Abstract: This application discloses a core/shell latex thermal adhesive comprising a thermally softenable polymeric shell having a Tg of greater than 20.degree.C., and a thermally softenable, crosslinked polymeric core having a Tg of less than 20.degree. C., the difference between the Tg of the core and the shell being at least 10.degree.C. This application also discloses a thermally activated adhesive composition comprising:a) from about 50 to 100 parts of a transparent film-forming core/shell latex polymer, wherein the ratio of core to shell of said core/shell latex polymer ranges from about 20/80 to about 80/20,the shell having a Tg above 20.degree. C. and the core having a Tg below 20.degree. C. with the core having a Tg lower than the Tg of the shell by at least 10.degree. C.

Abstract: As adhesive films are used over first down half-tone images, air can be entrapped between the dots on the first down image and the after applied adhesive film (e.g., with the next down image layer). The presence of the air as bubbles between the dots creates additional areas of reflection and refraction at air/film interfaces. The use of thin layers of adhesive with the properties according to the present invention has surprisingly been found to prevent or reduce formation of bubbles and thereby maintain the critical optical properties necessary in a proofing material.

Abstract: A method for locally enhancing the contrast of a yellow image, which method comprises providing a yellow image on a white background, said image comprised of yellow areas and white areas, said yellow areas and white areas exhibiting pH levels which differ by at least 0.5 in an aqueous environment, applying to at least a portion of said yellow image a solution of a pH color changing dye which will change color to a color other than yellow when coated on one of said yellow areas or white areas and not change color when coated on the other of said yellow areas or white areas, thereby forming a colored image duplicating the yellow image in areas where the solution has been applied, said colored image having a visually better contrast than said yellow image.

Abstract: An at least two-color low optical dot gain surlay pre-press color proof comprising a base having laminated thereto in the following order, a first adhesive layer, a first single-color image, and then at least one additional pair of thin adhesive layers and comprising a synthetic polymeric binder composition with a Tg of less than 105.degree. and a thickness of 8-30 microns which thickness is at least twice that of any one of said additional thin adhesive layers.

Abstract: A self-assembled personalized message device including a base substrate with one or more blank areas on which messages can be written; a transparent cover sheet for covering the message areas, a material for adhering the cover sheet to the substrate, and a removable, opaque coating on the cover sheet for obscuring the message area when the cover sheet is adhered to the substrate in which the opaque material is capable of being rubbed off the cover sheet to selectively reveal the message written in the message areas.

Abstract: A method for imprinting permanent indicia on backsized pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes comprising contacting the tape with a heat-sublimable dye source material in conjunction with a stencil or raised relief-imaged heat-conductive platen, and raising the temperature to a point sufficient to vaporize the dye, whereupon at least a portion of the dye penetrates through the backsizing to become absorbed in the flexible tape backing. In this manner, the image contained on the tape is permanent, smudge-proof and abrasion-resistant.