Abstract: A gravure method for applying a discrete patch (12) of uniform coating to a moving web (14) includes defining a nip area (20) between a gravure roller (16) and a backing roller (22), moving the gravure roller to the nip to a precise lengthwise location on the web, and moving the gravure roller from the nip. The method is improved by controlling the speed of movement of the gravure roller to the nip, and controlling the speed of movement of the gravure roller from the nip thereby producing a discrete patch.

Abstract: A laser ablative recording element with a support having a certain Young's modulus and having thereon an image layer comprising an image dye or pigment dispersed in a polymeric binder, the image layer having a near infrared-absorbing material associated therewith to absorb at a given wavelength of the laser used to expose the element, the image dye or pigment absorbing in the region of from about 250 to about 700 nm, the element having a compliant layer between the support and the image layer, the compliant layer having a Young's modulus lower than that of the support, and the compliant layer having a thickness of between about 2 &mgr;m and about 200 &mgr;m.

Abstract: In coating a liquid coating composition on a spliced web comprising contiguous web portions spliced together with a splicing tape, for example in the coating of gelatin emulsions or other hydrophilic colloid compositions on butt-spliced photographic support materials, coating disturbances caused by the splice are reduced by the use of a thin tape overlying the trailing edge of the splicing tape. The thin tape serves as a ramp between the splicing tape and the surface of the web and introduces only a very small vertical drop at its own trailing edge, to thereby permit coating of the spliced web with minimal disturbance of the coating operation.