Patents by Inventor Kevin D. Lofftus
Kevin D. Lofftus 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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Publication number: 20150375547Abstract: A hybrid inkjet printer for printing on a non-porous medium includes a data processing system provides a tone value of a half-tone pattern in a pre-determined function of an image-wise lay-down of an inkjet image; toner printer for pre-coating a non-porous medium with toner resin particles in a half-tone pattern to create a patterned toner coated medium in accordance with the tone value; inkjet ejectors for applying the image-wise lay-down of the inkjet image to said half-tone patterned toner coated media to provide an image on said half-tone patterned toner coated medium; and a fuser for fusing said image on said toner coated mediumType: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2014Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventor: KEVIN D. LOFFTUS
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Patent number: 9211746Abstract: A hybrid inkjet printer for printing on a non-porous medium includes a data processing system provides a tone value of a half-tone pattern in a pre-determined function of an image-wise lay-down of an inkjet image; toner printer for pre-coating a non-porous medium with toner resin particles in a half-tone pattern to create a patterned toner coated medium in accordance with the tone value; inkjet ejectors for applying the image-wise lay-down of the inkjet image to said half-tone patterned toner coated media to provide an image on said half-tone patterned toner coated medium; and a fuser for fusing said image on said toner coated medium.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2014Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANYInventor: Kevin D. Lofftus
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Publication number: 20150234098Abstract: A light-blocking article is designed to be lightweight but effective to block most incident actinic radiation and can be designed into fabrics, curtains, and other materials. Such an article has an opacifying layer that is capable of blocking predetermined electromagnetic radiation. The article contains (a) porous particles comprising a continuous polymeric binder and pores within the continuous polymeric binder, the porous particles having a glass transition temperature of at least 25° C. and a mode particle size of at least 2 ?m and up to and including 50 ?m. The article also contains an opacifying colorant that absorbs the predetermined electromagnetic radiation (such as within 400 nm to 700 nm), in an amount of at least 0.001 weight % based on the total dry weight of the opacifying layer, and a matrix polymer in which the porous particles and opacifying colorant are dispersed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2014Publication date: August 20, 2015Inventors: Kevin D. Lofftus, Mridula Nair, Mary Christine Brick
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Publication number: 20150093701Abstract: A method for creating a document, the method includes the steps of providing a transparent substrate; providing a toner image, which includes a plurality of color toners and a black toner; determining an amount of white toner to be deposited dependent upon a mass laydown of the black toner and a covering power of the black toner; depositing the determined amount of white toner with the color toners and black toner on the transparent substrate; and fixing the deposited toners on the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2013Publication date: April 2, 2015Inventors: DINESH TYAGI, Kevin D. Lofftus, Louise Granica
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Publication number: 20150093553Abstract: A document includes a transparent substrate; a plurality of color toners and a black toner in a fused image on the substrate; an amount of white toner in the fused image on the substrate; wherein the amount of fused white toner is a non-uniform amount as determined by an covering power of the fused black toner.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2013Publication date: April 2, 2015Inventors: Dinesh Tyagi, Kevin D. Lofftus, Louise Granica
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Publication number: 20150004706Abstract: An indicator composition can be used to detect various environmental conditions stimuli such as in sterilization or storage processes. This indicator composition has a) a first polymeric particle comprising a solid continuous polymeric phase and a first reactant, the first polymeric particle having a mode particle size equal to or less than 50 ?m; and b) a second reactant outside of the first polymeric particle, which second reactant is capable of reacting with the first reactant when exposed to a chosen environmental condition stimulus. The indicator composition can be used by exposing it to the environmental condition stimulus for a sufficient time to cause a detectable change in the indicator composition such as a detectable color change.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2013Publication date: January 1, 2015Inventors: Mridula Nair, Kevin D. Lofftus, Mary Christine Brick
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Publication number: 20150004707Abstract: An indicator composition can be exposed to various environmental conditions stimuli such as in sterilization or storage processes. This indicator composition has a) a first polymeric particle comprising a solid continuous polymeric phase and a first reactant, the first polymeric particle having a mode particle size equal to or less than 50 ?m; and b) a second reactant outside of the first polymeric particle, which second reactant is capable of reacting with the first reactant when exposed to a chosen environmental condition stimulus. The indicator composition can be used by exposing it to the environmental condition stimulus for a sufficient time to cause a detectable change in the indicator composition such as a detectable color change.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2013Publication date: January 1, 2015Inventors: Mridula Nair, Kevin D. Lofftus, Mary Christine Brick
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Publication number: 20130295351Abstract: A color toner image with a metallic effect can be prepared by forming one or more latent images and developing them with metallic dry toner particles and color toner particles. The developed color toner image can be transferred to a receiver material, and fixed to provide a color toner image with a metallic effect. The metallic dry toner particles have a polymeric binder phase and non-conductive metal oxide particles dispersed therein. Before fixing, the metallic dry toner particle has a mean volume weighted diameter (Dvol) 15-40 ?m and the non-conductive metal oxide particles are present in an amount of at least 20-50 weight % based on total metallic dry toner particle weight. The ratio of the metallic dry toner particle Dvol to the average equivalent circular diameter (ECD) of the non-conductive metal oxide particles in the metallic dry toner particles is greater than 0.1 and up to and including 10.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Inventors: Dinesh Tyagi, Kevin D. Lofftus, Louise Granica, Richard George Allen
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Publication number: 20130295502Abstract: A method is used to provide a toner image with a metallic effect. After forming a latent image, it is developed with metallic dry toner particles to form a developed toner image that is transferred and fixed to a receiver material. Each metallic dry toner particle consists essentially of a polymeric binder phase and non-conductive metal oxide particles. Before fixing, the metallic dry toner particle has a mean volume weighted diameter (Dvol) of at least 15 ?m and up to and including 40 ?m. The non-conductive metal oxide particles are present in an amount of 20-50 weight %. The ratio of the metallic dry toner particle Dvol to the average equivalent circular diameter (ECD) of the non-conductive metal oxide particles in the metallic dry toner particles, before fixing, is greater than 0.1 and up to and including 10.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Inventors: Dinesh Tyagi, Louise Granica, Kevin D. Lofftus
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Patent number: 8507166Abstract: A toner composition includes resin core particles having outer surfaces, and surface treatment, wherein the surface treatment includes at least first metal oxide particles having a surface area equivalent average particle diameter of greater than 25 nm and a surface energy of less than 28 erg/cm2, as determined by methanol wettability midpoint at 22° C., tacked to the outer surfaces of the resin core particles, at a concentration to provide a total projected area of the first metal oxide particles sufficient to cover at least 10% of the resin core particle outer surfaces area, and wherein the toner composition comprises less than 0.013 g non-tacked surface treatment per square meter of resin core particles outer surface. A developer for developing electrostatic images includes magnetic carrier particles and toner as described above, wherein the developer comprises less than 0.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2011Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Kevin D. Lofftus, Peter S. Alexandrovich
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Publication number: 20120308924Abstract: A process for adhering surface treatment to toner resin core particles includes: providing resin core particles including a binder polymer having a Tg and having outer surfaces; providing surface treatment including at least first metal oxide particles having an average particle size of greater than 25 nm and a surface energy of less than or equal to 28 erg/cm2, as determined by methanol wettability midpoint at 22° C., and tacking the at least first metal oxide particles to the resin core particles by mixing at a temperature greater than the Tg of the binder polymer. Preferably, the surface treatment is tacked to the outer surfaces of the resin core particles at a concentration to provide a total projected area of the first metal oxide particles sufficient to cover at least 10% of the resin core particle outer surfaces area.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2011Publication date: December 6, 2012Inventors: Kevin D. Lofftus, Peter S. Alexandrovich
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Publication number: 20120308923Abstract: A toner composition includes resin core particles having outer surfaces, and surface treatment, wherein the surface treatment includes at least first metal oxide particles having a surface area equivalent average particle diameter of greater than 25 nm and a surface energy of less than 28 erg/cm2, as determined by methanol wettability midpoint at 22° C., tacked to the outer surfaces of the resin core particles, at a concentration to provide a total projected area of the first metal oxide particles sufficient to cover at least 10% of the resin core particle outer surfaces area, and wherein the toner composition comprises less than 0.013 g non-tacked surface treatment per square meter of resin core particles outer surface. A developer for developing electrostatic images includes magnetic carrier particles and toner as described above, wherein the developer comprises less than 0.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2011Publication date: December 6, 2012Inventors: Kevin D. Lofftus, Peter S. Alexandrovich
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Patent number: 7601473Abstract: The invention relates to a developer for developing electrostatic images. The developer includes magnetic carrier particles at a loading of from 60 to 99 weight percent of the developer. Toner particles are at a loading of 1 to 40 weight percent of the developer. The toner particles include a resin core particle having an outer surface and 0.05 to 5 weight percent a first metal oxide powder is substantially fixed to the outer surface. The toner particles further include 0.05 to 2 weight percent of a second metal oxide powder that is substantially free to transfer between outer surface of the toner particles and an outer surface of the magnetic carrier surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2006Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Kevin D. Lofftus, Satyanarayan Srinivsan, David D. Putnam, Peter S. Alexandrovich
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Publication number: 20070298343Abstract: The invention relates to a developer for developing electrostatic images. The developer includes magnetic carrier particles at a loading of from 60 to 99 weight percent of the developer. Toner particles are at a loading of 1 to 40 weight percent of the developer. The toner particles include a resin core particle having an outer surface and 0.05 to 5 weight percent a first metal oxide powder is substantially fixed to the outer surface. The toner particles further include 0.05 to 2 weight percent of a second metal oxide powder that is substantially free to transfer between outer surface of the toner particles and an outer surface of the magnetic carrier surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2006Publication date: December 27, 2007Inventors: Kevin D. Lofftus, Satyanarayan Srinivsan, David D. Putnam, Peter S. Alexandrovich
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Patent number: 6542713Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 29, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AGInventors: Kurt E. Jones, Kevin D. Lofftus, George R. Walgrove, III
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Publication number: 20020141798Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2001Publication date: October 3, 2002Applicant: Heidelberg Digital, L.L.C.Inventors: Kurt E. Jones, Kevin D. Lofftus, George R. Walgrove
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Patent number: 6118953Abstract: In an electrostatographic process and apparatus a replenishment device adds toner particles to a development station that includes a developer comprising a mixture of toner particles and carrier particles. A reference parameter that is used in control of aim point of toner concentration in the mixture is set to an initial value until about a midlife of the developer is reached. Once the midlife of the developer is reached there are provided programmed step adjustments in the reference value in accordance with further increases in life of the developer to thereby control replenishment of toner particles so that control of charge to mass of the toner particles in the mixture is provided to reduce a tendency of dusting by the toner particles of the mixture due to age of the developer.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 1998Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: David E. Hockey, Dennis E. DeMeyer, Kevin D. Lofftus, Paul L. Nielsen
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Patent number: 5987271Abstract: An electrostatographic recording apparatus and method wherein a primary charger establishes a uniform electrostatic charge on an electrophotoconductive image recording member in accordance with a first operating parameter. A recording device imagewise modulates the charge on the image recording member to form electrostatic latent images in accordance with a second operating parameter and also forms a developable process control patch. A development station develops the electrostatic latent images and the control patch on the image recording member with toner in accordance with a third operating parameter. A replenishment device provides toner to the development station at a controlled rate in accordance with a replenishment signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1997Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Matthias H. Regelsberger, David E. Hockey, Jeffrey C. Blood, Kevin D. Lofftus
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Patent number: 5701550Abstract: A substantial change in charge on toner in a development station due to a reduction in relative humidity as the station warms up is compensated for by applying heat from an externaI source to the station when the station has not been warmed up. For example, when the station is turned off or in a condition of idle. This feature is particularly usable in a station having a rotating magnetic core.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 1996Date of Patent: December 23, 1997Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Kevin D. Lofftus, Thomas K. Hilbert, David A. Roets, Jerry E. Livadas
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Patent number: 5629367Abstract: A method of making pigment concentrate particles having pigment uniformly dispersed in a polymer and exhibiting a controlled morphology and narrow particle size distribution. The method involves dispersing pigment particles in a pigment dispersant liquid to form a first dispersion phase; blending the first dispersion phase with a binder to produce a second dispersion phase; mixing the second dispersion phase under sufficient shear to produce a suspension of small dispersion phase droplets in an immiscible suspending liquid; allowing the small dispersion phase droplets in the suspension to coalesce to a larger size at which substantially no further coalescence can occur; mixing the suspension of coalesced droplets with an extracting liquid to remove the pigment dispersant liquid from the coalesced droplets; and isolating the resulting pigment concentrate particles.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1995Date of Patent: May 13, 1997Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Kevin D. Lofftus, Alexandra D. Bermel