Imagewise Heating, Element Or Image Receiving Layers Therefor Or Imagewise Vapor And Gas Transfer Process, Element Or Image Receiving Layer Therefor Patents (Class 430/200)
  • Patent number: 6030742
    Abstract: The invention relates to a photographic element comprising at least one photosensitive silver halide layer comprising at least one dye forming coupler, a support comprising paper having laminated thereto a top and bottom sheet comprising biaxially oriented polyolefin sheets, wherein said photographic element has a surface roughness of between 0.15 and 0.50 mm and an average stiffness of between 150 and 300 millinewtons, a stiffness ratio between machine direction and cross direction of between 0.8 and 1.2 at between 20 and 70% humidity, a maximum curl value of 10 curl units, said photographic element has a back roughness of between 0.30 and 2.00 mm, and has a tear strength of between 300 and 900 N.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Robert P. Bourdelais, Thaddeus S. Gula, Peter T. Aylward, Sandra J. Dagan, John F. Sawyer, Geoffrey Mruk
  • Patent number: 6027850
    Abstract: A thermal transfer image forming method using a laser is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Konica Corporation
    Inventors: Sota Kawakami, Katsumi Maejima
  • Patent number: 6027849
    Abstract: This invention provides an imageable element comprising a substrate having on at least one major surface thereof a layer of energy-sensitive material that is capable of being developed to form a relief image upon exposure to electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength in the ultraviolet-visible-infrared range (i.e., a wavelength ranging from 150 to 1500 nm). This invention also provides methods for imaging the imageable elements of this invention. The energy-sensitive materials suitable for this invention comprise polymers containing azido groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Imation Corp.
    Inventor: Dennis E. Vogel
  • Patent number: 6025110
    Abstract: A three-dimensional object is generated according to a stored, digital representation through layer-by-layer transfer of material onto a receiver, each layer corresponding to a layer of the three-dimensional representation. Each deposited layer is applied through selective irradiation of an ablation-transfer carrier. The carrier includes a transfer material that is ejected in response to irradiation, and which solidifies on the receiver or on a previously applied layer of transfer material. Thus, irradiation of the carrier in an area pattern corresponding to a layer results in deposition of the transfer material in accordance with the pattern. Sequential irradiations of fresh ablation-transfer carrier material, each according to a two-dimensional pattern corresponding to one of the contiguous layers of the three-dimensional object, result in depositions that gradually build up into the three-dimensional object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Inventor: Michael T. Nowak
  • Patent number: 6022677
    Abstract: The invention relates to a imaging element comprising a layer of biaxially oriented sheet adhered to the bottom surface of a base wherein said biaxially oriented sheet adhered to the bottom surface has a surface roughness average of between about 0.30 to 2.00 .mu.m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Robert P. Bourdelais, Douglas N. Haydock, Thaddeus S. Gula, Peter T. Aylward, Pang-Chia Lu
  • Patent number: 6022668
    Abstract: A lithographic imaging member has a support having thereon a melanophobic silicone copolymer layer and a contiguous surface melanophilic layer composed of an inorganic or organic polymeric matrix. Either or both layers includes a photothermal conversion material capable of converting irradiation, such as IR radiation, to heat in exposed regions. The imaging member can include in one or more layers a material capable of promoting adhesion across the interface of the contiguous layers. This imaging member can be digitally imaged, for example using a laser, and used for printing without wet processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Kodak Polychrome Graphics LLC
    Inventors: Mitchell S. Burberry, David B. Bailey, Mark A. Harris, Charles D. DeBoer, Charles W. Lander
  • Patent number: 6022942
    Abstract: There is provided herein an optical storage media which has low VBR. In a preferred embodiment, there is provided an optical disk comprising a genus of copolycarbonates, including copolyestercarbonates, which have excellent physical and optical properties. Said copolycarbonates have proportions of structural units which fall within a specific composition range, and said range defines certain materials, a large percentage of which can be molded into optical disks having the desired optical properties, including low VBR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kenichi Ishiwa, Henricus H. M. van Hout, Ali Dhinojwala, Niles R. Rosenquist, Paul D. Sybert, Steven F. Hubbard, Paul C. Raymond, III, Joseph A. King, Jr., Gary C. Davis
  • Patent number: 6014930
    Abstract: A lithographic printing plate made by coating a support web with a coextensive hydrophilic layer of a crosslinked polymeric matrix containing a member of the group consisting of colloids of beryllium, magnesium, aluminum, silicon, gadolinium, germanium, arsenic, indium, tin, antimony, tellurium, lead, bismuth and the transition metal oxides, along with a photothermal conversion material capable of accepting ink when exposed to high intensity radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Kodak Polychrome Graphics LLC
    Inventors: Mitchell S. Burberry, Charles D. DeBoer, Mark A. Harris
  • Patent number: 6010817
    Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a heat sensitive imaging element comprisinga support having a hydrophilic surfacecontiguous to said hydrophilic surface of a support a hydrophobic heat sensitive composition comprising a hydrophobic polymer binder, a compound capable of converting light into heat, and a reactive compound or mixture of reactive compounds present in an amount which surpasses the absorptive capacity of the hydrophobic polymer binder for said compound or mixture of compounds, the said reactive compound or mixture of compounds being reactive under the influence of heat or under the influence of a reagent which is obtained by decomposition of a heat sensitive compoundone or more thermo-adhesive layers, at least one of the thermo-adhesive layers being contiguous to the hydrophobic heat sensitive composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert, N.V.
    Inventors: Marc Van Damme, Joan Vermeersch
  • Patent number: 6010767
    Abstract: An ink-oozing plate for a stamp includes a stamp ink-impregnated part, which is comprised of an elastic resin-made stamp material having stamp ink-impregnable open cells. The ink-oozing plate also includes a printing face having a stamp ink-oozing part formed on the surface of the stamp material and a stamp ink-non-oozing part. The stamp ink-non-oozing part has a heat transfer substance-transferred part which is transferred by heat generation and a stamp material-molten part. The stamp material is molten by the heat generation of the heat transfer substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Pencil Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoichi Ando
  • Patent number: 6007962
    Abstract: An ablative recording element comprising a support having thereon a dye layer comprising a dye dispersed in a polymeric binder and solvent, the dye layer having an infrared-absorbing material associated therewith, and wherein the dye layer also contains dye-absorbing beads which can be:a) polymeric beads which are swellable in the solvent and which are covalently crosslinked to an extent which does not exceed 1.times.10.sup.-4 mole of crosslink per gram of polymer; orb) beads which have a porosity of at least 150 m.sup.2 /gram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Glenn T. Pearce, Paul E. Woodgate
  • Patent number: 6004718
    Abstract: A transfer material colored to a predetermined color is used when images are formed on a transfer material for use in thermal transfer comprising a substrate and a dye receiving layer by a thermal transfer process.When images are formed by an optional image forming method such as silver salt photographic process, ink jet process or thermal transfer process, a transfer material having sepia tone is used in each of the image forming processes thereby forming sepia tone images. Images having unique appearance can be formed easily upon forming images by a thermal transfer process. Images of sepia tone can be formed safely and conveniently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Satoru Shinohara
  • Patent number: 6001530
    Abstract: A black donor for use in a laser addressable thermal transfer system, wherein the black donor comprises a substrate having coated thereon at least one black color layer comprising a binder and colorants. The colorants include a non-infrared absorbing black dye or pigment and about 10% to about 50% of a carbon black pigment, based on the total weight of the colorants in the black color layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Imation Corp.
    Inventors: Kevin M. Kidnie, Richard R. Ollmann, Jr., Richard A. Gaboury, Gregory L. Zwadlo
  • Patent number: 5998088
    Abstract: A laser ablative recording element comprising a support having thereon a recording layer comprising a pigment dispersed in a polymeric binder, the polymeric binder having an infrared-absorbing material dissolved therein, and wherein the polymeric binder is obtained from an aqueous latex dispersion of a polycyanoacrylate copolymer having the formula: ##STR1## wherein: R is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having from 1 to about 20 carbon atoms;VA is a repeating unit resulting from the polymerization of a vinyl-containing monomer with a pendant ionizable group; and the weight ratios of x:y range from about 97:3 to about 70:30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Douglas R. Robello, Michael T. Swanson
  • Patent number: 5998085
    Abstract: A process is described for forming an emissive or phosphor screen. The process comprises the steps of:a) providing a thermal mass donor element comprising a substrate with a front side and a back side, with a coating of emissive material or phosphor adhered to said front side of said substrate,b) placing said coating of emissive material or phosphor adjacent to a support layer,c) addressing said mass donor element with coherent radiation to heat at least a portion of said coating of emissive material or phosphor to locally transfer at least some of said emissive material or phosphor to said support layer,d) repeating step c) a sufficient number of times to provide a coating of transferred emissive material or phosphor on said support layer in an area of at least 1 square centimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties
    Inventors: Thomas A. Isberg, Claire A. Jalbert, John S. Staral, William A. Tolbert, Martin B. Wolk
  • Patent number: 5994028
    Abstract: A thermal transfer film is provided. The thermal transfer film having a support layer, light absorbing layer and a transfer layer further includes an insulating layer between the support layer and the light absorbing layer. The reverse transmission of heat is minimized, thereby improving the thermal energy transmission efficiency from the light absorbing layer to the transfer layer and performing a transfer process efficiently. Therefore, the quality of an image is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Samsung Display Devices Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seong-taek Lee
  • Patent number: 5994024
    Abstract: A process of forming a protective laminate to a laser-ablative recording element comprising a support having thereon an image layer comprising a colorant dispersed in a polymeric binder, the colorant layer having an infrared-absorbing material associated therewith, wherein the element is subjected to a corona discharge treatment prior to application of the protective laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Scott E. Tunney, Stephen M. Neumann
  • Patent number: 5989771
    Abstract: Provided is an ink jet recording material comprising a substrate and an ink-receiving layer provided on at least one surface of the substrate, wherein the ink-receiving layer comprises a water-soluble photosensitive resin. The ink jet recording material shows excellent water resistance without sacrificing ink-receiving properties and requiring no or only a simple post-treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Kimoto Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuzi Ohta, Takayuki Aikawa, Masayuki Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 5989772
    Abstract: A laser-exposed thermal recording element comprising a support having thereon a dye layer comprising a dye dispersed in a polymeric binder, the dye comprising a laser light-absorbing dye absorbing at the wavelength of a laser used to expose the element, wherein the dye layer also contains a stabilizing IR-absorbing dye with an absorption wavelength maximum approximately equal to or longer than that of the laser light-absorbing dye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Lee W. Tutt, Mitchell S. Burberry, Gary M. Underwood
  • Patent number: 5985515
    Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a heat mode imaging element comprising in the order given:i) a lithographic base,ii) a heat ablatable recording layer andiii) a top layer having an opposite affinity for ink or an ink abhesive fluid than the lithographic base,characterized in that the top layer comprises as main substance an inorganic-organic composite material wherein the inorganic phase is formed by controlled hydrolysis and polycondensation of a metal alkoxide and the organic phase is an organic polymer or copolymer linked to at least one inorganic atom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: AGFA-Gevaert, N.V.
    Inventors: Ludo Van Rompuy, Luc Leenders, Bart Aerts
  • Patent number: 5981136
    Abstract: A thermal transfer donor element is provided which comprises a support, a light-to-heat conversion layer, an interlayer, and a thermal transfer layer. When the above donor element is brought into contact with a receptor and imagewise irradiated, an image is obtained which is free from contamination by the light-to-heat conversion layer. The construction and process of this invention is useful in making colored images including applications such as color proofs and color filter elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Chang, John S. Staral, William A. Tolbert, Martin B. Wolk, Claire A. Jalbert, Hsin-hsin Chou
  • Patent number: 5976698
    Abstract: Process and materials are described for selectively placing uniform spacers on a receptor. Spacer elements are placed on a receptor by selectively irradiating a thermal transfer donor sheet comprising a transferable spacer layer. The transferable spacer layer may include particles or fibers to form a composite. The particles may have a spacing dimension either greater than or less than the thickness of the transferable layer. When the spacing dimension of the particle is greater than the thickness of the transferable layer, then the spacing dimension of the particles control the spacing distance. The process and materials are useful in the manufacture of flat panel displays, particularly, liquid crystal display devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: John S. Staral, Claire A. Jalbert, William A. Tolbert, Martin B. Wolk, Allan R. Martens, Thomas A. Isberg
  • Patent number: 5972556
    Abstract: A (photo)thermographic material is provided, capable of being used to produce a lithographic printing plate, comprising a support, a hydrophobic thermosensitive layer and a hydrophilic surface adjoining the hydrophobic thermosensitive layer, the thermosensitive layer containing an ingredient A, for example a substantially light-insensitive organic silver salt, which upon negative or positive image-wise heating reacts with at least one other ingredient B, for example a reducing agent therefor, in thermal working relationship therewith, producing a moiety which changes the adhesion between the thermosensitive layer and an adjoining hydrophilic surface to an extent such that negative or positive image-wise separation of the hydrophobic thermosensitive layer from the adjoining hydrophilic surface is enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert N.V.
    Inventor: Luc Leenders
  • Patent number: 5968707
    Abstract: A transfer material colored to a predetermined color is used when images are formed on a transfer material for use in thermal transfer comprising a substrate and a dye receiving layer by a thermal transfer process.When images are formed by an optional image forming method such as silver salt photographic process, ink jet process or thermal transfer process, a transfer material having sepia tone is used in each of the image forming processes thereby forming sepia tone images. Images having unique appearance can be formed easily upon forming images by a thermal transfer process. Images of sepia tone can be formed safely and conveniently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Satoru Shinohara
  • Patent number: 5968695
    Abstract: The invention relates to a photographic element comprising a paper base, at least one photosensitive silver halide layer, a biaxially oriented polymer sheet between said paper base and said silver halide layer, wherein said polymer sheet has a thickness of between 13 microns and 65 microns and a Young's modulus of between 700 and 5200 MPa wherein said base paper has a Young's modulus between 1380 MPa and 13800 MPa, a thickness between 75 microns and 200 microns, and an average roughness on the emulsion side of between 0.18 and 0.68 microns and wherein the ratio of thickness between said polymer sheet and said base paper is between 0.1 and 0.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Thaddeus S. Gula, Peter T. Aylward, Robert P. Bourdelais, Douglas N. Haydock
  • Patent number: 5962181
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for the preparation of a heat mode recording element comprising (A) laminating a layer pack (1) containing a temporary support, a release layer, a protective layer, an optional intermediate layer, a subbing layer and a thin metal layer, preferably a bismuth layer, to a layer pack (2) comprising a (thermo)adhesive layer and a permanent support, and (B) peeling off the temporary support and the release layer. In an alternative embodiment, when the protective layer contains a radiation-curable composition, the intermediate layer and the subbing layer can be omitted. A heat mode image is obtained by exposing information-wise a thus defined recording element by means of intense laser radiation, preferably produced by an infra-red laser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: AGFA-Gevaert, N.V.
    Inventors: Eddie Daems, Steven Lezy, Johan Lamotte, Luc Leenders
  • Patent number: 5952136
    Abstract: A method is disclosed, and a corresponding thermal imaging medium for use with it, for the formation of an improved heat mode image comprising (A) exposing information-wise to laser radiation a thermal imaging medium comprising (1) a transparent support, (2) an image recording layer containing a hydrophilic binder, a substance capable of converting laser radiation into heat, and a dispersion of a hydrophobic polymer capable of undergoing thermocoagulation by the action of heat and having a built-in UV-absorber. A heat mode image with high density and improved resistance to physical damage is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: AGFA-Gevaert, N.V.
    Inventors: Eddie Daems, Joan Vermeersch, Luc Leenders, Rita Torfs
  • Patent number: 5948600
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an infra-red laser sensitive thermographic material and to a process for forming a heat mode image using such a material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: AGFA-Gevaert N.V.
    Inventors: Peter Roschger, Stephan Michaelis, Karin Hassenruck, Horst Berneth, Paul Callant, Herman Uytterhoeven, Luc Bastiaens, Guy Van Ackere
  • Patent number: 5945249
    Abstract: A laser addressable thermal imaging element comprising a bleachable photothermal converting dye in association with a heat-sensitive imaging medium, and a photoreducing agent for said dye, said photoreducing agent bleaching said dye on laser address of the element. The imaging element may be in the form of a colorant transfer system, a peel-apart system, a phototackification system or a unimolecular thermal fragmentation system. Also provided is a method of crosslinking a resin by leaser irradiation, which is useful in the production of colored images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Imation Corp.
    Inventors: Ranjan C. Patel, Andrew W. Mott, Robert J. D. Nairne, Mark R. I. Chambers, Dian E. Stevenson
  • Patent number: 5945202
    Abstract: The invention provides an ink-oozing plate for a stamp with an ink-impregnated part having stamp-ink impregnable open cells, where the printing face of the stamp comprises a stamp ink-oozing part and a stamp ink-non-oozing part, where the stamp ink-non-oozing part is concave and is 0.01 mm or more lower than the ink-oozing part, the stamp ink-non-oozing part being made of a stamp material-molten part and a penetrating molten-mixing part where a heat-fusing substance penetrating part and a stamp material-molten part are present together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Pencil Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoichi Ando
  • Patent number: 5939231
    Abstract: An image forming material is disclosed which comprises an image receiving sheet having been laminated on an imaging sheet, the imaging sheet comprising a support and provided thereon, an image forming layer contacting the image receiving sheet, an image being formed by exposing the material to a high density energy light to reduce adhesion between the image forming layer and the support at exposed portions without substantially changing adhesion between the image forming layer and the image receiving sheet and then peeling the image receiving sheet from the image forming layer to transfer the image forming layer at exposed portions to the image receiving sheet, wherein both surfaces of the image receiving sheet before the lamination have an average surface roughness Ra of 0.05 to 0.4 .mu.m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Konica Corporation
    Inventors: Tomonori Kawamura, Masataka Takimoto
  • Patent number: 5935902
    Abstract: An image transfer sheet consists of a support sheet, a light-heat conversion layer and an image formation layer; or a support sheet, a light-heat conversion layer, a heat-sensitive releasing layer and an image formation layer. The light-heat conversion layer is formed by coating a coating liquid containing a light-heat conversion material and polyamide acid to form a coated layer and drying the coated layer. A composite is composed the image transfer sheet and an image receiving sheet having a substrate and an image receiving layer thereon. An image forming method is conducted using the composite by means of laser light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naoya Imamura
  • Patent number: 5935758
    Abstract: A laser-induced thermal imaging system having a donor element and a receptor element. The donor element includes a substrate on which is coated transfer material that includes: a binder including a hydroxylic resin; a fluorocarbon additive; a cationic infrared absorbing dye; a dihydropyridine latent crosslinking agent; and a dispersible material. The receptor element comprises a texturized surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Imation Corp.
    Inventors: Ranjan C. Patel, Mark R. I. Chambers, Dian E. Stevenson, Jonathan C. Vogel, Kevin Kidnie, John Souter, Gregory L. Zwaldo
  • Patent number: 5928780
    Abstract: The present invention relates to laser-markable plastics whose feature is that they comprise non-lustrous pigments based on phyllosilicates which have an irregular surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Merck Patent Gesellschaft Mit Beschrankter Haftung
    Inventors: Christoph Schmidt, Peter Reynders, Sabine Schoen
  • Patent number: 5916943
    Abstract: Laser marking compositions, articles of manufacture using same and methods of preparing said articles and compositions are disclosed which comprise a polymer including a cyclopentanone compound which is thermally stable at temperatures required to melt process polymers, but which will eliminate water when subjected to an excimer laser to form a visible mark comprising a cyclopentadienone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: BICC Public Limited Company
    Inventors: Harry George Heller, Mark John Vincent
  • Patent number: 5891602
    Abstract: This invention relates to a dye donor element for laser-induced thermal dye transfer comprising a support having thereon a dye layer comprising an image dye in a binder and an infrared absorbing dye associated therewith, and wherein said binder comprises a nonpolymeric, organic material with a glassy state having a glass transition temperature of greater than 25.degree. C., capable of forming an amorphous glass with said image dye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Stephen Michael Neumann
  • Patent number: 5879861
    Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a method for making a lithographic printing plate comprising the steps of:providing an imaging element comprising on a support having a hydrophilic surface a photosensitive layer and a thermosensitive layer, said thermosensitive layer being opaque to light for which said photosensitive layer has spectral sensitivity and said thermosensitive layer comprising an infrared pigment dispersed in a binder;mounting said imaging element on a drum;image-wise exposing said imaging element by means of an infrared laser in an internal or external drum configuration thereby ablating said thermosensitive layer and rendering it image-wise transparent;overall exposing said imaging element with light to which said photosensitive layer has spectral sensitivity;developing said imaging element to leave an ink accepting image of said photosensitive layer on said support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert, N.V.
    Inventors: Marc Van Damme, Joan Vermeersch
  • Patent number: 5874191
    Abstract: The present invention is an imaging element including a support, at least one image-forming layer and an auxiliary layer. The auxilary layer is formed by providing a coating composition of fluoroolefin-vinyl ether copolymer latex in an aqueous medium, coating the coating composition of the support and drying the coating composition. The present invention also includes a coating composition for use in an imaging element including a fluoroolefin-vinyl ether copolymer latex dispersed in an aqueous medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Charles C. Anderson, Yongcai Wang, Mario D. DeLaura
  • Patent number: 5871884
    Abstract: Unique laser ablation transfer ("LAT") imaging films presenting options of flexibility and versatility hitherto alien to this art are produced, on-demand, by toning appropriate substrate as to provide thereon an ablative discontinuous film topcoat comprising a contrast imaging amount of conventional or modified toner particulates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventor: Ernest W. Ellis
  • Patent number: 5866285
    Abstract: The present invention is an imaging element including a support, at least one image-forming layer and an auxiliary layer. The auxilary layer is formed by providing a coating composition of a fluoroolefin-vinyl ether copolymer dissolved in an organic medium, coating the coating composition on the support and drying the coating composition. The present invention also includes a coating composition for use in an imaging element including a fluoroolefin-vinyl ether copolymer dissolved in an organic medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Charles C. Anderson, Yongcai Wang
  • Patent number: 5863860
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Ranjan C. Patel, Hsin-Hsin Chou, Kam K. Kam
  • Patent number: 5858604
    Abstract: Object: A method for preparing a lithographic printing plate directly from digital image signals with the use of a presensitized lithographic printing plate comprising a support having thereon a photosensitive layer and a light-shielding layer which can be removed imagewise with laser light is provided, wherein the light-shielding layer, which can be industrially produced readily at a moderate price can be removed sufficiently during a process of development without the need of removing a masking layer at an unexposed portion and adverse effect on a photosensitive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Konica Corporation
    Inventors: Katsuyuki Takeda, Sota Kawakami, Katsumi Maejima, Koichi Nakatani, Shinji Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 5858606
    Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a thermosensitive imaging element for obtaining a lithographic printing plate comprising on a hydrophilic surface of a support a layer comprising an organic metallic salt and in the same or an adjacent layer an organic reducing agent and a compound capable of converting light into heat, said organic metallic salt being reducible on heating by said reducing agent to an ink-accepting compound or to a compound which can react with a hydrophobizing agent to an ink-accepting compound, characterized in that said layer comprising an organic metallic salt comprises a hydrophobic binder in an amount between 0.00 g/m.sup.2 and 0.25 g/m.sup.2 and a hydrophilic binder in an amount between 0.00 g/m.sup.2 and 5.00 g/m.sup.2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: AGFA-Gevaert, N.V.
    Inventors: Augustin Meisters, Ludo Van Rompuy, Jan Gilleir, Luc Leenders
  • Patent number: 5858607
    Abstract: An assemblage for forming a lithographic printing plate is disclosed. The assemblage contains a receiver support with a rough hydrophilic surface; a layer containing a poly(cyanoacrylate) binder; and a donor support. When the assemblage is exposed with a high intensity laser beam, the binder is transferred to the hydrophilic surface of the receiver support to produce a lithographic printing plate. The transfer requires relatively low exposure and no post processing is necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Kodak Polychrome Graphics
    Inventors: Mitchell S. Burberry, Sharon W. Weber
  • Patent number: 5856060
    Abstract: An image forming material is disclosed which comprises a support and provided thereon, an image forming layer and an image protective layer in that order, the image forming layer containing a colorant and a first binder resin, and the image protective layer containing fine particles in an amount of 2 to 150 mg/M.sup.2 and a second binder resin and having a thickness of 0.03 to 1.0 .mu.m, wherein an image is formed by exposing the material to a high density energy light to reduce adhesion between the image forming layer and the support and then removing the image forming layer at exposed portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Konica Corporation
    Inventors: Tomonori Kawamura, Masataka Takimoto, Ai Katsuda, Katsuji Kondo
  • Patent number: 5856061
    Abstract: A color reproduction method is described using laser addressable thermal transfer donor elements which may be used to image both color proofing films and printing plates. Matched proofs and plates may be generated by direct digital address since identical transfer media are used in the respective imaging processes. In addition, each plate bears a resin image of a color that matches the color of the ink that will be used with that plate thus providing a convenient means of identification. In other words, the identity of each plate (i.e. whether it bears the y, m, c or k separation image) is immediately apparent by visual inspection, thus removing any risk of confusion and any need to provide individual plates with identification marks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Ranjan C. Patel, John Souter
  • Patent number: 5851709
    Abstract: A method for selective transfer of a color organic layer from a donor layer onto a device having an array of pixels with each pixel formed from color subpixels, includes the steps of providing a substrate having opposing first and second surfaces; forming a light transmissive heat insulating layer over the first surface of the substrate; forming a light absorbing layer over the heat insulating layer; providing the substrate with an array of openings extending from the second surface to the heat insulating layer, the number and positions of the openings corresponding to the number and positions of the color subpixels of the device, and each opening having a size equal to or smaller than the size of the color subpixel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: William J. Grande, Paul J. Fleming, Ching W. Tang
  • Patent number: 5851720
    Abstract: A transfer material colored to a predetermined color is used when images are formed on a transfer material for use in thermal transfer comprising a substrate and a dye receiving layer by a thermal transfer process.When images are formed by an optional image forming method such as silver salt photographic process, ink jet process or thermal transfer process, a transfer material having sepia tone is used in each of the image forming processes thereby forming sepia tone images. Images having unique appearance can be formed easily upon forming images by a thermal transfer process. Images of sepia tone can be formed safely and conveniently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Satoru Shinohara
  • Patent number: 5843617
    Abstract: An imaging method is provided that includes a tetraarylpolymethine dye, and bleaching this dye by bringing the dye into contact with a 4-alkyl or 4-unsubstituted 1,4-dihydropyridine derivative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Ranjan C. Patel, Mark R. I. Chambers, Dian E. Stevenson, Robert J. D. Nairne, Gregory L. Zwaldo
  • Patent number: 5840791
    Abstract: Laser-markable thermoplastic moulding compositions are disclosed which containthermoplastic polymers,boric anhydride, and optionally,fillers and reinforcing materials,flame retardant additives,elastomer modifiers,antimony trioxide, andcopper(II) pyrophosphate hydrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Bayer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Herbert Magerstedt, Frank Gerling