Patents by Inventor Franklin Joseph
Franklin Joseph 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: 7890018Abstract: An image forming device includes a body having a top, a bottom, a front and a back. In one embodiment, a plurality of horizontally-aligned imaging units, each comprising a photoconductive member, transfer toner images to an intermediate transfer mechanism located below the plurality of imaging units. A pick mechanism may pick media sheets from a media input tray and feeds the media towards the front of the body. For duplex printing, the media sheets may travel along a duplex path that extends along the front of the body. In one embodiment, an access door at the front of the body pivots between a closed position and an open position. In the open position, a user may gain access to both media paths.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2009Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Franklin Joseph Palumbo, Darin M. Gettelfinger, Paul Douglas Horrall, Reginald Keith Bethel, David Anthony Schneider
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Patent number: 7871072Abstract: The present application is directed to methods and devices for aligning media sheets in an input tray of an image forming device. The input tray includes a support surface and at least two spaced apart side walls. A first side wall includes a reference surface to align the media sheets. A second side wall includes a plurality of biasing members. The biasing members bias the media sheets toward the reference surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2007Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Jason Lee Rowe, Darin M. Gettelfinger, Franklin Joseph Palumbo, Philip David Jones
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Patent number: 7729649Abstract: A system and method reduces wear on an image-forming device. The image-forming device includes one or more toner cartridges, each having an associated PC drum and transport member to transport toner images or media. Each of the PC drums maintain contact with a surface of the transport member regardless of whether they are being used to form a toner image. A controller controls the rotation of the PC drums to rotate or not rotate while in contact with the surface of the transport member.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2006Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Paul Douglas Horrall, Franklin Joseph Palumbo, Jarrett C. Gayne, Stacy Marie Pargett
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Publication number: 20100086325Abstract: An image forming device includes a body having a top, a bottom, a front and a back. In one embodiment, a plurality of horizontally-aligned imaging units, each comprising a photoconductive member, transfer toner images to an intermediate transfer mechanism located below the plurality of imaging units. A pick mechanism may pick media sheets from a media input tray and feeds the media towards the front of the body. For duplex printing, the media sheets may travel along a duplex path that extends along the front of the body. In one embodiment, an access door at the front of the body pivots between a closed position and an open position. In the open position, a user may gain access to both media paths.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2009Publication date: April 8, 2010Applicant: LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Franklin Joseph Palumbo, Darin M. Gettelfinger, Paul Douglas Horrall, Reginald Keith Bethel, David Anthony Schneider
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Patent number: 7675536Abstract: Multi-functional image forming devices that may include a base color laser printer comprising a front side, a back side, a top, and a bottom. The color laser printer may further include a media path, a laser printhead, and a plurality of image forming units. A scanning mechanism comprising a scan bed may be mounted on the top of the base color laser printer. In one embodiment, the media path includes a first section positioned within the base color laser printer and a second section that extends between the scanning mechanism and the top of the base color laser printer. In one embodiment, the scanning mechanism is pivotally mounted to the base color laser printer and movable to access the second section of the media path.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2006Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Franklin Joseph Palumbo, Darin M. Gettelfinger, Francis Foldes, Jr., Steven David Sieckowski, Paul Douglas Horrall, Reginald Keith Bethel
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Publication number: 20100053699Abstract: A method and system for carrying out an image-to-paper printer registration setup includes: using a printer undergoing registration setup, printing a test pattern on a sheet having reference targets within a printable region of the sheet; using a scanner, scanning the printed sheet to generate an image bitmap of the test pattern-bearing sheet larger than the sheet itself so that the image bitmap contains the sheet edges and measuring in numbers of pixels the distances between the reference targets and/or sheet edges using multiple swaths of the image bitmap itself as the measuring tool; and, using a processor and based on the measured distances, calculating error-associated adjustment values in millimeters to use to correct errors in the registration setup of the image-to-paper in the printer and transferring the error-associated adjustment values to the printer to perform adjustment of its setup actuators.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2008Publication date: March 4, 2010Inventors: Adam Daniel Cahill, Franklin Joseph Palumbo, Cary Patterson Ravitz, David Anthony Schneider, Daniel Paul Cahill, Mark Andrew Omelchenko, Philip David Jones
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Patent number: 7639965Abstract: An image forming device includes a body having a top, a bottom, a front and a back. In one embodiment, a plurality of horizontally-aligned imaging units, each comprising a photoconductive member, transfer toner images to an intermediate transfer mechanism located below the plurality of imaging units. A pick mechanism may pick media sheets from a media input tray and feeds the media towards the front of the body. For duplex printing, the media sheets may travel along a duplex path that extends along the front of the body. In one embodiment, an access door at the front of the body pivots between a closed position and an open position. In the open position, a user may gain access to both media paths.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2006Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Franklin Joseph Palumbo, Darin M. Gettelfinger, Paul Douglas Horrall, Reginald Keith Bethel, David Anthony Schneider
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Patent number: 7587158Abstract: The present application is directed to second transfer areas and methods of transfer toner images from an intermediate member to a media sheet. The second transfer area comprises a second transfer nip formed between a second transfer roller and a back-up roller. The media path moves through this nip with the toner images on the intermediate member being transferred to the media sheets. The amount of force applied by the second transfer roller affects the transferability of the toner images to the media sheet. Further, the intermediate member may contact the second transfer roller at soft nip and hard nip locations. The lengths of these nips may also affect the transferability of the toner images.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2006Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: Lexmark International Inc.Inventors: Stacy Marie Pargett, Jennifer Marie Murphy, Peter B. Pickett, Franklin Joseph Palumbo
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Publication number: 20090110410Abstract: The present application is directed to methods for determining the location and movement of a media sheet within an image forming device. In one embodiment, the media sheet is positioned within an input area of the device. A pick roller is rotated to move the sheet from the input area and into a media path. An encoder roller may be positioned in contact with the sheet to detect the actual movement of the sheet from the input area. A controller may determine the expected amount of movement based on the movement of the pick roller and compare this amount with an actual amount of movement based on the movement of the encoder roller.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2008Publication date: April 30, 2009Applicant: LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL, INCInventors: Darin M. Gettelfinger, John Spicer, Paul Douglas Horrall, Christopher Kent Washing, Franklin Joseph Palumbo, LARRY STEVEN FOSTER
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Patent number: 7503561Abstract: The present application is directed to methods and devices for determining the absence of media sheets within an image forming device. In one embodiment, a support section configured to hold a stack of media sheets is positioned in an input area of the image forming device. A pick mechanism is positioned to contact a top-most sheet in the support section. The pick mechanism may include a pick motor and a pick roller. A sensor roller may be positioned to contact the top-most media sheet at a position spaced away from the pick roller. A controller may determine the absence of a media sheet based on the movement of the sensor roller after a predetermined movement of the pick motor.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2007Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Kenji Totsuka, John Spicer, Franklin Joseph Palumbo
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Publication number: 20090066002Abstract: The present application is directed to methods and devices for aligning media sheets in an input tray of an image forming device. The input tray includes a support surface and at least two spaced apart side walls. A first side wall includes a reference surface to align the media sheets. A second side wall includes a plurality of biasing members. The biasing members bias the media sheets toward the reference surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2007Publication date: March 12, 2009Inventors: Jason Lee Rowe, Darin M. Gettelfinger, Franklin Joseph Palumbo, Philip David Jones
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Publication number: 20080267639Abstract: The present application is dieted to methods and devices for determining the absence of media sheets within an image forming device. In one embodiment, a support section configured to hold a stack of media sheets is positioned in an input area of the image forming device. A pick mechanism is positioned to contact a top-most sheet in the support section. The pick mechanism may include a pick motor and a pick roller. A sensor roller may fee positioned to contact the top-most media sheet at a position spaced away from the pick roller. A controller may determine the absence of a media sheet based on the movement of the sensor roller after a predetermined movement of the pick motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2007Publication date: October 30, 2008Inventors: Kenji Totsuka, John Spicer, Franklin Joseph Palumbo
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Publication number: 20080240819Abstract: The present application is directed to image forming devices with option trays to introduce media into a media path. One embodiment include the image forming device having a body with a front, back, top, and bottom sides. The sides may form an interior space to contain an imaging unit. The imaging unit may include elements for producing toner images. A media path may extend in a substantially vertical orientation within the interior space. An integrated tray may be positioned at the bottom side of the body and include a first input tray and a manual feed inlet on the front side of the body. Each of first input tray and manual feed inlet form sections of the media path. An option tray may he operatively connected to the bottom side of the body, and may include a second input tray and a multi-purpose feeder. The option tray further lengthens the media path and provides additional avenues to introduce media sheets into the media path.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2007Publication date: October 2, 2008Inventors: Franklin Joseph Palumbo, Paul Douglas Horrall, Luis Banguiz Jimenez
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Publication number: 20080080907Abstract: The present application is directed to second transfer areas and methods of transfer toner images from an intermediate member to a media sheet. The second transfer area comprises a second transfer nip formed between a second transfer roller and a back-up roller. The media path moves through this nip with the toner images on the intermediate member being transferred to the media sheets. The amount of force applied by the second transfer roller affects the transferability of the toner images to the media sheet. Further, the intermediate member may contact the second transfer roller at soft nip and hard nip locations. The lengths of these nips may also affect the transferability of the toner images.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2006Publication date: April 3, 2008Inventors: Stacy Marie Pargett, Jennifer Marie Murphy, Peter B. Pickett, Franklin Joseph Palumbo
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Patent number: 7310494Abstract: An apparatus and method for the transport and/or storage of developing agent in an image forming apparatus. A cartridge may be employed having a reservoir for developing agent and a component, such as a drum, which may include an interior region capable of storing developing agent. A transport device may be included that is capable of transporting developing agent between the reservoir and a location in the image forming apparatus such as the drum interior.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2005Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Alfred Louis Fahmy, Robert Watson McAlpine, Franklin Joseph Palumbo, William Dale Smith, Donald Wayne Stafford, Gregory Scott Tigges
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Publication number: 20070246880Abstract: The present application is directed to methods and devices for determining a media level in an input area within an image forming device. In one embodiment, a support section configured to hold a stack of media sheets is positioned in the image forming device. A pick mechanism is positioned to contact a top-most media sheet of the stack of media sheets in the support section. The pick mechanism may include a pick motor and a pick roller. A sensor roller may be positioned separate from the pick roller and in contact with the top-most media sheet. A controller may determine the media level based on a movement of the sensor roller after the top-most media sheet has moved to a predetermined location.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2007Publication date: October 25, 2007Inventors: Kenji Totsuka, John Spicer, Franklin Joseph Palumbo, Darin M. Gettelfinger, Paul Douglas Horrall, Christopher Kent Washing, Larry Steven Foster
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Patent number: 7167672Abstract: A conveyor mechanism for moving waste toner within an interior of a waste toner reservoir. The conveyor mechanism has a first end positioned in proximity to an inlet into the waste toner reservoir, and a second end positioned vertically above the first end. The conveyor mechanism operates to move the toner from a lower position within the waste toner reservoir to the vertically elevated position. The conveyor device may allow for the capacity of the waste toner reservoir to be more fully utilized. In use, the conveyor device is activated and waste toner is moved into the upper reaches of the waste toner reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2005Date of Patent: January 23, 2007Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Donald Wayne Stafford, Robert Watson McAlpine, Franklin Joseph Palumbo, Alfred Louis Fahmy, Gregory Scott Tigges, William Dale Smith
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Patent number: 6973996Abstract: A ladder storage rack uses a pair of spaced apart channels positioned with upper portions arranged in mutual parallel and with lower portions in mutual divergence so as to accept a ladder with upper leg portions in parallel positions and with lower leg portions in a divergent relationship. Plural feet extend from the channels and terminate with mounting plates enabling securement to a mounting deck; as, for instance, of a fire truck. A ladder restraining bar is engaged between the channels at a one end and near the other end of the channels, a means for clamping is positioned for engaging a ladder supported by the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2003Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Inventor: Franklin Joseph Huff
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Patent number: 6580888Abstract: A developer reference system for a contact development process having machine frame mounted support rollers for the developer roll. Skew between the PC drum and the developer roll is reduced by referencing each to the same support structure. Rolling resistance of the developer roll support rollers is reduced by using thin diameter metal pins for mounting the support rollers.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2001Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Paul Douglas Horrall, Franklin Joseph Palumbo
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Publication number: 20020172529Abstract: A developer reference system for a contact development process having machine frame mounted support rollers for the developer roll. Skew between the PC drum and the developer roll is reduced by referencing each to the same support structure. Rolling resistance of the developer roll support rollers is reduced by using thin diameter metal pins for mounting the support rollers.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2001Publication date: November 21, 2002Inventors: Paul Douglas Horrall, Franklin Joseph Palumbo