The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 14, 2006
Filed:
Oct. 06, 2004
Douglas Anthony Able, Shelbyville, KY (US);
David Herman Alverson, Lexington, KY (US);
Danny Keith Chapman, Sadieville, KY (US);
David Ross Cutts, Jr., Lexington, KY (US);
Brian Michael Jacobs, Lexington, KY (US);
Matthew David Miles, Lexington, KY (US);
Michael Todd Phillips, Frankfort, KY (US);
Benjamin Kyle Shepherd, Versailles, KY (US);
Mark Stephen Underwood, Lexington, KY (US);
Marshall Lee White, Lexington, KY (US);
Douglas Anthony Able, Shelbyville, KY (US);
David Herman Alverson, Lexington, KY (US);
Danny Keith Chapman, Sadieville, KY (US);
David Ross Cutts, Jr., Lexington, KY (US);
Brian Michael Jacobs, Lexington, KY (US);
Matthew David Miles, Lexington, KY (US);
Michael Todd Phillips, Frankfort, KY (US);
Benjamin Kyle Shepherd, Versailles, KY (US);
Mark Stephen Underwood, Lexington, KY (US);
Marshall Lee White, Lexington, KY (US);
Lexmark International, Inc., Lexington, KY (US);
Abstract
An improved variable speed fan controller for use in devices such as laser printers. The controller automatically adjusts its output signal to fans such that a fan quickly settles into an appropriate operating speed, even if the fan has been newly installed into the equipment. The controller can store values in non-volatile memory, if desired, to keep track of recent changes in the fan's operating parameters and corresponding control signal values. The controller is able to control relatively inexpensive fans that don't necessarily operate at a predictable fan rotating speed under repeatable conditions and control signals, by controlling the fan to an initial or predetermined rotating speed; if the fan isn't running within a suitable range of rotational speeds, then determining whether a fine or coarse adjustment should be made to the fan's rotational speed. The controller makes appropriate adjustments until the fan's rotational speed is within acceptable operating tolerances.