Patents by Inventor James E. Williams

James E. Williams 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: 12047228
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to methods for sending event notifications. In some examples, a controller periodically sends messages concerning a status of an event corresponding to the controller. In some examples, at a first time while periodically sending the messages and in accordance with a determination that the status of the event has changed, the controller sends a message concerning data other than the status of the event. In some examples, at the first time while periodically sending the messages and in accordance with a determination that the status of the event has not changed, the controller continues to periodically send the messages without sending the message concerning data other than the status of the event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Inventors: Ramy R. Asselin, John A. Wilkey, Jamie P. Carlson, Stephanie L. Legault, Abdul Rahman Al-Shawa, Anil K. Kandangath, George E. Williams, Jangwon Lee, James D. Batson, Fabien Goncalves
  • Patent number: 10946678
    Abstract: A transport item moves in a process direction to transport sheets of media. The transport item is positioned between an inkjet printhead and a receptacle. The inkjet printhead has nozzles. The transport item has openings arranged in a pattern, the pattern of the openings is consistent along all of the transport item, and the pattern of the openings in the transport item aligns at least one opening with each of the locations of the nozzles as the transport item moves in the process direction. The nozzles eject ink through the openings to the receptacle when the nozzles are aligned with the openings. When controlling the nozzles to eject ink through the openings to the receptacle, a controller can control the nozzles to simultaneously eject ink on a sheet of media while ejecting ink through the openings to the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher D. Atwood, John R. Uchal, Paul F. Sawicki, James E. Williams, Lina Bian
  • Publication number: 20200276842
    Abstract: A transport item moves in a process direction to transport sheets of media. The transport item is positioned between an inkjet printhead and a receptacle. The inkjet printhead has nozzles. The transport item has openings arranged in a pattern, the pattern of the openings is consistent along all of the transport item, and the pattern of the openings in the transport item aligns at least one opening with each of the locations of the nozzles as the transport item moves in the process direction. The nozzles eject ink through the openings to the receptacle when the nozzles are aligned with the openings. When controlling the nozzles to eject ink through the openings to the receptacle, a controller can control the nozzles to simultaneously eject ink on a sheet of media while ejecting ink through the openings to the receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Publication date: September 3, 2020
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher D. Atwood, John R. Uchal, Paul F. Sawicki, James E. Williams, Lina Bian
  • Patent number: 10569981
    Abstract: A media handling assembly contains a transport path for driving a document sheet downstream in a process direction. A first side edge extends lengthwise along the process direction. A registration guide edge extends lengthwise along the process direction and is situated opposite the first side edge. The media handling assembly includes at least one nozzle that is arranged proximate the first side edge. The at least one nozzle selectively discharges an airstream transverse the process direction towards the registration guide edge. The airstream drives the sheet against the registration edge guide for side registering and deskewing of the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Paul F. Sawicki, John R. Uchal, James E. Williams, Robert W. Phelps, Christopher Douglas Atwood
  • Patent number: 10493783
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a collection system for collecting vapor co-solvents that are a byproduct of liquid ink. In addition, the collection system collects dew condensation from the moist air that is generated by lamps that dry the ink on a substrate. The collection system can be located in an exhaust passage. A condenser is installed in parallel and in front of an exhaust fan in the exhaust passage. The exhaust fan directs a flow of air through the exhaust passage. The collection system also includes a removable waste bottle for collecting the dew condensation and the condensed co-solvents. The exhaust passage bifurcates into an exhaust duct that is located after the exhaust fan and which discharges dry air and a collection channel that is located in front of the exhaust fan and which carries liquid drip off to the removable waste bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paul F. Sawicki, John R. Uchal, James E. Williams, Robert W. Phelps, Christopher Douglas Atwood
  • Publication number: 20190299686
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a collection system for collecting vapor co-solvents that are a byproduct of liquid ink. In addition, the collection system collects dew condensation from the moist air that is generated by lamps that dry the ink on a substrate. The collection system can be located in an exhaust passage. A condenser is installed in parallel and in front of an exhaust fan in the exhaust passage. The exhaust fan directs a flow of air through the exhaust passage. The collection system also includes a removable waste bottle for collecting the dew condensation and the condensed co-solvents. The exhaust passage bifurcates into an exhaust duct that is located after the exhaust fan and which discharges dry air and a collection channel that is located in front of the exhaust fan and which carries liquid drip off to the removable waste bottle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Paul F. Sawicki, John R. Uchal, James E. Williams, Robert W. Phelps, Christopher Douglas Atwood
  • Publication number: 20190300315
    Abstract: A media handling assembly contains a transport path for driving a document sheet downstream in a process direction. A first side edge extends lengthwise along the process direction. A registration guide edge extends lengthwise along the process direction and is situated opposite the first side edge. The media handling assembly includes at least one nozzle that is arranged proximate the first side edge. The at least one nozzle selectively discharges an airstream transverse the process direction towards the registration guide edge. The airstream drives the sheet against the registration edge guide for side registering and deskewing of the sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Paul F. Sawicki, John R. Uchal, James E. Williams, Robert W. Phelps, Christopher Douglas Atwood
  • Patent number: 10279577
    Abstract: A 3-D printer includes development stations that electrostatically transfer first and second materials to an intermediate transfer surface. The development stations can each include a photoreceptor supplying the materials to the intermediate transfer surface, and a boosted developer roll supplying the materials to the photoreceptor. The boosted developer roll comprises an outer roll rotating in a first rotational direction to move with movement of the photoreceptor, and a magnetic roll within the outer roll rotating in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction. The magnetic roll comprises alternating permanent magnets. The intermediate transfer surface transfers a layer of the materials to a platen each time the platen contacts the intermediate transfer surface to successively form a freestanding stack of layers on the platen. A bonding station is positioned to apply light and/or heat to the freestanding stack to bond the layers to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Phelps, John R. Uchal, James E. Williams, Paul F. Sawicki
  • Patent number: 10195787
    Abstract: Layers of build and support material on an intermediate transfer surface are moved past a transfuse station and a platen moves relative to the intermediate transfer surface to contact the platen to one of the layers on the intermediate transfer surface. The intermediate transfer surface transfers a layer of the build material and the support material to the platen each time the platen contacts the layers on the intermediate transfer surface at the transfuse station to successively form a freestanding stack of the layers of build and support material on the platen. The build material has a higher melting temperature than the support material. A support material removal station heats the stack to a temperature above the melting temperature of the support material, but below the melting temperature of the build material, to melt the support material, but leave a 3-D structure made of only the build material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Paul F. Sawicki, Robert W. Phelps, James E. Williams, John R. Uchal
  • Patent number: 10160232
    Abstract: A media transport system for conveying sheets of media along a process path extending from a media-uptake zone and thereafter through a print zone. The system includes a transport belt for holding the sheets of media generally flat via vacuum for ink jet printing. The media transport system includes a seamed vacuum transport belt, and a platen supporting the belt. The belt comprises a partially-conductive coating having a surface resistivity of from about 101 to about 106 ohms per square on a polymeric substrate. The partially-conductive coating comprises a polyester and a conductive component such as carbon black, and optionally includes a plasticizer and a leveling agent. The polymeric substrate is either a thermoplastic or a thermoset material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott J Griffin, David M Skinner, Eric Robert Dudek, Kyle B Tallman, Michael S Roetker, Jin Wu, James E Williams, Jason M LeFevre, Paul S Bonino, Carlos M Terrero
  • Publication number: 20180354278
    Abstract: A media transport system for conveying sheets of media along a process path extending from a media-uptake zone and thereafter through a print zone. The system includes a transport belt for holding the sheets of media generally flat via vacuum for ink jet printing. The media transport system includes a seamed vacuum transport belt, and a platen supporting the belt. The belt comprises a partially-conductive coating having a surface resistivity of from about 101 to about 106 ohms per square on a polymeric substrate. The partially-conductive coating comprises a polyester and a conductive component such as carbon black, and optionally includes a plasticizer and a leveling agent. The polymeric substrate is either a thermoplastic or a thermoset material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Inventors: SCOTT J. GRIFFIN, DAVID M. SKINNER, ERIC ROBERT DUDEK, KYLE B. TALLMAN, MICHAEL S. ROETKER, JIN WU, JAMES E. WILLIAMS, JASON M. LEFEVRE, PAUL S. BONINO, CARLOS M. TERRERO
  • Patent number: 9846101
    Abstract: A system dynamically balances a rotating body. The system includes a support that holds the body as it rotates. At least one sensor generates signals indicative of a balance of the body as it rotates and a controller identifies a position on the body where material can be placed to balance the body. The controller operates at least one actuator to move a plurality of ejectors opposite the identified position where the controller operates at least one ejector in the plurality of ejectors to eject material onto the identified position. The system can operate iteratively until the body is balanced within a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Vankouwenberg, Robert A. Clark, Linn C. Hoover, James E. Williams
  • Publication number: 20170326796
    Abstract: Layers of build and support material on an intermediate transfer surface are moved past a transfuse station and a platen moves relative to the intermediate transfer surface to contact the platen to one of the layers on the intermediate transfer surface. The intermediate transfer surface transfers a layer of the build material and the support material to the platen each time the platen contacts the layers on the intermediate transfer surface at the transfuse station to successively form a freestanding stack of the layers of build and support material on the platen. The build material has a higher melting temperature than the support material. A support material removal station heats the stack to a temperature above the melting temperature of the support material, but below the melting temperature of the build material, to melt the support material, but leave a 3-D structure made of only the build material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Paul F. Sawicki, Robert W. Phelps, James E. Williams, John R. Uchal
  • Publication number: 20170305092
    Abstract: A 3-D printer includes development stations that electrostatically transfer first and second materials to an intermediate transfer surface. The development stations can each include a photoreceptor supplying the materials to the intermediate transfer surface, and a boosted developer roll supplying the materials to the photoreceptor. The boosted developer roll comprises an outer roll rotating in a first rotational direction to move with movement of the photoreceptor, and a magnetic roll within the outer roll rotating in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction. The magnetic roll comprises alternating permanent magnets. The intermediate transfer surface transfers a layer of the materials to a platen each time the platen contacts the intermediate transfer surface to successively form a freestanding stack of layers on the platen. A bonding station is positioned to apply light and/or heat to the freestanding stack to bond the layers to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Phelps, John R. Uchal, James E. Williams, Paul F. Sawicki
  • Patent number: 9707765
    Abstract: What is disclosed is an apparatus and method for inhibiting the formation of sediment in an ink tank of a MICR inkjet printer. In one embodiment, the present apparatus comprises an ink tank containing MICR ink and an electromagnet which resides in a chamber located on, near, or inside the ink tank. Activation of the electromagnet causes the particles to be attracted to the electromagnet's magnetic field such that the particles are lifted off a bottom of the tank to inhibit sediment formation thereon. The electromagnet can be activated in response to the MICR inkjet printer having been turned OFF. A sensor may further be employed to activate the electromagnet in response to one of: sediment in the ink tank having reached a pre-determined level; a flow-rate of liquid ink through the tank having fallen below a threshold level, sediment levels, or a pressure inside the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Williams, John Robert Uchal, Paul F. Sawicki
  • Patent number: 9676202
    Abstract: An inkjet printer for printing on a continuous web of recording media includes a receiver to receive a beam of collimated light transmitted across the surface of a continuous web of recording media supported by a roller. The intensity of the transmitted beam received by the receiver can be used to determine the presence of a defect in the continuous web or in the roller. A controller is configured to reduce the speed of or stop movement of the web through the printer and to retract one or more printheads from a printing location to prevent the defect from damaging the printhead(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Roger G. Leighton, Piotr Sokolowski, James E. Williams
  • Publication number: 20170144444
    Abstract: What is disclosed is an apparatus and method for inhibiting the formation of sediment in an ink tank of a MICR inkjet printer. In one embodiment, the present apparatus comprises an ink tank containing MICR ink and an electromagnet which resides in a chamber located on, near, or inside the ink tank. Activation of the electromagnet causes the particles to be attracted to the electromagnet's magnetic field such that the particles are lifted off a bottom of the tank to inhibit sediment formation thereon. The electromagnet can be activated in response to the MICR inkjet printer having been turned OFF. A sensor may further be employed to activate the electromagnet in response to one of: sediment in the ink tank having reached a pre-determined level; a flow-rate of liquid ink through the tank having fallen below a threshold level, sediment levels, or a pressure inside the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: James E. WILLIAMS, John Robert UCHAL, Paul F. SAWICKI
  • Publication number: 20170052085
    Abstract: A system dynamically balances a rotating body. The system includes a support that holds the body as it rotates. At least one sensor generates signals indicative of a balance of the body as it rotates and a controller identifies a position on the body where material can be placed to balance the body. The controller operates at least one actuator to move a plurality of ejectors opposite the identified position where the controller operates at least one ejector in the plurality of ejectors to eject material onto the identified position. The system can operate iteratively until the body is balanced within a predetermined range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: David A. VanKouwenberg, Robert A. Clark, Linn C. Hoover, James E. Williams
  • Patent number: 9033487
    Abstract: A module is configured to selectively apply release agent to a web having a sequence of printed imaged formed thereon by a printer. The module includes a plurality of dispensers arranged in a cross-process direction across the imaged web. The module detects positions of areas in the printed images and determines whether the amount of ink in the areas meet or exceed a predetermined density threshold. If an area meets or exceeds the threshold, a controller operates a dispenser to apply release agent to the area on the web as the area passes the dispenser. The controller operates the dispensers with reference to image data of the surface of the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Jason M. LeFevre, James M. Chappell, Paul McConville, James E. Williams
  • Publication number: 20140267482
    Abstract: A module is configured to selectively apply release agent to a web having a sequence of printed imaged formed thereon by a printer. The module includes a plurality of dispensers arranged in a cross-process direction across the imaged web. The module detects positions of areas in the printed images and determines whether the amount of ink in the areas meet or exceed a predetermined density threshold. If an area meets or exceeds the threshold, a controller operates a dispenser to apply release agent to the area on the web as the area passes the dispenser. The controller operates the dispensers with reference to image data of the surface of the web.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jason M. LeFevre, James M. Chappell, Paul McConville, James E. Williams