Abstract: A thermal printer apparatus has a plurality of print stations for recording image information onto a receiver moving past the print stations. An adjustable-speed receiver drive mechanism is adapted to advance the receiver along the path. A plurality of sensors adapted to detect the temperature of the receiver and other surfaces along the path. A controller adjusts the speed of the drive mechanism as a function of the detected temperatures so as to effect a shim of the average raster line pitch of the printer to compensate for changes in the temperature of the receiver. An empirical model of receiver speed as a function of measured receiver temperature is used in software to predict receiver speed during printing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a donor for thermal imaging including a base and dye layer, wherein said dye layer includes yellow dye and binder in a ratio of about 0.63, and said base has a thickness of between 4 to 4.75 micrometers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of avoiding core set curl in thermal prints comprising providing thermal print material wound image receiving side toward the core, passing said print material from said core around a turning roll in a direction opposite to the core wind, passing said print material under tension in an arcuate path with image side out beneath at least three thermal print heads to form an image.

Abstract: The invention relates to a donor for thermal imaging comprising a base and dye layer, wherein said dye layer comprises yellow dye and binder in a ratio of 0.6 to 0.7, and said base has a thickness of between 3 and 5 micrometers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermal dye transfer print bearing a protective overlayer comprising a polymeric binder containing dispersed heat expandable microspheres wherein the expandable microspheres have been selectively expanded in a predetermined pattern and a process for making same. The resulting prints bear a predetermined texture pattern in the protective overlayer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermal dye transfer print bearing a protective overlayer comprising a polymeric binder containing dispersed heat expandable microspheres wherein the expandable microspheres have been selectively expanded in a predetermined pattern and a process for making same. The resulting prints bear a predetermined texture pattern in the protective overlayer.

Abstract: A bleach-fix composition for use in photographic processing comprising a polycarboxylic acid bleaching agent, a thiosulfate fixing agent, and a carbonyl bisulfite adduct. The carbonyl bisulfite adduct functions as a stabilizing agent which retards sulfurization of the bleach-fix composition and thereby prolongs its useful life.