Patents by Inventor Eugene David Allen

Eugene David Allen 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: 8886080
    Abstract: A device for cleaning a photoconductive member in an image forming device. The device includes a blade extending across the photoconductive member and having an edge that contacts a surface of the photoconductive member to remove toner therefrom. An elongated seal disposed adjacent the blade extends across a length of the blade such that an opening for receiving removed toner is formed between the elongated seal and the blade. The elongated seal includes at least one tab projecting at each longitudinal end thereof and extending between the blade and the photoconductive member so as to prevent a longitudinal end section of the edge of the blade from contacting the surface of the photoconductive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene David Allen, Brian Lester Boettcher, Alan Stirling Campbell
  • Patent number: 8610972
    Abstract: An optical system for a scanner according to one example embodiment includes a light source for illuminating a target area and a plurality of mirrors that includes a first mirror positioned to receive a light beam traveling along a first optical path and to reflect the beam along a second optical path. A second mirror receives the beam traveling along the second optical path and reflects the beam along a third optical path. A third mirror receives the beam traveling along the third optical path and reflects the beam along a fourth optical path. A fourth mirror receives the beam traveling along the fourth optical path and reflects the beam along a fifth optical path. A fifth mirror receives the beam traveling along the fifth optical path and reflects the beam along a sixth optical path. An image sensor receives the beam and senses an image of the target area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene David Allen, Chengwu Cui, Joshua Tyler Strow
  • Patent number: 8610969
    Abstract: An illumination assembly for a scanner according to one example embodiment includes a scan head frame. A thermally conductive heat sink component has an elongated base portion that is mounted along a longitudinal edge of the scan head frame and a protruding portion having a generally L-shaped structure that includes a first portion extending from the base portion and a second portion extending from and generally orthogonal to the first portion. A light source is coupled to the second portion of the protruding portion of the heat sink component. A first reflector is removably coupled to the first portion of the protruding portion of the heat sink component and is positioned directly in the optical path of the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene David Allen, Chengwu Cui, Joshua Tyler Strow
  • Publication number: 20130287429
    Abstract: A device for cleaning a photoconductive member in an image forming device. The device includes a blade extending across the photoconductive member and having an edge that contacts a surface of the photoconductive member to remove toner therefrom. An elongated seal disposed adjacent the blade extends across a length of the blade such that an opening for receiving removed toner is formed between the elongated seal and the blade. The elongated seal includes at least one tab projecting at each longitudinal end thereof and extending between the blade and the photoconductive member so as to prevent a longitudinal end section of the edge of the blade from contacting the surface of the photoconductive member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Eugene David Allen, Brian Lester Boettcher, Alan Stirling Campbell
  • Patent number: 8485675
    Abstract: An illumination assembly for a scanner according to one example embodiment includes a light source, a first reflector and a second reflector. The first reflector has a curved structure and is positioned directly in the optical path of the light source. The first reflector has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the first reflector is positioned to reflect light received from the light source toward a target area to be scanned. The second portion of the first reflector is positioned to reflect light received from the light source toward the second reflector. The second reflector is positioned to reflect light received from the first reflector toward the target area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene David Allen, Chengwu Cui, Joshua Tyler Strow
  • Patent number: 8400688
    Abstract: A mounting bracket for an image sensing unit of a scanner according to one example embodiment includes a first portion and a second portion extending from the first portion. The first portion has a plurality of elongated holes therein each for receiving a fastener to mount the mounting bracket to a scan head frame. The second portion includes a cutout section therein for allowing an image sensor of the image sensing unit to receive an image from an optical unit of the scanner. A pivot hole in the first portion is centered about a width of the cutout section. When the mounting bracket is mounted on the scan head frame, the elongated holes in the first portion permit linear adjustment of the mounting bracket relative to the scan head frame and the pivot hole permits angular adjustment of the mounting bracket relative to the scan head frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene David Allen, Chengwu Cui, Joshua Tyler Strow
  • Publication number: 20120162725
    Abstract: Disclosed is an optical system for a scanner that includes at least one light source to illuminate a document, and a plurality of mirrors including a first mirror, a second mirror, a third mirror, a fourth mirror and a fifth mirror. The first mirror is positioned in a direction of the document to receive a light beam therefrom. The second mirror is adapted to receive the light beam reflected from the first mirror. The third mirror is positioned in proximity to the document and is adapted to receive the light beam reflected from the second mirror. The fourth mirror is positioned substantially opposite to the third mirror for receiving the light beam reflected therefrom. The fifth mirror is positioned adjacent to the second mirror and is adapted to receive the light beam reflected from the fourth mirror. The optical system further includes an imaging lens unit and an image sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Eugene David Allen, Chengwu Cui, Joshua Tyler Strow
  • Publication number: 20120162738
    Abstract: An illumination assembly for a scanner according to one example embodiment includes a light source, a first reflector and a second reflector. The first reflector has a curved structure and is positioned directly in the optical path of the light source. The first reflector has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the first reflector is positioned to reflect light received from the light source toward a target area to be scanned. The second portion of the first reflector is positioned to reflect light received from the light source toward the second reflector. The second reflector is positioned to reflect light received from the first reflector toward the target area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Eugene David Allen, Chengwu Cui, Joshua Tyler Strow
  • Publication number: 20120162726
    Abstract: An illumination assembly for a scanner according to one example embodiment includes a scan head frame. A thermally conductive heat sink component has an elongated base portion that is mounted along a longitudinal edge of the scan head frame and a protruding portion having a generally L-shaped structure that includes a first portion extending from the base portion and a second portion extending from and generally orthogonal to the first portion. A light source is coupled to the second portion of the protruding portion of the heat sink component. A first reflector is removably coupled to the first portion of the protruding portion of the heat sink component and is positioned directly in the optical path of the light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Eugene David Allen, Chengwu Cui, Joshua Tyler Strow
  • Publication number: 20120162722
    Abstract: A mounting bracket for an image sensing unit of a scanner according to one example embodiment includes a first portion and a second portion extending from the first portion. The first portion has a plurality of elongated holes therein each for receiving a fastener to mount the mounting bracket to a scan head frame. The second portion includes a cutout section therein for allowing an image sensor of the image sensing unit to receive an image from an optical unit of the scanner. A pivot hole in the first portion is centered about a width of the cutout section. When the mounting bracket is mounted on the scan head frame, the elongated holes in the first portion permit linear adjustment of the mounting bracket relative to the scan head frame and the pivot hole permits angular adjustment of the mounting bracket relative to the scan head frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Eugene David Allen, Chengwu Cui, Joshua Tyler Strow
  • 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: 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: 6726384
    Abstract: A print medium exit system in a printer includes a kicker device ejecting a sheet of print medium out of the printer. A clutch mechanism prevents actuation of the kicker device when the clutch mechanism is engaged by the sheet of print medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene David Allen, Brandon Sung-Hwan Song, Randal Scott Williamson
  • Publication number: 20030099498
    Abstract: A print medium exit system in a printer includes a kicker device ejecting a sheet of print medium out of the printer. A clutch mechanism prevents actuation of the kicker device when the clutch mechanism is engaged by the sheet of print medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Eugene David Allen, Brandon Sung-Hwan Song, Randal Scott Williamson
  • Patent number: 6485207
    Abstract: A printer assembly includes an idler pulley, a printhead carrier belt, an idler-pulley spring, and a ratchet stop. The printhead carrier belt is operatively connected to the idler pulley and extends in an inboard direction from the idler pulley. The idler-pulley spring biases the idler pulley in an outboard direction to maintain belt tension as the belt lengthens during wear. The ratchet stop is located inboard of the idler pulley and operatively engages the idler pulley against movement of the idler pulley in the inboard direction, wherein such inboard movement would cause printing errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventors: Eugene David Allen, Sung Hwan Song, Ryan Timothy Ward
  • Patent number: 5829662
    Abstract: A surgical stapler is provided which is insertable through an endoscopic tube to enable a surgeon to staple a hernia patch to tissue inside a body cavity. The endoscopic surgical stapler includes a staple cartridge pivotally mounted on the distal end of a support tube extending from a handle provided with an actuator mechanism for actuating a staple forming mechanism inside the staple cartridge to fasten staples to the tissue. The staple cartridge is adjustable to different angular orientations relative to the support tube. The staple actuator mechanism is operable to actuate the staple cartridge in any of the angular orientations. The support shaft is rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to the handle to adjust the rotational orientation of the support shaft and the staple cartridge. The staple cartridge is rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to the support shaft to adjust the rotational position of the staple cartridge relative to the support shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene David Allen, James J. Bedi, Gregory D. Bishop, Mark A. Burdorff, Sean P. Conlon, John A. Hibner, J. David Hughett, Mark S. Ortiz, Joseph Paraschac, Narinderjit Sambi, Thomas J. Sierocuk, Jack E. Smith