Patents by Inventor Richard F. Beaufort
Richard F. Beaufort 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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Patent number: 10804649Abstract: Examples disclosed herein relate to a non-conductive member including a surface defining a first hole to mate to a first pin of a terminal and a second hole to mate to a second pin of the terminal and a third pin of the terminal; and a protrusion extending from the surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2017Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Richard F Beaufort, Robin P Yergenson, David R Connolly
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Publication number: 20190296490Abstract: Examples disclosed herein relate to a non-conductive member including a surface defining a first hole to mate to a first pin of a terminal and a second hole to mate to a second pin of the terminal and a third pin of the terminal; and a protrusion extending from the surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2017Publication date: September 26, 2019Inventors: Richard F Beaufort, Robin P Yergenson, David R Connolly
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Patent number: 6711366Abstract: A component for an electrophotographic device having an intermediate transfer device includes a hopper configured for association with a toner cartridge. The hopper is configured to store residual toner collected from the intermediate transfer device. The hopper includes an opening configured to receive the residual toner.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2002Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventor: Richard F. Beaufort
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Publication number: 20040009009Abstract: A component for an electrophotographic device having an intermediate transfer device includes a hopper configured for association with a toner cartridge. The hopper is configured to store residual toner collected from the intermediate transfer device. The hopper includes an opening configured to receive the residual toner.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2002Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventor: Richard F. Beaufort
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Patent number: 6633323Abstract: Apparatus and methods for test printing are described for computer printer or other printers, including multi-pass engines or other engines. A test pattern may be printed on a non-consumable material preferably inside the printer and is made viewable by an onlooker either by the non-consumable being stationary and in view of a window/door, or moveable to the window/door after the test pattern is printed. Preferably, the test pattern is printed on an electrophotographic print engine intermediate transfer, so that printing quality produced by the entire width of the photoconductor and transfer member is diagnosed. By viewing the test pattern image, a user may see whether all toners or inks are printing properly, preferably whether all are printing without significant defects and are all aligned. Once the temporary test pattern is viewed or when a new print job is requested, the system cleans the test pattern off of the transfer member.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2001Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, LP.Inventor: Richard F. Beaufort
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Publication number: 20030067532Abstract: Apparatus and methods for test printing are described for computer printer or other printers, including multi-pass engines or other engines. A test pattern may be printed on a non-consumable material preferably inside the printer and is made viewable by an onlooker either by the non-consumable being stationary and in view of a window/door, or moveable to the window/door after the test pattern is printed. Preferably, the test pattern is printed on an electrophotographic print engine intermediate transfer, so that printing quality produced by the entire width of the photoconductor and transfer member is diagnosed. By viewing the test pattern image, a user may see whether all toners or inks are printing properly, preferably whether all are printing without significant defects and are all aligned. Once the temporary test pattern is viewed or when a new print job is requested, the system cleans the test pattern off of the transfer member.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2001Publication date: April 10, 2003Inventor: Richard F. Beaufort
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Patent number: 6003855Abstract: A multiple media sheet stack selection mechanism for selectively presenting multiple media sheet stacks to the same sheet separation and feed mechanism. The multiple media stack selection mechanism includes a primary sheet holder and at least one secondary stack holder. In the first embodiment, the multiple media stack selection mechanism includes a rotatable feed arm mechanism for holding the second paper stack and for positioning the second paper stack for picking and advancement. In the second embodiment, the multiple media sheet stack selection mechanism includes a paper stack gripping device for holding a second paper stack and for positioning the second paper stack for picking and advancement. In both the first and second embodiment, the paper stacks are positioned at a near vertical angle. The near vertical angle provides additional advantages in that the gravity force assists in constantly urging the sheets toward the feed zone, and results in a greater feed reliability.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1997Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Assignee: Hewlett-Pakcard CompanyInventors: Richard F. Beaufort, Robin P. Yergenson
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Patent number: 5887232Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing toner in an electrophotographic printing system includes a housing for containing a supply of toner and toner filled containers for replenishing the supply of toner. Toner is allowed to flow to a developer assembly in the electrophotographic printing system by removal of a housing toner seal. The bottom of the container is dimensioned so that it can be inserted through the opening in the top of the housing and the opening in the top of another substantially identical container. A toner dam seal is attached to the container to close the bottom opening. In the preferred embodiment, the toner dam seal includes a length of flexible material for use in removal of the toner dam seal. In an alternative embodiment, cutting blades are attached to the interior of the sidewalls of both the housing and the container for cutting the toner dam seal upon installation of the container into the housing or into a previously installed container.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1995Date of Patent: March 23, 1999Assignee: Hewlett-Packard CompanyInventors: Quintin T. Phillips, K. Trent Christensen, Richard F. Beaufort, Robin P. Yergenson
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Patent number: 5818504Abstract: Compensation for pixel aberrations in a laser printer is accomplished by altering pixels in accordance with pixel location. A projection of a scan line is skewed with respect to a line normal to the surface of an optical photoreceptor (OPR), which results in a change in the shape of projected pixels. Selected pixels are augmented in order to adjust their shape. The additional optical energy may be applied at the sub-pixel level so that a threshold of energy depletion on an optical photoreceptor (OPR) is not reached where image development would occur. Alternatively, the additional energy may be applied in a manner which provides additional development to simulate a pixel having a desired width across a scan line. The invention allows a scan line to be produced in which pixels across the scan line are made more uniform.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 1995Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Assignee: Hewlett-Packard CompanyInventors: Jerry Yeeming Chung, Richard F. Beaufort
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Patent number: 5615876Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a transfer medium (i.e., paper) accordion jam in a processing path of a laser printer comprises an accordion detection flag pivotally disposed near the processing path. In the event an accordion jam occurs to the transfer medium in the processing path, an accordioned portion of the transfer medium presses against the flag thereby forcing the flag to pivot for signaling the accordion jam.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1995Date of Patent: April 1, 1997Assignee: Hewlett-Packard CompanyInventors: Robin P. Yergenson, Richard F. Beaufort
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Patent number: 5594535Abstract: An apparatus for refilling an electrophotographic imaging system. A refill pack is constructed around a frame. A collapsible bag, which is permanently attached to the top of the frame, along with a removable seal, which is attached to the bottom of the frame, defines an internal volume that contains the developer particles. The refill pack attaches to a receiving area on the cartridge. A new cartridge includes a flexible cover attached over an opening in the receiving area. Once the refill pack is attached to the receiving area, the removable seal is removed. As the removable seal is removed, a cutting edge on the removable seal cuts the flexible cover, opening the cartridge. Removal of the removable seal also releases the developer particles from the internal volume, allowing them to enter the cartridge thereby refilling the cartridge. Additional refill packs may be added over the top of a spent refill pack. However, the receiving area of the cartridge allows a maximum number of refill packs.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1995Date of Patent: January 14, 1997Assignee: Hewlett-Packard CompanyInventors: Richard F. Beaufort, Robin P. Yergenson, Howard G. Hooper
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Patent number: 5580046Abstract: Paper processing equipment such as a laser printer uses a plurality of sensors to detect the presence of paper in the paper path of the equipment. In order to provide an appropriate response to different types of malfunctions, a determination of the type of malfunction is made, and in appropriate cases, an attempt is made to self-clear the malfunction. In the case of a paper size error resulting from long size sheets being provided without a corresponding software request, the printer senses a time delay resulting from paper passage of an initial sheet. Pick of a second sheet is delayed for a time period corresponding to long size sheet passage and picks of subsequent sheets are delayed only if the sensed time delay corresponds to the longer length. This paper length information is further used to provide information regarding proper discharge of sheets from the printer.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1995Date of Patent: December 3, 1996Assignee: Hewlett-Packard CompanyInventors: Richard F. Beaufort, Jerry Y. Chung
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Patent number: 5563686Abstract: Paper processing equipment such as a laser printer uses a plurality of sensors to detect the presence of paper in the paper path of the equipment. In order to determine the nature of malfunctions indicated by presence or absence of paper at the sensors, data from the sensors is coordinated with information concerning the timing of the data. In one embodiment, a single data signal is used to provide information that a paper supply hopper is empty and that paper is present at an output of a paper sheet pick mechanism. Advantages include simpler operation and the provision of discrete display indicia for different types of malfunctions and paper out conditions.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1995Date of Patent: October 8, 1996Assignee: Hewlett-Packard CompanyInventors: Richard F. Beaufort, Robin P. Yergensen
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Patent number: 5339096Abstract: An intuitive operator panel for machines is provided. A listing of possible functions on a transparent face is located adjacent to each multiple function control or display. A colored background viewable through the transparent face, reduces the readability of the items in the list. A moveable opaque field is located between the transparent face and colored background and increases their readability. The opaque field can be moved by the operator to highlight a desired function from the list. The desired function is highlighted in the list and the machine senses the opaque field's position to determine the function selected. Such a configuration reduces the visual clutter associated with function lists which accompany multiple function controls or displays.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1993Date of Patent: August 16, 1994Assignee: Hewlett-Packard CompanyInventors: Richard F. Beaufort, James M. Sangroniz
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Patent number: 5245393Abstract: A combination fusing and media direction control method and apparatus wherein a fuser roller is positioned adjacent to a pair of idler pressure rollers located at predetermined locations adjacent to the surface of the motor driven fuser roller which is operative to receive printed media from a photo-conductive drum within a printer housing. The printed media enters a location between the surface of the fuser roller and one of the idler pressure rollers where it then traverses an approximately 90.degree. contoured path around approximately one-quarter (1/4) of the surface area of the fuser roller where it then exits the fuser roller at the intersection of the fuser roller and the second idler pressure roller. From this point, the direction of media travel is maintained substantially in a horizontal direction until the time the media comes to rest in an output paper collection tray of the printer.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 1991Date of Patent: September 14, 1993Assignee: Hewlett-Packard CompanyInventors: Chris A. Storlie, Richard F. Beaufort
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Patent number: 4970528Abstract: Disclosed herein is a uniform heat flux dryer system and method of an ink jet printer, including a 180.degree. contoured paper transport path for transferring paper from an input paper supply tray to an output paper collection tray. During this transfer, the paper receives a uniform heat flux from an infrared bulb which is located at the axis of symmetry for the paper transport path, and reflectors are positioned on each side of the infrared bulb to maximize heat transmission from the bulb to the paper during the ink drying process. Advantageously, the input and output paper trays may be vertically aligned on one side of the printer to facilitate loading and unloading of the paper.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 1988Date of Patent: November 13, 1990Assignee: Hewlett-Packard CompanyInventors: Richard F. Beaufort, Paul R. Spencer
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Patent number: 4774523Abstract: Disclosed herein is a uniform heat flux dryer system and method for an ink jet printer, including a 180.degree. contoured paper transport path for transferring paper from an input paper supply tray to an output paper collection tray. During this transfer, the paper receives a uniform heat flux from an infrared bulb which is located at the axis of symmetry for the paper transport path, and reflectors are positioned on each side of the infrared bulb to maximize heat transmission from the bulb to the paper during the ink drying process. Advantageously, the input and output paper trays may be vertically aligned on one side of the printer to facilitate loading and unloading of the paper.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1987Date of Patent: September 27, 1988Assignee: Hewlett-Packard CompanyInventors: Richard F. Beaufort, Paul R. Spencer