Patents by Inventor Thomas M. Stephany

Thomas M. Stephany 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: 7824017
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling temperature profiles in ejection mechanisms is provided. A heater includes a first resistor segment having an electrical resistivity, a second resistor segment; and a coupling segment positioned between the first resistor segment and the second resistor segment. The coupling segment has an electrical resistivity, wherein the ratio of the resistivity of the coupling segment to the resistivity of the first resistor segment is substantially zero. Alternatively, the first resistor segment has an electrical conductivity and the coupling segment has an electrical conductivity, wherein the electrical conductivity of the coupling segment is greater than the electrical conductivity of the first resistor segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Thomas M. Stephany, Christopher N. Delametter, David P. Trauernicht, Ali Lopez
  • Publication number: 20100112758
    Abstract: A method of providing connectivity to a microsized device, the method includes the steps of providing an ablative base material having at least a top surface; providing a die having a first and second surface and having bonding pads at least upon the first surface; placing the die with the at least first surface of the die contacting the at least first surface of the ablative base material; and ablating a channel in the ablative material proximate to the die.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
    Inventors: M. Zaki Ali, A. Peter Stolt, Gilbert A. Hawkins, Thomas M. Stephany
  • Publication number: 20100109168
    Abstract: A method of providing connectivity to a microsized device, the method includes the steps of providing an ablative base material having at least a top surface; providing a die having a first and second surface and having bonding pads at least upon the first surface; placing the die with the at least first surface of the die contacting the at least first surface of the ablative base material; and ablating a channel in the ablative material proximate to the die.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
    Inventors: M. Zaki Ali, A. Peter Stolt, Gilbert A. Hawkins, Thomas M. Stephany
  • Patent number: 7696013
    Abstract: A method of providing connectivity to a microsized device, the method includes the steps of providing an ablative base material having at least a top surface; providing a die having a first and second surface and having bonding pads at least upon the first surface; placing the die with the at least first surface of the die contacting the at least first surface of the ablative base material; and ablating a channel in the ablative material proximate to the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: M. Zaki Ali, A. Peter Stolt, Gilbert A. Hawkins, Thomas M. Stephany
  • Publication number: 20090073212
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling temperature profiles in ejection mechanisms is provided. A heater includes a first resistor segment having an electrical resistivity, a second resistor segment; and a coupling segment positioned between the first resistor segment and the second resistor segment. The coupling segment has an electrical resistivity, wherein the ratio of the resistivity of the coupling segment to the resistivity of the first resistor segment is substantially zero. Alternatively, the first resistor segment has an electrical conductivity and the coupling segment has an electrical conductivity, wherein the electrical conductivity of the coupling segment is greater than the electrical conductivity of the first resistor segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas M. Stephany, Christopher N. Delametter, David P. Trauernicht, Ali Lopez
  • Publication number: 20080258313
    Abstract: A method of providing connectivity to a microsized device, the method includes the steps of providing an ablative base material having at least a top surface; providing a die having a first and second surface and having bonding pads at least upon the first surface; placing the die with the at least first surface of the die contacting the at least first surface of the ablative base material; and ablating a channel in the ablative material proximate to the die.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: M. Zaki Ali, A. Peter Stolt, Gilbert A. Hawkins, Thomas M. Stephany
  • Patent number: 7370944
    Abstract: A liquid drop ejector is provided. The ejector includes a liquid chamber and a liquid supply. Portions of the liquid chamber define a nozzle bore. A liquid supply passageway is positioned between the liquid chamber and the liquid supply. The liquid supply passageway is in fluid communication with the liquid chamber and the liquid supply. A plurality of pillars is suspended in the liquid supply passageway. A wall of the liquid chamber can extend to the liquid supply passageway. A center pillar can also be included with a portion of the center pillar being positioned in the liquid chamber and another portion of the center pillar being positioned in the liquid supply passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Antonio Cabal, Thomas M. Stephany, Roger G. Markham, John A. Lebens, William R. Zimmerli
  • Patent number: 7251126
    Abstract: A system for displaying images includes: (a) a base; (b) a movable, arcuate-shaped receptacle that rotates into and from the base; and (c) a display attached to the receptacle so that the display is visible when the receptacle is rotated from the base and the display is partially or entirely not visible when the receptacle is rotated into the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Thomas M. Stephany, Richard W. Wien
  • Patent number: 7207655
    Abstract: A liquid drop emitter, a method of mixing a liquid, and a method of printing are provided. The liquid emitter includes a structure defining a chamber adapted to provide a liquid having an orifice through which a drop of the liquid can be emitted. A drop forming mechanism is operatively associated with the chamber. A mixing mechanism is associated with the chamber and is operable to create a surface tension gradient on the liquid provided by the chamber such that the liquid flows without being emitted from the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Christopher N. Delametter, Alok Verma, David P. Trauernicht, Thomas M. Stephany
  • Patent number: 7191520
    Abstract: A method for creating an inkjet chamber. The method comprises the steps of firstly providing a substrate having a nozzle opening and secondly etching the substrate through the nozzle opening by alternating between anisotropic and isotropic etching processes for forming a chamber having a shape approximating a cylinder by using multiple hemispheric etches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Lingadahalli G. Shantharama, John A. Lebens, Thomas M. Stephany
  • Patent number: 7180529
    Abstract: An immersive image viewing method comprises the steps of: displaying a scene on a first viewing area, the scene comprised of at least one image; displaying a lighting environment on a second viewing area separate from the first viewing area, the first and second viewing areas defining an immersive viewing environment for an observer for viewing the scene; and coordinating the simultaneous displaying of the scene and the lighting environment on the first and second viewing areas, respectively, within the immersive viewing environment to generate an immersive viewing scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Edward Covannon, Michael E. Miller, Thomas M. Stephany
  • Patent number: 7082147
    Abstract: A system for laser light delivery from an organic fiber laser, including a multi-layered vertical cavity film structure, wherein the multi-layered vertical cavity film structure is excited by an energy source; and an optical fiber integrated with the multi-layered vertical cavity film structure, such that the multi-layered vertical cavity film structure is deposited on the optical fiber; and wherein the delivery of laser light occurs at an end of the optical fiber as emitted laser
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: John P. Spoonhower, Thomas M. Stephany, Anne M. Miller
  • Patent number: 7057138
    Abstract: A heater is provided. The heater includes a first material having a circular form and a first sheet resistively. The first material has a first radius of curvature. The heater also includes a second material having a circular form and a second sheet resistively. The second material is positioned adjacent to the first material and has a second radius of curvature. The first radius of curvature is greater than the second radius of curvature and the first sheet resistively is less than the second sheet resistively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Ali Lopez, Christopher N. Delametter, Thomas M. Stephany, Gilbert A. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 7039237
    Abstract: A method for preventing abduction of a person, the method includes the steps of capturing a first image of a first adult and a first person upon entering a premises; inputting the captured first image in a database; capturing a second image of a second adult and a second person upon exiting the premises; and comparing the first and second images for predetermined characteristics for validating that the first adult associated with the first person in the first image is the same as the second adult associated with the second person in the second image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Peyton C. Watkins, Thomas M. Stephany, Dana W. Wolcott, Donald E. Olson
  • Patent number: 7029099
    Abstract: A method for creating one or more ink jet chambers, the method includes the steps of providing a substrate having a thermal element covered with substantially one type of uncured photo-imageable material; providing a first mask spanning the thermal element which creates both masked and unmasked uncured photo-imageable regions; exposing the unmasked photo-imageable region; providing a second mask covering at least a portion of the thermal element; exposing a portion of the remaining unexposed photo-imageable region for forming an output nozzle; curing the exposed portions of the photo-imageable material; and removing all the remaining uncured photo-imageable material for creating the ink jet chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: John A. Lebens, Thomas M. Stephany
  • Patent number: 7008288
    Abstract: A system, method and computer software product for controlling the operation of a device in accordance with a user's personal profile or local environment. The device is designed for interaction with a user based on the personal or an environment profile and includes a wireless communication device for communicating with a computer. The computer providing instructions to the device for controlling the operation of the device based on gathered data and in response to a stored user's personal profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Edward Covannon, David L. Patton, Thomas M. Stephany, Kathryn K. Nass
  • Patent number: 6993162
    Abstract: A method for authenticating animation, the method comprises the steps of capturing an image; converting the captured image into a wire mesh data for permitting animation of the image; providing movement data, which directs movement of the wire mesh data, and texture data indicating the covering for the wire mesh; electronically transmitting the wire mesh data, texture data and movement data; encrypting the movement data; and electronically transmitting the encryption the movement data for verifying that the animation is unaltered during transmission from its source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Thomas M. Stephany, Majid Rabbani, John R. Squilla, Donald E. Olson
  • Patent number: 6936334
    Abstract: A medium for displaying information thereon, the medium includes a substrate; and visible information formed from a plurality of colors displayed on the substrate; wherein at least one of the colors includes at least one visible colorant and at least one invisible colorant which invisible colorant is imperceptible to the human eye and which is not present in a reproduction therefrom for detecting counterfeiting or forgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Richard N. Blazey, Kevin W. Williams, Gustavo R. Paz-Pujalt, Thomas M. Stephany
  • Publication number: 20040218792
    Abstract: A method utilizing an imaging probe for registering images associated with a medical image processing application comprises the steps of: (a) providing a local tracking system that generates a field in a local area within which the imaging probe is used; (b) capturing first and second images representing substantially the same object; (c) sensing field emissions from the local tracking system to establish positional coordinates of the imaging probe during image capture; (d) using the positional coordinates to register the first and second images; and (e) utilizing the registered images to determine a characteristic of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Applicant: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: John P. Spoonhower, John R. Squilla, John T. Boland, Thomas M. Stephany
  • Publication number: 20040205029
    Abstract: A method for securely purchasing goods and services over the Internet, the method includes receiving an online form that was completed over the Internet for the purchase of goods or services; wherein the received completed document included a signature that was encrypted by a private key; sending the completed form with the attached signature to a charge clearinghouse which verifies the signature via the public key and authorizes a purchase with a unique authorization code; receiving the unique authorization code embedded and inseparable from the completed document from the charge clearinghouse; and issuing the goods or performing the service.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Applicant: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Thomas M. Stephany, Jacob L. Pietruszewski, Yawcheng Lo, Peyton C. Watkins