Patents by Inventor Rodney Evans

Rodney Evans 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: 9323178
    Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for containing toner therein. An exit port in fluid communication with the reservoir faces downward on a front of the housing near a first side of the housing. A portion of a main interface gear for providing rotational power to a toner delivery system is exposed on the front of the housing near a top of a second side of the housing and engagable with a corresponding drive gear in the image forming device. A projection extends forward from the housing further forward than a frontmost portion of the exit port and is spaced from the exit port toward the first side of the housing. A front of the projection is unobstructed for engaging a developer unit when the toner cartridge is inserted into the image forming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjer Albaran Acosta, James Anthany Carter, II, Gary Neal Hackney, Katrina Rosit Lactuan, James Richard Leemhuis, Keith Seaman, Bryan Christopher Scharf, Matthew Lee Rogers, Christopher Gene Vowels, Jason Hale, Mark William Amann, Benjamin Keith Newman, Harald Portig, Rodney Evan Sproul
  • Patent number: 9298130
    Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for containing toner therein. An exit port in fluid communication with the reservoir faces downward on a front of the housing near a first side of the housing. A portion of a main interface gear for providing rotational power to a toner delivery system is exposed on the front of the housing near a top of a second side of the housing and engagable with a corresponding drive gear in the image forming device. A projection extends forward from the housing further forward than a frontmost portion of the exit port and is spaced from the exit port toward the first side of the housing. A front of the projection is unobstructed for engaging a developer unit when the toner cartridge is inserted into the image forming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjer Albaran Acosta, James Anthany Carter, II, Gary Neal Hackney, Katrina Rosit Lactuan, James Richard Leemhuis, Keith Seaman, Bryan Christopher Scharf, Matthew Lee Rogers, Christopher Gene Vowels, Jason Hale, Mark William Amann, Benjamin Keith Newman, Harald Portig, Rodney Evan Sproul
  • Publication number: 20160077485
    Abstract: A replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a photoconductive drum having an outer surface. A component is biased toward contact with the outer surface of the photoconductive drum. A separator is manually removable from the replaceable unit. The separator includes a separator portion physically separating the component from the outer surface of the photoconductive drum. The separator also includes a first electrically conductive contact electrically connected to the component and a second electrically conductive contact electrically connected to the photoconductive drum. An electrical path is formed between the first electrically conductive contact and the second electrically conductive contact electrically connecting the component and the photoconductive drum such that a surface electrical potential of the component remains substantially the same as a surface electrical potential of the photoconductive drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Inventor: Rodney Evan Sproul
  • Publication number: 20160077486
    Abstract: A replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a photoconductive drum having an exposed outer surface along a length of the photoconductive drum. A cover is manually removable from the replaceable unit. The cover includes a body covering the exposed portion of the outer surface of the photoconductive drum along the length of the photoconductive drum. An inner side of the body adjacent to the exposed portion of the outer surface of the photoconductive drum is electrically conductive. The cover includes a securing member removably securing the cover to the replaceable unit. The cover also includes an electrically conductive contact electrically connected to the photoconductive drum. An electrical path is formed between the electrically conductive contact and the electrically conductive inner side of the body that electrically connects the photoconductive drum and the inner side of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Inventor: Rodney Evan Sproul
  • Publication number: 20160041499
    Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for containing toner therein. An exit port in fluid communication with the reservoir faces downward on a front of the housing near a first side of the housing. A portion of a main interface gear for providing rotational power to a toner delivery system is exposed on the front of the housing near a top of a second side of the housing and engagable with a corresponding drive gear in the image forming device. A projection extends forward from the housing further forward than a frontmost portion of the exit port and is spaced from the exit port toward the first side of the housing. A front of the projection is unobstructed for engaging a developer unit when the toner cartridge is inserted into the image forming device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Benjer Albaran Acosta, James Anthany Carter, II, Gary Neal Hackney, Katrina Rosit Lactuan, James Richard Leemhuis, Keith Seaman, Bryan Christopher Scharf, Matthew Lee Rogers, Christopher Gene Vowels, Jason Hale, Mark William Amann, Benjamin Keith Newman, Harald Portig, Rodney Evan Sproul
  • Publication number: 20150227080
    Abstract: A toner delivery system for a toner cartridge includes a toner paddle assembly having a drive shaft and a frame extending from the drive shaft. A first scraper and a second scraper each extend in their free states in a cantilevered manner from a distal end of the frame in a direction generally orthogonal to the extension of the frame and to an axis of rotation of the drive shaft. The second scraper has a cantilevered length measured along a direction that the second scraper extends in the cantilevered manner from the distal end of the frame that varies along an axial direction of the drive shaft. The first scraper and the second scraper are positioned to have an interference contact with the front of the toner cartridge housing along a first portion and a second portion, respectively, of a channel upon rotation of the drive shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Inventors: James Anthany Carter, II, Gary Neal Hackney, James Richard Leemhuis, Rodney Evan Sproul
  • Patent number: 9042792
    Abstract: A toner delivery system for a shake-free toner cartridge comprises a toner paddle assembly having a plurality of scrapers. A main scraper scrapes toner adhering to interior surfaces and directs toner from a first region of the toner reservoir into the opening in a first portion of the front of the housing. A secondary scraper positioned adjacent with the main scraper scrapes and directs toner from a second region of the toner reservoir into the first region. A side scraper scrapes toner adhering to interior surfaces of respective side walls of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: James Anthany Carter, II, Gary Neal Hackney, James Richard Leemhuis, Rodney Evan Sproul
  • Publication number: 20150003877
    Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for containing toner therein. An exit port in fluid communication with the reservoir faces downward on a front of the housing near a first side of the housing. A portion of a main interface gear for providing rotational power to a toner delivery system is exposed on the front of the housing near a top of a second side of the housing and engagable with a corresponding drive gear in the image forming device. A projection extends forward from the housing further forward than a frontmost portion of the exit port and is spaced from the exit port toward the first side of the housing. A front of the projection is unobstructed for engaging a developer unit when the toner cartridge is inserted into the image forming device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Benjer Albaran Acosta, James Anthany Carter, II, Gary Neal Hackney, Katrina Rosit Lactuan, James Richard Leemhuis, Keith Seaman, Bryan Christopher Scharf, Matthew Lee Rogers, Christopher Gene Vowels, Jason Hale, Mark William Amann, Benjamin Keith Newman, Harald Portig, Rodney Evan Sproul
  • Patent number: 8867966
    Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a housing that defines a reservoir for containing toner. An exit port in fluid communication with the reservoir faces downward on the front of the housing near a first side. A shutter positioned at the exit port is movable between an open position and a closed position. A toner delivery system for transferring toner from the reservoir includes a main interface gear exposed on the front of the housing near the top of the second side. A rearward facing opening is positioned near the first side of the housing for receiving a first engagement feature in an image forming device for opening and closing the shutter. A forward facing slot is positioned near the first side of the housing for receiving a second engagement feature in the image forming device for locking and unlocking the shutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjer Albaran Acosta, Mark William Amann, James Anthany Carter, II, Gary Neal Hackney, Katrina Rosit Lactuan, James Richard Leemhuis, Benjamin Keith Newman, Matthew Lee Rogers, Rodney Evan Sproul, Jason Hale, Harald Portig, Keith Seaman, Bryan Christopher Scharf, Christopher Gene Vowels
  • Patent number: 8792138
    Abstract: A method that includes receiving an image, automatically determining at least one region of interest in the image based on at least one color deficiency type from a plurality of color deficiency types, modifying the image by correcting the at least one region of interest and producing an output of the modified image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Jacob Boggs, Scott Timothy Cramer, Matthew Ryan Keniston, Rodney Evan Sproul, Daniel Lee Thomas, Lane Thomas Butler
  • Publication number: 20140199097
    Abstract: A toner delivery system for a shake-free toner cartridge comprises a toner paddle assembly having a plurality of scrapers. A main scraper scrapes toner adhering to interior surfaces and directs toner from a first region of the toner reservoir into the opening in a first portion of the front of the housing. A secondary scraper positioned adjacent with the main scraper scrapes and directs toner from a second region of the toner reservoir into the first region. A side scraper scrapes toner adhering to interior surfaces of respective side walls of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: James Anthany Carter, II, Gary Neal Hackney, James Richard Leemhuis, Rodney Evan Sproul
  • Patent number: 8688016
    Abstract: A paddle assembly for a shake-free toner cartridge comprises a toner paddle having a plurality of scrapers. When installed in a toner cartridge, a main scraper scrapes toner adhering to interior surfaces and directs toner from a first region of the toner reservoir into the opening in a first portion of the front of the housing. A secondary scraper positioned adjacent with the main scraper scrapes and directs toner from a second region of the toner reservoir into the first region. A side scraper scrapes toner adhering to interior surfaces of respective side walls of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: James Anthany Carter, II, Gary Neal Hackney, James Richard Leemhuis, Rodney Evan Sproul
  • Patent number: 8660469
    Abstract: A toner delivery system for a shake-free toner cartridge comprises a toner paddle assembly having a plurality of scrapers. A main scraper scrapes toner adhering to interior surfaces and directs toner from a first region of the toner reservoir into the opening in a first portion of the front of the housing. A secondary scraper positioned adjacent with the main scraper scrapes and directs toner from a second region of the toner reservoir into the first region. A side scraper scrapes toner adhering to interior surfaces of respective side walls of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: James Anthany Carter, II, Gary Neal Hackney, James Richard Leemhuis, Rodney Evan Sproul
  • Publication number: 20130201495
    Abstract: A method that includes receiving an original image containing color pels; analyzing a placement of the color pels; and altering the placement of the color pels by applying at least one pattern on the color pels and creating a new image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: Aaron Jacob Boggs, Scott Timothy Cramer, Matthew Ryan Keniston, Rodney Evan Sproul, Daniel Lee Thomas, Lane Thomas Butler
  • Publication number: 20130201496
    Abstract: A method that includes receiving an image, automatically determining at least one region of interest in the image based on at least one color deficiency type from a plurality of color deficiency types, modifying the image by correcting the at least one region of interest and producing an output of the modified image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: Aaron Jacob Boggs, Scott Timothy Cramer, Matthew Ryan Keniston, Rodney Evan Sproul, Daniel Lee Thomas, Lane Thomas Butler
  • Publication number: 20130170874
    Abstract: A paddle assembly for a shake-free toner cartridge comprises a toner paddle having a plurality of scrapers. When installed in a toner cartridge, a main scraper scrapes toner adhering to interior surfaces and directs toner from a first region of the toner reservoir into the opening in a first portion of the front of the housing. A secondary scraper positioned adjacent with the main scraper scrapes and directs toner from a second region of the toner reservoir into the first region. A side scraper scrapes toner adhering to interior surfaces of respective side walls of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventors: JAMES ANTHANY CARTER, II, Gary Neal Hackney, James Richard Leemhuis, Rodney Evan Sproul
  • Publication number: 20130170868
    Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a housing that defines a reservoir for containing toner. An exit port in fluid communication with the reservoir faces downward on the front of the housing near a first side. A shutter positioned at the exit port is movable between an open position and a closed position. A toner delivery system for transferring toner from the reservoir includes a main interface gear exposed on the front of the housing near the top of the second side. A rearward facing opening is positioned near the first side of the housing for receiving a first engagement feature in an image forming device for opening and closing the shutter. A forward facing slot is positioned near the first side of the housing for receiving a second engagement feature in the image forming device for locking and unlocking the shutter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventors: Benjer Albaran Acosta, Mark William Amann, James Anthany Carter, II, Gary Neal Hackney, Katrina Rosit Lactuan, James Richard Leemhuis, Benjamin Keith Newman, Matthew Lee Rogers, Rodney Evan Sproul, Jason Hale, Harald Portig, Keith Seaman, Bryan Christopher Scharf, Christopher Gene Vowels
  • Publication number: 20130170873
    Abstract: A toner delivery system for a shake-free toner cartridge comprises a toner paddle assembly having a plurality of scrapers. A main scraper scrapes toner adhering to interior surfaces and directs toner from a first region of the toner reservoir into the opening in a first portion of the front of the housing. A secondary scraper positioned adjacent with the main scraper scrapes and directs toner from a second region of the toner reservoir into the first region. A side scraper scrapes toner adhering to interior surfaces of respective side walls of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventors: James Anthany Carter, II, Gary Neal Hackney, James Richard Leemhuis, Rodney Evan Sproul
  • Publication number: 20130170875
    Abstract: A toner paddle for a toner vessel containing toner according to one example embodiment includes a drive shaft defining an axis of rotation for the paddle. The paddle also includes a first set of radially aligned breaker bars, a second set of radially aligned breaker bars radially offset from the first set of breaker bars by about 90 degrees, and a third set of radially aligned breaker bars radially offset from the second set of breaker bars by about 180 degrees. Each of the sets of breaker bars includes a plurality of radially extending breaker bars axially spaced along the drive shaft. The rotation of the drive shaft results in the rotation of the sets of breaker bars into, through, and out of engagement with the toner within the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventors: Rodney Evan Sproul, Kalyan Vedantam
  • Patent number: 7810925
    Abstract: A contact lens having near vision and distance vision portions, the lens being movable on the eye between first and second positions, those positions corresponding with aligning the wearer's vision through the near vision and distance vision portions respectively. The lens is positionally stable on the eye in each of the two positions, and requires a force to be applied to the lens to move between the first and second positions. Preferably the lens has a back surface and a front surface, and said back surface has either one or two major back curve zones occupying a major portion of the lens back surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventors: Simon Rodney Evans, Arthur Ho, Geoffrey Peter Brent, Klaus Ehrmann, Darrin Mark Falk, Sandya Indrani Perera, Jacqueline Tan, Renee Du Toit