices. The cartridge may include an interior to contain toner that is transferred to the image forming device and used during image formation. The cartridge may include one or more engagement features that interact with the image forming device during insertion. The engagement features may include one or more alignment features that align the cartridge during insertion into the image forming device. The engagement features may also include one or more functional features that allow the cartridge to effectively transfer the toner to the image forming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Akash Chaudhuri, Jedediah Taylor Dawson, Jarrett Clark Gayne, Darin Michael Gettelfinger, Matthew Thomas Kerley
  • 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: 20120224890
    Abstract: The present application is directed to toner cartridges for use with image forming devices. The cartridge may include an interior to contain toner that is transferred to the image forming device and used during image formation. The cartridge may include one or more engagement features that interact with the image forming device during insertion. The engagement features may include one or more alignment features that align the cartridge during insertion into the image forming device. The engagement features may also include one or more functional features that allow the cartridge to effectively transfer the toner to the image forming device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: AKASH CHAUDHURI, Jedediah Taylor Dawson, Jarrett Clark Gayne, Darin Michael Gettelfinger, Matthew Thomas Kerley
  • Patent number: 8200126
    Abstract: A toner cartridge for use with image forming devices according to one example embodiment includes an interior to contain toner that is transferred to the image forming device and used during image formation and includes one or more engagement features that interact with the image forming device during insertion. The engagement features may include one or more alignment features that align the cartridge during insertion into the image forming device. The engagement features may also include one or more functional features that allow the cartridge to effectively transfer the toner to the image forming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Akash Chaudhuri, Jedediah Taylor Dawson, Jarrett Clark Gayne, Darin Michael Gettelfinger, Matthew Thomas Kerley
  • 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: 7831168
    Abstract: The present application is directed to an imaging unit for an image forming device. In one embodiment, the imaging unit includes a frame that includes brace members that are connected together to form a central opening. The imaging unit may also include separate mounting locations positioned on the frame in a side-by-side orientation. Each of the mounting locations may be adapted to receive a imaging unit and position a PC member of the imaging unit. The frame may also include locating features to align the frame within the image forming device. Electrical contacts may be operatively connected to the frame. The electrical contacts may operatively connect with the image forming device to provide electrical communication to each of the plurality of imaging units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene David Allen, Jarrett Clark Gayne, Darin Michael Gettelfinger, Paul Douglas Horrall, Daniel Craig Hutchens
  • Publication number: 20090142103
    Abstract: The present application is directed to toner cartridges for use with image forming devices. The cartridge may include an interior to contain toner that is transferred to the image forming device and used during image formation. The cartridge may include one or more engagement features that interact with the image forming device during insertion. The engagement features may include one or more alignment features that align the cartridge during insertion into the image forming device. The engagement features may also include one or more functional features that allow the cartridge to effectively transfer the toner to the image forming device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Akash Chaudhuri, Jedediah Taylor Dawson, Jarrett Clark Gayne, Darin Michael Gettelfinger, Matthew Thomas Kerley
  • Publication number: 20080226331
    Abstract: The present application is directed to an imaging unit for an image forming device. In one embodiment, the imaging unit includes a frame that includes brace members that are connected together to form a central opening. The imaging unit may also include separate mounting locations positioned on the frame in a side-by-side orientation. Each of the mounting locations may be adapted to receive a imaging unit and position a PC member of the imaging unit. The frame may also include locating features to align the frame within the image forming device. Electrical contacts may be operatively connected to the frame. The electrical contacts may operatively connect with the image forming device to provide electrical communication to each of the plurality of imaging units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Eugene David Allen, Jarrett Clark Gayne, Darin Michael Gettelfinger, Paul Douglas Horrall, Daniel Craig Hutchens
  • Patent number: 7043189
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus in a waste toner removal system of an image forming device includes a waste toner moving device that is movably mounted in a waste toner housing. The housing has an inlet where waste toner enters the housing. The toner moving device is movable between a first position and a second position to displace accumulated toner within the housing. The toner moving device is spring-biased toward the first position. A rotating actuator displaces the toner moving device from the first position to the second position to move the toner in the housing away from the inlet. The toner moving device is also self-cleaning via vibration and impact movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Michael Blair, Darin Michael Gettelfinger, Charles Robert Dunn, II, Paul Douglas Horrall, James Philip Harden, Billy Joe Jones, Alexander Douglas Meade, Stacy Marie Pargett
  • Patent number: 5908189
    Abstract: Height barriers (15a, 15b) on the bottom of the feed arm frame (5) are located a distance above the bottom of paper drawer (1) of a printer (13). the drawer is pulled out to load paper, and then pushed in. If the paper stack (25) is high enough to encounter the barriers, paper which encounters the barrier is pushed off the top of the stack as the drawer moves further. The pushed paper emerges in front of the printer and is removed by the operator. Back restraint (17) is integral to the elevated region (17b) followed by an inclined region (17a). Overloading of paper is prevented and the paper stack not uncompressed during subsequent paper feed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Armando Villareal Flores, Darin Michael Gettelfinger, Edward Alan Rush, Scott Stephen Williams
  • Patent number: D867445
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Darin Michael Gettelfinger, Matthew Ryan Keniston, Franklin Joseph Palumbo, Michael James Shanor, Jay Scott Siekmann, Christopher Kent Washing
  • Patent number: D894272
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Darin Michael Gettelfinger, Matthew Ryan Keniston, Franklin Joseph Palumbo, Michael James Shanor, Jay Scott Siekmann, Christopher Kent Washing