Readily Visible Image Formation Patents (Class 430/292)
  • Patent number: 6777164
    Abstract: The invention provides a lithographic printing for precursor having an imagable coating on an aluminum support, wherein the imagable coating comprises a polymeric substance comprising colorant groups, and wherein the aluminum support on which the coating is provided is anodized but not subsequently modified by means of a post-anodic treatment compound, and the coating does not comprise a colorant dye. The polymeric substance may also comprise pendent infra-red or developer dissolution inhibiting groups, and these groups may also be the colorant groups themselves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Kodak Polychrome Graphics LLC
    Inventors: Geoffrey Horne, Kevin Barry Ray, Alan Stanley Victor Monk, Stuart Bayes
  • Patent number: 6767676
    Abstract: The optical functional element contains aggregates of developed silver grains obtained by developing silver halide grains arranged so as to constitute a periodical structure. The element includes a substrate and a medium layer. The aggregates of the developed silver grains are arranged in the medium layer so as to constitute said periodical structure. The element is produced by first selectively exposing a photo-curing resin layer formed on said substrate in which the silver halide grains are dispersed so as to selectively photo-cure the photo-curing resin layer, then overall exposing the photo-curing resin layer to expose the silver halide grains in the photo-curing resin layer, and thereafter developing the photo-curing resin layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kimitoshi Nagao
  • Patent number: 6749936
    Abstract: Achromatic multilayer diffractive pigment flakes and foils are provided having diffractive structures thereon. The diffractive pigment flakes can have a symmetrical stacked coating structure on opposing sides of a reflective core layer, an asymmetrical stacked coating structure on one side of a reflective layer, or can be formed with one or more encapsulating coatings around the reflective core layer. The diffractive pigment flakes can be interspersed into liquid media such as paints or inks to produce diffractive compositions for subsequent application to a variety of objects. The foils can be laminated to various objects or can be formed on a carrier substrate. The diffractive pigment flakes and foils can be formed with a variety of diffractive structures thereon to produce selected optical effects. The diffractive foils and diffractive compositions applied to an object exhibit an iridescent diffractive effect over an achromatic background.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Flex Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Alberto Argoitia, Paul T. Kohlmann, Matthew R. Witzman, Paul G. Coombs, Charles T. Markantes, Richard A. Bradley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6746814
    Abstract: A method for providing color to a stereolithographically produced model is disclosed. This method comprises obtaining data representing the model, such that the data is readable by a stereolithographic model generating machine for solidifying layers of a liquid resin in a vat creating resin layers to create successive cross sections of the model. Each of the resin layers are exposed with energy effective for solidifying the resin. One or more portions of at least one of the resin layers are overexposed with an energy according to a coloring or shading indicated in the data. The model is heated with an effective amount of heat to induce a color or shading change in substantially only the overexposed portions of the model. The model is removed from the vat and cleaned. Next, the model can be exposed to an energy source, followed by the finishing of the model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventor: Dorsey D. Coe
  • Publication number: 20040096757
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a photosensitive resin composition or a photosensitive resist for color filters which is superior in heat resistance, water resistance, solvent resistance, chemical resistance, and also transparency, and a method for producing color filters using them. The present invention relates to a photosensitive resin composition comprising a vinyl polymer (A) having at least one cyclocarbonate group and at least one carboxyl group in the molecule and a compound (B) having at least two ethylenically unsaturated double bonds in the molecule as a main component, which can introduce crosslinked structures by photocuring and thermosetting, a photosensitive resist for color filters comprising the photosensitive resin composition and a colorant, and a method for producing a color filter, using the photosensitive resist for color filters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Tokuda, Yasunobu Hirota, Hidenobu Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20040076909
    Abstract: A process is provided for producing a polymeric layer having a desired image thereon or a three dimensional article comprising a number of such layers in which a layer of a liquid photocurable composition which comprises photo colourable particles is cured by light and selected areas thereof are irradiated with light of a different dose, thereby forming the desired image which composition comprises particles dispersed in it which are micro-capsules containing a photosensitive colour changing composition within a barrier layer which is substantially impermeable to the components of the colour changing composition or are solid particles comprising an immobilised photosensitive colour changing composition. The process permits the use of the same initiating mechanism to cure the resin and to change the colour of the particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Dianne Beth Shirley, Ian Malcolm Shirley, Ajay Haridas Popat, Martin Russell Edwards, Kevin Thomas McAloon, Herbert Benson Scher
  • Patent number: 6723493
    Abstract: Lithographic printing plates having on a hydrophilic substrate an oleophilic photosensitive layer comprising an oleophilic polymer, a free radical polymerizable monomer, and 4-piperonyl-2,6-bis(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine as free radical initiator and/or leucomalachite green as exposure indicating dye; wherein the weight ratio of the monomer to the polymer is larger than 1.0. The plates can be developed with ink and/or fountain solution on a lithographic printing press or with a non-alkaline aqueous developer comprising 60-99% by weight of water and 0.5 to 40% by weight of an alcohol solvent. A photosensitive dye can be added in the photosensitive layer to provide photosensitivity to a specific wavelength between 200 and 1200 nm. Unlike commonly used s-triazine initiator or leuco dye, 4-piperonyl-2,6-bis(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine or leucomalachite green does not insolubilize from the photosensitive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Gary Ganghui Teng
  • Publication number: 20040048191
    Abstract: An on-press developable heat-sensitive lithographic printing plate precursor comprising: a support having a water-wettable surface; and an image forming layer, wherein the image forming layer comprises microcapsules containing a lipophilic compound and one of a leuco dye which forms a color by an action of an acid and a dye which reduces the maximum absorption intensity in a visible region by an action of an acid, an acid generator capable of generating an acid on heat application, and a light-heat converting substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD
    Inventor: Toshifumi Inno
  • Publication number: 20040043198
    Abstract: A method, exposure apparatus, and printed wafer such that a design is printed within a peripheral portion of the wafer. The peripheral portion of the wafer is between an outer boundary of an active portion of the wafer and an outer boundary of the wafer. The exposure apparatus comprises a lens, a reticle that includes a pattern, and a reticle blind. The reticle blind blocks a first portion of light that is passed through the exposure apparatus. A transparent portion of the reticle transmits a remaining portion of the light. The lens focuses the remaining portion of the light onto the wafer such that an image of a portion of the pattern is printed as the design within the peripheral portion of the wafer. The printed design is a function of where the reticle blind is positioned relative to the pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert T. Froebel, Grant N. Pealer, Paul D. Sonntag
  • Patent number: 6692895
    Abstract: A laser imageable article includes an imageable layer that comprises the reaction product of a metal precursor and a reactant. The imageable article also includes a first boundary layer on a first side of the imageable layer, the first boundary layer being substantially transparent to laser radiation, and a second boundary layer on a second side of the imageable layer. The imageable layer may be imaged with a laser through the first boundary layer while maintaining the continuity of the first boundary layer. In a preferred embodiment, the imageable layer comprises the reaction product of an ion of one or more metals selected from columns 8, 9, and 10 of the periodic table of elements and a reducing agent selected from hypophosphorus acid and salts thereof, sodium borohydride, and dimethylamine borane. One preferred embodiment of the imageable layer comprises from 1 to 30 mole percent phosphorus and up to 99 mole percent nickel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Haitao Huang, Michael N. Miller, Gary A. Shreve, Robert D. Waid
  • Patent number: 6660454
    Abstract: Additive compositions suitable for rinse water used for processing lithographic printing plates, particularly to additive compositions for rinse water in water recycling systems, are disclosed. The additive compositions contain at least one water-soluble film-forming polymer; optionally, at least one pH regulating agent capable of maintaining the pH value of an aqueous solution at about 7 or below; and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of phosphonic acid derivatives of formula I. in which X is C2-C6 alkylene or in which: k is 0 or 1; m is 1, 2, or 3; p is 1, 2, or 3; r is an integer from 10 to 20; R1 and R3 are each independently H or C1-C4 alkyl; R2 and R4 are each independently H, OH or C1-C4 alkoxy; and Y is —R6N—(CH2)n—(NR5)q—, in which q is 0 or 1, n is an integer from 0 to 8, and R5 and R6 are each independently H, C1-C4 alkyl, or —CH2—P(O)(OH)2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Kodak Polychrome Graphics LLC
    Inventor: Ulrich Fiebag
  • Publication number: 20030219681
    Abstract: A photosensitive printing element comprising a support; and a photopolymerizable layer comprising a photopolymerizable composition comprising at least one elastomeric binder, at least one monomer, an initiator having sensitivity to actinic radiation, and at least one photobleachable compound having sensitivity to actinic radiation; is described. Preferred photobleachable compounds are unsubstituted or substituted naphthylvinyl pyridines; unsubstituted or substituted styrylquinolines; diphenyl maleic anhydride; isomers of any of the foregoing; derivatives of any of the foregoing; and any combination of the foregoing. Such photosensitive printing elements are used to prepare flexographic printing plates and are useful in enhancing resolution and differentiating image areas from non-image areas in images produced therefrom by reducing the deleterious effect of scattered light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventors: Lap Kin Cheng, Lap-Tak Andrew Cheng
  • Patent number: 6649311
    Abstract: A process is provided for producing a polymeric layer having a desired image thereon or a three dimensional article comprising a number of such layers in which a layer of a liquid photocurable composition which comprises photo colorable particles is cured by light and selected areas thereof are irradiated with light of a different dose, thereby forming the desired image which composition comprises particles dispersed in it which are micro-capsules containing a photosensitive color changing composition within a barrier layer which is substantially impermeable to the components of the color changing composition or are solid particles comprising an immobilized photosensitive color changing composition. The process permits the use of the same initiating mechanism to cure the resin and to change the color of the particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Vantico Limited
    Inventors: Dianne Beth Shirley, Ian Malcolm Shirley, Ajay Haridas Popat, Martin Russell Edwards, Kevin Thomas McAloon, Herbert Benson Scher
  • Publication number: 20030186139
    Abstract: The optical functional element contains aggregates of developed silver grains obtained by developing silver halide grains arranged so as to constitute a periodical structure. The element includes a substrate and a medium layer The aggregates of the developed silver grains are arranged in the medium layer so as to constitute said periodical structure. The element is produced by first selectively exposing a photo-curing resin layer formed on said substrate in which the silver halide grains are dispersed so as to selectively photo-cure the photo-curing resin layer, then overall exposing the photo-curing resin layer to expose the silver halide grains in the photo-curing resin layer, and thereafter developing the photo-curing resin layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kimitoshi Nagao
  • Publication number: 20030180660
    Abstract: A laser-markable composition comprises a binder and an oxyanion of a multivalent metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventor: Nazir Khan
  • Publication number: 20030165777
    Abstract: Lithographic printing plates having on a hydrophilic substrate an oleophilic photosensitive layer comprising an oleophilic polymer, a free radical polymerizable monomer, and 4-piperonyl-2,6-bis(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine as free radical initiator and/or leucomalachite green as exposure indicating dye; wherein the weight ratio of the monomer to the polymer is larger than 1.0. The plates can be developed with ink and/or fountain solution on a lithographic printing press or with a non-alkaline aqueous developer comprising 60-99% by weight of water and 0.5 to 40% by weight of an alcohol solvent. A photosensitive dye can be added in the photosensitive layer to provide photosensitivity to a specific wavelength between 200 and 1200 nm. Unlike commonly used s-triazine initiator or leuco dye, 4-piperonyl-2,6-bis(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine or leucomalachite green does not insolubilize from the photosensitive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventor: Gary Ganghui Teng
  • Publication number: 20030129523
    Abstract: The present invention provides a photopolymerizable composition, which is highly sensitive to visible light rays to IR rays and has an excellent raw storage property, and a recording material capable of carrying out highly sensitive image recording and having an excellent raw storage property and humidity dependency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventors: Hirotaka Matsumoto, Shintaro Washizu, Kazunori Nigorikawa
  • Publication number: 20030087178
    Abstract: This invention relates to a photosensitive element for use as a flexographic printing plate and a process for preparing the plate from the element. The photosensitive element has at least one photopolymerizable elastomeric layer that comprises a binder, a monomer, a photoinitiator, an onium salt, and a leuco dye. Upon exposure to actinic radiation, the onium salt and leuco dye react resulting in a change of color in polymerized portions of the photopolymerizable layer. The color change provides enhanced image color contrast in the photosensitive element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventor: Adrian Lungu
  • Publication number: 20030073012
    Abstract: Additive compositions suitable for rinse water used for processing lithographic printing plates, particularly to additive compositions for rinse water in water recycling systems, are disclosed. The additive compositions contain at least one water-soluble film-forming polymer; optionally, at least one pH regulating agent capable of maintaining the pH value of an aqueous solution at about 7 or below; and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of phosphonic acid derivatives of formula I.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventor: Ulrich Fiebag
  • Publication number: 20030064307
    Abstract: It is an object to make it possible to easily carry out alignment of an exposure apparatus. A process for forming a latent image, which comprises irradiating a master plate having a pattern with exposure light and irradiating a substrate coated with a resist with the exposure light transmitted through said master plate or reflected on said master plate via a projection optical system, thereby forming the image of the pattern on the substrate, wherein the image of said pattern is formed on said substrate by making use of a change in color of a predetermined substance, included in said resist, that changes color upon irradiation with said exposure light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Applicant: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Nakamura, Seitaro Ohno
  • Publication number: 20030003399
    Abstract: The present invention relates to IR-sensitive compositions containing an initator system comprising:
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Ursula Muller, Tobias Wittig, Hans-Joachim Timpe
  • Patent number: 6495237
    Abstract: A number of new laser patterns are defined by laser scribing the material. This produces new laser patterns which have not previously been known.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Technolines LLC
    Inventor: Darryl Costin
  • Publication number: 20020187426
    Abstract: A laser imageable article includes an imageable layer that comprises the reaction product of a metal precursor and a reactant. The imageable article also includes a first boundary layer on a first side of the imageable layer, the first boundary layer being substantially transparent to laser radiation, and a second boundary layer on a second side of the imageable layer. The imageable layer may be imaged with a laser through the first boundary layer while maintaining the continuity of the first boundary layer. In a preferred embodiment, the imageable layer comprises the reaction product of an ion of one or more metals selected from columns 8, 9, and 10 of the periodic table of elements and a reducing agent selected from hypophosphorus acid and salts thereof, sodium borohydride, and dimethylamine borane. One preferred embodiment of the imageable layer comprises from 1 to 30 mole percent phosphorus and up to 99 mole percent nickel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Haitao Huang, Michael N. Miller, Gary A. Shreve, Robert D. Waid
  • Publication number: 20020187427
    Abstract: Additive compositions suitable for rinse water used for processing lithographic printing plates, particularly to additive compositions for rinse water in water recycling systems, are disclosed. The additive compositions contain at least one water-soluble film-forming polymer; optionally, at least one pH regulating agent capable of maintaining the pH value of an aqueous solution at about 7 or below; and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of phosphonic acid derivatives of formula I.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventor: Ulrich Fiebag
  • Publication number: 20020172874
    Abstract: The invention provides a lithographic printing for precursor having an imagable coating on an aluminum support, wherein the imagable coating comprises a polymeric substance comprising colorant groups, and wherein the aluminum support on which the coating is provided is anodized but not subsequently modified by means of a post-anodic treatment compound, and the coating does not comprise a colorant dye. The polymeric substance may also comprise pendent infra-red or developer dissolution inhibiting groups, and these groups may also be the colorant groups themselves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Applicant: KODAK POLYCHROME GRAPHICS LLC
    Inventors: Geoffrey Horne, Kevin Barry Ray, Alan Stanley Victor Monk, Stuart Bayes
  • Patent number: 6479217
    Abstract: A method for forming selectively colored printing plates using photosensitive recording elements is disclosed wherein the photosensitive recording element contains a photopolymerizable recording layer comprising a photopolymerizable monomer, a radical photoinitiator, a color former, and a color photoinitiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Spectra Group Limited, Inc.
    Inventors: Oleg V. Grinevich, Alexander Mejiritski, Petr Serguievski, Douglas C. Neckers
  • Publication number: 20020160310
    Abstract: A method for forming selectively colored printing plates using photosensitive recording elements is disclosed wherein the photosensitive recording element contains a photopolymerizable recording layer comprising a photopolymerizable monomer, a radical photoinitiator, a color former, and a color photoinitiator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Oleg V. Grinevich, Alexander Mejiritski, Petr Serguievski, Douglas C. Neckers
  • Patent number: 6416922
    Abstract: The present invention related to an azomethine dye precursor represented by the following general formula (1) and the image-forming material and image-forming method using the azomethine dye precursor: wherein Ar represents an aryl group or a heterocyclic group which may each have a substituent; X represents a bivalent group linking a carbon atom and a nitrogen atom; and Cp represent a coupler residue which may or may not form a ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Sato, Masatoshi Yumoto, Yoshimitsu Arai, Hirotaka Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20020086247
    Abstract: A method for providing color to a stereolithographically produced model is disclosed. This method comprises obtaining data representing the model, such that the data is readable by a stereolithographic model generating machine for solidifying layers of a liquid resin in a vat creating resin layers to create successive cross sections of the model. Each of the resin layers are exposed with energy effective for solidifying the resin. One or more portions of at least one of the resin layers are overexposed with an energy according to a coloring or shading indicated in the data. The model is heated with an effective amount of heat to induce a color or shading change in substantially only the overexposed portions of the model. The model is removed from the vat and cleaned. Next, the model can be exposed to an energy source, followed by the finishing of the model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventor: Dorsey D. Coe
  • Publication number: 20020045131
    Abstract: A directly imageable planographic printing plates that is high in image productivity and easy to check is produced by using a directly imageable planographic printing plate that comprises at least a substrate, a thermo-sensitive layer and a ink-repelling layer in this order, wherein the thermo-sensitive layer in the printing area contains a dye that has an absorption maximum in the range of 400 nm to 700 nm, and the difference between the reflected absorption of the non-printing area and the reflected absorption of the printing area, observed at the absorption maximum wavelength of the dye, is not less than 0.3 and not more than 2.0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventors: Kimikazu Nagase, Kazuki Goto, Ken Kawamura, Kunitaka Fujiyoshi
  • Patent number: 6350558
    Abstract: The method of making a dry film decorative panel covered with paint or covered with metal or plastic sheet film designed to look like metal includes providing a substrate, at least one sheet of dry photoresist film, developer wash for the dry film and at least one art work stencil. Preferably, any line art work can be utilized as the art work stencil. The dry film is placed intermediate the art work and on the substrate thereby forming a layered composite. The layered composite is exposed to UV light to polymerize the exposed areas. The art work is thereafter removed. Non-UV exposed dry film layer portions are washed away utilizing developer wash. The resulting UV exposed and polymerized dry film portions create relies on the substrate. Multiple layer relies are created by repeating the aforementioned steps. The relief and supporting substrate is painted to form a decorative panel or is covered with metal or metal-like plastic sheet foil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: Rainer Gocksch
  • Patent number: 6329120
    Abstract: An image recording medium is disclosed which comprising: an acid generating agent capable of generating an acid by the action of heat or an acid, which is represented by the following formula (1); and a compound of causing variation in the absorption region of from 360 to 900 nm by the intramolecular or intermolecular reaction triggered by the action of an acid: W1OP  (1) wherein W1 represents a residue of an acid represented by W1OH, and P represents an acid-sensitive substituent capable of splitting off at a temperature of 150° C. or less due to catalysis by W1OH.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuhiko Obayashi, Junichi Yamanouchi, Atsuhiro Ohkawa
  • Patent number: 6329121
    Abstract: An image recording medium is disclosed which comprising: an acid generating agent capable of generating an acid by the action of heat or an acid, which is represented by the following formula (1); and a compound of causing variation in the absorption region of from 360 to 900 nm by the intramolecular or intermolecular reaction triggered by the action of an acid: W1OP  (1) wherein W1 represents a residue of an acid represented by W1OH, and P represents an acid-sensitive substituent capable of splitting off at a temperature of 150° C. or less due to catalysis by W1OH.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuhiko Obayashi, Junichi Yamanouchi, Atsuhiro Ohkawa
  • Patent number: 6315202
    Abstract: A laser marking system encodes a code on an article, eg an article of clothing. The code is detected by a camera or other imaging system that does not require reflectivity for its proper operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Technolines, LLC.
    Inventors: Darryl J. Costin, Carl J. Hildebrand, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6316161
    Abstract: Disclosed is an image recording medium which comprises a compound having at least one substituent group removable by the action of heat, an acid or light and capable of producing an acid by an intramolecular nucleophilic substitution subsequent to the removal of the substituent group to acquire both high sensitivity and excellent storage quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuhiko Obayashi, Tatsuya Igarashi, Atsuhiro Ohkawa
  • Publication number: 20010028959
    Abstract: A pressure sensitive adhesive is based on a polymer having a glass transition temperature ≦10° C. and obtained by free-radically initiated polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomers in a liquid medium in the presence of >0 and ≦5% by weight, based on the overall amount of the ethylenically unsaturated monomers used for the polymerization, of at least one oligomeric compound itself obtained by free-radically initiated polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Applicant: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Alexander Centner, David Christie
  • Publication number: 20010019806
    Abstract: The present invention related to an azomethine dye precursor represented by the following general formula (1) and the image-forming material and image-forming method using the azomethine dye precursor: wherein Ar represents an aryl group or a heterocyclic group which may each have a substituent; X represents a bivalent group linking a carbon atom and a nitrogen atom; and Cp represent a coupler residue which may or may not form a ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventors: Hiroshi Sato, Masatoshi Yumoto, Yoshimitsu Arai, Hirotaka Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 6284441
    Abstract: A process of forming a single color, ablation image comprising imagewise heating by means of a laser in the absence of a separate receiving element, 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, the laser exposure taking place through the colorant side of the element, and removing the ablated colorant to obtain the image in the ablative recording element, wherein the barrier layer comprises a thin metal film having a UV optical density up to about 3.0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Mitchell Burberry
  • Publication number: 20010016297
    Abstract: An image recording medium is disclosed which comprising: an acid generating agent capable of generating an acid by the action of heat or an acid, which is represented by the following formula (1); and a compound of causing variation in the absorption region of from 360 to 900 nm by the intramolecular or intermolecular reaction triggered by the action of an acid:
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Inventors: Tatsuhiko Obayashi, Junichi Ymanouchi, Atsuhiro Ohkawa
  • Patent number: 6255026
    Abstract: A chemical composition is provided for the manufacture of devices for storing and/or displaying information, comprising a network having a molecule which is formed from a metallic element Fe(II) which is bonded to a 1-2-4 triazole ligand (H-Trz), which molecule further comprises one or more than one anions A selected from BF4−, ClO4−, CO32−, Br−, Cl−, in accordance with the formulation: FeII(H-Trz)3A2, characterized in that this composition is used in the pure state in either one of the two crystalline phases (&agr;,&bgr;) at least one of which, referred to as the second phase (&bgr;), can be thermally induced on the basis of the other phase, referred to as the first phase (&agr;), at a temperature which is equal to or higher than a first reference temperature (To), which phases each show thermally inducible spin transitions between a low-spin state at a low first temperature (T&agr;1, T&bgr;1) and a high-spin state at a high second temperature (T&agr;2, T&bgr;2), the spin tran
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Olivier Kahn, Charlotte Jay, Jonas Krober, Renée Claude, Françoise Groliere
  • Patent number: 6238847
    Abstract: A method of laser marking substrates such as glass, ceramic, metal and plastic is disclosed. A marking material is applied to the surface of the substrate, followed by irradiation of a portion of the marking material to form a permanent marking on the substrate. The non-irradiated portion of the marking material is then removed from the substrate. The marking material may comprise glass frit or precursors thereof, inorganic pigments or precursors thereof, silicates, metal oxides, sulfides, nitrides and carbides, organometallic materials or metal powders. The marking method is highly versatile, can be performed quickly, and produces permanent marks of high resolution and contrast without damage to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: DMC Degussa Metals Catalysts Cerdec AG
    Inventors: Enos Ayres Axtell, III, David C. Kapp, Timothy A. Knell, Miroslav Novotny, George Emil Sakoske
  • Patent number: 6235454
    Abstract: A process of forming a single color, ablation image having a D-max, or unexposed area, D-min and D-intermediate, comprising imagewise-heating, by means of a laser in the absence of a separate receiving element, an ablative recording element comprising a support having thereon, in order, a barrier layer having UV density and a colorant layer comprising a colorant dispersed in a polymeric binder, the colorant layer having an infrared-absorbing material associated therewith, the laser exposure taking place through the colorant side of the element, a) the laser exposure used to obtain the D-intermediate density is such that the colorant layer in that area is substantially removed but substantially none of the barrier layer in that area is removed, so that the characteristic density vs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Mitchell Burberry, Lee W. Tutt
  • Patent number: 6187390
    Abstract: The invention concerns the use of hydride-containing aluminium oxide for producing optically detectable markings and inscriptions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Oliver Seeger, Stefan Faber, Michael Veith, Eckehard Fritscher, Wilma M. Dausch, Raimund Schmid
  • Patent number: 6180318
    Abstract: A method of imaging an article comprising a metal/metal oxide imageable layer with a laser beam. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for imparting a color image on the article. The method includes: a) providing an article including a substrate and an imageable layer, the imageable layer comprising a metal/metal oxide layer; b) imagewise applying a laser beam to the article; and c) in the portion of the article having the laser applied thereto, imparting a color to the metal/metal oxide layer different from the color in the non-imaged portion. Preferably, the imageable layer comprises aluminum/aluminum oxide. Also presented are imageable articles, and the resulting imaged articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert C. Fitzer, Haitao Huang, Pierre H. LePere, Theresa A. McCarthy-Pohl, Robert D. Waid
  • Patent number: 6180315
    Abstract: Novel compositions for making structured color images and application thereof Compositions for making structured color images comprising (a) a soluble pigment precursor which can be transformed to an insoluble pigment by means of chemical, thermal, photolytic or radiation-induced method, and (b) a binder polymer or prepolymer, or a positive or negative resist-type resin which can be structured by crosslinking, polymerization or depolymerization by applying heat or electromagnetic irradiation. The compositions can be applied to optical and thermal recording, printing, and the production of color filters for Liquid Crystal Displays, with high accuracy, high transparency and high stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Ciba Specialty Chemcials Corporation
    Inventors: Ulrich Sch{umlaut over (a)}deli, John S. Zambounis, Abul Iqbal, Zhimin Hao, Henri Dubas
  • Patent number: 6177234
    Abstract: A monochromatic or polychromatic proof of a high resolution master and a process and means for its preparation are described. The graphic arts industry requires monochromatic or polychromatic proofs having high resolution and tonally correct reproduction of halftone masters having frequency modulated screen or line screens with more than 80 lines/cm. These proofs are obtained by using image carriers having image-side surfaces with an average roughness of 1.1 &mgr;m maximum. Such color proofs are necessary to check color separations in the graphic arts industry for whether subsequent printing results are a tonally correct reproduction of the master.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Bernhard Metzger
  • Patent number: 6165687
    Abstract: Standard array, programmable image forming process. The process includes the steps of providing or forming a standardized array of pixel sites (16) on a surface of a substrate (12), each pixel site (16) including at least one color element (18, 20, 22) or colored sub-pixel at a predetermined location on the substrate (12), and providing or forming an opaque layer (24) over the pixel sites (16) obscuring the color elements (18,20,22) or sub-pixels thereof, the opaque layer (24) being changeable for rendering selected of the color elements (18,20,22) or sub-pixels visible for forming the image. The substrate (12) can include a paper material or a plastics film such as a transparent film, and the pixels sites (16) can be mass produced thereon by a suitable process, such as ink printing process, a thermal printing process, a laser printing process or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Samuel Reele
  • Patent number: 6126284
    Abstract: A printing device according to the present invention includes a dye tank for containing a powdered vaporizable dye, an entrance section for liquefying the powdered vaporizable dye and a vaporizing section for radiating a laser light beam onto the liquefied dye transported to it by the entrance section for vaporizing the liquefied dye for thermal transcription of the vaporized dye onto a photographic paper. In this manner, printing may be made without employing an ink ribbon or a thermal head and hence the saving in power and the reduction in size and costs of the printing device may be achieved. Besides, the printing time may be shortened, while the size of the printing paper, may be set freely.A photographic paper according to the present invention includes a light absorbing layer between a receptor layer and a photographic paper base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Shuji Sato, Masanori Ogata, Kengo Ito, Hiroyuki Shiota
  • Patent number: 6124078
    Abstract: A photo-decoloring dye represented by the following Formula (1), ##STR1## wherein Z.sub.1, Z.sub.2 and Z.sub.3 each represents a carbon atom or a nitrogen atom, R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 each represents a hydrogen atom and substituents, Z.sub.2 and Z.sub.3 may form a condensed ring, Z represents N or CH, X+ represents an organic cation, m represents an integer of 0 to 4, n represents an integer of 0 to 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Konica Corporation
    Inventors: Noritaka Nakayama, Satomi Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 6110646
    Abstract: A positive photosensitive composition comprising an alkali-soluble organic high molecular substance having phenolic hydroxyl groups and an acid color forming dye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Urano, Etsuko Hino