Patents by Inventor George R. Walgrove

George R. Walgrove 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: 7697019
    Abstract: An imaging system may include first and second imaging assemblies for synchronously imaging on both sides of a receiver material using directed charged particle or aerosol toner printing methods. The imaging assemblies may in turn each include an imaging member and an intermediate transfer member, and the intermediate transfer member may be a split intermediate transfer member. The imaging system may also use flexible aperture print arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Dana G. Marsh, George R. Walgrove, III, Michael W. Frauens
  • Patent number: 7641819
    Abstract: The present invention provides conductivity control agents derived from the trans esterification of dialkyl phosphonium 5-sulfoisophthalate salts with poly(alkylene glycols). The conductivity control agents can be used with semi-conductive rolls, belts and other biasable members. The inclusion of the conductivity control agent in the polymeric or polyurethane elastomers extends the electrical life of the polymer biasable member in low humidity environments. Additionally, the resistivity of the elastomeric polymers or polyurethane on the biasable member is controlled to a desirable value by adjusting the conductivity control agent level in the polymer elastomers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: M. Cristina B. Dejesus, John C. Wilson, George R. Walgrove, III, Charles E. Hewitt
  • Patent number: 7469119
    Abstract: An imaging system may use electrophotographic processes to synchronously image on both sides of a receiver material, such as in a single pass of the receiver material through the imaging system. The system may include intermediate transfer members, which may be split rollers or non-split rollers. The intermediate transfer members may hold one image, or they may be 2-up or greater rollers that hold multiple images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Dana G. Marsh, George R. Walgrove, III, Michael W. Frauens
  • Patent number: 7391425
    Abstract: An imaging system may include first and second imaging assemblies for synchronously imaging on both sides of a receiver material using directed charged particle or aerosol toner printing methods. The imaging assemblies may in turn each include an imaging member and an intermediate transfer member, and the intermediate transfer member may be a split intermediate transfer member. The imaging system may also use flexible aperture print arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Dana G. Marsh, George R. Walgrove, III, Michael W. Frauens
  • Publication number: 20080122916
    Abstract: An imaging system may include first and second imaging assemblies for synchronously imaging on both sides of a receiver material using directed charged particle or aerosol toner printing methods. The imaging assemblies may in turn each include an imaging member and an intermediate transfer member, and the intermediate transfer member may be a split intermediate transfer member. The imaging system may also use flexible aperture print arrays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Dana G. Marsh, George R. Walgrove, Michael W. Frauens
  • Patent number: 7295799
    Abstract: An imaging system may use pulsed dc voltages to synchronously image on both sides of a receiver material, such as during a single pass of the receiver material through the imaging system. The imaging system may use electrophotographic processes to image on the receiver material. Alternatively, the imaging system may use directed charged particle or aerosol toner development processes to image on the receiver material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Dana G. Marsh, George R. Walgrove, III, Michael W. Frauens
  • Patent number: 7245848
    Abstract: An electrophotographic machine includes a dielectric member configured for carrying a toner image. A transfer roller engages the dielectric member and transfers the toner image to an image substrate. A transfer roller power supply biases and periodically reverse biases the transfer roller. A transfer roller cleaning brush having conductive bristles engages the transfer roller. An electrically conductive brush housing encloses the transfer roller cleaning brush and defines an opening through which the bristles contact the transfer roller. The brush housing is electrically charged to the same electrical potential as said transfer roller and is selectively discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Friedrich, George R. Walgrove, Gary B. Bertram, Ronald E. Auty
  • Patent number: 7214757
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are polyurethane elastomers and shaped articles prepared therefrom comprising charge-control agents to provide electrical conductivity to the elastomers, thereby allowing for their use in electrophotographic processes. The elastomers comprise a polyisocyanate prepolymer, a polyether prepolymer, and a hardener mixture comprised of at least one additional polyol and a charge-control agent. When used in an electrophotographic process, the elastomers are capable of exhibiting resistivities of less than 6×109 ohm-cm for 600,000 images or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Paul Gloyer, Alan Priebe, George R. Walgrove, III, M. Cristina DeJesus, William B. Vreeland
  • Patent number: 7167662
    Abstract: An electrophotographic machine includes a dielectric member carrying a toner image. A biased transfer roller engages the dielectric member and transfers the toner image to an image substrate. A cleaning brush having a plurality of bristles, at least some of which are electrically conductive, engages the transfer roller. An electrically conductive housing encloses the cleaning brush. The bristles contact the transfer roller through an opening in the housing. At least one of the cleaning brush and the housing is biased to substantially the same electrical potential as the transfer roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: George R. Walgrove, III, Gary B. Bertram, Ronald Auty
  • Patent number: 7146125
    Abstract: An electrographic machine has a transfer station where a toner image is transferred to a receiver sheet. That sheet travels at a high speed of more than 15 inches per second and up to as high as 35 inches per second. A transfer roller has a metal core and an elastomeric sleeve with a resistivity selected to optimize transfer of toner at high speeds. The resistivity of the sleeve is selected to be high enough to support transfer of the toner but not so high as to cause the surface voltage to exceed the breakdown voltage of the dielectric material that includes the elastomeric sleeve, the receiver sheet, the toner and the photoconductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Eric C. Stelter, Joseph E. Guth, Paul S. Gloyer, George R. Walgrove, III
  • Patent number: 6868242
    Abstract: The present invention relates in general to a corona charger for use in an electrostatographic reproduction apparatus or the like, and more particularly to a cleaning mechanism for the corona wires of a corona charger. According to one aspect, a corona wire assembly is provided having a corona wire and a cleaning pad with a hole, the corona wire extending through the hole. According to another aspect, a method for cleaning a corona wire is provided wherein relative movement is generated between a corona wire and a cleaning pad having a hole, the corona wire extending through the hole. According to a further aspect, a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the surface of a corona wire within a corona charger is provided having a cleaning pad, a corona wire passing through the cleaning pad and positioning the cleaning pad in at least one direction lateral to the corona wire, and a holding member holding the cleaning pad without restraining the cleaning pad in the at least one direction lateral to the corona wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: George R. Walgrove, III, Gary B. Bertram, Gerald M. Darby, II, Daniel R. Palmer
  • Publication number: 20040252344
    Abstract: A method of rendering the appearance of a printed input digital image comprised of an array of pixels and wherein each pixel is assigned a digital value representing marking information, the method comprising defining each pixel as either a background pixel, interior pixel, or an edge pixel; and, reassigning the digital value of the edge pixels or interior pixels independently of one another. The rendering of the present invention occurs post RIP.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas J. Foster, Philip A. Stern, George R. Walgrove, Gregory Rombola, Thomas J. Wetzel, Jeffrey C. Blood
  • Publication number: 20040126156
    Abstract: An electrographic machine 10 has a transfer station where a toner image is transferred to a receiver sheet 8. That sheet travels at a high speed of more than 15 inches per second and up to as high as 40 inches per second. A transfer roller has a metal core 212 and an elastomeric sleeve 214 with a resistivity selected to optimize transfer of toner at high speeds. The resistivity of the sleeve is selected to be high enough to support transfer of the toner but not so high as to cause the surface voltage to exceed the breakdown voltage of the dielectric material that includes the elastomeric sleeve, the receiver sheet, the toner and the photoreceptor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Eric C. Stelter, Joseph E. Guth, Paul S. Gloyer, George R. Walgrove
  • Publication number: 20030180065
    Abstract: The present invention relates in general to a corona charger for use in an electrostatographic reproduction apparatus or the like, and more particularly to a cleaning mechanism for the corona wires of a corona charger. According to one aspect, a corona wire assembly is provided having a corona wire and a cleaning pad with a hole, the corona wire extending through the hole. According to another aspect, a method for cleaning a corona wire is provided wherein relative movement is generated between a corona wire and a cleaning pad having a hole, the corona wire extending through the hole. According to a further aspect, a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the surface of a corona wire within a corona charger is provided having a cleaning pad, a corona wire passing through the cleaning pad and positioning the cleaning pad in at least one direction lateral to the corona wire, and a holding member holding the cleaning pad without restraining the cleaning pad in the at least one direction lateral to the corona wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventors: George R. Walgrove, Gary B. Bertram, Gerald M. Darby, Daniel R. Palmer
  • Patent number: 6580885
    Abstract: A mechanism for automatically cleaning the surface of a corona wire within a corona charger is described, wherein the a cleaning assembly includes a cleaning pad mounted within a pad holder, the cleaning pad wrapped around a substantial portion of a circumference of the corona wire for wiping the surface of the corona wire. The cleaning mechanism also includes means for holding the cleaning assembly within the corona charger in association with the corona wire, means, associated with the holding means, for moving the holding means linearly along the length of the corona wire, and means for automatically selectively activating the moving means to move the holding means such that the cleaning assembly is moved to clean the corona wire. In one embodiment, the cleaning assembly includes at least one finishing stone mounted to a stone holder, wherein the finishing stone engages the surface of the corona wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: George R. Walgrove, III, Gary B. Bertram, Gerald M. Darby, II, Daniel R. Palmer
  • Patent number: 6542713
    Abstract: This invention provides an image-forming machine with a conditioned cleaning system, which may have a photoconductor, one or more chargers, a toning station, and a cleaning station. Toner is applied to image areas and toner lubrication areas on the photoconductor. The toner essentially provides a lubricating or protective barrier between the cleaning station and the photoconductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Kurt E. Jones, Kevin D. Lofftus, George R. Walgrove, III
  • Publication number: 20020150411
    Abstract: A transfer roller 42 is positioned about a castor axis C and a gimbal axis G. When the gimbal lock 102 is turned, an angle bracket 150 absorbs adverse torque. The angle bracket has one leg 151 fixed to the holding bracket 100 of the transfer assembly. The angle bracket is slid until the upper leg 152 contacts the machine bracket 82. The angle bracket is thinner than the support bracket 82 and deforms when the gimbal lock is turned to fix the transfer assembly 40 to the support bracket 82. The angle is 90 degrees or greater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventors: George R. Walgrove, Gary B. Bertram, Daniel R. Palmer
  • Patent number: 6466762
    Abstract: The invention relates in general to a method and apparatus for locking one element to another with a gimbal lock without castoring about a gimbal axis. In one preferred embodiment, a mounting apparatus and method for a roller transfer assembly for use in a reproduction apparatus are provided that accurately positions the roller transfer assembly in operative relation with a dielectric member of a reproduction apparatus with an anti-castor gimbal locking coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Heidelberg Digital L.L.C.
    Inventors: George R. Walgrove, III, Gary B. Bertram, Daniel R. Palmer
  • Publication number: 20020141798
    Abstract: This invention provides an image-forming machine with a conditioned cleaning system, which may have a photoconductor, one or more chargers, a toning station, and a cleaning station. Toner is applied to image areas and toner lubrication areas on the photoconductor. The toner essentially provides a lubricating or protective barrier between the cleaning station and the photoconductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Applicant: Heidelberg Digital, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Kurt E. Jones, Kevin D. Lofftus, George R. Walgrove
  • Publication number: 20020135793
    Abstract: An image-forming machine having a detack charging system with an input source to store receiver media. The receiver media includes at least one sheet having a receiver weight. The image-forming machine further includes a marking engine having a central processing unit (CPU) and a detack charger. The marking engine is configured to receive media form the input source. The CPU includes a memory and is configured to receive and store a receiver weight limit from an interface device. The CPU is also configured to enable the detack charger when the weight of a receiver sheet is less than or equal to the receiver weight limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: George R. Walgrove, Timothy W. Reynolds