Abstract: Solid-state fluorescent composition comprising at least one host chromophore selected from the group consisting of a benzo[4,5] imidazo[2,1-a]isoindol-11-ones and an effective amount of at least one guest chromophore, and if desired a polymer C, wherein the emission spectrum of the host chromophore overlaps with the absorption spectrum of the guest chromophore, and wherein (a1) the host chromophore is covalently linked to a polymer backbone A ("host polymer"), and/or (a2) the guest chromophore is covalently linked to a polymer backbone B ("guest polymer").

Abstract: Photocurable addition-polymerizable compositions containing a free-radically-polymerizable monomer and a photoinitiator system containing i) an arylidonium salt, ii) a sensitizing compound, and iii) an electron donor having an oxidation potential that is greater than zero and less than or equal to that of p-dimethyoxybenzene (1.32 volts vs. S.C.E.). The compositions cure rapidly and deeply under ultraviolet or visible light.

Abstract: A process for producing an image uses an imaging medium comprising an acid-generating layer or phase comprising a mixture of a superacid precursor, a sensitizing dye and a secondary acid generator, and a color-change layer comprising an image dye. The sensitizing dye has first and second forms, the first form having substantially greater substantial absorption in a first wavelength range than the second form. The superacid precursor is not capable, in the absence of the first form of the sensitizing dye, of being decomposed by radiation in the first wavelength range. The secondary acid generator is capable of thermal decomposition, catalyzed by superacid, to form a secondary acid. While at least part of the sensitizing dye is in its first form, the medium is imagewise exposed to radiation in the first wavelength range, thereby causing, in the exposed areas of the acid-generating layer, the formation of superacid.

Abstract: Irradiating, with ultraviolet light, surfaces which contain thiol groups, epoxy groups, or vicinal diol groups, results in surfaces which exhibit a reduced adsorption of biomolecules. In the case of surfaces having thiol groups such irradiation also results in a reduced capacity for the bonding of heterobifunctional crosslinking reagents. Such irradiation may be carried out in a patternwise fashion to obtain patterned surfaces.

Abstract: Novel thermally imageable monochrome product compositions, elements, and processes are disclosed herein. These compositions and elements characteristically have high contrast and fast imaging speeds. The thermally imageable compositions of this invention comprise (a) at least one near IR-absorbing dye having the structure given in the specification; (b) at least one HABI compound; (c) at least one leuco dye; (d) at least one acid-generating compound; and (e) a polymeric binder. Optionally at least one UV stabilizer and/or at least one inhibitor of color formation can also be present. These compositions have the propensity for affording, upon imaging, highly colored images having high optical density values. At the same time, background color is low in preferred compositions even after extensive exposure to ambient light. These compositions are imagewise exposed to near IR radiation from a laser or other device to effect color formation (i.e., generation of an image).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for forming a thin film pattern having an excellent accuracy of the pattern. The method comprises the steps of:(a) exposing a polysilane layer formed from a polysilane having a structure of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 indicate a group which is independently selected from the group consisting of a substituted or non-substituted aliphatic hydrocarbon residue, an alicyclic hydrocarbon residue and an aromatic hydrocarbon residue and m and n indicate an integer, provided on a substrate, to ultraviolet light selectively to form a latent image of the thin film pattern; and(b) dipping the polysilane layer in which the latent image of the thin film pattern is formed in a metal oxide sol and then drying.

Abstract: Novel thermally imageable monochrome product compositions, elements, and processes are disclosed herein. These compositions and elements characteristically have high contrast and fast imaging speeds. The thermally imageable compositions of this invention comprise (a) at least one hexaarylbiimidazole (HABI) compound, (b) at least one leuco dye, (c) at least one acid-generating compound, (d) a polymeric binder, (e) optionally at least one UV stabilizer and/or at least one inhibitor of color formation, and, in certain embodiments, (f) at least one near IR-absorbing dye. These compositions have the propensity for affording, upon thermal imaging, highly colored images having high optical density values. At the same time, background color is low in preferred compositions even after extensive exposure to ambient light. These compositions can be imagewise heated to effect color formation (i.e.

Abstract: A printing member that can be imaged directly using a laser and is image erasable, the printing member includes a writing surface composed of a non-porous zirconia ceramic ZrO.sub.2 that is alloyed with a secondary oxide selected from the group consisting of MgO, CaO, Y.sub.2 O.sub.3, Sc.sub.2 O.sub.3, a rare earth oxide, and combinations thereof, the zirconia alloy being a non-porous ceramic and having a density of from about 5.6 to about 6.2 g/cm.sup.3 ; and an erasable bar-code printed onto the writing surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water-less lithographic raw plate, in which a photosensitive layer and a silicone rubber layer are laminated in this order on a substrate, comprising: the peel bonding strength between the photosensitive layer and the silicone rubber layer being 5 to 100 g/cm, and the initial elastic modulus of the photosensitive layer after completion of exposure being 5 to 75 kgf/mm2. In the present invention, attention is paid to the peel bonding strength between the photosensitive layer and the silicone rubber layer before exposure, and it is intensified, while the photosensitive layer after completion of exposure is kept lower in elastic modulus, to provide a water-less lithographic printing plate excellent in printing durability and image reproducibility. Therefore, the water-less lithographic printing plate obtained is suitable for commercial web offset printing and newspaper web offset printing.

Abstract: A compound represented by the following general formula (1) and a photosensitive resin composition comprising the compound of formula (1): ##STR1## The compound of formula (1) normally has a low ultraviolet absorption, but has a high ultraviolet absorption when heat-treated. The present invention also provides a photosensitive resin layer composition which has a low ultraviolet absorption in an appropriate wavelength range such that ultraviolet rays reach sufficiently deep into the film to effect curing when exposed to light, but which has a high ultraviolet absorption when subsequently processed.

Abstract: A resist pattern formed on a substrate has a T-shaped cross section including a stem portion extending from the substrate surface and a cap portion connected to the stem portion and spaced from the substrate surface. Provided that .alpha. is a minimum of the angle which is defined between a tangent at the lower edge of the cap portion and the substrate surface, and h is the spacing between the lower edge of the cap portion and the substrate surface at an intermediate position, .alpha. and h fall within a range defined and encompassed by tetragon ABCD wherein A: .alpha.=0.degree., h=0.01 .mu.m, B: .alpha.=20.degree., h=0.01 .mu.m, C: .alpha.=20.degree., h=0.2 .mu.m, and D: .alpha.=0.degree., h=0.3 .mu.m.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mixture of imageable polyacetylenic compounds which have similar photosensitivities and which are visually imageable in complementary colors combinable to provide a black image, which mixture contains at least one polyacetylenic metal salt which produces a color, preferably a metal salt of a diacetylene C.sub.6 to C.sub.48 mono- or dicarboxylic acid, which is complementary to a color produced by another polyacetylenic metal salt or non-metallic polyacetylenic compound contained in the mixture or in an another integral color forming layer. The invention also pertains to the use of said mixture and the manner of its preparation.

Abstract: A resist pattern formed on a substrate has a T-shaped cross section including a stem portion extending from the substrate surface and a cap portion connected to the stem portion and spaced from the substrate surface. Provided that .alpha. is a minimum of the angle which is defined between a tangent at the lower edge of the cap portion and the substrate surface, and h is the spacing between the lower edge of the cap portion and the substrate surface at an intermediate position, .alpha. and h fall within a range defined and encompassed by tetragon ABCD wherein A: .alpha.=0.degree., h=0.01 .mu.m, B: .alpha.=20.degree., h=0.01 .mu.m, C: .alpha.=20.degree., h=0.2 .mu.m, and D: .alpha.=0.degree., h=0.3 .mu.m.

Abstract: A binary image comprising a plurality of first areas, at which a porous or particulate image-forming substance is adhered to a substrate, and a plurality of second areas, at which the substrate is free from the image-forming substance, is protected by laminating thereto a laminating sheet comprising a barrier layer, a durable layer and a support layer with the barrier layer facing the image, so that the barrier and durable layers adhere to both the first and second areas of the image. The support layer is then displaced away from the image such that the barrier and durable layers remain attached to the image. Both the barrier and durable layers are substantially transparent and the barrier layer comprises a polymeric organic material substantially impervious to the passage of hexane, isopropanol or water.

Abstract: A dispersion-preventing patterned substrate suitable for a liquid crystal display device is described. The substrate is patterned with a resin which is a cure of a coating composition comprising a solution of: a) a crosslinkable polymeric surfactant having i) at least one pendant fluorocarbon moiety, and ii) a plurality of pendant ionic moieties which are capable of reacting with counterions to form a crosslinked polymer; and b) a polymeric crosslinking agent having a plurality of ionic or potentially ionic moiety counterions capable of reacting with the ionic moieties of the surfactant, wherein the pattern defines a plurality of wells adapted to receive a coloring agent.

Abstract: In a first form, photochromic material has anionic photochromic molecules and anionic polar molecules adsorbed between layers of anion-adsorptive inorganic layer-structured crystals. In a second form, photochromic material has neutral photochromic molecules and non-polar molecules adsorbed between layers of anion-adsorptive inorganic layer-structured crystals. The photochromic molecules are of anionic or neutral spiro-pyran compounds and the inorganic crystals are of hydrotalcite compounds. These photochromic materials in which anionic or neutral photochromic molecules remain thermally stable find application as optical recording material. In a third form, a photochromic thin film is available comprising a pyrolytically decomposed thin film of anion-adsorptive inorganic layer-structured crystals having anionic photochromic molecules and non-polar molecules adsorbed thereto. In a fourth form, a clay thin film is prepared by forming a thin film from an aqueous dispersion containing 0.

Abstract: This invention contemplates droplets of liquid lubricant, each droplet coated with colloidal particulate suspension stabilizing agent.The invention also contemplates a method of making size stable lubricant droplets by forming a discontinuous phase of lubricant droplets in a continuous aqueous phase containing a particulate suspension stabilizing agent, reducing the size of the lubricant droplets and limiting the coalescence of the lubricant droplets by action of the particulate suspension stabilizing agent.A third aspect of the invention is an imaging element comprising a support, at least one light-sensitive layer and a protective layer further removed from the support than the light-sensitive layer, at least one layer containing droplets of lubricant coated with colloidal particulate suspension stabilizing agent.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for forming a photoresist mask on a substrate resistant to reticulation during plasma etching. The method comprises the steps of forming an imaged and developed photoresist coating over an integrated circuit substrate where the photoresist contains an essentially unreacted acid activated cross linking agent, and subjecting said substrate to an etching plasma in a gaseous stream that contains a Lewis acid. Contact of the surface of the photoresist film with the Lewis acid causes cross linking of the surface of the photoresist film during plasma etching with the formation of a reticulation resistant surface layer.

Abstract: An IC card in which an IC chip is incorporated between a first and second base boards, comprises an image receiving layer on which an ink image is transferred by a thermal transfer method and a cushion layer provided between the IC chip and the image receiving layer so that the cushion layer smooths irregularity caused by the IC chip and improves a flatness of the image receiving layer.

Abstract: A recording element having at least one layer comprising a crosslinked polymer having polymeric backbone moieties and crosslinking moieties, the polymeric backbone moieties containing tertiary nitrogen atoms, the crosslinking moieties connecting polymeric backbone moieties at the teritary nitrogen atoms by conversion of the tertiary nitrogen atoms to quaternary amine, the crosslinking moiety having the structure ##STR1## where R' is independently alkyl or aryl and m is an integer of from 1 to 10.

Abstract: An individual identification label comprising a substrate having an individual identification information recorded on the surface thereof, wherein the substrate comprises a metal plate or a metal foil and the individual identification information is formed by a polyimide resin.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for patterning a substrate in a selective pattern. In one embodiment, the process comprises the steps of forming a patterned coating over a substrate surface whereby portions of the substrate are covered by the patterned coating and portions of the substrate remain uncoated. A layer of a ligating material is coated over at least those portions of the substrate free of the patterned coating. The ligating layer is one that is capable of ligating with an electroless metal plating catalyst. The article so formed is then contacted with an electroless metallization catalyst and then with an electroless plating solution to form a patterned metal deposit on the substrate.

Abstract: A process for the optical recording and storage of information in the form of bits by irradiating a recording material comprising a substrate coated with at least one layer of a pigment selected from the group of the dithiopyrrolopyrroles, dithioquinacridones, phthalocyanines or mixtures of several of these pigments as recording layer dotwise or linearly with laser light in the near infrared range (NIR range), which pigment (a) has a crystal modification having an absorption band in the NIR range, and (b) is in contact with a solid organic compound that changes the crystal modification of the pigment upon irradiation with laser light, so that (c) after irradiation the absorption in the NIR range is reduced, while the organic compound exhibits no absorption in the NIR range before and after irradiation.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for electroless metallization. In one aspect, the invention is characterized by the use of chemical groups capable of ligating with an electroless metallization catalyst, including use of ligating groups that are chemically bound to the substrate. In a preferred aspect, the invention provides a means for selective metallization without the use of a conventional photoresist patterning sequence, enabling fabrication of high resolution metal patterns in a direct and convenient manner.

Abstract: A radiation thermally imageable, solid toner addressable article comprises a substrate having on at least one surface thereof a layer comprising a) a solid binder which can be converted to a supercooled liquid upon heating and subsequent cooling to room temperature, b) a dye which absorbs radiation (at the wavelength of the imaging device,, e.e., ultraviolet, visible [especially the red], and infrared wavelengths) and converts infrared radiation to thermal energy, and c) a fluorinated surfactant. A directly thermally addressable article does not require the radiation absorbable dye.

Abstract: A coated material comprising a substrate which is coated with a layer of a pyrrolopyrrole of formula I ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 may be 4-pyridyl and X.sub.1 and X.sub.2 are O, said compound of formula I being at least partially in the form of a salt of a strong acid, is suitable for use as an optical recording material and, owing to its electrical conductivity and photoconductivity, as antistatically treated material, as sensor, photoreceptor and solar battery.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnetic recording element comprising a support having coated on at least one major surface thereof a layer of a magnetic recording medium and a photosensitive layer which may be separate from or integral with the magnetic recording layer and which contains an infrared absorbing dye or its precursors. Information can be imparted to the photosensitive layer by imagewise exposure to actinic radiation which will either promote or inhibit generation or destruction of the infrared absorbing dye.

Abstract: A slide blank comprises a support at least part of which is essentially transparent; an imageable layer superposed on one face of the support, the imageable layer not being substantially photosensitive but comprising a color-forming composition, which, upon imagewise exposure to actinic radiation, forms a colored material, thereby forming in the imageable layer an image which can be viewed in transmission; and a protective layer superposed on the imageable layer on the opposed side thereof from the support, at least part of the protective layer being essentially transparent; the support, imageable layer and protective layer being secured together to form a slide blank having a thickness of at least about 0.8 mm, and the thickness of the protective layer being such that no part of the imageable layer containing the color-forming composition is more than about 0.2 mm from one external surface of the slide blank. This slide blank can be imaged to produce a ready-mounted slide.

Abstract: Positive photoresist compositions comprising, in an organic solvent, at leasta) one alkali-soluble resin,b) one photosensitive quinone diazide,c) one aromatic hydroxy compound of formula I ##STR1## wherein each R is --H, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkoxy, --OCH.sub.2 C.sub.6 H.sub.5, --OC.sub.6 H.sub.5 or --COOC.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, and R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are each independently of the other H, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, --C.sub.6 H.sub.5 or a cycloaliphatic 5- or 6-membered ring, a is an integer from 0 to 4, and m and n are each independently of the other 0, 1 or 2, which compound enhances the photosensitivity and/or the rate of development, and optionallyd) additional customary modifiers, are eminently suitable for making relief structures.

Abstract: A dye transfer receptor sheet suitable, for thermal dye transfer imaging is described. The receptor sheet comprises a substrate having a receptor layer comprising a vinyl resin mixed or blended with a linear saturated thermoplastic polyester having aliphatic and aromatic groups.

Abstract: A method of color processing in which an imagewise exposed color photographic silver halide material is processed by a procedure which comprises treating it with a color developer solution and then with a developer/amplifier solution containing a color developing agent and hydrogen peroxide in which said solutions are replenished so that the overflow from the developer/amplifier solution is treated to remove hydrogen peroxide and used to form the sole replenisher for the color developer solution while the overflow from said color developer solution is disposed of as the net overflow of the two processing solutions.

Abstract: A process for storing information in an organic recording layer which, when treated locally with an organic solvent in accordance with the input of information, is able to change its absorption spectrum and/or its photoconductivity such that information can be produced or stored at the treated areas of said layer, wherein the organic solvent is solid at room temperature and is present in the recording layer, or by decomposition of a solid organic precursor which is present in the recording layer, and said solvent is vaporized or melts by the action of laser beams in accordance with the input of information, or said precursor is decomposed by the action of laser beams in accordance with the input of information.The stored information can be read out with a photodetector in the visible or near NIR range or with a built-in electrode system.

Abstract: Dye-donor element for use according to thermal dye transfer comprising at least one dye corresponding to the general formula (I): ##STR1## wherein Z is --CN, --COOR.sup.1 or --CONR.sup.2 R.sup.3 ; R.sup.1 is --H, (cyclo) alkyl, or aryl; R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 is --H, (cyclo)alkyl, aryl, or R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 together represent the atoms necessary to complete a heterocyclic nucleus; R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 is --H, (cyclo)alkyl, aryl, a heterocyclic ring, SO.sub.2 R.sup.8, COR.sup.8, CSR.sup.8, POR.sup.8 R.sup.9, OR.sup.6, NR.sup.6 R.sup.7, SR.sup.6, or R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 together represent the atoms necessary to complete a aliphatic ring, a heterocyclic ring including a heterocyclic ring carrying a fused-on aliphatic or aromatic ring; R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 is (cyclo)alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, aralkyl, aryl, a heterocyclic group, or R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 together represent the atoms necessary to complete a 5- or 6-membered ring; R.sup.8 and R.sup.

Abstract: A composite film article which is a flexible, heat resistant polymeric film material having a non-opaque, partially translucent white surface side, having a visible light opacity of from about 0.90 to about 0.99; and a non-opaque, black surface side having a visible light opacity of less than 1.0, a transmission density of less than about 2.0 and a thickness of less than about 5.0 microns. The article may be used as a base for images such that the images have a reduced optical dot gain.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image is produced using an imaging medium having a lenticular screen, the lenticles of the screen dividing the opposed surface of the imaging medium into a plurality of elongate image areas, the imaging medium having on the opposed side thereof a radiation-sensitive layer, the radiation-sensitive layer comprising a color-forming composition adapted to undergo a change of color upon increase in the temperature of the radiation-sensitive layer above a color-forming temperature for a color-forming time.

Abstract: A direct pigment photographic printing process and composition based on a two-step coating process comprising a first coating applied to a sealed substrate containing between 2 to 8 and 8 to 2 weight parts of gum arabic to gelatin, and then applying a second top coating containing preferred ratios of gum arabic to gelatin. The process is based on heating the first and second coating compositions sufficiently above about 105.degree. F. prior to application to the substrate to assure homogeneous mixtures of each coating at the time of application.

Abstract: A transparent substrate material for receiving or containing an image comprised of a supporting substrate, an ink toner receiving coating composition on both sides of the substrate and comprised of an adhesive layer and an antistatic layer contained on two surfaces of the adhesive layer, which antistatic layer is comprised of mixtures or complexes of metal halides, or urea compounds both with polymers containing oxyalkylene segments.

Abstract: Disclosed in a color photograph containing a storability-improving compound capable of forming a chemical bond with an aromatic amine series color developing agent that remains in a photographic material after having been processed for color development to give a chemically inactive and substantially colorless compound in at least one photographic layer on a support. Also disclosed is a method for preparation of color photographs wherein a photographic material containing a silver halide emulsion layer and a color image-forming coupler capable of forming a dye by an oxidation-coupling reaction with an aromatic amine series color developing agent, as coated on a support, is imagewise exposed to light and then subjected to photographic processing, comprising carrying out the photographic processing in the presence of the afore described storability-improving compound.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for protecting an image which comprises providing a multilayered colored image on a permanent receiver which may be any of a wide range of materials. A photosensitive element on a substrate is laminated to a temporary element and exposed with substrate removal before development. After development, the steps are repeated with another color. A protective element is laminated to the colored image. After removal of the support of the temporary element, the colored image with protective element is laminated to a permanent receiver.

Abstract: An at least two-color low optical dot gain surlay pre-press color proof comprising a base having laminated thereto in the following order, a first adhesive layer, a first single-color image, and then at least one additional pair of thin adhesive layers and comprising a synthetic polymeric binder composition with a Tg of less than 105.degree. and a thickness of 8-30 microns which thickness is at least twice that of any one of said additional thin adhesive layers.

Abstract: A matrix as shown in FIG. 3 and suitable for use in an injection molding process or a compressing molding process for the manufacture of optically readable information carriers comprising an optically readable information track, in which the matrix comprises a metal supporting plate 11 which on one side comprises a layer of a radiation-cured synthetic resin composition 8 comprising the negative of the information track.

Abstract: Novolak resins are provided which are the condensation product of (a) a phenol, phenol derivative, or mixtures thereof, and (b) a mixture of formaldehyde or a formaldehyde precursor and an aromatic aldehyde. When the aromatic aldehyde is a monohydroxy aromatic aldehyde, the novolak resin is especially useful in positive photoresist formulations.

Abstract: There is provided a color photograph improved in preservability that has been obtained by making chemically inactive the aromatic amine type color developing agents and their oxidized product that remains in the silver halide photographic materials after color development processing. The color photograph exhibits excellent performance in that its white background can be prevented from discoloring even during long-term storage or display, and deterioration of a dye image caused by the remaining color developing agent being taken into the photographic material after the color development, bleaching, and fixing processes, or due to its oxidized product, can be prevented.

Abstract: A halftone dot image pattern is formed on a support comprising a paper base, a polyolefin layer on at least one side of said paper base in a coverage in the range of 5 to 40 g/m2, on the opposite side of the polyolefin layer a binder layer comprising a hydrophilic colloid binding agent and white titanium dioxide pigment particles having an average grain size in the range of 200 nm to 450 nm, said pigment particles being present in a coverage of at least 0.5 g per m2 up to 300% by wt of the total binder contents. The half tone dot image pattern is on the exterior side of the binder layer and is a halftone relief image pattern having at least color pigmented gelatin-containing layer, preferably three or four such layers of different colors; e.g., cyan, magenta, yellow and optionally black. The resultant halftone material has a controlled visual appearance; e.g., for color proofing purposes, especially with respect to dot gain.

Abstract: A photopolymerizable composition comprising(a) a monomeric componment which is a half acryloyl ester of bisphenol A epoxy monomer;(b) an initiating system activated by actinic radiation; and(c) a preformed macromolecular elastomeric polymer binder.

Abstract: Phenolic thiane derivatives of the formula I or II ##STR1## in which n is 0, 1 or 2 and R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, R.sup.6, R.sup.7, R.sup.8, R.sup.9, R.sup.10, T and Z are as defined in claim 1, are effective stabilizers for color photography recording materials, in particular for the yellow layer. They act not only as light stabilizers but also as stabilizers against thermal oxidation.

Abstract: Provided is an information recording medium, e.g., an optical recording medium, and a method for recording information thereon. The information layer of the recording medium comprises an organo macrocyclic chromophore containing a central hetero atom or two central hydrogen atoms or isotopes of hydrogen, e.g., a naphthalocyanine having silicon as the hetero atom, which chromophore is substituted with at least one substituent conferring film forming properties to the chromophore, e.g., a monomer or oligomeric substituent comprised of acid, amide or ester units. The information layer thereby offers excellent thermomechanical properties and exhibits excellent absorption properties all in a single component material. By utilizing a single component material, the problem of dye/polymer phase separation frequently encountered in dye/polymer mixtures is also overcome.

Abstract: A lithographic film material is used to make an optical stencil with words formed by thermally removing an ink-layer by means of a thermal ink-transferred ribbon. The lithographic film material includes a transparent base sheet, a transparent thermoplastic interlayer coated over the transparent base sheet, and a light-opaque thermoplastic ink-layer coated over the thermoplastic transparent interlayer. The transparent thermoplastic interlayer as well as the light-opaque thermoplastic ink-layer are peeled in a letter pattern by an ink-transferred ribbon after being printed with a thermal print head of a thermal ink-transfer printer so as to form transparent letters on the transparent base sheet, thus providing the optical stencil.

Abstract: The master disc contains a substrate plate which is preferably provided with an optically detectable guide track and a recording layer of polysulphone such as poly(1-butene sulphone) to which, preferably, a colorant is added and in which an optically readable information track is provided by patterned exposure, a pit or groove being formed in the polysulphone layer. A matrix is formed by applying a metal layer to the polysulphone layer by means of an electroless deposition process and then, applying a further metal layer by means of an electrodeposition process or applying a curable synthetic resin layer together with a metal disc, after which the synthetic resin is made to cure.

Abstract: The invention provides a photographic article having a protected image which comprisesa) a colored image disposed on a substrate; andb) a thin, transparent, colorless, thermoplastic adhesive composition directly on the surface of the image, wherein said adhesive is substantially non-tacky at room temperature, and comprises one or more thermoplastic polymers of copolymers capable of forming a flexible film, said adhesive being capable of being transferred directly to the image when the adhesive is first disposed on the release surface of a temporary support and said image and adhesive are laminated together under pressure at temperatures of between about 60.degree. C. and about 90.degree. C. and said temporary support is peeled away; andc) a non-self supporting antiblocking layer directly on said adhesive said antiblocking layer being transparent, colorless and comprises one or more organic polymers or copolymers, which coating does not cohesively block at about 50.degree. C. or less.