Abstract: The present invention provides a substrate having thereon a patterned small molecule organic semiconductor layer. The present invention also provides a method and a system for producing a substrate having thereon a patterned small molecule organic semiconductor layer. The substrate having thereon a patterned small molecule organic semiconductor layer is produced by exposing a donor substrate having thereon a small molecule organic semiconductor layer to energy to cause the thermal transfer of a small organic molecule onto an acceptor substrate.

Abstract: A receiver medium for digital imaging comprises a substrate having a dye-receiving surface bearing a coating comprising a highly branched functionalised polymer of generally globular form, e.g. a dendrimer, dispersed in a host polymer. Functional groups at or near the surface of the branched polymer, may interact with and bind dye molecules having complementary functional groups, eg dyes as disclosed in WO 96/34766, e.g. by acid-base interaction, thus having the effect of chemically fixing the dye within the coating on the receiver medium. Because dye molecules can be chemically bound to the branched polymer in the receiver sheet, it is possible to use host polymer materials of lower Tg than generally required in the prior art, with the host polymer typically having a Tg of less that 50° C. This means that dye molecules can have significantly increased diffusivity through the coating, prior to interaction, resulting in a more even distribution of dye through the coating than has been possible hitherto.

Abstract: A printed product and an accompanying method for forming the product wherein a transfer layer of an intermediate transfer recording medium can be transferred by a multi-layer transferring adhesive layer having a suitable adhesive product to either the transfer layer or a transfer-receiving material without the transferred images becoming turbulent.

Abstract: An improved ink-jet printable heat-transfer medium comprising a base substrate having a surface coated with a hot-melt layer and an ink-receptive layer is provided. The ink-receptive layer comprises: i) non-polymeric organic particles that are a reaction product of a diamine and two molecules, each molecule having at least one carboxylic acid group and at least five carbon atoms, ii) thermoplastic polymer particles, and iii) a thermoplastic film-forming binder. The heat-transfer paper can produce printed images having improved color quality, hand, and wash-durability on a variety of fabric materials.

Abstract: Methods of creating patterns on substrates are presented, and articles of manufacture resulting therefrom. One method comprises applying a first surface energy modifier to an applicator to form a coating on the applicator; contacting the coating with a receiving member, the receiving member having a topography, the coating only contacting and remaining on at least some protrusions; exposing the first modified receiving member to a second surface energy modifier, thereby forming a second modified receiving member having surface modified recesses; applying a composition comprising a polymeric material to the second modified receiving member, the composition substantially conforming to the topography of the surface modified protrusions and the surface modified recesses; and contacting the composition-coated, surface modified protrusions with a substrate for a time and under conditions sufficient to transfer the polymeric material on protrusions to the substrate.

Abstract: A method for producing a painted ceramic body. A transfer material containing an inorganic pigment, or hot melt ink containing an inorganic pigment is directly or indirectly disposed on the surface of a ceramic body in an imagewise manner. Subsequently, the ceramic body with the image formed thereon is heated and the inorganic pigment contained in the image is sintered on the surface of the ceramic body.

Abstract: An automotive quality paint coat (44) is laminated to the exterior surface of a molded plastic car body member or panel (118). In one embodiment, the paint coat (44) includes an exterior clear coat (45) above a color coat (46). During processing, the clear coat (45) and color coat (46) are each coated on a temporary flexible casting sheet 42) and dried. A high gloss surface is transferred to the clear coat (45) from the casting sheet (42). The paint coat (44) is then transferred from the casting sheet (42) to a thin, semi-flexible thermoformable plastic backing sheet (72) by dry paint transfer-laminating techniques. The resulting laminate (70) is thermoformed into a complex three-dimensional shape of the car body member or panel. The preformed laminate (116) is then bonded to an underlying plastic substrate material, by injection-cladding techniques, for example, to form the finished article.

Abstract: A recording medium comprising on a base material an ink-receiving layer containing an alumina hydrate, said ink-receiving layer being formed by applying a coating liquid containing said alumina hydrate to said base material followed by drying to form a layer to be said ink-receiving layer, swelling said layer to be said ink-receiving layer again, and pressing the swollen layer to a heated mirror-finish drum for drying, the glossiness of the surface of the recording medium on the side of the ink-receiving layer as measured at 20° being 20% or more.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of making a decorative sheet material is provided whereby complex multi-layer films are produced with enhanced efficiency and assurance of quality.

Abstract: A peeling layer 2 is formed on an element-forming substrate 1, an element-forming layer 3 including an electrical element is formed on the peeling layer, the element-forming layer is joined by means of a dissolvable bonding layer 4 to a temporary transfer substrate 5, the bonding force of the peeling layer is weakened to peel the element-forming layer from the element-forming substrate, the layer is moved to the temporary transfer substrate 5 side, a curable resin 6 is applied onto the element-forming layer 3 which has been moved onto the temporary transfer substrate 5, the resin is cured to form a transfer substrate 6, and the bonding layer 4 is dissolved to peel the temporary transfer substrate 5 from the transfer substrate 6, resulting in a structure in which a transfer substrate is formed directly on the element-forming layer 3.

Abstract: A method and apparatus apply a lacquer layer to the upper side of a printed medium (i.e. a printed sheet). The method and apparatus form a film of lacquer, in particular a UV lacquer film. Next, the lacquer film is dried or hardened under the action of heat and/or UV radiation. Next, the dried/hardened lacquer film is transferred to the (fresh or still wet) printed upper side of the printed medium, with simultaneous permanent adhesion of the film to this upper side.

Abstract: Articles for applying color on a surface comprise a sheet of dry color component and an adhesive on one surface of the sheet of dry color component. The article further includes a releasable liner, and the sheet of dry color component is arranged between the releasable liner and the adhesive. Methods for providing a substantially permanent color effect on an architectural surface comprise delivering such an article to the architectural surface.

Abstract: Graphics for heat sealing attachment to fabrics and hard surfaces are made by flooding a release paper with screen printing ink and then covering the ink with a thermally responsive adhesive after which the ink and adhesive are kiss-cut in reverse to the release paper preferably by a laser cutter whose power is set to singe the cut at the adhesive to highlight the indicia and facilitate weeding; the ink flooding may be arranged in multiple congruent patches spaced from the edges of the release paper so that upon cutting the paper into sub-sheets, uniform margins are provided about each patch, and the indicia may be accurately positioned in each patch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat-setting label sheet that is a polymeric transfer sheet that can be marked and transferred by the consumer. Also encompassed by the present invention is a method of transferring the heat-setting label sheets. The heat-setting label sheets of the present invention comprise a support; an optional pressure sensitive adhesive layer; an Adhesion Layer comprising a thermoplastic polymer which melts in the range of 50-250° C., a wax which melts in the range of 50-250° C., or combinations thereof; an optional opaque layer comprising a styrene-butadiene latex, thermoplastic polymer, elastomer, and optional pigment; and a second optional opaque layer comprising vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymer, thermoplastic elastomer, elastomer and optional pigment. The heat-setting label sheet of the present invention can be imaged by an electrostatic printer or copier, ink jet printer, offset or screen printing, craft-type marking, and the like.

Abstract: A process, which comprises forming a metal micro-pattern on the surface of an inorganic substrate, surface-treating the surface of the metal micro-pattern and the surface of the plastic substrate to make it chemically reactive, and bringing the metal micro-pattern into contact with the surface of the plastic substrate to transfer the metal micro-pattern from the surface of the inorganic substrate to the surface of the plastic substrate, can be easily and simply carried out using conventional equipments to produce one or more metal pattern fixed on a plastic material.

Abstract: Articles having a component with a surface defining microstructured features can be formed using thermal transfer elements. One example of a suitable thermal transfer element includes a microstructured layer having a surface defining microstructured features imposed on the microstructured layer. The thermal transfer element is configured and arranged for the transfer of at least a portion of the microstructured layer to a receptor while substantially preserving the microstructured features of that portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a forming method using a thermal transfer printing sheet which is capable of implementing a 3D pattern through a method of forming a protruded surface using a thermal conduction difference of each portion in such a manner that a partial deposition thermal transfer printing sheet is printed on a surface of a base material of a plastic related thing, or a gold silver thin film is partially printed by a carving roller, and then the printed surface is heated to a certain temperature, so that the surface is divided into a heat blocked portion and a heat absorbed portion. In the forming method using a partial deposition thermal transfer printing sheet or a gold silver thermal transfer printing sheet according to the present invention, a thermal transfer printing sheet is dry=printed using only a heat and pressure, and a protruded surface is easily formed through a thermal diffusion process. It is possible to form various natural protruded surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substrate having thereon a patterned small molecule organic semiconductor layer. The present invention also provides a method and a system for producing a substrate having thereon a patterned small molecule organic semiconductor layer. The substrate having thereon a patterned small molecule organic semiconductor layer is produced by exposing a donor substrate having thereon a small molecule organic semiconductor layer to energy to cause the thermal transfer of a small organic molecule onto an acceptor substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for repairing coated substrate surfaces comprising the following successive steps: a) optionally preparing a blemished area to be repaired, b) providing a backing film coated on one side with an uncured or at least partially cured coating layer of a coating composition curable by means of high energy radiation, c) applying the backing film with its coated side onto the blemished area to be repaired, d) irradiating the coating applied in this manner onto the blemished area to be repaired with high energy radiation and e) removing the backing film, wherein the coating is irradiated through the backing film and/or after removing the backing film.

Abstract: A process and system for printing images or text and transferring the printed image to a ceramic, glass or metal substrate, by means of a computer controlled inkjet printer spraying a water based ink onto the surface of water slide transfer paper to thereby form an adherent image area.

Abstract: A lamination method, which is a method in which a dry resist film, formed by providing a color resist layer on a base film, is cut based upon the length of a substrate in the feeding direction, and press-bonded onto the substrate, and then the color resist layer is transferred onto the substrate by separating the base film, is provided with the following steps: in the cutting process, cutting the film so that the rear end of the dry resist film, after the press-bonding, extrudes from the rear end of the substrate by a predetermined width; and cutting the dry resist film again at a position inside the rear end of the substrate prior to separating the base film after the dry resist film has been press-bonded so as to eliminate the portion of the dry resist film extruding from the substrate.

Abstract: An article of manufacture for the construction of environmentally compatible stickers which are decorated using inkjet printing methods comprising a polymer plastisol biodegradable rubber resin as its primary ingredient to form one layer from bonding multiple layers. This removable/reusable sticker can even be used for preventing slippery in bathtub. And it is environmental friendly because of its biodegradable character when discarded. The inkjet printing method application is also effective in reducing number of manufacturing steps or processing stages to create vibrant custom inkjet produced images all at a relatively low cost.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a substrate with a pattern showing hydrophilic property formed on a pattern surface comprising the steps of applying a silane coupling agent to the pattern surface of the base and forming a silane coupling film, forming a mask conforming to the pattern to be provided on the silane coupling film, and activating the silane coupling film provided with the mask by applying energy thereto in order to generate a polar group. In the regions where masking could not be performed, a polar group such as the hydroxyl group, carboxyl group, amino group, or amino carboxyl group is generated and shows hydrophilic property. The masked regions comprise hydrophobic property. This substrate functions as a universal substrate suitable for forming patterns with the inkjet system.

Abstract: A security substrate for a document of value comprises a laminate including a generally transparent core layer and generally transparent outer layers on opposite sides of the core layer. At least one interference filter is embedded within the laminate. The interference filter includes a highly reflective opaque layer on a surface of the core layer and an optically variable thin film multilayer overlying at least a portion of the opaque layer. The interference filter is covered by one of the outer layers.

Abstract: An informational card is disclosed incorporating a plurality of separable, functional articles that are removable from such card and capable of being applied to a separate article or articles, either independently of, or in conjunction with each other. The removable articles, such as a patch, embroidered emblem, heat transfer or the like, may be removed from the card and adhesively or heat applied to a separate article, with indicia that bears some relation to the information conveyed on the card. One of the removable articles has a cutout to accommodate the placement of a first removable article during the conjunctive application of a series of removable articles to an article separate and distinct from the informational card.

Abstract: Described is a transferrable fibrous thermal interface. The interface comprises flocked thermally conductive fibers embedded in an adhesive in substantially vertical orientation with portions of the fibers extending out of the adhesive. An encapsulant fills spaces between the portions of the fibers that extend out of the adhesive and a release liner is on at least one outer surface of the interface.

Abstract: In a recording medium having an ink accepting layer formed on at least one surface of a base paper, the ink accepting layer is formed in the form of islands scattered on the surface of the base paper with a uniform plane density.

Abstract: An adhesive transfer device and method for selectively making a repositionably adherable substrate from a selected substrate are disclosed. The device comprises a base substrate, a layer of repositionable adhesive disposed on the base substrate, a layer of permanent adhesive adjacent to the repositionable layer opposite the base substrate, and structure providing a release surface. The base substrate and the structure providing the release surface can be moved apart so as to leave both of the adhesive layers on the base substrate with the permanent layer exposed, thereby enabling the selected substrate to be adhered to the exposed permanent layer. The base substrate and the selected substrate can be moved apart from one another so as to separate the base substrate from the repositionable layer and leaving both the adhesive layers on the selected substrate with the repositionable layer exposed, thereby allowing the selected substrate to be repositionably adhered.

Abstract: A solution containing a metal component comprises composite ultrafine metal particles each having a core substantially made of a metal component and a covering layer made of an organic compound chemically bonded to the core. The core has an average diameter ranging from 1 to 10 nm. The composite ultrafine metal particles are uniformly dispersed in a solvent.

Abstract: A coating composition for an ink jet recording medium comprises an aqueous suspension of absorptive silica pigment, a polyvinyl alcohol binder, and a cationic fixing agent. The composition is dispersed at pH values in the range of 4.0 to 7.0. The pigment is preferably a mixture of 75% or more silica gel having a pore volume of 0.5-1.5 cc/g, and 10% or more alumina or alumina hydrate. A method for making down the coating composition and applying it to a substrate is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a copper-clad laminate includes the steps of forming first and second metal films on first and second carriers, forming first and second copper films on the first and second metal films, forming first and second semi-cured resin layers, stacking a first assembly of the first carrier, the first metal film, the first copper film and the first semi-cured resin layer on a second assembly of the second carrier, the second metal film, the second copper film and the second semi-cured resin layer, and vacuum hot pressing the first and second assemblies so as to complete cure and integrate the first and second semi-cured resin layers.

Abstract: An image forming method for forming an image on an optical disk includes forming the image on an intermediate transfer medium or on an image receptive layer separably formed on one surface of the intermediate transfer medium. The intermediate transfer medium and the optical disk are laid so that the surface of the intermediate transfer medium carrying the image and the surface of the optical disk are in close contact with each other. Heat and/or pressure is applied to the intermediate transfer medium to transfer the image or the image receptive layer carrying the image to the optical disk to form a label on the optical disk.

Abstract: A process for producing a donor sheet for a thin-film formation comprising: while transporting a sheet on which a light-to-heat conversion layer has already been formed, forming a transfer layer on the light-to-heat conversion layer and drying the transfer layer.

Abstract: A recording material having sufficient height and equivalent dimensions of mats formed thereon and a matting process capable of forming these improved mats. A matting process including the step of forming mats on the recording face laminated on the substrate of a recording media with a screen by screen printing and a recording material having the thus formed mats formed on the recording face thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of immobilizing the fingers of circuitry. A coating is formed of a liquid adhesive on the surface of a release film in a pattern of strips in positions perpendicular to and across the positions the fingers of the circuitry will have when the pattern of adhesive is bonded to it. The coating is rendered non-tacky and is bonded across and between the fingers and the release film is removed from the coating.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a decorated substrate comprising the steps of: submitting the substrate to a treatment to prepare its surface for the application of a coating; applying a coating to the surface of the substrate in one or more cycles; covering the surface of the substrate with a sheet comprising a decoration which is to be transferred to the surface of the substrate; and heating the substrate and the sheet comprising the decoration to effect the transfer of the decoration from the sheet onto the substrate. In this process, the coating is cured using electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength shorter than 400 nm, until a coating is obtained having a Tg between 50 and 130° C. and a scar resistance at 200° C. of at least 3N and wherein the temperature during the transfer of the decoration to the substrate is from 180 to 220° C. The process is particularly suited to the decoration of heat sensitive substrates, like MDF or wood.

Abstract: This invention relates to an adhesive article which provides air egress. Air egress is provided by supplying a route, such as areas of no initial adhesion for the air to flow out from under the construction. The invention relates to an adhesive article comprising a facestock having a front surface and a back surface, a continuous layer of adhesive having an upper surface and a lower surface wherein the upper surface of the adhesive layer is adhered to the back surface of the facestock, and a plurality of spaced-apart non-adhesive material which is in contact with the lower surface of the adhesive layer wherein the lower surface of the adhesive layer has a Sheffield roughness of at least about 10 and the adhesive article provides air egress. The invention also relates to methods of preparing the adhesive articles. These articles have usefulness as industrial graphics images, as well as decorative coverings, etc. The articles provide air egress and optionally repositionability and slideability.

Abstract: A process for producing a donor sheet for a thin-film formation comprising: while transporting a sheet on which a light-to-heat conversion layer has already been formed, forming a transfer layer on the light-to-heat conversion layer and drying the transfer layer.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a multi-layer optical information record carrier, which has a plurality of layers of reflecting surfaces with pits for recording information. According to the method, a reflective layer is first coated on a stamper with a pit pattern. A radiation-setting adhesive polymer resin is then applied on a substrate with another pit pattern and coated with a partial reflective layer. The substrate and the stamper are combined together and the resin is cured by ultraviolet light. After peeling off the stamper, two reflective layers are formed on the substrate. Finally, two of the substrates are adhered together using polymer resin and one obtains a multi-layer optical information record carrier with dual information layers on both sides.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for transferring a molded element onto a textile material comprising the steps of: (a) heating a liquid polymeric material inside a mold to transform the liquid polymeric material from a liquid to a gel to form a molded element; (b) applying the molded element in the mold to the textile material with heat and pressure in order to transfer the molded element from the mold onto the textile material; and, (c) cooling the molded element on the textile material by applying cold and pressure to the molded element in the mold in order to adhere the molded element to the textile material.

Abstract: A receptor medium with a sheet having an optically transmissive microembossed imaging surface as one major surface thereof. The receptor medium can receive jettable materials, which include inks, adhesives, biological fluids, chemical assay reagents, particulate dispersions, waxes, and combinations thereof. The microembossed medium unexpectedly solves such common inkjet printing problems as feathering, banding, and mudcracking in inkjet printing systems by controlling how an inkjet drop contacts and dries on an inkjet receptor medium and also Moire' effects but also provides sufficient optical transmissivity to be useful as overhead transparency media, backlit signage, and the like. Clear lines of demarcation between adjoining colors of a pigmented inkjet image graphic can be obtained without creation of the Moire' effects. Methods of making and using the inkjet receptor medium are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pattern-transferring film having a print pattern provided on an upper surface thereof is floated on a liquid surface within a transferring bath and an objective body is immersed into a liquid within the transferring bath together with the pattern transferring film under a liquid pressure so as to transfer the print pattern onto the objective body. The print pattern is obtained by being printed by using an optional printing ink or inks of blue, yellow, red black and white inks or an ink or inks prepared by blending the printing inks. The liquid pressure pattern-transferring ink or inks comprise at least a resin ingredient and a color pigment. The resin ingredient of each of the color inks is composed of a fluoropolymer resin and the color pigment of each of the color inks is an inorganic pigment.

Abstract: An aqueous coating composition is disclosed. The composition comprises fine organic particles, polyvinyl alcohol, and boric acids or salts thereof and comprising substantially no gelatin, and the same having a viscosity of 10 to 100 cp at 40 ° C., and a viscosity at 15 ° C., which is at least 20 times as much as that at 40 ° C. A coating method of the composition and an ink-jet sheet prepared by employing the composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing an optical waveguide, capable of easily manufacturing an optical waveguide which can hold an excellent light propagating characteristic irrespective of the kind of a supporting substrate. On a transparent substrate, a peelability promoting film obtained by setting silicone oil and an optical waveguide made of an epoxy resin are sequentially formed. The peelability promoting film promotes the peelability between the transparent substrate and the optical waveguide with sufficient adhesion that it is not peeled off from the transparent substrate during formation of the optical waveguide. Subsequently, after adhering a multilayer wiring board to the optical waveguide via an adhering layer made of a photosetting resin, the adhering layer is irradiated with light so as to be set, thereby fixing the multilayer wiring board to the optical waveguide.

Abstract: A method allowing high definition printing of images including photographic prints and computer images onto a variety of natural and man made substrates to create unique art objects and articles of manufacture that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to create. The process can even be utilized to transfer high definition images to such unlikely materials as tree leaves, making it possible to create highly unique art objects, and utilitarian objects such as place marker “leaves” at a dinner table.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for simulating a mould-imparted texture including applying a textured skin to a moulding from a pre-textured mould.

Abstract: A method for decorating a vitreous substrate with a radiation curable ink composition, comprising applying an ink composition comprised of an N-vinyl lactam to the glass in a predetermined design, the ink being operable when cured to bond to the vitreous substrate, curing the ink on the vitreous substrate by exposing it to the radiation by which it is curable, thereby bonding the ink composition to the substrate; and a method for decorating a vitreous substrate with hot stamping foil comprising applying an ink composition comprised of an N-vinyl lactam to the glass in a predetermined design, the ink being operable when cured to bond to the vitreous substrate, curing the ink on the vitreous substrate by exposing it to the radiation by which it is curable, thereby bonding the ink composition to the substrate, pressing a sheet of hot stamping foil against the substrate with a die heated to a temperature sufficient to cause a portion of the hot stamping foil to adhere to the heated, cured, ink design but not to t

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a printing medium comprising a substrate and an ink-receiving layer which comprises an alumina hydrate surface-treated with a coupling agent and is provided on the substrate.

Abstract: An ink-jet recording material having on at least one surface of a base paper at least one ink-receiving layer comprising pigment and binder, with the ink-receiving layer having a rough texture specified by a surface roughness of at least 9.0 &mgr;m when measured with a PARKER PRINT-SURF measurement device (PPS) under a soft packing condition of 5 kgf/cm2, a surface roughness of at least 7.0 &mgr;m when measured with PPS under a soft packing condition of 10 kgf/cm2, a center-line average roughness (Ra) of at least 3.0 &mgr;m and an Oken-type smoothness of at most 30 seconds, thereby creating an atmosphere of paintings or calligraphic works in the images printed thereon.

Abstract: An automotive quality paint coat is laminated to the exterior surface of a molded plastic car body panel. In one embodiment, the paint coat includes an exterior clear coat above a color coat. The clear coat and color coat are each coated on a temporary flexible casting sheet and dried. A high gloss surface is transferred to the clear coat from the casting sheet. The paint coat is then transferred from the casting sheet to a thin, semi-flexible thermoformable plastic backing sheet by dry paint transfer-laminating techniques. The resulting laminate is thermoformed into a complex three-dimensional shape of the car body panel. The preformed laminate is then bonded to a plastic substrate material by injection-cladding techniques to form the finished article. The paint coat has sufficient elongation to retain exterior automotive appearance and durability properties during thermoforming without deglossing.