Patents by Inventor Robert W. Spurr

Robert W. Spurr 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: 7283282
    Abstract: The present invention is a method of adjusting a color in a color proof (112) printed with primary colors cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. It is accomplished by: a) combining the cyan bitmap (2), magenta bitmap (4), yellow bitmap (6), and black bitmap (8) into one multi-bit image (202) and b) imaging each of the primary colorants with the multi-bit image (202).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Kurt M. Sanger, Seung Ho Baek, Thomas A. Mackin, Robert W. Spurr
  • Patent number: 7063470
    Abstract: A printer media supply spool adapted to allow the printer to sense type of media, and method of assembling same. The supply spool comprises a shaft having a supply of media ribbon wound thereabout. A transceiver unit is disposed proximate the shaft. The transceiver is capable of transmitting a first electromagnetic field and sensing a second electromagnetic field. A transponder including a semi-conductor chip is integrally connected to the shaft and has encoded data stored in the chip indicative of the type of media ribbon. The chip is capable of receiving the first electromagnetic field to power the chip and then generating the second electromagnetic field as the chip is powered. The second electromagnetic field is characteristic of the data stored in the chip. The transceiver unit senses the second electromagnetic field, which second electromagnetic field has the data subsumed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Robert W. Spurr, Kurt M. Sanger, Babak B. Tehranchi, Timothy J. Tredwell
  • Patent number: 6945713
    Abstract: Sheet media package system includes a cartridge or other packaging for containing a plurality of sheet media; and a radio-frequency identification transponder which stores relevant digital data associated with the cartridge or other packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Timothy S. Vraa, Steven W. Tanamachi, Douglas D. Jensen, Leah C. Featherstone, Terrence H. Joyce, Robert W. Spurr, Eric J. Donaldson
  • Patent number: 6938976
    Abstract: An inkjet printer adapted to sense type of supplied consumable receiver media, inks, printhead, and cleaning fluid. A transponder attached to a consumable is coupled to a memory device capable of storing information characteristic of the consumable. A transceiver is disposed within the inkjet printer, with antennae disposed for polling an individual transponder attached to each consumable. The transponder is capable of receiving a first RF frequency electromagnetic field from the transceiver and deriving power and address information from the first frequency, then generating a second RF frequency electromagnetic field in response, where the second electromagnetic field is characteristic of the data stored in memory. As instructed by a machine control logic processor, the transceiver can both read manufacturing data from the transponder about the consumable and write usage and processing data to the transponder for storage in memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Siwinski, Scott C. Robinson, Robert W. Spurr, Timothy J. Tredwell
  • Patent number: 6811079
    Abstract: Sheet media package system includes a cartridge or other packaging for containing a plurality of sheet media; and a radio-frequency identification transponder which stores relevant digital data associated with the cartridge or other packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Timothy S. Vraa, Steven W. Tanamachi, Douglas D. Jensen, Leah C. Featherstone, Terrence H. Joyce, Robert W. Spurr, Eric J. Donaldson
  • Publication number: 20040184801
    Abstract: Sheet media package system includes a cartridge or other packaging for containing a plurality of sheet media; and a radio-frequency identification transponder which stores relevant digital data associated with the cartridge or other packaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: Timothy S. Vraa, Steven W. Tanamachi, Douglas D. Jensen, Leah C. Featherstone, Terrence H. Joyce, Robert W. Spurr, Eric J. Donaldson
  • Patent number: 6793307
    Abstract: A printer capable of forming an image on a receiver substrate according to type of receiver substrate, and a method of assembling the printer. An identifier containing identifier information is associated with each component of the receiver substrate which, for example, comprises paper and, optionally, laminate media. A sensor is disposed to read the identifier information so that an image forming operation can be adjusted based on identified receiver substrate components and media. For example transponder, serving as the identifier, is coupled to a memory device capable of storing information characteristic of media type. A transceiver, serving as the sensor, is disposed within the printer. The transceiver includes antennae disposed for polling an individual transponder attached to each media type. The transponder receives a first radio frequency field from the transceiver and, deriving power and address information from the first frequency, then generates a second radio frequency field in response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Robert W. Spurr, Kurt M. Sanger, Timothy J. Tredwell
  • Patent number: 6785739
    Abstract: Apparatus (10) for storage and retrieval of audio, sound or other data in association with a fixed still image including an image receiver (28) including a medium for fixing a reproduction of the still image thereon, and a transponder (36) connected to the image receiver (28) including an antenna (42) for receiving and sending signals, a memory (48) for storing address information for accessing a site (76) on a communications network (72) containing the data relating to the still image, a processor (52) and circuitry connected to the memory (48) and the antenna (42) for retrieving the address information and outputting an output signal (64) including the address information over the antenna (42) when a read signal (60) is received. The apparatus (10) can additionally include a transceiver (56) including an antenna (58) for outputting the read signal (60) to the transponder (36) and receiving the output signal (64) from the transponder (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Lee W. Tutt, Robert W. Spurr
  • Publication number: 20040156063
    Abstract: A sheet media system comprising an apparatus for utilizing sheet media; and a radio-frequency identification transceiver associated with said apparatus for communicating with a transponder associated with sheet media utilized by said apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Timothy S. Vraa, Steven W. Tanamachi, Douglas D. Jensen, Leah C. Featherstone, Terrance C. Joyce, Robert W. Spurr, Eric J. Donaldson
  • Publication number: 20040150842
    Abstract: The present invention is a method of adjusting a color in a color proof (112) printed with primary colors cyan, magenta, yellow, and black.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Applicant: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Kurt M. Sanger, Seung Ho Baek, Thomas A. Mackin, Robert W. Spurr
  • Patent number: 6710891
    Abstract: A sheet media system comprising an apparatus for utilizing sheet media; and a radio-frequency identification transceiver associated with said apparatus for communicating with a transponder associated with sheet media utilized by said apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Timothy S. Vraa, Steven W. Tanamachi, Douglas D. Jensen, Leah C. Featherstone, Terrance C. Joyce, Robert W. Spurr, Eric J. Donaldson
  • Publication number: 20040037602
    Abstract: A printer media supply spool adapted to allow the printer to sense type of media, and method of assembling same. The supply spool comprises a shaft having a supply of media ribbon wound thereabout. A transceiver unit is disposed proximate the shaft. The transceiver is capable of transmitting a first electromagnetic field and sensing a second electromagnetic field. A transponder including a semi-conductor chip is integrally connected to the shaft and has encoded data stored in the chip indicative of the type of media ribbon. The chip is capable of receiving the first electromagnetic field to power the chip and then generating the second electromagnetic field as the chip is powered. The second electromagnetic field is characteristic of the data stored in the chip. The transceiver unit senses the second electromagnetic field, which second electromagnetic field has the data subsumed therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Robert W. Spurr, Kurt M. Sanger, Babak B. Tehranchi, Timothy J. Tredwell
  • Patent number: 6644544
    Abstract: Imaging apparatus capable of forming an image consistent with type of imaging consumable loaded therein, and method of assembling the apparatus. The imaging apparatus reports the consumable type and manufacturer batch identification to a remote computer. The remote computer responds by returning batch-specific information that may affect processing parameters for the imaging apparatus. In the preferred embodiment, an electrically programmable read/write memory contained in a transponder is integrally attached to the consumable package. The transponder communicates with a transceiver, disposed within the imaging apparatus. The transceiver has antenna and support components for polling each transponder. As instructed by a control logic processor, the transceiver can both read manufacturing data from the transponder about the consumable and write usage and processing data to the transponder for storage in memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Robert W. Spurr, Kurt M. Sanger, Timothy J. Tredwell
  • Patent number: 6634814
    Abstract: A printer media supply spool adapted to allow the printer to sense type of media, and method of assembling same. The supply spool comprises a shaft having a supply of media ribbon wound thereabout. A transceiver unit is disposed proximate the shaft. The transceiver is capable of transmitting a first electromagnetic field and sensing a second electromagnetic field. A transponder including a semi-conductor chip is integrally connected to the shaft and has encoded data stored in the chip indicative of the type of media ribbon. The chip is capable of receiving the first electromagnetic field to power the chip and then generating the second electromagnetic field as the chip is powered. The second electromagnetic field is characteristic of the data stored in the chip. The transceiver unit senses the second electromagnetic field, which second electromagnetic field has the data subsumed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Robert W. Spurr, Kurt M. Sanger, Babak B. Tehranchi, Timothy J. Tredwell
  • Patent number: 6628316
    Abstract: A printer with donor and receiver media supply trays each adapted to allow a printer to sense type of media therein, and method of assembling the printer and trays. Donor and receiver media supply trays to be loaded into the printer are adapted to allow the printer to sense type of media therein. Each supply tray comprises a tray body having a supply of the media (i.e., donor or receiver) therein. A transceiver is disposed proximate the trays. The transceiver is capable of transmitting a first electromagnetic field and sensing a second electromagnetic field A first transponder is integrally connected to the receiver supply tray and has encoded data previously stored therein indicative of the type of receiver media. A second transponder is integrally connected to the donor supply tray and also has encoded data previously stored therein indicative of the type of donor media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Robert W. Spurr, Kurt M. Sanger, Babak Tehranchi, Timothy J. Tredwell
  • Publication number: 20030067504
    Abstract: A printer capable of forming an image on a receiver substrate according to type of receiver substrate, and a method of assembling the printer. An identifier containing identifier information is associated with each component of the receiver substrate which, for example, comprises paper and, optionally, laminate media. A sensor is disposed to read the identifier information so that an image forming operation can be adjusted based on identified receiver substrate components and media. For example transponder, serving as the identifier, is coupled to a memory device capable of storing information characteristic of media type. A transceiver, serving as the sensor, is disposed within the printer. The transceiver includes antennae disposed for polling an individual transponder attached to each media type. The transponder receives a first radio frequency field from the transceiver and, deriving power and address information from the first frequency, then generates a second radio frequency field in response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: Robert W. Spurr, Kurt M. Sanger, Timothy J. Tredwell
  • Patent number: 6527356
    Abstract: A printer capable of forming an image on a receiver substrate according to type of receiver substrate, and a method of assembling the printer. An identifier containing identifier information is associated with each component of the receiver substrate which, for example, comprises paper and, optionally, laminate media. A sensor is disposed to read the identifier information so that an image forming operation can be adjusted based on identified receiver substrate components and media. For example transponder, serving as the identifier, is coupled to a memory device capable of storing information characteristic of media type. A transceiver, serving as the sensor, is disposed within the printer. The transceiver includes antennae disposed for polling an individual transponder attached to each media type. The transponder receives a first radio frequency field from the transceiver and, deriving power and address information from the first frequency, then generates a second radio frequency field in response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Robert W. Spurr, Kurt M. Sanger, Timothy J. Tredwell
  • Patent number: 6509919
    Abstract: An apparatus for donor colorant detection and donor pick sensing employs N light sources of distinct wavelengths paired with N photosensors. Measured light values for a donor are combined to form an N-dimensioned coordinate value which is then compared against N-dimensioned reference values to determine a color or donor picking condition. The decision algorithm uses a decision rule based on Maximum Likelihood Decoding methods, whereby an Euclidean distance is computed between the measured N-dimensioned coordinate value and each of a set of reference N-dimensioned coordinate values. The apparatus and method detect which donor color has been picked and also detects and identifies multi-pick and pick failure conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Babak Tehranchi, Robert W. Spurr, Michael E. Schultz
  • Patent number: 6381418
    Abstract: A print having information associated with the print stored in a memory coupled to the print. A print, processed by an image processing apparatus, having an attached memory for storing detailed information about the print and allowing contactless access using an electromagnetic frequency signal. A transceiver, connected to a control logic device, communicates with a transponder that is attached to the print substrate and is integrally coupled to the memory. The transponder is capable of receiving a first electromagnetic field (frequency) from the transceiver and deriving power and address information from the first frequency, then generates a second electromagnetic field (frequency) in response, where the second electromagnetic field is characteristic of the data stored in memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Robert W. Spurr, Babak Tehranchi, Kurt M. Sanger, Timothy J. Tredwell
  • Patent number: 6381416
    Abstract: A film unit has image capture media and a radio-frequency identification transponder affixed to the image capture media. The image capture media can be photographic film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Joseph A. Manico, Robert W. Spurr