Patents by Inventor Mark Duane Foster

Mark Duane Foster 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: 20040009007
    Abstract: A two part cartridge having a photoconductor part (1) and a toner part (5) having no force biasing element on either part. The two parts fit together so that a developer roller (7) in the toner part contacts a photoconductor drum (3) in the other part. When the two parts are installed in a printer the cover (50), when closed, brings a spring (62) into contact with one side of the toner part while the frame (F) of the printer blocks movement away from the cover. An advantage of the two part cartridge is that the toner part can be replaced without replacing the photoconductor part. Members on the cartridge for force biasing are avoided and the need for training or skill to latch the parts together is avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Philip Scot Carter, Julia L. Fain, Mark Duane Foster
  • Patent number: 6678489
    Abstract: A two part cartridge having a photoconductor part (1) and a toner part (5) having no force biasing element on either part. The two parts fit together so that a developer roller (7) in the toner part contacts a photoconductor drum (3) in the other part. When the two parts are installed in a printer the cover (50), when closed, brings a spring (62) into contact with one side of the toner part while the frame (F) of the printer blocks movement away from the cover. An advantage of the two part cartridge is that the toner part can be replaced without replacing the photoconductor part. Members on the cartridge for force biasing are avoided and the need for training or skill to latch the parts together is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Scot Carter, Julia L. Fain, Mark Duane Foster
  • Patent number: 6452380
    Abstract: A calibration rod (1) with grooved track (2) and a testing apparatus (17) for magnetic rolls that produces an accurate homing location and probe-to-probe reference for repeated test verification at many testing locations. The grooved track calibration rod can be transported to different equipment to verify that equipment is performing similarly, has improved accuracy, has temperature compensation, uses a circumferential drive movement from one end of a roll magnet and verifies angular position from the other end, eliminates the possibility of angular inaccuracy from twisting of the part being measured during clamping and provides for improved accuracy of several degrees. A high order polynomial curve fit of the data is used to determine the true value of the Gauss level being measured during 360 degree revolution. The apparatus takes measurements to accurately measure magnetic differences which define differences in probe operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Gerard Fieseler, Mark Duane Foster, Robert Edward Hackett, Calvin Dale Murphy, James Edward Nichols
  • Patent number: 6397026
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for increasing the bias force between a developer half and a cleaner half of a process cartridge are disclosed. One or more springs are interposed between the cleaner half and the developer half of the process cartridge. These springs are of sufficient strength to maintain a constant separation between the developer and the photosensitive member of the process cartridge. Sources of force other than springs, such as weights or elastic members may also be employed to provide and increase the bias force urging the developer and photosensitive member together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Andrew Buxton, Geoffrey Kyle Canter, Martin Victor DiGirolamo, Michael John Dixon, Mark Duane Foster, Kristoffer Alan Hazen, Donald Thomas Kral, James Caro Lurton, Kenneth Daniel Seevers, Robert Francis Soto
  • Patent number: 5926673
    Abstract: A supply cartridge including a photosensitive drum, a charge roller, a developer roller, and a supply of toner, is inserted into a conventional electrophotographic (EP) machine in operative association with the gear train for such machine. One end of a shaft passing through one end cap of the photosensitive drum is inserted into a receptacle in the EP machine. The free end of a drive transmitting member on the opposite end of the drum engages the drive train, and is driven by the gear train. The drive transmitting member is an integral part of a molded end cap inserted into the open end of the photosensitive drum. The drive transmitting member may assume diverse forms. The upper surface of the drive transmitting member may be triangular in shape, while the base may be circular or triangular; tapered sidewalls extend between the upper surface and the base, and the area of the upper surface exceeds the area of the base to maximize contact with the drive train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Duane Foster, Donald Thomas Kral, James Caro Lurton, Kenneth Daniel Seevers, Tom E Stickler, Martin Joseph Zutt, Jr.