Patents by Inventor Robert Galon Newman

Robert Galon Newman 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: 7734226
    Abstract: The present application is directed to devices and methods to position a developer member relative to a photoconductive member in an image forming device. One embodiment includes an elongated lift plate positioned in proximity to a photoconductive member. An elongated opening may be positioned within the lift plate. The opening may include a first section and a second section. The first section may be positioned farther from the photoconductive member than the second section. A positioning member may be positioned within the opening, and be operatively connected to the developer member. A hold down may bias the positioning member towards an edge of the opening. The lift plate may be longitudinally movable between a first position with the positioning member in the first section of the opening that positions the developer member away from the photoconductive member, and a second position with the positioning member in the second section that positions the developer member against the photoconductive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Shaun S. Greywall, Brian Boettcher, Kevin Agnissey, Paul Douglas Horrall, Robert Galon Newman
  • Publication number: 20090142096
    Abstract: The present application is directed to devices and methods to position a developer member relative to a photoconductive member in an image forming device. One embodiment includes an elongated lift plate positioned in proximity to a photoconductive member. An elongated opening may be positioned within the lift plate. The opening may include a first section and a second section. The first section may be positioned farther from the photoconductive member than the second section. A positioning member may be positioned within the opening, and be operatively connected to the developer member. A hold down may bias the positioning member towards an edge of the opening. The lift plate may be longitudinally movable between a first position with the positioning member in the first section of the opening that positions the developer member away from the photoconductive member, and a second position with the positioning member in the second section that positions the developer member against the photoconductive member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Shaun S. Greywall, Brian Boettcher, Kevin Agnissey, Paul Douglas Horrall, Robert Galon Newman
  • Patent number: 7431293
    Abstract: A dual roll to move two separate media sheets simulatneously along a section of a media path. The dual roll includes a first path formed by a first nip, and a second path formed by a second nip. A drive roll forms a section of both nips. Methods of using the dual roll are also disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises rotating the drive roll to move a first sheet in a first direction and simultaneously moving a second sheet in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Inventors: Daniel L. Carter, Robert Galon Newman
  • Patent number: 7386252
    Abstract: An image forming device includes a body and one or more door assemblies. At least one door assembly may be movable between open and closed orientations. A variety of mechanical and electrical interlocks may be used to control motion of the door assemblies. A first interlock may prevent a door assembly from moving under the influence of a force between an open and closed orientation prior to a condition being satisfied. This condition may depend on the position of a second door assembly. A breakaway feature may release the first interlock when the closing force exceeds a predetermined level. A second interlock may work with the first interlock to keep a second door assembly from opening if the first door assembly is closed. An electrical interlock may disconnect power to the image forming device when the first door assembly is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Harald Portig, Larry Steven Foster, Brian Allen Blair, David Erwin Rennick, Jeffrey Lawrence Tonges, Robert Galon Newman
  • Patent number: 7349648
    Abstract: An image forming device with one or more door assemblies that engage locking mechanisms to secure a module in an operating position. The module may be coupled to one of the one or more door assemblies. A first locking mechanism may secure the module to the image forming device body when a first door assembly is closed. A second locking mechanism may secure the module to the body with a greater securing force than the first locking mechanism to secure the module to the body. The second locking mechanism may be engaged upon closing a second door assembly. Separate biasing members may be used to apply the securing forces. The locking mechanisms may include four-bar or over-center mechanisms to apply the securing forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: David Erwin Rennick, Jason Lee Rowe, Jeffrey Lawrence Tonges, Brian Allen Blair, Larry Steven Foster, Robert Galon Newman, Edward Lynn Triplett, Gary Michael Tylicki
  • Patent number: 7130562
    Abstract: In an image forming apparatus containing a plurality of rollers disposed with generally parallel axes, a retraction plate containing a plurality of rotational couplings is movable between engaged and retracted positions. Each rotational coupling is operative to transmit a rotary force to each cartridge when the retraction plate is in the engaged position. The couplings move laterally in an axial direction of the rollers as the retraction plate moves between the engaged and retracted positions, in response to an applied force. In one embodiment, the retraction plate is rotated about a pivot point to move the couplings between engaged and retracted positions. In another embodiment, the retraction plate is translated laterally in the axial direction of the couplings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Steven Foster, Edward Lawrence Kiely, Robert Galon Newman, Harald Portig, David Erwin Rennick, Edward Lynn Triplett
  • Patent number: 6135438
    Abstract: A single pick feed mechanism is rotatable between two positions. In a first position, the single pick feed mechanism has its pick rolls rotate in one direction to pick the top sheet of a first source of media. In a second position, the single pick feed mechanism has its pick rolls rotate in the opposite direction to pick the bottom sheet of a second source of media. The first source may have sheets of a different width than the second source. The single pick feed mechanism is disposed between the sources of media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Galon Newman, Scott Stephen Williams