Patents by Inventor Edgar Preston Gates

Edgar Preston Gates 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: 5822644
    Abstract: A modular photographic processor for processing a photosensitive material. The processor comprising a modular processing section containing at least one removable processing tank for holding a processing solution therein, the removable processing tank having an outlet port and an inlet port, and a modular recirculation system having a first end and a second end. The first end being connected to the inlet port by a first fluid connection and the second end being connected to the outlet port by a second fluid connection. The recirculation system including at least one replaceable fluid processing component which is connected to the recirculation system by a fluid connection, and the replaceable tank and/or component being configured such that they may be easily stacked together to minimize space and provide stability when stacked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Edgar Preston Gates, John Howard Rosenburgh, David George Foster
  • Patent number: 5790914
    Abstract: A modular photographic processor for processing a photosensitive material. The processor comprising a modular processing section containing at least one removable processing tank for holding a processing solution therein, the at least removable processing tank having an outlet port and an inlet port, and a modular recirculation system having a first end and a second end. The first end being connected to the inlet port by a first fluid connection and the second end being connected to the outlet port by a second fluid connection. The recirculation system including at least one replaceable fluid processing component which is connected to the recirculation system by a fluid connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Edgar Preston Gates, John Howard Rosenburgh, David George Foster
  • Patent number: 5781820
    Abstract: A modular photographic processor for processing a photosensitive material and a diverting assembly for use therewith. The processor comprising a processing section containing at least one removable processing tank for holding a processing solution therein, said removable processing tank having an outlet port and an inlet port, and a modular recirculation system having a first end and a second end. The first end being connected to said inlet port by a first fluid connection and said second end being connected to said outlet port by a second fluid connection The processing section having at least two distinct photosensitive processing paths, one path designed to process photosensitive material according to a first processing chemicals and said second path designed to process photosensitive material having a second processing chemicals. The at least one processing tank having two fluid containing section each capable of containing a different processing solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: John Howard Rosenburgh, David George Foster, Edgar Preston Gates
  • Patent number: 5778272
    Abstract: A modular photographic processor for processing a photosensitive material comprising a plurality of replaceable modular processing sections. The processor is made to be adjustable in size such that it can accommodate any desired number of replaceable processing stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: John Howard Rosenburgh, David George Foster, Edgar Preston Gates
  • Patent number: 5778274
    Abstract: A photographic processor comprising a processing section having at least one removable processing tank containing a processing solution therein. The processing tank has an access opening, an outlet port and an inlet port. A recirculation system is also provided having a first inlet end and a second outlet end. The first inlet end is connected to the outlet port of the removable processing tank by a first substantially dripless valve connection, and the second outlet end is connected to the inlet port of the at least one removable processing tank by a second substantially dripless valve connection. A cover is provided for mating with the access opening of the at least one removable processing tank such that the processing tank can be moved without spilling the processing solution contained therein through the access opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: David George Foster, Edgar Preston Gates, John Howard Rosenburgh
  • Patent number: 5771417
    Abstract: A photographic processor comprising a processing section having a first predetermined location designed to receive a first removable processing tank containing a first predetermined type processing solution designated for the first predetermined location. The processor further includes a second predetermined location designed to receive a second removable processing tank containing a second type processing solution designated for the second location. The first type processing solution being different from the second type processing solution. The first and second removable processing tanks each having an access opening, an outlet port and an inlet port. The processor also includes a recirculation system connected to the inlet port and the outlet port of each of the removable processing tanks for recirculating the processing solution contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Edgar Preston Gates, John Howard Rosenburgh, David George Foster
  • Patent number: 5761561
    Abstract: A modular photographic processor for processing a photosensitive material. The processor comprising a modular processing section containing at least one removable processing tank for holding a processing solution therein. The one removable processing tank having an outlet port and an inlet port. The processor also includes a modular recirculation system having a first inlet end and a second outlet end. The second outlet end being connected to the inlet port by a first quick disconnect dripless fluid valve assembly and the first inlet end being connected to the outlet port by a second quick disconnect dripless fluid valve assembly. Various fluid processing components may be connected to the apparatus by at least one quick disconnect dripless fluid valve assembly for quick and easy repair or replacement of that component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: David George Foster, Edgar Preston Gates, John Howard Rosenburgh
  • Patent number: 5749017
    Abstract: A photographic processor and/or system having a processing section containing at least one removable processing tank for containing a processing solution therein. The processing tank has an access opening, an outlet port and an inlet port. A recirculation system is connected to the inlet port and the outlet port of the removable processing tank for recirculating the processing solution through the tank. Identification means is provided on the removable tank for identifying the particular photographic chemical contained therein or the particular type removable processing tank. A lid may be provided for preventing spilling of the processing solution during removal, transporting and improved storage life of the processing solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: David George Foster, Edgar Preston Gates, John Howard Rosenburg