Radiation Sensitive Bleachable Dyestuff Patents (Class 430/339)
  • Patent number: 8729148
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a photocurable dry film including a structure having a photocurable resin layer sandwiched between a support film and a protective film, the photocurable resin layer being formed of a photocurable resin composition including ingredients (A) to (D): (A) a silicone skeleton-containing polymer compound having the repeating units represented by the following general formula (1) wherein X and Y, respectively, a divalent organic group represented by the following general formula (2) or (3) (B) a crosslinking agent selected from formalin-modified or formalin-alcohol-modified amino condensates and phenolic compound having on average two or more methylol groups or alkoxymethylol groups in one molecule; (C) a photoacid generator capable of generating an acid by decomposition with light having a wavelength of 190 to 500 nm; and (D) a solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Asai, Takanobu Takeda, Hideto Kato
  • Patent number: 7622246
    Abstract: Contrast enhancing layers and other materials that can be used as a conformal mask over a photoresist are discussed. In particular, methods and compositions are discussed that can be advantageous when performing lithography using short wavelength actinic radiation (e.g., wavelengths below 200 nm, such as 193 nm or 157 nm). For example, contrast enhancing layers that include an organosilicon containing material can be used to enhance the contrast of a pattern formed on an underlying photoresist layer. Silicon containing polymers, oligomers, and other non-polymeric materials can be used as effective CEL materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Theodore H. Fedynyshyn
  • Patent number: 7608207
    Abstract: The method of the invention comprises: a) forming a hydrophilic polyurethane prepolymer with isocyanate end groups, by the polyaddition reaction of at least one polyol and at least one diisocyanate in the presence of at least one internal emulsifying agent; b) mixing the polyurethane prepolymer with a photochromic agent; c) adding water or a mixture of water and solvent, under agitation, to the mixture of the polyurethane prepolymer and the photochromic agent, to form an emulsion; and d) adding at least one chain extension agent to the emulsion and performing a chain extension reaction to give the final photochromic polyurethane latex. Application to the production of ophthalmic articles having photochromic properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Essilor International Compagnie Generale d'Optique
    Inventors: Nathaly Vassal, Jean-Pierre Vairon, Bernadette Charleux, Pascale Tardieu, Sylvette Maisonnier, Jean-Paul Cano
  • Patent number: 7498123
    Abstract: Disclosed are novel aminium, diimonium, and polymethine borate dyes that have at least one absorption maximum in the infrared spectral region between about 700 and 2000 nm and that are useful as infrared absorbers, the anionic borate moiety having the formula: [BXaYb]?, in which a and b are integers with a ranging from 0 to 3 and b ranging from 1 to 4 and a+b=4; X, which may be identical or different, are each a halogen atom, an OH functional group, or a C1 to C20 alkyl or alicyclic radical, and Y, which may be identical or different, are each a phenyl radical, at least one Y substituted by at least one element or electron-withdrawing substituent such as a perfluoroalkyl group, or by one or more halogen atoms, or an aryl radical containing at least two aromatic ring members, which may also be further substituted. Such dyes may be incorporated into films or bulk materials to form light filters for electromagnetic radiation, including laser radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Exciton, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul A. Cahill
  • Patent number: 7294439
    Abstract: A color-converting-function-possessing color filter and a method for its manufacture are disclosed. A simplified manufacturing process is provided that makes possible highly detailed patterning. The method of manufacturing the color-converting filter comprises a step of forming color filter layers on a transparent substrate, a step of forming a colorant layer containing a color-converting colorant on the color filter layers, and a step of exposing the colorant layer via the transparent substrate and the color filter layers using colorant-decomposing light, thus forming color-converting layers in positions corresponding to the color filter layers. In usage, a layered body consists of a transparent substrate, color filter layers and a colorant layer as a color-converting-function-possessing filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Kawaguchi, Makoto Kobayashi, Toshio Hama, Kenya Sakurai
  • Patent number: 7223519
    Abstract: Imaging compositions and methods of using the compositions are disclosed. The imaging compositions are sensitive to low levels of energy such that upon application of the low levels of energy the compositions change color or shade. The compositions may be applied to a work piece to mark it and removed from the work piece by peeling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Electronic Materials LLC
    Inventors: Robert K. Barr, Corey O'Connor
  • Patent number: 7220535
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and apparatus for providing markings upon objects, including the read side of an optical information media, where the markings do not substantially interfere with object, including the use of the optical information media. This invention discloses use of a coating, marking schemes, printing of markings with UV light, as well as methods and apparatus for reading and deciphering said marking. Included is an authentication scheme, where the marking may be used as a lock to limit access to information contained in an optical information media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Spectra Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Nabil M. Lawandy, Jeffrey L. Conroy, Robert S. Afzal, Allison Berube, Charles M. Zepp, Andrei Smuk
  • Patent number: 7217500
    Abstract: A color image-forming material capable of drawing an image by infrared laser exposure and excellent in image visibility, storage stability and white light stability, and an on-press development or non-processing (non-development) type lithographic printing plate precursor ensuring high sensitivity and high press life and being excellent in image visibility, on-press developability and the like, are provided, which are a color image-forming material comprising an image recording layer capable of drawing an image by infrared laser exposure, the color image-forming material forming a color image without passing through a development processing step after image recording, wherein the image recording layer comprises (A) an infrared absorbent, (B) a cyclic color-forming compound having a cyclic structure within the molecule and forming a dye by a ring opening, and (C) a dye stabilizer which is a compound interacting with the cyclic color-forming compound to stabilize the ring-opened dye body and cause color formati
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuto Kunita, Yasuhito Oshima, Hidekazu Oohashi
  • Patent number: 7202006
    Abstract: A reimageable recording medium includes a substrate, a display layer, and a protective layer. The protective layer comprises a microencapsulated diarylethene material that is capable of switching between a UV absorbing and UV transparent state. During an imaging process, the protective layer is switched from a UV absorbing state to a UV transparent state to allow UV light of a sufficient wavelength to convert a photochromic material of the display layer to a colored state to form an image. The protective material is then switched back to a UV absorbing state to prevent the UV light component from a reading source to convert unimaged areas of the display layer to change color, which would reduce the contrast and resolution of the imaged medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Naveen Chopra, Gabriel Iftime, Peter M. Kazmaier
  • Patent number: 7166420
    Abstract: A protective, switchable layer adapted for use in transient imageable documents is disclosed. The protective layer can be disposed on an underlying photochromic layer and enables writing or imaging the underlying layer. The protective layer prevents unintentional writing on the photochromic layer, such as can otherwise occur from exposure to certain wavelengths of light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Naveen Chopra, Hadi Mahabadi, Peter M. Kazmaier, Gabriel Iftime
  • Patent number: 7144676
    Abstract: Imaging compositions and methods of using the compositions are disclosed. The imaging compositions are sensitive to low levels of energy such that upon application of the low levels of energy the compositions change color or shade. The compositions may be applied to a work piece to mark it and removed from the work piece by peeling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Electronic Materials LLC
    Inventors: Robert K. Barr, Corey O'Connor
  • Patent number: 7029833
    Abstract: An image display medium that includes a photoconductive layer containing a photochromic compound and an electron accepting compound; and a substrate, in which the photochromic compound contains a fulgide compound, and the electron accepting compound contains a compound selected at least from: a) a phosphonic acid compound having an aliphatic group containing 12 or more carbon atoms; b) an aliphatic carboxylic acid compound having an aliphatic group containing 12 or more carbon atoms; and c) a phenolic compound having an aliphatic group containing 12 or more carbon atoms, a process for forming an image using the medium, and a multicolor image-forming apparatus using the medium and suitable for the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Takahashi, Shigenobu Hirano, Ikue Kawashima
  • Patent number: 7011875
    Abstract: The present invention provides an optical information-recording medium capable of recording and reproducing information with laser beams and having excellent recording characteristics, the optical information-recording medium comprising a support and a recording layer capable of recording information by laser beam exposure, wherein the recording layer contains a dye represented by the following formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent; B1 and B2 represent ?CR5— and —CR6? respectively, or one of B1 and B2 represents a nitrogen atom and the other represents ?CR5— or —CR6?; R5 and R6 each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent; Q1 represents a substituted or unsubstituted arylene group, or a substituted or unsubstituted divalent heterocyclic group; and Q2 represents a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Watanabe, Masatomi Sen, Hisashi Mikoshiba
  • Patent number: 6869755
    Abstract: An element for forming a print-out image containing a substrate, which may be cellulose, having a first surface and a second surface; a dye forming composition on the first surface of the substrate; and a non-dye forming composition on the second surface of the substrate having at least one hydrogen donor compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: William Frank Mooney, III, David Raymond Logrando
  • Patent number: 6861201
    Abstract: Novel photopolymer compositions are disclosed which contain dyes that absorb strongly in the near infrared (near IR) region of the electromagnetic spectrum. These dyes are useful as photosensitizers for initiating a variety of photoimaging and photopolymerization reactions. Imaging Media are disclosed herein which are sensitive in the near infrared (near IR) region of the electromagnetic spectrum and which can initiate polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomer components in negative-acting photopolymer systems and/or which can initiate conversion of a leuco dye to its corresponding colored dye form. These imaging media comprise either a near IR dye photochemical sensitizer, a hexaarylbiimidazole (HABI) photoinitiator, a chain transfer agent, and a photopolymerizable material or a near IR dye photochemical sensitizer, a hexaarylbiimidazole (HABI) photoinitiator, and a leuco dye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Gregory C. Weed, Dietrich M. Fabricius
  • Patent number: 6815679
    Abstract: A reversible thermal recording material permits recording having a clear contrast at a high sensitivity and erasing such images a number of times, at least 1,000 times, repetitively, and comprises a leuco dye, a reversible developer and a light-heat-converting dye, the light-heat-converting dye having a deterioration ratio of 20% or less when a laser beam having an oscillation wavelength of 830 nm is applied thereto repeatedly 1000 times at a temperature of 25° C. at an energy of 2 J/cm2 or being a phthalocyanine compound having a vanadyl group, and a method of recording an image comprises applying a laser beam to the reversible thermal recording material, wherein the colored leuco dye is achromatized with energy that is 25 to 65% of the energy of the laser beam employed for causing the leuco dye to develop a color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Paper Mills Limited
    Inventor: Yoichiro Azuma
  • Patent number: 6790809
    Abstract: A heat-responsive-discoloring coloring composition, which is colored at a temperature lower than its discoloration initiation temperature (T) of 60° C. to 200° C.; which is substantially discolored at a temperature equal to or higher than the discoloration initiation temperature (T); and which does not recover its color once discolored, even when its temperature is lowered to a temperature lower than the discoloration initiation temperature (T) again, the heat-responsive-discoloring coloring composition comprising a polymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 60° C. to 200° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Keiichi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6746830
    Abstract: A silver halide photosensitive material having a substrate, a heat-responsive-discolorable coloring layer and a photosensitive layer coated thereon and having a silver halide, dye-providing compound and a binder, the heat-responsive-discolorable coloring layer containing a heat-responsive-discolorable coloring composition, which is colored at a temperature lower than its discoloration initiation temperature (T) of 60 to 200° C.; which is substantially discolored at a temperature equal to or higher than T; and which does not recover its color once discolored, even when its temperature is lowered to a temperature lower than T again, and the heat-responsive-discolorable coloring composition containing a polymer having a glass transition temperature of 60 to 200° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Arakawa, Takahiro Ishizuka
  • Publication number: 20040096758
    Abstract: This invention relates to a photothermographic element comprising a support, at least one photothermographic imaging layer, and at least one filter layer, wherein the filer layer comprises a heat-bleachable composition comprising a benzothiazine arylidiene filter dye, which filter dye is in the presence of an effective amount of a base precursor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Ramanuj Goswami, Margaret J. Helber, Teresa J. Hosmer, David H. Levy
  • 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: 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
  • Patent number: 6573032
    Abstract: Very high structure, hybrid amorphous silica products (geltates) having very high absorptivity, in which the hybrid silica product has a % carrying capacity DBP value greater than 76.0 and a linseed oil absorption value exceeding 250 cc/100 g, and a production methodology therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: J. M. Huber Corporation
    Inventors: Barry W. Preston, William C. Fultz
  • Patent number: 6569585
    Abstract: Improved processes and products for laser thermal imaging are described. These improved processes and products utlilize an image rigidification element and significantly reduce halftone dot movement, swath boundary cracking and banding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Jonathan V. Caspar, Harvey Walter Taylor, Jr., Gregory C. Weed, Rolf S. Gabrielsen
  • Patent number: 6558880
    Abstract: Photothermographic materials comprise heat-bleachable antihalation compositions in backside antihalation layers. These compositions comprise a hexaarybiimidazole and an oxonol dye that can be represented by the following Structure I: A1═L1—(L2═L3)p—(L4═L5)q—(L6═L7)r—A2−(M)k wherein A1 and A2 are the same or different activated methylene moieties, L1 through L7 independently represent a substituted or unsubstituted methine group, M represents a counterion, k is the number of M counterions necessary to provide neutral charge for Structure I, p, and q, are independently 0 or 1, and r is 0, 1, or 2. The antihalation composition is typically bleached when subjected to a temperature of at least 90° C. for at least 0.5 seconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Ramanuj Goswami, William D. Ramsden, Paul A. Zielinski, David G. Baird, LuAnn K. Weinstein, Margaret J. Helber, Doreen C. Lynch
  • Publication number: 20030064302
    Abstract: Improved processes and products for laser thermal imaging are described. These improved processes and products utlilize an image rigidification element and significantly reduce halftone dot movement, swath boundary cracking and banding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Jonathan V. Caspar, Harvey Walter Taylor, Gregory C. Weed, Rolf S. Gabrielsen
  • Publication number: 20020146649
    Abstract: An element for forming a print-out image containing a substrate, which may be cellulose, having a first surface and a second surface; a dye forming composition on the first surface of the substrate; and a non-dye forming composition on the second surface of the substrate having at least one hydrogen donor compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventors: William Frank Mooney, David Raymond Logrando
  • Patent number: 6454951
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one photosensitizer of the tetrapyrrole and/or tetraazapyrrole series and a solid carrier which is swellable in water. Under the action of electromagnetic radiation the photosensitizer develops its antimicrobial action by way of the activation of oxygen and/or the promotion of processes in which free radicals are involved. Said composition is useful for treating water with the aim of freeing it of bacterial germs, algae, yeast and fungi.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventor: Guilio Jori
  • Patent number: 6455210
    Abstract: This invention relates to a photothermographic element comprising a support, at least one photothermographic image-receiving layer, and at least one antihalation layer or a filter layer, wherein the antihalation or filer layer comprises an aqueous heat-bleachable composition comprising at least one dye and at least one hexaarylbiimidazole in the form of particles dispersed in a matrix comprising a hydrophilic or aqueous dispersible polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Mark E. Irving, Ramanuj Goswami, Kenneth N. Kilminster
  • Patent number: 6433035
    Abstract: Selectively colorable compositions and a method for forming selectively colored polymeric bodies using such compositions are disclosed. In accordance with the invention, a selectively colorable polymerizable composition comprising a leucobase color former is irradiated with light of a particular wavelength and specific intensity for a specified duration. Exposure to actinic radiation cures the composition and activates the color former. Exposure to higher dosages of actinic radiation can bleach the composition. The irradiation dosage can be varied to selectively color the polymeric body whereby the resultant color of any particular area depends on the exposure dose received at that location. By varying the dose, a polymeric body can be prepared having distinctly colored elements at specific locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Spectra Group Limited, Inc.
    Inventors: Oleg V. Grinevich, Douglas C. Neckers
  • Publication number: 20020022187
    Abstract: Improved processes and products for laser thermal imaging are described. These improved processes and products utlilize an image rigidification element and significantly reduce halftone dot movement, swath boundary cracking and banding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: Jonathan V. Caspar, Harvey Walter Taylor, Gregory C. Weed, Rolf S. Gabrielsen
  • 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: 6309797
    Abstract: Selectively colorable polymerizable compositions and a method for forming selectively colored polymeric bodies using such compositions are disclosed. In accordance with the invention, a selectively colorable polymerizable composition comprising both a leucobase color former and a leuconitrile color former is irradiated with light of a particular wavelength and specific intensity for a specified duration. Exposure to actinic radiation cures the composition and activates the color formers. The irradiation dosage can be varied to selectively color the polymeric body whereby the resultant color of any particular area depends on the exposure dose received at that location. By varying the dose, a polymeric body can be prepared having distinctly colored elements at specific locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Spectra Group Limited, Inc.
    Inventors: Oleg V. Grinevich, John H. Malpert, Alexandre Mejiritski, Douglas C. Neckers
  • Patent number: 6291143
    Abstract: A laser addressable thermal imaging element comprising a bleachable photothermal converting dye in association with a heat-sensitive imaging medium, and a photoreducing agent for said dye, said photoreducing agent bleaching said dye on laser address of the element. The imaging element may be in the form of a colorant transfer system, a peel-apart system, a phototackification system or a unimolecular thermal fragmentation system. Also provided is a method of crosslinking a resin by laser irradiation, which is useful in the production of colored images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Imation Corp.
    Inventors: Ranjan C. Patel, Robert J. D. Nairne, Andrew W. Mott, Mark R. I. Chambers, Dian E. Stevenson
  • 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: 6235095
    Abstract: An improved ink suitable for ink jet printing comprising, a mixture of a colorant, an arylketoalkene stabilizing compound or a photoreactor, and a liquid vehicle, wherein the colorant is light-stable. When the photoreactor is combined with a wavelength-selective sensitizer to form a radiation transorber, the colorant is mutable upon exposure of the radiation transorber to specific, narrow bandwidth radiation. The colored composition may also contain a molecular includant having a chemical structure which defines at least one cavity wherein each of the colorant and photoreactor or radiation transorber is associated with the molecular includant. The invention also includes ink jet print cartridges containing the improved ink, ink jet printers containing the improved ink and methods of printing using the improved ink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventors: Ronald Sinclair Nohr, John Gavin MacDonald
  • Patent number: 6203964
    Abstract: A thermal recording medium comprising a ultraviolet absorber precursor represented by formula (1-A) or an image forming compound changing hue and an acid, which is high in thermal sensitivity, recordable with such a low output laser that no ablation takes place even when a thermal heat mode image recording system using a laser is utilized, requiring no different receiving sheet, and excellent in keeping quality: wherein P represents a protecting group for a hydroxyl group which is deblocked by heating to 250° C. or less in the presence of an acid; R1 and R2, which may be the same or different, each represents a substitutable group; and 1 and m each represents an integer of 0 to 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuhiko Obayashi, Junichi Yamanouchi, Atsuhiro Ohkawa
  • Patent number: 6171766
    Abstract: A laser addressable thermal imaging element comprising a bleachable photothermal converting dye in association with a heat-sensitive imaging medium, and a photoreducing agent for said dye, said photoreducing agent bleaching said dye on laser address of the element. The imaging element may be in the form of a colorant transfer system, a peel-apart system, a phototackification system or a unimolecular thermal fragmentation system. Also provided is a method of crosslinking a resin by leaser irradiation, which is useful in the production of colored images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Imation Corp.
    Inventors: Ranjan C. Patel, Robert J. D. Nairne, Andrew W. Mott, Mark R. I. Chambers, Dian E. Stevenson
  • Patent number: 6127073
    Abstract: Applications of photoerasable colorant composition include photoerasable price markings for pricing goods, documents such as gaming tickets for securely communicating concealed information, photoerasable paint for temporary markings on terrain and structures such as signs, roadways, trees, and buildings, marking instruments such as pens, and wick or felt markers, ultraviolet light exposure indicators, and dry printing. The photoerasable or mutable colorant composition comprises a mutable colorant and an ultraviolet radiation transorber which, upon irradiation with ultraviolet radiation, interacts with the colorant to irreversibly mutate the colorant and thereby render the colorant substantially colorless. The mutable colorant composition may also include a molecular includant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Sinclair Nohr, John Gavin MacDonald, Jeffrey Dean Lindsay
  • 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: 6120949
    Abstract: Applications of photoerasable colorant composition include photoerasable price markings for pricing goods, documents such as gaming tickets for securely communicating concealed information, photoerasable paint for temporary markings on terrain and structures such as signs, roadways, trees, and buildings, marking instruments such as pens, and wick or felt markers, ultraviolet light exposure indicators, and dry printing. The photoerasable or mutable colorant composition comprises a mutable colorant and an ultraviolet radiation transorber which, upon irradiation with ultraviolet radiation, interacts with the colorant to irreversibly mutate the colorant and thereby render the colorant substantially colorless. The mutable colorant composition may also include a molecular includant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Sinclair Nohr, John Gavin MacDonald, Jeffrey Dean Lindsay
  • Patent number: 6066439
    Abstract: Applications of photoerasable colorant composition include photoerasable price markings for pricing goods, documents such as gaming tickets for securely communicating concealed information, photoerasable paint for temporary markings on terrain and structures such as signs, roadways, trees, and buildings, marking instruments such as pens, and wick or felt markers, ultraviolet light exposure indicators, and dry printing. The photoerasable or mutable colorant composition comprises a mutable colorant and an ultraviolet radiation transorber which, upon irradiation with ultraviolet radiation, interacts with the colorant to irreversibly mutate the colorant and thereby render the colorant substantially colorless. The mutable colorant composition may also include a molecular includant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Sinclair Nohr, John Gavin MacDonald, Jeffrey Dean Lindsay
  • Patent number: 6063539
    Abstract: A thermal recording medium comprising a ultraviolet absorber precursor represented by formula (1-A) or an image forming compound changing hue and an acid, which is high in thermal sensitivity, recordable with such a low output laser that no ablation takes place even when a thermal heat mode image recording system using a laser is utilized, requiring no different receiving sheet, and excellent in keeping quality: ##STR1## wherein P represents a protecting group for a hydroxyl group which is deblocked by heating to 250.degree. C. or less in the presence of an acid; R.sup.1 and R.sup.2, which may be the same or different, each represents a substitutable group; and 1 and m each represents an integer of 0 to 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuhiko Obayashi, Junichi Yamanouchi, Atsuhiko Ohkawa
  • Patent number: 6060223
    Abstract: Applications of photoerasable colorant composition include photoerasable price markings for pricing goods, documents such as gaming tickets for securely communicating concealed information, photoerasable paint for temporary markings on terrain and structures such as signs, roadways, trees, and buildings, marking instruments such as pens, and wick or felt markers, ultraviolet light exposure indicators, and dry printing. The photoerasable or mutable colorant composition comprises a mutable colorant and an ultraviolet radiation transorber which, upon irradiation with ultraviolet radiation, interacts with the colorant to irreversibly mutate the colorant and thereby render the colorant substantially colorless. The mutable colorant composition may also include a molecular includant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Sinclair Nohr, John Gavin MacDonald, Jeffrey Dean Lindsay
  • Patent number: 6060200
    Abstract: A data processing form for use with photo-sensing apparatus that detect the presence of indicia at indicia-receiving locations on the form. The form is composed of a sheet of carrier material and plurality of indicia-receiving locations. The indicia-receiving locations are defined by a mutable colored composition including a mutable colorant and an ultraviolet radiation transorber such that the indicia-receiving locations are adapted to become substantially undetectable by photo-sensing apparatus upon irradiating the colored composition with ultraviolet radiation at a dosage level sufficient to irreversibly mutate the colorant. The colored composition may be irradiated with radiation in the ultraviolet region of the ultraviolet spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald S. Nohr, John Gavin MacDonald, Michael Wilfred Mosehauer
  • Patent number: 6054256
    Abstract: Applications of photoerasable colorant composition include photoerasable price markings for pricing goods, documents such as gaming tickets for securely communicating concealed information, photoerasable paint for temporary markings on terrain and structures such as signs, roadways, trees, and buildings, marking instruments such as pens, and wick or felt markers, ultraviolet light exposure indicators, and dry printing. The photoerasable or mutable colorant composition comprises a mutable colorant and an ultraviolet radiation transorber which, upon irradiation with ultraviolet radiation, interacts with the colorant to irreversibly mutate the colorant and thereby render the colorant substantially colorless. The mutable colorant composition may also include a molecular includant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Sinclair Nohr, John Gavin MacDonald, Jeffrey Dean Lindsay
  • Patent number: 6017661
    Abstract: Applications of photoerasable colorant composition include photoerasable price markings for pricing goods, documents such as gaming tickets for securely communicating concealed information, photoerasable paint for temporary markings on terrain and structures such as signs, roadways, trees, and buildings, marking instruments such as pens, and wick or felt markers, ultraviolet light exposure indicators, and dry printing. The photoerasable or mutable colorant composition comprises a mutable colorant and an ultraviolet radiation transorber which, upon irradiation with ultraviolet radiation, interacts with the colorant to irreversibly mutate the colorant and thereby render the colorant substantially colorless. The mutable colorant composition may also include a molecular includant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Dean Lindsay, John Gavin MacDonald, Ronald Sinclair Nohr
  • Patent number: 6013430
    Abstract: A thermal recording element comprising a support having thereon a recording layer comprising a J-aggregate cyanine dye dispersed in a hydrophilic binder, the J-aggregate dye having the formula: whereinX and Y each independently represents O, S, a NR group or CH.dbd.CH;R represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having from about 1 to about 6 carbon atoms;R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.7, R.sup.8, R.sup.9 and R.sup.10 each independently represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or alkoxy group having from about 1 to about 6 carbon atoms; halogen; a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group having from about 6 to about 10 atoms; or a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl group having from about 5 to about 10 atoms;any two adjacent substituents on the aryl ring may be taken together to form a 6-membered aromatic ring;R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 each independently represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having from about 1 to about 6 carbon atoms or sulfoalkyl;L.sup.1, L.sup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Huijuan D. Chen, Derek D. Chapman
  • Patent number: 6001518
    Abstract: A reversible heat-sensitive recording medium has a substrate where a reversible heat-sensitive recording layer and a protective layer are successively formed on top of it. The reversible heat-sensitive recording layer is formed by a reversible heat-sensitive recording material including a leuco dye and a color developing/reducing agent. The color developing/reducing agent is a combination of two kinds of color developing/reducing agents, one with a high color developing ability and the other with high image preservation and stabilization capabilities. The two agents are combined at a ratio between 1:4 to 4:1. Thus a reversible heat-sensitive recording material with a fine color developing ability and high image preservation and stabilization capabilities can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Kyodo Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruhiko Ohsawa, Shin-ichi Koizumi, Hiroyuki Morinaka, Minoru Fujita
  • Patent number: 5945249
    Abstract: A laser addressable thermal imaging element comprising a bleachable photothermal converting dye in association with a heat-sensitive imaging medium, and a photoreducing agent for said dye, said photoreducing agent bleaching said dye on laser address of the element. The imaging element may be in the form of a colorant transfer system, a peel-apart system, a phototackification system or a unimolecular thermal fragmentation system. Also provided is a method of crosslinking a resin by leaser irradiation, which is useful in the production of colored images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Imation Corp.
    Inventors: Ranjan C. Patel, Andrew W. Mott, Robert J. D. Nairne, Mark R. I. Chambers, Dian E. Stevenson
  • Patent number: 5935758
    Abstract: A laser-induced thermal imaging system having a donor element and a receptor element. The donor element includes a substrate on which is coated transfer material that includes: a binder including a hydroxylic resin; a fluorocarbon additive; a cationic infrared absorbing dye; a dihydropyridine latent crosslinking agent; and a dispersible material. The receptor element comprises a texturized surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Imation Corp.
    Inventors: Ranjan C. Patel, Mark R. I. Chambers, Dian E. Stevenson, Jonathan C. Vogel, Kevin Kidnie, John Souter, Gregory L. Zwaldo