Patents by Inventor Robert E. Contois

Robert E. Contois 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).

  • Single component toner for improved magnetic image character recognition
    Patent number: 6696212
    Abstract: Magnetic toner particles are disclosed. The magnetic toner particles contain at least one polymeric binder and at least one magnetic additive, wherein the surface of the toner particle contains particles of positively chargeable inorganic fine powder particles. The inorganic fine powder particles have a mean volume average particle size of from about 0.5 to about 7 &mgr;m, and a cleaning ratio of from about 0.1 to about 5.0 and a cleaning ratio being the volume fraction of particles between 0 and 1.0 &mgr;m, divided by the volume fraction of particles greater than 1.0 &mgr;m; and the toner particles having on the surface thereof a flowability improving agent having a BET surface area of at least about 30 m2/g. Methods of forming electrostatic images are further disclosed. Also, images formed from the magnetic toner particles are further disclosed and have excellent character void frequency, total void area, and suitable magnetic signal strengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Dana G. Marsh, John F. Crichton, David D. Putnam, Robert E. Contois
  • Single component toner for improved magnetic image character recognition
    Publication number: 20020192583
    Abstract: Magnetic toner particles are disclosed. The magnetic toner particles contain at least one polymeric binder and at least one magnetic additive, wherein the surface of the toner particle contains particles of positively chargeable inorganic fine powder particles. The inorganic fine powder particles have a mean volume average particle size of from about 0.5 to about 7 &mgr;m, and a cleaning ratio of from about 0.1 to about 5.0 and a cleaning ratio being the volume fraction of particles between 0 and 1.0 &mgr;m, divided by the volume fraction of particles greater than 1.0 &mgr;m; and the toner particles having on the surface thereof a flowability improving agent having a BET surface area of at least about 30 m2/g. Methods of forming electrostatic images are further disclosed. Also, images formed from the magnetic toner particles are further disclosed and have excellent character void frequency, total void area, and suitable magnetic signal strengths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Dana G. Marsh, John F. Crichton, David D. Putnam, Robert E. Contois
  • Monocomponent developer containing positively chargeable fine power
    Patent number: 6294303
    Abstract: A monocomponent electrostatographic developer is disclosed. The developer contains a negatively charging toner wherein the toner particle surface contains a positively chargeable inorganic fine powder having a mean volume average diameter of 0.5 to 7.0 &mgr;m, a cleaning ratio of 0.1 to 5.0, and a flowability improving agent having a BET specific surface area of at least 30 m2/g. A method of electrostatic imaging using the developer is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Nexpress Solutions LLC
    Inventors: David Daniel Putnam, Dana G. Marsh, Robert E. Contois