Patents by Inventor Donald L. Black
Donald L. Black 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).
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Patent number: 7198889Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a positive image in a photothermographic element comprising a potentially negative-working emulsion wherein fog density development is imagewise inhibited in exposed areas of the image upon thermal development, the element further comprising a developer or precursor thereof and an oxidized developer scavenging agent to accelerate development by removing oxidized developer as it is formed during the thermal development step. In one embodiment of the invention, in which a density-inhibiting agent is released during thermal development that inhibits the thermal development of unexposed silver salts in the exposed areas relative to the unexposed areas, the method comprises imagewise exposing the film with a non-solarizing amount of radiation/energy to form a latent image and thermally developing the latent image in a single development step to produce a positive image in the element.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2003Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Michael R. Roberts, Paul B. Gilman, Donald L. Black, Kurt M. Schroeder
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Patent number: 7183024Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a positive image in a photothermographic element comprising a potentially negative-working emulsion wherein fog density development is imagewise inhibited in exposed areas of the image upon thermal development. In one embodiment of the invention, a density-inhibiting agent is released during thermal development which agent inhibits the thermal development of unexposed silver salts in the exposed areas relative to the unexposed areas. The method preferably comprises imagewise exposing the film with a non-solarizing amount of radiation/energy to form a latent image and thermally developing the latent image in a single development step to produce a positive image in the element. The present invention is also directed to a photothermographic element that can be used in the present process in which a positive image characterized by high speed and discrimination is formed when exposed and thermally heated above 150° C.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2003Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Michael R. Roberts, Paul B. Gilman, Donald L. Black, Kurt M. Schroeder
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Patent number: 7033742Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a positive image in a photothermographic film exposed by electrons in a transmission electron microscope to form a latent image in the film. The photothermographic film has at least one imaging layer comprising a potentially negative-working emulsion, but wherein thermal development of unexposed silver salts in exposed areas relative to unexposed areas is inhibited when thermally developing the imagewise exposed assembly, thereby producing a positive image. The present invention is also directed to the processing of the photothermographic film in which a positive image characterized by high speed and discrimination is formed in the film when heated above 150° C.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2004Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Michael R. Roberts, Donald L. Black, Paul B. Gilman, Jr.
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Publication number: 20040259041Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a positive image in a photothermographic element comprising a potentially negative-working emulsion wherein fog density development is imagewise inhibited in exposed areas of the image upon thermal development. In one embodiment of the invention, a density-inhibiting agent is released during thermal development which agent inhibits the thermal development of unexposed silver salts in the exposed areas relative to the unexposed areas. The method preferably comprises imagewise exposing the film with a non-solarizing amount of radiation/energy to form a latent image and thermally developing the latent image in a single development step to produce a positive image in the element. The present invention is also directed to a photothermographic element that can be used in the present process in which a positive image characterized by high speed and discrimination is formed when exposed and thermally heated above 150° C.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2003Publication date: December 23, 2004Inventors: Michael R. Roberts, Paul B. Gilman, Donald L. Black, Kurt M. Schroeder
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Publication number: 20040253552Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a positive image in a photothermographic element comprising a potentially negative-working emulsion wherein fog density development is imagewise inhibited in exposed areas of the image upon thermal development, the element further comprising a developer or precursor thereof and an oxidized developer scavenging agent to accelerate development by removing oxidized developer as it is formed during the thermal development step. In one embodiment of the invention, in which a density-inhibiting agent is released during thermal development that inhibits the thermal development of unexposed silver salts in the exposed areas relative to the unexposed areas, the method comprises imagewise exposing the film with a non-solarizing amount of radiation/energy to form a latent image and thermally developing the latent image in a single development step to produce a positive image in the element.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2003Publication date: December 16, 2004Inventors: Michael R. Roberts, Paul B. Gilman, Donald L. Black, Kurt M. Schroeder
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Publication number: 20040040197Abstract: A set device rod holder for hook setting a fish is disclosed which is installable on diverse types of surfacing and used in interaction with various types of fishing rods for supporting a rod in a set positioning to respond automatically to pressure from an interested fish to hook-set such a fish, and to allow the user to easily pick up the rod and reel in the fish. A platform assembly is provided having at least two base members which are hinged together. The first base is dimensioned or weighted to extend beyond the magnitude of the second base and is utilized in a counter-balancing manner to tip or move away from the second base. Augmentation of the counterbalancing is facilitated by the placement and temporary support of the fishing rod in a placement area on the first base. Embodiments of the invention also utilize biasing elements to further augment the triggering process.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2002Publication date: March 4, 2004Inventor: Donald L. Black
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Patent number: 6656674Abstract: A photographic element which comprises a support bearing: (i) a first radiation-sensitive silver halide emulsion image-forming layer comprising a high bromide tabular grain emulsion including tabular grains having {111} major faces, exhibiting an average thickness of at least 0.07 &mgr;m and an average aspect ratio of at least 2; and (ii) a second radiation-sensitive silver halide emulsion image-forming layer comprising an ultrathin tabular grain emulsion including tabular grains having {111} major faces, containing greater than 70 mole percent bromide and at least 0.25 mole percent iodide, exhibiting an average thickness of less than 0.07 &mgr;m and an average equivalent circular diameter of at least 0.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Tommie L. Royster, Jr., John E. Keevert, Jr., Sharon G. Johnston, Donald L. Black, David W. Sandford
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Publication number: 20030152877Abstract: A photographic element which comprises a support bearing: (i) a first radiation-sensitive silver halide emulsion image-forming layer comprising a high bromide tabular grain emulsion including tabular grains having {111} major faces, exhibiting an average thickness of at least 0.07 &mgr;m and an average aspect ratio of at least 2; and (ii) a second radiation-sensitive silver halide emulsion image-forming layer comprising an ultrathin tabular grain emulsion including tabular grains having {111} major faces, containing greater than 70 mole percent bromide and at least 0.25 mole percent iodide, exhibiting an average thickness of less than 0.07 &mgr;m and an average equivalent circular diameter of at least 0.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2001Publication date: August 14, 2003Applicant: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Tommie L. Royster,, John E. Keevert,, Sharon G. Johnston, Donald L. Black, David W. Sandford
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Patent number: 6576414Abstract: The present invention is directed to a photothermographic element comprising silver halide, a blocked developer, a coupler, and core/shell particles, each such particle comprising a mixture of at least two non-photosensitive organic silver salts, which particle comprises a center portion comprising a non-photosensitive first organic silver salt and at least one shell portion covering the center portion, the shell comprising a non-photosensitive second organic silver salt. The organic silver salt in the shell has a lower pKsp relative to the organic silver salt in the core. This invention also provides a composition comprising the core/shell non-photosensitive organic silver salt particles, and a method of making the particles.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2001Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Mark E. Irving, David H. Levy, Bernard D. Stich, Mark R. Mis, Stephen Swingley, Donald L. Black
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Patent number: 6548236Abstract: The present invention is directed to a photothermographic element comprising silver halide, a blocked developer, a coupler, and core/shell particles, each such particle comprising a mixture of at least two non-photosensitive organic silver salts, which particle comprises a center portion comprising a non-photosensitive first organic silver salt and at least one shell portion covering the center portion, the shell comprising a non-photosensitive second organic silver salt. The organic silver salt in the shell has a higher pKsp relative to the organic silver salt in the core. This invention also provides a composition comprising core/shell non-photosensitive organic silver salt particles, and a method of making the particles.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2001Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Mark E. Irving, David H. Levy, JoAnn D. Hanna, Stephen Swingley, Donald L. Black, Stephen C. Stoker
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Patent number: 6494305Abstract: Carcass-tracking apparatus housings, carcass-tracking apparatus, and carcass-tracking methods are described. In one embodiment, a carcass-tracking apparatus housing is provided comprising an enclosure dimensioned to contain a transponder and having first and second oppositely-facing surface areas. The first surface area is positioned for mounting against a surface of a carcass-transporting device. The first and second surface areas are preferably different from one another. In another embodiment, the housing comprises an enclosure dimensioned to contain a transponder and having a plurality of surfaces which face in different directions. One of the surfaces is positioned for mounting on a carcass-transporting device. At least two other surfaces have openings therein which are joined with a transponder-receiving space. The openings are preferably sized and positioned to accommodate wireless communication with a transponder which can be received within the transponder-receiving space.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1998Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Donald L. Black, Ross S. Dando
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Patent number: 6265962Abstract: Communications between an RFID interrogator and an RFID transponder require that no more than one transponder be present in the reading range of the interrogator and transmitting into motion at any given time. If multiple transponders are in the field, then a collision between the return signals of the transponders occurs, rendering the signals unreadable. A method to resolve the collisions and allow for accurate transmission of each transponder's data is given. This method is especially effective over other methods when the transponder is a read-only type of device, whereby there is no communications interrogator on board the read-only transponder.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2000Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Donald L. Black, Dale Yones
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Patent number: 6100019Abstract: A process is disclosed of conducting in a single reaction vessel selective site high chloride epitaxy deposition as a continuation of host high bromide {1111} tabular grain emulsion precipitation. A host tabular grain emulsion is precipitated accounting for 0.05 to 1.5 moles of silver per liter of dispersing medium. Any iodide at the major faces of the tabular grains is uniformly distributed and any iodide in a surface region of the grains amounts to less than 7 mole, based on silver in the surface region. Until epitaxy is formed, pH is held in the range of 3 to 8. Gelatino-peptizer in an amount of 1 to 40 grams per Ag mole is added to the emulsion. Chloride ion in a range of from 0.03 to 0.15 mole per liter is dispersed in the emulsion. pBr is held in the range of from 3.0 to 3.8 until epitaxy is formed. Iodide ion in a concentration of from 5.times.10.sup.-6 to 1.times.10.sup.-4 mole per square meter of grain surface area is uniformly adsorbed to the major surfaces of the tabular grains.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1999Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Thomas B. Brust, Philip J. Dale, Mark R. Mis, Donald L. Black
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Patent number: 6091319Abstract: Communications between an RFID interrogator and an RFID transponder require that no more than one transponder be present in the reading range of the interrogator and transmitting into motion at any given time. If multiple transponders are in the field, then a collision between the return signals of the transponders occurs, rendering the signals unreadable. A method to resolve the collisions and allow for accurate transmission of each transponder's data is given. This method is especially effective over other methods when the transponder is a read-only type of device, whereby there is no communications interrogator on board the read-only transponder.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1999Date of Patent: July 18, 2000Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Donald L Black, Dale Yornes
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Patent number: 5986570Abstract: Communications between an RFID interrogator and an RFID transponder require that no more than one transponder be present in the reading range of the interrogator and transmitting into motion at any given time. If multiple transponders are in the field, then a collision between the return signals of the transponders occurs, rendering the signals unreadable. A method to resolve the collisions and allow for accurate transmission of each transponder's data is given. This method is especially effective over other methods when the transponder is a read-only type of device, whereby there is no communications interrogator on board the read-only transponder.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1997Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: Micron Communications, Inc.Inventors: Donald L. Black, Dale Yones
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Patent number: 5976778Abstract: A process of preparing a radiation-sensitive silver halide emulsion is disclosed in which the silver halide grains form dispersed clumps. A population of fine silver halide grains is precipitated at higher concentrations than previously taught for preparing this type of an emulsion by employing a peptizer limited in amount, limited in methionine content, or both. Following formation of the grains, they are aggregated into clumps by the addition of a surfactant, optionally assisted by the adding iodide, increasing pH or both. The grain clumps are stabilized against further aggregation by adding a high methionine peptizer and optionally assisted by the precipitation of additional silver halide.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1998Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Thomas B. Brust, Mark R. Mis, David H. Levy, Donald L. Black
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Patent number: 5629144Abstract: The invention provides a radiation-sensitive silver halide emulsion comprisingsilver halide grains including tabular grains(a) having {111} major faces(b) containing greater than 70 mole percent bromide, based on silver,(c) accounting for greater than 90 percent of total grain projected area,(d) exhibiting an average equivalent circular diameter of at least 0.7 .mu.m,(e) exhibiting an average thickness of less than 0.07 .mu.m, and(f) having latent image forming chemical sensitization sites on the surfaces of the tabular rains, anda spectral sensitizing dye adsorbed to the surfaces of the tabular grains,wherein the surface chemical sensitization sites include at least one silver salt epitaxially located on said tabular rains and wherein said grains further comprise a mercapto compound represented by Formula III ##STR1## where R.sup.1 is an aliphatic or aromatic radical containing up to 20 carbon atoms.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1994Date of Patent: May 13, 1997Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Richard L. Daubendiek, Donald L. Black, Joseph C. Deaton, Timothy R. Gersey, Joseph G. Lighthouse, Myra T. Olm, Xin Wen, Robert D. Wilson
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Patent number: 5614358Abstract: A chemically and spectrally sensitized ultrathin tabular grain emulsion is disclosed including tabular grains (a) having {111} major faces, (b) containing greater than 70 mole percent bromide, based on silver, (c) accounting for greater than 90 percent of total grain projected area, (d) exhibiting an average equivalent circular diameter of at least 0.7 .mu.m, and (e) exhibiting an average thickness of less than 0.07 .mu.m.It has been observed that increased speed and contrast as well as improvements in speed-granularity relationships can be realized when the surface chemical sensitization sites include epitaxially deposited silver halide protrusions forming epitaxial junctions with the tabular grains, the protrusions (a) being located on up to 50 percent of the surface area of the tabular grains, (b) having a higher overall solubility than at least that portion of the tabular grains forming epitaxial junctions with the protrusions, and (c) forming a face centered cubic crystal lattice.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 1995Date of Patent: March 25, 1997Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Robert D. Wilson, Myra T. Olm, Richard L. Daubendiek, Donald L. Black, Joseph C. Deaton, Timothy R. Gersey, Joseph G. Lighthouse, Xin Wen
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Patent number: 5582965Abstract: A chemically and spectrally sensitized ultrathin tabular grain emulsion is disclosed including tabular grains (a) having {111} major faces, (b) containing greater than 70 mole percent bromide and at least 0.25 mole percent iodide, based on silver, (c) accounting for greater than 90 percent of total grain projected area, (d) exhibiting an average equivalent circular diameter of at least 0.7 .mu.m, and (e) exhibiting an average thickness of less than 0.07 .mu.m.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1995Date of Patent: December 10, 1996Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Joseph C. Deaton, Richard L. Daubendiek, Donald L. Black, Timothy R. Gersey, Joseph G. Lighthouse, Myra T. Olm, Xin Wen, Robert D. Wilson
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Patent number: 5576168Abstract: A chemically and spectrally sensitized ultrathin tabular grain emulsion is disclosed including tabular grains (a) having {111} major faces, (b) containing greater than 70 mole percent bromide and at least 0.25 mole percent iodide, based on silver, (c) accounting for greater than 90 percent of total grain projected area, (d) exhibiting an average equivalent circular diameter of at least 0.7 .mu.m, and (e) exhibiting an average thickness of less than 0.07 .mu.m.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1994Date of Patent: November 19, 1996Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Richard L. Daubendiek, Donald L. Black, Joseph C. Deaton, Timothy R. Gersey, Joseph G. Lighthouse, Myra T. Olm, Xin Wen, Robert D. Wilson