Abstract: There is provided by the present invention methods for preparing coating formulations and thermal transfer ribbons which provide images of high resolution by thermal transfer printing. The formulations contain an incompatible resin or wax component for reduced cohesiveness between the components of the thermal transfer layer. These methods employ thermoplastic resins and waxes with distinct solubility in the absence of solvent to reduce cohesion but are sufficiently compatible as to exhibit film forming properties. A method for modifying a coating formulation is also provided where an incompatible resin or wax components is added thereto.

Abstract: There is provided by the present invention a thermal transfer ribbon which provides images with high resistance to scratch and smear through the use of high loadings of water soluble, dispersible and emulsifiable thermoplastic resins with a water dispersible or emulsifiable wax. The thermoplastic resins are sufficiently compatible with the wax so as not to separate at high concentrations of thermoplastic resin and wax. Coating formulations which provide these thermal transfer ribbons and the images obtained from such ribbons are also provided.

Abstract: A thermal transfer ribbon which forms image resistant to offset is provided which comprises a substrate, a first coating which contains a non-hiding pigment and a binder and a second coating which contains a colored pigment and a binder. The binders in each coating are compatible so as to transfer simultaneously to a receiving substrate upon the application of heat while the pigments are sufficiently distinct so as to maintain distinct layers when transferred. In preferred embodiments, coating formulations which are water-rich and allow for the use of minimal organic solvent are used to form the thermal transfer ribbon. Labels having images resistant to offset are also provided which comprise two layers, one a protective layer and one a colored ink layer, each with high loadings of pigment.

Abstract: A thermal transfer ribbon has a substrate and a coating which contains thermally active ingredients for transferring images onto a receiving medium upon the application of heat to said ribbon. The ingredients are predominately water based and are environmentally acceptable in the industry. The various ingredients provide a flexible coating structure and a good adhesive bond along with improved resistance to smear and smudging of the transferred images. The thermal transfer formulation comprises carnauba wax and paraffin wax emulsified in a mixture of 1-10% volatile solvent and about 90-99% water.

Abstract: Thermal transfer printing ribbon for printing security bar code symbols wherein the thermal transfer printing ribbon has been overprinted or overcoated in specific predetermined locations with a coating which has magnetic recognition characteristics. The difference in printed bar code symbols is invisible to the human eye and bar-code scanning equipment, but can be readily detected using a device capable of recognizing a magnetic signal.

Abstract: A thermal transfer ribbon has a substrate and a coating which contains thermally active ingredients for transferring images onto a receiving medium upon the application of heat to said ribbon. The ingredients are predominately water based and are environmentally acceptable in the industry. The various ingredients provide a flexible coating structure and a good adhesive bond along with improved resistance to smear and smudging of the transferred images.

Abstract: A transfer ribbon is suitable for use with either a thermal printer or an impact printer. The transfer ribbon comprises a substrate and a transfer coating which is coated on one side of the substrate. The transfer coating contains about 20 to 60 percent magnetic pigment; about 5 to 10 percent carbon pigment; about 0.1 to 10 percent film forming material; and about 20 to 60 percent wax binder.

Abstract: A thermal transfer ribbon has a substrate, an undercoating which contains thermal reactive materials and leuco dyes, and a thermal transfer coating applied on the undercoating and which contains a mixture of a wax emulsion and a sensible material, the undercoating assisting the transfer of color images of an improved intensity and sharpness to a receiving medium upon the application of heat to the ribbon. The invention also covers incorporation of the leuco dye and a reactant in the functional coating to intensify the transferred image, with or without the presence of sensible materials such as iron oxide or fluroescent dye, to improve the sharpness and the scratch and smear resistance of the transferred image. An alternative to the two coatings is a single coating which includes pigments with sensing characteristics, thermal reactive material, and transfer agents to obtain an improved intensity image.

Abstract: A thermal transfer ribbon has a substrate, an undercoating which contains thermal reactive materials and leuco dyes, and a thermal transfer coating applied on the undercoating and which contains a mixture of a wax emulsion and a sensible material, the undercoating assiting the transfer of color images of an improved intensity and sharpness to a receiving medium upon the application of heat to the ribbon. The invention also covers incorporation of the leuco dye and a reactant in the functional coating to intensify the transferred image, with or without the presence of sensible materials such as iron oxide or fluroescent dye, to improve the sharpness and the scratch and smear resistance of the transferred image. An alternative to the two coatings is a single coating which includes pigments with sensing characteristics, thermal reactive material, and transfer agents to obtain an improved intensity image.

Abstract: A magnetic thermal transfer ribbon includes a substrate and a thermal sensitive coating which is a mixture and essentially consists of a fatty alcohol, a water base latex, an intensifying dye, an adhesive, and a surface agent along with iron oxide, and the coating mixture is dispersed in alcohol, in water, or in a combined water/alcohol mixture.

Abstract: A magnetic thermal transfer ribbon includes a substrate and a thermal sensitive coating which is a mixture and essentially consists of a fatty alcohol, a water base latex, an intensifying dye, an adhesive, and a surface agent along with iron oxide, and the coating mixture is dispersed in alcohol, in water, or in a combined water/alcohol mixture.

Abstract: A thermal transfer ribbon includes a substrate and a layer thereon comprising a mixture of an emulsion essentially consisting of hydrocarbon, paraffin and carnauba waxes and an acetate copolymer, and a fluorescent color coating essentially containing a fluorescent pigment, a color toner and a filler.

Abstract: A magnetic thermal transfer ribbon includes a substrate and a thermal sensitive coating which is a mixture and essentially consists of a fatty alcohol, a water base latex, an intensifying dye, an adhesive, and a surface agent along with iron oxide, and the coating mixture is dispersed in alcohol, in water, or in a combined water/alcohol mixture.

Abstract: A magnetic thermal transfer ribbon includes a substrate and a thermal sensitive coating which is a mixture and essentially consists of a fatty alcohol, a water base latex, an intensifying dye, an adhesive, and a surface agent along with iron oxide, and the coating mixture is dispersed in alcohol, in water, or in a combined water/alcohol mixture.

Abstract: A heat sensitive copy system uses a magnetic thermal transfer ribbon to transfer images onto an adjacent medium and near infra-red energy is used to transfer the images from the medium onto thermal paper or onto translucent paper for producing multiple copies in a manner which is not thickness sensitive.

Abstract: A thermal transfer ribbon includes a substrate which has a thermal sensitive coating and a protective layer. The thermal sensitive coating is a solvent based wax mixture dispersed in a binder mix along with pigments. The protective layer is a water based mixture of ink, alcohol and carbon black which remains nonintegral with the thermal sensitive coating.

Abstract: A thermal transfer formulation and a thermal transfer medium are disclosed wherein the formulation includes at least a non-crystalline type adhesive-plasticizer or benzoate transfer agent and a coloring material or pigment. The formulation is coated on a substrate to provide means for transferring an image to a receiving substrate.