Patents by Inventor David Lee Merrifield
David Lee Merrifield 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: 20250068096Abstract: A toner container according to one example embodiment includes a plurality of electrical contacts for contacting corresponding electrical contacts in an image forming device when the toner container is installed in the image forming device. The electrical contacts of the toner container are accessible from below at the bottom of the body by the corresponding electrical contacts in the image forming device when the toner container is installed in the image forming device. The electrical contacts of the toner container are spaced from each other along a horizontal dimension that is orthogonal to a vertical dimension of the toner container. A nominal position of the horizontal dimension along which the electrical contacts are spaced from each other is angled relative to a front-to-rear dimension of the toner container and a side-to-side dimension of the toner container.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2024Publication date: February 27, 2025Inventors: EMILY STEFANO ADAMS, BRIAN LESTER BOETTCHER, DAVID LEE MERRIFIELD
-
Patent number: 12164244Abstract: A toner container according to one example embodiment includes a plurality of electrical contacts for contacting corresponding electrical contacts in an image forming device when the toner container is installed in the image forming device. The electrical contacts of the toner container are accessible from below at the bottom of the body by the corresponding electrical contacts in the image forming device when the toner container is installed in the image forming device. The electrical contacts of the toner container are spaced from each other along a horizontal dimension that is orthogonal to a vertical dimension of the toner container. A nominal position of the horizontal dimension along which the electrical contacts are spaced from each other is angled relative to a front-to-rear dimension of the toner container and a side-to-side dimension of the toner container.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2023Date of Patent: December 10, 2024Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Emily Stefano Adams, Brian Lester Boettcher, David Lee Merrifield
-
Publication number: 20240402645Abstract: A toner container for use in an image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a body having a reservoir for holding toner. The toner container includes an electrical connector having an electrical contact for contacting a corresponding electrical contact in the image forming device when the toner container is installed in the image forming device. The electrical connector is positioned in one of a plurality of predetermined positions relative to the body corresponding to at least one of a toner color and a toner type of the toner container for limiting installation of the toner container to one of a plurality of toner container receptacles in the image forming device corresponding to at least one of the toner color and the toner type of the toner container.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2024Publication date: December 5, 2024Inventors: EMILY STEFANO ADAMS, BRIAN LESTER BOETTCHER, DAVID LEE MERRIFIELD
-
Patent number: 12092990Abstract: A toner container for use in an image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a body having a reservoir for holding toner. The toner container includes an electrical connector having an electrical contact for contacting a corresponding electrical contact in the image forming device when the toner container is installed in the image forming device. The electrical connector is positioned in one of a plurality of predetermined positions relative to the body corresponding to at least one of a toner color and a toner type of the toner container for limiting installation of the toner container to one of a plurality of toner container receptacles in the image forming device corresponding to at least one of the toner color and the toner type of the toner container.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2022Date of Patent: September 17, 2024Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Emily Stefano Adams, Brian Lester Boettcher, David Lee Merrifield
-
Publication number: 20240069466Abstract: A toner container according to one example embodiment includes a plurality of electrical contacts for contacting corresponding electrical contacts in an image forming device when the toner container is installed in the image forming device. The electrical contacts of the toner container are accessible from below at the bottom of the body by the corresponding electrical contacts in the image forming device when the toner container is installed in the image forming device. The electrical contacts of the toner container are spaced from each other along a horizontal dimension that is orthogonal to a vertical dimension of the toner container. A nominal position of the horizontal dimension along which the electrical contacts are spaced from each other is angled relative to a front-to-rear dimension of the toner container and a side-to-side dimension of the toner container.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2023Publication date: February 29, 2024Inventors: EMILY STEFANO ADAMS, BRIAN LESTER BOETTCHER, DAVID LEE MERRIFIELD
-
Publication number: 20240069488Abstract: A toner container for use in an image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a body having a reservoir for holding toner. The toner container includes an electrical connector having an electrical contact for contacting a corresponding electrical contact in the image forming device when the toner container is installed in the image forming device. The electrical connector is positioned in one of a plurality of predetermined positions relative to the body corresponding to at least one of a toner color and a toner type of the toner container for limiting installation of the toner container to one of a plurality of toner container receptacles in the image forming device corresponding to at least one of the toner color and the toner type of the toner container.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2022Publication date: February 29, 2024Inventors: EMILY STEFANO ADAMS, BRIAN LESTER BOETTCHER, DAVID LEE MERRIFIELD
-
Publication number: 20240069465Abstract: A system for use in an image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a plurality of toner containers having substantially the same construction. Each of the plurality of toner containers includes a respective first electrical connector having a first electrical contact. Each first electrical connector of the plurality of toner containers is positioned in a different orientation relative to the other first electrical connectors of the plurality of toner containers. A plurality of toner container receptacles are each configured to receive a corresponding toner container. Each of the plurality of toner container receptacles includes a respective second electrical connector having a second electrical contact.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2022Publication date: February 29, 2024Inventors: BRIAN LESTER BOETTCHER, DAVID LEE MERRIFIELD
-
Patent number: 11829085Abstract: A toner container according to one example embodiment includes a plurality of electrical contacts for contacting corresponding electrical contacts in an image forming device when the toner container is installed in the image forming device. The electrical contacts of the toner container are accessible from below at the bottom of the body by the corresponding electrical contacts in the image forming device when the toner container is installed in the image forming device. The electrical contacts of the toner container are spaced from each other along a horizontal dimension that is orthogonal to a vertical dimension of the toner container. A nominal position of the horizontal dimension along which the electrical contacts are spaced from each other is angled relative to a front-to-rear dimension of the toner container and a side-to-side dimension of the toner container.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2022Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Emily Stefano Adams, Brian Lester Boettcher, David Lee Merrifield
-
Patent number: 11703777Abstract: An assembly for use in an electrophotographic image forming device includes a housing having a reservoir for holding toner. The housing includes a wall having an inner surface forming a boundary of the reservoir and an outer surface opposite the inner surface. A toner agitator is positioned in the reservoir and has a rotatable shaft. The shaft includes an end portion that passes through an opening in the wall. A gear is mounted on the end portion of the shaft outside of the reservoir and is rotatably coupled to the shaft. An annular seal encircles and is in contact with an outer circumferential surface of the shaft. The annular seal is positioned between an inner axial face of the gear and the outer surface of the wall. The inner axial face of the gear contacts the annular seal and presses the annular seal against the outer surface of the wall.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2022Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Brian Lester Boettcher, Brian Lee Hawes, David Lee Merrifield
-
Patent number: 11561489Abstract: A toner sealing system is described including a seal having first and second alignment features. The seal is selectably installable on one of a first toner container of a first type and a second toner container of a second type. The first alignment feature is matable with a first corresponding alignment feature on the first toner container when the seal is installed on the first toner container for aligning the seal to the first toner container. The second alignment feature is matable with a second corresponding alignment feature on the second toner container when the seal is installed on the second toner container for aligning the seal to the second toner container. Embodiments include those wherein the first alignment feature does not align the seal to the second toner container, and the second alignment feature does not align the seal to the first toner container.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2022Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Brian Lester Boettcher, David Lee Merrifield
-
Publication number: 20220350277Abstract: A toner sealing system is described including a seal having first and second alignment features. The seal is selectably installable on one of a first toner container of a first type and a second toner container of a second type. The first alignment feature is matable with a first corresponding alignment feature on the first toner container when the seal is installed on the first toner container for aligning the seal to the first toner container. The second alignment feature is matable with a second corresponding alignment feature on the second toner container when the seal is installed on the second toner container for aligning the seal to the second toner container. Embodiments include those wherein the first alignment feature does not align the seal to the second toner container, and the second alignment feature does not align the seal to the first toner container.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2022Publication date: November 3, 2022Inventors: BRIAN LESTER BOETTCHER, DAVID LEE MERRIFIELD
-
Patent number: 11402770Abstract: A toner sealing system is described including a seal having first and second alignment features. The seal is selectably installable on one of a first toner container of a first type and a second toner container of a second type. The first alignment feature is matable with a first corresponding alignment feature on the first toner container when the seal is installed on the first toner container for aligning the seal to the first toner container. The second alignment feature is matable with a second corresponding alignment feature on the second toner container when the seal is installed on the second toner container for aligning the seal to the second toner container. Embodiments include those wherein the first alignment feature does not align the seal to the second toner container, and the second alignment feature does not align the seal to the first toner container.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2021Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Brian Lester Boettcher, David Lee Merrifield
-
Publication number: 20220236665Abstract: An assembly for use in an electrophotographic image forming device includes a housing having a reservoir for holding toner. The housing includes a wall having an inner surface forming a boundary of the reservoir and an outer surface opposite the inner surface. A toner agitator is positioned in the reservoir and has a rotatable shaft. The shaft includes an end portion that passes through an opening in the wall. A gear is mounted on the end portion of the shaft outside of the reservoir and is rotatably coupled to the shaft. An annular seal encircles and is in contact with an outer circumferential surface of the shaft. The annular seal is positioned between an inner axial face of the gear and the outer surface of the wall. The inner axial face of the gear contacts the annular seal and presses the annular seal against the outer surface of the wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2022Publication date: July 28, 2022Inventors: BRIAN LESTER BOETTCHER, BRIAN LEE HAWES, DAVID LEE MERRIFIELD
-
Patent number: 11327417Abstract: An assembly for use in an electrophotographic image forming device includes a housing having a reservoir for holding toner. The housing includes a wall having an inner surface forming a boundary of the reservoir and an outer surface opposite the inner surface. A toner agitator is positioned in the reservoir and has a rotatable shaft. The shaft includes an end portion that passes through an opening in the wall. A gear is mounted on the end portion of the shaft outside of the reservoir and is rotatably coupled to the shaft. An annular seal encircles and is in contact with an outer circumferential surface of the shaft. The annular seal is positioned between an inner axial face of the gear and the outer surface of the wall. The inner axial face of the gear contacts the annular seal and presses the annular seal against the outer surface of the wall.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2020Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Brian Lester Boettcher, Brian Lee Hawes, David Lee Merrifield
-
Publication number: 20210181656Abstract: A toner sealing system is described including a seal having first and second alignment features. The seal is selectably installable on one of a first toner container of a first type and a second toner container of a second type. The first alignment feature is matable with a first corresponding alignment feature on the first toner container when the seal is installed on the first toner container for aligning the seal to the first toner container. The second alignment feature is matable with a second corresponding alignment feature on the second toner container when the seal is installed on the second toner container for aligning the seal to the second toner container. Embodiments include those wherein the first alignment feature does not align the seal to the second toner container, and the second alignment feature does not align the seal to the first toner container.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2021Publication date: June 17, 2021Inventors: BRIAN LESTER BOETTCHER, DAVID LEE MERRIFIELD
-
Publication number: 20210116844Abstract: A toner sealing system is described including a seal having first and second alignment features. The seal is selectably installable on one of a first toner container of a first type and a second toner container of a second type. The first alignment feature is matable with a first corresponding alignment feature on the first toner container when the seal is installed on the first toner container for aligning the seal to the first toner container. The second alignment feature is matable with a second corresponding alignment feature on the second toner container when the seal is installed on the second toner container for aligning the seal to the second toner container. Embodiments include those wherein the first alignment feature does not align the seal to the second toner container, and the second alignment feature does not align the seal to the first toner container.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2020Publication date: April 22, 2021Applicant: LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: BRIAN LESTER BOETTCHER, DAVID LEE MERRIFIELD
-
Patent number: 10962905Abstract: A toner sealing system is described including a seal having first and second alignment features. The seal is selectably installable on one of a first toner container of a first type and a second toner container of a second type. The first alignment feature is matable with a first corresponding alignment feature on the first toner container when the seal is installed on the first toner container for aligning the seal to the first toner container. The second alignment feature is matable with a second corresponding alignment feature on the second toner container when the seal is installed on the second toner container for aligning the seal to the second toner container. Embodiments include those wherein the first alignment feature does not align the seal to the second toner container, and the second alignment feature does not align the seal to the first toner container.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2020Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Brian Lester Boettcher, David Lee Merrifield
-
Publication number: 20210018864Abstract: An assembly for use in an electrophotographic image forming device includes a housing having a reservoir for holding toner. The housing includes a wall having an inner surface forming a boundary of the reservoir and an outer surface opposite the inner surface. A toner agitator is positioned in the reservoir and has a rotatable shaft. The shaft includes an end portion that passes through an opening in the wall. A gear is mounted on the end portion of the shaft outside of the reservoir and is rotatably coupled to the shaft. An annular seal encircles and is in contact with an outer circumferential surface of the shaft. The annular seal is positioned between an inner axial face of the gear and the outer surface of the wall. The inner axial face of the gear contacts the annular seal and presses the annular seal against the outer surface of the wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2020Publication date: January 21, 2021Inventors: BRIAN LESTER BOETTCHER, BRIAN LEE HAWES, DAVID LEE MERRIFIELD
-
Patent number: D929496Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2020Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Mark William Amann, Brian Lester Boettcher, James Anthany Carter, II, David Lee Merrifield, Jay Scott Siekmann
-
Patent number: D934340Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2020Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Mark William Amann, Brian Lester Boettcher, James Anthany Carter, II, Brian Lee Hawes, David Lee Merrifield, Jay Scott Siekmann