Abstract: An image-receiving sheet for thermal transfer printing comprises a substrate, a color receptor layer formed on one surface of the substrate, and a back surface layer formed on an other surface of the substrate. The back surface layer comprises thermoplastic resin and hydrophilic porous microsilica which is obtained by a wet process and has a pore volume of from 0.2 to 3.0 ml/g. It is possible to write with any kind of writing means on the back surface layer, and a stamp can be stuck thereon. When printing information is recorded on the color receptor layer of the image-receiving sheet for thermal transfer printing, the image-receiving sheet therefor is converted into a printed material which may be used as a picture postcard.

Abstract: A thermal transfer image-receiving sheet having a dye-receiving layer, which is excellent in reaction rate of a release agent, coating strength of a release layer and releasability from a thermal transfer sheet. The thermal transfer image-receiving sheet comprises a substrate sheet and a dye-receiving layer provided on at least one surface of the substrate sheet, wherein the dye-receiving layer contains a release agent mixture comprising an addition-polymerizable silicone and a hydrogen-modified silicone or wherein the dye-receiving layer has on its surface a release layer comprising an addition-polymerizable silicone and a hydrogen-modified silicone. The present invention relates also to a process for producing the above thermal transfer image-receiving sheets.

Abstract: A produces a picture with an integrated picture frame. In the method, a dye sublimation process is used to transfer a design to a plastic sheet. The design includes an image of the picture and an image of the integrated picture frame for the picture. After transfer of the design to the plastic sheet, the plastic sheet is pressed in order to shape the plastic sheet into a three-dimensional form in appearance of a framed picture.

Abstract: A dental decal (10) for application on a person's tooth (24) is disclosed. The dental decal includes a substrate (12) formed of non-toxic, moisture-resistant polyethylene film material, a design (18) printed on one face of the substrate with non-toxic ink, and a layer of non-toxic, ingestible, medical grade adhesive (20) on the other face of the substrate for permitting the dental decal to be firmly affixed to the person's tooth.

Abstract: A thermal dye transfer sheet having a dye layer provided on at least one side of a substrate, which is used for thermal dye transfer recording system carrying out recording by transferring a dye or dyes in the dye layer to a dye-receiving material by heating means, wherein the dye layer contains a pyrazolonemethine type dye of the following formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 can be respectively independently selected and are a lower alkyl group which may be substituted, a lower alkenyl group which may be substituted or an aryl group which may be substituted; andR.sup.3 and R.sup.4 can be respectively independently selected and are a lower alkyl group which may be substituted, a dialkylamino group, a --COOR.sup.5 group or a --CONR.sup.6 R.sup.7 group, in which R.sup.5 is a lower alkyl group which may be substituted, a lower alkenyl group which may be substituted or an aryl group which may be substituted and R.sup.6 and R.sup.

Abstract: The form (1) has an integrated, separable card. Parts (K1, K2) superimposed in the card are juxtaposed in the form (1), but can be bonded together by folding onto one another. Such cards are also called butterfly cards. At least one of the two card surfaces (F1) can be individually inscribed in the form (1), the inscription in the finished card being superimposed by a further layer and is consequently optionally sealed. For producing the form (1) it is sufficient to apply a prefabricatable multilayer material (2, 3) on one side to a form sheet (1) and in the vicinity of this material to perform at least one punching (S1, S2). The cards according to the invention can be punched out completely from the form (1), i.e. in web or frame-free manner and can consequently be easily released.

Abstract: An article of composite design for attachment to another fabric article, comprising an underlying layer of twill on one side of which an ink portion of the composite design has been screen printed and heat cured. The twill is cut into a desired shape so that the twill and the ink portion form the composite design, the portion of the twill without ink printed thereon forming a substantial portion of the composite design. Methods of making and attaching the composite design are disclosed.

Abstract: A phase change optical recording medium in which writing, reading and/or erasing of information is conducted by utilizing change of phase of a recording layer by irradiation of a light beam, said recording medium comprising a substrate, a first transparent protecting layer of an amorphous dielectric material on the substrate, a recording layer of a chalcogen alloy on the first transparent protecting layer, an adhesive layer of a crystalline sulfide 10 to 30 nm thick on the second recording layer, a second transparent protecting layer of an amorphous dielectric material on the adhesive layer, and a reflection layer of a crystalline alloy mainly comprising aluminum on the adhesive layer.

Abstract: Described is a back-side coating formulation for a heat-sensitive recording material. The coating formulation comprises, in a liquid medium, a reaction product obtained by reacting (a) a polysiloxane compound containing at least one functional group reactive with an isocyanate group, (b) a silane coupling agent containing at least one functional group selected from a functional group reactive with an isocyanate group or an isocyanate group, and (c) a polyisocyanate. The reaction product has been obtained by conducting the reaction under the condition of R>1 or R.ltoreq.1, R being an equivalent ratio of isocyanate group(s) to group(s) reactive with isocyanate group(s) (isocyanate group(s)/group(s) reactive with isocyanate group(s)) and in the case of R.ltoreq.1, the silane coupling agent contains at least one hydrolyzable group in addition to the reactive group.

Abstract: A polymeric film having a translucent first layer of polymeric material, a transparent second layer of polymeric material on at least one surface of the first layer, and an adherent layer comprising an acrylic resin on the surface of the second layer remote from the first layer is disclosed. Both the first and second layers are preferably formed of biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate. The first layer contains an inorganic filler opacifying agent. The polymeric film is particularly suitable for use as an upper sheet in a re-usable label employing the "magic slate" principle.

Abstract: An optical disk can provide a sufficiently wide power margin for a recording power even when the optical disk has a high-recording density. The optical disk has a transparent substrate on which a recording layer in which information can be rewritten by at least irradiation of laser beam, a dielectric layer and a thermal conduction control layer are sequentially deposited. The thermal conduction control layer comprises a first low thermal conductivity layer, a first high thermal conductivity layer, a second low thermal conductivity layer and a second high thermal conductivity layer sequentially deposited thereon.

Abstract: A label is disclosed which includes a first, base layer coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive for attachment to a selected product. A layer of release material is coated onto a portion of the base layer. A second layer is coated on a portion of its underside with a pressure sensitive adhesive for permanent attachment to the base layer in regions thereof that are not coated with release material, and temporary attachment to the base layer in regions thereof that are coated with release material.

Abstract: A preformed fiber optic applique having a backing layer is provided. The backing layer or film, has an adhesive coating applied thereon. At least one optical fiber is routed and bonded to the adhesive layer providing a continuous optical signal path from one end to another. A releasable liner is releasably attached to the adhesive layer and positioned to cover the backing layer including the at least one optical fiber. Microstructures are provided on the backing layer in one embodiment. The microstructures are crushable structures that prevent the adhesive from immediately adhering to a substrate.

Abstract: A thermal transfer image-receiving sheet including a substrate sheet and a dye-receptive layer provided directly or through an intermediate layer on one surface of the substrate sheet, the dye-receptive layer having a surface roughness of center line average height Ra=1.0-4.0 .mu.m, maximum height R.sub.max =15.0-37.0 .mu.m and 10-point average height Rz=10.0-30.0 .mu.m. Also disclosed is a thermal transfer image-receiving sheet comprising paper as a substrate sheet and, provided on the substrate sheet in the following order, an expanded layer and a receptive layer, an undercoat layer being provided between the substrate sheet and the expanded layer. Also disclosed is a thermal transfer image-receiving sheet comprising a substrate sheet of paper composed mainly of pulp and, provided on the substrate sheet in the following order, an expanded layer, an intermediate layer and a receptive layer, the intermediate layer having been formed by coating an aqueous coating solution.

Abstract: A holographic image that has been transferred from a conventional polymeric support to an aluminum stock element is described in this invention. A host of images may be envisioned and since this image, on a aluminum stock element, may then be wound up in a roll, it can be used in the manufacture of cans, containers and the like. The aluminum stock element containing the holographic image may also be used in sheets for advertisements and the like. This element and process permits the wide spread use of such holographic images, such use not being available until now.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing a thermal image in an image receiving layer, includes: adding a reactive plastisizer which is capable of being cross-linked upon the application of radiation to the image receiving layer; transferring the thermal image to the image receiving layer; and applying radiation to the image receiving layer sufficient to cross-link the plastisizer and thereby stabilize the image.

Abstract: A thermal transfer printing dye sheet comprising a substrate, a dye coat comprising a dye and a polymeric binder on the substrate and an over coat of styrene/butadiene copolymer on the dye coat is disclosed.

Abstract: An improved process for the transfer of a holographic image from a conventional polymeric support to a tissue paper substrate at reduced temperatures is described in this invention. A host of images may be envisioned and since this image, on tissue paper substrate, may then be wound up in a roll, it can be used within the paper industry for a host of processes such as in the wrapping of candies, gums, gifts and the like. This element and process permits the wide spread use of such holographic images, such use not being available until now. The holographic image is improved over that transferred at a somewhat higher temperature range.

Abstract: A composite thermal transfer sheet 100 comprising: a thermal transfer film 10 comprising a base film 11 and a heat-fusible ink layer 13 formed on the base film 11; and a thermal transfer image-receiving sheet 20 comprising a substrate 21 and a receptor layer 22 formed on the substrate 21, the receptor layer 22 comprising a thermoplastic resin, which has an adhesive property, and an inorganic and/or organic filler, the receptor layer 22 and the heat-fusible ink layer 13 being peelably bonded to each other by the adhesive property of the thermoplastic resin in the receptor layer 22, so that the thermal transfer film 10 and the thermal transfer image-receiving sheet 20 are peelably bonded to each other.

Abstract: In a melt-type thermal transfer printing apparatus, an ink ribbon is brought into contact with a recording medium. A thermal head presses the ink ribbon. By controlling an electric power supplied to the thermal head, a melt or fusion area of ink is controlled so as to obtain a multi-gradational image on the recording medium. The recording medium is a porous surfaced medium having a multilayered porous layer containing numerous pores having a porous diameter in a range up to about 25 .mu.m.

Abstract: Backlit sign fabric formed by coating release paper with ink, applying a plastisol coating onto the dried ink, applying a reinforcing scrim onto the coating, curing the product, then removing the release paper.

Abstract: A method for transferring colorant from a donor element to a compact disc (CD) includes holding a CD in the focal plane of a focused laser beam with a colorant donor element being positioned in transferable relationship with the CD and focusing a laser beam on the colorant donor element to heat the donor element to a sufficient temperature to transfer colorant to the CD to thereby effect the transfer of colorant from the donor element to the CD.

Abstract: A dye-receiving element for thermal dye transfer comprising a support having on one side thereof a polymeric dye image-receiving layer and on the other side thereof a backing layer comprising a water-soluble polymeric binder, inorganic particles, and a cationic, polymeric mordant for anionic dyes.

Abstract: A method for affixing a thermal dye transfer image to a magnetic substrate comprising:a) applying a heat-activatable adhesive on a release paper to a magnetic substrate;b) peeling off the release paper;c) imagewise heating a dye-donor element in face-to-face contact with an intermediate dye-receiving element comprising a dye-receiving layer which is weakly bonded to a substrate, thereby creating an image on the intermediate dye-receiving element;d) laminating the imaged intermediate dye-receiving element in face-to-face contact with the heat-activatable adhesive layer on the magnetic substrate;e) applying heat and/or pressure to the assemblage sufficient to activate the adhesive; andf) peeling off the weakly bonded support of the imaged intermediate dye-receiving element, thereby forming a thermal dye transfer image on the magnetic substrate.

Abstract: A recording material comprising a transparent substrate which has a recording layer on one side and a peelable hiding layer on the other side is provided. By using the recording material of the present invention, a solid image portion in white or other color, in particular, with hiding property, can be formed on a transparent substrate with easy operation.

Abstract: A dye-receiver element comprising a support having thereon a dye-receiving layer containing a thermally-transferred dye image, the dye-receiving layer having on top thereof a transparent protective sheet comprising a polyester resin containing an ultraviolet absorbing agent.

Abstract: A heat-sensitive transfer recording medium is disclosed which comprises a support having thereon a first ink layer and a second ink layer provided on the first ink layer, the first ink layer comprising a coloring agent and an epoxy resin, the second ink layer comprising a coloring agent and a polyester resin. The heat-sensitive transfer recording medium is advantageously used to form a printed image excellent in both scratch resistance and alcohol resistance on an image receptor comprising a polyester film or an image receptor comprising a substrate having thereon an image-receiving layer comprising a polyester resin.

Abstract: A thermal transfer recording material is provided which comprises a foundation and, provided thereon, a heat-meltable ink layer comprising a coloring agent, a heat-meltable binder material and a particulate wax, the heat-meltable binder material comprising 30 to 90% by weight of an epoxy resin and 10 to 70% by weight of a copolymer resin comprising vinyl chloride and vinyl acetate, the particulate wax having an average particle diameter of 0.05 to 15 .mu.m.

Abstract: Printable ink jet laminateable labels comprised of (1) a substrate; (2) a first ink receiving coating on the front side of the substrate capable of absorbing an ink vehicle, and which receiving layer coating is comprised of (a) a hydrophilic binder polymer, (b) an ink spreading agent, (c) a dye mordant, (d) a lightfastness inducing agent or component, (e) an optional biocide, (f) an optional filler, and (h) an optional latex binder; (3) a second heat and pressure sensitive adhesive coating in contact with the back, or reverse of the front side of the substrate, and which adhesive is comprised of a polymer with a glass transition temperature of from between about a negative -100.degree. C. to about 25.degree. C.; and (4) a peelable release paper covering the adhesive coated side of the label, which release paper is coated with a release polymer.

Abstract: There is provided a receptor layer transfer sheet which is capable of providing images of high quality on a transfer receiving material having an unsmooth surface, even when it is used in combination with a conventional thermal transfer material.There is also provided a thermal transfer sheet which is capable of providing images of high quality on a transfer receiving material having an unsmooth surface.There is further provided a thermal transfer method and a thermal transfer apparatus which are capable of providing images of high quality and do not require a special detection mark provided in (or on) a thermal transfer sheet to be used in combination therewith.

Abstract: A reusable thermal dye donor element for a dye transfer thermal printer comprising: a base layer; and a donor layer on said base layer, said donor layer having a plurality of wells which preferentially adsorb and desorb dye into said wells.

Abstract: A composite thermal transfer sheet 100 comprising: a thermal transfer film 10 comprising a base film 11 and a heat-fusible ink layer 13 formed on the base film 11; and a thermal transfer image-receiving sheet 20 comprising a substrate 21 and at least one receptor layer 22 formed on the substrate 21, the thermal transfer film 10 and the thermal transfer image-receiving sheet 20 being peelably bonded at the sides of the heat-fusible ink layer 13 and the receptor layer 22 respectively, the receptor layer 22 including colorant and binder, the binder including pyroxyline or polyamide resin.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a game ball, such as a golf ball, having an indicia formed from a UV curable ink containing aluminum trihydroxide (ATH) filler. The ATH improves pad transfer of the ink. An ink composition suitable for pad printing, and a method for applying an indicia to a game ball also are disclosed. The UV curable ink has excellent pad transfer properties, and good durability.

Abstract: A thermal printing donor sheet comprising a support having first and second opposing surfaces; a transferable dye layer on the first surface of the support; and a thermally conductive layer on the second surface of the supporting including a metal undercoat layer with a converted outer layer in the form of a thin wear resistant material.

Abstract: A thermal transfer recording material comprising a foundation and a heat-meltable ink layer comprising a vehicle and a pigment provided on the foundation, the vehicle comprising not less than 85% by weight of an epoxy resin, the epoxy resin comprising not less than 50% by weight of at least one of tetraphenolethane tetraglycidyl ether and a bromide thereof, cresol novolac polyglycidyl ether and a bromide thereof, and bisphenol F diglycidyl ether and a bromide thereof. The recording material has excellent transferability and gives printed images excellent heat resistance, solvent resistance and scratch resistance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a retroreflective sheeting including: optical elements arranged in substantially a monolayer; a spacing layer in which the optical elements are at least partially embedded; a specularly reflecting layer underlying the spacing layer; and a bead bond layer in which the optical elements are at least partially embedded. The bead bond layer includes an aminoplast-crosslinked polymer comprising urethane groups, wherein prior to crosslinking the polymer has a glass transition temperature (Tg) of less than about 0.degree. C.

Abstract: A thermal transfer medium comprising:a thermal transfer film comprising a substrate film and a hot-melt ink layer provided on said substrate film, said hot-melt ink layer containing a thermoplastic elastomer having a rubber elasticity; and an image receiving sheet superposed peelably onto said thermal transfer film on the side of said hot-melt ink layer; wherein (i) the thermal transfer medium is formed by separately preparing said image receiving sheet and said thermal transfer film, superposing said image receiving sheet on said thermal transfer film on the side of said hot-melt ink layer, and adhering said image receiving sheet and said thermal transfer film in a peelable manner; (ii) said hot-melt ink layer is formed by coating said substrate film with a hot-melt ink; (iii) the adhesive strength under shear in an area of adhesion between said thermal transfer film on the side of said hot-melt ink layer and a 25.times.55 m.sup.2 area of said image receiving sheet ranges from 300 to 2000 g; and (iv) the 90.

Abstract: A thermal transfer recording medium is provided which comprises: a foundation; a release layer; a fine-particle-containing layer containing a binder comprising a heat-meltable resin as a principal component thereof and fine particles dispersed therein; and a color ink layer containing a binder comprising a heat-meltable resin as a principal component thereof; the release layer, the fine-particle-containing layer and the color ink layer being provided on one side of the foundation in this order.

Abstract: A donor sheet for providing a protective cover over a thermally transferred image which comprises a carrier base sheet having a surface coated with a layer of transparent thermally transferable cover material, the cover material comprising a layer of submicron lamina particles and sufficient of a thermoplastic binder to provide the layer with physical integrity and adhesion to the carrier base sheet is disclosed. The lamina particles of the cover material are incorporated to provide a physical barrier for reducing ingress of dye-leaching materials such as grease and plasticizers commonly found in plastic wallets and other such containers.

Abstract: A benzothiazole azo dye for thermal transfer recording of the following formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is a C.sub.3-8 branched chain alkyl group, R.sup.2 is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, X is a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, a formylamino group, a lower alkylcarbonylamino group, a lower alkoxycarbonylamino group or a benzoylamino group, Y is a chlorine atom or a bromine atom, and Z is a hydrogen atom, a chlorine atom or a bromine atom.

Abstract: A transfer printing dye-sheet for printing a dye of a pattern and/or an image thereon to a receiver sheet is disclosed. The transfer printing dye-sheet is composed of a substrate having on one surface thereof a pressure-sensitive film binder, a first layer of transparent oil coated onto the pressure-sensitive film binder, a layer dye of pattern and/or image which is ultraviolet light-curable being printed onto the first layer of transparent oil, a second layer of transparent oil coated onto the dye of pattern and/or image, and a transfer film covering the second layer of transparent oil. The process of preparing the transfer printing dye-sheet is also disclosed. The transfer printing dye-sheet can transferably print more beautiful and reliable patterns and/or images onto a receiver sheet in an economical manner.

Abstract: When a temporary adhesive layer for peelably bonding a transfer-receiving material to a thermal transfer sheet comprising a substrate film and a heat-fusible ink layer disposed on one side thereof is caused to comprise a specific adhesive, an excellent composite thermal transfer material is provided. In such a composite thermal transfer sheet, the thermal transfer sheet is firmly bonded to the transfer-receiving material so as not to cause wrinkles or deviation, both of these members may easily be peeled from each other so that the ink layer is exactly transferred to the paper in a transfer region and it is not transferred thereto at all in a non-transfer region, whereby the transfer-receiving material is not contaminated. An antistatic treatment provides a composite thermal transfer sheet causing no trouble due to charging at the time of or after printing operation.

Abstract: Heat activated, translucent marking films are disclosed. The translucent, heat activated marking film has a transferable, translucent, plastic film and field of a heat activated, translucent adhesive adhered to the plastic film. The marking film is prepared and stored on a polymeric liner until transfer by heat to a substrate, such as a back-lit sign or an awning. The film can be cut into images prior to heat transfer to the substrate according to commercial graphics techniques.

Abstract: A holographic image that has been transferred from a conventional polymeric support to a board stock element is described in this invention. A host of images may be envisioned and since this image, on a board stock element, may then be wound up in a roll, it can be used in the manufacture of boxes, containers and the like. The board stock element containing the holographic image may also be used in sheets for advertisements and the like. This element and process permits the wide spread use of such holographic images, such use not being available until now.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for reusing an image recording material wherein a releasing property is imparted to at least substrate surface of an image recording material on which an image has been formed of an image forming material containing a heat fusible ingredient, a heat fusible material is added or attached onto the image recording material, a stripping member is contacted under pressure with the heat fusible material while heating the heat fusible material together with the image recording materials to fuse, and the image recording material is peeled off from the stripping member to transfer the image forming material together with the heat fusible material to the stripping member, thereby reusing the image recording material. The materials for imparting a releasing property to the substrate surface include silicone compounds such as silane compounds, preferably those silane compounds containing fine particles such as silicone resins.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for the application of a pattern on a work piece of thermoplastic material, preferably plastic, in which method a material, preferably fabric, carrying a predetermined pattern, is brought into contact against said work piece, that the plastic material is heated to a predetermined temperature, and that said patterned material is allowed to remain in contact with the plastic material for a predetermined time, so that the pattern is completely or partly taken up by the work piece, whereupon said pattern carrying material is removed, a method for the production of an object from the work piece with simultaneous application of the pattern, as well as an object produced according to the method.

Abstract: A cyan dye-donor element for thermal dye transfer comprising a support having thereon a dye layer comprising a mixture of cyan dyes dispersed in a polymeric binder, at least one of the cyan dyes having the formula: ##STR1## and at least one of the other of the dyes having the formula: ##STR2##

Abstract: A magenta dye-donor element for thermal dye transfer comprises a support having thereon a dye layer comprising a mixture of magenta dyes dispersed in a polymeric binder, at least one of the magenta dyes having the formula: ##STR1## and at least another of the magenta dyes having the formula: ##STR2##

Abstract: A method comprising the following steps:(a) creating a thermal transfer donor sheet by vapor depositing a colorant layer onto a support;(b) contacting a receptor sheet with the donor sheet such that the colorant layer is in intimate contact with the receptor sheet, wherein at least one of the donor and receptor sheets comprises a radiation-absorbing material;(b) imagewise exposing the contacted sheets to radiation of a wavelength absorbed by the radiation-absorbing material, thereby causing heating in the exposed regions, said heating causing thermal transfer of colorant from the donor sheet to the receptor sheet in an imagewise fashion.

Abstract: A biaxially orientated polyester film for sublimitation type thermal transfer printing having a coating layer and a sublimation type ink layer formed on the coating layer. The coating layer comprises an aqueous acrylic resin (A), an aqueous polyester (B) and an aqueous epoxy compound (C), weights of which satisfy the relationships: (1) 0.30.ltoreq.W.sub.A .ltoreq.0.90, (2) 0.10.ltoreq.W.sub.B .ltoreq.0.50, (3) 0.05.ltoreq.W.sub.C .ltoreq.0.30, and (4) 0.25.ltoreq.W.sub.C /W.sub.B .ltoreq.2 in which W.sub.A, W.sub.B and W.sub.C are weight ratios of the aqueous acrylic resin (A), the aqueous polyester (B), and the aqueous epoxy compound (C), respectively based the whole weight of the coating layer.