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).
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Publication number: 20150168909Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2013Publication date: June 18, 2015Applicant: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventor: Michael David Maul
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Publication number: 20150168910Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2013Publication date: June 18, 2015Applicant: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventor: Michael David Maul
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Publication number: 20150126137Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2013Publication date: May 7, 2015Applicant: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Scott Richard Castle, John Thomas Fessler, Keith Bryan Hardin, Michael David Maul, Mark Stephen Underwood, Joseph Kamal Yackzan
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Publication number: 20150126138Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2014Publication date: May 7, 2015Applicant: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Scott Richard Castle, John Thomas Fessler, Keith Bryan Hardin, Michael David Maul, Mark Stephen Underwood, Joseph Kamal Yackzan
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Patent number: 8606159Abstract: A fuser for an electrophotographic imaging device according to one embodiment includes a stationary pressure member having an elongated body with an outer surface. The pressure member is substantially transparent and/or substantially translucent and permits the passage of radiant heat therethrough. An endless fusing belt having a flexible tubular configuration is rotatably positioned about the pressure member. The pressure member is positioned around a heating lamp for transmitting radiant heat through the pressure member to an inner surface of the fusing belt. A backup roll opposes the fusing belt. The pressure member is configured to apply pressure contact to the fusing belt against the backup roll to form a fuser nip between the backup roll and a segment of the fusing belt.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2010Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Jichang Cao, Michael David Maul, Jerry Wayne Smith, Scott Shiaoshin Wu
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Patent number: 8219012Abstract: A toner image transfer apparatus in a printer is provided. The toner image transfer apparatus comprises a transfer belt structure, a rotatable transfer rod and a transfer roll retraction mechanism. The transfer belt structure comprises a driven toner image transfer belt and a rotatable backup roll engaging an inner surface of the transfer belt. The rotatable transfer roll is adapted to define a nip with the belt and backup roll. The transfer roll retraction mechanism comprises motion transfer structure coupled to the transfer roll and drive apparatus associated with the motion transfer structure.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2007Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Kerry Leland Embry, Alexander J Geyling, Michael David Maul, Stacy Marie Pargett, Harald Portig
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Publication number: 20120070207Abstract: A fuser for an electrophotographic imaging device according to one embodiment includes a stationary pressure member having an elongated body with an outer surface. The pressure member is substantially transparent and/or substantially translucent and permits the passage of radiant heat therethrough. An endless fusing belt having a flexible tubular configuration is rotatably positioned about the pressure member. The pressure member is positioned around a heating lamp for transmitting radiant heat through the pressure member to an inner surface of the fusing belt. A backup roll opposes the fusing belt. The pressure member is configured to apply pressure contact to the fusing belt against the backup roll to form a fuser nip between the backup roll and a segment of the fusing belt.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2010Publication date: March 22, 2012Inventors: Jichang Cao, Michael David Maul, Jerry Wayne Smith, Scott Shiaoshin Wu
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Patent number: 8005388Abstract: In an image forming device, the actual speed of a media sheet through a fuser is detected and the fuser speed is controlled so as to maintain a bubble in the media sheet within predetermined limits. A media sheet speed sensor is disposed downstream of the fuser nip. The sensor may be a rotary optical encoder generating a signal comprising a series of pulses, the spacing of the pulses indicative of the speed of at least the leading edge of a media sheet actuating the sensor. Based on the actual speed of the media sheet, the speed of the fuser is adjusted to maintain a desired bubble in the media sheet, when the media sheet is engaged by both the fuser nip and another nip in the media path, such as a toner transfer nip.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2006Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Michael David Maul, James Douglas Gilmore, Jennifer Sauer
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Patent number: 7970316Abstract: A method for processing a media sheet by advancing the media sheet through a nip in a media processing device is disclosed. The nip is capable of being configured by abuttingly coupling a heater device to a pressure roller. A first heater device temperature of the heater device and a pressure roller temperature of the pressure roller are determined. A signal for configuring the nip is generated upon determining the first heater device temperature and the pressure roller temperature. A second heater device temperature of the heater device is determined on generating the signal. A closure of the nip is verified for advancing the media sheet through the nip based on the first heater device temperature, the second heater device temperature and the pressure roller temperature. The media sheet is advanced through the nip on verifying the nip as closed.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2008Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Jichang Cao, Michael David Maul
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Publication number: 20110103853Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2009Publication date: May 5, 2011Inventors: Gregory Daniel Creteau, James Douglas Gilmore, Michael David Maul, Miranda Elizabeth Oaks, Katherine Mary Mulloy, Niko Jay Murrell, Jerry Wayne Smith, Scott Shiaoshin Wu
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Patent number: 7796932Abstract: A fuser assembly is provided comprising first and second fuser structures, drive apparatus and nip engagement and release apparatus. The first fuser structure comprises a heated rotatable member and first structure for supporting the heated rotatable member. The second fuser structure comprises a rotatable backup member positioned adjacent the heated rotatable member and second structure for supporting the backup member. The rotatable backup member is adapted to define a nip with the heated member. The drive apparatus is associated with one of the heated rotatable member and the backup member for effecting rotation of the one member in a selected first direction or a second direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2007Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Alexander J Geyling, Michael David Maul
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Publication number: 20090297194Abstract: A method for processing a media sheet by advancing the media sheet through a nip in a media processing device is disclosed. The nip is capable of being configured by abuttingly coupling a heater device to a pressure roller. A first heater device temperature of the heater device and a pressure roller temperature of the pressure roller are determined. A signal for configuring the nip is generated upon determining the first heater device temperature and the pressure roller temperature. A second heater device temperature of the heater device is determined on generating the signal. A closure of the nip is verified for advancing the media sheet through the nip based on the first heater device temperature, the second heater device temperature and the pressure roller temperature. The media sheet is advanced through the nip on verifying the nip as closed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2008Publication date: December 3, 2009Inventors: Jichang Cao, Michael David Maul
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Publication number: 20080181686Abstract: A fuser assembly is provided comprising first and second fuser structures, drive apparatus and nip engagement and release apparatus. The first fuser structure comprises a heated rotatable member and first structure for supporting the heated rotatable member. The second fuser structure comprises a rotatable backup member positioned adjacent the heated rotatable member and second structure for supporting the backup member. The rotatable backup member is adapted to define a nip with the heated member. The drive apparatus is associated with one of the heated rotatable member and the backup member for effecting rotation of the one member in a selected first direction or a second direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventors: Alexander J. Geyling, Michael David Maul
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Publication number: 20080179013Abstract: A toner image transfer apparatus in a printer is provided. The toner image transfer apparatus comprises a transfer belt structure, a rotatable transfer rod and a transfer roll retraction mechanism. The transfer belt structure comprises a driven toner image transfer belt and a rotatable backup roll engaging an Inner surface of the transfer belt. The rotatable transfer roll is adapted to define a nip with the belt and backup roll. The transfer roll refraction mechanism comprises motion transfer structure coupled to the transfer roll and drive apparatus associated with the motion transfer structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventors: Kerry Leland Embry, Alexander J. Geyling, Michael David Maul, Stacy Marie Pargett, Harald Portig
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Publication number: 20080101813Abstract: In an image forming device, the actual speed of a media sheet through a fuser is detected and the fuser speed is controlled so as to maintain a bubble in the media sheet within predetermined limits. A media sheet speed sensor is disposed downstream of the fuser nip. The sensor may be a rotary optical encoder generating a signal comprising a series of pulses, the spacing of the pulses indicative of the speed of at least the leading edge of a media sheet actuating the sensor. Based on the actual speed of the media sheet, the speed of the fuser is adjusted to maintain a desired bubble in the media sheet, when the media sheet is engaged by both the fuser nip and another nip in the media path, such as a toner transfer nip.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2006Publication date: May 1, 2008Inventors: Michael David Maul, James Douglas Gilmore, Jennifer Sauer
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Patent number: 7276674Abstract: The present invention provides a component that exhibits a designed thermal response which may be used in an image forming apparatus. The component may include a roller that contacts a heating device such as a fuser.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2006Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Jichang Cao, Stephen Francis DeFosse, Hrishikesh Pramod Gogate, Edward Lawrence Kiely, Michael David Maul, Ganesh Vinayak Phatak, Jerry Wayne Smith
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Patent number: 7127184Abstract: A method and device for removing media sheet jams within an image forming device. The position of the media sheets is monitored as the media sheets move through the image forming process. The occurrence of a media jam is detected, and the position of each media sheet within the device at the time of the jam is also detected. A message is displayed to an operator indicating the number of sheets within the device that should be removed to clear the jam. The order of media sheet removal may also be displayed to the operator.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2003Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Matthew Christopher Coriale, Delbert Lester Elliott, Michael David Maul, Jason Rowe, David Anthony Schneider
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Patent number: 7018121Abstract: A media sensor for an image forming apparatus is operative to sense and distinguish opaque, transparent or no media in a media path. In one embodiment, an optical source and detector are positioned on opposite sides of the media path, at an acute, non-zero angle with respect to a direction normal to the media path. In other embodiments, an optical source and detector are co-located on the same side of the media path with an optical barrier between them, and one or more reflective surfaces positioned on the opposite side. With no media in the media path, the detector receives a readily detectable amount of optical energy emitted by the source. For opaque media, the detector receives very little, if any, optical energy emitted by the source. For transparent media, the detector receives a level of optical energy between that in the cases of opaque media and no media.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2004Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Raymond Jay Barry, John Parker Richey, Michael David Maul, Steven R. Rehmel
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Patent number: 6553195Abstract: An end seal for use in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus uses an array of ridges (or grooves) to urge toner inwardly so as to help prevent toner escape. The end seal works in conjunction with a cleaning blade. The end seal includes a blade pocket for mating with the end portions of the cleaning blade and a middle portion having an array of ridges thereon. The ridges are angled inward to urge any toner trapped therebetween inward away from the end seals, where the toner can be directed to a waste reservoir in a normal fashion. This “snowplowing” action of the ridges helps prevent outward migration of toner, thereby minimizing toner escape. The end seal may be composed of two or more layers of differing materials. There may be an end seal at each end of the cleaner blade.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2001Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Inventors: Kurt Matthew Korfhage, Michael David Maul, Alexander Douglas Meade, Tom E Stickler, Liqun Larry Wang
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Publication number: 20030059227Abstract: An end seal for use in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus uses an array of ridges (or grooves) to urge toner inwardly so as to help prevent toner escape. The end seal works in conjunction with a cleaning blade. The end seal includes a blade pocket for mating with the end portions of the cleaning blade and a middle portion having an array of ridges thereon. The ridges are angled inward to urge any toner trapped therebetween inward away from the end seals, where the toner can be directed to a waste reservoir in a normal fashion. This “snowplowing” action of the ridges helps prevent outward migration of toner, thereby minimizing toner escape. The end seal may be composed of two or more layers of differing materials. There may be an end seal at each end of the cleaner blade.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2001Publication date: March 27, 2003Inventors: Kurt Matthew Korfhage, Michael David Maul, Alexander Douglas Meade, Tom E. Stickler, Liqun Larry Wang