Monty L Francis

Title: Monty L Francis: Innovator in Ink Jet Technology

Introduction

Monty L Francis is a notable inventor based in Lexington, KY (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of ink jet printing technology, holding a total of 3 patents. His innovative designs have improved the functionality and efficiency of ink jet printers.

Latest Patents

One of Monty L Francis's latest patents is for a print station in an ink jet printer. This invention features a serial drop-on-demand ink jet printer with an ink cartridge that is mounted for reciprocation on a carrier. The carrier traverses paper as it advances through the printer. The cartridge includes a nozzle array for ejecting ink droplets onto the paper, while a tab upstream from the nozzle array maintains a minimum gap to prevent contact between the paper and the nozzle. This design ensures that ink is ejected into a trough when no paper is present, allowing it to dry without interference from subsequent sheets.

Another significant patent by Francis is an ink jet printhead wiper with side surfaces that intersect a top surface. This wiper comprises a monolithic body with a mounting portion and a head portion. The head portion includes a wiper portion and a beam portion that supports the wiper. The wiper's design features two non-parallel side surfaces that form parallel wiping edges, allowing for effective cleaning of the printhead. This innovative design reduces the likelihood of ink being trapped and ensures the printhead remains functional.

Career Highlights

Monty L Francis has been associated with Lexmark International, Inc., where he has contributed to advancements in printing technology. His work has been instrumental in enhancing the performance and reliability of ink jet printers.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Monty has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Donald Norman Spitz and Edmund Hulin James, III. These collaborations have fostered innovation and development in the field of printing technology.

Conclusion

Monty L Francis is a distinguished inventor whose work in ink jet technology has led to several important patents. His contributions continue to influence the printing industry, showcasing the impact of innovation on everyday technology.