Abstract: The synthesis and the application of new dyes is described. In particular said new dyes can be incorporated in non-migratory state in hydrophilic colloid layers of photographic materials wherefrom they can be rapidly removed after being quickly decolourised in alkaline aqueous liquids used in the processing of said materials. In photographic applications dyes of the general formula (I) are provided with at least one ionisable group which permits solubilisation in aqueous and/or alkaline medium. ##STR1## The meanings of the symbols are as defined in the claims and in the description.

Abstract: This invention relates to a dye donor element for laser-induced thermal dye transfer comprising a support having thereon a dye layer comprising an image dye in a binder and an infrared absorbing dye associated therewith, and wherein said binder comprises a nonpolymeric, organic material with a glassy state having a glass transition temperature of greater than 25.degree. C., capable of forming an amorphous glass with said image dye.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a method for making a lithographic printing plate comprising the steps of:providing an imaging element comprising on a support having a hydrophilic surface a photosensitive layer and a thermosensitive layer, said thermosensitive layer being opaque to light for which said photosensitive layer has spectral sensitivity and said thermosensitive layer comprising an infrared pigment dispersed in a binder;mounting said imaging element on a drum;image-wise exposing said imaging element by means of an infrared laser in an internal or external drum configuration thereby ablating said thermosensitive layer and rendering it image-wise transparent;overall exposing said imaging element with light to which said photosensitive layer has spectral sensitivity;developing said imaging element to leave an ink accepting image of said photosensitive layer on said support.

Abstract: The present invention is an imaging element including a support, at least one image-forming layer and an auxiliary layer. The auxilary layer is formed by providing a coating composition of fluoroolefin-vinyl ether copolymer latex in an aqueous medium, coating the coating composition of the support and drying the coating composition. The present invention also includes a coating composition for use in an imaging element including a fluoroolefin-vinyl ether copolymer latex dispersed in an aqueous medium.

Abstract: A cyan dye-donor element for thermal dye transfer comprising a support having thereon a dye layer comprising a mixture of cyan dyes dispersed in a polymeric binder, at least one of the cyan dyes having the formula: ##STR1## and at least one of the other of the dyes having the formula: ##STR2##

Abstract: Unique laser ablation transfer ("LAT") imaging films presenting options of flexibility and versatility hitherto alien to this art are produced, on-demand, by toning appropriate substrate as to provide thereon an ablative discontinuous film topcoat comprising a contrast imaging amount of conventional or modified toner particulates.

Abstract: The present invention is an imaging element including a support, at least one image-forming layer and an auxiliary layer. The auxilary layer is formed by providing a coating composition of a fluoroolefin-vinyl ether copolymer dissolved in an organic medium, coating the coating composition on the support and drying the coating composition. The present invention also includes a coating composition for use in an imaging element including a fluoroolefin-vinyl ether copolymer dissolved in an organic medium.

Abstract: A method comprising the following steps:(a) creating a thermal transfer donor sheet by vapor depositing a colorant layer onto a support;(b) contacting a receptor sheet with the donor sheet such that the colorant layer is in intimate contact with the receptor sheet, wherein at least one of the donor and receptor sheets comprises a radiation-absorbing material;(b) imagewise exposing the contacted sheets to radiation of a wavelength absorbed by the radiation-absorbing material, thereby causing heating in the exposed regions, said heating causing thermal transfer of colorant from the donor sheet to the receptor sheet in an imagewise fashion.

Abstract: Object: A method for preparing a lithographic printing plate directly from digital image signals with the use of a presensitized lithographic printing plate comprising a support having thereon a photosensitive layer and a light-shielding layer which can be removed imagewise with laser light is provided, wherein the light-shielding layer, which can be industrially produced readily at a moderate price can be removed sufficiently during a process of development without the need of removing a masking layer at an unexposed portion and adverse effect on a photosensitive layer.

Abstract: An assemblage for forming a lithographic printing plate is disclosed. The assemblage contains a receiver support with a rough hydrophilic surface; a layer containing a poly(cyanoacrylate) binder; and a donor support. When the assemblage is exposed with a high intensity laser beam, the binder is transferred to the hydrophilic surface of the receiver support to produce a lithographic printing plate. The transfer requires relatively low exposure and no post processing is necessary.

Abstract: A black thermal transfer sheet comprises a substrate film and a black dye layer formed on one surface of the substrate film. The die layer comprises dye and a binder. The dye comprises a first dye and a second dye respectively expressed by the following formulae (1) and (2): ##STR1## (where, "R.sup.1 " and "R.sup.2 " represent a substitutional or non-substitutional alkyl group, etc., "R.sup.3 " represents a hydrogen atom, etc., "R.sup.4 " represents a substitutional or non-substitutional alkyl group, etc., and "R.sup.5 " represents a substitutional or non-substitutional aminocarbonyl group, etc.; and "n" represents an integer of 1 or 2); and ##STR2## (where, "R.sup.1 ", "R.sup.2 ", "R.sup.3 " and "n" represent the same definitions as those in the formula (1), and "R.sup.6 " and "R.sup.7 " represent a substitutional or non-substitutional alkyl group, etc.).

Abstract: An image forming material is disclosed which comprises a support and provided thereon, an image forming layer and an image protective layer in that order, the image forming layer containing a colorant and a first binder resin, and the image protective layer containing fine particles in an amount of 2 to 150 mg/M.sup.2 and a second binder resin and having a thickness of 0.03 to 1.0 .mu.m, wherein an image is formed by exposing the material to a high density energy light to reduce adhesion between the image forming layer and the support and then removing the image forming layer at exposed portions.

Abstract: A color reproduction method is described using laser addressable thermal transfer donor elements which may be used to image both color proofing films and printing plates. Matched proofs and plates may be generated by direct digital address since identical transfer media are used in the respective imaging processes. In addition, each plate bears a resin image of a color that matches the color of the ink that will be used with that plate thus providing a convenient means of identification. In other words, the identity of each plate (i.e. whether it bears the y, m, c or k separation image) is immediately apparent by visual inspection, thus removing any risk of confusion and any need to provide individual plates with identification marks.

Abstract: A method for selective transfer of a color organic layer from a donor layer onto a device having an array of pixels with each pixel formed from color subpixels, includes the steps of providing a substrate having opposing first and second surfaces; forming a light transmissive heat insulating layer over the first surface of the substrate; forming a light absorbing layer over the heat insulating layer; providing the substrate with an array of openings extending from the second surface to the heat insulating layer, the number and positions of the openings corresponding to the number and positions of the color subpixels of the device, and each opening having a size equal to or smaller than the size of the color subpixel.

Abstract: A transfer material colored to a predetermined color is used when images are formed on a transfer material for use in thermal transfer comprising a substrate and a dye receiving layer by a thermal transfer process.When images are formed by an optional image forming method such as silver salt photographic process, ink jet process or thermal transfer process, a transfer material having sepia tone is used in each of the image forming processes thereby forming sepia tone images. Images having unique appearance can be formed easily upon forming images by a thermal transfer process. Images of sepia tone can be formed safely and conveniently.

Abstract: An imaging method is provided that includes a tetraarylpolymethine dye, and bleaching this dye by bringing the dye into contact with a 4-alkyl or 4-unsubstituted 1,4-dihydropyridine derivative.

Abstract: Photosensitive donor elements, assemblages, and associated processes are described for use in a laser-induced thermal transfer process, said elements comprising in the order listed a support; a photohardenable layer comprising a binder, at least one photohardenable component, and an initiator; optionally a barrier layer; optionally a coversheet; at least one ejection layer comprising a first polymer having a decomposition temperature T.sub.1 ; at least one top layer having an outer surface and comprising (i) a second polymer having a decomposition temperature T.sub.2 and (ii) an imageable component. For photomask fabrication applications, the imageable component is preferably black. Assemblages made with these donor elements are useful for fabrication of photomasks on various photohardenable materials, including flexographic printing plates and photoresists.

Abstract: A thermal transfer image-receiving sheet comprising a substrate sheet, a dye-receptive layer provided on at least one surface of the substrate sheet, and a backing layer provided on the other surface of the substrate sheet, wherein the dye-receptive layer contains polycaprolactone.

Abstract: A method of forming an image on an image forming material is disclosed which comprises a transparent support having a first surface side and a second surface side and provided on the first surface side, an imaging layer, the method comprising the step of forming a mirror image on the imaging layer so that the formed image is visible from the second surface side, wherein the second surface side has a glossiness of 80 to 115.

Abstract: A thermal transfer image receiving material is disclosed which comprises a support having a first surface and a second surface, a cushion layer and an image receiving layer provided on the first surface in that order, and a back coat layer provided on the second surface, wherein the surface of the back coat layer has a suction pressure of 300 mmHg or more.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the formation of a heat mode image with good differentiation between Dmin and Dmax. The method essentially comprises information-wise laser exposure of a layer pack comprising a layer containing a reducing agent, a barrier layer, and a layer containing a reducible organic metal salt, preferably silver behenate. The barrier layer is destructible by laser radiation and allows transfer of reducing agent in the exposed parts while no such transfer occurs in the unexposed parts. Preferably, an overall heat post-treatment is given. A mono-sheet and a two-sheet version of the invention are described.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a method for preparing a hydrophilic surface of an aluminum lithographic base comprising the steps of roughening and anodizing a side of an aluminum foil and sealing said side of the aluminum foil with hot water within a temperature range from 70.degree. C. to 100.degree. C. for at least 5 seconds and rinsing said side of the aluminum foil with water characterized in that between said hot water treatment and said rinsing said side of the aluminum foil is treated with an aqueous silicate solution within a temperature range from 70.degree. C. to 100.degree. C. for at least 5 seconds.

Abstract: Wet lithographic printing plates include a protective layer that provides protection against handling and environmental damage, extends plate shelf life, and entrains debris generated by ablation. The layer washes away during the printing make-ready process, effectively cleaning the plate and disappearing without the need for a separate removal process.

Abstract: Thermal recording or producing of a contone image comprises an imagewise and scanwise exposing a thermographic recording material with a set (s) of radiation beams (b), wherein at any given moment (t) during the exposure at least two radiation beams impinge on different dots (m) of a scanline (l), so that by completion of the exposure each effective dot of the scanline has been impinged. Photo-thermographic recording or producing comprises a developing of the exposed photo-thermographic recording material with a set (s) of radiation beams (b), wherein at any given moment (t) during the development at least two radiation beams impinge on different dots (m) of a scanline (l), so that by completion of the development step each dot of the scanline has been impinged by all radiation beams.

Abstract: A method of producing a radiation-induced colorant transfer image on a support, includes the steps of: providing an image-receiving element comprising a support having thereon an image-receiving layer; providing a colorant donor element having a colorant transfer layer on a colorant element support and wherein colorant can be transferred from a transfer surface of the colorant donor element to the image-receiving element in response to selectively applied radiation; providing a uniformly reflecting opaque element that is sufficiently opaque to radiation at the wavelengths of the radiation source; causing the image-receiving element to be contacted with the colorant donor element and these elements to be positioned between the radiation source and the uniformly reflecting opaque element; and applying radiation to the colorant donor element to cause colorant to transfer to the image-receiving element.

Abstract: A cyan dye-donor element for thermal dye transfer comprising a support having thereon a dye layer comprising a mixture of cyan dyes dispersed in a polymeric binder, at least one of the cyan dyes having the formula: ##STR1## and at least one of the other of the dyes having the formula: ##STR2##

Abstract: Unique laser ablation transfer ("LAT") imaging technique presenting options of flexibility and versatility hitherto alien to LAT imaging science ("LATIS"), comprises LAT imaging onto special or conventional intermediate receptor elements, characteristically onto adhesive face surface thereof, and then laminating, notably hot laminating under pressure, the intermediate receptor thus imaged onto any one of a very wide variety of ultimate receptor substrates; thus produced are, e.g., original full-color prints or proofs, photomasks, monochrome or multichrome transparencies, and the like, having smooth or matte protective durable overcoatings.

Abstract: A method and composition for fusing toner to paper using hydrofluorocarbons or perfluorinated C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl alkyl ethers as a toner fusing agent in a cold fusion process. The composition utilizes a uniform mixture of at least one chlorine-free hydrofluorocarbon or perfluorinated C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl alkyl ether or mixture thereof, and preferably at least one toner stabilizer and/or an optional solvent. When used, the chlorine-free composition achieves satisfactory fusing and is more environmentally advantageous than chlorine containing toner fusing agents. The composition has a zero ozone depletion potential and a low global warming potential.

Abstract: A process for forming an image on a transparent or translucent substrate comprising the steps of providing an imageable element comprising a transparent or translucent glass or polymeric film having a coating of a black metal on one surface thereof, directing radiation in an imagewise distributed pattern at said black metal layer with sufficient intensity to substantially increase the light transmissivity of the medium in the irradiated region in an imagewise distributed pattern, said element having no layers comprising a thermally activated gas-generating composition. The image comprises residual black metal on the film base, and may be used for overhead transparencies, contact negatives/positives, and the like.

Abstract: Donor elements, assemblages, and associated processes are described for use in a laser-induced thermal transfer process, said elements comprising in the order listed (a) at least one flexible ejection layer comprising a first polymer having a decomposition temperature T.sub.1 and characteristic glass transition temperatures of T.sub.g.sup.0 and T.sub.g.sup.1 for unplasticized and plasticized polymer samples, respectively, wherein the tensile modulus of the flexible ejection layer(s) structure is less than or equal to 2.5 Gigapascals; (b) at least one heating layer; (c) at least one transfer layer comprising (i) a second polymer having a decomposition temperature T.sub.2, wherein T.sub.2 .gtoreq.(T.sub.1 +100.degree. C.

Abstract: A method of producing a radiation-induced colorant transfer image on a support, includes the steps of: providing an image-receiving element comprising a support having thereon an image-receiving layer; providing a colorant donor element having a colorant transfer layer on a colorant element support and wherein colorant can be transferred from a transfer surface of the colorant donor element to the image-receiving layer in response to selectively applied radiation; providing a rigid element being configured to provide a surface having peaks and valleys; pressing either the colorant element support surface or the image-receiving support surface against the rigid element so as to cause either the colorant transfer layer surface or the image-receiving surface, respectively, to conformally have peaks and valleys; causing the peaks of the colorant transfer layer or the image-receiving layer to engage either the image-receiving element or the colorant donor element, respectively; and applying radiation to the colora

Abstract: An ablative recording element comprising a support having thereon, in order, a barrier layer and a colorant layer comprising a colorant dispersed in a polymeric binder, the colorant layer having an infrared-absorbing material associated therewith, and wherein the barrier layer contains polymeric beads.

Abstract: An image media assembly comprising: a doner element, a receptor element, and means for maintaining the elements in a predetermined position wherein one element overlies the other, said means including a vacuum present between the elements.

Abstract: Solid particle dispersions of compounds useful in imaging elements can be made with substantially improved stability to particle growth by dispersing the compound of interest in the presence of a relatively small amount of a second compound that is structurally similar to the compound of interest. This second compound is combined with the compound of interest prior to dispersing the compound of interest, i.e., prior to milling in the case of milled dispersions, and prior to precipitation in the case of pH or solvent precipitated dispersions. While being distinct, the second compound has a similar chemical structure to the main compound.

Abstract: A method of making a color filter array on a first substrate having an array of pixels, comprising the steps of: depositing and patterning a photoresist layer on the substrate layer to form selected openings over pixels in the array; providing a plurality of two or more transferable colorant layers on a second substrate and positioning such transferable layers in transferable relationship with the first substrate; simultaneously transferring the colorant materials from the plurality of transferable colorant layers to the photoresist layer on the first substrate; and removing the patterned photoresist layer leaving behind the colorant materials in the position of the openings over the selected pixels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of increasing the sensitivity of laser induced thermal imaging by using certain sublimable compounds. The invention is useful in the field of thermal transfer imaging for the production of various graphic arts media.

Abstract: The present invention describes an imaging element which includes a support, an image-forming layer, a transparent magnetic recording layer, and an electrically-conductive layer. The electrically-conductive layer is a dispersion in a film-forming binder of acicular, crystalline single phase, semi-conductive metal-containing particles having a cross-sectional diameter less than 0.02 .mu.m and an aspect ratio of greater than or equal to 5:1.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing a smooth and continuous pressure bonded layer of a material on a base substrate through the driving force of a pulsed laser. The method comprises the steps of selecting a laser absorptive material. Then applying thereto a thin layer of the material for pressure bonding to the base substrate. Next, placing the base substrate and the thin layer of material on the laser absorptive material in a vacuum, then placing the base substrate in close proximity to the thin layer of material. Finally, directing pulsed laser energy toward the laser absorptive material and the layer to be pressure bonded, whereby the laser energy is absorbed by the laser absorptive material causing heating and vaporization thereof to a controlled depth of the laser absorptive material, leaving remaining portions of the laser absorptive material unvaporized after the vaporization to act as a support for the material to be bonded.

Abstract: A laser-exposed thermal recording element comprising a support having thereon a pigment layer comprising a pigment dispersed in a polymeric binder, the pigment absorbing at the wavelength of a laser used to expose the element, wherein the pigment comprises the formula:M.sub.x A.sub.y Q.sub.zwherein:M is at least one metal atom,A is at least one alkali metal,Q is at least one of oxygen or sulfur,x is an integer between 1 and 3,y is between 0 and about 2, andz is between about 1 and about 4.

Abstract: A thermal transfer donor element is provided which comprises a support, a light-to-heat conversion layer, an interlayer, and a thermal transfer layer. When the above donor element is brought into contact with a receptor and imagewise irradiated, an image is obtained which is free from contamination by the light-to-heat conversion layer. The construction and process of this invention is useful in making colored images including applications such as color proofs and color filter elements.

Abstract: The present invention describes imaging elements which include a support, an image-forming layer and an electrically-conductive layer. The electrically conductive layer is a dispersion in a film-forming binder of acicular, crystalline single phase, conductive metal-containing particles having a cross-sectional diameter less than 0.02 .mu.m and an aspect ratio of greater than or equal to 5:1.

Abstract: A method of producing a radiation-induced colorant transfer image on a support, includes the steps of: providing an image-receiving element comprising a support having thereon an image-receiving layer; providing a colorant donor element having a colorant transfer layer on a colorant element support and wherein colorant can be transferred from a transfer surface of the colorant donor element to the image-receiving element in response to selectively applied radiation, the colorant element support being configured to provide a surface having peaks and valleys; pressing the colorant element support surface against a rigid element so as to cause the colorant transfer layer surface to conformally have peaks and valleys; causing the peaks of the colorant transfer layer to engage the image-receiving element; and applying radiation to the colorant donor element to cause colorant to transfer in the space between the image-receiving element and the colorant transfer layer surface corresponding to the valleys in the colo

Abstract: A dye-donor or recording element comprising a support having thereon a dye layer comprising a yellow dye in a polymeric binder, the dye having the formula: ##STR1## wherein: R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 each independently represents hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, nitro, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or alkoxy group of from 1 to about 6 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group, an alkylazo group, or an arylazo group;or any two adjacent R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 groups may be taken together with the phenyl ring to which they are attached to form a fused ring system; andZ.sup.1 and Z.sup.2 each independently represents hydrogen or a moiety having a Hammet Sigma (meta) Constant greater than 0.3, such as cyano, esterified carboxy, amide, benzoxazole, alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl; or may be taken together to form a group having a Hammer Sigma (meta) Constant greater than 0.3.

Abstract: An ablative recording element comprising a support having thereon, in order, a barrier layer and a colorant layer comprising a colorant dispersed in a polymeric binder, the element containing an infrared-absorbing material, and wherein the barrier layer is prepared from an aqueous latex dispersion of a polycyanoacrylate copolymer having the formula: ##STR1## wherein: R is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having from 1 to about 20 carbon atoms,VA is a vinyl monomer with a pendant ionizable group, andthe weight ratios of x:y range from about 97:3 to about 70:30.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for making a flexographic printing plate from a photosensitive printing element having an infrared reduction ablatable layer capable of being selectively removed by a laser beam and wherein the process includes placing a material capture sheet in proximity to a photopolymer layer.

Abstract: Dye-donor element for thermal dye transfer comprising at least one magenta dye having extremely low side absorption in the blue and red regions of the spectrum, said dye corresponding to the general formula (I) : ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is H, (cyclo)alkyl, or aryl; X represents the atoms completing a heterocycle; Z is an electron-withdrawing group; Y is an electron-withdrawing group or --N(R.sup.2)R.sup.3 ; R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 together represent the atoms completing a heterocycle; or R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 together represent .dbd.C(R.sup.4)R.sup.5, or each of R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 represents (same or different) (cyclo) alkyl, aryl, or an electron-withdrawing group; each of R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 (same or different) represents H, (cyclo)alkyl, aryl, a heterocycle, SO.sub.2 R.sup.6, COR.sup.6, CSR.sup.6, POR.sup.6 R.sup.7, OR.sup.8, NR.sup.8 R.sup.9, SR.sup.8, or R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 together represent the atoms completing an aliphatic ring or a heterocycle, each of R.sup.6 and R.sup.

Abstract: Imaging elements are prepared by a method in which an image is generated on a donor element and then transferred from the donor element to a receiver element by the steps of lamination and peeling. The donor element comprises a support, an image-forming layer and optional release and adhesive layers and the image is formed by imagewise laser-induced thermal ablation of the image-forming layer. The method is particularly useful for the preparation of lithographic printing plates as it avoids the need to employ alkaline developing solutions.

Abstract: An image forming method is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a thermal transfer element having an infrared sensitive adhesive topcoat and process for using the transfer element to generate a colored image on a receptor. The infrared sensitive adhesive topcoat allows for a more efficient transfer of the image to a receptor. The color transfer layer and/or infrared sensitive adhesive topcoat may optionally contain crosslinkable or polymerizable materials that allows one to crosslink the image after transfer to the receptor to produce a more durable image.

Abstract: An image forming material is disclosed which comprises a support and provided thereon, an image forming layer containing colorant particles and a binder, the image forming layer having an optical density of 3.0 or more per 1 .mu.m thickness of the image forming layer at .lambda.max which is a wavelength giving a maximum transparent density in the spectral absorption wavelength range of 350 to 1200 nm of the image forming layer, wherein an image is formed by removing exposed portions of the image forming layer of the image forming material.