Joseph A Watkins

US Patent:

6354431, Mar 12, 2002

Filed:

Dec 16, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/464555

Inventors:

Michael L. DeCecca - Fairport NY
Joseph A. Watkins - Rochester NY
Duane B. Kirk - Hilton NY

Assignee:

Eastman Kodak Company - Rochester NY

International Classification:

B65B 2500

US Classification:

198775, 1983461

Abstract:

A transfer apparatus has a table having a sequence of datum units. A transporter is aligned with the table. The transporter is incrementally advanceable past each datum unit. The transporter can carry pallets. A rigid bolster, that moves separately from the transporter, is aligned with the transporter and table. The bolster is movable relative to the table between a lowered position and a raised position to the lift and lower the pallets. The bolster is synchronized with the transporter so that the pallets can be lifted and lowered in each of a sequence of stations. A plurality of locating units are joined to the bolster. Each locating unit is aligned with a respective datum unit. The bolster lifts the pallets on the locating units and clamps the pallets against the respective datum units. A manufacturing system includes the transfer apparatus, pallets, a series of manufacturing stations, and a conveying system for moving the pallets through the manufacturing stations and transfer apparatus.

US Patent:

6427322, Aug 6, 2002

Filed:

Dec 16, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/464427

Inventors:

Michael L. DeCecca - Fairport NY
Joseph A. Watkins - Rochester NY
Duane B. Kirk - Hilton NY

Assignee:

Eastman Kodak Company - Rochester NY

International Classification:

B23P 1900

US Classification:

29806, 198775, 269309, 29464

Abstract:

A registration mechanism has a datum unit and a bolster movable toward and away from the datum unit. First, second, and third pins are mounted to the bolster. At least one spring resiliently biases the pins outward from the bolster. A pallet is supported by the pins between the bolster and datum unit. The pallet has first, second, and third sockets aligned with respective pins. The pallet has a registering face facing the datum unit. The registering face is disposed opposite the sockets. The pallet is movable by the bolster toward the datum unit from a lowered position. In the lowered position, the registering face is spaced from the datum unit and respective pins and sockets are spaced apart. In a first intermediate position, the registering face is spaced from the datum unit, and the sockets rest freely on respective pins. In a second intermediate position, respective sockets and pins are pressed together in partial counteraction of the resilient biasing.

US Patent:

6438323, Aug 20, 2002

Filed:

Jun 15, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/594881

Inventors:

Michael L. DeCecca - Fairport NY
Joseph A. Watkins - Rochester NY
Jacob M. Shmois - Rochester NY
Robert J. Blank - Churchville NY

Assignee:

Eastman Kodak Company - Rochester NY

International Classification:

G03B 1702

US Classification:

396 6, 396429, 29705, 29784

Abstract:

In a production method and system, a set of camera frame assemblies are partially assembled and a film unit is loaded. Each camera frame assembly is disposed on a pallet. Each pallet has a unique machine-readable designator. Defects are found in one or more members of the set of camera frame assemblies and a record is made of the respective designators of the pallets bearing the camera frame assemblies having defects. Assembly of the camera frame assemblies is then concluded. Afterward, camera frame assemblies on pallets having designators in the record of defects are culled. The assembly has the pallets, a transporter, a plurality of assembly devices, a series of defect inspectors, and an alteration unit that prepares for culling film rolls of camera frame assemblies having defects. The alteration unit transmits camera frame assemblies that are free of the defects without the preparing.

US Patent:

6480675, Nov 12, 2002

Filed:

Feb 9, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/780160

Inventors:

James G. Rydelek - Henrietta NY
Joseph A. Watkins - Rochester NY
Robert F. Zwaap - Rochester NY
Michael L. Dececca - Fairport NY

Assignee:

Eastman Kodak Company - Rochester NY

International Classification:

G03B 1702

US Classification:

396 6, 396388, 396514, 396440

Abstract:

A partially assembled one-time-use camera includes a film section that longitudinally extends from a rotatable film winding spool in a film cartridge and that is engaged with a rotatable metering sprocket, and a separate rear cover part that is to be placed over the film section and the film cartridge and is constructed to prevent the film section from retracting out of engagement with the metering sprocket. The film winding spool is rotatable in a film winding direction to wind the film section into the film cartridge. If the film cartridge is allowed to rotate in the film winding direction before the rear cover is placed over the film section and the film cartridge, the film section will retract out of engagement with the metering sprocket. Consequently, a cartridge retention piece is positioned against the film cartridge to prevent the film cartridge from being rotated in the film winding direction. This prevents the film section from retracting out of engagement with the metering sprocket when the rear cover part is not placed over the film section and the film cartridge.

US Patent:

6526228, Feb 25, 2003

Filed:

Apr 26, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/843220

Inventors:

Joseph A. Watkins - Rochester NY
Peter A. Wacht - Ontario NY

Assignee:

Eastman Kodak Company - Rochester NY

International Classification:

G03B 1702

US Classification:

396 6, 396388, 396415

Abstract:

In a film camera production method, a leading portion of a filmstrip is draped across a midsection of a camera frame. The camera frame has a film roll chamber joined to the midsection. A free end of the leading portion is lodged in the film roll chamber and a retention zone of the filmstrip is placed in engagement with a retention structure mounted to the frame. The retention zone adjoins the free end. The retention structure is fixed in position on the frame. The engagement of the retention zone and retention structure locks the leading portion against longitudinal travel toward the film roll chamber. The frame is transported and, during the transporting, the engagement of the retention zone and retention structure is maintained. Following the transporting, the retention zone is pulled off the retention structure.

US Patent:

6526229, Feb 25, 2003

Filed:

Apr 26, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/843394

Inventors:

Joseph A. Watkins - Rochester NY
Peter A. Wacht - Ontario NY

Assignee:

Eastman Kodak Company - Rochester NY

International Classification:

G03B 1702

US Classification:

396 6, 346388, 346415

Abstract:

In a camera frame assembly, a frame includes a film return chamber, a film roll chamber spaced apart from the film return chamber, and a midsection extending between the chambers. The midsection has a pair of film guide surfaces that define a film path between the chambers. A holdfast is joined in fixed relation to the midsection adjacent the film roll chamber. The holdfast extends outward from the midsection toward the film path. The holdfast is fully outside the film path. A film unit has a film holder and a filmstrip. The film holder is seated in the film return chamber. The filmstrip has a leading portion having a free end and a grip adjoining the free end. The filmstrip has a main portion adjoining the leading portion. The filmstrip is movable between a first position in which the grip engages the holdfast and a second position in which the main portion occupies the film path and extends from one of the chambers to the other. A camera and transportable camera intermediate likewise have a holdfast and grip.

US Patent:

6591476, Jul 15, 2003

Filed:

Feb 5, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/068482

Inventors:

Michael L. DeCecca - Fairport NY
Joseph A. Watkins - Rochester NY
Duane B. Kirk - Hilton NY

Assignee:

Eastman Kodak Company - Rochester NY

International Classification:

B23Q 300

US Classification:

29464, 269309, 29 33 P

Abstract:

A registration mechanism has a datum unit and a bolster movable toward and away from the datum unit. First, second, and third pins are mounted to the bolster. At least one spring resiliently biases the pins outward from the bolster. A pallet is supported by the pins between the bolster and datum unit. The pallet has first, second, and third sockets aligned with respective pins. The pallet has a registering face-facing the datum unit. The registering face is disposed opposite the sockets. The pallet is movable by the bolster toward the datum unit from a lowered position. In the lowered position, the registering face is spaced from the datum unit and respective pins and sockets are spaced apart. In a first intermediate position, the registering face is spaced from the datum unit, and the sockets rest freely on respective pins. In a second intermediate position, respective sockets and pins are pressed together in partial counteraction of the resilient biasing.

US Patent:

6942175, Sep 13, 2005

Filed:

Jun 12, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/460552

Inventors:

Joseph A. Watkins - Rochester NY, US
Stephen M. Reinke - Rochester NY, US

International Classification:

B65H019/28
B65H075/28

US Classification:

2425322, 2425327, 2423323, 242548, 226 973

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.