Plural Colors Or Plural Diverse Systems Patents (Class 503/204)
  • Patent number: 11548308
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a printing system, and more specifically to an ordering of color-forming layers in a direct thermal printing medium. The present invention provides a direct thermal print medium with an ordering of the color layers that improves the perceived image sharpness and color uniformity of prints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: ZINK HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Brian D. Busch, Chien Liu, Suhail S. Saquib, Stephen J. Telfer, William T. Vetterling
  • Patent number: 10286707
    Abstract: A color laser markable composition includes at least a first and a second Diffusion Hindered Molecular Assembly (DHMA), each including a leuco dye and, respectively, a first and second sensitizer. With the laser markable composition, at least two different colors may be formed in a single layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: AGFA-GEVAERT
    Inventors: Marin Steenackers, Johan Loccufier, Fabienne Goethals, Lionel Petton
  • Patent number: 10144238
    Abstract: A laser markable composition includes (a) an aqueous medium; (b) a leuco dye; (c) an optothermal converting agent; and (d) a color developing agent, characterized in that the color developing agent is a polymer particle capable of forming an acid upon exposure to heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: AGFA-GEVAERT
    Inventors: Dirk Kokkelenberg, Lionel Petton, Johan Loccufier, Fabienne Goethals
  • Publication number: 20150119238
    Abstract: A method for marking an item including a shape memory polymer (SMP) having a visual readable and/or machine readable graphic element on the surface of the item. The method includes pretreating the surface of the item; colouring the surface of the item with a dye solution containing an organic dye and an organic solvent; cleaning and drying the surface of the item; and engraving by at least partially ablating the surface of the item. The dyeing process is suitable for colouring the surface of a shape memory polymer (SMP), wherein the information is engraved in a form of a code or other label on the coloured surface. The colouring causes an increased contrast and thus facilitates machine readability of marking and coding without affecting the other properties of the SMP.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Thorsten Pretsch, Melanie Ecker, Markus Schildhauer
  • Publication number: 20150099625
    Abstract: Provided is a direct thermal media containing a regular repeating pattern of color-forming thermally-imageable stripes printed parallel to the print head element line and a system for using such direct thermal media in color direct thermal printers including an optical registration system optimized for use with this media and an image processing unit that monitors the position of the stripe pattern relative to the print head and synchronizes the start of the printing process. This direct thermal media together with the optical registration system and image processing unit comprise an operative system in that the design of the thermal media, the optical registration system and image processing unit used to control printing are optimized for use with each other. This system may be utilized, for example, in color thermal printers for documents, receipts, tags, tickets or labels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Clive Hohberger, David Womack, Bruce N. Alleshouse, James Clark, Wolfgang Strobel
  • Patent number: 8921264
    Abstract: A children's coloring pad may incorporate thermochromic pigments that are specially formulated to develop color and clear color by respective applications of cold and hot temperatures. The pad may be used in a similar manner as with respect to finger painting, but without the residual mess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Chromatic Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Terrill Scott Clayton, Timothy J. Owen
  • Patent number: 8912118
    Abstract: A method of color laser marking an article having a polymeric foil with at least one colorless layer containing an infrared absorber, a polymeric binder and a color forming compound; including the steps of:—laser marking the colorless layer with an infrared laser using a first laser operation mode to generate a blue or cyan color; and—laser marking the same colorless layer with an infrared laser using a second laser operation mode to generate a black color, wherein the first laser operation mode applies less energy to the colorless layer than the second laser operation mode. Also disclosed is an article, such as a security document, including a polymeric foil and a colorless layer containing laser marked graphical data having a blue or cyan color and laser marked information having a black color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert N.V.
    Inventors: Paul Callant, Ingrid Geuens, Bart Waumans, Hubertus Van Aert
  • Publication number: 20140349846
    Abstract: Kitchenware comprising thermochromic and photochromic inks in zones of high visibility for the user are disclosed, as a mechanism to know by simple observation their thermal state (cold or hot), independently if said kitchenware is used outdoors (under sunlight exposure) or in enclosed areas. Said kitchenware corresponds to pots, frying pans, cooking pots, pressure cookers or any other kitchen utensil whose use may be outdoors or in enclosed areas and implies direct or indirect contact with a thermal energy source. Thermochromic and photochromic inks are applied in zones of the kitchenware where the user may easily see the color change during use, as in zones where there is no direct contact with food, which, depending on the type of kitchen utensil, may be in covers, knobs, grippers, handles, flame arrestors, regulator valves for pressure cookers, as in exterior walls that are not in direct contact with the thermal source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Alexis Juan TAHTA, Alejandro Restrepo ZEA
  • Patent number: 8877679
    Abstract: Provided is a direct thermal media containing a regular repeating pattern of color-forming thermally-imageable stripes printed parallel to the print head element line and a system for using such direct thermal media in color direct thermal printers including an optical registration system optimized for use with this media and an image processing unit that monitors the position of the stripe pattern relative to the print head and synchronizes the start of the printing process. This direct thermal media together with the optical registration system and image processing unit comprise an operative system in that the design of the thermal media, the optical registration system and image processing unit used to control printing are optimized for use with each other. This system may be utilized, for example, in color thermal printers for documents, receipts, tags, tickets or labels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Clive Hohberger, David Womack, Bruce N. Alleshouse, James Clark, Wolfgang Strobel
  • Patent number: 8778834
    Abstract: A multi-layer card-shaped data carrier has a marking layer containing a hidden marking, and a thermochromic cover layer arranged over the marking layer at least in the area of the hidden marking. The thermochromic cover layer is opaque below its change temperature, hides the marking, and is translucent or transparent above its change temperature, enabling viewing of the marking. The thermochromic cover layer is pervious to radiation outside the visible spectral range and the marking layer absorbs radiation energy outside the visible spectral range, so that the hidden marking can be incorporated into the marking layer through the thermochromic cover layer by laser radiation of a wavelength outside the visible spectral range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Giesecke & Devrient GmbH
    Inventors: Günter Endres, Tobias Salzer
  • Publication number: 20140187418
    Abstract: A multicolor direct thermal imaging method wherein a multicolor image is formed in a thermal imaging member comprising at least first and second different image-forming compositions and a thermal printer for use in practicing the method. Heat is applied to at least the second image-forming composition while the first image-forming composition is at a first baseline temperature (T1) to form an image in at least the second image-forming composition, and heat is applied to at least the first image-forming composition while it is at a second baseline temperature (T2) to form an image in at least the first image-forming composition, wherein T1 is different from T2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Zink Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Busch, Fariza B. Hasan, Chien Liu, Stephen J. Telfer, William T. Vetterling
  • Patent number: 8637430
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a web substrate comprising an activatable colorant and at least one region comprising a topical additive. A first activated color region is produced in the web substrate upon exposure to a first external stimulus and a second activated color region is produced within the first activated color region upon exposure to a second external stimulus. The second activated color region coincides with the topical additive region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Kelyn Anne Arora, John Lee Hammons
  • Patent number: 8629081
    Abstract: By printing a bar code (comprising dark and light regions) or parts of such a bar code with an ink containing a dye, which changes color in the presence of an acid or a base to remove the contrast between the regions of the bar code, and a neutral compound which releases an acid or a base on exposure to energising radiation, a bar code can be produced that becomes unreadable after a pre-determined interval. This can be used as a time/temperature indicator to ensure that products, which might be perishable, associated with such a bar code are not used by the public.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Sun Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Farid Azizian, Michael William Leonard
  • Patent number: 8592341
    Abstract: A reversible thermosensitive recording medium including: a support; a reversible thermosensitive recording layer on the support; and a protective layer on the reversible thermosensitive recording layer, wherein the reversible thermosensitive recording layer contains an electron-donating color-forming compound and an electron-accepting compound, wherein the protective layer contains a polyester acrylate resin, and wherein the protective layer has a glass transition temperature of 230° C. or higher and has an elongation of 10% or higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu Tsuchimura, Satoshi Arai, Jun Maruyama
  • Patent number: 8569208
    Abstract: Color change compositions that transition from a first to second color state upon application of an applied stimulus are provided. Also provided are substrates having the compositions on a surface thereof, as well as methods of making and using the compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Segan Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Hans O. Ribi
  • Patent number: 8470733
    Abstract: Provided is a direct thermal media containing a regular repeating pattern of color-forming thermally-imageable stripes printed parallel to the print head element line and a system for using such direct thermal media in color direct thermal printers including an optical registration system optimized for use with this media and an image processing unit that monitors the position of the stripe pattern relative to the print head and synchronizes the start of the printing process. This direct thermal media together with the optical registration system and image processing unit comprise an operative system in that the design of the thermal media, the optical registration system and image processing unit used to control printing are optimized for use with each other. This system may be utilized, for example, in color thermal printers for documents, receipts, tags, tickets or labels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Clive Hohberger, David Womack, Bruce N. Alleshouse, James Clark, Wolfgang Strobel
  • Patent number: 8377844
    Abstract: Multicolor thermal imaging members are described that comprise color-forming layers that are separated by thermally-insulating layers and can be addressed with a thermal printing head in contact with a surface to form an image. The thermally-insulating layers are designed to be as thin as possible consistent with at least partially independent addressing of the color-forming layers, and are formulated so as not to lead to instabilities either before or after printing or to give rise to dimensional changes of a thermal imaging member when it is subjected to changes in temperature or humidity. Coating compositions for manufacturing such thermally-insulating layers are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Zink Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Day, John Hardin, Yulin Hardin, Fariza B. Hasan, Stephen Telfer, William T. Vetterling
  • Patent number: 8372782
    Abstract: There are disclosed imaging members wherein a chemical compound in a crystalline form is converted, at least partially, and preferably substantially completely or completely, to an amorphous form that has intrinsically a different color from the crystalline form. Also described are imaging methods utilizing the imaging members. The conversion of the compound from the crystalline form to an amorphous form can be effected by laser exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Zink Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Vetterling, Chien Liu, Suhail Shabbir Saquib, Brian David Busch, Stephen Telfer
  • Patent number: 8277696
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermochromic color-memory composition comprising a solubilized mixture of (I) an electron donating coloring organic compound, (II) an electron accepting compound and (III) an ester compound represented by the following formula (1) as a reaction medium which controls color reactions of the components (I) and (II): wherein R represents an alkyl group having 1 to 21 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 1 to 21 carbon atoms, and n represents an integer of from 1 to 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: The Pilot Ink Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Ono
  • Patent number: 8252717
    Abstract: A dual-sided two-ply direct thermal image element is provided. In one embodiment, the dual-sided two-ply direct thermal image element comprises a first substrate having a first side and a second side, and a second substrate having a first side and a second side, wherein both the first substrate and the second substrate include a thermally sensitive coating on at least a first side thereof, and wherein the second side of the first substrate is releasably attached to the second side of the second substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Moreland, Mary Ann Wehr
  • Patent number: 8173575
    Abstract: A dual-sided thermal form-card and method for manufacturing are provided. In an embodiment, the dual-sided thermal form card includes a dual-sided thermal form including a first side and a second side, and a dual-sided thermal card including a first side and a second side being integral with the form and detachable therefrom, wherein the form and the card are adapted to be thermally imaged from respective first and second sides thereof. In an embodiment, the method of manufacturing a dual-sided thermal form-card includes providing dual-sided thermal medium including a first side and a second side, and perforating or die cutting the dual-sided thermal medium to produce a form and a card integral to the form, wherein the form and the card are adapted to be thermally imaged from the first side and the second side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph D Roth, Paul C Blank, Wendell B Halbrook
  • Patent number: 8163670
    Abstract: To provide a thermal recording medium, which can realize easy maintenance, does not produce wastes such as cartridges, and can realize easy control of recording sheets, and an apparatus and method for image formation. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS]A high-temperature color development capsule (23), a low-temperature color development capsule (27), and a low-temperature color development suppression capsule (28) are incorporated in a recording sheet (10). In a printer, the low-temperature color development capsule (27) is subjected to low-temperature color development and is then pressed to break the low-temperature color development suppression capsule (28), whereby low-temperature color development is fixed. Thereafter, the high-temperature color development capsule (23) is subjected to high-temperature color development.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Hiroyasu Miyata
  • Patent number: 8067335
    Abstract: Various multisided thermal media image elements, and methods of manufacture thereof, are presented. In one embodiment, a first media substrate is at least partially coated with thermally sensitive ink on one or more of its sides. A second media substrate is coated with the thermally sensitive ink on at least one of its sides. The second media substrate is at least partially integrated with the first media substrate to form a multisided thermal media image element, wherein at least a portion of the second media substrate is capable of being removed for independent use. The multisided first and second media substrates are adapted to be imaged via a thermal printer individually and together upon integration into the image element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph D Roth, Wendell B Halbrook, Paul C Blank
  • Patent number: 8043993
    Abstract: In an embodiment, an image element having a thermally sensitive coating on at least a first side thereof is provided. The image element may further include an adhesive for attaching to an object such as a pharmaceutical container. Information about the object may be thermally printed on the image element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph D. Roth, Michael VanDemark
  • Publication number: 20110166019
    Abstract: Provided is a direct thermal media containing a regular repeating pattern of color-forming thermally-imageable stripes printed parallel to the print head element line and a system for using such direct thermal media in color direct thermal printers including an optical registration system optimized for use with this media and an image processing unit that monitors the position of the stripe pattern relative to the print head and synchronizes the start of the printing process. This direct thermal media together with the optical registration system and image processing unit comprise an operative system in that the design of the thermal media, the optical registration system and image processing unit used to control printing are optimized for use with each other. This system may be utilized, for example, in color thermal printers for documents, receipts, tags, tickets or labels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventors: Clive Hohberger, David Womack, Bruce N. Alleshouse, James Clark, Wolfgang Strobel
  • Publication number: 20110152076
    Abstract: A print media representing a label is constructed having two components. A first component is capable of being thermally imaged on both a front and back side of the print media. The second component is affixed to the first component but capable of being separated there from. Also, the second component includes adhesive material along a portion of its backside to adhere the print media to an object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Michael J. VanDemark
  • Publication number: 20110121557
    Abstract: Multi-layer articles capable of forming color images are provided. The articles include a multi-layer construction with at least two layers in which at least one of the layers includes a thermally activatable composition. The thermally activatable composition includes a non-linear light to heat converter composition and a color forming compound. Upon activation with a light source an image forms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: Pingfan Wu, Douglas A. Dunn, Dennis E. Vogel, Stanley C. Busman
  • Patent number: 7919433
    Abstract: The present invention relates to chromogenic material that may respond and shift in color due to environmental conditions such as heat, light or humidity. The light may include both visible and non-visible light, such as ultraviolet light. The chromogenic material may therefore provide a method to independently develop a latent image on a given substrate, and in particular, to a substrate that includes conventional thermosensitive image forming media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Michael Cullen, Dell T. Rosa, Louann Behymer Samuels
  • Patent number: 7776788
    Abstract: A writing kit including a plastic sheet, a binding and a case with a closing element to hold the plastic sheet in the case. The case has at least one hole at a center portion of the case and the sheet has at least one hole in the sheet. A binding comprising a flexible cord is laced through the hole in the sheet and the case and a clasp slidingly engages the cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Tetrault
  • Publication number: 20100099556
    Abstract: There are disclosed imaging members wherein a chemical compound in a crystalline form is converted, at least partially, and preferably substantially completely or completely, to an amorphous form that has intrinsically a different color from the crystalline form. Also described are imaging methods utilizing the imaging members. The conversion of the compound from the crystalline form to an amorphous form can be effected by laser exposure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: William T. Vetterling, Chien Liu, Suhail Shabbir Saquib, Brian David Busch, Stephen Telfer
  • Publication number: 20100087316
    Abstract: Multicolor thermal imaging members are described that comprise color-forming layers that are separated by thermally-insulating layers and can be addressed with a thermal printing head in contact with a surface to form an image. The thermally-insulating layers are designed to be as thin as possible consistent with at least partially independent addressing of the color-forming layers, and are formulated so as not to lead to instabilities either before or after printing or to give rise to dimensional changes of a thermal imaging member when it is subjected to changes in temperature or humidity. Coating compositions for manufacturing such thermally-insulating layers are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: John C. Day, John Hardin, Yulin Hardin, Fariza Hasan, Stephen Telfer, William Vetterling
  • Patent number: 7674747
    Abstract: A process to produce novelty fabric decorations comprising of thermochromic (heat-activated) disappearing fabric ink, that is screen printed onto a fabric in predetermined patterns, whereby allowing a fabric decoration to perform a dramatic transformation or allowing a hidden image or a hidden message printed with standard fabric inks to remain concealed, until such time that the thermochromic disappearing ink begins a transition to transparent, causing the decoration to dramatically transform or reveal the hidden graphic or the hidden message resulting in an interactive, ever-changing article of clothing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Inventor: Edward Lawrence Long
  • Patent number: 7635660
    Abstract: A multicolor imaging system is described wherein at least two, and preferably three, different image-forming layers of a thermal imaging member are addressed at least partially independently by a thermal printhead or printheads from the same surface of the imaging member by controlling the temperature of the thermal printhead(s) and the time thermal energy is applied to the image-forming layers. Each color of the thermal imaging member can be printed alone or in selectable proportion to the other color(s). Novel thermal imaging members are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Zink Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Jayprakash C. Bhatt, Daniel P. Bybell, F. Richard Courell, Anemarie DeYoung, Chien Liu, Stephen J. Telfer, Jay E. Thornton, William T. Vetterling
  • Publication number: 20090203522
    Abstract: An identification device in the form of a wristband, labels or cards, including a thermal sensitive coating laminated between a clear plastic coating and a liner ply. The clear plastic coating including UV inhibitors or anti-oxidants protects the thermal sensitive coating from damage by environmental hazards. The clear plastic coating also allows for reliable thermal printing on the thermal sensitive coating with the clear plastic coating in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: PRECISION DYNAMICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Edward D. Hammerslag
  • Patent number: 7507452
    Abstract: Disclosed is a printing method which can form an image having a rainbow color and a metallic luster at a low cost. The printing method comprises the steps of: providing a substrate; forming, on a surface of the substrate, a first image using a pigment- or dye-containing first colorant; and then forming a second image using a pearl pigment-containing second colorant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kozo Odamura, Takayuki Imai, Shinichi Yunoki
  • Patent number: 7504360
    Abstract: There are disclosed imaging members wherein a chemical compound in a crystalline form is converted, at least partially, and preferably substantially completely or completely, to a liquid in the amorphous form, the liquid having intrinsically a different color from the crystalline form. Also described are imaging methods utilizing the imaging members. The conversion of the compound from the crystalline form to the liquid form can be effected by the application of thermal energy or by other imaging techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Zink Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter K. Chu, Chien Liu, Stephen J. Telfer
  • Publication number: 20090036304
    Abstract: A thermochromic ink composition comprises at least one thermochromic optical-state change material, at least one thermally responsive pH modifier, at least one solvent, and at least one binder material, wherein the thermochromic ink composition has a viscosity between about 0.1 centipoise (cPs) and about 10,000 cps, and a maximum optical absorbance in a range from about 200 nm (nanometers) to about 800 nm, and wherein the thermochromic ink composition is capable of transforming from a first optical state to a second optical state upon exposure to a thermal stimulus. The thermochromic ink composition may be used to deposit a thermochromic coating composition which may be used as part of an anti-theft system for optical articles. Methods for thermal activation of the compositions are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Matthew Jeremiah Misner, Ben Purushotam Patel, Marc Brian Wisnudel, Andrea Jeannine Peters, James Mitchell White, Kasiraman Krishnan
  • Publication number: 20080287291
    Abstract: A heat-sensitive transfer sheet that is used in an image-forming method using a heat-sensitive transfer system, which method comprises the steps of superposing the heat-sensitive transfer sheet having at least one yellow heat transfer layer, at least one magenta heat transfer layer, and at least one cyan heat transfer layer on a support, and a heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet having at least one dye receptor layer on a support, and then transferring at least three kinds of heat transferable dyes to the dye receptor layer sequentially, which heat-sensitive transfer sheet satisfies the following Formula (1): ?1>?2>?3, ??Formula (1) where ?1 is a coefficient of static friction between a first color heat transfer layer and the image-receiving sheet having a value in a range from 0.4 to 1.0, and ?2 is a coefficient of static friction between a second color heat transfer layer and a first color solid print image-receiving sheet having a value in a range from 0.2 to 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Shinichi TERAMAE
  • Patent number: 7419935
    Abstract: A heat-sensitive recording material comprising on one surface of a substrate a heat-sensitive coloring layer comprising a leuco dye and a color developer, wherein the heat-sensitive recording material comprises a layer which comprises a copolymer of a (meth)acryloyloxyalkylammonium salt and styrene; and the layer which comprises the copolymer of the (meth)acryloyloxyalkylammonium salt and styrene is at least any one of a back layer, an under layer and a protective layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Kadota, Takeshi Kajikawa, Kunihiko Hada
  • Publication number: 20080169058
    Abstract: A method is provided for making artificial leather upside down. In the method, an upper color layer is provided on releasing paper and the upper color layer is dried. A lower color layer is provided on the upper color layer and the lower color layer is dried. A paste layer is provided on the lower color layer and the pate layer is preliminarily dried. A substrate is attached to the paste layer. The paste layer is dried. The releasing paper is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventors: Chung-Chih Feng, Pai-Hsiang Wu, Yuan-Fang Tsai, Jung-Hsien Cheng, Cheng-Ming Lin, Chien-Chia Huang
  • Patent number: 7384890
    Abstract: A security feature and method for verifying the authenticity of commercial paper. In one embodiment, pearlescent ink is added to a portion of commercial paper stock. A recipient can then tilt the commercial paper stock to view the pearlescent ink mark, design, or spot from different angles, causing the pearlescent ink to appear different colors and verifying the authenticity of the commercial paper. Further, according to another embodiment, thermochromic ink is applied to a portion of commercial paper stock. A recipient can then apply heat to the commercial paper stock in the area of the ink mark, thereby causing the thermochromic ink to disappear or change colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: ADP, Inc. (a Delaware XCorporation
    Inventors: Enrico Lubrino, Paul Gregory Piplani, Patricia Mills
  • Patent number: 7235512
    Abstract: The present invention provides a heat-sensitive recording material comprising a substrate; and at least two heat-sensitive recording layers provided on the substrate, the heat-sensitive recording layers including microcapsules encapsulating an electron-donating dye precursor, and an electron-accepting compound, which reacts with the electron-donating dye precursor to develop a color and is disposed outside of the microcapsules, wherein the microcapsules include at least two kinds of microcapsules having different glass transition temperatures. A difference between each of the glass transition temperatures of the at least two microcapsules having different glass transition temperatures is preferably in a range from 20° C. to 70° C. According to the invention, a heat-sensitive recording material, which is superior in the reproduction of the gradation of an image and enables recording at high density, is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kamikawa
  • Patent number: 7232791
    Abstract: In the multi colored thermally sensitive recording medium, at least one kind of dye precursor is contained in complex fine particles which contain dye precursor and polymer of multi valence isocyanate compound, further contain 4,4?-diisocyanate-3,3?-dimethyl-1,1?biphenyl and/or polymethylene.polyphenyl.polyisocyanate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Nippon Paper Industries, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuo Nagai, Kaoru Hamada, Tadakazu Fukuchi, Takashi Sasaki
  • Patent number: 7176161
    Abstract: There are disclosed imaging members wherein a chemical compound in a crystalline form is converted, at least partially, and preferably substantially completely or completely, to a liquid in the amorphous form, the liquid having intrinsically a different color from the crystalline form. Also described are imaging methods utilizing the imaging members. The conversion of the compound from the crystalline form to the liquid form can be effected by the application of thermal energy or by other imaging techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Zink Imaging, LLC
    Inventors: Peter K. Chu, Chien Liu, Stephen J. Telfer
  • Patent number: 7166558
    Abstract: A multicolor imaging system is described wherein at least two, and preferably three, different image-forming layers of a thermal imaging member are addressed at least partially independently by a thermal printhead or printheads from the same surface of the imaging member by controlling the temperature of the thermal printhead(s) and the time thermal energy is applied to the image-forming layers. Each color of the thermal imaging member can be printed alone or in selectable proportion to the other color(s). Novel thermal imaging members are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Zink Imaging, LLC
    Inventors: Jayprakash C. Bhatt, Brian D. Busch, Daniel P. Bybell, F. Richard Cottrell, Anemarie DeYoung, Chien Liu, Stephen J. Telfer, Jay E. Thornton, William T. Vetterling
  • Patent number: 7078365
    Abstract: A thermosensitive recording material is provided having improved resistance to heat and chemicals, and having improved sensitivity to image formation while minimizing background coloring, wherein the thermosensitive recording material has a substrate, on which is a thermosensitive recording layer containing a leuco dye, a developer of formula (I) and at least two sensitizers, the two sensitizers being 4-hydroxy-4?-allyloxy diphenylsulfone and 4,4?-diallyloxy diphenylsulfone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Kajikawa, Toshiaki Ikeda, Mitsuru Naruse
  • Patent number: 7056860
    Abstract: As a writing surface, the invention provides a waterproof solid sheet that has been formed from a polyvinyl chloride and that has at least one writing face that receives controllably semi-permanent ink writing. The writing is only controllably removable from the writing face by a remover-solvent; upon removal of the writing, the writing face is left writing-free and residue-free. The writing surface otherwise resists adverse conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Inventor: Kenneth R Tetrault
  • Patent number: 7018953
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions, systems, and methods for making a labeling systems capable of being labeled using either electromagnetic radiation, or ink, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Makarand P. Gore, Cari Dorsh, Mark W. Minne
  • Patent number: 7001868
    Abstract: To provide an image recording method and apparatus that can record and display an image of free pattern without forming the complex wirings in an electrochromic material, and to reduce the manufacturing costs of the image recording apparatus employing the EC material. A recording sheet 7 having a coloring layer made of an electrochromic material and an electrolytic layer with an increasing electrical conductivity in a specific temperature range is employed, and a recording head 13 with a plurality of heating elements arranged in a linear direction is moved relative to the surface of the recording sheet 7 in the direction orthogonal to the linear direction while at the same time a voltage is applied to the front and back faces of the recording sheet 7, thereby selectively heating the heating elements 11. Thereby, a coloring reaction is caused only in a part where heat is applied by the heating elements of the recording sheet 7 and voltage is applied to form an image on the recording sheet 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuru Sawano
  • Patent number: 6995116
    Abstract: A reversible multicolor recording medium includes a supporting substrate, and recording layers which have, respectively, a plurality of reversible thermal coloring compositions having different colors. The recording layers are separated from and stacked on one another on the supporting substrate. The reversible thermal coloring compositions respectively include light-to-heat transforming materials which respectively absorb infrared rays having different wavelength ranges to generate heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hisanori Tsuboi, Noriyuki Kishii, Kenichi Kurihara