Post Imaging Process, Finishing, Or Perfecting Composition Or Product Patents (Class 430/97)
  • Patent number: 5547793
    Abstract: This invention provides a method for using paper repeatedly by flaking and removing an image from the paper, even if the image has been touched up on the paper with handwriting, and a preferable printing tool used in the method. The method includes the steps of touching up the image on the paper with the printing tool containing a main component of a colored thermoplastic resin particle and being formed into a stick shape by solidifying the resin particle alone or with binder resin sticking to the resin particle. The image can be formed on the paper with a liquid-applying type of printing tool having a liquid container containing a resin dispersion liquid being formed by dispersing the resin particle in a solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichi Kuramoto, Sadao Takahashi, Yoshiyuki Kimura, Kazuhiro Ando, Tadashi Saito, Youichi Asaba, Kiyoshi Tanikawa, Yoshiaki Miyashita, Satoshi Shinguryo
  • Patent number: 5547805
    Abstract: More than 100,000 pieces of copy are obtained, in an electrophotographic process using an amorphous silicon photosensitive material, by maintaining the atmosphere for the photosensitive material and effecting the developing and polishing of the surface of the photosensitive material in a manner such that X, the degree of surface oxidation of the amorphous silicon photosensitive material (SiO/SiC), and Y, the amount of deposition of discharge products (mol/cm.sup.2), satisfy the relationships (1) and (2);0.4.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.1.25 (1)Y.ltoreq.2.2.times.10.sup.-9.exp(-2.0 x) (2)By this method, image flow is prevented without permitting the life of the photosensitive material to decrease, and an image can be stably formed for extended periods of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Mita Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Hazama, Masahiro Tsutsumi, Masaru Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5518981
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing multi-layered carbonless sheets on which indicia can be xerographically produced with little or no non-specific development. The process involves coating a sheet with a CB composition containing a carboxymethyl cellulose polymer, a crosslinker, a salt of a polyvalent metal ion and a small amount of a wall forming acrylic resin. The CB coating formed resists breakage and release of dye when non-specific pressure is applied to the sheet thereby resulting in CF copies having improved brightness and reduced non-specific development.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Nashua Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Nelson, Pat Y. H. Wang
  • Patent number: 5506671
    Abstract: An electrostatographic printing process forms one or more colorless toner images in combination with at least one color toner image produced in an electrostatographic way on a receptor element. The information for producing an electrostatic latent image corresponding with the colorless toner image derives from a digital electrical signal representing (i) the spatial boundaries of the colorless toner image and (ii) the amount of deposited colorless toner per pixel. The receptor element is conveyed past a number of toner-image producing electrostatographic stations. At each image-producing station an electrostatic latent image is formed on a rotatable endless surface; toner is deposited on the electrostatic latent image to form a toner image on the rotatable surface, and the toner image is transferred from its corresponding rotatable surface onto the receptor element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Xeikon NV
    Inventors: Alfons J. Buts, Etienne M. De Cock, Lucien A. De Schampelaere
  • Patent number: 5494764
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for making a printed circuit board which comprises providing a photoconductive layer by electrodeposition method on a metal conductive layer provided on at least one side of an electrically insulating substrate, forming a toner image on said photoconductive layer by electrophotographic process, then dissolving and removing the area of the photoconductive layer not covered by the toner using a printer and optionally etching the surface of the area of the substrate from which the photoconductive layer has been removed. According to this method, by employing especially the electrophotographic reversal development, a printed circuit board of excellent sensitivity and high resolution can be produced even from both-side copper-clad laminate sheets having through-holes of a high aspect ratio using an exposure source of low energy such as semiconductor laser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Paper Mills Limited
    Inventor: Kenji Hyodo
  • Patent number: 5472736
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thin film magnetic transducer in which a layer of photoresist material is used to pattern the turns of a bi-level electrical coil. The thickness of the photoresist layer is increased to the maximum height of the bi-level coil. A multi-turn spiral type rectangular trench is formed to define the pattern of the coil structure. In the first coil plating step, a first coil section is plated in the trench to approximately the midpoint of its height. The layer of the resist material is then cured and a blocking mask is deposited over the portion of the first coil section that is not to be further increased in height. The area of the coil that is not blocked by the blocking mask is again plated using the initial pattern until each partial turn in the unblocked section reaches the top of the groove. The cured resist material and the blocking mask are then removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Read-Rite Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald A. Barr, Jeffrey P. Hagen
  • Patent number: 5441838
    Abstract: High-gloss, flexible, protective overcoated documents are created using xerographic imaging. A transparent carrier having an adhesive on one side is positioned with the adhesived side of the carrier in contact with a xerographically imaged sheet. The two members are heated under pressure and the adhesive adheres to the imaged sheet. The carrier is then separated from the imaged sheet leaving a high-glossed sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Sharon G. Pane
  • Patent number: 5434029
    Abstract: Apparatus and method of preventing the curling of a substrate having toner images electrostatically adhered thereto which substrate has been subjected to heat for the purpose of fixing the toner images to the substrate. Simultaneous constraint of the copy substrate and the application of moisture thereto is effected by passing the substrate through the nip formed by two pressure engaged rollers, one of which is utilized for applying the water to the back side of the substrate as the substrate passes through the aftermentioned nip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Rabin Moser
  • Patent number: 5418106
    Abstract: A method of restoring a used organic photoreceptor which includes a supporting substrate having a photoconductor layer contained on said substrate and an overlaying layer of charge transport material. The photoreceptor is heated to a temperature near or above the glass transition temperature of the charge transport layer for a time sufficient to allow for flowing and/or melting of the top surface of the charge transport layer, and then cooled to room temperature, followed by applying a new layer of charge transport material over the existing charge transport layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Nu-Kote International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Snyder, Jr., William A. Donofrio, William J. Murphy
  • Patent number: 5405726
    Abstract: A sheet of paper, plastic or the like on which an image has been formed using a toner that is photochemically decolorizable by absorption of near infrared rays is illuminated with near infrared rays under the state wherein the image is heated to a temperature equal to or higher than the glass-transition temperature of a binding resin of the toner. The color of the toner can thereby be easily and rapidly eliminated. This enables the reuse of the sheet to be realized easily and at a low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignees: Bando Chemical Industries. Ltd., Showa Denko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuki Abe, Rikuzou Kouzuki, Masakazu Okamoto, Yasunori Mikata, Masatsugu Tabata, Shigeki Inoue, Sadao Tanimoto, Yoshihiro Uchimoto, Katsumi Murofushi, Yoshikazu Hosoda
  • Patent number: 5397673
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for forming images which comprises applying a curable liquid to a first substrate in an image pattern, optionally transferring the curable liquid image to a second substrate, subsequently contacting the curable liquid image with a solid developer so that the developer adheres to the curable liquid image, optionally transferring the curable liquid and the solid developer in image pattern to a third substrate, and curing the curable liquid in the image pattern to a solid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: P. Keith Watson, Ian D. Morrison
  • Patent number: 5370960
    Abstract: A novel process for forming protected, electrographic image on a substrate is disclosed. An electrographic element used in the process comprises a supporting layer, a conductive layer, and a dielectric layer. A protective element used in the process comprises a temporary support layer, a protective layer, and an adhesive layer. The novel electrographic imaging process comprises the steps of producing a toned electrographic image on the surface of the electrographic element; applying and adhering the adhesive layer of the protective element to the toned electrographic image to form an imaged composite; removing the supporting layer from the composite to uncover the conductive layer; pressure laminating the final substrate to the conductive layer; and then removing the temporary support layer from the protective layer to form the protected, electrographic image on the substrate of choice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: Rexham Graphics Incorporated
    Inventors: Douglas A. Cahill, Donald A. Brault, Richard S. Himmelwright
  • Patent number: 5368334
    Abstract: A security document is produced from a paper substrate having invisible hydrophobic toner blended into the paper. The clear toner is produced by milling and classifying a polyester resin, mixing it with silica flowing agent, and then electrostatically imaging the toner onto the paper substrate, as a spot that can be overprinted, or preferably as indicia that is not visible to the naked eye or color copiers. An infra-red absorbing or UV responsive dye may be added to the toner so that it is visible under infra-red/ultraviolet light respectively, or without that dye it is not visible when eliminated by light of any wavelength. When applied to the paper the toner is snow white, but after infra-red heat fusing it blends into the paper and is substantially invisible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Moore Business Forms, Inc.
    Inventors: Orrin D. Christy, John E. Pickett, Leo Swanson, Mark A. Matheis, Marc Cousoulis
  • Patent number: 5366837
    Abstract: An image receiving sheet of the present invention for receiving a desired image thereon includes a support layer and an absorbing layer containing heat-meltable or thermoplastic particles. A desired image can be formed in the absorbing layer of the image receiving sheet. Through heating the image receiving sheet formed with the desired image, the heat-meltable or thermoplastic particles are thermally melted or softened to attain a glossy and transparent surface formed with the desired image. As a result, an image bearing product coated with a glossy and transparent surface formed with the desired image is obtained. Through thermally pressing the image receiving sheet formed with the visible image toward an article of arbitrary type, on the other hand, the heat-meltable or thermoplastic particles are thermally melted or softened to be adhered to a surface of the article, so that the desired image is transferred onto the surface of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Jun Sakai
  • Patent number: 5350658
    Abstract: A method of forming fixed images including uniformly charging a photoconductor selectively exposing the photoconductor to light, developing an electrostatic latent image whereby a toner is applied to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor to form a visible image, transferring the formed visible image to a recording medium, and fixing the transferred visible image onto the recording medium, in which the toner is a thermally dissociating encapsulated toner, the photoconductor is a heat-resistant photoconductive film belt, and the transferring process and the fixing process are simultaneously carried out on the heat-resistant photoconductive film belt at a temperature of from 40.degree. to 120.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: KAO Corporation
    Inventors: Shin-ichiro Yasuda, Kuniyasu Kawabe, Mitsuhiro Sasaki
  • Patent number: 5324614
    Abstract: A method for printing or copying text and/or graphics on support medium in a removable manner to facilitate alterations comprising: creating a toned image, corresponding to the text and/or graphics on a support medium, wherein the image receiving side of the support medium prior to receiving the toned image is blank or contains extraneous markings; and fixing the toned image to the support medium by setting a fusing condition efficacious to removably fix the toned image, thereby rendering the first toned image removably fixed on the support medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Lynn J. Bluett
  • Patent number: 5312703
    Abstract: A process for the reversible or irreversible production of an image by imagewise exposure of a recording layer to energy in the presence or absence of an electrical and/or magnetic field, resulting in a pattern of surface charges on the surface of the recording layer corresponding to the imagewise exposure to energy. The recording layer consists essentially ofan organic material which solidifies in a glass-like manner, is non-photoconductive or substantially non-photoconductive and contains permanent dipoles, in whichthe pattern of surface charges is produced without or substantially without the formation of free charge carriers by reversible imagewise alignment of at least some of the permanent dipoles present in the recording layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gerhard Wagenblast, Volker Bach
  • Patent number: 5265185
    Abstract: A method of fabricating composite optical channel waveguides in electro-ocal polymers. An electrically conductive substrate is coated with an ultraviolet epoxy resin which is cured by subjecting the composite to an ultraviolet light. Another layer of ultraviolet epoxy resin is applied and developed into a predetermined waveguide configuration by selective curing. The uncured epoxy is removed with a solvent which does not effect the cured ultraviolet epoxy resin. A non-linear polymer is coated over the composite and a gold electrode is deposited on its upper surface for poling purposes. After poling, the gold electrode is removed and an upper cladding is applied along with the device electrode. The invention also provides a novel waveguide as produced by the method. Where a simple waveguide is desired, the steps of applying the gold film, poling, heating, and acid etching the gold film may be omitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Paul R. Ashley
  • Patent number: 5250387
    Abstract: A process for transferring non-electroscopic, non-prolonged tack, UV curable toned images to an image receptor wherein said process produces images having substantially reduced back transfer is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Robert P. Held, Herman A. Yee
  • Patent number: 5234783
    Abstract: A toner image that combines pictorial information with text or graphic information is made glossy only in the pictorial portion. A clear gloss enhancing toner is selectively applied to the portion of the image that is pictorial as determined by a suitable manual input or electronic analysis of the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Yee S. Ng
  • Patent number: 5232812
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for forming images which comprises generating an electrostatic image on an imaging member, developing the electrostatic image with a toner, optionally transferring the developed toner image from the imaging member to a substrate, applying to the developed toner image a curable liquid in which the toner is at least partially soluble, and curing the liquid to a solid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Ian D. Morrison, Christine J. Tarnawskyj, Bing R. Hsieh, Paul W. Morehouse, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5183717
    Abstract: A weak electrostatic image on an imaging member is amplified by first toning it with a charge injection toner. The imaging member is recharged without fusing the toner image to a charge of the same polarity as the first charge but substantially higher potential. The excess charge over the first charge injects through the toner to create an amplified electrostatic image that can be toned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: John W. May, Anujit Mukherjee
  • Patent number: 5162179
    Abstract: This invention involves a structure containing a layered imaged configuration with an overcoating layer. The overcoating layer, in addition to encapsulating the toned image, substantially strengthens the dielectric layer after it is removed from the system. Also, a process for producing a product having an image depth perception and the product itself are disclosed. The layered structure may have one or two dielectric layers having a combined thickness of from about 0.2 to about 10.0 mils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Armstrong World Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter J. Lewicki, Jr., John H. Bowers
  • Patent number: 5147751
    Abstract: An electrophotographic photoconductor comprises (a) an electroconductive support, (b) a photoconductive layer formed thereon comprising a selenium alloy, and (c) a protective layer which is formed on the photoconductive layer, contains a binder resin component and an anti-oxidizing agent. In an electrophotographic copying process and an electrophographic copying apparatus using this photoconductor, the protective layer is abraded at a predetermined rate during the copying process in such a fashion that the anti-oxidizing agent contained in the protective layer is always present at the surface of the protective layer, thereby protecting the photoconductor from ozone and ions which are generated during corona charging of the photoconductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Narihito Kojima, Hiroshi Nagame, Mitsuru Seto, Takashi Rokutanzono, Shinji Nousho
  • Patent number: 5124217
    Abstract: An electrophotographic process for enabling substantially tamperproof images, including the generation of a latent image; developing the image with a toner composition comprised of resin particles, magnetite particles, and a colored organic soluble dye, a colored organic insoluble dye, or the salts thereof; and an optional additive component comprised of an aliphatic hydrocarbon or a polymeric alcohol of the formulaCH.sub.3 (CH.sub.2).sub.n CH.sub.2 OHwherein n is a number of from about 30 to about 500.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Gruber, Ronald J. Koch, Timothy J. Fuller
  • Patent number: 5114818
    Abstract: An electrostatographic imaging apparatus including an organic electrostatographic imaging member having at least one arcuate surface, a heat fuser roll spaced from and adjacent to the arcuate surface, and a thin heat shield having at least one, heat reflective metallic surface interposed between the heat fuser roll and the adjacent arcuate surface, the metallic surface of the shield being concentric to and facing the fuser roll. This apparatus may be used in an electrostatographic imaging process which includes cycling the organic electrostatographic imaging member, while maintaining the heated fuser roll spaced from and adjacent to the arcuate surface and while the thin heat shield having at least one, heat reflective metallic surface is interposed between the heat fuser roll and the adjacent arcuate surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Robert C. U. Yu
  • Patent number: 5089363
    Abstract: A dry toner image is embedded in a thermoplastic layer on a receiving sheet by pressing a ferrotyping web against the image in the presence of sufficient heat to soften the layer. Preferably, the layer is preheated and the web and image are pressed together by a pair of hard rollers to a pressure in excess of 100 pounds per square inch.A curl preventing layer opposite thermoplastic layer does not offset on a backing roller because it has a melting point above the temperature of the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Donald S. Rimai, Muhammad Aslam, Carlton D. Baxter, Kevin M. Johnson, Ernest J. Tamary, Joseph F. Laukaitis, Hal E. Wright, Tsang J. Chen, William J. Staudenmayer
  • Patent number: 5077159
    Abstract: A weak electrostatic image on an imaging member is amplified by first toning it with charge injection toner. The imaging member is treated without fusing the toner image to reduce the charge injection inhibiting effect of charge associated with the toner imaging member interface. Subsequently to or simultaneously with said treating step the imaging member is charged positively, which charge injects through the toner to create an amplified electrostatic image that can be toned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Yee S. Ng, Frederick R. Gilley
  • Patent number: 5054872
    Abstract: A structure comprising a layer of polymeric material containing epoxy groups having preselected regions of different degrees of polymerization and different refractive indices; and a method for forming a structure comprising a layer of polymeric material containing epoxy groups having preselected regions of differing degrees of polymerization and differing refractive indices which comprises providing a polymeric material containing epoxy groups on a support and selectively modifying the refractive index in said material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: IBM Corporation
    Inventors: Bunsen Fan, Donis G. Flagello, Jeffrey D. Gelorme, Modest M. Oprysko, Albert Speth, Jeannine M. Trewhella
  • Patent number: 5034300
    Abstract: This invention relates to charging means which contacts with a toner to charge the toner and being installed in a developing machine for developing electrostatic latent images by a dry developer; the charging means comprises a specified imidazole compound selected from the group consisting of an imidazole metal complex, an imidazole metal compound and an imidazole derivative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiro Anno, Hideaki Ueda
  • Patent number: 5025292
    Abstract: An improvement in the method and apparatus for producing a multi-color electrophotographic image wherein an electrophotographic medium is mounted on a carrier therefor and is translated over a predetermined path so that the medium is first charged, then exposed to a first light-borne image and then toned. Thus, the unexposed portions of the image bearing charged region of the medium are toned, preferably by a liquid toner, to produce a first color visible image. The carrier is then returned to the first position to repeat the foregoing steps to charge the medium and to expose it to a second light-borne image and to tone the second image with a second toning element to produce a second color visible image on the same sheet of medium. The improvement comprises means for heating the surface of the first toned image after the first toning step and prior to the second charging step to smooth and further fuse the previously toned image to prevent color contamination of subsequent imaging cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Lawrence C. Steele
  • Patent number: 5023038
    Abstract: A toner image carrying thermoplastic layer on a receiving sheet is texturized from the back side of the sheet by positioning the sheet between a smooth hard surface and a texturizing surface with the texturizing surface contacting the back side. The thermoplastic layer is softened by heat and becomes texturized without embossing the back side. A curl preventing layer on the back side is not embossed because it has a melting point above the temperature of the process. A glossy-textured print can be produced this way. The process is especially useful in making multicolor prints of photographic quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Muhammad Aslam, Thomas J. Farnand, Ernest J. Tamary
  • Patent number: 5021312
    Abstract: A charged film is exposed to light from an image to record the image as a electrostatic latent image on the film. A developer is then fed to the film so that the film is developed. The feed quantity of the developer to the film is controlled in accordance with the light quantity at the time of the exposure. A developing apparatus is equipped with a sensor for detecting light from an image and a circuit for controlling the feed quantity of the developer to the film. It is hence possible to avoid feeding of excess developer to the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Yoda
  • Patent number: 5014090
    Abstract: An improvement in the method and apparatus for producing a multi-color electrophotographic image wherein an electrophotographic medium is mounted on a carrier therefor and is translated over a predetermined path so that the medium is first charged, then exposed to a first light-borne image and then toned. Thus, the unexposed portions of the image bearing charged region of the medium are toned, preferably by a liquid toner, to produce a first color visible image. The carrier is then returned to the first position to repeat the foregoing steps to charge the medium and to expose it to a second light-borne image and to tone the second image with a second toning element to produce a second color visible image on the same sheet of medium. The improvement comprises means for applying a solvent vapor to the surface of the first toned image after the first toning step and prior to the second charging step to smooth and further fuse the previously toned image to prevent color contamination of subsequent imaging cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Domenic Santilli
  • Patent number: 4998142
    Abstract: An improvement in the method of producing a multi-color electrophotographic image wherein an electrophotographic medium is mounted on a carrier therefor and is translated over a predetermined path so that the medium is first charged, then exposed to a first light-borne image. The image bearing region of the medium is then toned, preferably by a liquid toner, to produce a first color visible image. The carrier is then returned to the first position to repeat the foregoing steps to charge the medium and to expose it to a second light-borne image and to tone the second image with a second toning element to produce a second color visible image on the same sheet of medium. The improvement comprises the step of buffing the surface of the first toned image with a relatively coarse, stiff, and rough fibrous brush member after the first toning step and prior to the second charging step to smooth the previously toned image to prevent color contamination by subsequent imaging cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Lawrence C. Steele, Kenneth E. Rook
  • Patent number: 4943819
    Abstract: The present invention is an image holding member for holding particulate dry process developer by electrical adsorption force, having from the side holding the dry process developer, a dielectric layer, a diffusion reflection layer having reflective fine particles dispersed in a resin and an electroconductive layer. The electrical resistance of the diffusion reflection layer is made smaller than that of the dielectric layer, and/or the ten-point average roughness of the dielectric layer is made 0.1 .mu.m to 5.0 .mu.m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1990
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hitoshi Toma, Masafumi Hisamura, Shigemori Tanaka
  • Patent number: 4925761
    Abstract: A cyanide-free desensitizing or conversion solution for converting imaged electrophotographic masters to lithographic printing plates comprising:(a) from about 1.0 to about 3.0 percent of phytic acid;(b) from about 0.5 to about 2 percent of a water-soluble anionic polymer;(c) from about 1.0 to about 3.0 percent of a water-soluble dibasic acid; and(d) an aqueous carrier; all percentages being based upon the total weight of the solution, the pH of said solution ranging from about 3.5 to about 6.0.A method of using this solution to convert imaged masters is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Assignee: A. B. Dick
    Inventors: Michael Kulisz, Sr., Robert N. Cooper
  • Patent number: 4908669
    Abstract: A toner image treatment device smoothing an irregular surface of a fixed toner image with coating a transparent auxiliary material by a coating roller. The coating roller has a layer of porous elastic material being impregnated with a transparent resin which is a solid at room temperature but is a liquid at a high temperature, and a heater provided inside the porous elastic material for melting the transparent resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaaki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 4897327
    Abstract: Process for preparation of a correct reading image comprising(A) exposing imagewise to actinic radiation a photopolymerizable electrographic element comprising in order a temporary support, photopolymerizable layer, and a strippable cover sheet, the exposure being through the cover sheet;(B) stripping the cover sheet;(C) laminating the exposed surface of the photopolymerizable layer to a conductive substrate;(D) peeling off the temporary support;(E) charging electrostatically the exposed photopolymerizable layer to form a latent image of electrostatic charge on the exposed areas;(F) toning the electrostatically charged exposed imaged areas; and(G) transferring the toned image to a receptor support.Multiple copies can be produced with a single exposure. Overlay or surprint proofs can be prepared.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1990
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Alan S. Dubin, Catharine E. Looney, Steven P. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 4868075
    Abstract: An electrophotographic imaging process. The process utilizes a disposable photoconductor and develops the photoconductor in fresh toner. The toner is packaged in a pod to protect its freshness and dispense a predetermined quantity of toner. The toner contains a one-shot application, but the process may be repeated for various colors. In the process, a charge plate is exposed to form a latent image, or a pre-exposed plate is charged to form a latent image. The latent image is contacted with toner released from the pod onto a development electrode. A cleanup electrode is provided for excess toner and the image is subsequently transferred to a substrate to produce a print, or the image is fixed on the photoconductor to make a lithographic, di-litho or letterpress plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Assignee: Polychrome Corporation
    Inventor: Wayne M. Gilgore
  • Patent number: 4820618
    Abstract: An emulsified polymer color toner in a liquid carrier is provided for application to a latent electrostatic image on an electrostatographic recording member and transferred to a receptor sheet. The color toner consists of a colorant and a polymeric binder. A polymer solvent is applied to the receptor sheet surface carrying the deposited toner layer to dissolve part of the binder sufficient to transparentize the color layer, glaze and to fuse the toner layer. The glazing, transparentizing and fusing is effected without increase in dot gain. The polymer dispersant is insoluble in the toner carrier. The polymer solvent is removed from the receptor sheet and the sheet can be polished after removal of the solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Assignee: Stork Colorproofing B.V.
    Inventors: Terence M. Lawson, Gregory A. Quilliam
  • Patent number: 4804602
    Abstract: An improvement in the method and apparatus for producing a multi-color electrophotographic image wherein an electrophotographic medium can be used for multiple charge-expose cycles without the accumulation of trapped charges which can result in an increase in toe voltage. The invention provides for the charging, exposing and toning of the medium to produce a first color visible image. The carrier is then returned to the first position to repeat the foregoing steps to charge, expose and tone to produce a second color visible image. Prior to the second charging step the medium is reverse charged and trapped charges are neutralized to substantially revitalize the medium to a condition closely resemblng its unused condition to substantially eliminate the rise in toe voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1989
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Albert V. Buettner, Carl E. Cowan
  • Patent number: 4795226
    Abstract: An optical device comprising a length of optical fibre of predetermined convex configuration supported by fibre mounting and/or attachment means, the convex outer part of the optical fibre having a portion thereof removed therefrom closely adjacent to or even just entering the core of the optical fibre to produce a substantially flat surface therealong on which a reflective diffraction grating of predetermined form is provided according to the function requirements of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Assignee: Plessey Overseas Limited
    Inventors: Ian Bennion, Christopher J. Rowe, Douglas C. J. Reid
  • Patent number: 4788131
    Abstract: A method is described for electronically processing exposed photographic materials for detection and measurement of latent images contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1988
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Lillian M. Kellogg, Joseph M. Hodes
  • Patent number: 4761671
    Abstract: A subprocess is useful in start-up and shutdown of electrophotographic apparatus of the type designed to tone discharged areas. During the subprocess, a photoconductive member passing through a toning station is subjected to an electrical field tending to inhibit toning even of discharged areas. This permits discharging of the photoconductive member as part of shutdown, start-up or sitting idle. Preferably, the photoconductive member is uniformly discharged directly before the toning station which reduces pickup of developer carrier as well as otherwise benefiting the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1988
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Michael D. Sadowski, Philip Alesio, Catherine D. Newell
  • Patent number: 4748098
    Abstract: An emulsion for post-treating planographic printing plates prepared by electrographic means can be used to improve the print quality of treated plates. The emulsion comprises (i) about 25% to 60% by weight of an aqueous phase comprising a phosphonic acid compound and a water-soluble hydrophilizing polymer and (ii) about 40% to 75% by weight of an organic solvent phase comprising a hydrocarbon mixture containing at least 20% by weight of aromatic components. A process for the production of planographic printing plates that employs this emulsion is simplified and less costly than conventional processes, and entails fewer environmental hazards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1988
    Assignee: Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Loni Schell
  • Patent number: 4728561
    Abstract: A shaped article formed from a polyarylether is coated on at least part of one surface thereof with a polyester resin containing free sulphonate groups. The polyarylether can be a polyarylether-sulphone or a polyaryletherketone such as polyaryletheretherketone. The shaped article can be a sheet or a film. The coated article may have further coatings applied, for example the coated article may be metallized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: Imperial Chemical Industries PLC
    Inventor: Christopher Crocker
  • Patent number: 4725448
    Abstract: A method for selectively applying light-absorbing particles to a lenticular, light-transmissive screen, such as a projection television screen. The particles are charged and are selectively deposited in grooves between lenticules of the screen by electrically charging the lenticule peaks to the same polarity, to effect repulsion, and then depositing the particles onto the screen. The particles consist essentially of a material having a substantially higher microwave absorption coefficient than the screen material and have heat-fusible outer surfaces. After deposition, the particles are selectively heated by generally-applied microwave radiation, until they fuse to each other and to the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1988
    Assignee: North American Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Brian J. Fitzpatrick
  • Patent number: 4699863
    Abstract: A flash fixing process characterized by using a powdery developing toner comprising at least 80% by weight of a bisphenol A/epichlorohydrin type epoxy resin or a polyester resin as the binder resin, 1 to 10% by weight of a dye or pigment as the colorant and 1 to 10% by weight of a specific aminium compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1987
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Norio Sawatari, Yasuo Yamagishi, Katsuji Ebisu, Yoshimichi Katagiri, Toshiaki Narusawa
  • Patent number: 4692359
    Abstract: A method for selectively applying particles having cores of magnetically-permeable material and outer, fusible surfaces to a lenticular, light-transmissive screen, such as a projection television screen. The particles are selectively deposited in grooves between lenticules of the screen by magnetically attracting the particles to tips of a particle carrier sheet which positionally correspond with the grooves in the screen. The screen is then positioned underneath the carrier sheet, and the magnetic attractive force is reduced to effect release of the particles into the grooves of the screen. Microwave radiation is applied to the screen with the deposited particles, and the magnetically-permeable cores concentrate microwave energy dissipation in the particles and effect selective heating of the particles until their outer surfaces fuse to each other and to the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1987
    Assignee: North American Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Brian J. Fitzpatrick