Patents by Inventor Kenneth Colonel

Kenneth Colonel 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: 20060263138
    Abstract: A direct thermal barcode printer including a print assembly is provided. The print assembly is movably positioned relative to a print media for adjusting printing characteristics of an attached print head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Publication date: November 23, 2006
    Inventors: Dwayne Tobin, Williams Bouverie, Kenneth Colonel, Paul Plasschaert, Kim Wilson
  • Patent number: 7131778
    Abstract: A direct thermal barcode printer including a print assembly is provided. The print assembly is movably positioned relative to a print media for adjusting printing characteristics of an attached print head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Datamax Corporation
    Inventors: Dwayne Tobin, William M. Bouverie, Kenneth Colonel, Paul Plasschaert, Kim Wilson
  • Publication number: 20060228148
    Abstract: A direct thermal barcode printer including a print assembly is provided. The print assembly is movably positioned relative to a print media for adjusting printing characteristics of an attached print head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Publication date: October 12, 2006
    Inventors: Dwayne Tobin, William Bouverie, Kenneth Colonel, Paul Plasschaert, Kim Wilson
  • Publication number: 20060203075
    Abstract: A thermal transfer print head is disclosed. The print head includes a housing configured and dimensioned to be installable within the printer, a plurality of resistive heating elements positioned on an external surface of the housing and in thermal contact with a printable media, the resistive heating elements receive electrical energy from the printer and have adjustable thermal output, and a print head memory positioned within the housing and accessible by the thermal printer, the print head memory including a first and second memory regions, the first memory region configured to store a printing profile pertaining to operating parameters of the resistive heating elements and the second memory configured to store usage data pertaining to operation of the print head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventors: George Vazac, Ronald Schwallie, Kenneth Colonel
  • Patent number: 7042478
    Abstract: A modular printer having a media take-up assembly, a support block assembly, a printhead assembly, a stepper motor assembly and a display assembly is provided. A support housing having a plurality of recesses formed on an internal wall of the modular printer is also provided. Each of the recesses is configured to receive and align one of the modular printer assemblies with the other modular printer assemblies. Each of the assemblies is configured as a module which can be easily accessed and quickly secured to or detached from the support housing. The support housing is adapted to receive assembly modules for both thermal ink printers and ribbon ink printers such that the modular printer can be easily converted from one to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Datamax Corporation
    Inventors: William M. Bouverie, Kenneth Colonel, Christopher Roy Christensen, Dwayne Tobin, Jay Huberty, Ron Consiglio, Fred Scofield, Mark Hitz, George Vazac, Richard Hatle
  • Publication number: 20060007296
    Abstract: A modular printer having a media take-up assembly, a support block assembly, a printhead assembly, a stepper motor assembly and a display assembly is provided. A support housing having a plurality of recesses formed on an internal wall of the modular printer is also provided. Each of the recesses is configured to receive and align one of the modular printer assemblies with the other modular printer assemblies. Each of the assemblies is configured as a module which can be easily accessed and quickly secured to or detached from the support housing. The support housing is adapted to receive assembly modules for both thermal ink printers and ribbon ink printers such that the modular printer can be easily converted from one to the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Publication date: January 12, 2006
    Inventors: William Bouverie, Kenneth Colonel, Christopher Christensen, Dwayne Tobin, Jay Huberty, Ron Consiglio, Fred Scofield, Mark Hitz, George Vazac, Richard Hatle
  • Publication number: 20050271441
    Abstract: A modular printer having a media take-up assembly, a support block assembly, a printhead assembly, a stepper motor assembly and a display assembly is provided. A support housing having a plurality of recesses formed on an internal wall of the modular printer is also provided. Each of the recesses is configured to receive and align one of the modular printer assemblies with the other modular printer assemblies. Each of the assemblies is configured as a module which can be easily accessed and quickly secured to or detached from the support housing. The support housing is adapted to receive assembly modules for both thermal ink printers and ribbon ink printers such that the modular printer can be easily converted from one to the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Publication date: December 8, 2005
    Inventors: William Bouverie, Kenneth Colonel, Christopher Christensen, Dwayne Tobin, Jay Huberty, Ron Consiglio, Fred Scofield, Mark Hitz, George Vazac, Richard Hatle
  • Publication number: 20040156062
    Abstract: A print media sensor mounting assembly includes a housing having a sensor mounting element. The sensor mounting element has a sensor position movably mounted therein for movement of the sensor position amongst a plurality of positions corresponding to a width of a print media web.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: William M. Bouverie, Kenneth Colonel, Christopher Roy Christensen, Dwayne Tobin, Jay Huberty
  • Patent number: 6425548
    Abstract: A core/hub assembly for a printing device that provides for easy alignment and insertion, and maintains a secure interface to prevent slippage of the core during printer operation, is disclosed. A hub includes keys mounted at a proximal end which serve to transmit torque when engaged with a core. The hub further includes splines configured to be received within a core and provide longitudinal support thereto. A core includes a plurality of longitudinally extending ribs that cooperate to form channels configured to receive the splines of the hub. A portion of the ribs include compliant radially oriented leaf springs which center the core on the hub and provide a physical fit of the core on the hub by engaging the keys at the proximal end of the core when properly inserted therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher R. Christensen, Jimmy L. Clemans, Kenneth Colonel, Mark A. Hitz
  • Publication number: 20010042810
    Abstract: A core/hub assembly for a printing device that provides for easy alignment and insertion, and maintains a secure interface to prevent slippage of the core during printer operation, is disclosed. A hub includes keys mounted at a proximal end which serve to transmit torque when engaged with a core. The hub further includes splines configured to be received within a core and provide longitudinal support thereto. A core includes a plurality of longitudinally extending ribs that cooperate to form channels configured to receive the splines of the hub. A portion of the ribs include compliant radially oriented leaf springs which center the core on the hub and provide a physical fit of the core on the hub by engaging the keys at the proximal end of the core when properly inserted therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: Christopher R. Christensen, Jimmy L. Clemans, Kenneth Colonel, Mark A. Hitz
  • Patent number: 6260834
    Abstract: A pulley tensioner for applying torque or tension to a pulley includes a spring system configured to encircle the periphery of the pulley. The spring system is anchored to the pulley housing or some other fixed location. The spring system is made up of one or more coil springs which are wrapped around the periphery of the pulley. Where multiple springs are used, preferably each spring has a different spring constant and length. This allows the operator to select the desired tension depending upon the operating parameters of the printer. The applied tension may be further modified/tuned by using an additional spring member to anchor the spring system to the pulley housing or some other fixed location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Datamax Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Colonel, Dwayne Tobin
  • Patent number: 6202954
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a media tracking guide mechanism for guiding the transport of printing media in a printing apparatus. The media tracking guide mechanism is designed to provide positive tracking to print media of various types passing through the guide as the print media is supplied to a printing apparatus. The print media tracking guide preferably includes a guide housing configured and dimensioned for mounting along a hub portion of a printing apparatus and an armature rotatably coupled to the guide housing. The guide housing includes a core member having a print media transport path along an outer peripheral portion thereof and an overhang support positioned in a spaced relationship from the core member. The overhang support includes a slotted area for receiving a lever component. The core member and overhang support are rigidly coupled to a flange portion along a common side thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Datamax Corporation
    Inventors: Dwayne Tobin, Kenneth Colonel, Christopher Christensen
  • Patent number: 6130699
    Abstract: A media supply for a thermal ink printer, includes a central shaft defining a longitudinal axis, a media hub for supporting a supply of media in a coiled configuration coaxially mounted about the central shaft and adapted for rotational movement thereabout, a hub clamp mounted to the media hub and adapted for axial movement therealong to accommodate media supplies of various lengths and a torsion spring mounted about the central shaft and operatively engageable with the media hub to rotatably bias the media hub to an initial position corresponding to an unstressed condition of the torsion spring in response to movement of the media hub through a predetermined angular sector of rotation in one rotational direction, to thereby maintain a predetermined level of tension on the media. A locking member may be associated with the hub clamp to selectively secure the hub clamp at a predetermined axial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Datamax Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Roy Christensen, William M. Bouverie, Kenneth Colonel, Mark Allen Hitz
  • Patent number: 6129463
    Abstract: A ribbon tensioning assembly includes a knob having a top wall, an internal raised portion attached to the top wall having a first helical camming surface and a second helical camming surface out of phase and disposed about a center point. A compression helix has a first end portion forming a first helical camming surface and a second helical camming surface for engaging first and second helical camming surfaces of the knob, compression helix having a second end portion for receiving a spring. A clutch engages a surface and connects to a spring. A spindle, attaching to a ribbon supply roll, secures the knob, the compression helix, the spring and the clutch in relative position such that turning the spindle causes frictional resistance between the clutch and the surface for creating increased tension in a ribbon dispensed from the supply roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Datamax Corporation
    Inventors: Ed Lau, Mark Anthony Lombardo, Kenneth Colonel
  • Patent number: 5938350
    Abstract: An ink supply spool for a thermal ink printer includes a central shaft defining a longitudinal axis, a ribbon hub coaxially mounted about the central shaft for rotational movement thereabout and adapted to support a supply of ink transfer ribbon in a coiled configuration, a torsion spring mounted about the central shaft and operatively engageable with the ribbon hub to rotatably bias the ribbon hub to an initial position corresponding to an unstressed condition of the torsion spring in response to movement of the ribbon hub through a predetermined angular sector of rotation in one rotational direction, to thereby maintain a predetermined level of tension on the ink transfer ribbon, a clutch mechanism associated with the ribbon hub to permit the torsion spring to return to the unstressed condition in response to movement of the ribbon hub beyond the predetermined angular sector of rotation, and a support collar mounted about the central shaft adjacent the torsion spring for supporting the torsion spring during
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Datamax Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth Colonel
  • Patent number: 5927875
    Abstract: A ribbon tensioning assembly includes a knob having a top wall, an internal raised portion attached to the top wall having a first helical camming surface and a second helical camming surface out of phase and disposed about a center point. A compression helix has a first end portion forming a first helical camming surface and a second helical camming surface for engaging first and second helical camming surfaces of the knob, compression helix having a second end portion for receiving a spring. A clutch engages a surface and connects to a spring. A spindle, attaching to a ribbon supply roll, secures the knob, the compression helix, the spring and the clutch in relative position such that turning the spindle causes frictional resistance between the clutch and the surface for creating increased tension in a ribbon dispensed from the supply roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Datamax Corporation
    Inventors: Ed Lau, Mark Anthony Lombardo, Kenneth Colonel
  • Patent number: 5836704
    Abstract: A ribbon tensioning assembly includes a knob having a top wall, an internal raised portion attached to the top wall having a first helical camming surface and a second helical camming surface out of phase and disposed about a center point. A compression helix has a first end portion forming a first helical camming surface and a second helical camming surface for engaging first and second helical camming surfaces of the knob, compression helix having a second end portion for receiving a spring. A clutch engages a surface and connects to a spring. A spindle, attaching to a ribbon supply roll, secures the knob, the compression helix, the spring and the clutch in relative position such that turning the spindle causes frictional resistance between the clutch and the surface for creating increased tension in a ribbon dispensed from the supply roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Datamax Corporation
    Inventors: Ed Lau, Mark Anthony Lombardo, Kenneth Colonel
  • Patent number: 5447380
    Abstract: A thermal printer is provided which can operate at high speeds either as a direct thermal printer or a thermal transfer printer. The thermal printer includes a frame, a front door assembly pivotally connected to the frame and having a thermal head secured thereto. The front door assembly positions the thermal head to facilitate recording of information on a recording medium when the door is closed as well as dissipating heat generated by the thermal print head. A platen roller is positioned within the frame which conveys the recording medium between the thermal head and the platen roller. The thermal printer also provides interference shielding which maintains security of printed data. The thermal printer is also configured to allow operation in a rigorous environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: NAI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Colonel, Edward H. Lau, Dalton C. Marris
  • Patent number: 4496254
    Abstract: Apparatus for releasably attaching a daisy print wheel to a splined shaft of an angular drive such that the print wheel can be driven in angular rotation with substantially no backlash. The apparatus comprises a splined hub fixed to the print wheel and slidably engageable with the splined shaft and a holder mounted on the hub for movement between a locking position in which the hub is locked on the splined shaft with interference fit and a released position in which the hub with the holder thereon is slidably removable from the splined shaft together with the print wheel. The hub includes a plurality of angular segments of cantilever formation which are pressed into the spaces between the splines on the drive shaft with interference fit by the engagement of the holder in its locking position. The holder is axially movable on the hub in traveling between the locking and release positions and is not normally removable from the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1985
    Assignee: Primages, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward H. Lau, Kenneth Colonel
  • Patent number: D473262
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher R. Christensen, Jimmy L. Clemans, Kenneth Colonel, Mark A. Hitz