Patents Examined by Bruce H. Hess
  • Patent number: 9776445
    Abstract: A color laser markable article includes a color laser markable layer provided on a support, the laser markable layer including an infrared absorbing compound; a leuco-dye; and an acid generating compound, wherein the acid generating compound has a structure according to Formulae (I) or (II): wherein R1 and R3 independently represent an optionally substituted alkyl group, an optionally substituted (hetero)cyclic alkyl group, an optionally substituted (hetero)aryl group, an optionally substituted aralkyl group, an optionally substituted alkoxy group, an optionally substituted (hetero)cyclic alkoxy group, or an optionally substituted (hetero)aryl group; R2, R4 and R5 independently represent an optionally substituted alkyl, an optionally substituted (hetero)cyclic alkyl group or an optionally substituted aralkyl group; and R1 and R2, R4 and R5, R3 and R4, and R3 and R5 may represent the necessary atoms to form a ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: AGFA-GEVAERT
    Inventors: Marin Steenackers, Johan Loccufier
  • Patent number: 9776389
    Abstract: An image transfer article can include an image-imparting member and a removable substrate disposed adjacent to the image-imparting member. The image-imparting member can have a softening point temperature less than about 220° C. The image-imparting member can include at least one surface configured to receive and carry indicia to be transferred and at least one portion comprising a pigment providing an opaque background for received indicia. In some examples, the image-imparting member can comprise a first polymer including the indicia and at least a second polymer including the pigment. In some examples, the image-imparting member can comprise a polymer including the indicia and the pigment. The indicia and the opaque background can be arranged to concurrently transfer to a woven- or fabric-based article or paper in contact with the image-imparting member, upon application of iron pressing temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Inventor: Jodi A. Schwendimann
  • Patent number: 9776446
    Abstract: A front face side substrate provided between a supporting member and a receiving layer of a thermal transfer image-receiving sheet. The front face side substrate includes a front face side layer provided on one surface of a substrate layer and a rear face side layer provided on another surface of the substrate layer. The substrate layer includes (A) a propylene-based polymer, (B) calcium carbonate, and (C) titanium oxide, and the weight of (A) is 70% by weight to 94.5% by weight, the weight of (B) is 5% by weight to 28% by weight, and the weight of (C) is 0.5% by weight to 3% by weight, based on the assumption that the total weight of (A), (B) and (C) is 100% by weight. The front face side layer includes a modified propylene-based polymer, and the rear face side layer includes a propylene-based polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignees: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd., Mitsui Chemicals Tohcello, Inc.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Takahashi, Junpei Oomura, Hiroshi Matsuura, Hiroshi Honda
  • Patent number: 9773434
    Abstract: A laminate that possesses dye sublimation properties, particularly for use as tagless labels and embellishments for garments, apparel, fabric items and so forth such as sportswear fabrics, clothing and accessories is provided. The laminate includes a dye sublimation ink layer that overlies a substrate in which the dye sublimation ink interacts with the substrate's chemical make-up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: AVERY DENNISON RETAIL INFORMATION SERVICES, LLC
    Inventors: Osman N. Tanrikulu, Joseph Daley
  • Patent number: 9764580
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a thermal transfer sheet which can prevent a kick and a scumming, and can form a photographic tone color image of high quality with a continuous tone image by sublimation transfer, while expanding the range of choices for colorants to be included in a colorant layer; a coating liquid for colorant layer to be used for forming the colorant layer of this thermal transfer sheet; a method for manufacturing this thermal transfer sheet; and image forming method employing this thermal transfer sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: DAI NIPPON PRINTING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuya Yoshida, Hiroaki Segawa, Tomohiko Imoda, Yoshimasa Kobayashi, Tomoko Suzuki, Hiroyuki Hasegawa, Kano Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 9767715
    Abstract: A removable fragrance sampler is disclosed in which the sampler comprises a bottom ply having an upper surface and a lower surface with the lower surface having a layer of re-positionable pressure sensitive adhesive and a top ply having a sample material therein, the top ply being attached to the upper surface of the bottom ply, and the bottom ply being larger than the top ply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Orlandi, Inc.
    Inventors: Per Dobler, Valeriano Marinelli, Sven Dobler
  • Patent number: 9751352
    Abstract: A main purpose of the present invention is to provide a heat-sensitive recording medium that utilizes a chromogenic reaction between a dye precursor and a developer, wherein a colored image is tinged with a metallic luster so as to exhibit a gold metal color tone with a vivid appearance, or to provide a heat-sensitive recording medium exhibiting a yellow or gold metal color tone and a color tone different from the yellow or gold metal color tone, wherein the color optical density in each of the color tones is high, and a recording part has excellent color separation properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: OJI HOLDINGS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Yoneda, Chieko Oshisaka, Takashi Takemura, Tohru Murai
  • Patent number: 9744789
    Abstract: A thermochromic ink composition includes, in a liquid medium, known as solvent, a dispersion of thermochromic microcapsules incorporating at least one leuco-dye and a thermoplastic binder selected from the group containing polyacrylic polyesters, polyurethanes and copolymers thereof. The composition is characterized in that the solvent is aprotic. A a method for producing a card and such a card incorporating at least one thermochromic pattern produced with a thermochromic ink composition are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: FASVER
    Inventors: Eric Philippe, Laurence Bes
  • Patent number: 9745487
    Abstract: A new leuco dye produces a yellow color while demonstrating also exceptional light and thermal stability under light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Chromatic Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ruizheng Wang, Yu Du, Timothy J. Owen, Medhanei Abraha, Terrill Scott Clayton, Lyle Small
  • Patent number: 9744560
    Abstract: A method for painting a component such as a motor vehicle body component includes applying to the component a base coat layer, a pattern such as a decorative strip or a graphic element, and applying a clear lacquer coat. The pattern (7) is applied to the base coat layer without interposing a clear lacquer coat. A corresponding painting facility is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Dürr Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Georg Fritz, Benjamin Wohr, Marcus Kleiner, Timo Beyl, Frank Herre
  • Patent number: 9725613
    Abstract: The composition of the invention comprises: (a) polyethylene glycol with a molecular weight comprised between 20000 (20 K) and 50000 (50 K), at a weight/volume concentration comprised between 0.5 and 15%; (b) a non-ionic surfactant of general formula (I) where n is comprised between 5 and 40, and said surfactant being at a volume/volume concentration comprised between 0.1% and 2.0%; and (c) one or more ingredients selected from a liquid carrier, a binder and an additive suitable for printing. The composition of the invention is used for printing molecules of biological interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: FUNDACIÓ EURECAT
    Inventors: Laura López García, Oscar Hernán Ramírez Gutiérrez, Laia Francesch De Castro, Salvador Borrós Gómez, Núria Agulló Chaler, Joan Gilabert Porres, Laia Vilar Abril
  • Patent number: 9718294
    Abstract: Apparatus to produce a spatially and temporally uniform heat source is described and this is used to visualize latent fingerprints deposited onto thermal paper by raising the temperature of the paper. Results show an improvement over previous techniques, particularly when fingerprint deposits are aged or the developed fingerprints faint; visualization being enhanced by the use of an LED light source. An investigation of the components in fingerprint sweat likely to affect the solubility and hence colour change of the dye present in the thermal paper has shown that polar protic solvents able to donate a proton are favoured and a polar amino acid found commonly in eccrine fingerprint sweat (lysine) has been shown able to produce the desired colour change. Aged fingerprint deposits on thermal paper from a variety of sources up to four years old have been visualized with this technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Consolite Forensics Limited
    Inventors: Nicholas Rice, John Bond, Kevin Byrne, James Price, Christopher King, Richard Lewis
  • Patent number: 9718295
    Abstract: Provided is an image transfer material, comprising a support, optionally at least one barrier layer, a melt transfer layer, and an image receiving layer. Also provided is a process for preparing the image transfer material. Further provided is a heat transfer process using the disclosed material. In the heat transfer process, after imaging, the image receiving layer and melt transfer layer are peeled away from the optionally barrier-coated support material and placed, preferably image side up, on top of a receptor element. A non-stick sheet is then optionally placed over the imaged peeled material and heat is applied to the top of the optional non stick sheet. The melt transfer layer then melts and adheres the image to the receptor element. A composition comprising: at least one self-crosslinking polymer, and at least one dye retention aid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: MJ Solutions GmbH
    Inventor: Scott Williams
  • Patent number: 9718302
    Abstract: There is provided a decorative laminate having a first laminate layer, a second laminate layer, and a decorative layer disposed selectively between the first laminate layer and the second laminate layer. The decorative layer includes one or more visible materials, and one or more non-visible light activated materials that change from a non-visible state to a visible state when exposed to a light source. The light source includes an ultraviolet (UV) light source or an infrared (IR) light source. The decorative laminate further has a resin layer disposed on the second laminate layer. The first laminate layer, the decorative layer, the second laminate layer, and the resin layer are laminated together to form the decorative laminate configured for application to a structural component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Stephen M. Young, Carl A. Davison
  • Patent number: 9719207
    Abstract: The present invention is a process of producing a decorated case insert suitable for use on a phone or tablet that applies a synthetic organic polymer coating onto a heat stabilized extruded polymeric substrate, and diffuses a set of disperse dyes in the form of an image into the polymer applied coating through the application of heat and pressure. The decorated insert is then cut to match an article or manufacture, such as a phone or tablet case, and affixed onto that case to form a decorated case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Conde Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Andrew Ramsden
  • Patent number: 9707788
    Abstract: This invention relates to a conductive thermal image receiver element that has an aqueous coatable dye-receiving layer and an aqueous coatable receiver overcoat layer. The receiver overcoat layer comprises a conductive polymeric material and a two or more dispersants. The dye-receiving layer comprises a water-dispersible release agent, a crosslinking agent, and a polymer binder matrix consisting essentially of a water-dispersible polyester and a water-dispersible acrylic polymer. This invention also relates to a method for making this thermal image receiver element as well as method for using it to provide a dye image by thermal transfer from a donor element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: KODAK ALARIS, INC.
    Inventors: Teh-Ming Kung, Kathleen Bonsignore, Renee L. Daniels, Lianne Heath, John P. Olscamp, Kim Standish, Ellen L. Bennett, Peter J. Ghyzel, Joseph F. Janinek, John L. Muehlbauer, Walter E. Scott
  • Patent number: 9709539
    Abstract: Color change compositions that transition from a first to second color state upon application of an applied stimulus are provided. Also provided are substrates having the compositions on a surface thereof, as well as methods of making and using the compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Segan Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Hans O. Ribi
  • Patent number: 9701146
    Abstract: An ink set contains a first ink containing a compound in which a pyrazolone ring and a thiazole ring are bonded and a second ink containing a compound in which a pyrazolone ring and a pyridinedione ring are bonded. A thermal transfer recording sheet has a first ink layer containing a compound in which a pyrazolone ring and a thiazole ring are bonded and a second ink layer containing a compound in which a pyrazolone ring and a pyridinedione ring are bonded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koromo Shirota, Taichi Shintou, Masao Nakano
  • Patent number: 9701153
    Abstract: Heat transfers are provided that have indicia for labeling or enhancing the appearance of performance fabric material, such as apparel including sportswear fabrics with elastomeric characteristics. The label assembly includes a support portion with a label carrier layer and a release coating, along with a transfer portion over the support portion release coating that includes an ink design and a hot melt adhesive layer. The hot melt adhesive layer securely transfers the ink design to the fabric at relatively low temperature and pressure conditions for a relatively low dwell time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: AVERY DENNISON RETAIL INFORMATION SERVICES, LLC
    Inventors: Yi-Hung Chiao, Liviu Dinescu, Andrew Spendlove, Johannes Yttri, Osman N. Tanrikulu, Ben T. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 9701855
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an oil-based printing ink varnish comprising a polyurethane prepared using a polymeric polyol and a polyisocyanate as the main structural components, wherein the polyurethane is synthesized using, as a chain extender, a polyfunctional amine which contains at least one secondary amino group in each molecule and in which the total of the number of primary amino groups and the number of secondary amino groups is 3 or more per molecule. The present invention is able to provide a printing ink varnish containing a non-aromatic organic solvent and having excellent laminate strength, blocking resistance, dot reproducibility and plate clogging resistance, as well as a laminate ink containing the varnish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignees: TOYO INK SC HOLDINGS CO., LTD., TOYO INK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satotaro Tanaka, Harunori Narihiro, Nobutaka Takenaka, Yuika Hayasaka