Patents by Inventor Christopher D. Simpson

Christopher D. Simpson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20240069439
    Abstract: IR-sensitive lithographic printing plate precursors provide a stable printout using a unique IR-sensitive image-recording layer. The IR radiation-sensitive layer includes: component (1) a free radical initiator composition; component (2) a free radically polymerizable composition; and component (3) a color-changing compound of Structure (I) having an indene structure in the conjugated chain between the aromatic terminal groups. A specific group, such as a halo group, is directly or indirectly attached to this indene structure. The infrared radiation-sensitive image-recording composition and layer also contains one or more borate ions. After infrared imaging, these precursors exhibit desirable fresh or initial printout and printout after dark storage. The precursors can be developed on-press.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: Christopher D. Simpson, Stefanie Hansmann, Merve Cagli, Saija Werner, Jianbing Huang
  • Publication number: 20230314935
    Abstract: IR-sensitive lithographic printing plate precursors provide a stable print-out image using a unique IR-sensitive image-recording layer. The IR radiation-sensitive layer includes: (1) a free radical initiator composition with an electron-donating agent and one or more iodonium cations; (2) a free radically polymerizable composition; and (3) a color-changing compound of Structure (I) having an indene ring in the conjugated chain between the aromatic terminal groups. The IR radiation-sensitive composition and layer also contains one or more borate ions such that the molar ratio of one or more borate ions to the one or more iodonium ions is at least 0.5:1. After IR imaging, these precursors exhibit desirable printout images both fresh and after dark storage. The precursors can be developed on-press.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2022
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: Christopher D. Simpson, Stefanie Hansmann, Saija Werner, Jianbing Huang
  • Patent number: 11714354
    Abstract: IR-sensitive lithographic printing plate precursors provide a stable print-out image using a unique IR radiation-sensitive composition. This IR radiation-sensitive composition includes: a) free radically polymerizable component; an b) IR radiation absorber; c) an initiator composition; a d) borate compound; and a e) compound capable of forming a colored boronic complex during or after exposure of the infrared radiation-sensitive image-recording layer to infrared radiation. The resulting print-out image exhibits an excellent color contrast between the exposed and non-exposed regions. After IR imaging, these precursors can be developed off-press or on-press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
    Inventors: Philipp Viehmann, Saija Werner, Christopher D. Simpson, Stefanie Hansmann
  • Patent number: 11633948
    Abstract: Lithographic printing plates are provided by imagewise exposing negative-working lithographic printing plate precursors having one or more radiation-sensitive imageable layers, followed by contacting with a processing solution that contains up to 10 weight % of one or more compounds represented by Structure (I) shown as follows: R1—C(?O)—N(R2)—R3?? (I) wherein R1, R2, and R3 independently represent hydrogen or a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon group, or two or three of R1, R2, and R3 are combined to form one or more cyclic rings, and the total number of carbon atoms in the Structure (I) molecule is at least 7 and up to and including 33. Both negative-working and positive-working lithographic precursors can be imaged and processed using this processing solution using one or more successive applications of the same or different processing solution. The processing solution can be derived from a corresponding processing solution concentrate that can also be used for replenishment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
    Inventors: Saija Werner, Stefanie Hansmann, Udo Dwars, Christopher D. Simpson
  • Publication number: 20230091079
    Abstract: IR-sensitive lithographic printing plate precursors provide a stable print-out image using a unique IR radiation-sensitive composition in an infrared radiation-sensitive image-recording layer. This IR radiation-sensitive composition includes: (1) a free radical initiator composition comprising a borate compound; (2) a free radically polymerizable composition; (3) an acid-sensitive color-changing compound that is represented by the Formula (I) identified herein; (4) an infrared absorber material; and a (5) color-changing compound of Formula (III) or Formula (IV) identified herein. After IR imaging, the exposed precursors exhibit desirable printout images especially in the 600-700 nm region of the electromagnetic spectrum and especially for observation using electronic sensing devices. The imaged precursors can be developed off-press or on-press.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2022
    Publication date: March 23, 2023
    Inventors: Stefanie Hansmann, Christopher D. Simpson, Saija Werner
  • Publication number: 20220324220
    Abstract: IR-sensitive lithographic printing plate precursors provide a stable print-out image using a unique IR radiation-sensitive composition in an infrared radiation-sensitive image-recording layer. This IR radiation-sensitive composition includes: (1) a free radical initiator composition that comprises an electron-donating agent; (2) a free radically polymerizable composition; and (3) a color-changing compound that is represented by the Structure (I) having an indene ring in the conjugated chain between the aromatic terminal groups. The compound can also have a —C(?O)—OR7, —SO2—R3, or —SO2NR8R9 group wherein R7 represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having a secondary or tertiary connecting carbon that connects to the rest of the —C(?O)—OR7 group; and R8, R9, and R10 independently represent substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl groups. After IR imaging, these precursors exhibit desirable printout images both fresh and after dark storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Inventors: Christopher D. Simpson, Stefanie Hansmann, Saija Werner, Jianbing Huang
  • Publication number: 20220317569
    Abstract: IR-sensitive lithographic printing plate precursors provide a stable print-out image using a unique IR radiation-sensitive composition in an infrared radiation-sensitive image-recording layer. This IR radiation-sensitive composition includes: (1) a free radical initiator composition that comprises an electron-donating agent; (2) a free radically polymerizable composition; and (3) a color-changing compound that is represented by the Structure (I) having a conjugated carbon chain between the aromatic terminal groups. The compound also has a —SO2—R3 group wherein R3 represents alkyl, aryl or heteroaryl groups. After IR imaging, these precursors exhibit desirable printout images both fresh and after dark storage. The precursors can be developed off-press or on-press.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2022
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Inventors: Christopher D. Simpson, Stefanie Hansmann, Saija Werner, Jianbing Huang
  • Publication number: 20210302834
    Abstract: IR-sensitive lithographic printing plate precursors provide a stable print-out image using a unique IR radiation-sensitive composition. This IR radiation-sensitive composition includes: a) free radically polymerizable component; an b) IR radiation absorber; c) an initiator composition; a d) borate compound; and a e) compound capable of forming a colored boronic complex during or after exposure of the infrared radiation-sensitive image-recording layer to infrared radiation. The resulting print-out image exhibits an excellent color contrast between the exposed and non-exposed regions. After IR imaging, these precursors can be developed off-press or on-press.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventors: Philipp Viehmann, Saija Werner, Christopher D. Simpson, Stefanie Hansmann
  • Patent number: 9329485
    Abstract: Lithographic printing plates are provided by imagewise exposing negative-working lithographic printing plate precursors having a negative-working radiation-sensitive imageable layer, followed by contacting with a processing solution that has a pH of at least 7 and up to and including 11. This processing solution also includes component (1) that is a nitrogen-containing base having an atmospheric pressure melting point of at least 40° C.; component (2) that is a non-ionic surfactant that independently has an atmospheric pressure melting point, glass transition temperature, or pour point of at least 40° C.; component (3) that is a hydroxy-containing solution promoter; and component (4) that is a hydrophilic surface protective compound. The method is carried out in a manner such that the exposed and processed precursor is not further treated with any liquid (such as gumming or rinsing solution) between processing and mounting onto a printing press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
    Inventors: Christopher D. Simpson, Harald Baumann, Michael Flugel, Saija Werner, Oliver Piestert, Udo Dwars
  • Publication number: 20160077437
    Abstract: Lithographic printing plates are provided by imagewise exposing negative-working lithographic printing plate precursors having a negative-working radiation-sensitive imageable layer, followed by contacting with a processing solution that has a pH of at least 7 and up to and including 11. This processing solution also includes component (1) that is a nitrogen-containing base having an atmospheric pressure melting point of at least 40° C.; component (2) that is a non-ionic surfactant that independently has an atmospheric pressure melting point, glass transition temperature, or pour point of at least 40° C.; component (3) that is a hydroxy-containing solution promoter; and component (4) that is a hydrophilic surface protective compound. The method is carried out in a manner such that the exposed and processed precursor is not further treated with any liquid (such as gumming or rinsing solution) between processing and mounting onto a printing press.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher D. Simpson, Harald Baumann, Michael Flugel, Saija Werner, Oliver Piestert, Udo Dwars
  • Patent number: 9201302
    Abstract: Negative-working lithographic printing plate precursors have improved bakeability and good shelf life and can be imaged using either UV or infrared radiation. These precursors have a negative-working imageable layer that has a unique polymeric binder comprising a polymeric backbone and further comprising at least (a) and (b) pendant groups distributed in random order along the polymeric backbone. The (a) pendant groups are ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable groups, and the (b) pendant groups are defined by Structures (I), (II), and (III) described in the disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
    Inventors: Christopher D. Simpson, Harald Baumann, Udo Dwars, Michael Flugel
  • Patent number: 9132621
    Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor comprises an imageable layer comprising a free radically polymerizable component, an initiator composition capable of generating free radicals upon exposure to imaging infrared radiation, an infrared radiation absorbing dye that is defined by Structure (I) shown in the disclosure, which dyes comprise one or more ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable groups in an organic group that is attached to the methine chain. These infrared radiation absorbing dyes exhibit a reduced tendency to crystallize in the imageable layers in the presence of tetraaryl borate counter anions and therefore provide improved shelf life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
    Inventors: Domenico Balbinot, Harald Baumann, Udo Dwars, Mathias Jarek, James Russell Matz, Christopher D. Simpson
  • Patent number: 9063423
    Abstract: Negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor a negative-working imageable layer and an outermost water-soluble overcoat layer that is disposed directly on the negative-working imageable layer. The outermost water-soluble overcoat layer comprises: (1) one or more film-forming water-soluble polymeric binders, (2) organic wax particles, and (3) non-wax matte particles. The outermost water-soluble overcoat layer has a dry thickness (t) that is defined by the following equation (I): t=w/r wherein w is the dry coverage of the outermost water-soluble overcoat layer in g/m2, and r is 1 g/cm3. The organic wax particles have an average largest dimension D(wax) that is less than 0.9 of t (in ?m), and the non-wax matte particles have an average largest dimension D(matte) that defined by the following equation (II): 1.5 times t?D(matte)?40 times t(in ?m).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Akira Igarashi, Yuuki Torihata, Harald Baumann, Udo Dwars, Christopher D. Simpson, Saija Werner, Michael Flugel
  • Patent number: 9029063
    Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor comprises an imagable layer comprising a free radically polymerizable component, an initiator composition capable of generating free radicals upon exposure to imaging infrared radiation, an infrared radiation absorbing dye comprising an infrared radiation absorbing cation and a counter anion, and a polymeric binder. The salt formed between the infrared radiation absorbing cation and a tetraphenyl borate has solubility in 2-methoxy propanol at 20° C. that is greater than or equal to 3.5 g/l. The use of these infrared radiation absorbing dyes in the imagable layers provides a reduced tendency of these dyes to crystallize in the presence of tetraaryl borate counter anions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Domenico Balbinot, Harald Baumann, Udo Dwars, Mathias Jarek, Christopher D. Simpson
  • Publication number: 20150099229
    Abstract: Negative-working lithographic printing plate precursors have improved bakeability and good shelf life and can be imaged using either UV or infrared radiation. These precursors have a negative-working imageable layer that has a unique polymeric binder comprising a polymeric backbone and further comprising at least (a) and (b) pendant groups distributed in random order along the polymeric backbone. The (a) pendant groups are ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable groups, and the (b) pendant groups are defined by Structures (I), (II), and (III) described in the disclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Christopher D. Simpson, Harald Baumann, Udo Dwars, Michael Flugel
  • Patent number: 8889341
    Abstract: A negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor comprises a negative-working radiation-sensitive imageable layer and an outermost layer comprising a vinyl alcohol copolymer comprising at least one unit of each of the (a), (b), and (c) recurring units, in any order, defined in the disclosure. The (c) recurring units are present in the vinyl alcohol copolymer in an amount of at least 0.5 mol %, based on the total recurring units. These precursors can be used to prepare lithographic printing plates either on-press or off-press after imaging using near-UV, visible, or infrared radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Saija Werner, Harald Baumann, Udo Dwars, Christopher D. Simpson, Axel Draber
  • Publication number: 20140242517
    Abstract: Negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor a negative-working imageable layer and an outermost water-soluble overcoat layer that is disposed directly on the negative-working imageable layer. The outermost water-soluble overcoat layer comprises: (1) one or more film-forming water-soluble polymeric binders, (2) organic wax particles, and (3) non-wax matte particles. The outermost water-soluble overcoat layer has a dry thickness (t) that is defined by the following equation (I): t=w/r wherein w is the dry coverage of the outermost water-soluble overcoat layer in g/m2, and r is 1 g/cm3. The organic wax particles have an average largest dimension D(wax) that is less than 0.9 of t (in ?m), and the non-wax matte particles have an average largest dimension D(matte) that defined by the following equation (II): 1.5 times t?D(matte)?40 times t (in ?m).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventors: AKIRA IGARASHI, YUKKI TORIHATA, HARALD BAUMANN, UDO DWARS, CHRISTOPHER D. SIMPSON, SAIJA WERNER, MICHAEL FLUGEL
  • Publication number: 20140057204
    Abstract: A negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor comprises a negative-working radiation-sensitive imageable layer and an outermost layer comprising a vinyl alcohol copolymer comprising at least one unit of each of the (a), (b), and (c) recurring units, in any order, defined in the disclosure. The (c) recurring units are present in the vinyl alcohol copolymer in an amount of at least 0.5 mol %, based on the total recurring units. These precursors can be used to prepare lithographic printing plates either on-press or off-press after imaging using near-UV, visible, or infrared radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: Saija Werner, Harald Bauman, Udo Dwars, Christopher D. Simpson, Axel Draber
  • Patent number: 8652759
    Abstract: A method is described for producing an imaged lithographic printing plate, wherein the developer comprises a hydrophilic polymer which comprises (m1) primary, secondary and/or tertiary amino groups, and (m2) acid groups selected from —COOH, —SO3H, —PO2H and —PO3H2, and (m3) optionally alkylene oxide units —(CHR1—CH2—O)p—, wherein R1 is H or —CH3 and p is an integer from 1 to 50.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Bernd Strehmel, Christopher D. Simpson, Oliver Plestert, Harald Baumann
  • Publication number: 20140045118
    Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor comprises an imageable layer comprising a free radically polymerizable component, an initiator composition capable of generating free radicals upon exposure to imaging infrared radiation, an infrared radiation absorbing dye that is defined by Structure (I) shown in the disclosure, which dyes comprise one or more ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable groups in an organic group that is attached to the methine chain. These infrared radiation absorbing dyes exhibit a reduced tendency to crystallize in the imageable layers in the presence of tetraaryl borate counter anions and therefore provide improved shelf life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventors: Domenico Balbinot, Harald Baumann, Udo Dwars, Mathias Jarek, James Russell Matz, Christopher D. Simpson