Patents Assigned to Eastman Kodak
  • Method for forming a tool for molding microlens arrays
    Patent number: 6385997
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a mold tool for molding optical elements is taught which comprises heating a mold tool blank made from a vitreous material to a temperature above the glass transition temperature of the vitreous material; generating an axial viscosity gradient in the mold tool blank; pressing a punch into an optical quality mold surface of the mold tool blank, the punch including a pressing surface with a predetermined geometry for forming an optical feature; cooling the mold tool blank to a temperature below the glass transition temperature of the material; and removing the punch from the mold tool blank thereby creating the optical feature in the optical quality mold surface. The axial viscosity gradient is achieved by creating an axial thermal gradient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Jayson J. Nelson, Eugene G. Hill, Paul O. McLaughlin, John C. Pulver, Michael K. Budinski
  • Web material having spliced joints and a method for coating a web material having spliced joints
    Patent number: 6387204
    Abstract: A web material, which is able to avoid air entrainment, comprises a surface for applying at least one layer of coating material. The web material has at least one splicing tape for connecting a preceding web and a succeeding web with respect to a transport direction of the web material. The splicing tape defines a trailing edge on the surface of the succeeding web. After the trailing edge of the splicing tape a thin layer with limited width and a rough surface is formed. Additionally, there is a method for continuous coating a web material having at least one spliced joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Deprez, James M. Breitfeller
  • Photocollage generation and modification using image recognition
    Patent number: 6389181
    Abstract: A method and system for employing image recognition techniques to produce a photocollage from a plurality of images wherein the system obtains a digital record for each of the plurality of images, assigns each of the digital records a unique identifier and stories the digital records in a database; automatically sorts the digital records using at least one date type to categorize each of the digital records according at least one predetermined criteria; employs means responsive to the sorting step to compose a photocollage from the digital records. The method and system employ data types selected from pixel data; metadata; product order information; processing goal information; or customer profile to automatically sort data typically by culling or grouping to categorize according to either an event, a person, or chronologically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Stephen L. Shaffer, John R. Squilla, John K. McBride
  • Digital projector with scanner
    Patent number: 6386711
    Abstract: A document projector includes a feed through scanner having a document transport, an illumination source, and a linear image sensor for scanning and producing a digital color image of a document or transparency; a microprocessor connected to the scanner for processing the digital image and for overall control of the apparatus; a memory connected to the microprocessor for storing the digital document image; and a digital projector connected to the microprocessor for projecting the digital image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Dwight J. Petruchik, Richard L. Alfvin
  • Fluid pump and ink jet print head
    Patent number: 6386680
    Abstract: A pump includes two opposing plates having a space there between to define a secondary fluid passage. A first aperture is formed through the first plate and a second aperture is formed in the second plate to define a primary fluid channel extending across the secondary fluid channel. A heater on the second plate moves primary fluid through the primary fluid channel due to the Marangoni type effect. A heater on the first plate causes a meniscus to enlarge to thereby form a drop of fluid ejected out of the primary fluid channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Ravi Sharma, Christopher N. Delametter
  • Correction method for continuous ink jet print head
    Patent number: 6386679
    Abstract: A method for correcting the performance of a continuous ink jet print head having a nozzle plate with a plurality of nozzles each having an orifice, at least one of the nozzles being a malfunctioning nozzle, the method including: a) determining which nozzle of the nozzle plate is malfunctioning; b) applying a heat-activatable material over the surface of the nozzle plate; c) applying heat to the malfunctioning nozzle, thereby causing the heat-activatable material to flow into the orifice of the malfunctioning nozzle to block it; and d) removing any excess heat-activatable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Zhihao Yang, Ravi Sharma, Michael E. Meichle, John M. Noonan
  • Method for producing prints from digital image files scanned from film
    Patent number: 6389159
    Abstract: A method of providing colored adjusted digital files which can be used to make prints by a printing system, including a computer and a local printer, controlled by enabling software stored on the removable storage medium, the original images being provided on colored film, including the steps of scanning the colored film to produce a plurality of digital files representing colored digital images; adjusting the digital files to produce color adjusted digital files, such adjustments including tone scale correction; providing enabling software including at least one software application program for operating the computer that enables the color adjusted digital files to be printed on the local printer, and transferring the color adjusted digital files and the enabling software to the removable storage medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Paul B. Gilman, Jack C. Chang, Kenneth A. Parulski, Jeffrey R. Pink
  • Built-in self test signals for column output circuits in X-Y addressable image sensor
    Patent number: 6388245
    Abstract: This present invention illustrates that alternating bright and dark pixels wherein the periods of bright and dark are varied by changing the consecutive number of pixels that are bright and dark. Accordingly, the present invention provides a technique and architectural design to achieve efficient testing of the multiple parallel output column circuits integrated with an X-Y addressable image sensor by using on-chip signals. This invention is particularly useful in testing high-speed output column CDS circuits for a high frame rate image sensor fabricated using a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) active pixel sensor (APS) technology incorporating a pinned photo-diode. The technique allow testing of the frequency response of the output column circuits by observing of the output signals either in analog form or digital bits if an on-chip ADC is used without applying any external input signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Paul P. Lee
  • Phosphoric acid ester surface modifiers for silver carboxylate nanoparticles
    Patent number: 6387611
    Abstract: There is disclosed an oxidation-reduction imaging forming composition comprising an aqueous based dispersion of (i) nanoparticulate silver carboxylate particles having on the surface of the particles a surface modifier which is a phosphoric acid ester and (ii) an organic reducing agent. In particular, the surface modifiers can be mixtures of mono- and di-esters of orthophosphoric acid and hydroxyl-terminated, oxyethylated long-chain alcohols or oxyethylated alkyl phenols or derivatives thereof. Also disclosed are various compositions including the dispersions including oxidation-reduction imaging forming compositions, thermographic elements and photothermographic compositions and elements. The preferred carboxylate is a silver salt of a long chain fatty acid such as silver behenate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Mark Lelental, David A. Dickinson, James L. Wakley, Michael W. Orem, Peter J. Ghyzel
  • Two dimensional moving average filter
    Patent number: 6389441
    Abstract: A two dimensional moving averaging filter is provided using a computational element coupled to a memory means which contains an electronic version of a two dimensional array of pixel values with N rows and M columns and a temporary memory buffer having a dimension of M columns by R+1 rows that is operatively coupled to receive data from the array. Each of the M columns within the temporary memory buffer is summed and the summated column values are placed into the “R+1” row of the temporary memory wherein a neighborhood filter is formed by secondly summing a predetermined number, “C”, of the summated column values such that the neighborhood filter contains a summation for a neighborhood the pixel array values of “R” rows by “C” columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Greg L. Archer, Larry W. Wilkinson
  • High numerical aperture objective lens assembly
    Patent number: 6388819
    Abstract: A high numerical aperture objective lens assembly for focusing light includes a first objective lens assembly element of negative optical power intercepting said light; a second objective lens assembly element of positive optical power disposed adjacent to said first objective lens assembly element; a third objective lens assembly element of positive optical power disposed adjacent to said second objective lens assembly element; and wherein said first, second, and third objective lens assembly elements, in combination, include six surfaces wherein three or more of such surfaces are aspheric surfaces arranged so that the objective lens assembly has a numerical aperture equal to or greater than 0.65.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Carl F. Leidig
  • Co-developers for black-and-white photothermographic elements
    Patent number: 6387605
    Abstract: Novel co-developer compounds are useful in combination with hindered phenol developers to produce high contrast black-and-white photothermographic elements. The co-developer compounds have the formula wherein: Y is H, a metal (preferably, an alkali metal), or an alkyl group (preferably, an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms), and the solid curved line represents the atoms and bonds necessary to complete a ring structure (preferably a 5 or 6 membered ring structure). The photothermographic elements may be used as a photomask in a process where there is a subsequent exposure of an ultraviolet or short wavelength visible radiation-sensitive imageable medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Doreen C. Lynch, Paul G. Skoug
  • Photographic element, compound, and process
    Patent number: 6387606
    Abstract: Disclosed is a photographic element comprising a light-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer having associated therewith a cyan “NB coupler” having the formula (I): wherein: the term “NB coupler” represents a coupler of formula (I) that forms a dye for which the left bandwidth (LBW) using spin-coating is at least 5 nm less than that of the same dye in solution form; Y is H or a coupling-off group; each Z″ and Z* is an independently selected substituent group where n is 0 to 4 and p is 0 to 2; W2 represents the atoms necessary to complete a heterocyclic ring group; and V is a sulfone or sulfoxide containing group; provided that the combined sum of the aliphatic carbon atoms in V, all Z″ and all Z* is at least 8. The element exhibits improved cyan dye hue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: William J. Begley, Frank D. Coms, Gary M. Russo
  • Film with random color filter array
    Patent number: 6387577
    Abstract: A color film with a light transmitting support has a light sensitive emulsion layer and a random color filter array coated thereon such that the light sensitive emulsion layer is exposed to light which has passed first through the color filter array. The color filter array comprises water immiscible colored filter elements which are fluid at the temperatures used for coating and drying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Michael J. Simons
  • High contrast visually adaptive radiographic film and imaging assembly for thoracic imaging
    Patent number: 6387586
    Abstract: High performance, very high contrast radiographic films exhibit visually adaptive contrast when imaged in radiographic imaging assemblies comprising intensifying screens. These films having at least two tabular silver halide emulsions on each side of a film support, and the emulsion closest to the film support on each side includes chemistry to control crossover and a rhodium dopant and has higher photographic speeds than the other emulsions. In addition, the films can be rapidly processed to provide images having a peak gamma >3.1 while maintaining gammas >1.0 out into the toe of a D vs. logE sensitometric curve to a value of −0.9 logE. These films are particularly useful for thoracic imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Robert E. Dickerson, Phillip C. Bunch
  • Customizing digital image transfer
    Publication number: 20020054224
    Abstract: A digital camera is disclosed for capturing digital images and organizing the captured images for subsequent transfer from the digital camera to an external device that utilizes the digital images. The digital camera includes a database having a plurality of customized profiles, wherein each customized profile contains a plurality of image utilization fields. A user selects one of the plurality of customized profiles from the database. The digital camera further includes a structure for defining a plurality of profile indices respectively corresponding to ones of the plurality of customized profiles, and an image sensor for capturing images. A profile index is associated with at least one captured image to identify the corresponding selected customized profile. The digital camera further includes a memory for receiving and storing the at least one captured image and the corresponding profile index.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Applicant: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: John L. Wasula, Anthony L. Tintera
  • Photographic camera having lens movement control with pivotable grip surfaces and adjacent shutter release
    Publication number: 20020054761
    Abstract: A camera has a main module and a lens movement control. The lens movement control has opposed front and rear grip surfaces that are disposed adjacent respective front and rear faces of the main module. The grip surfaces are pivotable relative to the main module from a neutral position to opposed first and second pivoted positions. A lens system is joined to the main module. The lens system has a driver and a movable lens element connected to the driver. The driver extends and retracts the movable lens element, relative to the main module, during the pivoting of the lens movement control to the first and second pivoted positions, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Applicant: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: David J. Cornell, Dennis R. Zander
  • Processing photographic material
    Publication number: 20020054767
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing photographic material comprises a chamber adapted to hold the material therein, means for introducing solution into the chamber, means for removing the solution from the chamber, and a member located within the chamber and filling a central part thereof. A gap is defined between the inner wall of the chamber and the central member in which the material is held, thereby retaining the material around the inner circumference of the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Applicant: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Peter J. Twist, Anthony Earle
  • Processing photographic material
    Publication number: 20020054766
    Abstract: A low volume processing apparatus having a narrow processing channel has the processing solution entering via passages located towards the inlet and outlet of the channel. The solution leaves the channel via a passage located in the middle thereof, the flow of solution pulling the film into a fixed position within the channel. The reversal of flow minimizes the amount of air entrained with the returning flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Applicant: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Anthony Earle, Nigel R. Wildman
  • Film scanner
    Patent number: D457180
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: David R. Gotham, Michelle M. DeMeyer, Mark Pappalardo