Abstract: A coating formulation suitable for use in preparing thermal transfer ribbons is provided which is curable by UV radiation or visible light. The coating formulation forms thermal transfer layers that produce printed images when used in a thermal transfer printer. The coating formulation comprises a photoreactive monomer or oligomer, a photoinitiator and a sensible material. Also provided are printers which use these ribbons and processes for preparing them.

Abstract: Process for the production of a flexible support for sublimable colour transfer for decorating various metal items with the transfer technique, comprising the steps of preparation of a metal matrix by photoengraving or the like, application of a sublimable colour decoration by means of said matrix on a support from flexible non extensible material such as polythene or the like according to known rotogravure techniques or the like; and transfer from said polythene support to a flexible support such as fabric, non-woven fabric, and the like, by causing the contact of the two supports by heat compression; flexible support so obtained and apparatus for the realization of the same.

Abstract: A thermo-responsive microcapsule containing a diazo compound or an electron donative dye precursor, wherein the capsule wall of the microcapsule is composed of at least one polymer obtained by polymerization of an isocyanate compound containing an adduct of (A) a compound having one active hydrogen in the molecule and having an average molecular weight from 500 to 20000 and (B) a multifunctional isocyanate having two or more isocyanate groups in the molecule, and a heat-sensitive recording material and a multicolor heat-sensitive recording material comprising a heat-sensitive recording layer containing the microcapsule are disclosed.

Abstract: Permanent care label fabric is coated with a water-based acrylic or acrylic/urethane coating. The coating is dried and the coated fabric is fed into a standard laser printer. The permanent care instructions are laser printed on the coated fabric and the print meets the AATCC test methods 143-1992 and 61-1993.

Abstract: Disclosed are diazahemicyanine hydrophobic cationic dyes represented by the formula (1): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are lower alkyl groups having not more than 5 carbon atoms, R.sup.5 is a lower alkyl group having not more than 5 carbon atoms or a lower alkoxy lower alkyl group having not more than 6 carbon atoms, and Z.sup.- is a counter ion having a hydrophobic organic group, and a thermal transfer ink ribbon having a substrate and and ink layer laminated thereon containing said cationic dye.

Abstract: A method of forming a scratch resistant color ink pattern of multi-color coatings (5) onto a see-through panel (6) with exact registration between successive color coatings of the pattern.

Abstract: A method of making a printed circuit board using thermal transfer techniques to transfer electrically conductive coating from a thermal transfer ribbon to a non-conductive surface of a non-conductive receiver board. The electrically conductive material transferred to the receiver board form traces on the non-conductive surface of the non-conductive receiver board, thus providing a printed circuit board.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heat sensitive ink sheet having a support sheet and a heat sensitive ink layer having a thickness of 0.2 to 1.0 .mu.m which is formed of a heat sensitive ink material comprising 30-70 wt. % of colored pigment, 25-65 wt. % of amorphous organic polymer having a softening point of 40.degree. to 150.degree. C. and 0.5-25 wt. % of colorless fine particles. Further, thermal transfer recording methods by area gradation using the heat sensitive ink sheet and an image receiving sheet are also disclosed.

Abstract: A blue dyestuff represented by the formula (2) ##STR1## wherein each of R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 is independently a hydrogen atom, halogen atom, nitro group, hydroxy group, alkyl group which may have a substituent, alkoxy group, alkylsulfonylamino group or alkylcarbonylamino group, and each of R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 is independently an alkyl group which may have a substituent, and a heat-sensitive transfer sheet containing the above-mentioned dyestuff.

Abstract: A repaired laser ablation mask is disclosed capable of withstanding laser fluences in the range from about 200 mJ/cm.sup.2 to at least 500 mJ/cm.sup.2. The repaired mask comprises a single or multiple layers of apertured metal, such as, aluminum, on a quartz substrate. The laser mask repair technique and structure are also disclosed. The thickness of the metal layer, such as, aluminum layer, is in the range from about 2 microns to about 6 microns. A laser projection etching technique is also disclosed for using the repaired ablation mask.

Abstract: A holographic article and method for forming permits the party producing the final document to print the holographic image directly on the final document thereby permitting such party to retain and maintain control of its own embossing shim on which the hologram has been formed and which is utilized for embossing the holographic image on the document. A film upon which a holographic image can be directly stamped upon the final document includes a layer of metal having a thickness in the range of 20 millimicrons to 100 millimicrons, a lacquer coating having a thickness in the range of 0.5 microns to 3 microns and a heat activatible adhesive. The metal layer lacquer coating and heat activatible adhesive are caused to be adhered to the substrate forming the final document during a stamping operation which releases said metal layer, lacquer coating and heat activatible adhesive from a plastic carrier film to which had initially been applied.

Abstract: The invention is a holographic thermal transfer ribbon for enabling the transfer of a hologram using a thermal transfer demand printer. The holographic thermal transfer ribbon comprises a holographic hot-stamp foil. This holographic hot-stamp foil has a foil layer and a heat-sealing layer. The heat-sealing layer may include a heat-sensitive adhesive. The holographic thermal transfer ribbon also includes a supplemental polymer layer overlaid upon the heat-sealing layer of the holographic hot-stamp foil.

Abstract: A web is fabricated by coating at least one layer of thermoplastic material, pigmented polyurethane, onto a transparent polyester plastic film. The resulting web can readily be cut by a computer controlled blade to produce virtually any graphic pattern, including intricate or small letters that may be connected or separated from each other, without penetration of the blade through the carrier sheet. The graphic sheet adheres strongly enough to the carrier sheet, with a peel value in the range of 15-30 ounces, to prevent sliding of the graphic sheet relative to the carrier sheet during cutting, yet permitting release of the carrier sheet after attachment of the graphic by the application of heat and pressure. Thus, the present invention provides an "adhesive up" type of web for polyurethane graphics, whereby the graphic can be cut and peeled from the web, and the graphic, while still adhered to the carrier sheet, placed against the fabric.

Abstract: A heat sensitive color developing material containing an electron donating color forming organic compound, a heat activating compound, and a color developer. These materials have excellent heat sensitivity in which color can be developed rapidly and can be produced and easily used.

Abstract: An imaging film donor sheet comprising a substrate, a controlled release/adhesive layer and a vapor-deposited colorant layer, wherein the deposited colorant layer exhibit a discernible microstructure, preferably a columnar microstructure. A matching receptor sheet is provided. A method of preparing the donor sheet as well as a method of imaging is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a textile based heat-bonding product by hot spot coating wherein the heat bonding polymer is deposited in the form of spots on a transfer mat by a photogravure cylinder and the heat-bonding polymer spots are then placed in contact with the textile supporting base for transfer thereto.

Abstract: A reversible thermosensitive recording material is composed of a support, and a reversible thermosensitive recording layer formed thereon, having a reversible temperature-dependent transparency, which contains a matrix resin and an organic low-molecular-weight material. The organic low-molecular-weight material is in the form of particles, and substantially covered by the matrix resin, and the content thereof in the reversible thermosensitive recording layer is increased from the surface side thereof toward the support side. This reversible thermosensitive recording material can be prepared by a method of coating a solution or dispersion of the matrix resin and the organic low-molecular-weight material on the support, which are dissolved or dispersed in a mixed solvent composed of at least two solvents, each having a different vapor pressure, and drying the solution or dispersion.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a dye-receiving element for thermal dye transfer comprising coating a cushion intermediate layer, a subbing layer, and a dye image-receiving layer on a support, wherein the cushion layer and subbing layer are simultaneously coated, and wherein the subbing layer includes a hydroxylated siloxane polymer surfactant having random recurring units of the following structures I or II: ##STR1## wherein A is --CH.sub.3 or B, and B is a C.sub.1 to C.sub.10 straight chain or branched primary or secondary hydroxy terminated alkylene group, and x, y, and z are such as to provide a molecular weight of from about 1,000 to about 20,000 and from 1 to about 20 hydroxyl groups per polymer molecule.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an imaging system wherein the developed image and non-image areas are transferred to a receptor element by a transfer coating layer. The transfer layer of the present invention is coated on the support of the imaging sheet and/or developer sheet and comprises a material capable of holding developed images and non-image areas that can be transferred to a receptor surface upon the application of heat to the rear surface of the support. The transfer coating layer is capable of liquefying when heated and resolidifying when heat is removed.

Abstract: There is featured a simplified, cost-reduced process for creating and applying decals to fabric materials, such as T-shirts. The invention uses conventional, non-permanent printing inks, such as oleic acid-based inks, found in typewriter and dot matrix printing ribbons. Conventional ink is injected below the surface of transfer laminate paper where it is trapped in the apertures created by the printing pins of, for example, a dot matrix printer. The design created by the injected ink is then transferred to the surface of a fabric by the application of heat, such as by use of a home iron, which causes the laminate sheet membranes to melt. As these layers melt, the ink trapped within is plasticized and the transfer process to the fabric is accomplished in the conventional manner. All types of information in the form of images, designs, characters and symbols can be injected into the laminate paper as benefits the imagination of the user.

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 method of making a thermal-transfer ribbon for thermal printing in which an aqueous dispersion of the thermoplastic binder substance, a fat-soluble dyestuff and a wax or waxlike substance is formed. The dispersion is coated onto a foil or other carrier for the ribbon and water is evaporated. The coating is then subjected to a thermal treatment to melt the wax and dissolve the dyestuff therein prior to thermotransfer to a substrate.

Abstract: A thermocarbon ribbon having a foil-type carrier and a color transfer layer or melt color has its adhesion for the the paper substrate increased by an adhesion coating applied to the color transfer layer. The adhesion layer consists of a parafin wax matrix in which a sticky hydrocarbon resin is dispersed in finely divided form so that during printing, when the temperature of the adhesion layer is raised, the paraffin wax melts, dissolves the finely divided hydrocarbon resin and allows the sticky characteristic of the latter to increase adhesion of the color transfer material to the paper.

Abstract: A decorative pleatable material adapted for the fabrication of pleated shades is described. The material is comprised of a pleatable fabric having a decorative resin coat containing desired pigment adhered to the face of the fabric by means of a polyurethane layer embedded in the structure of the fabric. The decorative resin coat is overlaid with a top-coat that prevents blocking during pleating. A preferred top-coat is comprised of a film forming cellulose derivative containing amorphous fumed silica. A film transfer strip for producing the decorative pleatable material is also described.

Abstract: A process for producing a hot-sealer textile product for use in garments, the textile product comprising a textile substrate having first and second outer surfaces, one of said outer surfaces being provided with heat-sealable adhesive selected from the group comprising a copolyamide, a thermoplastic copolyester, a copolyamide and a thermoplastic copolyester, a chemical derivative of a copolyamide, a chemical derivative of a thermoplastic copolyester, or a chemical derivative of a copolyamide and a thermoplastic copolyester, suitable for use in the heat-bonding of textiles.

Abstract: Articles comprising a thermoplastic substrate bearing rupturable microcapsules in a binder on at least one surface thereof. These articles can be applied by means of heat and pressure to porous objects. The process of applying the articles to porous objects further results in partially embedding the microcapsules in the substrate. Thermoplastic substrates having rupturable microcapsules partially embedded therein, but not having a binder, are another aspect of this invention.

Abstract: A new reversible heat sensitive recording composition for erasable recording is disclosed which is used as a recording or marking material that is capable of erasure at a specific temperature so that coloring or decoloring can be controlled to occur at desired temperature ranges. This range or the hysteresis value of the composition is determined by the .DELTA.T value of the contained ester compound. In addition, the compostion can provide a wide variety of hues and can readily be prepared. The marking or recording drawn in this composition can be maintained at room temperature or less.

Abstract: A process for controlling curl in coated papers in which the paper web is coated on one side and is wetted with water on the opposite side by a roll-type water applying apparatus, the water applying operation being carried out under such conditions that the relative difference of the surface speed of the applicator roll from the running speed of the paper web is at least 1000 m/min. and preferably the water applicator roll is reversely turning. Curling of the paper is thereby eliminated.

Abstract: A thermal imaging transfer process and donor sheet are described. The donor sheet comprises a layer of particulate colorant/binder on a substrate. Essentially individual particles are transferred during imaging to provide a high resolution image.

Abstract: An improved thermal transfer resistive ribbon usable in high resolution printing comprising a dual resistive layer formed of a first layer of low resistivity and a second layer of high resistivity, method of production thereof, use thereof and apparatus including the same.

Abstract: The transfer sheet or web is intended for the use in a heat transfer printing process of cotton, of cotton-polyester blend or of nitrogen containing textile fibers such as wool, silk or nylon.It comprises on its surface at least one organic impregnating agent which has a melting point between 60.degree. and 230.degree. C. and is no polymer, at least one water insoluble, non-subliming dyestuff, and the minimum amount of a binder. The dyestuff forms a pattern or image which is heat contact printed on said textile substrate without the use of carrier vapors or vacuum. The pattern to be heat transferred may also be prepared in an electrophotographic process using a new toner comprising particles of impregnating agent, binder and dyestuff.The pattern on the transfer support is transferred at a temperature between 160.degree. and 230.degree. C. during 30 to 60 seconds to said textile substrate. The printings obtained have very good light, rubbing and washing fastnesses; the handling is not impaired.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a foil material having a metal layer on a region thereof comprises applying to a backing foil a layer of a soluble material such as a lacquer to which a hardening agent is then applied in selected regions thereof, the hardening agent reacting with the soluble material to cause it to harden. A coating of metal is then applied over the layer of soluble material and the portions of the layer of soluble material which have remained soluble are then removed, thereby also removing the portions of the layer of metal thereon and leaving the metal on the hardened portions of the layer of soluble material. The foil material made by the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a recording medium in which a transition metal oxide showing photochromism is used as the recording layer and the said recording layer or an upper layer adjacent to the recording layer is made to carry a proton donor. This recording medium makes it possible to improve the change efficiency of optical density change produced by optical writing.

Abstract: An improved release coating for heat transferable laminate and improved method for curing the release coating for heat transferable laminates wherein an ink design layer is transferred from a carrier web onto an article such as a plastic or glass container upon application of heat and pressure. The improved release coating does not contain wax components but exhibits release properties similar to wax based formulations. The improved release contains U-V curable components which are cured by exposure to ultraviolet light after the laminate containing the ink design, is transferred to a receiving article. The heat transferable laminate preferably includes a barrier layer intermediate the release layer and ink design layer. The barrier layer also contains U-V curable components. The barrier layer is cured by exposure to ultraviolet radiation during formation of the laminate structure and prior to transfer of the laminate to a receiving article.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for repairing opens in thin film conductor lines on a substrate, preferably a multi-layered ceramic substrate. An unpatterned repair metal film is placed over a general area of open defects in conductive lines on a substrate. Preferably, this metal is placed over the conductive lines and opens therein by decal transfer. The assembly is then heated to cause diffusion bonding between the repair metal and conductive lines, but not between the repair metal and substrate. After diffusion bonding, the structure has metal bridges formed across any open defects covered by the repair film and also between adjacent conductive lines. The area of repair is then subjected to ultrasonic energy in a liquid ambient for a time at least long enough to remove metal bridges between adjacent conductive lines, but less than that required to remove repair metal bridges over the opens in the conductive lines.

Abstract: A stamping foil which comprises a flexible supporting web, a lubricating layer provided on substantially whole one surface of the supporting web, a colored water-resistant resinous layer having a desired pattern and a metal deposition layer having a desired pattern provided on the lubricating layer, and an adhesive layer provided in a manner that all of the exposed surfaces of the lubricating layer, of the colored water-resistant resinous layer and/or of the metal deposition layer are covered by the adhesive layer. The stamping foil has an advantage that even a complicated combined pattern of the colored layer and the metal deposition layer can be obtained by a single operation with ease and low cost.

Abstract: Hetarylmethane leuco dyestuffs of the formula ##STR1## wherein R denotes halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl or aryloxy,A denotes an aromatic-carbocyclic or -hetero-cyclic radical,B denotes hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, aryl, alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, amino, monoalkylamino, dialkylamino, arylamino, aralkylamino or acylamino,X denotes CH or N,Y denotes ##STR2## R.sub.6 denotes hydrogen or alkyl, m denotes 4-6 andn denotes O and 1-4 andwherein the cyclic and acyclic radicals in turn can be substituted by nonionic radicals, are used as color formers in pressure-copyable and thermoreactive recording materials.

Abstract: An improved ink composition is disclosed which comprises, in addition to a solvent dye, one or more low-melting compounds, containing hydroxyl and/or ethylene oxide, and inorganic or organic fine particles. An ink sheet comprising such ink composition is also disclosed. The ink sheet is effectively reusable in a heat transfer recording process.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a fluorescent ink layer for a fluorescent thermal transfer sheet is disclosed. The method comprises first forming a solution of a mixture comprising at least one acidic monomer, at least one basic monomer and at least one fluorescent dye. Thereafter, an emulsion of the solution is formed and the emulsion is polymerized.

Abstract: A promotional item (10) comprising a substrate (11) having on one surface (12) thereof a transferable, mirror image (14) of a coupon, said image (14) being capable of being transferred from the substrate (11) to a carrier (15) to form a redeemable coupon.

Abstract: There is disclosed a heat-sensitive transfer recording medium comprising a support and, provided thereon, a colorant-containing layer for heat-sensitive transfer, wherein said colorant-containing layer contains a silicone wax as a heat-fusible material which is solid or semi-solid at ambient temperature or room temperature.The recording medium according to the present invention is capable of printing at low energy and with high transfer sensitivity.

Abstract: A coating composition for use to produce heat-sensitive record material is produced by admixing and heating at least one colorless chromogenic material or acceptor and at least one heat fusible material having a melting point within the range of 60.degree. C. to 200.degree. C. to form a co-melt, atomizing the co-melt with a spray nozzle to form finely divided particles comprising the colorless chromogenic material or acceptor and the heat fusible material, and preparing a coating composition including said finely divided particles dispersed therein.

Abstract: A heat sensitive color-producing multi-layer coating including a first coating layer formed from a base polymeric coating composition comprising a solution of film-forming polymer, a source of polyvalent metallic ions, and at least one fatty acid or derivative thereof; a second coating layer, on the first coating layer, formed from a sensitizing coating composition comprising a solution of organic film-forming polymer, at least one fatty acid or derivative thereof, and reducing agent selected from catechol, pyrogallol, hydroquinone, diphenyl carbazides, gallic acid esters including ethyl gallate, propyl gallate and lauryl gallate, and derivatives thereof; and a third coating layer, on the second coating layer formed from a base polymeric coating composition as defined above.

Abstract: A transfer material comprising a substrate, a layer of thermoplastic material formed on said substrate and a design layer formed on said thermoplastic layer, said thermoplastic material being heat-sensitive and having such a characteristic that it is not tacky at room temperature but activated by heating to become tacky and remain so for a predetermined period of time after said heating is terminated. The transfer material may include another layer of wax-like material interposed between the thermoplastic layer and the substrate. A method and an apparatus for coloring an article by using the transfer material are also provided.

Abstract: A thermal ink transfer laminate wherein an ink design is transferred from a carrier support to an article, typically paper, by application of a thermal printing element, e.g. of the dot matrix type, to the nontransfer side of the carrier. The thermal ink transfer laminate is composed of a carrier support of paper or plastic film overcoated on one side with a heat sensitive transfer substrate. The heat sensitive transfer substrate contains an ink which preferably includes a coloring agent formed of a dye dispersed in an unsaturated fatty acid medium. A separate release layer may be included between the ink and carrier. The coloring agent facilitates attainment of a drastic drop in melt viscosity of the transfer laminate during thermal transfer onto a receiving article. The degree of transfer attained is virtually complete resulting in a transferred image of exceedingly high image clarity and definition when employing the thermal printing element.

Abstract: An improved release formulation for use in a heat transferable laminate wherein an ink design image is transferred from a carrier support to an article by application of heat to the carrier support. On transfer the release splits from the carrier and forms a protective coating over the transfered design. The improved release is coated onto the carrier as a solvent based-wax release. The release coating is then dried to evaporate the solvent contained therein. The improved release has the property that its constituents remain in solution down to temperatures approaching ambient temperature. Upon transfer, the release forms a protective coat which may be subjected to hot water. The improved release contains a montan wax, a rosin ester or hydrocarbon resin, a solvent, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer having a low vinyl acetate content.

Abstract: A transferable dye medium for use in a thermal printer is made by applying a layer of dye material to a base layer; softening the applied layer of dyed material, as by heating same, and then calendering the softened, dye-coated base layer.

Abstract: The ink layer of a thermal transfer printing ribbon is overcoated with a hold-off layer which serves to make the resulting printing more easily correctable. The hold-off layer operates by preventing penetration by the ink layer into the substrate being printed upon.

Abstract: Product and process for heat transfer labeling employing a release layer that is resistant to discoloration, cracking and crawling. The release layer is formed by a blend of oxidized and unoxidized polyethylenes in proportions that prevent objectionable discoloration and hold a superimposed design in situ in order to relieve stresses that could otherwise produce cracking and crawling during heat transfer labeling. Viscosity can be suitably controlled by the addition of a minority amount of paraffin.

Abstract: In printing transfer papers with standard aqueous print pastes, the local swelling of the paper substance gives rise to the problem of the dimensional stability of the papers. These disadvantages are eliminated according to the invention by using as print pastes foamed dyestuff liquors in which the consistency of the foam acts as thickening agents. As a result the moisture content in the print pastes can be reduced.