James A Samuels

US Patent:

49948377, Feb 19, 1991

Filed:

Mar 16, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/494647

Inventors:

James T. Samuels - Rochester NY
Roger D. Ellsworth - Rochester NY

Assignee:

Eastman Kodak Company - Rochester NY

International Classification:

G03D 308

US Classification:

354299

Abstract:

An automatic film processor sets new reference developer chemical temperatures and film transport speeds in accordance with user input at a keypad and disengages the film transport motor under microcomputer control to prevent further introduction of film until sensed actual developer temperature is within an acceptable tolerance of the new set temperature. A "wait" light is modulated to flash with increasing frequency as the gap between actual and set reference temperature is narrowed. Manual override is provided to re-engage the film motor even though the new set temperature has not been reached. A buzzer signals a feed in the override mode.

US Patent:

52353710, Aug 10, 1993

Filed:

Sep 13, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/759454

Inventors:

James T. Samuels - Rochester NY
Michael Newman - Pittsford NY

Assignee:

Eastman Kodak Company - Rochester NY

International Classification:

G03D 306

US Classification:

354299

Abstract:

A temperature control system (10) of an automatic film processor (12) includes developer and fixer recirculation paths (30, 40) having thermowell heaters (34, 44) and thermistors (35, 45). The heating rate of a heating cycle is determined based on temperature measurements by the thermistor (35). The duty cycle of heater (34) is controlled in proportion to the difference between measured actual temperature and a preestablished setpoint temperature. When replenishment occurs, until the cooler slug of replenishment becomes mixed, heater duty cycle is chosen based on prereplenishment temperature as well as measured temperature. In a modified embodiment, until the slug is mixed, a single predefined heater duty cycle is set.

US Patent:

50271458, Jun 25, 1991

Filed:

Aug 29, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/574842

Inventors:

James T. Samuels - Rochester NY

Assignee:

Eastman Kodak Company - Rochester NY

International Classification:

G03D 302
G03D 308

US Classification:

354299

Abstract:

There is described a film processor wherein an improved heat exchanger is provided for the liquid chemicals of two of its baths. The method of heat exchanging is also described. Specifically, the heat exchanger is a thermoelectric Peltier device that cools the developer at its heat sink and heats the wash water at its heat-emitting source.

US Patent:

49788582, Dec 18, 1990

Filed:

Jun 9, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/364749

Inventors:

Roger D. Ellsworth - Rochester NY
William A. Richards - Rochester NY
James T. Samuels - Rochester NY
James K. Bober - Rochester NY

Assignee:

Eastman Kodak Company - Rochester NY

International Classification:

G01N 2186

US Classification:

250560

Abstract:

In order to detect the presence and make measurements of the dimensions of web which travels along a path, for example film, such as X-ray film and equipment which develops such film, a linear array of light emitting devices (e. g. LEDs) is disposed opposite to an array of corresponding photodetectors to define a gap through which the web travels. The web is scanned by sequentially applying pulses of electrical power to the emitting devices. Output signals are provided from each photodetector representing the presence of the web. In order that the brightness is sufficient to detect the presence of low density (semi-opaque) webs and to maintain uniformity of brightness of illumination from emitter to emitter, the current to the emitters is computer controlled by means of a control system which responds to the signals from the photodetectors and increments or decrements the current from an initially preset level during selected scans, for example on scans which occur every 15 seconds. The preset level is sufficient so that the photodetectors detect a substantial reduction in illumination and provide corresponding output signals even when blocked by a semi-opaque film. The width of the web may be determined by counting the number of photodetectors producing these output signals during each scan and the web area passing through the detection arrays may be determined by counting output signals representing the detection of the web.

US Patent:

51327163, Jul 21, 1992

Filed:

Nov 21, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/616533

Inventors:

James T. Samuels - Rochester NY
Roger D. Ellsworth - Rochester NY

Assignee:

Eastman Kodak Company - Rochester NY

International Classification:

G03D 308

US Classification:

354322

Abstract:

An automatic film processor having control circuitry including a microprocessor and a plurality of electrically alterable programmable read-only memory (EAPROM) elements for respectively storing main operating program and language codes for control of the processor, has a non-volatile read-only memory (ROM) element containing a bootstrap program including instructions for reprogramming the main program and language ROMs, using addresses and code downloaded from a laptop computer using an RS232 interface. Initialization or reprogramming occurs without the necessity for physically removing or replacing the ROMs, and in response to flags set by software.

US Patent:

50537970, Oct 1, 1991

Filed:

Apr 4, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/504742

Inventors:

James T. Samuels - Rochester NY
Roger D. Ellsworth - Rochester NY

Assignee:

Eastman Kodak Company - Rochester NY

International Classification:

G03D 308

US Classification:

354322

Abstract:

An automatic film processor having control circuitry including a microprocessor and an electrically alterable programmable read-only memory (EAPROM) with a stored main program for control of the processor, has an auxiliary read-only memory (ROM) containing a bootstrap program including instructions for reprogramming the EAPROM using addresses and data from a disk drive or RS232 port. Reprogramming occurs in response to manual or automatic setting of a switch, without physically removing or replacing the EAPROM.

US Patent:

52353702, Aug 10, 1993

Filed:

Jul 31, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/738664

Inventors:

James T. Samuels - Rochester NY
Michael Newman - Pittsford NY

Assignee:

Eastman Kodak Company - Rochester NY

International Classification:

G03D 1300

US Classification:

354299

Abstract:

A temperature control system (10) of an automatic film processor (12) includes developer and fixer recirculation paths (30, 40) having thermowell heaters (34, 44) and thermistors (35, 45), and a cooling loop (37) in the developer path (30) which passes in heat exchange relationship with water in a wash tank (23). The system (10) also has a blower (48), heater (49) and thermistor (52) in an air path of a dryer (24). Actual heating and cooling rates of heating and cooling cycles are determined based on temperature measurements by the thermistors (35, 45, 52). Heater (34, 44, 49) and cooling loop (37) malfunctions are identified by comparing actual rates with rates characteristic of normal operations. Periodic readings of a precision resistor (89) are made to check for failures in analog-to-digital (87), multiplexing (86) and thermistor (35, 45, 52) circuits. An error-responsive fresh film inhibit feature, with user selectable override, is provided.

US Patent:

60829095, Jul 4, 2000

Filed:

Jun 5, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/092726

Inventors:

Alan S. Fitterman - Rochester NY
Robert E. Dickerson - Hamlin NY
Peter J. Kelch - Rochester NY
Ronald J. Perry - Webster NY
David G. Sherburne - Ontario NY
James T. Samuels - Rochester NY

Assignee:

Eastman Kodak Company - Rochester NY

International Classification:

C03D 302

US Classification:

396626

Abstract:

Black-and-white elements, such as radiographic films, can be processed in roomlight because they include certain light absorbing dyes and desensitizers. Processing of such elements can be achieved using a processing kit and a two-stage process carried out in the same light- and fluid-tight processing apparatus. In the first stage, development is initiated with a developing composition having a pH of from about 10 to about 12. 5, and comprising an appropriate black-and-white developing agent and a sulfite. After an appropriate time, a non-sulfite fixing agent is introduced into the processing apparatus or container to provide a combined developing/fixing composition, and development and fixing are carried out simultaneously. The processing method is carried out quickly, usually within about 90 seconds. The presence of sulfite and high pH in both stages decolorizes or deactivates the particulate dyes.