Patents by Inventor Darrell Stephen Rulon

Darrell Stephen Rulon 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).

  • Toner cartridge having a shutter lock mechanism
    Patent number: 9031451
    Abstract: An example toner cartridge includes a reservoir for containing toner and an exit port in fluid communication with the reservoir. A shutter is positioned at the exit port and movable between an open position and a closed position. A first linkage member is operatively connected to the shutter to open the shutter upon being actuated by a first engagement feature. A second linkage member is pivotally attached to a side wall of the housing and biased toward a home position. A third linkage member is movable with the second linkage member. When the second linkage member is in the home position, the third linkage member is in a blocking position preventing the first linkage member from opening the shutter. When the second linkage member pivots away from the home position, the third linkage member moves to a non-blocking position permitting the first linkage member to open the shutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell Stephen Rulon, John Andrew Buchanan, James Anthany Carter, II, Gregory Alan Cavill, Mark Duane Foster, Benjamin Keith Newman, Matthew Lee Rogers, Keith Seaman, Christopher Gene Vowels, Tyler Frederick Williams
  • Toner Cartridge Having a Shutter Lock Mechanism
    Publication number: 20140241758
    Abstract: An example toner cartridge includes a reservoir for containing toner and an exit port in fluid communication with the reservoir. A shutter is positioned at the exit port and movable between an open position and a closed position. A first linkage member is operatively connected to the shutter to open the shutter upon being actuated by a first engagement feature. A second linkage member is pivotally attached to a side wall of the housing and biased toward a home position. A third linkage member is movable with the second linkage member. When the second linkage member is in the home position, the third linkage member is in a blocking position preventing the first linkage member from opening the shutter. When the second linkage member pivots away from the home position, the third linkage member moves to a non-blocking position permitting the first linkage member to open the shutter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Darrell Stephen Rulon, John Andrew Buchanan, James Anthany Carter, II, Gregory Alan Cavill, Mark Duane Foster, Benjamin Keith Newman, Matthew Lee Rogers, Keith Seaman, Christopher Gene Vowels, Tyler Frederick Williams