Patents Assigned to Agfa Graphics NV
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Patent number: 8232043Abstract: A method of making a lithographic printing plate includes the steps of a) providing a lithographic printing plate precursor including (i) a support having a hydrophilic surface or which is provided with a hydrophilic layer, (ii) a coating on the support including a photopolymerizable layer, and, optionally, an intermediate layer between the photopolymerizable layer and the support, b) image-wise exposing the coating in a plate setter, c) optionally, heating the precursor in a preheating unit, and d) developing the precursor off-press in a gumming unit by treating the coating of the precursor with a gum solution, thereby removing the non-exposed areas of the coating from the support, wherein the coating further includes a compound capable of interacting with the support, the compound being present in the photopolymerizable layer and/or in the intermediate layer.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2006Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Agfa Graphics NVInventors: Alexander Williamson, Marc Van Damme, Willi-Kurt Gries
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Patent number: 8227047Abstract: A radiation curable inkjet fluid includes a radiation curable composition including at least 25 wt % of a vinylether acrylate and at least 15 wt % of a polymerizable compound including at least three acrylate groups, each wt % being based upon the total weight of the radiation curable composition; and a photoinitiator including a tertiary amine group and 0 to 3 wt % of isopropylthioxanthone based upon the total weight of the radiation curable inkjet fluid. Also, an inkjet printing method using the radiation curable inkjet fluid.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2008Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Agfa Graphics NVInventors: Johan Loccufier, Ivan Hoogmartens
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Patent number: 8216771Abstract: A method for making a lithographic printing plate includes the steps of: (1) providing a heat-sensitive lithographic printing plate precursor including on a support having a hydrophilic surface or which is provided with a hydrophilic layer, a heat-sensitive coating, (2) image-wise exposing the precursor with IR-radiation or heat, and (3) developing the image-wise exposed precursor with an alkaline developing solution including a compound having at least two onium groups. According to the above method, a printing plate is formed with an improved developing latitude or an improved exposure latitude.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2007Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Agfa Graphics NVInventors: Johan Loccufier, Stefaan Lingier, Marc Van Damme
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Patent number: 8216769Abstract: A heat-sensitive negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor includes a support having a hydrophilic surface or which is provided with a hydrophilic layer and a coating provided thereon, the coating including an image-recording layer which includes hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer particles, a binder, and an infrared absorbing dye; wherein the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer particles have an average particle diameter, measured by Photon Correlation Spectroscopy, of more than 10 nm and less than 40 nm; the amount of the IR-dye, without taking into account an optional counter ion, is more than 0.80 mg per m2 of the total surface of the thermoplastic polymer particles, measured by Hydrodynamic Fractionation; and the amount of hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer particles relative to the total weight of the ingredients of the imaging layer is at least 60%.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2007Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Agfa Graphics NVInventors: Hieronymus Andriessen, Steven Lezy, Hubertus Van Aert, Joan Vermeersch
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Patent number: 8197584Abstract: A curable pigment inkjet ink set includes a cyan inkjet ink, a yellow inkjet ink, and a magenta inkjet ink, wherein the yellow inkjet ink having ABS(Y)momo <5 and ABS(Y)400-500>60 includes one or more yellow pigments; the cyan inkjet ink includes one or more ?-copper phthalocyanine pigments; and the magenta inkjet ink contains a mixed crystal including a first quinachdone and a second quinacridone in a ratio of the first quinacridone over the second quinacridone such that ABS(M)500-530>20 and ABS(M)500-600 >60. ABS(Y)500-530 represents the absorbance of the yellow inkjet ink between 500 and 530 nm; ABS(M)500-530 represents the absorbance of the magenta inkjet ink between 500 and 530 nm; ABS(Y)400-500 represents the absorbance ot the yellow inkjet ink between 400 and 500 nm; and ABS(M)500-600 represents the absorbance of the magenta inkjet ink between 500 and 600 nm.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2007Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Agfa Graphics NVInventors: Roland Claes, Geert Deroover
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Patent number: 8197058Abstract: A method for inkjet printing includes, in order, the steps of a) providing an ink-receiver having an image thereon; b) forming on the ink-receiver a layer of a first curable liquid and curing the layer; and c) forming an outermost layer of a second curable liquid only on the cured first curable liquid and at least partially covering the image; wherein the second curable liquid contains an abherent agent which is absent in the first curable liquid and wherein at least one of the first and second curable liquids is inkjet printed. Also, a polymerizable abherent agent may be used in a curable liquid to prevent falsification of an ID document. Also, a set of curable liquids for inkjet printing includes a first curable liquid and a second curable liquid wherein the second curable liquid contains an abherent agent which is absent in the first curable liquid.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2006Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Agfa Graphics NVInventors: Luc Leenders, Eddie Daems
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Patent number: 8192918Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor is disclosed which comprises a support having a hydrophilic surface or which is provided with a hydrophilic layer, and a coating thereon, said coating comprising an IR absorbing agent and a contrast enhancing compound, characterized in that said contrast enhancing compound has the structure of formula (I). The printing plate comprising the contrast enhancing compound improves the thermoresponsivity of the coating and is capable of improving the resistance of the coating in the non-exposed areas against the alkaline developer.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2008Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Agfa Graphics NVInventors: Johan Loccufier, Philippe Moriame, Stefaan Lingier
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Patent number: 8178282Abstract: A heat-sensitive imaging element includes an IR dye, and more particularly a heat-sensitive lithographic printing plate precursor includes the IR dye. A method for making the lithographic printing plate produces a print-out image of high contrast upon exposure to IR-radiation or heating.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2006Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Agfa Graphics NVInventors: Paul Callant, Hieronymus Andriessen, Alexander Williamson, Christel Geukens, Jos Louwet
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Patent number: 8157365Abstract: An ink circulation system includes a supply subtank for supplying ink to an ink jet print head and a return subtank returning the ink not ejected by the ink jet print head. A print circulation path links the supply subtank with the ink jet print head and the return subtank for providing a print flow of ink from the supply subtank to the ink jet print head, the return subtank, and back to the supply subtank. A degas circulation path links the supply subtank with a through-flow degassing unit for providing a degas flow of ink from the supply subtank to the through-flow degassing unit and back to the supply subtank. The ink circulation system improves the degassing quality of the ink supplied to the ink jet print head of a printing apparatus is provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Agfa Graphics NVInventors: Paul Wouters, Werner Van De Wynckel
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Patent number: 8148042Abstract: A heat-sensitive imaging element includes an IR dye having a structure according to Formula I, wherein at least one of the Rd groups is a group which is transformed by a chemical reaction, induced by exposure to IR-radiation or heat, into a group which is a stronger electron-donor than the Rd; or wherein at least one of the Ra groups is a group which is transformed by a chemical reaction, induced by exposure to IR-radiation or heat, into a group which is a stronger electron-acceptor than the Ra. The imaging element is able to form a visible print-out image with a high contrast directly after image-wise exposure by IR-radiation or heating.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2006Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Agfa Graphics NVInventors: Paul Callant, Hieronymus Andriessen, Alex Williamson, Christel Geukens, Jos Louwet
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Patent number: 8142860Abstract: A 3D-inkjet printing method includes the steps of a) providing two or more fluids having a different composition to an inkjet printer; b) mixing the two or more fluids in a controlled amount; c) jetting the mixture of the two or more fluids with the inkjet printer onto a support; d) at least partially curing the jetted mixture by actinic radiation or electron beam; and e) repeating steps b) to d) in order to build a 3D-relief on the support. The method is capable of printing 3D-objects with inkjet fluid sets in an inkjet printer.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2007Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Agfa Graphics NVInventors: Luc Vanmaele, Eddie Daems, Frank De Voeght, Etienne Van Thillo
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Patent number: 8138238Abstract: A non-aqueous inkjet ink includes C.I.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2007Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Agfa Graphics NVInventors: Ivan Hoogmartens, Katrien Bernaerts, Geert Deroover
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Patent number: 8133551Abstract: An inkjet printing method includes the steps of a) providing a first radiation curable composition curable by free radical polymerization or cationic polymerization; b) applying a layer of the first radiation curable composition on a substrate; c) curing the layer; d) jetting on the cured layer a second composition curable by a different polymerization than the first composition but selected from the group consisting of free radical polymerization and cationic polymerization; and e) curing the jetted second composition by a different polymerization than the first composition. The first composition includes a cationically polymerizable compound having at least one (meth)acrylate group present in the first curable composition in an amount of at least 25 wt % based upon the total weight of the first curable composition. An inkjet ink set may be used in the above inkjet printing method.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2008Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Agfa Graphics NVInventor: Roland Claes
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Patent number: 8133657Abstract: A method for making a lithographic printing plate includes the steps of (i) providing a lithographic printing plate precursor including a coating, the coating including an image-recording layer which includes hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer particles, a binder, and an infrared absorbing dye, wherein the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer particles have an average particle diameter, measured by Photon Correlation Spectroscopy, of more than 10 nm and less than 40 nm, and the amount of the IR-dye, without taking into account an optional counter ion, is more than 0.70 mg per m2 of the total surface of the thermoplastic polymer particles, measured by Hydrodynamic Fractionation, and the amount of hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer particles relative to the total weight of the ingredients of the imaging layer is at least 60%; (ii) exposing the precursor to infrared light; and (iii) developing the exposed precursor in an alkaline aqueous solution.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2007Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Agfa Graphics NVInventors: Hieronymus Andriessen, Steven Lezy, Hubertus Van Aert, Joan Vermeersch
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Patent number: 8118385Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning the printing of dots generated by at least one array of printing elements in an printing apparatus, wherein the method includes the steps of printing a calibration test pattern, scanning the printed calibration test pattern, determining at least one calibration value based on the scanned calibration test pattern, positioning an alignment adjustment tool relative to the array of printing elements of which the alignment needs to be adjusted and, based on the calculated calibration value, automatically adjusting the alignment of the array of printing elements using the alignment adjustment tool.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2006Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Agfa Graphics NVInventors: Werner Van de Wynckel, Verhoest Bart
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Patent number: 8119329Abstract: A method of making a lithographic printing plate includes the steps of a) providing a lithographic printing plate precursor including (i) a support having a hydrophilic surface or which is provided with a hydrophilic layer, (ii) a coating on the support including a photopolymerizable layer, a top layer, and optionally, an intermediate layer between the photopolymerizable layer and the support, wherein the photopolymerizable layer includes a polymerizable compound, a polymerization initiator, and a binder; b) image-wise exposing the coating in a plate setter; c) optionally, heating the precursor in a pre-heating unit; d) washing the precursor in a pre-washing station by applying water or an aqueous solution to the coating, thereby removing at least a portion of the top layer; and e) developing the precursor in a gumming station by applying a gum solution to the coating of the precursor, thereby removing the non-exposed areas of the photopolymerizable layer from the support and gumming the plate in a single steType: GrantFiled: November 9, 2006Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Agfa Graphics NVInventor: Marc Van Damme
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Patent number: 8119330Abstract: A method of making a lithographic printing plate includes the steps of: a) providing a lithographic printing plate precursor including (i) a support having a hydrophilic surface or which is provided with a hydrophilic layer, (ii) a coating on the support including a photopolymerizable layer and, optionally, an intermediate layer between the photopolymerizable layer and the support, wherein the photopolymerizable layer includes a polymerizable compound, a polymerization initiator and a binder, b) image-wise exposing the coating in a plate setter, c) heating the precursor in a pre-heating unit within a time period of less than 10 minutes after step (b), d) treating the precursor in a gumming station, including at least one gumming unit, whereby a gum solution is applied to the precursor, thereby removing non-exposed areas of the photopolymerizable layer from the support and gumming the plate in a single step.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2006Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Agfa Graphics NVInventor: Marc Van Damme
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Patent number: 8110338Abstract: A heat-sensitive positive-working lithographic printing plate precursor includes a support having a hydrophilic surface or which is provided with a hydrophilic layer, a heat-sensitive coating including an IR absorbing agent, a phenolic resin, and a first polymer, wherein the first polymer is an alkaline soluble polymer including a monomeric unit having a structure according to Formula I or Formula II, wherein at least one of the aromatic groups Ar1 and Ar2 is an optionally substituted heteroaromatic group:Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2007Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Agfa Graphics NVInventors: Johan Loccufier, Stefaan Lingier, Hubertus Van Aert, Jan Venneman, Marc Van Damme
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Patent number: 8097663Abstract: A non-aqueous inkjet ink containing a pigment includes C.I.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2007Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Agfa Graphics NVInventors: Katrien Bernaerts, Ivan Hoogmartens, Geert Deroover
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Patent number: 8093312Abstract: A non-aqueous inkjet ink includes a benzimidazolone pigment and a polymeric dispersant according to Formula (I): wherein, T represents hydrogen or a polymerization terminating group; Z represents the residue of polyethyleneimine having a number-average molecular weight of at least 100; A represents an oxyalkylene carbonyl group; T-C(O)An- represents a TPOAC-chain which is bound to Z through an amide bond; and n and m are integers wherein m is at least 2 and n is from 2 to 100; the polymeric dispersant fulfills the conditions of: WTPOAC>57 and NAmide?65 mol % wherein WTPOAC represents the ratio of the weight percentage of TPOAC-chains over the weight percentage of amide bonds in the polymeric dispersant; NAmide represents the mol % of amide bonds based on the total nitrogen content of the polymeric dispersant; and the values of WTPOAC and NAmide are calculated from the total nitrogen content determined by dry combustion of the polymeric dispersant and from the amine content determined through potType: GrantFiled: October 1, 2007Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Agfa Graphics NVInventors: Geert Deroover, Katrien Bernaerts, Ivan Hoogmartens