Patents by Inventor Donn Duane Bryant
Donn Duane Bryant 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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Patent number: 9851654Abstract: An electrophotographic imaging device, including at least one photoconductive member, a printhead unit, at least one shutter-wiper member, and at least one shutter actuator. The at least one shutter-wiper member is moveable in a first direction between a first position in which the shutter-wiper covers the at least one exit lens of the printhead unit and a second position in which the at least one shutter-wiper does not cover the at least one exit lens so as to allow the at least one light beam generated by the printhead unit to pass therethrough. The at least one actuator is coupled to the at least one shutter-wiper member such that movement of the at least one shutter actuator in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction causes the corresponding shutter-wiper member to move in the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2016Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Donn Duane Bryant, Geoffrey Kirk Carlson, Paul Douglas Horrall, Gary Scott Overall, Alan T. Pullins
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Publication number: 20170315467Abstract: An electrophotographic imaging device, including at least one photoconductive member, a printhead unit, at least one shutter-wiper member, and at least one shutter actuator. The at least one shutter-wiper member is moveable in a first direction between a first position in which the shutter-wiper covers the at least one exit lens of the printhead unit and a second position in which the at least one shutter-wiper does not cover the at least one exit lens so as to allow the at least one light beam generated by the printhead unit to pass therethrough. The at least one actuator is coupled to the at least one shutter-wiper member such that movement of the at least one shutter actuator in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction causes the corresponding shutter-wiper member to move in the first direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2016Publication date: November 2, 2017Inventors: Donn Duane Bryant, Geoffrey Kirk Carlson, Paul Douglas Horrall, Gary Scott Overall, Alan T. Pullins
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Patent number: 9671750Abstract: An imaging unit for an electrophotographic image forming device having positional control features for aligning the imaging unit in a supporting frame in the image forming device. The positional control features include on each end wall, first and second bullet noses and a stop arm positioned between the two bullet noses. The first and second bullet noses engage support or datum surfaces provided in corresponding openings in the frame. The stop arm receives a biasing force that rotates the imaging unit into its final operating position. A latching assembly is provided on one end wall to prevent the imaging unit from ejecting from the frame.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2016Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Brian Lester Boettcher, Jeffrey Alan Abler, Mark William Amann, Donn Duane Bryant, Geoffrey Kirk Carlson, Paul Douglas Horrall, Michael David Maul, Jennifer Marie Murphy, Joshua Carl Poterjoy
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Publication number: 20160179053Abstract: An imaging unit for an electrophotographic image forming device having positional control features for aligning the imaging unit in a supporting frame in the image forming device. The positional control features include on each end wall, first and second bullet noses and a stop arm positioned between the two bullet noses. The first and second bullet noses engage support or datum surfaces provided in corresponding openings in the frame. The stop arm receives a biasing force that rotates the imaging unit into its final operating position. A latching assembly is provided on one end wall to prevent the imaging unit from ejecting from the frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2016Publication date: June 23, 2016Inventors: BRIAN LESTER BOETTCHER, JEFFREY ALAN ABLER, MARK WILLIAM AMANN, DONN DUANE BRYANT, GEOFFREY KIRK CARLSON, PAUL DOUGLAS HORRALL, MICHAEL DAVID MAUL, JENNIFER MARIE MURPHY, JOSHUA CARL POTERJOY
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Patent number: 9341991Abstract: An electrophotographic printer having an intermediate transfer belt (ITB) module having an endless belt wrapped around a first and second roll and a plurality of imaging drums, all mounted in a frame between a rear panel and an access panel pivotally mounted to the front panel. The first and second rolls lie in an ITB reference plane and the imaging drums lie in an imaging drum reference plane that is mutually planar to the ITB reference plane. A camming device, mounted to one of the front panel and the access panel, rotates the access panel to provide a skewing adjustment to ITB module and plurality of imaging drums to substantially correct a skew error caused by the racking of the front panel with respect to the rear panel with the access panel maintaining mutual planarity between the ITB reference plane and the imaging drum reference plane.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2015Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Paul Horrall, Donn Duane Bryant, Geoffrey Kirk Carlson, Billy Joe Jones
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Patent number: 9291992Abstract: An imaging unit for an electrophotographic image forming device having positional control features for aligning the imaging unit in a supporting frame in the image forming device. The positional control features include on each end wall, first and second bullet noses and a stop arm positioned between the two bullet noses. The first and second bullet noses engage support or datum surfaces provided in corresponding openings in the frame. The stop arm receives a biasing force that rotates the imaging unit into its final operating position. A latching assembly is provided on one end wall to prevent the imaging unit from ejecting from the frame.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Brian Lester Boettcher, Jeffrey Alan Abler, Mark William Amann, Donn Duane Bryant, Geoffrey Kirk Carlson, Paul Douglas Horrall, Michael David Maul, Jennifer Marie Murphy, Joshua Carl Poterjoy
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Patent number: 8099012Abstract: A toner seal comprises a j-shaped seal having an upper seat portion and a leg portion, the leg having a front face extending between first and second edges of said leg portion, a lip seal extending along at least one of the first and second edges of the leg, and, the lip seal having a length extending from the upper seat portion along the leg.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2007Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Alan Askren, Donn Duane Bryant, Benjamin Erich Kant, Lenci Robert Kappes, Michael Craig Leemhuis
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Publication number: 20090154951Abstract: A toner seal comprises a j-shaped seal having an upper seat portion and a leg portion, the leg having a front face extending between first and second edges of said leg portion, a lip seal extending along at least one of the first and second edges of the leg, and, the lip seal having a length extending from the upper seat portion along the leg.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2007Publication date: June 18, 2009Inventors: Benjamin Alan Askren, Donn Duane Bryant, Benjamin Erich Kant, Lenci Robert Kappes, Michael Craig Leemhuis
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Patent number: 7519308Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device and method for removal of image forming deposits between two contacting surfaces in an image forming device or image forming device cartridge. The method includes positioning an insert between the contacting surfaces which insert is capable of removing the deposits when the insert is inserted or removed from the device. The deposits may include those that may ultimately adhere or weld to the surfaces of the device during shipping and/or storage and upon exposure to differential environmental conditions.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2006Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Inventors: Peter Wallace Bracken, Donn Duane Bryant, Scott Richard Castle, Kevin Scott Kennedy, Abigail Susanne Marsh, David Lawrence Peter, Donald Wayne Stafford
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Patent number: 7407394Abstract: The present application includes embodiments of a connector in an image forming device that establishes an electrical connection with a cartridge. The connector may include an electrical contact that is able to rotate in a first direction when in contact with the cartridge during a first amount insertion of the cartridge into the image forming device. The electrical contact may be adapted to stop rotating after the cartridge is inserted the first amount. As a result, the electrical connector may slide across the surface of the cartridge during additional insertion. The sliding motion may scrape off an oxidation or contamination layer thus providing a reliable electrical contact between the connector and the cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2007Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Steven Parish, Jeffrey A. Abler, Donn Duane Bryant, Jeffrey Lawrence Tonges, David Erwin Rennick, Phill Douglas Cole, Larry Steven Foster
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Patent number: 7383014Abstract: Embodiments for a toner auger for use in an image forming device. The image forming device includes a channel through which toner is moved. The auger is positioned within the channel and has an axis of rotation and at least one offset section extending radially outward from the axis of rotation. The offset section forms a sweep envelope that extends outward from the axis of rotation. The auger may be positioned within the channel for the offset to contact the channel. Contact may cause a vibratory force that prevents the toner from clogging and bridging within the channel.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2005Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Lee Baker, Derek Masami Inouye, Larry Steven Foster, Lenci Robert Kappes, Donn Duane Bryant
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Publication number: 20080038009Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device and method for removal of image forming deposits between two contacting surfaces in an image forming device or image forming device cartridge. The method includes positioning an insert between the contacting surfaces which insert is capable of removing the deposits when the insert is inserted or removed from the device. The deposits may include those that may ultimately adhere or weld to the surfaces of the device during shipping and/or storage and upon exposure to differential environmental conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2006Publication date: February 14, 2008Inventors: Peter Wallace Bracken, Donn Duane Bryant, Scott Richard Castle, Kevin Scott Kennedy, Abigail Susanne Marsh, David Lawrence Peter, Donald Wayne Stafford
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Patent number: 7330680Abstract: A photoconductive drum may be located and supported in an image forming apparatus via bushings at each end of a drum axle. The bushings may be produced from a single die cavity and may include orientation features which may be employed to key the bushings with a housing, such as a toner cartridge cleaner housing.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2005Date of Patent: February 12, 2008Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Donn Duane Bryant, Tom E Stickler
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Patent number: 7257363Abstract: Embodiments of a device to move waste toner within an image forming device. In one embodiment, waste toner is formed during the image formation process. The waste toner is captured and moved through a first conduit. The conduit includes an outlet for passing the waste toner to a second conduit. The door is positionable between an open orientation to allow the waste toner to discharge into the second conduit, and a closed orientation. The second conduit includes an inlet for receiving the waste toner. The interface between the first and second conduits allows for the door to move between the open and closed orientations. The interface also greatly reduces or prevents the waste toner from leaking as it passes from the first conduit into the second conduit.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2005Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Lee Baker, Benjamin Alan Askren, Donn Duane Bryant, Derek Masami Inouye, Lenci Robert Kappes, Edward Lynn Triplett
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Patent number: 7139505Abstract: A toner fill plug for a toner cartridge within an image forming device. The cartridge includes a toner reservoir having a port through which toner is input. The plug is sized to fit within the port and prevent toner leakage. The plug includes a reflector which aligns with an adjacently-positioned toner level sensor for determining the amount of toner remaining within the reservoir. The plug is removable to allow the user to refill the reservoir with new toner.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2004Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Alan Askren, Peter Alden Bayerle, Donn Duane Bryant
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Patent number: 7050736Abstract: A photoconductive member for an image forming apparatus includes a hollow, conductive cylindrical drum; an insulating end cap disposed axially within the drum at either end thereof, each end cap including an axial bore; a shaft disposed axially through the drum and the bores, the shaft electrically isolated from the drum by the end caps; and an electrical contact assembly operative to bias the drum, but not the shaft, to an operating voltage.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2004Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Jason Paul Hale, Donn Duane Bryant
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Patent number: 7003245Abstract: A device and method of connecting a cartridge unit to a door assembly of an image forming device. The door assembly includes a first mount having a first configuration, and a second mount having a second different configuration. The cartridge unit includes a first attachment for connecting to the first mount, and a second attachment for connecting to the second mount. The cartridge unit is connected and does not become disengaged when the door assembly moves between open and closed orientations. Method of using the attachments are also disclosed that include mounting one of the attachments to the corresponding mount, and then moving the cartridge unit to mount the other attachment to the other mount.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2004Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Michael Craig Leemhuis, Donn Duane Bryant
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Patent number: 6520620Abstract: A maintenance station of an ink-jet printer includes a maintenance carrier. The maintenance carrier has a plurality of positions, including a pumping position. A respective maintenance function is enabled in each of the positions. A pump pumps ink when the maintenance carrier is in the pumping position. A gear train both translates the maintenance carrier between the plurality of positions and actuates the pump. A single motor drives the gear train to thereby translate the maintenance carrier and actuate the pump.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2000Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Alan Askren, John Edward Borsuk, Donn Duane Bryant, Edward Lawrence Kiely, Robert Flynt Strean
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Patent number: D550762Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2005Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Alan Askren, Peter Alden Bayerle, Donn Duane Bryant, Jason Paul Hale, Michael Craig Leemhuis, Steven Wayne Parish, Tom E Stickler
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Patent number: D627389Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2005Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Alan Askren, Peter Alden Bayerle, Donn Duane Bryant, Jason Paul Hale, Michael Craig Leemhuis, Steven Wayne Parish