Patents by Inventor Michael David Maul

Michael David Maul 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: 9891578
    Abstract: A cleaner assembly according to one embodiment includes a cleaner blade that extends upward in a cantilevered manner and that includes a cleaning edge for contacting a surface to remove toner from the surface. A waste toner sump is positioned adjacent to a rear side of the cleaner blade for storing toner removed from the surface by the cleaner blade. A film seal extends in a cantilevered manner toward the rear side of the cleaner blade and contacts the rear side of the cleaner blade along a longitudinal length of the cleaner blade. A foam seal is positioned between the rear side of the cleaner blade and the wall below the contact between the rear side of the cleaner blade and the film seal. The foam seal extends along the longitudinal length of the cleaner blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Trey Dustin Gilliam, Brian Hawes, Ahren Michael Hoy, Michael David Maul, Joshua Carl Poterjoy
  • Publication number: 20170185028
    Abstract: A cleaner assembly according to one embodiment includes a cleaner blade that extends upward in a cantilevered manner and that includes a cleaning edge for contacting a surface to remove toner from the surface. A waste toner sump is positioned adjacent to a rear side of the cleaner blade for storing toner removed from the surface by the cleaner blade. A film seal extends in a cantilevered manner toward the rear side of the cleaner blade and contacts the rear side of the cleaner blade along a longitudinal length of the cleaner blade. A foam seal is positioned between the rear side of the cleaner blade and the wall below the contact between the rear side of the cleaner blade and the film seal. The foam seal extends along the longitudinal length of the cleaner blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Publication date: June 29, 2017
    Inventors: TREY DUSTIN GILLIAM, BRIAN HAWES, AHREN MICHAEL HOY, MICHAEL DAVID MAUL, JOSHUA CARL POTERJOY
  • Patent number: 9671750
    Abstract: An imaging unit for an electrophotographic image forming device having positional control features for aligning the imaging unit in a supporting frame in the image forming device. The positional control features include on each end wall, first and second bullet noses and a stop arm positioned between the two bullet noses. The first and second bullet noses engage support or datum surfaces provided in corresponding openings in the frame. The stop arm receives a biasing force that rotates the imaging unit into its final operating position. A latching assembly is provided on one end wall to prevent the imaging unit from ejecting from the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Lester Boettcher, Jeffrey Alan Abler, Mark William Amann, Donn Duane Bryant, Geoffrey Kirk Carlson, Paul Douglas Horrall, Michael David Maul, Jennifer Marie Murphy, Joshua Carl Poterjoy
  • Patent number: 9471027
    Abstract: A replaceable unit for an image forming device having features for aligning the replaceable unit when installed in the image forming device and to ensure alignment between the replaceable unit and a detachable unit attachable to the replaceable unit. End walls support a photoconductive drum and have a first bullet nose, second bullet nose and stop arm used for alignment of the replaceable unit in a frame of the image forming device. Support members are on a top surface of the bottom plate with a top planar surface of one of the support members forming a rotational stop and a datum surface for the detachable unit when attached. A mounting channel in one end wall provides a second datum surface for the detachable unit and a mounting channel in the other provides a deskewing plug to adjust axial alignment between the photoconductive drum and a roll in the detachable unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Lester Boettcher, Jeffrey Alan Abler, Paul Douglas Horrall, Michael David Maul, Jennifer Marie Murphy, Joshua Carl Poterjoy
  • Publication number: 20160212990
    Abstract: A mold elimination apparatus for the purpose of removing molds and mildews is provided. The apparatus comprises an adhesive layer, a permeable film, and one or more absorbent pads carried on and joined by an impermeable or semi-permeable film. The absorbent pad or pads may be provided with a chemical composition suitable for the destruction and removal of molds and mildews, such as bleach. An associated method for the removal of molds and mildews is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Applicant: Innovation Maul, LLC
    Inventor: Michael David Maul
  • Patent number: 9389576
    Abstract: A deskewing plug and assembly mountable in a frame having a first and a second shaft forming a nip therebetween with the second shaft rotatably mounted in a pair of opposed channels and biased toward the first shaft for adjusting the axial alignment of the shafts. The deskewing plug has a generally cylindrical body having first portion, a second portion and a tab portion. The second portion has a circumferential camming surface cooperatively engageable with the second shaft. Rotation of the plug and camming surface adjusts the axial alignment of the second shaft. The tab portion radially extends from the first portion and has radially extending ridges frictionally engageable with a wall of the opening in the frame to prevent rotation of the deskewing plug after adjustment. A cap may be provided to cover and frictionally engage the tab with the cap being fastenable to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Lester Boettcher, Mark Duane Foster, Michael David Maul, Joshua Carl Poterjoy
  • Publication number: 20160179050
    Abstract: A replaceable unit for an image forming device having features for aligning the replaceable unit when installed in the image forming device and to ensure alignment between the replaceable unit and a detachable unit attachable to the replaceable unit. End walls support a photoconductive drum and have a first bullet nose, second bullet nose and stop arm used for alignment of the replaceable unit in a frame of the image forming device. Support members are on a top surface of the bottom plate with a top planar surface of one of the support members forming a rotational stop and a datum surface for the detachable unit when attached. A mounting channel in one end wall provides a second datum surface for the detachable unit and a mounting channel in the other provides a deskewing plug to adjust axial alignment between the photoconductive drum and a roll in the detachable unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: BRIAN LESTER BOETTCHER, JEFFREY ALAN ABLER, PAUL DOUGLAS HORRALL, MICHAEL DAVID MAUL, JENNIFER MARIE MURPHY, JOSHUA CARL POTERJOY
  • Publication number: 20160182117
    Abstract: An apparatus for performing operations using low power, including control circuitry; a radio frequency (RF) circuit for receiving RF signals at one or more frequencies; an internal power source; and switching circuitry coupled between the control circuitry and the internal power source, the switching circuitry having a control terminal coupled to an output of the RF circuit. The apparatus is configured in a normal mode of operation and an off mode of operation in which the apparatus is powered down, and wherein in the off mode of operation energy from the received RF signals control a state of the switching circuitry to selectively couple the internal power source with the control circuitry for performing one or more operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Applicant: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Richard Castle, John Thomas Fessler, Keith Bryan Hardin, Michael David Maul, Mark Stephen Underwood, Joseph Kamal Yackzan
  • Publication number: 20160179053
    Abstract: An imaging unit for an electrophotographic image forming device having positional control features for aligning the imaging unit in a supporting frame in the image forming device. The positional control features include on each end wall, first and second bullet noses and a stop arm positioned between the two bullet noses. The first and second bullet noses engage support or datum surfaces provided in corresponding openings in the frame. The stop arm receives a biasing force that rotates the imaging unit into its final operating position. A latching assembly is provided on one end wall to prevent the imaging unit from ejecting from the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: BRIAN LESTER BOETTCHER, JEFFREY ALAN ABLER, MARK WILLIAM AMANN, DONN DUANE BRYANT, GEOFFREY KIRK CARLSON, PAUL DOUGLAS HORRALL, MICHAEL DAVID MAUL, JENNIFER MARIE MURPHY, JOSHUA CARL POTERJOY
  • Publication number: 20160179049
    Abstract: A deskewing plug and assembly mountable in a frame having a first and a second shaft forming a nip therebetween with the second shaft rotatably mounted in a pair of opposed channels and biased toward the first shaft for adjusting the axial alignment of the shafts. The deskewing plug has a generally cylindrical body having first portion, a second portion and a tab portion. The second portion has a circumferential camming surface cooperatively engageable with the second shaft. Rotation of the plug and camming surface adjusts the axial alignment of the second shaft. The tab portion radially extends from the first portion and has radially extending ridges frictionally engageable with a wall of the opening in the frame to prevent rotation of the deskewing plug after adjustment. A cap may be provided to cover and frictionally engage the tab with the cap being fastenable to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: Brian Lester Boettcher, Mark Duane Foster, Michael David Maul, Joshua Carl Poterjoy
  • Patent number: 9317004
    Abstract: A replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device includes a housing having a photoconductive drum rotatably mounted thereon. The photoconductive drum has a rotational axis. A guide channel on an exterior of the housing extends parallel to the rotational axis of the photoconductive drum and is positioned to guide insertion of the housing into the image forming device. A positioning stop on the housing is movable between a latching position and an unlatching position. In the latching position the positioning stop obstructs at least a portion of the guide channel to limit the travel of the replaceable unit in the image forming device parallel to the rotational axis of the photoconductive drum. A release handle on the housing is operatively connected to the positioning stop to move the positioning stop from the latching position of the positioning stop to the unlatching position of the positioning stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Lester Boettcher, Michael David Maul, Jennifer Marie Murphy, Joshua Carl Poterjoy
  • Patent number: 9319093
    Abstract: An apparatus for shipping a device containing a circuit, including a bag sized for holding the device; and an antenna connected to the bag, the antenna having a first end for coupling to the circuit of the device when the device is in the bag so as to allow for radio frequency (RF) communication with the device while the device is in the bag. Separation of the device from the bag causes the antenna to be disconnected from the circuit of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Richard Castle, John Thomas Fessler, Keith Bryan Hardin, Michael David Maul, Mark Stephen Underwood, Joseph Kamal Yackzan
  • Patent number: 9291947
    Abstract: A developer unit for a dual component development electrophotographic image forming device includes a housing having a reservoir for storing a developer mix that includes toner and magnetic carrier beads. An axial sealing rib projects from an inner side of the housing toward the outer surface of a sleeve of a magnetic roll. The axial sealing rib extends along an axial length of the sleeve. A distal end of the axial sealing rib is positioned in close proximity to and spaced from the outer surface of the sleeve. The axial sealing rib is positioned to impede the flow of developer mix in the reservoir in a direction counter to an operative rotational direction of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Brian Bacelieri, Robert Dan Bennett, III, Gary Allen Denton, Mark Doerre, Katherine Marie Gilliam, Elliott Vincent Jernigan, Michael David Maul, Matthew Lee Rogers, Dominique Renee Rowe, Robert Christopher Sbert, Keith Seaman, Courtney Harrison Soale
  • Patent number: 9291992
    Abstract: An imaging unit for an electrophotographic image forming device having positional control features for aligning the imaging unit in a supporting frame in the image forming device. The positional control features include on each end wall, first and second bullet noses and a stop arm positioned between the two bullet noses. The first and second bullet noses engage support or datum surfaces provided in corresponding openings in the frame. The stop arm receives a biasing force that rotates the imaging unit into its final operating position. A latching assembly is provided on one end wall to prevent the imaging unit from ejecting from the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Lester Boettcher, Jeffrey Alan Abler, Mark William Amann, Donn Duane Bryant, Geoffrey Kirk Carlson, Paul Douglas Horrall, Michael David Maul, Jennifer Marie Murphy, Joshua Carl Poterjoy
  • Patent number: 9285758
    Abstract: A replaceable unit for an image forming device having features for aligning the replaceable unit when installed in the image forming device and to ensure alignment between the replaceable unit and a detachable unit attachable to the replaceable unit. End walls support a photoconductive drum and have a first bullet nose, second bullet nose and stop arm used for alignment of the replaceable unit in a frame of the image forming device. Support members are on a top surface of the bottom plate with a top planar surface of one of the support members forming a rotational stop and a datum surface for the detachable unit when attached. A mounting channel in one end wall provides a second datum surface for the detachable unit and a mounting channel in the other provides a deskewing plug to adjust axial alignment between the photoconductive drum and a roll in the detachable unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Lester Boettcher, Jeffrey Alan Abler, Paul Douglas Horrall, Michael David Maul, Jennifer Marie Murphy, Joshua Carl Poterjoy
  • Patent number: 9213303
    Abstract: A replaceable unit for an image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a drive coupler accessible on an exterior portion of a body of the replaceable unit. The drive coupler includes an axial locking member that prevents the drive coupler of the replaceable unit from axially disengaging from a corresponding drive coupler of the image forming device. The drive coupler of the replaceable unit includes an axial opening that permits the drive coupler of the replaceable unit to axially disengage from the corresponding drive coupler of the image forming device when the corresponding drive coupler of the image forming device is rotated relative to the drive coupler of the replaceable unit from its operative engagement with the drive coupler of the replaceable unit in a direction opposite an operative rotational direction of the drive coupler of the replaceable unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael David Maul
  • Patent number: 9207555
    Abstract: An assembly for an electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a charge roll and a bracket that extends along an axial length of the charge roll. First and second bearing retainers are positioned on a first axial end and a second axial end of the bracket, respectively. First and second bearings are pivotally mounted to the first and second bearing retainers, respectively. Each of the first and second bearings has a charge roll opening that supports a respective axial end of a shaft of the charge roll. First and second biasing members act on the first and second bearings, respectively. The first and second biasing members bias the charge roll toward an operative position for charging a photoconductive drum. A direction of force from the first biasing member on the first bearing and from the second biasing member on the second bearing is toward the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ahren Michael Hoy, Michael David Maul
  • Publication number: 20150346624
    Abstract: An assembly for an electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a charge roll and a bracket that extends along an axial length of the charge roll. First and second bearing retainers are positioned on a first axial end and a second axial end of the bracket, respectively. First and second bearings are pivotally mounted to the first and second bearing retainers, respectively. Each of the first and second bearings has a charge roll opening that supports a respective axial end of a shaft of the charge roll. First and second biasing members act on the first and second bearings, respectively. The first and second biasing members bias the charge roll toward an operative position for charging a photoconductive drum. A direction of force from the first biasing member on the first bearing and from the second biasing member on the second bearing is toward the bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Applicant: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ahren Michael Hoy, Michael David Maul
  • Patent number: 9201366
    Abstract: An image-forming device includes a belt based fuser for fixing an image to a media substrate. The fuser includes a heater having a base component with at least one heating element disposed thereon. The heater further includes a covering layer covering the at least one heating element providing a substantially even surface to abut a belt. Unevenness, which may be present on the substantially even surface, has a height, defined by a base and a peak, of less than about 10 ?m. A process for producing the heater is also disclosed. The process includes disposing one or more heating elements on a base component of the heater, covering the heating elements of the fuser heater with a covering layer and providing a substantially even outer surface to abut a fuser belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Daniel Creteau, James Douglas Gilmore, Michael David Maul, Miranda Elizabeth Oaks, Katherine Mary Mulloy, Niko Jay Murrell, Jerry Wayne Smith, Scott Shiaoshin Wu
  • Patent number: 9098055
    Abstract: An image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a drive coupler positioned to provide rotational force to a corresponding drive coupler of a replaceable unit when the replaceable unit is installed in the image forming device. The image forming device is configured to rotate the drive coupler of the image forming device in an operative rotational direction of the drive coupler of the replaceable unit until the drive coupler of the image forming device locks with the drive coupler of the replaceable unit upon receiving a lock command and to rotate the drive coupler of the image forming device in a direction opposite the operative rotational direction of the drive coupler of the replaceable unit until the drive coupler of the image forming device unlocks from the drive coupler of the replaceable unit upon receiving an unlock command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael David Maul