Patents by Inventor Terry Catherman

Terry Catherman 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: 5761577
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for vacuuming toner waste from a toner sump in a xerographic printing machine. A xerographic module in the machine contains a photoconductor, charging devices, a cleaning unit and the toner sump. When the toner sump approaches a full condition, the toner waste must be removed in order to prevent failure of the xerographic module seals. This is accomplished by removing the xerographic module from the machine, opening a sealed toner sump port and attaching a vacuum source to the toner sump port so that the toner waste can be removed with the vacuum source. A disposal adaptor tool sealingly engages the vacuum source to the toner sump at the toner sump port, allowing the toner to removed in a clean glove environment. Once the toner waste is removed from the toner sump, a new toner seal is placed over the toner sump port and the xerographic module is returned to the machine for further use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Frank R. Walsh, Terry Catherman, Scott C. Durland, Stephen C. Urciuoli