Patents by Inventor Stephen M. Reinke

Stephen M. Reinke 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: 11679949
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed at a systems, methods, and apparatuses for automatically aligning the lead edges of a document stack loaded in a scanner system. An automated jogger system includes feeder gate elements which are driven forward and backwards in an oscillating motion. This motion causes the documents in the stack to slide between each other, causing the documents to move and rotate towards the feeder gate elements, aligning the lead edges of the stack prior to being fed into the document scanner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: KODAK ALARIS INC.
    Inventors: Stephen M. Reinke, Randy R. Maysick, Robert M. Westcott
  • Publication number: 20180257887
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed at a systems, methods, and apparatuses for automatically aligning the lead edges of a document stack loaded in a scanner system. An automated jogger system includes feeder gate elements which are driven forward and backwards in an oscillating motion. This motion causes the documents in the stack to slide between each other, causing the documents to move and rotate towards the feeder gate elements, aligning the lead edges of the stack prior to being fed into the document scanner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Applicant: KODAK ALARIS INC.
    Inventors: Stephen M. REINKE, Randy R. MAYSICK, Robert M. Wescott
  • Patent number: 9981813
    Abstract: A method of scanning documents and moving such documents along a path such that during scanning a method of improving the documents velocity and the documents image quality is disclosed. The method includes providing a plurality of documents in an input tray and transporting each document along the path from the input tray at a transport velocity past the scanner to obtain scanned image data. By monitoring and controlling the velocity profile of the transport system, the scanning system may provide higher image quality, reduce slippage, misfeeds and jams, and provide alerts to an operator in the even slippage, misfeeds, or jams do occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: KODAK ALARIS INC.
    Inventors: Randall Maysick, Stephen M. Reinke, Robert Westcott
  • Publication number: 20160264369
    Abstract: A method of scanning documents and moving such documents along a path such that during scanning a method of improving the documents velocity and the documents image quality is disclosed. The method includes providing a plurality of documents in an input tray and transporting each document along the path from the input tray at a transport velocity past the scanner to obtain scanned image data. By monitoring and controlling the velocity profile of the transport system, the scanning system may provide higher image quality, reduce slippage, misfeeds and jams, and provide alerts to an operator in the even slippage, misfeeds, or jams do occur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Randall MAYSICK, Stephen M. REINKE, Robert WESTCOTT
  • Patent number: 9352915
    Abstract: A method of scanning documents and moving such documents along a path such that during scanning a method of improving the documents velocity and the documents image quality is disclosed. The method includes providing a plurality of documents in an input tray and transporting each document along the path from the input tray at a transport velocity past the scanner to obtain scanned image data. By monitoring and controlling the velocity profile of the transport system, the scanning system may provide higher image quality, reduce slippage, misfeeds and jams, and provide alerts to an operator in the even slippage, misfeeds, or jams do occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Kodak Alaris Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Maysick, Stephen M. Reinke, Robert Westcott
  • Publication number: 20150344251
    Abstract: A method of scanning documents and moving such documents along a path such that during scanning a method of improving the documents velocity and the documents image quality is disclosed. The method includes providing a plurality of documents in an input tray and transporting each document along the path from the input tray at a transport velocity past the scanner to obtain scanned image data. By monitoring and controlling the velocity profile of the transport system, the scanning system may provide higher image quality, reduce slippage, misfeeds and jams, and provide alerts to an operator in the even slippage, misfeeds, or jams do occur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Applicant: Kodak Alaris Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Maysick, Stephen M. Reinke, Robert Westcott
  • Patent number: 8408544
    Abstract: A method of scanning documents and moving such documents along a path such that after scanning sorting such documents is disclosed. The method includes providing a plurality of documents in an input tray and transporting each document along the path from the input tray at a transport velocity past the scanner to obtain scanned image data. The method further includes providing at least two movable members including two rotatable exit rollers, movable belts, or a movable belt and a rotatable exit roller along the path to provide a nip for the documents; and selectively driving the movable members to provide selectable exit velocities so that such documents are sorted in accordance with their selected exit velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Stephen M. Reinke, Robert M. Westcott, Randall R. Maysick
  • Publication number: 20120313312
    Abstract: A method of scanning documents and moving such documents along a path such that after scanning sorting such documents is disclosed. The method includes providing a plurality of documents in an input tray and transporting each document along the path from the input tray at a transport velocity past the scanner to obtain scanned image data. The method further includes providing at least two movable members including two rotatable exit rollers, movable belts, or a movable belt and a rotatable exit roller along the path to provide a nip for the documents; and selectively driving the movable members to provide selectable exit velocities so that such documents are sorted in accordance with their selected exit velocity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Stephen M. Reinke, Robert M. Westcott, Randall R. Maysick
  • Patent number: 7322542
    Abstract: An automatic web winding system for creating a registered perforated web stock roll, from a perforated web, that includes a web leader, a web trailer, and a die assembly that creates the web leader of a first web stock roll and the web trailer of a second web stock roll. A winding assembly automatically wraps and cinches the web trailer to an associated core prior to forming the second web stock roll; and a core loader assembly automatically loads a core onto the winding assembly and transfers the web trailer to winding assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Stephen M. Reinke
  • Patent number: 7178756
    Abstract: An automated perforated web splicing system includes a web stock roll of a perforated web, supported on a single unwind spindle, and having both a precut web leader edge and a web trailer edge for splicing. Also included in the automated perforated web splicing system is a leader holder device for automatically acquiring and positioning the web leader edge of the web stock roll according to perforations in the perforated web, and a splicing station for automatically positioning the web trailer edge prior to splicing and performing an on-pitch splice according to perforations in the perforated web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Stephen M. Reinke
  • Patent number: 6988688
    Abstract: In winding methods, a primary nip formed against a web defines continuing and leading web portions. A secondary nip is formed against and moved along the leading portion, from an outfeed side of the primary nip to an infeed side. The continuing portion and a free end of the leading portion are then simultaneously advanced into the primary nip. Winding apparatus has a winding spindle and builder roller that rotate about parallel winding and builder roller axes, respectively. An axle defines a guide axis and carries a cinch roller that rotates about the guide axis. The axle pivots between first and second orientations, in which the guide axis parallels and is transverse to the winding axis, respectively. The axle moves in the first orientation, in an incomplete orbit about the winding spindle from a start to a rotated position, both adjacent the builder roller, and returns in the second orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Stephen M. Reinke, William C. Lebbon
  • Patent number: 6942175
    Abstract: A winding apparatus has a rotary element, such as a core, that is rotatable about a winding axis. A roller is disposed adjoining the rotary element. The roller and rotary element together define a nip. A guide shoe has a chute wall and a plenum. The chute wall is aligned with the nip. The chute wall has an inner end disposed between the roller and the rotary element and an outer end spaced from the roller. The chute wall has a plurality of bores communicating with the plenum. In use, gas blown through the bores propels a web to the nip in a fluid film. The free end of the web is guided from an outfeed end of the nip in a loop to a second position adjoining the inner end of the guide shoe. During the guiding, the rotary element is rotated against the loop. This continues until the web overlaps and is cinched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventors: Joseph A. Watkins, Stephen M. Reinke
  • Publication number: 20040251372
    Abstract: A winding apparatus has a rotary element, such as a core, that is rotatable about a winding axis. A roller is disposed adjoining the rotary element. The roller and rotary element together define a nip. A guide shoe has a chute wall and a plenum. The chute wall is aligned with the nip. The chute wall has an inner end disposed between the roller and the rotary element and an outer end spaced from the roller. The chute wall has a plurality of bores communicating with the plenum. In use, gas blown through the bores propels a web to the nip in a fluid film. The free end of the web is guided from an outfeed end of the nip in a loop to a second position adjoining the inner end of the guide shoe. During the guiding, the rotary element is rotated against the loop. This continues until the web overlaps and is cinched.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Joseph A. Watkins, Stephen M. Reinke
  • Patent number: 6483575
    Abstract: An image forming device includes an imaging member for forming a latent image on a photosensitive medium and a pressure assembly for applying pressure to the photosensitive medium and develop images on the medium. The photosensitive medium comprises a plurality of microcapules which encapsulate imaging material such as coloring material. In a feature of the invention, a controller is responsive to sensed ambient conditions to control the amount of pressure applied to the medium and thereby control the amount of crushing force applied to the microcapsules. In a further feature, a flexible pressure strip is provided between a crushing roller of the pressure assembly and the media to prevent a marking of the media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Loretta E. Allen, Yongcai Wang, Stephen M. Reinke, Yeh-Hung Lai
  • Patent number: 6390694
    Abstract: An imaging assembly includes a media cartridge for holding a stack of media therein. The media cartridge includes a linkage assembly at least a portion of which is made of a material that is responsive to ambient conditions within the cartridge. An image forming device of the imaging assembly is adapted to control a development of images on the photosensitive media based on the sensed ambient conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Loretta E. Allen, Yongcai Wang, Stephen M. Reinke, Yeh-Hung Lai
  • Patent number: 6384900
    Abstract: A photosensitive media cartridge includes an ambient condition sensor mounted in the cartridge for sensing ambient conditions in the cartridge. When the cartridge is positioned at a media transfer position on an image forming device that permits the conveyance of media from the cartridge to the image forming device, image development or printing on the media in the image forming device is controlled based on the sensed ambient conditions in the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Loretta E. Allen, Yongcai Wang, Stephen M. Reinke, Yeh-Hung Lai
  • Publication number: 20010055109
    Abstract: A photosensitive media cartridge includes an ambient condition sensor mounted in the cartridge for sensing ambient conditions in the cartridge. When the cartridge is positioned at a media transfer position on an image forming device that permits the conveyance of media from the cartridge to the image forming device, image development or printing on the media in the image forming device is controlled based on the sensed ambient conditions in the cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventors: Loretta E. Allen, Yongcai Wang, Stephen M. Reinke, Yeh-Hung Lai
  • Patent number: 6268094
    Abstract: A photosensitive media cartridge includes an ambient condition sensor mounted in the cartridge for sensing ambient conditions in the cartridge. When the cartridge is positioned at a media transfer position on an image forming device that permits the conveyance of media from the cartridge to the image forming device, image development or printing on the media in the image forming device is controlled based on the sensed ambient conditions in the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Loretta E. Allen, Yongcai Wang, Stephen M. Reinke, Yeh-Hung Lai
  • Patent number: 6264134
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for centering a film spool or similar object. A quill or object support means arranged on either inboard and outboard ends a frame are used to engage end portions or flanges of the film spool. A pivot member provides translational simultaneous movement of both quills toward and away from the spool. The quills move equidistant relative to the centerline of the spool so that the centerline of an incoming web to be wound thereon will always align with the centerline of the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Stephen M. Reinke, Frank Castrignano, William R. De Munck
  • Patent number: 6009613
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for closing a perform shell about a wound film spool or similar object has a jaw assemblage having a pair of jaw members. The jaw members have a predetermined configuration for receiving and then closing a preform shell about the object. Jaw members are connected by a series of pivot members and connecting drive links. The drive link precisely controls the movements of connecting links supporting the jaw members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Stephen M. Reinke, Joseph R. Luterek