Abstract: This invention is a heat transfer ink ribbon that can exhibit a good heat transfer performance also on labels with a low chemical polarity, e.g., polyolefin type ones, and on matte labels with a rough surface, and yet can form high-quality images with a good stain resistance and solvent resistance even when the edge-face head type printer is used. This ink ribbon comprises a base material and formed on one side thereof an ink layer comprising a colorant and a binder containing a vinyl chloride resin and, and the vinyl chloride resin has at least one of an epoxy group and a strong-acid salt group in its backbone chain or side chain. An intermediate layer capable of undergoing cohesive failure at the time of heat transfer is preferably formed between the base material and the ink layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for applying an image to a fabric, which comprises the steps of (i) hand ironing an imaged copier or printer transfer material having a support sheet and a transfer coating to a receptor element having valleys on the surface of the receptor element, (ii) peeling away the support sheet to obtain an imaged receptor element, (ii) placing a tack-free overlay sheet over the imaged receptor element, and (iv) pressing the overlay sheet by hand ironing to drive the coating into the valleys of the receptor element.

Abstract: A flexible, weatherable, decorative sheet material useful as a paint film or decal comprising a pigmented fluoropolymer base coat layer overlying a substantially transparent fluoropolymer clear coat layer wherein the fluoropolymer composition of the base coat layer has a greater elongation than the fluoropolymer composition of the clear coat layer. The base coat and clear coat layer each comprise an alloy of a fluoropolymer composition and an acrylic polymer composition. The base coat layer comprises a fluoropolymer copolymer composition and the clear coat layer comprises of a fluoropolymer homopolymer composition. The fluoropolymer used in the base coat layer has a produced elongation at break of 300% or greater and the fluoropolymer composition used in the clear coat layer has a produced elongation at break of 50% to 250%. The clear coat and base coat layers are cast onto a polyester carrier sheet.

Abstract: A porous polyester film having an apparent specific gravity of not more than 1.3, which comprises a polyester film having many voids (layer (A)) comprising a polyester and a thermoplastic resin incompatible with said polyester, and a polyester film having many fine voids (layer (B)) comprising a polyester and inorganic fine particles having an average particle size of not more than 1 .mu.m, the two layers being bonded to each other, wherein the layer (B) has a porosity of not less than 20% by volume, and a thickness of 1-20 .mu.m that is not more than 30% of the thickness of the porous film. Due to the present invention, a porous polyester film capable of providing an image-receiving sheet superior in surface smoothness, image density, and resistance to wrinkles can be provided.

Abstract: A heat-transfer label suitable for use in decorating polyethylene-coated glass articles. In a preferred embodiment, the label is capable of withstanding pasteurization conditions on a polyethylene-coated glass article and includes (a) a support portion in the form of a sheet of paper overcoated with a release layer of polyethylene, (b) a skim coat of wax overcoated onto the polyethylene release layer and (c) a transfer portion, the transfer portion including a cross-linked phenoxy protective lacquer layer printed onto the skim coat, a polyester ink layer printed onto the protective lacquer layer, a first adhesive layer printed onto the ink layer and onto any exposed portions of the underlying protective lacquer layer, and a second adhesive layer printed onto the first adhesive layer.

Abstract: An image recording system superimposes, on an original image, an additional image which is same as at least any one of visible characters, symbols and numerals recorded on a recorded product and records the superimposed image on the recorded product as an image for certification. The additional image superimpose-recorded on the recorded product cannot visually be recognized and it is permitted to be visible when a universal optical filter is used.

Abstract: A dye-receiving element for thermal dye transfer includes a support having on one side thereof a dye image receiving layer. Receiving elements of the invention are characterized in that the dye image-receiving layer primarily comprises a mixture of a crosslinked polymer network being formed by the reaction of a multifunctional isocyanate with: a) a polycarbonate polyol having at least two terminal hydroxy groups and an average molecular weight of about 1000 to about 10,000, andb) an aliphatic glycol having at least one of the following formulas:HO--(CH.sub.2).sub.n --OHHO--[(CH.sub.2).sub.n --O].sub.m --H orHO--[(CH.sub.2).sub.5 --CO.sub.2 ].sub.p --[(CH.sub.2).sub.n --O].sub.m --Hwhere n is between about 3 and about 10,m is between about 3 and about 60, andp is between about 1 and about 16.

Abstract: A method and product for reducing reflected light glare into a human's eyes from the human's cheeks while simultaneously providing a non-verbal communication to others is provided, especially for use by participants in athletic contests. Underneath the human's eyes on the cheeks at a reflective location on the cheeks at which incident direct or indirect light is likely to be reflected into a human's eyes a non-toxic, non-reflective colored and finished material in the form of a predefined clearly demarcated geometric shape is applied. Within a week after the application (typically within less than a few hours after the athletic contest is over) the non-reflective material is removed. The non-reflective material may comprise eye black, applied using a stencil, or it may comprise a temporary tattoo or decal, applied in the conventional manner. The shape preferably is a sports apparel or equipment manufacturer's or distributor's logo and/or letters, or a team name, mascot or logo.

Abstract: A multi-layered foil laminate having at least one layer, preferably an exterior layer which is constituted of a plastic film material, and which is provided with printing on both surfaces of the layer. In essence, the method of double-sided printing includes initially printing on a first side of an outer layer of a plastic film material, preferably such as polyester, wherein the printing is imparted to the side or surface of the plastic film material facing towards an underlying metallic foil to which it is to be adhered, and wherein the printing is applied to the plastic film material through the intermediary of reverse halftone color printing, whereby subsequent this particular printing on the one side of the outer plastic film layer having been completed, the plastic film material is adhesively fastened at the printed surface thereof to the underlying metallic foil, such as through the interposition of a suitable adhesive.

Abstract: Disclosed are (1) an adhesive sheet for printing comprising a layer to be printed having no release coat, and at least an adhesive layer having an adhesive strength of 1 to 5000 gf/50 mm to the layer to be printed, and (2) a label having a heat transfer pattern comprising a heat fixing ink comprising a polyolefin and a colorant on the layer to be printed of the adhesive sheet for printing.

Abstract: An improved transparent media for ink printing is described. The media is a phase change ink recording media comprising: a polyethylene terephthalate support; a 1-15 mg/dm.sup.2 lower receptor layer coated on the support wherein the lower receptor layer comprises: silica with a particle size of no more than 0.3 .mu.m and a polymer; wherein the total weight of the polymer and the silica is 82-97%, by weight, silica and 3-18%, by weight, polymer. The media also comprises an optional upper receptive layer comprising a matrix polymer, an inorganic particulate material and a soft polymer matrix.

Abstract: A thermal transfer material favorably used for forming images or patterns by means of thermal transfer, especially a spacer for liquid crystal display panels and a dot spacer for switching devices such as touch panel is disclosed which comprises a foundation and a heat-sensitive transferable layer provided on the foundation, the heat-sensitive transferable layer comprising an acrylic copolymer containing at least recurring units derived from glycidyl (meth)acrylate and/or an epoxy resin containing two or more epoxy groups in one molecule, and a curing agent containing carboxyl group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for applying an image to a fabric, which comprises the steps of (i) hand ironing an imaged copier or printer transfer material having a support sheet and a transfer coating to a receptor element having valleys on the surface of the receptor element, (ii) peeling away the support sheet to obtain an imaged receptor element, (ii) placing a tack-free overlay sheet over the imaged receptor element, and (iv) pressing the overlay sheet by hand ironing to drive the coating into the valleys of the receptor element.

Abstract: An adhesive coating or layer has a differential height barrier structure deposited on the surface of one or both sides. Consequently, a highly aggressive adhesive formulation can be temporarily neutralized so as not to resist sliding of an item being positioned on the surface, until pressure is deliberately applied. Conversely, the adhesive system can be carried by decorative sheet material for easy application of the sheet material to cover a wall or floor, whereby the sheet can be slid into exact position without "sticking", before permanent adhesion. The present invention may be implemented by forming an array of discrete surface barrier structures which cover 10-30% of the active surface area of the adhesive. The barrier is preferably formed by an array of minute units of hard material or other discrete structures distributed on the adhesive surface and projecting therefrom by about 0.00025-0.0005 inch.

Abstract: A transfer foil comprising a carrier sheet and a thermally transferable overlay, the overlay comprising a transparent film of polymeric material having dispersed therein surface-stabiiised titanium dioxide, wherein the titanium dioxide is stabilised by coating the surface with alumina, silica or zirconia or mixtures thereof.A thermal transfer dye sheet ribbon comprising a substrate supporting different coloured dyecoats provided as discrete uniform print-size panels arranged in a repeated sequence along the ribbon, and a thermally transferable overlay comprising a transparent film of polymeric material having dispersed therein surface-stabilised titanium dioxide, positioned between each repeated sequence of the dyecoat panels, wherein the titanium dioxide is stabilised by coating the surface with alumina, silica or zirconia or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A heat-transfer label well-suited for use in decorating silane-treated glass articles. In a preferred embodiment, the label exhibits good scuff resistance, is capable of withstanding pasteurization conditions on a silane-treated glass article and includes (a) a support portion in the form of a sheet of paper overcoated with a release layer of polyethylene, (b) a skim coat of wax overcoated onto the polyethylene release layer and (c) a transfer portion, the transfer portion including a cross-linked phenoxy protective lacquer layer printed onto the skim coat, a polyester ink layer printed onto the protective lacquer layer, and an adhesive layer printed onto the ink layer, as well as onto any exposed portions of the underlying protective lacquer layer and onto a surrounding area of the skim coat. The cross-linked phenoxy resin comprises a solvent-soluble phenoxy resin of the formula ##STR1## wherein the solvent-soluble phenoxy resin is cross-linked by a melamine formaldehyde resin.

Abstract: There is provided a thermal transfer sheet comprising: a substrate film; and a release layer, a protective layer, and a hot-melt ink layer provided in that order on one side of the substrate film.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a variably imaged document, such as a permit or license which is a multiple layered form or label construction that can be attached to a window or any translucent surface. The multiple layered form or label assembly is constructed of two separate material combinations laminated together. A variably imaged receptive pressure sensitive stock is used in one combination and a pressure sensitive plastic film stock is used in the other and the two combinations are laminated together to form the multiple layered construction using adhesives and patterns of release coatings. The assembly is die cut in a fashion that allows the removal of the center laminated portion that carries the variable information for the license or permit and is die cut in a manner that provides the adhering of the document to the inside of the window via the pressure sensitive adhesive on the exposed perimeter of the transparent plastic film.

Abstract: A thermal transfer recording medium providing clear printed images with a metallic luster without causing blocking is disclosed which comprises a foundation, and provided on one side of the foundation in order from the foundation side, at least a colored ink layer or a substantially colorless transparent layer with no coloring agent, a metal deposition layer and an adhesive layer, and a heat-resistant layer provided between the metal deposition layer and the adhesive layer and comprising as the main component a resin having a glass transition temperature of not lower than 65.degree. C. and a melt viscosity of not higher than 1.times.10.sup.3 cps at 160.degree. C.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a tire comprising a colored motif and a decal inted to be applied to the outer surface of a vulcanized rubber tire. The decal is made of a thin sheet serving as temporary support for a motif made with one or more vulcanizable colored inks. The support has at least one cutout having a shape adapted to permit the fitting therein of at least one element in relief protruding from the surface of a tire at the place selected for the colored motif.

Abstract: Ink-imprintable release coating compositions are described which comprise a polymer comprising a polyurethane, a fluoroacrylate polymer or copolymer, or an addition cured or a condensation cured silicone polymer containing dispersed and/or emulsified resin particles, resin particle domains, or both, and, optionally, inorganic particles. The resin particles comprise resins which are different from the polymers and the resins comprise polyurethanes, polyamides, and polyureas. Ink-imprintable label, tape and stamp constructions also are described which comprise a plurality of contiguous labels, tapes or stamps in a roll or stacked sheet configuration without an independent release liner wherein the labels, tapes and stamps have a pressure-sensitive adhesive on the back surface and a cured ink-imprintable release coating on the face surface.

Abstract: A temporary decal comprising a porous paper base coated with a water-soluble slip layer (e.g., dextrin gum) on which offset printing inks are directly imprinted using a high speed lithographic press. The inks are printed in a designated area only, in a desired image. A clear spot coating, preferably of an aqueous material, is then printed over the image area only. A contact adhesive is then spot printed over the image area of each decal, preferably using a silk screen press. A removable cover sheet, such as a silicone-coated sheet, is placed over the contact adhesive of each printed sheet of decals to keep the sheets from sticking together. The spot coating acts as a protective layer that keeps the contact adhesive from migrating to the surface of the decal after the finished temporary tattoo is applied to the skin. Without the spot coating, the surface of the decal would become sticky to the touch and the decal would come off faster because of friction with the surrounding environment.

Abstract: In accordance with this invention, there is provided an image transfer sheet to transfer a colored image to hair. The image transfer sheet comprises at least a first gel layer, a color layer, and a second gel layer. The present invention includes a process to use the image transfer sheet. The process entails contacting the sheet to hair and applying sufficient heat and/or pressure to the sheet and hair so the colored image transfers to the hair.

Abstract: A heat transfer tape has a usual substrate, a layer of heat transfer ink on one side of the substrate and a separation layer between the substrate and the layer of heat transfer ink. The separation layer is waxed and contains waxes having a melting point from about 70 to 110.degree. C., as well as a wax softening polymer with a glass transition temperature Tg from -30 to -70.degree. C. The layer of heat transfer ink contains at least 20 wt % natural resin, modified natural resin and/or synthetic resin. This heat transfer tape gives particularly scratch- and solvent-resistant prints.

Abstract: A thermally sensitized sheet having excellent light resistance and weather resistance and capable of suppressing deterioration, a decrease clearness and color change of an image formed by a dye transferred to a reception layer. The thermally sensitized sheet includes a substrate 1 on which a dye reception layer 2 is formed.

Abstract: Provided is two kind of thermal transfer sheets comprising a substrate and a white transfer layer, the white transfer layer being to be transferred onto an image-formed portion of an image-receiving sheet. In the one kind, white transfer layer includes a white ink layer containing a white pigment and/or a filler, and has a total light transmittance of 30 to 95% and a haze of 30 to 95% due to the white ink layer. In another kind, the white transfer layer includes a white ink layer and a peeling layer, the white ink layer containing a white pigment and/or a filler, the peeling layer laminated between the white ink layer and the substrate, and capable of causing a cohesive failure thereby converting into an irregular surface of a printed material through a transferring process. The present invention also provides printed materials by the using of the thermal transfer sheets described above and recording methods for producing of the printed materials.

Abstract: An ink transfer sheet and method for using the same. The transfer sheet includes a backing layer, a release layer on the backing layer, and an ink receiving layer on the release layer. The ink receiving layer contains a quaternary ammonium salt thereon or impregnated therein. To use the transfer sheet, an ink containing an anionic coloring agent is applied to the ink receiving layer, preferably using thermal inkjet methods. Thereafter, the transfer sheet is positioned on a fabric substrate. Heat is applied to the sheet which causes the release layer and ink receiving layer to adhere to the substrate. The backing layer is then detached from the release layer leaving the release and ink receiving layers (with the printed image thereon) on the substrate. This process transfers the image to the fabric substrate, with the image being stabilized by interactions between the quaternary ammonium salt and anionic coloring agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing decorated ceramic and glass articles according to which a ceramic dye composition, including fine particles which comprise ceramic pigments and binding medium resin(s) as well as possible further additives, is applied by means of an electrophotographic reproduction process onto a transfer means, for example paper coated with gum arabic, the transfer means coated with the ceramic dye composition is applied onto the ceramic or glass article, and after removal of the transfer means, the ceramic dye composition is combined with the ceramic or glass article by baking. The invention also includes decorative ceramic or glass articles obtainable by means of the above process and a ceramic dye composition of the type mentioned above.

Abstract: A method of applique and the resulting article is described that includes forming a first image (20) on a mesh-like material layer (18), forming a second image (24) on an underlying substrate (22), and attaching the mesh-like material layer to the substrate so that the first image overlays the second image. The first and second images are substantially the same images. In one embodiment, the mesh-like material layer is attached to the substrate such that the first image directly overlays the second image. In another embodiment, the mesh-like material layer is attached to the substrate such that the first image overlays the second image at a slight offset. By attaching the mesh-like material layer over the substrate in either of these ways, the resulting combined image appears three-dimensionalized.

Abstract: A thermal transfer sheet having a base sheet; a thermal transfer dye layer formed on the front side of the base sheet; and a heat resisting and lubricating layer formed on the reverse side of the base sheet. Even if the thermal transfer dye layer contains an indoaniline dye, deterioration in the indoaniline dye can be prevented, the preservability of the thermal transfer can be maintained, fusion of the thermal transfer sheet to a thermal head can be prevented and smooth movement of the thermal transfer sheet is enabled. Thus, sticking which occurs during a printing operation can be prevented.

Abstract: An over-the-counter type identification document is prepared by forming at least one first indicium (typically invariant data common to a large number of identification documents) on a core layer, sandwiching this core layer between a pair of substantially transparent polymer layers, providing an image-receiving layer on one or both outer surfaces of the resulting sandwich, forming a second indicium (typically variable data relating only to a single identification document) on the image-receiving layer(s) and laminating a protective layer or layers over the image-receiving layer(s). The identification document displays improved durability and security and can be rendered substantially identical in appearance to documents produced by known central issue production methods.

Abstract: A thermal transfer sheet is provided which can provide a sharp image having a satisfactory density and excellent various types of fastness, particularly excellent light fastness.The thermal transfer sheet comprises a substrate sheet and a dye layer provided on one surface of the substrate sheet.

Abstract: In a process for the production of a stamping foil such as a hot stamping foil having a decorative layer provided on a carrier film only in a region-wise manner, corresponding to a desired patterning of the substrate, negative regions of the decorative layer, which do not remain on the carrier film, are removed from the carrier film of the stamping foil by being pulled off by means of a recipient foil.

Abstract: The invention provides ink sheets for thermal transfer recording including a heat resistant lubricating layer, having sufficient lubricating characteristic on the surface of heat resistant lubricating layer, excellent in running stability in recording, and showing favorable storage characteristic hardly lowered in the lubricating characteristic after storage in the condition of high temperature and high humidity, and also ink sheets and image-receiving sheets for sublimation type thermal transfer recording, excellent in thermal fusion preventing characteristic between the ink sheet and image-receiving sheet, showing favorable storage characteristic less contaminated by dye by re-transfer of dye after storage in the condition of high temperature and high humidity, reusable in paint, and hence economical.

Abstract: A thermal transfer sheet comprising a substrate having a coating comprising a substituted hindered indoline dye and a process for the use of such transfer sheets in dye diffusion thermal transfer printing.

Abstract: A thermal transfer medium which forms images with high speed thermal transfer printers is provided which comprises a substrate, a first coating comprised of at least 75 wt. % of a wax, a second coating comprising a sensible material such as a pigment and a binder resin with high hot tack properties in an amount of at least 20 wt. % based on total dry components and an optional third coating which does not contain any coloring agent. The first coating has a melt viscosity and cohesion lower than that of the second coating and preferably lower hot tack properties to simplify complete transfer to a receiving substrate. The coating formulation provides high adhesion to a receiving substrate with reduced adhesion to the flexible substrate of the thermal transfer medium, allowing for rapid transfer to a receiving substrate as required with high speed thermal transfer printers.

Abstract: The invention provides a transfer printing film for thermally printing patterns on golf balls. An ink layer disposed on one side of a substrate film contains as a main vehicle a polyamide bearing methoxymethyl group or a vinylchloride-vinylacetate-vinylalcohol copolymer bearing hydroxyl group. Softening point of the polyamide or the copolymer is relatively low, and thus, the pattern formed by the ink layer is transfered at a lower temperature. Both the methoxymethyl group of the polyamide and the hydroxyl group of the copolymer reacts with isocyanate group to form urethane bond, and thus, in the operation of finishing the golf ball with a two-component urethane paint, urethane bondings are formed between the urethane clear top coat and the printed pattern.

Abstract: A colorant-donor element for thermal colorant transfer comprising a support having thereon a colorant layer having a laser radiation-absorbing material associated therewith, wherein the laser radiation-absorbing material comprises a polymer containing within its repeat units a laser radiation-absorbing chromophore comprising an organic moiety having a plurality of conjugated double bonds and an optical absorption of from about 400 to about 1200 nm, and wherein the organic moiety is capable of forming at least two covalent bonds to the polymer backbone.

Abstract: A donor film for a color filter is provided. The donor film includes a support layer, a light absorbing layer and a transfer layer, wherein the transfer layer comprises an acryl resin represented by the following formula (1) as a bonding resin: ##STR1## where R.sub.1 indicates a hydrogen or methyl group; R.sub.2 indicates C.sub.1 .about.C.sub.12 alkyl, C.sub.2 .about.C.sub.10 hydroxyalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aromatic ring, C.sub.5 .about.C.sub.10 cycloalkyl or benzyl group; R.sub.3 indicates C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aromatic ring, C.sub.5 .about.C.sub.10 cycloalkyl or benzyl group; X indicates a vinyl group, epoxy group or hydrogen atom; and 0.1.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.0.65, 0.3.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.0.8 and 0.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.0.2 (Here, a, b and c denote mole fractions, and the sum of a, b and c is 1).

Abstract: A colorant-donor element for thermal colorant transfer comprising a support having thereon a colorant layer having a laser radiation-absorbing material associated therewith, and wherein the laser radiation-absorbing material comprises an ionic polymer having a certain charge having associated therewith an ionic dye of opposite charge, the ionic dye comprising a laser radiation-absorbing chromophore comprising an organic moiety having a plurality of conjugated double bonds and an optical absorption of from about 400 to about 1200 nm.

Abstract: A sublimation thermal transfer recording material which includes a substrate and an ink layer formed on the substrate for forming a color image, the ink layer including a plurality of sublimable dye groups each of which has different hue and each of which includes one or more sublimable dyes, wherein, provided that weighted average values of solubility of each dye to toluene in each sublimable dye group are values D1, D2, D3, . . . , and Dn, and a maximum value thereof is Dh, each of the values Dn other than the maximum value Dh is greater than about 0.5.times.Dh, and/or wherein, provided that weighted average values of a product of solubility of each dye to toluene and an extinction coefficient of the dye in each sublimable dye group are values E1, E2, E3, . . . , and En, and a maximum value thereof is Eh, each of the values En other than the maximum value Eh is greater than about 0.5.times.Eh.

Abstract: A laminating method for objects such as important documents, old documents and other printed matters to prevent a forgery or quality degradation of those objects or to protect the surfaces of those objects. In the lamination method, a released paper sheet, released synthetic resin film or non-released synthetic resin film is laminated using a thermoplastic resin solution, thereby forming a lamination sheet as a medium, so that the resultant synthetic resin thin film on the lamination sheet is subsequently transferred onto an object as the lamination sheet passes through a nip defined between pressing rollers along with the object.

Abstract: A heat-transfer label suitable for use on silane-treated glass containers, refundable polyethylene terephthalate containers, and the like. According to one embodiment, the label includes a sheet of paper overcoated with a release layer of polyethylene. A skim coat of wax is overcoated onto the polyethylene-coated paper. A protective lacquer layer comprising a polyester, polyester/vinyl or polyester/vinyl with wax lacquer is printed onto the skim coat. An ink design layer comprising one or more polyester inks is printed onto the protective lacquer layer. An adhesive layer comprising a polyester, polyester/vinyl or polyester/vinyl with wax adhesive is printed onto the ink design layer.

Abstract: A thermal recording element consisting of a support having thereon a recording layer comprising hollow spherical beads dispersed in a hydrophilic binder, the beads having a mean diameter of about 0.2 .mu.m to about 1.5 .mu.m and a void volume of about 40% to about 90%.

Abstract: A thermal transfer recording method is disclosed. The process comprises a recording material comprising a support having thereon an ink layer containing a thermally diffusible chelatable dye and an image-receiving material comprising a support having thereon an image-receiving layer containing a compound having metal ions are superposed so that the ink layer of a recording material and the images-receiving layer of an image-receiving material are brought into contact with each other; the superposed recording material is heated imagewise employing a thermal head, whereby the thermally diffusible chelatable dye is transferred to the image-receiving layer to form an image; the image-receiving material having the image and a releasing agent-containing thin sheet material are brought into contact so that the image-receiving layer is brought into contact with the image-receiving layer; and the image-receiving material is heated through the thin sheet material.

Abstract: There is provided a protective layer transfer sheet comprising: a substrate sheet; and a thermally transferable protective layer provided on at least a part of one side of the substrate sheet, the protective layer comprising at least an aromatic polycarbonate resin which is soluble in a nonhalogenated solvent and has a glass transition temperature Tg of 80.degree. C. or above.There is also provided a print comprising a substrate having, on at least one side thereof, at least a dye image and a protective layer covering at least a part of the image, the protective layer having been formed by transfer from the above protective layer transfer sheet.

Abstract: The present invention features a method of applying images and text to surfaces that ordinarily cannot fit within an inkjet printing machine, such as license plate blanks. The method of the invention uses a specially designed transfer sheet to receive inkjet ink images and text. The carrier layer of the transfer sheet containing the inkjet image and text is removed or otherwise peeled from the transfer sheet backing and then adhered to the license plate blank. A computer is used to construct the inkjet image and text that are printed onto the carrier surface of the transfer sheet. A final resin/pigment layer is coated upon the upper surface of the carrier layer in order to receive the inkjet ink that has been fashioned into image and text by means of the computer.

Abstract: A heat-transfer label including a novel acrylic adhesive layer. In a preferred embodiment, the label is used in decorating polyethylene-coated glass articles subjected to pasteurization conditions and includes (a) a support portion in the form of a sheet of paper overcoated with a release layer of polyethylene, (b) a skim coat of wax overcoated onto the polyethylene release layer and (c) a transfer portion, the transfer portion including a cross-linked phenoxy protective lacquer layer printed onto the skim coat, a polyester ink layer printed onto the protective lacquer layer, a first adhesive layer printed onto the ink layer, any exposed portions of the underlying protective lacquer layer and a surrounding area of the skim coat, and a second adhesive layer printed onto the first adhesive layer. The first adhesive layer is made by depositing an adhesive composition comprising a water-based all-acrylic elastomeric polymer emulsion.

Abstract: A thermal transfer medium with widely variable properties is obtained through the use of a thermosoftenable coating with regions or layers with distinct viscosity values and hot tack properties. The top surface of the coating has a high concentration of polymers obtained from selectively curable monomers and the bottom surface of the coating has a high concentration of uncured monomers which are selectively curable. The top surface of the coating provides high adhesion to a receiving substrate and the bottom surface of the coating provides reduced adhesion to the supporting substrate of the thermal transfer medium. This allows for rapid transfer and high adhesion to a receiving substrate. Selected thermal transfer media will form images on rough stock and/or will form images with high speed printers.

Abstract: A transfer sheet, for an adhesive layer, for use in the formation of an image by a thermal transfer process, an image forming method using the transfer sheet for an adhesive layer, and an object with an image formed thereon are disclosed. A transfer sheet 1 for an adhesive layer comprises: a substrate sheet 2; and an adhesive layer 3 and an interposing layer 4 laminated in that order on the substrate sheet 2. The substrate sheet 2 and the adhesive layer 3 are separable from each other. The use of the transfer sheet for an adhesive layer in combination with an intermediate transfer medium enables a desired image having a high quality to be efficiently formed on a particular article.