Patents by Inventor Kristi Ann Kappes

Kristi Ann Kappes 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).

  • Method for aligning a media sheet in an image forming apparatus
    Patent number: 8162313
    Abstract: A method for aligning a media sheet in a media path of an image forming apparatus includes aligning the media sheet against a first reference edge of an input tray. The media sheet may then move through an alignment nip which is constructed to laterally move the media sheet against a reference edge. The media sheet moves along the reference edge and becomes aligned prior to moving to a transport belt. The media sheet may then move through one or more transfer nips to receive one or more images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Allen Blair, Kristi Ann Kappes, Jason Lee Rowe, Edward Lynn Triplett
  • Devices and methods for aligning and moving a media sheet within an image forming device
    Patent number: 8020860
    Abstract: The present application is directed to devices and methods for moving media sheets within an image forming device. One embodiment includes a registration mechanism located along the media path. The mechanism may include a series of discrete registration nips that each includes a pair of drive rolls and idler roll. The nips are spaced at intervals across the media path. Guide ribs are arranged across the media path and may be positioned between the nips. The guide ribs further guide the media sheets through the registration mechanism and along the media path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Kristi Ann Kappes, David Erwin Rennick, Niko Jay Murrell, Edward Lynn Triplett, Jason Lee Rowe
  • Method for Aligning a Media Sheet in an Image Forming Apparatus
    Publication number: 20110210499
    Abstract: A method for aligning a media sheet in a media path of an image forming apparatus includes aligning the media sheet against a first reference edge of an input tray. The media sheet may then move through an alignment nip which is constructed to laterally move the media sheet against a reference edge. The media sheet moves along the reference edge and becomes aligned prior to moving to a transport belt. The media sheet may then move through one or more transfer nips to receive one or more images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventors: Brian Allen Blair, Kristi Ann Kappes, Jason Lee Rowe, Edward Lynn Triplett
  • Systems for aligning a media sheet in an image forming apparatus
    Patent number: 7926806
    Abstract: A system for aligning a media sheet in a media path of an image forming apparatus includes an input area with an alignment edge to initially laterally align the media sheet. The media sheet may then move through an alignment nip which is constructed to laterally move the media sheet against a reference edge. The media sheet moves along the reference edge and become aligned prior to moving to a transport belt. The media sheet may then move through one or more transfer nips to receive one or more images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Allen Blair, Kristi Ann Kappes, Jason Lee Rowe, Edward Lynn Triplett
  • Systems And Methods of Aligning A Media Sheet In An Image Forming Apparatus
    Publication number: 20090212489
    Abstract: The present application is directed to systems and methods to align a media sheet in a media path of an image forming apparatus. In one embodiment, the system may include an input area with an alignment edge to initially laterally align the media sheet. The media sheet may then move through an alignment nip which is constructed to laterally move the media sheet against a reference edge. The media sheet moves along the reference edge and become aligned prior to moving to a transport belt. The media sheet may then move through one or more transfer nips to receive one or more images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Brian Allen Blair, Kristi Ann Kappes, Jason Lee Rowe, Edward Lynn Triplett
  • Devices and Methods for Aligning and Moving A Media Sheet Within An Image Forming Device
    Publication number: 20080143039
    Abstract: The present application is directed to devices and methods for moving media sheets within an image forming device. One embodiment includes a registration mechanism located along the media path. The mechanism may include a series of discrete registration nips that each includes a pair of drive rolls and idler roll. The nips are spaced at intervals across the media path. Guide ribs are arranged across the media path and may be positioned between the nips. The guide ribs further guide the media sheets through the registration mechanism and along the media path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Kristi Ann Kappes, David Erwin Rennick, Niko Jay Murrell, Edward Lynn Triplett, Jason Lee Rowe