Gelbart, who joined Kodak following its acquisition of Creo in 2005 before retiring as its chief technology officer last year, has more than 70 patents to his name for plate handling, direct on-press imaging, flexographic methodology and processless flexography.

After co-founding Creo in 1983, Gelbart was responsible for developing a number of patented CTP technologies and was instrumental in the transition from analogue to digital pre-press.

Gelbart's light valve thermal imaging system, or thermal imaging head, is used today by all major manufacturers of thermal CTP.

Doug Edwards, general manager pre-press solutions and vice president at Eastman Kodak Company, said: "Dan shaped the digital pre-press landscape with his inventions and unique insight into the needs of graphic communications professionals.

"Many of the high-quality, high-performance solutions on the market today benefit from his expertise and Kodak has been very fortunate to gain access to Dan's technologies through its acquisition of Creo several years ago. This recognition certainly is well deserved."

Gelbart received his award at the Technical Association for the Graphic Arts (TAGA) Annual Technical Conference in New Orleans last week.

Established in 1974, the Reed Medal perpetuates the memory of Robert F. Reed (1905-1973), the "Dean of Lithography".

Past recipients of the Reed Medal include Richard McKrell, John Crosfield, John MacPhee, Robert Bassemir, Harold Gegenheimer, and Michael Bruno.

Also see:
Kodak's Creo deal complete