Patents by Inventor Edward Lynn Triplett

Edward Lynn Triplett 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: 20250231519
    Abstract: A toner container for use with a developer unit of an image forming device includes a body having a reservoir for holding toner and an engagement arm that is movable relative to the body between a disengaged position and an engaged position. The engagement arm includes a first engagement surface for contacting a cam surface in the image forming device and receiving an actuation force from the cam surface to move the engagement arm from the disengaged position to the engaged position when the toner container is inserted into the image forming device. The engagement arm includes a second engagement surface for contacting and applying a hold-down force on a portion of the developer unit when the engagement member moves from the disengaged position to the engaged position when the toner container is inserted into the image forming device with the developer unit installed in the image forming device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2025
    Publication date: July 17, 2025
    Inventors: BRIAN LESTER BOETTCHER, BARTLEY CHARLES GOULD, II, BRIAN LEE HAWES, GLEN ALAN REIDHAAR, EDWARD LYNN TRIPLETT
  • Patent number: 12360487
    Abstract: An assembly for an image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a first electrical connector positioned on and movable relative to a frame of the image forming device. A replaceable unit is removably installable in the image forming device. The replaceable unit includes a second electrical connector that is matable with the first electrical connector. The second electrical connector is positioned on a leading end of the replaceable unit along a direction of insertion of the replaceable unit into the image forming device. The replaceable unit includes an alignment guide on the leading end of the replaceable unit. The alignment guide of the replaceable unit is positioned to contact the first electrical connector and move the first electrical connector into alignment with the second electrical connector of the replaceable unit during insertion of the replaceable unit into the image forming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2025
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Emily Stefano Adams, Brian Lester Boettcher, Brian Lee Hawes, Edward Lynn Triplett
  • Publication number: 20250208535
    Abstract: A toner container according to one example embodiment includes a drive coupler and an electrical contact positioned on a first longitudinal end thereof. A first guide post and a second guide post project outward along a longitudinal dimension of the toner container from the first longitudinal end of the body. The first guide post is spaced toward a first side of the body from the drive coupler, and the second guide post is spaced toward a second side of the body from the drive coupler. The first guide post and the second guide post overlap with the drive coupler along a vertical dimension of the toner container such that an imaginary horizontal plane intersects the first and second guide posts and the drive coupler. Bottom surfaces of the first and second guide posts may be positioned lower in the vertical dimension than a rotational axis of the drive coupler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2025
    Publication date: June 26, 2025
    Inventors: EMILY STEFANO ADAMS, BRIAN LESTER BOETTCHER, BRIAN LEE HAWES, BRITTANY NICOLE SEXTON, GLEN ALAN REIDHAAR, EDWARD LYNN TRIPLETT
  • Publication number: 20250199456
    Abstract: A toner container according to one example embodiment includes an alignment guide for contacting an electrical connector of an image forming device during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device to move the electrical connector of the image forming device relative to the toner container during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device with the first end of the body leading in order to align the electrical connector of the image forming device with an electrical contact of the toner container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2025
    Publication date: June 19, 2025
    Inventors: EMILY STEFANO ADAMS, BRIAN LESTER BOETTCHER, BRIAN LEE HAWES, EDWARD LYNN TRIPLETT
  • Patent number: 12321126
    Abstract: An assembly for an image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a toner container removably installable in the image forming device and a latch movable between a latching position restraining the toner container along a longitudinal dimension of the toner container and an unlatching position freeing the toner container to move along the longitudinal dimension of the toner container. A latch actuator has a user engagement surface that is movable along the longitudinal dimension of the toner container between a home position and an actuating position. Pushing the user engagement surface moves the latch actuator from the home position toward the actuating position causing the latch actuator to move the latch from the latching position to the unlatching position to free the toner container for removal from the image forming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2025
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Emily Stefano Adams, Brian Lee Hawes, Edward Lynn Triplett
  • Patent number: 12276934
    Abstract: A toner container according to one example embodiment includes a latch catch projecting upward on a top of a body of the toner container. The latch catch is spaced from a second longitudinal end of the body and positioned closer to the second longitudinal end of the body than to a first longitudinal end of the body. The latch catch includes a first contact surface that faces toward the second longitudinal end of the body for contacting a first corresponding surface of a latch in an image forming device to restrain the toner container along a longitudinal dimension of the toner container in a direction from the first longitudinal end of the body toward the second longitudinal end of the body when the toner container is in an installed position in the image forming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2024
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2025
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Emily Stefano Adams, Brian Lester Boettcher, Brian Lee Hawes, Edward Lynn Triplett
  • Patent number: 12271121
    Abstract: A toner container according to one example embodiment includes a drive coupler and an electrical contact positioned on a first longitudinal end thereof. A first guide post and a second guide post project outward along a longitudinal dimension of the toner container from the first longitudinal end of the body. The first guide post is spaced toward a first side of the body from the drive coupler, and the second guide post is spaced toward a second side of the body from the drive coupler. The first guide post and the second guide post overlap with the drive coupler along a vertical dimension of the toner container such that an imaginary horizontal plane intersects the first and second guide posts and the drive coupler. Bottom surfaces of the first and second guide posts may be positioned lower in the vertical dimension than a rotational axis of the drive coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2024
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Emily Stefano Adams, Brian Lester Boettcher, Brian Lee Hawes, Brittany Nicole Sexton, Glen Alan Reidhaar, Edward Lynn Triplett
  • Patent number: 12265353
    Abstract: A toner container according to one example embodiment includes an alignment guide for contacting an electrical connector of an image forming device during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device to move the electrical connector of the image forming device relative to the toner container during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device with the first end of the body leading in order to align the electrical connector of the image forming device with an electrical contact of the toner container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2025
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Emily Stefano Adams, Brian Lester Boettcher, Brian Lee Hawes, Edward Lynn Triplett
  • Publication number: 20250044722
    Abstract: A toner container for use in an image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a body having a reservoir for holding toner, a toner port on the body in fluid communication with the reservoir, and a shutter translatable along a first dimension between a closed position blocking the toner port and an open position unblocking the toner port. A lock is translatable along a second dimension orthogonal to the first dimension between a locked position blocking the shutter from moving from the closed position to the open position and an unlocked position unblocking the shutter permitting the shutter to move from the closed position to the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2024
    Publication date: February 6, 2025
    Inventors: EMILY STEFANO ADAMS, BRIAN LESTER BOETTCHER, BRIAN LEE HAWES, BRITTANY NICOLE SEXTON, GLEN ALAN REIDHAAR, EDWARD LYNN TRIPLETT
  • Publication number: 20250028264
    Abstract: A toner container for use with a developer unit of an image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a body having a front that leads during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device and a rear that trails during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device. An outlet port is positioned on a bottom of the body and adjacent to the front of the body for exiting toner from the toner container. An engagement surface is positioned at the bottom of the body and adjacent to the front of the body for contacting and pushing open a developer shutter of an inlet port of the developer unit in a direction of insertion of the toner container into the image forming device during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2024
    Publication date: January 23, 2025
    Inventors: EMILY STEFANO ADAMS, BRIAN LESTER BOETTCHER, BRIAN LEE HAWES, GLEN ALAN REIDHAAR, BRITTANY NICOLE SEXTON, EDWARD LYNN TRIPLETT
  • Patent number: 12140883
    Abstract: A toner container for use with a developer unit of an image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a body having a front that leads during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device and a rear that trails during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device. An outlet port is positioned on a bottom of the body and adjacent to the front of the body for exiting toner from the toner container. An engagement surface is positioned at the bottom of the body and adjacent to the front of the body for contacting and pushing open a developer shutter of an inlet port of the developer unit in a direction of insertion of the toner container into the image forming device during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Emily Stefano Adams, Brian Lester Boettcher, Brian Lee Hawes, Brittany Nicole Sexton, Edward Lynn Triplett, Glen Alan Reidhaar
  • Publication number: 20240310778
    Abstract: A toner container according to one example embodiment includes a latch catch projecting upward on a top of a body of the toner container. The latch catch is spaced from a second longitudinal end of the body and positioned closer to the second longitudinal end of the body than to a first longitudinal end of the body. The latch catch includes a first contact surface that faces toward the second longitudinal end of the body for contacting a first corresponding surface of a latch in an image forming device to restrain the toner container along a longitudinal dimension of the toner container in a direction from the first longitudinal end of the body toward the second longitudinal end of the body when the toner container is in an installed position in the image forming device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2024
    Publication date: September 19, 2024
    Inventors: EMILY STEFANO ADAMS, BRIAN LESTER BOETTCHER, BRIAN LEE HAWES, EDWARD LYNN TRIPLETT
  • Publication number: 20240295838
    Abstract: An assembly for an image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a toner container removably installable in the image forming device and a latch movable between a latching position restraining the toner container along a longitudinal dimension of the toner container and an unlatching position freeing the toner container to move along the longitudinal dimension of the toner container. A latch actuator has a user engagement surface that is movable along the longitudinal dimension of the toner container between a home position and an actuating position. Pushing the user engagement surface moves the latch actuator from the home position toward the actuating position causing the latch actuator to move the latch from the latching position to the unlatching position to free the toner container for removal from the image forming device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2023
    Publication date: September 5, 2024
    Inventors: EMILY STEFANO ADAMS, BRIAN LEE HAWES, EDWARD LYNN TRIPLETT
  • Publication number: 20240295839
    Abstract: A toner container for use with a developer unit of an image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a body having a front that leads during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device and a rear that trails during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device. An outlet port is positioned on a bottom of the body and adjacent to the front of the body for exiting toner from the toner container. An engagement surface is positioned at the bottom of the body and adjacent to the front of the body for contacting and pushing open a developer shutter of an inlet port of the developer unit in a direction of insertion of the toner container into the image forming device during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2023
    Publication date: September 5, 2024
    Inventors: EMILY STEFANO ADAMS, BRIAN LESTER BOETTCHER, BRIAN LEE HAWES, BRITTANY NICOLE SEXTON, EDWARD LYNN TRIPLETT, GLEN ALAN REIDHAAR
  • Publication number: 20240295840
    Abstract: A system for an electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a first replaceable unit having a first shutter movable between a closed position blocking an outlet port of the first replaceable unit and an open position unblocking the outlet port. A second replaceable includes an inlet port that is configured to receive toner from the outlet port of the first replaceable unit. The second replaceable unit includes a second shutter movable between a closed position blocking the inlet port and an open position unblocking the inlet port. A portion of the first shutter of the first replaceable unit is positioned to contact and move the second shutter of the second replaceable unit from the closed position of the second shutter to the open position of the second shutter during insertion of the first replaceable unit into the image forming device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2023
    Publication date: September 5, 2024
    Inventors: EMILY STEFANO ADAMS, BRIAN LESTER BOETTCHER, BRIAN LEE HAWES, BRITTANY NICOLE SEXTON, EDWARD LYNN TRIPLETT, GLEN ALAN REIDHAAR
  • Patent number: 12078954
    Abstract: A replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes an electrical contact positioned on a first side of a housing of the replaceable unit for contacting an electrical contact in the image forming device. A guide on the first side of the housing is positioned closer to a front of the housing than the electrical contact and leads rearward toward the electrical contact. The guide includes an inside surface that faces inward sideways toward a second side of the housing. At least a portion of the inside surface is angled inward sideways from front to rear permitting contact between the inside surface and an electrical connector in the image forming device to draw the electrical connector in the image forming device inward sideways relative to the replaceable unit during insertion of the replaceable unit into the image forming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Keith Payne, Edward Lynn Triplett
  • Publication number: 20240288820
    Abstract: An assembly for an image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a first electrical connector positioned on and movable relative to a frame of the image forming device. A replaceable unit is removably installable in the image forming device. The replaceable unit includes a second electrical connector that is matable with the first electrical connector. The second electrical connector is positioned on a leading end of the replaceable unit along a direction of insertion of the replaceable unit into the image forming device. The replaceable unit includes an alignment guide on the leading end of the replaceable unit. The alignment guide of the replaceable unit is positioned to contact the first electrical connector and move the first electrical connector into alignment with the second electrical connector of the replaceable unit during insertion of the replaceable unit into the image forming device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2023
    Publication date: August 29, 2024
    Inventors: EMILY STEFANO ADAMS, BRIAN LESTER BOETTCHER, BRIAN LEE HAWES, EDWARD LYNN TRIPLETT
  • Publication number: 20240288796
    Abstract: A toner container according to one example embodiment includes a drive coupler and an electrical contact positioned on a first longitudinal end thereof. A first guide post and a second guide post project outward along a longitudinal dimension of the toner container from the first longitudinal end of the body. The first guide post is spaced toward a first side of the body from the drive coupler, and the second guide post is spaced toward a second side of the body from the drive coupler. The first guide post and the second guide post overlap with the drive coupler along a vertical dimension of the toner container such that an imaginary horizontal plane intersects the first and second guide posts and the drive coupler. Bottom surfaces of the first and second guide posts may be positioned lower in the vertical dimension than a rotational axis of the drive coupler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2024
    Publication date: August 29, 2024
    Inventors: EMILY STEFANO ADAMS, BRIAN LESTER BOETTCHER, BRIAN LEE HAWES, BRITTANY NICOLE SEXTON, GLEN ALAN REIDHAAR, EDWARD LYNN TRIPLETT
  • Publication number: 20240288819
    Abstract: A toner container according to one example embodiment includes an alignment guide for contacting an electrical connector of an image forming device during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device to move the electrical connector of the image forming device relative to the toner container during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device with the first end of the body leading in order to align the electrical connector of the image forming device with an electrical contact of the toner container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2023
    Publication date: August 29, 2024
    Inventors: EMILY STEFANO ADAMS, BRIAN LESTER BOETTCHER, BRIAN LEE HAWES, EDWARD LYNN TRIPLETT
  • Patent number: 12025947
    Abstract: A toner container according to one example embodiment includes a latch catch projecting upward on a top of a body of the toner container. The latch catch is spaced from a second longitudinal end of the body and positioned closer to the second longitudinal end of the body than to a first longitudinal end of the body. The latch catch includes a first contact surface that faces toward the second longitudinal end of the body for contacting a first corresponding surface of a latch in an image forming device to restrain the toner container along a longitudinal dimension of the toner container in a direction from the first longitudinal end of the body toward the second longitudinal end of the body when the toner container is in an installed position in the image forming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Emily Stefano Adams, Brian Lester Boettcher, Brian Lee Hawes, Edward Lynn Triplett