Abstract: A heat-transfer label including a non-wax, non-silicone release layer for use in decorating an article, such as a glass container, without leaving a visually discernible release residue on the decorated article. In a preferred embodiment, the label includes a transfer portion, the transfer portion comprising a protective lacquer layer, an ink design layer over the protective lacquer layer, and a heat-activatable adhesive layer over the ink design and protective lacquer layers, the adhesive layer extending beyond the peripheries of the ink design and protective lacquer layers. The protective lacquer layer preferably includes a cross-linked phenoxy resin, the ink design layer preferably includes a polyester resin, and the adhesive layer preferably includes a polyester resin and an anti-blocking agent, such as a paraffinic wax.

Abstract: A thermal transfer recording medium for forming a color image by superimposingly transferring plural different color inks, comprising a foundation and a color ink layer provided on the foundation, and a release layer comprising a wax interposed between the foundation and the color ink layer, wherein the thickness d1 of the release layer for a first color and the thickness d2 of the release layer for a second color satisfy the relationship represented by formula (I): d1<d2<2.0 d1.

Abstract: There is provided a thermal transfer sheet which can impart excellent durability to images formed on bases, and printed objects bearing images with excellent durability. The thermal transfer sheet has a releasable protective laminate prepared by laminating a protective layer composed mainly of solvent-insoluble organic fine particles and a binder resin, and an adhesive layer in that order on at least a portion of one side of a base sheet, and the printed objects are formed by transferring the protective laminate by the thermal transfer sheet so as to cover at least a portion of an image formed on a base by a heat-sensitive sublimation transfer system.

Abstract: A thermal transfer image-receiving sheet comprising a substrate sheet, a dye-receptive layer provided on one surface of the substrate sheet and a dye-unreceptive layer provided on the other surface of the substrate sheet, the dye-unreceptive layer comprising a composition composed mainly of at least one thermoplastic resin having at least one reactive functional group and an isocyanate compound or a chelate compound. A thermal transfer image-receiving sheet comprising a substrate sheet, a dye-receptive layer provided on one surface of the substrate sheet and a dye-unreceptive layer provided on the other surface of the substrate sheet, the dye-unreceptive layer comprising a release agent which is the same as that contained in the dye-receptive layer or does not migrate to other places, for example, comprises an amino-modified silicone and an epoxy-modified silicone or a product of a reaction of both of them, or an addition-polymerizable silicone or a cured product obtained by a reaction thereof.

Abstract: A planar form or structure is used to create a thin card capable of receiving and retaining printed indicia, including written signatures, on both opposing surfaces. The structure and related method allow the exposed carrier surface and the underlying release agent layer to receive and retain printed indicia, including written signatures, while retaining an extremely thin, yet tear-resistant, card structure. The release agent layer solidifies from a liquid to form a film capable of receiving and retaining printed indicia, written signatures, and the like which may be printed or written upon through the peeling away of the transparent lamina layer to expose the underlying release agent layer for receiving the indicia. The resulting structure preferably exhibits a flexibility due to its thickness lying within the range of 15-30 microns plus the thickness of the carrier.

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.

Abstract: A heat transfer white-image-printing sheet including a substrate film, and a white ink layer including a resin as a main component of the binder thereof and fine hollow particles, provided on one surface of the substrate film. This printing sheet can produce, with high sensitivity, an image having sufficiently high white-color density and hiding power, and excellent abrasion resistance.

Abstract: A dye-donor element for thermal dye transfer comprising a support having thereon at least one dye layer area comprising an image dye in a binder and another area comprising a transferable protection layer, the transferable protection layer area being approximately equal in size to the dye layer area, wherein the transferable protection layer contains inorganic particles, a polymeric binder and unexpanded synthetic thermoplastic polymeric microspheres, the microspheres having a particle size in the unexpanded condition of from about 5 to about 20 &mgr;m, and which expand to about 20 to about 120 &mgr;m upon application of heat during transfer of the protection layer to an image-receiving layer to provide a matte surface thereon, the transferable protection layer being less than about 1 &mgr;m thick.

Abstract: A transfer film (14) for transferring an ink comprising at least one liquid component. The film comprises a heat-activatable adhesive and an ink absorber, and may be mounted on a carrier film (12). The heat-activatable adhesive is in the form of a porous matrix bound together by the ink absorber. When an image is printed on the film, the film will absorb ink from the printer without spreading and blurring of the image. The surface of the film is then placed on the article (20) on which the image is to be transferred and heat applied. The activated adhesive then binds the film (14) to the article (20).

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 an alicyclic polyester resin prepared using an alicyclic compound as at least one of a diol component and an acid component. There is further 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 a thermoplastic resin and an ultraviolet absorber, the ultraviolet absorber being a benzotriazole ultraviolet absorber represented by formula (2), the content of the ultraviolet absorber in the protective layer being 10 to 40% by weight: wherein X and Y each independently represent an optionally branched alkyl or aralkyl group having 4 to 10 carbon atoms and Z represents a hydrogen or chlorine atom.

Abstract: A kit, comprising at least one transfer material comprising a support sheet and a transfer coating thereon, the support sheet having a front and back surface, the transfer coating positioned on the front surface of the support sheet, the transfer coating capable of melting and adhering to a receptor element having valleys or pores on the surface thereof by hand ironing, and a tack resistant and stick resistant overlying sheet.

Abstract: A decalcamania or dry transfer is disclosed in which a design indicium is supported on a flexible carrier sheet and a pressure sensitive adhesive is applied to the indicium and to the surrounding surface of the carrier sheet. The adhesive is distributed over the indicium and also on the carrier sheet, at least in the vicinity of the perimeter of the indicium in a pattern of discrete dots. By applying the adhesive as a pattern of dots, the adhesive shears cleanly around the perimeter of the indicium when the indicium is transferred from the carrier sheet to a receptor surface.

Abstract: A sublimation decalcomania of the surface of a watch case includes a first step in which the surface of the watch case is provided with a coating before the watch case and a decal-bearing paper are held in a plastic bag. The plastic bag containing the coated watch case and the decal-bearing paper is exhausted of air by a vacuum device. The vacuum bag is then baked in an oven to bring about the sublimation transfer of the decal to the coated surface of the watch case.

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 image receiving sheet characterized by comprising an image receiving layer composed of a metal ion containing compound capable of forming chelate with a thermally transferable dye and an acryl resin composed of styrene and acrylonitrile as component unit, and an image forming method employing it are disclosed. Discoloration or smudge are prevented, glossiness is excellent, dye acceptability is high and image storage stability is good.

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 medium for thermal transfer recording of the invention includes (a) a base material having a first surface and a second surface, (b) a transfer medium layer placed at the first surface side, and (c) a heat resistant lubricating layer placed at the second surface side, in which the heat resistant lubricating layer is composed of (1) a resin containing a hydroxyl group, (2) a crosslinking agent, and (3) a thermoplastic resin. The thermoplastic resin having at least one of thermal deformation temperature and glass transition temperature of 70° C. or more is preferably used. The heat resistant lubricating layer can contain an adhesive. The heat resistant lubricating layer has a crosslink structure formed by crosslinking reaction between the crosslinking agent and the resin containing a hydroxyl group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adhesive transfer device for performing an adhesive transfer operation. The device comprises one or more adhesive transfer sheets. Each of the adhesive transfer sheets comprises a generally flat base substrate providing an adhesive carrying surface, a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive adhered to the adhesive carrying surface of the base substrate, and a generally flat release liner substrate providing a release surface, the release liner substrate being disposed in covering relation over the adhesive layer with the release surface adhering to the adhesive layer opposite the base substrate.

Abstract: A transfer sheet comprises a base sheet, a thermal transfer layer having a plurality of YMC transfer region sets, each transfer region set having a plurality of transfer regions with functions different from each other, and identification marks formed in the YMC transfer region sets, respectively. The identification marks formed in the different YMC transfer region sets have different forms, respectively. The transfer regions are printed by using a plurality of transfer region printing cylinders, each provided with a plurality of printing plates, and the identification marks of different forms are printed by using a single identification mark printing cylinder. The respective identification marks of the YMC transfer region sets represent information about the positions of the corresponding YMC transfer region sets, respectively. The transfer regions are transferred after correcting transfer conditions on the basis of information represented by the identification marks.

Abstract: Images are impressed on the surface of plastic tiles by a sublimation process. A tile having top and bottom surfaces is placed in a heating press having top and bottom platens. A transfer medium with a printed image thereon is placed in contact with the top surface of the tile. The tile is heated to a temperature sufficient to sublimate the dye and transfer the image onto the top surface of the tile. Heat is applied from both the top and bottom of the tile to prevent warping of the tile. The heat applied to the bottom of the tile is preferably slightly greater than the heat applied to the top of the tile.

Abstract: A self-adhesive label for displaying information includes a leaflet, a tab member, and an adhesive layer. The leaflet has a lower surface and an end edge. The tab member is separately formed from the leaflet. An exposed portion of the tab member is disposed alongside the leaflet adjacent the end edge. The tab member has a lower surface. The adhesive layer includes a first adhesive portion engaging the lower surface of the leaflet and a second adhesive portion engaging the lower surface of the tab member. At least a portion of the leaflet does not overlie the tab member. The label may include a laminate cover overlying the upper surface of the leaflet and including a laminate tab portion overlying the exposed portion of the tab member.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for interior decorating an extended-area surface in which a lightweight non-fabric sheet stock is permanently preprinted and sealed on its entire outwardly-disposed surface, and coated on its inwardly-disposed surface with a dry prepaste capable of being activated by moistening with water. Hand-torn pieces are wetted and applied with ragged hand-torn edges overlapping which, as dried, are seam-free to sight or touch. Wall papering can be carried out without matching patterns or concern with plumb lines.

Abstract: A decalcamania or pressure-sensitive dry transfer is described in which at least one design indicium is supported on a temporary carrier sheet from which it is releasable by manipulation of the carrier sheet. The indicium carries a pressure-sensitive adhesive coating, the tack level of which is substantially reduced by the application of a tack-reducing substance so that the multiple sheets of the transfer material can be stacked without blocking. The adhesive can be re-activated prior to use by treatment with a solvent for the tack-reducing substance, such solvent being a non-solvent or poor solvent for the adhesive.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for transferring a colored decoration to an article by applying the decoration onto a first support, transferring the printed decoration onto a second support and then transferring the decoration to the article. To transfer the decoration, it is floated upon a liquid and the article is pressed against the floating decoration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of laminated materials and, in particular, to laminates (1) for stamping foils and security threads (1). In one aspect there is provided a laminate (1) for a stamping foil comprising a carrier layer, a translucent or transparent coloured first lacquer layer (5), a translucent or transparent second lacquer layer (10) disposed between the carrier layer and the first lacquer layer and a light-reflecting layer (20) adjacent to the first lacquer layer, wherein the first lacquer layer is incomplete in a region substantially in register with an incomplete region in the light-reflecting layer such that the carrier layer is partially covered by the first lacquer layer and the light-reflecting layer (20).

Abstract: A thermal transfer dye image-receiving sheet is provided which can form high-quality color images by a thermal transfer method. The thermal transfer dye image-receiving sheet comprises: a substrate sheet; and a dye-receptive layer provided on at least one side of the substrate sheet, the dye-receptive layer containing at least a caprolactone-modified cellulose, the cellulose comprising at least a cellulose acetate component.

Abstract: A self-contained thermal transfer label is disclosed herein. The product is formed as paper stock having an area of release material applied to a surface portion thereof. A layer of adhesive material is applied upon the release material. A thermal transfer donor ribbon is mated to the label by the area of adhesive material. The donor ribbon is treated, prior to mating with the label, such that the surface tension at the donor ribbon is modified to a level substantially different from that of the release material. As a consequence, when the donor ribbon is removed from the label, after printing on the label, the adhesive remains secured to the donor ribbon, rather than the underlying label. A result is a label that may support a higher quality image, but without adhesive residue after the donor sheet is peeled away. Various applications of the product are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A self-adhesive label carried on a backing of release material, the label comprising: a self-adhesive support piece which is releasably adhered to the backing; a multilaminar label portion adhered to a first portion of an upper surface of the support piece, a second portion of the upper surface of the support piece adjacent the first portion being left uncovered by the multilaminar label portion; and a self-adhesive overlaminate adhered to an upper surface of the multilaminar label portion so as substantially to cover the multilaminar label portion and to cover a portion of the backing of release material adjacent to the multilaminar label portion thereby to retain the multilaminar label portion in a closed configuration, and wherein the second portion of the upper surface of the support piece is left substantially uncovered by the overlaminate.

Abstract: In a method for the making of a secured document, a layer of bonder is prepared on at least one face of the document; one or more information elements and/or images are printed on a first face of an information transfer sheet; the first face of the information transfer sheet is applied to the layer of bonder of said face of the document. In this way, the information elements are printed on a transfer sheet that has no layer of bonder and yet there are obtained information elements that get merged into the layer of bonder.

Abstract: A process for transferring a decorative sublimation dye design formed on a transfer sheet to a wood substrate by applying a sheet of cellulose web material impregnated with a thermosetting resin to at least one surface of a wood substrate. The thermosetting resin impregnated sheet of cellulose web material is consolidated to the wood substrate under heat and pressure such that the thermosetting resin has seeped into the pores of the wood substrate to form a thermofused substrate. The transfer sheet is brought into contact with the surface of the thermofused substrate and heat and pressure are applied to the transfer sheet and thermofused substrate to cause penetration of the design on the transfer sheet into the thermofused substrate through a sublimation process. The transfer sheet is then from the surface of the thermofused substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermal transfer image receiving sheet comprising a substrate sheet and a dye receptor layer disposed on at least one surface of the substrate sheet, wherein the dye receptor layer comprises polycarbonate resin of a random copolymer having a main chain which comprises, as essential units, an unit 1 represented by the following formula 1 and an unit 2 represented by the following formula 2, or a polycarbonate resin of a homopolymer which comprises the unit 2, an amount ratio of the unit 1 being not more than 70 mol %, the polycarbonate resin having a Tg of not less than 125° C.

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: Description of a thermo-transfer ribbon with a customary carrier having a wax-bonded layer of a thermo-transfer color on one side of the carrier and with a wax-bonded separation layer located between carrier and the wax-bonded layer. The thermo-transfer ribbon distinguishes itself in that the wax-bonded layer B) of the thermo-transfer color contains a wax-soluble polymer and the wax-bonded separation layer A) contains less than approximately 20% by weight of a polymer wax plasticizer and has a glass temperature Tg of −30 to +70° C. The benefits of said thermo-transfer ribbon are based in that the print quality as well as the scratch and solvent resistance are excellent.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for preparing a printed product in which a transfer layer of an intermediate transfer recording medium can be transfer via a transferring adhesive layer having a suitable adhesive property to either one of the transfer layer and a transfer-receiving material, and thus transferred images do not have turbulence. This objects can be achieved by providing, a method for forming a printed product through that a transfer layer bearing an image is transferred on a transfer-receiving material via a transferring adhesive layer, characterized in that the method comprises following steps. The first step is preparing an intermediate transfer recording medium comprising at least a base film and the transfer, and an adhesive layer transfer sheet comprising at least a substrate sheet and the transferring adhesive layer comprising at least an uppermost layer and a basement layer.

Abstract: A dye-receiving element for thermal dye transfer comprising a support having on one side thereof a dye image-receiving layer comprising a polymeric binder and an aliphatic ester plasticizer, the polymeric binder comprising 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, and b) an aliphatic glycol having at least one of the following formulas: HO—(CH2)n—OH HO—[(CH2)n—O]m—H or HO—[(CH2)5—CO2]p—[(CH2)n—O]m—H  where n is between about 3 and about 10, m is between about 3 and about 60, and p is between about 1 and about 16.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intermediate transfer recording medium which is used to form an image on a transfer-receiving member and a protective layer on the image to thereby impart durability to the image perfectly and which can simply transfer the protective layer to the image with high accuracy and also provides an image forming method. In the intermediate transfer recording medium (1) of the invention, a sheet substrate (4) provided with a resin layer (5) and a transparent sheet (2) provided with a receptor layer (3) are laminated on each other such that the resin layer (5) is peelable from the transparent sheet (2), wherein a portion of the transparent sheet (2) including the receptor layer (3) is provided with half-cut treatment (6). Using the intermediate transfer recording medium (1), a transfer image is formed on the receptor layer (3) and only the image-formed portion is retransferred to the transfer-receiving member to form an image.

Abstract: A method of applying an edge electrode pattern to a touch screen panel including printing an edge electrode pattern on decal paper; applying a cover coat over the electrode pattern; removing the decal paper; and transferring the edge electrode pattern to a touch screen panel. A decal to be used in accordance with this method.

Abstract: An electrophotographic transfer paper comprising a substrate and coating layers formed on both sides of the substrate mainly including a pigment and an adhesive, wherein the paper has a glossiness of not less than 55% (corresponding to 75 degree white paper glossiness in accordance with JIS P-8142) and satisfies the following condition when the paper packed in a package is unpacked and allowed to stand at a temperature of 28° C. in an atmosphere of 85%RH for 5 minutes: 0.8≦CA/D≦3.5 wherein CA (&mgr;m) is the difference calculated by subtracting a thickness of paper before allowed to stand from a thickness of paper after allowed to stand and D (g/cm3) is the density of the transfer paper (JIS P-8118).

Abstract: Provided is transfer paper for electrophotography having high glossiness and high surface smoothness, which is not troubled by paper blistering and toner blistering and is waved or curled little. The transfer paper is constructed by a substrate of which the both surfaces are coated with a coating layer consisting essentially of a pigment and an adhesive, and this has a characteristic in that the permeation flow rate of air (heated at 180° C. and pressurized to have a pressure of 2 kg/cm2) through it is larger than 200 ml/min, or is characterized in that the air permeation flow rate through it is larger than 200 ml/min and not more than 900 ml/min and its internal bonding strength is at least 0.38 N·m.

Abstract: A versatile method of cold transferring images without using supplemental heat in the course of image transfer to a wide variety of substrates includes printing an image with water-based ink onto an image transfer sheet that has a coating of water-accepting adhesive. The sheet is then applied to the substrate to transfer only the portions of the adhesive that bear the image onto the substrate, with the remainder of the adhesive remaining attached to the sheet. A method of manufacturing image transfer sheets includes first applying a water impermeable layer onto a flexible substrate. A layer of water-activatable adhesive is applied upon the water impermeable layer. The adhesive is then dried in a dryer with dehumidified air. A water permeable detack layer is then applied upon the layer of adhesive.

Abstract: A method and a system for efficiently using media stamped on a substrate include a feedroller, a shuttle, a cylinder and a control arrangement. The media has at least one registration mark. The feedroller is coupled to the media and provides the media with a first velocity component. A shuttle is coupled to the feedroller via the media and moves linearly with a variable periodic velocity. The shuttle provides the media with a second velocity component, the second velocity component being a function of the velocity of the shuttle. A cylinder has at least one die and a stamping area in which one of the at least one die urges the media against a substrate. The media and the substrate have same velocity in the stamping area during the urging, but the substrate has a greater average velocity than an average velocity of the media. A control arrangement is coupled to the feedroller, the shuttle and the cylinder. The control arrangement maintains a registration between the media and substrate.

Abstract: A layer arrangement for an optical component or an optical data storage element such as a CD, a DVD, a hybrid disk or a super audio disk, has at least one layer which is at least predominantly Si(1-x)Ge(x)Hy as a spectrally selective layer for a predominant reflection of light in a lower part of a spectral range of 600 nm to 800 nm and for a predominant transmission of light in an upper part of said spectral range. The values for x and y are 0.1<x≦0.9 and 0≦y≦0.5.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive brochure label is both resealable and readily applicable to containers with sharp or small radius corners. The label comprises a pressure sensitive base label, a specially die cut brochure and a pressure sensitive overlayer, the overlayer serving to join the brochure to the base label, the base label and the brochure providing areas capable of carrying printing. The top leaf of the brochure projects beyond an edge of the base label and a portion of the overlayer projecting beyond the top leaf provides for sealing and resealing of the brochure in conjunction with a die cut tab on the brochure. In another embodiment, a relief notch in the base label in conjunction with the tab and portion of the overlayer which projects beyond the top leaf provides for sealing and resealing of the brochure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a silver halide photographic transfer element which comprises a support having a front and rear surface, a transfer coating on the front of the support comprising a material capable of holding an image that can be transferred to a receptor surface upon the application of energy to the rear surface of the support, and at least one silver halide light sensitive emulsion layer on said front surface of the support. The invention is also directed to a method for applying a photographic image to a receptor element by the steps of exposing imagewise and then developing the above-described silver halide photographic transfer element, positioning the developed photographic element against a receptor element, and applying energy to the rear surface of the silver halide photographic element to transfer a photographic image to the receptor element.

Abstract: Applicant's unique method provides for the use of a single piece of transfer tape for multiple transfers, with the transfer tape being forgiving, clear, having a high shelf life, and being non-self destructive. Such a method has been heretofore unavailable.

Abstract: A heat transfer label system is disclosed. The invention is characterized in that it employs a carrier substrate and transfer release agent that minimizes or eliminates the transfer of the transfer release agent to the label during the process in which the label is affixed to a surface such as a package surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermal transfer image receiving sheet comprising a substrate sheet, an intermediate layer provided on at least one surface side of the substrate sheet and a dye receptor layer provided on the surface of the intermediate layer, wherein the intermediate layer is formed from either an acrylic resin or a resin at least a part of which is crosslinked. By virtue of this structure, the thermal transfer image receiving sheet can be excellent in smoothness, strength, cushioning properties and writing properties, and further can give an image of high density and high resolution.

Abstract: A new re-transfer intermediate sheet comprising a supporting substrate having on one side an imageable layer and on the other a backcoat, is provided for thermal transfer printing of an article having a dye-receptive surface, by thermal retransfer. This method of printing comprise the steps of pressing together a dye-donor sheet and the imageable layer of the retransfer intermediate sheet, forming an image in the imageable layer by thermal transfer printing, pressing the thus-formed image-containing layer against the dye-receptive surface of the article, and applying heat to the intermediate sheet to effect retransfer of the image to the dye-receptive layer of the article. To improve protection against the physical conditions experienced in such retransfer process, the backcoat of the new intermediate sheet comprises a polymeric binder and a high loading of protective filler, preferably in amount of 100% to about 250% by weight of the binder.

Abstract: A protect layer transfer sheet of the present invention comprises a substrate, an untransferable release layer and a thermally transferable protect layer, the protect layer being disposed on at least one area of a surface of the substrate by the medium of the release layer. The untransferable release layer comprises at least a cross-linking resin having a chemical structure comprises at least a side chain A and a side chain B on a principle chain formed of a carbon chain, and cross-linking at least a part of the side chain A and the side chain B. Therefore, the adhesive strength between the substrate and the untransferable release layer can always be stronger than the adhesive strength between the untransferable release layer and the thermally transferable protect layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an imaging system, which comprises a support having a front and rear surface, at least one transfer layer coated on the front surface of the support, and at least one thermal recording layer coated on top of the outermost transfer layer, wherein the thermal recording layer contains heat-responsive microcapsules capable of separating an inner phase within the microcapsules from an outer phase contained outside the microcapsules, wherein said inner phase is capable of reacting with said outer phase to create a color forming element, and wherein the transfer layer is capable of transferring and adhering an image from said front surface of said support upon the application of heat energy to the rear surface of the support, said transfer layer strips from said front surface of the support by liquefying and releasing from said support when heated, said liquefied transfer layer providing adherence to a receptor element by flowing onto said receptor element and solidifying thereon, sa