Patents Assigned to Agfa-Gevaert
  • Patent number: 5517546
    Abstract: A method of, and a device for positioning an X-ray cassette (5 or 10) in relation to a source (1) of X-rays that emits radiation in a specific preferred direction (A). Another beam of radiation is emitted parallel to that direction at a specific distance (d) therefrom. The other beam is intercepted by a positioning device (20) secured to the cassette. The device produces a signal as long as the angle of incidence of the other beam does not exceed a specific threshold angle (.theta.) with respect to the normal to the cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert Aktiengesellschaft, AG
    Inventor: Manfred Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5514638
    Abstract: The present invention provides a dye donor element for use according to thermal dye transfer methods comprising a support having thereon a dye layer comprising a binder and a yellow dye of the class of N-alkyl-N-para-aminoaryl-substituted dicyanovinylaniline dyes. Images obtained with such a donor element in a thermal dye diffusion transfer process are less susceptible to catalytic fading and have thus an improved light fastness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert N.V.
    Inventors: Luc Vanmaele, Wilhelmus Janssens
  • Patent number: 5514298
    Abstract: A photostimulable rare earth metal doped barium strontium fluoride phosphor, characterized in that said phosphor is within the scope of following empirical formula (I):Ba.sub.1-x Sr.sub.x F.sub.2-a-b Br.sub.a X.sub.b :zAwherein:X is at least one member selected from the group consisting of Cl and I;x is in the range 0.06.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.50;a is in the range 0.75.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.0.96;b is in the range 0.ltoreq.b<0.15;z is in the range 10.sup.-7 <z.ltoreq.0.15, andA is Eu.sup.2+ and wherein fluorine is present stoichiometrically in said phosphor in a larger atom % than bromine taken alone or bromine combined with chlorine and/or iodine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert, N.V.
    Inventors: David R. Terrell, Albert D. Adriaensens, Lodewijk M. Neyens, Melvin Tecotzky, Benjamas S. Davis
  • Patent number: 5514516
    Abstract: The present invention provides a dye donor element comprising a dye according to the following general formula: ##STR1## wherein the symbols have a meaning as defined in the claims and the description. The present invention further provides a thermal dye transfer process using such dye donor elements. Furthermore, novel thermochromic compounds are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: AGFA-Gevaert N.V.
    Inventor: Luc Vanmaele
  • Patent number: 5514819
    Abstract: The present invention provides a dye-donor element for use according to thermal dye sublimation transfer, said dye-donor element comprising a support provided with a dye layer containing a dye and a polymeric binder, characterized in that said dye corresponds to the following formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 to R.sup.12 are as set out in the claims and the description.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert N.V.
    Inventor: Luc Vanmaele
  • Patent number: 5512413
    Abstract: The present invention provides an imaging element comprising on the same side of a support in the order given a base layer, a light sensitive layer containing a silver halide emulsion and a surface layer comprising physical development nuclei characterized in that said base layer and/or said light-sensitive layer comprises gelatin being hardened with a divinylsulfonyl hardener such that the time needed to completely brake down said base layer, light sensitive layer and surface layer using an aqueous solution of 0.14% by weight of NaOCl at 25.degree. C. is between 1000s and 1600s. A lithographic printing plate can be obtained with such imaging element according to the silver salt diffusion transfer process and exhibits an improved printing endurance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: AGFA-Gevaert N.V.
    Inventors: Lode Deprez, Eddy Michiels
  • Patent number: 5512972
    Abstract: Apparatus for processing photographic sheet material including at least two rollers which are rotatively supported on corresponding shafts and biased together by springs acting on one of the shafts is provided with a mechanism operable to separate the rollers. The mechanism consists of a cam carried in normally free-wheeling relation on at least one end of one of the shafts, a cooperating cam follower carried on at least one end of the other shaft and a clutch that can be actuated to engage each such cam on its shaft for temporary rotation therewith to thereby displace the cam into contact with a cam follower and bring about separation of the roller shafts and the rollers supported thereon. The ends of the shaft acted on by the springs is preferably journaled in bearing blocks arranged in a frame for sliding movement towards and away from the other shaft and biased by the springs toward the other shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: AGFA-Gevaert N.V.
    Inventors: Albrecht Domen, Bart Verlinden, Bart Verhoest, Freddy Van Humbeeck
  • Patent number: 5512412
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making a lithographic printing plate according to the silver salt diffusion transfer process comprising the steps of:image-wise exposing an imaging element comprising on a support a photosensitive layer comprising a silver halide emulsion and an image receiving layer containing physical development nuclei,developing said imaging element in the presence of developing agent(s) and silver halide solvent(s) using an alkaline processing liquid andneutralizing a thus obtained developed imaging element using a neutralization liquid having a pH between 5 and 7 characterized in that said neutralization liquid contains a total concentration of phosphate ions between 0.2 mol/l and 0.4 mol/l.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: AGFA-Gevaert, N.V.
    Inventors: Jos Vaes, Luc Wabbes
  • Patent number: 5512428
    Abstract: Phenanthroazole cyanines and anthraazole cyanines, having not less than one acidic group, of the formula I are excellent spectral sensitizers. ##STR1## The symbols in formula I have the following meanings X.sub.1 and X.sub.2 O, S, Se or NR.sub.10 ;R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 or R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 residues of an optionally substituted phenanthroazole or anthraazole with the remaining group R.sub.3 or R.sub.1 signifying hydrogen;R.sub.4 and R.sub.6 hydrogen or together a .pi.-bond,R.sub.5 and R.sub.7 hydrogen, alkyl or aryl orR.sub.4,R.sub.5,R.sub.6 and R.sub.7 residues of an optionally substituted benzazole, naphthazole, phenanthroazole or anthraazole;R.sub.8, R.sub.9 alkyl, sulphoalkyl, carboxyalkyl, --(CH.sub.2).sub.m --CO--NR.sub.11 --SO.sub.2 --R.sub.12 or --(CH.sub.2).sub.m --SO.sub.2 --NR.sub.11 --CO--R.sub.12 ;R.sub.10 a residue as defined for R.sub.8 /R.sub.9 or aryl;R.sub.11 hydrogen or the negative charge (.sup..crclbar.) which remains when a proton is removed;R.sub.12 alkyl, aryl, --O.sup..crclbar., --N(R.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert AG
    Inventor: Michael Missfeldt
  • Patent number: 5511876
    Abstract: Preparation device for mixing solid chemical components with water to obtain a solution for the liquid processing of a photographic material, which comprises a tank (12), an open-topped sub-tank (12) mounted in the tank at a level below the maximum level of liquid therein, a chute (16) for passing powder discharged on top of the device into the sub-tank, a mixer in the sub-tank for mixing powder with liquid contained in the sub-tank, and controls for controlling the operation of water supply (26), circulation (21) and mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert, N.V.
    Inventors: Hendrik Plessers, Dieter Dahlmann
  • Patent number: 5510225
    Abstract: Dye-donor element for use according to thermal dye sublimation transfer comprising a support having thereon a dye layer containing a bis(N,N-dialkyl(ene) or N,N-diaryl or N-alkyl(ene),N-aryl)aniline azo dye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: AGFA-GEVAERT, N.V.
    Inventors: Wilhelmus Janssens, Luc Vanmaele
  • Patent number: 5510234
    Abstract: Compounds corresponding to formula (I): ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 represents alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl,R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 independently of one another represent H, alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl,R.sub.4 represents alkylene or alkenylene,X represents CO or SO.sub.2,m 0 or 1 andl is a number of 1 to 5,as coupler solvents lead to steeper gradation and greater maximum densities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Agfa - Gevaert AG
    Inventor: Beate Weber
  • Patent number: 5508157
    Abstract: A color photographic silver halide material in which at least one coupler is dissolved or dispersed in a coupler solvent corresponding to the following formula: ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 is alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl,R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are alkylene or alkenylene,X is CO, NHCO or SO.sub.2,n is 0 or 1 andl, m are numbers of 1 to 5,is distinguished by steep gradation and improved maximum density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert AG
    Inventors: Beate Weber, Markus Geiger, Gunter Helling, Jorg Hagemann
  • Patent number: 5508142
    Abstract: The present invention provides an imaging element comprising in the order given (i) a hydrophilic base, (ii) an image receiving layer containing physical development nuclei and (iii) a photosensitive layer containing a silver halide emulsion being in water permeable relationship with said image receiving layer, characterized in that said photosensitive layer or another optional layer being in water permeable relationship therewith contains at least one gelatin species whereof a 10% by weight aqueous solution at 36.degree. C. and pH 6 has a viscosity lower than 20 mPa.s at a shearing rate of 1000 s.sup.-1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: AGFA-GEVAERT, N.V.
    Inventors: Paul Coppens, Eric Hoes, Ludovicus Vervloet
  • Patent number: 5506081
    Abstract: A photoconductive recording material described containing a support and a charge generating layer (CGL) in contiguous relationship with a charge transporting layer (CTL) containing a p-charge transporting material (p-CTM), wherein the charge generating layer (CGL) does not contain a charge transporting material but comprises a charge generating material and a binder, wherein the binder is made insoluble in methylene chloride by crosslinking and the binder which is composed essentially of one or more polyepoxy compounds self-crosslinked under the influence of an amine catalyst and/or crosslinked by reaction with at least one primary and/or secondary poly NH-group amine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert, N.V.
    Inventors: David Terrell, Stefaan De Meutter, Marcel Monbaliu
  • Patent number: 5506085
    Abstract: A new type of thermal imaging element containing a thermally degradable polymer and a radiation to heat converting substance is disclosed. The invention further comprises several methods for the formation of a heat mode image after image-wise exposure of the thermal imaging element to intense laser radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: AGFA-Gevaert N.V.
    Inventors: Marc Van Damme, Joan Vermeersch, Johan Lamotte, Oskar Nuyken, Brigitte Voit, Armin Lang, Cliff Scherer, Andreas Baindl, Jurgen Stebani, Alexander Wokaun, Andrej Stasko
  • Patent number: 5506913
    Abstract: Radiologists may protect their subjects against unnecessary exposure to X-rays by use of X-ray opaque material. The resulting image contains relatively unexposed regions which comprise the shadow cast by the X-ray opaque material. This invention discloses a method for the automatic determination of the location of the boundary between signal and shadow regions. Many hypotheses as to the location of the boundary are generated and the final decision as to the correct hypothesis is contingent on the results of a number of high-level tests applied to each.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert N.V.
    Inventors: Michael Ibison, Pieter P. Vuylsteke
  • Patent number: 5506656
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for measuring the optical density of an original, especially a three-color negative, from which photographic prints are made, to control how much printing light of each color penetrates the original when the image is projected onto a color print medium that is sensitive to these colors. The spectral sensitivity of the measuring apparatus is adjusted to that of the print medium. Measuring light is projected through the original and is resolved into at least one spectrum. The intensities of the light at the various ranges of wavelength are weighted and totaled in accordance with the spectral sensitivity of the particular print medium. Light valves with translucencies that can be adjusted to the sensitivity of the print medium to that range of wavelengths are distributed along the spectrum. The accordingly weighted intensities of the light of each color are separately sensed and measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: AGFA-Gevaert, AG
    Inventor: Wilhelm Nitsch
  • Patent number: 5501939
    Abstract: The present invention provides a photographic material with a pH at 25.degree. C. of at most 7, containing on a support at least one layer, comprising a prefogged direct-positive silver halide emulsion spectrally sensitized with one or more electron-accepting sensitizing dyes in a total amount of at least 0.15 mmole/mole silver halide, the silver halide crystals of said prefogged direct-positive silver halide emulsion containing silver chloride for at least 60 mole %, silver bromide in a range from 0.5 mole % to 39.98 mole % and silver iodide in a range from 0.02 mole % to 2 mole %, characterized in that said silver halide cristals contain silver iodide for at least 0.20 mmole/mole AgX in the outer 10% by weight of said cristals and said layer contains a gelatin species containing Ca.sup.2+ in an amount ranging from 0.2% to 1% by weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: AGFA-Gevaert, N.V.
    Inventors: Ludo Van Rompuy, Paul Coppens
  • Patent number: 5502205
    Abstract: The synthesis and the application of new dyes is described. In particular said new dyes can be incorporated in non-migratory state in hydrophilic colloid layers of photographic materials wherefrom they can be rapidly removed after being quickly decolourized in alkaline aqueous liquids used in the processing of said materials. In photographic applications dyes of the general formula (I) are provided with at least one ionizable group which permits solubilization in aqueous and or alkaline medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert N.V.
    Inventors: Eric Kiekens, Paul Callant