Driography Patents (Class 430/303)
  • Patent number: 11650507
    Abstract: A process for producing a flexographic relief printing plate includes using a photopolymer developing solution. This photopolymer developing solution may comprise butylal alone or butylal and one or more organic cosolvents. It may comprise DPnB and one or more cosolvents and no butylal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: SPRING COATING SYSTEMS SAS
    Inventors: Fabienne Pinto Silva, Jean-François Bartolo, Geoffrey Berrez, Ernest Korchak
  • Patent number: 11439728
    Abstract: The present invention disclosed a process to coat the surface of flexible polymeric implant with biocompatible polymer such that the coating does not crack when the implant is subjected to mechanical forces such as tension, torsion or bending while retaining the inherent properties of the coated polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Council of Scientific & Industrial Research
    Inventors: Abhijit Pravin Shete, Anuya Amol Nisal, Ashish Kishore Lele
  • Patent number: 10025183
    Abstract: A photosensitive printing blank having is described. The photosensitive printing blank comprises at least one photocurable layer that is capable of being selectively crosslinked and cured upon exposure to actinic radiation at a desired wavelength region comprising (a) at least one elastomeric binder, (b) at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer, (c) a photoinitiator having a favorable absorption profile in the desired wavelength region used for exposing the at least one photocurable layer to actinic radiation, and (d) a dye, wherein the dye exhibits a suitable percent transmission as measured with a UV spectrophotometer at the desired wavelength region used for exposing the at least one photocurable layer to actinic radiation, and optionally an infrared ablatable layer disposed on the at least one photocurable layer. A method of making a relief image printing element from the photosensitive printing blank is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventors: Kyle P. Baldwin, Miguel A. Barboza, Kerry O'Brate, Rogelio Sanchez
  • Patent number: 9199444
    Abstract: A waterless planographic printing plate precursor has, on a substrate, at least a photosensitive layer or heat sensitive layer and a silicone rubber layer, which is a waterless planographic printing plate precursor, wherein 1) a color pigment and a pigment dispersant are contained in the silicone rubber layer, 2) the a content of color pigment is 0.1 to 20 vol % in the silicone rubber layer, and 3) the pigment dispersant contains an organic complex compound including a metal and an organic compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Akihiro Iihara, Mitsuru Suezawa, Masuichi Eguchi
  • Patent number: 9056452
    Abstract: A system for ink-base digital printing includes an imaging member; an inkjet system for applying a base marking material to the imaging member to for a pattern according to digital image data; a dampening fluid metering system configured for applying dampening fluid to the imaging member after the applying base marking material; and an inking system configured for applying ink to the imaging member, the ink adhering to the base marking material pattern. Methods include jetting base marking material onto the imaging member according to image data, applying dampening fluid, inking the imaging member, and optionally pre-curing the resulting ink image, which enables 99% or greater transfer of the applied ink from the imaging member to a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Chu-heng Liu
  • Publication number: 20130101938
    Abstract: A negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor is designed for improved printout or contrast between exposed and non-exposed regions in its imageable layer. The imaged precursor can be developed on-press. The improvement in printout is achieved by using a combination of at least two infrared radiation absorbing cyanine dyes. At least one of these cyanine dyes comprises a methine chain substituent that comprises a group represented by Structure (I): wherein Q1 and Q2 are hydrogen atoms or the same or different monovalent substituents, or Q1 and Q2 together provide carbon or heteroatoms to form a substituted or unsubstituted unsaturated ring. At least one other infrared radiation absorbing cyanine dyes does not comprise a group represented by Structure (I).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventors: Koji Hayashi, Ruizheng Wang, Jianbing Huang
  • Patent number: 8420296
    Abstract: Disclosed is a photosensitive resin composition for a color filter protective layer including a cross-linkable alkali soluble resin including a repeating unit represented by the following Chemical Formula 1, a reactive unsaturated compound, a photopolymerization initiator, and a solvent. In Chemical Formulae 1 to 3, R1 to R6 and A1 to A3 are the same as in the detailed description.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Cheil Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Jae-Hyun Kim, Se-Young Choi, Nam-Gwang Kim, Eui-June Jeong, Chang-Min Lee
  • Publication number: 20130078573
    Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor comprises an imageable layer comprising a free radically polymerizable component, an initiator composition capable of generating free radicals upon exposure to imaging infrared radiation, an infrared radiation absorbing dye that is defined by Structure (I) shown in the disclosure, which dyes comprise one or more ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable groups in an organic group that is attached to the methine chain. These infrared radiation absorbing dyes exhibit a reduced tendency to crystallize in the imageable layers in the presence of tetraaryl borate counter anions and therefore provide improved shelf life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventors: Domenico Balbinot, Harald Baumann, Udo Dwars, Mathias Jarek, James R. Matz, Christopher D. Simpson
  • Publication number: 20130078575
    Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor comprises an imageable layer comprising a free radically polymerizable component, an initiator composition capable of generating free radicals upon exposure to imaging infrared radiation, an infrared radiation absorbing dye comprising an infrared radiation absorbing cation and a counter anion, and a polymeric binder. The salt formed between the infrared radiation absorbing cation and a tetraphenyl borate has solubility in 2-methoxy propanol at 20° C. that is greater than or equal to 3.5 g/l. The use of these infrared radiation absorbing dyes in the imageable layers provides a reduced tendency of these dyes to crystallize in the presence of tetraaryl borate counter anions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventors: Domenico Balbinot, Harald Baumann, Udo Dwars, Mathias Jarek, Christopher D. Simpson
  • Publication number: 20130052589
    Abstract: On-press developable, negative-working lithographic printing plate precursors have a sulfuric acid anodized aluminum-containing substrate in which the oxide layer pores have been widened using an acidic or alkaline treatment. Over the widened pores, a hydrophilic coating is applied, which coating comprises a non-crosslinked hydrophilic polymer having carboxylic acid side chains. This particular substrate provides improved adhesion and printing durability for on-press development and printing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Koji Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20110287364
    Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor comprising a coating provided on a support having a hydrophilic surface, the coating containing thermoplastic polymer particles and an IR-dye characterized in that the IR-dye contains a structural element according to Formula I wherein A represents hydrogen, halogen or a monovalent organic group; Y and Y? independently represent —CH— or —N—; R1 and R2 independently represent hydrogen, an optionally substituted alkyl or aryl group or represent the necessary atoms to form a ring; * represents the linking positions to the rest of the molecule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: AGFA GRAPHICS NV
    Inventor: Paul Callant
  • Patent number: 7993820
    Abstract: A liquid film applicator means can apply a photosensitive lyophobic film 18 to a substrate 16. An exposure unit 10 is placed on the back side of the substrate and forms the lyophobic film applied on the substrate into a pattern in alignment with gate electrodes 13. A dropping unit 55 drops a test liquid to a surface of the substrate having a pattern of the lyophobic film formed by the exposure means. A measuring means 58 detects the droplet dropped by the dropping unit. A determining means determines whether the pattern of the lyophobic film formed by the exposure means is proper or not based on the droplet detected by the detecting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Inoue, Masahiko Ando, Shuji Imazeki
  • Patent number: 7968173
    Abstract: The present invention relates to printable security paper that includes a region capable of receiving printed indicia on the front side and on the reverse side which are observable in reflected light and form an image observable in transmitted light, as security element protecting against two-sided copying, characterized in that such region is a screened region having an average overall opacity less than the opacity of the vellum part of the rest of the paper, said screened region being made up from alternations of vellum miniregions, having an approximately constant thickness equal to that of the vellum part of the rest of the paper, and of miniregions of reduced opacity because of their smaller thickness compared with the vellum miniregions. The invention also relates to the security document obtained with this paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Arjowiggins Security
    Inventors: Nathalie Vast, Yvan Thierry, Stephane Mallol
  • Patent number: 7913620
    Abstract: A method of processing an on-press developable lithographic printing plate involving the removal of overcoat after imagewise exposure and before on-press development is described. The plate comprises a substrate, an on-press ink and/or fountain solution developable photosensitive layer, and an overcoat. The laser imaged plate is stripped off the overcoat, and then under a white room light mounted on press and developed with ink and/or fountain solution. Here the plate is capable of hardening upon exposure to a laser, has limited white light stability before the removal of the overcoat, and has significantly improved white light stability after the removal of the overcoat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Gary Ganghui Teng
  • Patent number: 7883762
    Abstract: The invention concerns a security document comprising, as security element against recto/verso copying, indicia present on both sides and capable of being viewed under reflected lighting and forming an image capable of being viewed under transmitted light. The invention is characterized in that said indicia comprise lines and form said image with 3D effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Arjowiggins Security
    Inventor: Pierre Doublet
  • Patent number: 7838195
    Abstract: There is provided an essentially planar test substrate for non-contact printing. The substrate has a first layer having a first surface energy and having a planar measurement portion. A liquid containment pattern is over at least the measurement portion of the first layer. The liquid containment pattern has a second surface energy that is different from the first surface energy. The measurement portion of the first layer and the liquid containment pattern together are substantially planar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Charles D. Lang, Nigel Morton Coe, Stephen Sorich, Nageswara Rao Tadepalli
  • Patent number: 7754412
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Adrian Lungu
  • Patent number: 7582407
    Abstract: Single- and multi-layer positive-working imageable elements include an ink receptive outer layer includes a primary polymeric binder that is a poly(vinyl phenol) or a phenolic polymer having certain acidic groups. The use of this type of polymeric binder makes the imaged elements developable in low pH (11 or less) alkaline developers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Celin Savariar-Hauck, Alan S. Monk, Gerhard Hauck
  • Patent number: 7575845
    Abstract: A structure for pattern formation adapted for optically forming a pattern, characterized by comprising: a photocatalyst-containing layer provided on a substrate, the photocatalyst-containing layer containing a material of which the wettability is variable through photocatalytic action upon pattern-wise exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hironori Kobayashi, Manabu Yamamoto, Daigo Aoki, Hironori Kamiyama, Shinichi Hikosaka, Mitsuhiro Kashiwabara
  • Patent number: 7544461
    Abstract: A near infrared ray activation type positive resist composition comprising (A) a vinyl-based polymer having a monomer unit having an alkali-soluble group blocked by an ether having an alkenyl group next to an ether oxygen, (B) a photothermal converting substance generating heat by a light in the near infrared region, (C) a thermal acid generator generating an acid by heat, can provide a near infrared ray activation type positive resist composition which can be subjected to an exposure treatment in a complete bright room such as under a white light and the like, gives desired sensitivity and resolution, and of which baking treatment conditions can be relaxed or a baking treatment can be omitted, and a pattern formation method using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Kansai Paint Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Genji Imai, Toshikazu Murayama, Katsuhiro Ito, Haruhumi Hagino
  • Patent number: 7473516
    Abstract: A method of making a lithographic printing plate includes the steps of: providing a lithographic printing plate precursor including (i) a support having a hydrophilic surface or which is provided with a hydrophilic layer and (ii) a coating provided thereon which includes hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer particles; exposing the coating to heat, thereby inducing coalescence of the thermoplastic polymer particles at exposed areas of the coating; and developing the precursor by applying a gum solution to the coating, thereby removing non-exposed areas of the coating from the support. According to the above method, the plate precursor can be developed and gummed in a single step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Agfa Graphics NV
    Inventors: Joseph Vander Aa, Joan Vermeersch, Dirk Kokkelenberg, Huub Van Aert
  • Publication number: 20080274429
    Abstract: A method of treating an on-press developable lithographic printing plate with an aqueous treating solution after imagewise exposure and before on-press development is described. The plate comprises on a substrate a photosensitive layer developable with ink and/or fountain solution and capable of hardening upon exposure to a radiation. The plate is imagewise exposed with a radiation, overall treated with a treating solution to cause at least one chemical or physical change in the photosensitive layer or on the substrate surface, and then on-press developed with ink and/or fountain solution. Such a treatment allows improvement on the performance of the imagewise exposed plate by, for example, improving the white light stability, forming visible imaging, increasing the hydrophilicity of the substrate, or increasing the developability of the photosensitive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Gary Ganghui Teng
  • Patent number: 7425402
    Abstract: A heat-sensitive lithographic printing plate precursor is disclosed which comprises a hydrophilic support and an oleophilic coating comprising an infrared absorbing agent and a developer soluble polymer which comprises a phenolic monomeric unit wherein the phenyl group of the phenolic monomeric unit is substituted by a group Q, wherein Q has the structure and is covalently linked to a carbon atom of the phenyl group and wherein L1, L2 and L3 are linking groups, a, b and c are 0 or 1, and T1, T2 and T3 are terminal groups. The polymer, substituted by the group Q, increases the chemical resistance of the coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Agfa Graphics, N.V.
    Inventors: Johan Loccufier, Bert Groenendaal, Marc Van Damme, Huub Van Aert
  • Patent number: 7402374
    Abstract: A method for forming a colored image with good visibility on a lithographic printing plate precursor by exposure to a laser light, particularly, a method for forming a colored image with good visibility on a lithographic printing plate precursor which is developable on a printing press, the method for forming a colored image comprising: exposing a lithographic printing plate precursor to a laser light; and heating or exposing the entire lithographic printing plate to form a colored image, wherein the lithographic printing precursor comprises a support and a photosensitive-thermosensitive layer capable of recording an image by exposure to an infrared laser, the photosensitive-thermosensitive layer containing an infrared absorbent and a discoloring material that undergoes color change upon exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Hidekazu Oohashi, Kazuto Kunita
  • Patent number: 7338741
    Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor comprises: an aluminum support that has been subjected to an alkali metal silicate treatment; and an image-recording layer comprising (A) an infrared absorbent, (B) a polymerization initiator and (C) a polymerizable compound, the image-recording layer being removable with at least one of a printing ink and a fountain solution, wherein the aluminum support has a surface where the amount of the Si element attached to the surface in the alkali metal silicate treatment is 1 mg/m2 to less than 10 mg/m2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Norio Aoshima, Yoshinori Hotta
  • Patent number: 7316891
    Abstract: A method of making a lithographic printing plate is disclosed which comprises the steps of providing a lithographic printing plate precursor comprising (i) a support having a hydrophilic surface or which is provided with a hydrophilic layer and (ii) a coating provided thereon which comprises hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer particles; exposing the coating to heat, thereby inducing coalescence of the thermoplastic polymer particles at exposed areas of the coating; developing the precursor by applying a gum solution to the coating, thereby removing non-exposed areas of the coating from the support. According to the above method, the plate precursor can be developed and gummed in a single step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Agfa Graphics NV
    Inventors: Joseph Vander Aa, Joan Vermeersch, Dirk Kokkelenberg, Huub Van Aert
  • Patent number: 7291445
    Abstract: A single manufacturing pass for manufacturing a multilayered self-organized coating onto a substrate to provide all of the functions usually provided in multiple-pass coatings for manufacturing an infrared imageable offset lithographic printing plate; and a process whereby two or more polymeric materials that cannot usually co-exist in solution may be dissolved in suitably dilute solvent mixtures which, when coated onto a substrate and the solvents evaporated, deposit a continuous graduation of polymeric mixtures vertical to the substrate, caused by the self-assembly process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Kodak IL, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hannoch Ron, Murray Figov, Anna Sigalov
  • Patent number: 7250245
    Abstract: The present invention provides an imageable member having an imageable layer including a heat-sensitive ionomer characterized by a net positive or negative charge, and a photothermal conversion material. The photothermal conversion material includes carbonaceous particles having thereon both an organic moiety including an ionic substituent having like charge as the ionomer, and a group represented by the formula —X-[NIon]p-Rterminal; wherein X represents an aromatic group or an alkyl group, NIon represents a non-ionic, non-ionizable group, Rterminal represents hydrogen, an aromatic group, an alkoxy group, or an alkyl group, and p is an integer from 1 to about 500. The heat-sensitive ionomer and modified carbonaceous particles can be formulated in water or water-miscible solvents without agglomeration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Paul R. West, Jeffrey W. Leon, Nicki R. Miller
  • Patent number: 7244546
    Abstract: A planographic printing plate precursor includes a substrate and an image recording layer provided thereon, the image recording layer being capable of recording through exposure to an infrared ray and containing at least (A) an infrared absorbing agent, (B) a polymerization initiator comprising an onium salt formed by an onium cation and a carboxylic acid anion, where the carboxylic acid anion has an acid group, a hetero atom and an aromatic group, (C) a polymerizable compound and (D) a binder polymer. The planographic printing plate precursor is exposed imagewise with an infrared laser. Then, printing is carried out using the exposed planographic printing plate precursor, which is set in a printer without being subjected to any developing process, by feeding an oil based ink and an aqueous component onto the planographic printing plate precursor. Unexposed areas of the planographic printing plate precursor are removed during the printing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuto Shimada, Tomoyoshi Mitsumoto
  • Patent number: 7205091
    Abstract: A primer layer that includes a surface-tension modifier dispersed within a polymer binder is disposed between the imaging layer and the substrate of a lithographic printing member to inhibit the production of thermal degradation products that disrupt the oleophilicity of the exposed imaged areas, thereby improving print-making performance and efficiency. In addition, embodiments of the primer layer inhibit static charge buildup during production and during the print-making process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Presstek, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Cassidy
  • Patent number: 7089856
    Abstract: Method of on-press developing a thermosensitive lithographic printing member with ink and/or fountain solution is described. The printing member comprises on a substrate a thermosensitive layer soluble or dispersible in ink and/or fountain solution and capable of hardening upon exposure to an infrared radiation. The printing member can be a pre-coated plate or can be prepared on press by coating a thermosensitive layer onto a substrate that is a sheet material or a seamless sleeve mounted on a plate cylinder or is the surface of a plate cylinder of the lithographic press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Gary Ganghui Teng
  • Patent number: 6878505
    Abstract: A photosensitive composition comprising (i) a sensitizing dye represented by the following formula (I), (II) or (III) defined in the specification, (ii) a titanocene compound and (iii) a compound of undergoing a reaction with at least one of a radical and an acid to change at least one of its physical and chemical properties and maintaining the changed physical or chemical property, and a lithographic printing plate having a photosensitive layer comprising the photosensitive composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akinori Shibuya, Kazuto Kunita
  • Patent number: 6849386
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing such a dry lithographic printing master plate that has eliminated uneven plate performance and more specifically that provides a stable adhesiveness between a heat-sensitive layer and a silicone rubber layer as well as a high aging stability of a coating solution. Provided is a method for preparing a master plate useful for making a dry lithographic printing plate comprising at least a heat-sensitive layer and a silicone rubber layer which are stacked in this order on a substrate, said method comprising the steps of: (1) dissolving a diorgano-polysiloxane and a curing catalyst in a solvent; (2) dissolving a cross-linking agent in a solvent; (3) mixing the solution obtained in the step (1) with the solution obtained in the step (2); and (4) applying the mixture obtained in the step (3) over the heat-sensitive layer to thereby form the silicone rubber layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsumoru Hirano, Koji Sonokawa
  • Patent number: 6844140
    Abstract: A method for reducing start up blinding in no-process lithographic printing plates is disclosed. An imageable element, comprising an imageable layer over a substrate, is thermally imaged. The imageable layer comprises a thermally sensitive polymer that comprises quaternary ammonium salts of carboxylic acids. Following imaging, the surface of the imaged imageable is contacted with an aqueous solution comprising 0.05 wt % to about 5 wt % of an added organic acid having a pKa of about 1 to about 6. This reduces the amount of waste produced by the printing process by reducing the number of unusable sheets produced during the “make ready” process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Kodak Polychrome Graphics LLC
    Inventors: Scott Alan Wertz, Paul R. West, Nicki R. Miller
  • Patent number: 6844141
    Abstract: A method for forming an image by imaging and developing a multi-layer imageable element is disclosed. When thermally imageable, multi-layer imageable elements that have been imaged using stochastic screening are developed, a much smaller variation in dot percentage throughout the developer loading cycle is observed when a smaller initial charge of developer and a higher replenishment rate than are used in a conventional developing process are used. The developer is a solvent based developer with a pH below about 10.5. The developed imageable elements are useful as lithographic printing plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Kodak Polychrome Graphics LLC
    Inventors: Jayanti Patel, Steven Michael Sartuche, Jr., William Richard Davin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6787291
    Abstract: A directly imageable planographic printing plate 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: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kimikazu Nagase, Kazuki Goto, Ken Kawamura, Kunitaka Fujiyoshi
  • Publication number: 20040161704
    Abstract: A method for making a relief printing plate, by using a lithographic printing plate to create ink-receptive areas on a receiver base. The relief printing plate has ink-receptive cured areas defining an image. The method comprises the steps of: a) imaging a lithographic printing plate precursor to produce a lithographic printing plate having ink-receptive image areas and ink-repellent non-image areas; b) applying a first curable composition to the lithographic printing plate, to form a coating of the first curable composition on ink-receptive image areas; c) contacting the coating to the receiver base to make an impression on the receiver base; and d) curing the impression on the receiver base to produce ink-receptive cured areas defining an image. In the practice of an embodiment of the invention, a modified rotary printing press may be employed to make a relief printing plate on a receiver base using a lithographic printing plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Jianbing Huang
  • Patent number: 6777156
    Abstract: A directly imageable planographic printing plate precursor, which may be of the positive or negative type, has at least a heat sensitive layer on a substrate. The heat sensitive layer contains a light-to-heat conversion material and a metal-containing organic compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuki Goto, Michihiko Ichikawa, Norimasa Ikeda
  • Patent number: 6770416
    Abstract: The multi-purpose modular infra-red ablatable graphic arts tool provided comprises solutions to economy of scale for infrared ablatable Graphics Arts products by a novel modular approach of using common ingredients and by combining functions to produce multipurpose materials with synergistic advantages over the component products from which they have been derived. This is done by combining the properties of a photomask film with those of a printing plate, so that the same material can be used as a film or a plate or can function as both to produce a plate with proofing functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Creo Il Ltd.
    Inventor: Murray Figov
  • Patent number: 6764807
    Abstract: A planographic printing member precursor comprises a first component, for example a hydroxy group containing polymer, and a second component which may be a siloxane or a compound of general formula (I), wherein M represents a silicon or a titanium atom and each of R1, R2, R3 and R4 is independently selected from hydrogen or halogen atoms; a hydroxy group; an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl group; an optionally substituted alkoxy group; or an optionally substituted saturated or unsaturated cyclic or heterocyclic group. On exposure, the second component reacts with the first component to define an oleophobic/hydrophilic material in exposed areas and in non-exposed areas the second component is removed, on processing of the precursor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Kodak Polychrome Graphics LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Barry Ray, Mark John Spowage, Christopher David McCullough
  • Patent number: 6749984
    Abstract: A planographic printing plate precursor includes a photosensitive layer obtained by coating and drying on a support a photosensitive layer coating solution formed of a photosensitive composition, which contains a cyanine dye represented by general formula (I) below and a polymer insoluble in water and soluble in an aqueous alkali solution, dissolved or dispersed in a solvent system containing 80% by weight or more of a solvent having a boiling point lower than 100° C. in a solvent having a boiling point lower than 200° C.; wherein a solubility in an aqueous alkali solution of the photosensitive layer is increased by exposure to an infrared laser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ikuo Kawauchi
  • Patent number: 6745693
    Abstract: A variable data lithographic printing device comprises surrounding a printing cylinder a photosensitive layer coater, an exposure source, optionally a developer, an inking applicator, optionally a transfer system, and optionally an eraser. During printing operation, each surface areas of the rotating cylinder continuously undergo the cycle of coating, imagewise exposure, optionally developing, inking, printing of inked images to the receiving medium, and optionally erasing processes. The developing means can be omitted if an ink and/or fountain solution developable photosensitive layer is used. In an alternative design, the cylinder is replaced with a continuous supply of a ribbon with lithographic substrate surface. In another alternative design, the cylinder and the coater are replaced with a continuous supply of a pre-sensitized ribbon comprising on a substrate a photosensitive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventor: Gary Ganghui Teng
  • Patent number: 6740464
    Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor is disclosed, comprising a hydrophilic support having thereon a heat-sensitive layer containing either a microcapsule containing a compound having a functional group capable of reacting by heat or a fine particulate polymer, wherein (1) when the heat-sensitive layer contains a fine particulate polymer, the fine particulate polymer may be a fine particulate polymer capable of combining or incapable of combining by heat used for the image formation and the fine particulate polymer has a functional group capable of reacting with a functional group present in another fine particulate polymer or with a functional group present in another component in the heat-sensitive layer; or (2) when the heat-sensitive layer contains a microcapsule containing a compound having a functional group capable of reacting by heat, the microcapsule may be a microcapsule having an outer wall capable of rupturing or incapable of rupturing by heat used for the image formation and a light-to-heat co
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuo Maemoto
  • Patent number: 6725777
    Abstract: The recording medium comprises a recording layer. The recording layer has a first material and a second material independently dispersed. The first material has a property that a backward contact angle to a liquid lowers when the material is heated in a state of being in contact with the liquid, and that the value of the backward contact angle recovers when heated in the air. The second material has a polyorgano-siloxane structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Ricoh Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuo Katano
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6723491
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method for preparing a printing member by coating a printing cylinder with a layer comprising ultraviolet-curable silicones and curing the layer using ultraviolet radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: KBA (Advanced Imaging Technology) (Israel) Limited
    Inventor: Ron Hannoch
  • Publication number: 20040067434
    Abstract: A method of graft polymerization which includes a step of forming a polymerization initiating layer in which a polymer having, on a side chain thereof, a crosslinking group and a functional group having polymerization initiating capability is immobilized on a support by a crosslinking reaction, and a step of conatacting a compound having a polymerizable functional group with the polymerization initiating layer, and then bonding the compound to the polymerization initiating layer supplying energy thereto, as well as a hydrophilic member, a printing plate precursor, a pattern forming material, a pattern forming method, a method of producing a particle-adsorbed material, and a method of producing a metal particle-dispersed thin layer film, to which the above-mentioned method of graft polymerization can be applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takeyoshi Kano, Koichi Kawamura
  • Patent number: 6692890
    Abstract: The present invention includes a radiation-imageable element for lithographic printing having a hydrophilic anodized aluminum base with a surface having pores and a image-forming layer having polymer particles coated on the aluminum base. The ratio of the average pore diameter to the average particle diameter is from 0.4:1 to 10:1. The present invention further includes a method of producing the imaged element. The method includes the steps of imagewise exposing the radiation-imageable element to radiation to produce exposed and unexposed regions and contacting the imagewise exposed radiation-imageable element and a developer to remove the exposed or the unexposed regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Kodak Polychrome Graphics LLC
    Inventors: Jen-Chi Huang, Xing-Fu Zhong, S. Peter Pappas, Shashikant Saraiya
  • Patent number: 6689534
    Abstract: A positive-type planographic printing original plate for direct plate-making with an infrared laser, with excellent latitude in forming an image by development, and excellent flaw resistance. The planographic printing original plate includes, on a support, a positive-type recording layer whose solubility with respect to an alkaline aqueous solution is increased by infrared laser exposure. The recording layer contains an alkali-soluble resin, which has a fluorine atom in the molecule, and an infrared absorbing agent. The alkali-soluble resin can be provided by introducing at least one substituent having a fluorine atom to a known alkali-soluble polymer compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akio Oda, Ippei Nakamura, Tomotaka Tsuchimura
  • Patent number: 6686127
    Abstract: Provided is a plate-making method for producing a waterless lithographic printing plate, wherein the method comprises: (I) an exposing step of imagewise exposure of the precursor with a laser with a controlled condition that a portion of a laser-exposed area in a photo-thermal conversion layer in the precursor remains in the photo-thermal conversion layer of the finished printing plate, and (II) a developing step of removing a silicone rubber layer in the laser-exposed area to form an image on the printing plate. The precursor to be processed comprises (A) a support, (B) an undercoat layer formed by applying onto the support a coating liquid that contains a water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer and water as a solvent, and then drying the coating liquid, (C) a photo-thermal conversion layer which comprises polyurethane and a photo-thermal converting agent; and (D) a silicone rubber layer, laminated in that order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koji Sonokawa