Lexmark was granted a patent for smart toner-supply control.

{
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  "signal_type": "patents-company",
  "signal_subtype": "patentGrant",
  "detected_at": "2026-09-17T23:47:53+00:00",
  "company": {
    "name": "Lexmark",
    "domain": "lexmark.com"
  },
  "data": {
    "cpc": [
      {
        "code": "H04N 1/4426",
        "label": "Pictorial communication, e.g. television"
      },
      {
        "code": "B41J 2/17503"
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        "label": "Electric digital data processing"
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    "tags": [
      "Intellectual Property",
      "Research & Development",
      "Office Hardware",
      "Manufacturing Operations"
    ],
    "detail": "In July 2026 Lexmark patented chip-based toner tracking for printers and multifunction imaging devices, helping manage authorized supply usage over time.",
    "summary": "Lexmark was granted a patent for smart toner-supply control.",
    "event_at": "2026-07-28",
    "inventors": [
      {
        "name": "Stephen Porter Bush",
        "status": "unresolved",
        "is_primary": true
      },
      {
        "name": "Timothy John Rademacher",
        "status": "unresolved",
        "is_primary": false
      },
      {
        "name": "Christopher Alan Adkins",
        "status": "unresolved",
        "is_primary": false
      },
      {
        "name": "Jennifer Topmiller Williams",
        "status": "resolved",
        "is_primary": false,
        "linkedin_url": "https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenn-williams-00668a27"
      },
      {
        "name": "Gregory Scott Woods",
        "status": "resolved",
        "is_primary": false,
        "linkedin_url": "https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-woods-4718bb115"
      }
    ],
    "tech_area": "video / streaming",
    "event_kind": "grant_date",
    "grant_date": "2026-07-28",
    "source_url": "https://patents.google.com/patent/US12695841",
    "cpc_primary": {
      "code": "H04N 1/4426",
      "label": "Pictorial communication, e.g. television"
    },
    "patent_title": "Supply item chip configured for communication with a controller",
    "patent_number": "US12695841",
    "uspto_assignee": "LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.",
    "patent_abstract": "A supply item has toner for use in an imaging device. A chip has memory storing quanta indicating allowed usage of the supply item over its lifetime and a multiplier correlating the quanta to toner mass. The imaging device requires quanta to conduct imaging operations and loads the quanta and multiplier by way of a certificate stored in the memory. The imaging device retrieves quanta from the chip over time and both devices keep tally. Initialization between the supply item and imaging device includes providing encrypted and unencrypted instances of firmware versions and certificates from the supply item that the imaging device can compare for security. Alternatively, the supply item defines a fuser assembly, imaging unit, intermediate transfer member, or other component installed for use in the imaging device.",
    "precision_class": "structural",
    "invention_explanation": "A toner-cartridge chip stores an allowance tied to toner mass, while the cartridge and printer subtract and record usage together during printing.",
    "technologies_mentioned": [
      "printer consumables",
      "embedded chips",
      "toner management",
      "usage tracking"
    ]
  }
}

curl https://signals.autobound.ai/v1/signals/9d1ad495-5f7d-59f2-98a6-f40d5935d970 \
  -H "X-API-KEY: $AUTOBOUND_API_KEY"

curl -X POST https://signals.autobound.ai/v1/companies/enrich \
  -H "X-API-KEY: $AUTOBOUND_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"domain":"lexmark.com","limit":20}'