Patents by Inventor Michael D. Bower

Michael D. Bower 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: 5955236
    Abstract: A toner for electrographic printing includes a liquid carrier and a release agent added to the carrier to reduce the amount of carrier leaving the developer section, thus allowing operation at higher speeds and reducing the time and energy required for carrier removal in subsequent sections. An imaging system, or unit of an imaging system, and a method of imaging employ an imaging member such as a belt to form a liquid-toned image, to condition the image, and to transfer it to a print-receiving medium. The member moves through several sections, and transports liquid toner out of an image-developing section. In a preferred embodiment the release agent wets the imaging member, and has a higher boiling point than the carrier and a lower surface tension, though its viscosity may be higher. The release agent reduces carrier entrainment, and coats the imaging member, also enhancing transfer of the final print image. It may also counteract aging characteristics of the imaging member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Delphax Systems
    Inventor: Michael D. Bower
  • Patent number: 5763131
    Abstract: A toner for electrographic printing includes a liquid carrier and a release agent added to the carrier to reduce the amount of carrier leaving the developer section, thus allowing operation at higher speeds and reducing the time and energy required for carrier removal in subsequent sections. An imaging system, or unit of an imaging system, and a method of imaging employ an imaging member such as a belt to form a liquid-toned image, to condition the image, and to transfer it to a print-receiving medium. The member moves through several sections, and transports liquid toner out of an image-developing section. In a preferred embodiment the release agent wets the imaging member, and has a higher boiling point than the carrier and a lower surface tension, though its viscosity may be higher. The release agent reduces carrier entrainment, and coats the imaging member, also enhancing transfer of the final print image. It may also counteract aging characteristics of the imaging member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Delphax Systems
    Inventor: Michael D. Bower