Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Clyde E. Bailey, Sr.
  • Flexible roll chucking assemblage and method
    Patent number: 6264417
    Abstract: An assemblage for aligning a roll to a chucking device has at least two flexibly movable, spaced roll support members arranged planarily for supporting the roll for alignment with a fixed positioned chucking device. Each roll support member has a compression head biased for movement by a plurality of cooperating spring members. Precise alignment of the core with the chucking device results from the force imparted to the flexibly movable support member bearing the roll by the chucking device engaging the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Fredric S. Salsburg
  • Method of controlling fluid flow in a microfluidic process
    Patent number: 6262519
    Abstract: A method of controlling fluid flow in a microfluidic process includes the step of providing a piezoelectric pumping apparatus (100) in fluid communications with the microfluidic process such as an ink jet printer and the like. The piezoelectric pumping apparatus (100) has a piezoelectric transducer (80) with a functionally gradient piezoelectric element (60) arranged in a fluid containment chamber (120) which fluidically communicates with the microfluidic process. The functionally gradient piezoelectric element (60) responds to a voltage applied by a power source (240) by either expanding to expel fluid from the microfluidic process or contracting to permit fluid to enter the fluid containment chamber (120) and thus the microfluidic process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Edward P. Furlani, Syamal K. Ghosh, Dilip K. Chatterjee
  • Method of storing and dispensing thin, flimsy objects
    Patent number: 6250501
    Abstract: A method for storing and dispensing thin, flimsy objects such as end disks that form the ends of light-tight packages for photosensitive materials. The thin, flimsy objects are loaded onto a hub member and supported by a biased pusher plate that urges the objects one at a time through a stripper plate that has a removed section slightly smaller in dimensions than the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: John A. Spina, John DePoint, Jr., Marion T. Juskiewicz
  • Method of controlling peak power of a radiant energy emitting system
    Patent number: 6249308
    Abstract: A method of controlling peak power of a radiant energy emitting system, such as lasers adapted for use in laser edge marking apparatus, reduces fog spots on the web caused by impinging laser energy. A laser printer has an attenuating member provided in the optical path of a laser beam tube for controlling peak power to each one of the plurality of lasers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Wayne K. Shaffer, David C. Press, Gregory A. Smith
  • Method for specifying engraving of a gravure cylinder for coatings containing particle dispersions
    Patent number: 6240844
    Abstract: A method of engraving a gravure cylinder having a circumference C for coating a liquid composition on a substrate. The liquid composition contains a concentration of particles having a predetermined particle diameter. The method includes calculating the engraving channel depth Do based on a first ratio of the particle diameter to channel depth (DB/Do). Then, engraving the gravure cylinder according to &thgr;, &agr;, WC, Ww, and Wo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Linda S. Flosenzier, Jacob J. Hastreiter, Jr.
  • Fabricated wafer for integration in a wafer structure
    Patent number: 6242817
    Abstract: A fabricated wafer incorporates features suitable for integration in a multiple wafer structure. Such a wafer has a predetermined pattern formed therein comprising components for use in the multiple wafer structure and a plurality of locating features generally surrounding the predetermined pattern for cooperating with a mechanical aligning fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: William J. Grande, Joseph E. Yokajty
  • Materials feeder equipment
    Patent number: 6235233
    Abstract: An improved materials feeder equipment includes highly efficient, durable, and wear and abrasion resistant sliding contact elements. In particular, the equipment has a feeder box and a ware plate arranged for sliding contact, each having high precision tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (TZP) ceramic or, alternatively, zirconia-alumina composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Dilip K. Chatterjee, Syamal K. Ghosh
  • Apparatus for laser marking indicia on a photosensitive web
    Patent number: 6236426
    Abstract: An apparatus for laser marking indicia on a moving photosensitive web substantially reduces fog spots on the web caused by impinging laser energy. A laser beam attenuating member arranged in the laser beam tube enables control of peak laser beam power thereby significantly reducing the incident of fog spots on the film surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Wayne K. Shaffer, David C. Press, Gregory A. Smith
  • Curtain feed method for a gravure process
    Patent number: 6228431
    Abstract: A coating feed apparatus and method (10) for depositing a uniform overflow curtain-like layer of coating composition (c) to a gravure surface (14) has a reservoir (14) and means for delivering the coating composition to the gravure surface (14). The reservoir (14) has a base (24) sloped upwardly from a rear wall (22). A widthwise lip (40) is directed generally downwardly towards the gravure surface (14). Widthwise lip (40) and the undercut portion (48) together enable the coating composition (c) exiting the outlet end (26) of the reservoir (12) to overflow downwardly across widthwise lip (40) in a uniform curtain-like layer (32) towards the gravure surface (14) without creating a backflow of coating composition along the base (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Rukmini Bezbaruah Lobo, Kenneth John Ruschak, Barry Anthony Fitzgerald
  • Time-temperature indicator devices
    Patent number: 6214623
    Abstract: A time-temperature indicator device comprises a polymeric layer having a first and second surface and a dye composition adhered to said first surface comprising a dye which diffuses into the polymeric layer as a result of a cumulative time-temperature exposure wherein the dye is invisible when viewed in visible radiation and is detectable as a result of absorption of non-visible radiation. The device may be attached to a product for monitoring cumulative time-temperature exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Simons, John A. Weldy
  • Container for photoprocessing materials
    Patent number: 6213322
    Abstract: A container for photochemical materials has a frangible closure. The frangible closure has a central weakness and a central portion having a thickness and a central portion of greater thickness than the thickness of the central weakness. A radial weakness connects with the central weakness enabling the central weakness to collapse in response to an applied predetermined force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Scott H. Schwallie, Lynn C. Hoover, Gerald L. Johnson, John M. Rzepka
  • Photochemical frangible closure
    Patent number: 6213324
    Abstract: A frangible closure has a closure sheet having a central weakness formed substantially though a medial portion. The central weakness has a thickness and a central portion of greater thickness than the thickness of the central weakness so as to resist shearing of the central weakness. A lateral skirt surrounding the closure has at least a partial radial weakness therebetween for cooperating with the central weakness and enabling the central weakness to fracture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Scott H. Schwallie, Linn C. Hoover, Gerald L. Johnson, John M. Rzepka
  • Apparatus and method for conveying abrasive web of indeterminate length
    Patent number: 6206264
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for conveying abrasive web (16) of indeterminate length, such as photographic media, has first and second closely spaced rollers (12, 14) with at least one of the rollers (12, 14) having a polymeric/inorganic composite media bearing surface (70). The abrasive web or media (16) is disposed between a nip (18) defined by the close spacing between the rollers (12, 14) and is in moving contact with the polymeric/inorganic composite media bearing surface (70) while being conveyed through the nip (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Edward P. Furlani, Syamal K. Ghosh, Dilip K. Chatterjee
  • Fluid transfer system for photoprocessing materials
    Patent number: 6196281
    Abstract: A fluid transfer system suitable for emptying a container or flask closed by a liquid-tight removable frangible closure obtained from a material that can be recycled. Photoprocessing materials are transferred from a first container having the frangible container into an adjoining second container. The frangible closure has a single closure sheet fixed to a lateral skirt for mounting the frangible closure on the spout of the flask, for example with a screw. The flask is emptied by tipping the flask onto a perforation device that perforates a central weakness in the closure sheet which connects with a radial weakness at the seam of the closure sheet and lateral skirt, allowing for lower puncture forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Scott H. Schwallie, Linn C. Hoover, Gerald L. Johnson, John M. Rzepka
  • Apparatus and method for aligning webs
    Patent number: 6192955
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for aligning webs, such as photographic film or paper, where the trailing edge of an expiring web is spliced to the lead edge of a fresh web. A supporting means having the fresh web thereon in a fixed position is caused to move by sensor means transmitting a signal corresponding to precise positioning of the expiring relative to the fixed position of the fresh web. According to the invention, a programmable controller is used to analyze the signals received from the sensors and directs the movements of the supporting means where the webs are ultimately moved into abutting or overlapping contact and then spliced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Brian Scott Rice
  • Method of testing a lens having variable field angles
    Patent number: 6177986
    Abstract: An assemblage and method for testing a lens having a plurality of field angles employs an improved modulation transfer function (MTF) design system for evaluating image quality produced by the lens being tested. A reflecting surface capable of translational and rotational movements is arranged along a predetermined optical path for receiving a collimated array of light rays and then directing the collimated array of light rays to the lens being tested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Thomas L. Stockton
  • Roll handling and transport assemblage
    Patent number: 6176670
    Abstract: An assemblage for aligning a roll to a chucking device has at least two flexibly movable, spaced roll support members arranged planarily for supporting the roll for alignment with a fixed positioned chucking device. Each roll support member has a compression head biased for movement by a plurality of cooperating spring members. Precise alignment of the core with the chucking device results from the force imparted to the flexibly movable support member bearing the roll by the chucking device engaging the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Fredric S. Salsburg
  • Method of making integrated hybrid silicon-based micro-actuator devices
    Patent number: 6171886
    Abstract: A method of making micro-actuator devices including a silicon wafer, a magnet positioned inside an insulated actuating chamber having electrical coil wound around its circumference thereby forming an electromagnet assemblage. A plurality of etched holes in silicon wafer receives the electromagnet assemblage and is adapted to produce a magnetic field in response to an applied current that acts on the magnet to cause the axial reciprocating motion of the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Syamal K. Ghosh, Edward P. Furlani, Dilip K. Chatterjee
  • Piezoelectric actuating element for an ink jet head and the like
    Patent number: 6169355
    Abstract: An ink jet head has body having a plurality of independent ink compartments each having an inlet orifice, an outlet orifice and a piezoelectric ink actuating element structurally associated with each of said independent ink compartments, said piezoelectric ink actuating element enabling said ink jet head to receive ink from an ink reservoir in fluid communications with said inlet orifice of each one of said plurality of independent ink compartments and then eject droplets of the ink onto a receiver to form an image. The piezoelectric actuating element includes a substantially planar piezoelectric transducer comprising a slab of piezoelectric material having a functionally gradient d-coefficient selected so that the slab changes geometry in response to an applied voltage which produces an electric field in the slab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Edward P. Furlani, Syamal K. Ghosh, Dilip K. Chatterjee
  • Apparatus and method for transporting a web
    Patent number: 6164846
    Abstract: A web transport apparatus (10) useful for transporting web (16), such as photosensitive strips or sheets, in a corrosive materials environment has first and second rollers (12, 14) each having a sleeve portion (26, 36) with bushings (28, 38) and intermeshing gears (30, 40) arranged thereon. The sleeve portions (26, 36), gears (30, 40) and bushings (28, 38) each comprise a ceramic material that resist wear, abrasion and corrosion when exposed to the corrosive materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Dilip K. Chatterjee, Syamal K. Ghosh, Edward P. Furlani