Patents by Inventor Larry K. Maier

Larry K. Maier 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: 6623679
    Abstract: A method for controlling the width of a polyester film support comprising, in order, the steps of: (a) extruding a polyester resin using one or more extruders; (b) casting the resin on a casting wheel to form a polyester sheet; (c) stretching the polyester sheet along the machine direction by ratios of 3 to 5 times at temperatures ranging from above the glass transition temperature to below the thermal crystallization temperature, wherein the machine contains extended edge rollers (14) in the drafter at the point where stretching occurs; (d) stretching the polyester sheet along the transverse direction by ratios of 3 to 5 times at temperatures ranging from above the glass transition temperature to below the thermal crystallization temperature; and (e) heat setting the polyester sheet at temperatures ranging from 180 to 250° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Wen-Li A. Chen, Timothy F. Cilano, Larry K. Maier, Jeffrey P. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20020132196
    Abstract: A method for controlling the width of a polyester film support comprising, in order, the steps of: (a) extruding a polyester resin using one or more extruders; (b) casting the resin on a casting wheel to form a polyester sheet; (c) stretching the polyester sheet along the machine direction by ratios of 3 to 5 times at temperatures ranging from above the glass transition temperature to below the thermal crystallization temperature, wherein the machine contains extended edge rollers (14) in a machine direction orientation device (drafter) at the point where stretching occurs; (d) stretching the polyester sheet along the transverse direction by ratios of 3 to 5 times at temperatures ranging from above the glass transition temperature to below the thermal crystallization temperature; and (e) heat setting the polyester sheet at temperatures ranging from 180 to 250 C. A polyester film support is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Applicant: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Wen-Li A. Chen, Timothy F. Cilano, Larry K. Maier, Jeffrey P. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20020121727
    Abstract: A method for controlling the width of a polyester film support comprising, in order, the steps of: (a) extruding a polyester resin using one or more extruders; (b) casting the resin on a casting wheel to form a polyester sheet; (c) stretching the polyester sheet along the machine direction by ratios of 3 to 5 times at temperatures ranging from above the glass transition temperature to below the thermal crystallization temperature, wherein the machine contains extended edge rollers (14) in the drafter at the point where stretching occurs; (d) stretching the polyester sheet along the transverse direction by ratios of 3 to 5 times at temperatures ranging from above the glass transition temperature to below the thermal crystallization temperature; and (e) heat setting the polyester sheet at temperatures ranging from 180 to 250° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: Wen-Li A. Chen, Timothy F. Cilano, Larry K. Maier, Jeffrey P. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6228569
    Abstract: A silver halide light sensitive photographic element is disclosed comprising a polyethylene terephthalate film base, at least one light sensitive silver halide-containing emulsion layer, an antihalation undercoat layer, and a process-surviving antistatic backcoat, wherein the polyethylene terephthalate film base has been formed by drafting a cast resin at a stretch ratio of at least 3.4, tentering at a stretch ratio of at least 3.4, and heat-setting at an actual heat-set temperature of at least 216° C. In accordance with preferred embodiments of the invention, the polyethylene terephthalate film base of the photographic element is formed by: (a) casting a molten polyethylene terephthalate resin in a machine direction onto a casting surface to form a continuous sheet, (b) drafting the sheet by stretching in the machine direction at a stretch ratio of from 3.4 to 4, and at a temperature ranging from 70 to 130° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Larry K. Maier, Timothy F. Cilano, Fred D. Kelley, Frank D. Manioci, Diana C. Petranek, Michael Schild
  • Patent number: 5275854
    Abstract: Disclosed is a shaped article comprising a continuous oriented thermoplastic polymer matrix having dispersed therein microbeads of a polymer which are at least partially bordered by void space, the microbeads being present in an amount of about 5-50% weight based on the weight of said oriented thermoplastic, said void space occupying about 2-60% by volume of said shaped article. Preferably, the microbeads are cross-linked to an extent they will be resilient and elastic at the orientation temperature, and are coated with a slip agent. The shaped article is preferably in the form of a sheet, fibers, or other molded article, and preferably has a relatively low specific gravity and whiteness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Larry K. Maier, Elizabeth K. Priebe, Jong S. Lee, Paul E. Woodgate, Glenn C. Smith
  • Patent number: 5244861
    Abstract: Thermal dye transfer receiving elements are disclosed comprising a base having thereon a dye image-receiving layer, the base comprising a composite film laminated to a support, the dye image-receiving layer being on the composite film side of the base. The composite film comprises a microvoided thermoplastic core layer and at least one substantially void-free thermoplastic surface (skin) layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Bruce C. Campbell, Daniel J. Harrison, Jong S. Lee, Larry K. Maier, William A. Mruk, Cheryl L. Warner
  • Patent number: 5223383
    Abstract: Disclosed are photographic elements having reflective or diffusely transmissive supports shaped from a continuous oriented polymer phase having dispersed therein microbeads of a polymer which are at least partially bordered by void space, the microbeads being present in an amount of about 5-50% by weight based on the weight of the oriented polymer, and the void space occupying about 2-60% by volume of the support. Preferably, the microbeads are cross-linked to an extent they will be resilient and elastic at the orientation temperature, and are coated with a slip agent. Such supports have excellent physical properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Larry K. Maier, Elizabeth K. Priebe, Jong S. Lee, Paul E. Woodgate, Glen C. Smith
  • Patent number: 5215876
    Abstract: A radiographic element comprises a polyester support having double sided silver halide emulsion layers. An ultraviolet light absorbing methine compound is copolymerized with the support and is present in an amount sufficient to reduce the average percent transmission of ultraviolet light over the range of wavelength of from about 350 nm to about 395 nm to less than about 25 percent, and whereby the percent transmittance of said element is at least about 55 percent at a wavelength of about 410 nm for an element thickness of about 0.007 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Wayne P. Pruett, Max A. Weaver, Elizabeth K. Priebe, Larry K. Maier, Robert E. Dickerson
  • Patent number: 5143765
    Abstract: Disclosed is a shaped article comprising a continuous oriented thermoplastic polymer matrix having dispersed therein microbeads of a polymer which are at least partially bordered by void space, the microbeads being present in an amount of about 5%-50% weight based on the weight of said oriented thermoplastic, said void space occupying about 2%-60% by volume of said shaped article. Preferably, the microbeads are cross-linked to an extent they will be resilient and elastic at the orientation temperature, and are coated with a slip agent. The shaped article is preferably in the form of a sheet, fibers, or other molded article, and preferably has a relatively low specific gravity and whiteness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Larry K. Maier, Elizabeth K. Priebe, Jong S. Lee, Paul E. Woodgate, Glen C. Smith
  • Patent number: 5141685
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming shaped articles having a continuous phase of an oriented thermoplastic polymer containing cross-linked polymer microbeads at least partially bordered by void space. The thermoplastic polymer in molten form is mixed with a plurality of the crosslinked polymer microbeads, and the mixture is then formed into a shaped article. The article is stretched in at least one direction to orient it. The orienting conditions and the character and quantity of crosslinked polymer microbeads is effective to form voids in the article at least bordering the microbeads on sides thereof in the direction(s) of orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Larry K. Maier, Elizabeth K. Priebe, Jong S. Lee, Paul E. Woodgate, Glenn C. Smith
  • Patent number: 5100862
    Abstract: A dye-receiving element for thermal dye transfer including a support having thereon a polymeric dye image-receiving layer wherein the support includes a continuous oriented polymer matrix having dispersed therein microbeads of a cross-linked polymer coated with a slip agent and which are at least partially bordered by void space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Daniel J. Harrison, Jong S. Lee, Larry K. Maier
  • Patent number: 5076977
    Abstract: A process for controlling curl in polyester film is disclosed in which a cost sheet is heated assymetrically across its thickness during longitudinal stretching to product positive, negative or zero curl, as required for subsequent uses or treatments of the film formed by such stretching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Larry K. Maier, Michael J. Moszkowicz, Thomas M. Laney
  • Patent number: 5055371
    Abstract: A microvoided polymeric receiver sheet provides important advantages in the transfer of electrophotographic toner images. Especially advantageous in reducing image defects is the use of such receiver sheets for thermally assisted transfer of toners of small particle size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Jong S. Lee, Larry K. Maier, Donald S. Rimai
  • Patent number: 5034263
    Abstract: A laminated film of a polyethylene terephthalate core and on at least one surface thereof an overcoat of a cyclohexylmethylene terephthalate polyester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Larry K. Maier, Jong S. Lee
  • Patent number: 4994312
    Abstract: Disclosed is a shaped article comprising a continuous oriented polymer matrix having dispersed therein microbeads of a polymer which are at least partially boredered by void space, the microbeads being present in an amount of about 5-50% by weight based on the weight of said oriented polymer, said void space occupying about 2-60% by volume of said shaped article. Preferably, the microbeads are cross-linked to an extent they will be resilient and elastic at the orientation temperature, and are coated with a slip agent. The shaped article is preferably in the form of a sheet, fibers, or other molded article, preferably has a relatively low specific gravity and whiteness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Larry K. Maier, Elizabeth K. Priebe, Jong S. Lee, Paul E. Woodgate, Glen C. Smith
  • Patent number: 4913760
    Abstract: In the manufacture of a paint-coated stretchable film which is useful as a covering for automobile panels and other articles, a stretchable carrier film is formed by extruding a thermoplastic polymer composition onto a heat resistant temporary carrier film. The extruded layer is coated with paint or other layers and dried initially at a moderate temperature and finally at a high temperature which exceeds the heat deformation temperature of the stretchable carrier film but not of the heat resistant temporary carrier film. This shortens drying time and/or reduces residual solvents in the dried layers. The temporary carrier film, which is later stripped away, resists deformation of the laminate as it is drawn under tensile stress through the coating and high temperature drying stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: John E. Benson, Larry K. Maier, Gerald G. Reafler
  • Patent number: 4912333
    Abstract: An intensifying screen for imagewise exposing a radiographic element is disclosed comprised of a fluorescent layer capable of absorbing X-radiation and emitting longer wavelength electromagnetic radiation to which the radiographic element is responsive and a support capable of redirecting incident longer wavelength radiation back toward the radiographic element. The support includes in at least one portion reflective lenslets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Luther C. Roberts, Mark A. Pollock, William E. Moore, Jackee B. Raught, Larry K. Maier
  • Patent number: RE34742
    Abstract: Disclosed is a shaped article comprising a continuous oriented polymer matrix having dispersed therein microbeads of a polymer which are at least partially boredered by void space, the microbeads being present in an amount of about 5-50% by weight based on the weight of said oriented polymer, said void space occupying about 2-60% by volume of said shaped article. Preferably, the microbeads are cross-linked to an extent they will be resilient and elastic at the orientation temperature, and are coated with a slip agent. The shaped article is preferably in the form of a sheet, fibers, or other molded article, preferably has a relatively low specific gravity and whiteness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Larry K. Maier, Elizabeth K. Priebe, Jong S. Lee, Paul E. Woodgate, Glen C. Smith