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: 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
  • Patent number: 5840463
    Abstract: Photosensitive donor elements, assemblages, and associated processes are described for use in a laser-induced thermal transfer process, said elements comprising in the order listed a support; a photohardenable layer comprising a binder, at least one photohardenable component, and an initiator; optionally a barrier layer; optionally a coversheet; at least one ejection layer comprising a first polymer having a decomposition temperature T.sub.1 ; at least one top layer having an outer surface and comprising (i) a second polymer having a decomposition temperature T.sub.2 and (ii) an imageable component. For photomask fabrication applications, the imageable component is preferably black. Assemblages made with these donor elements are useful for fabrication of photomasks on various photohardenable materials, including flexographic printing plates and photoresists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Graciela Beatriz Blanchet-Fincher
  • Patent number: 5834151
    Abstract: A method of forming an image on an image forming material is disclosed which comprises a transparent support having a first surface side and a second surface side and provided on the first surface side, an imaging layer, the method comprising the step of forming a mirror image on the imaging layer so that the formed image is visible from the second surface side, wherein the second surface side has a glossiness of 80 to 115.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Konica Corporation
    Inventor: Yasunori Wada
  • Patent number: 5821028
    Abstract: A thermal transfer image receiving material is disclosed which comprises a support having a first surface and a second surface, a cushion layer and an image receiving layer provided on the first surface in that order, and a back coat layer provided on the second surface, wherein the surface of the back coat layer has a suction pressure of 300 mmHg or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Konica Corporation
    Inventors: Katsumi Maejima, Tomoko Takeyama, Atsushi Nakajima, Katsuyuki Takeda
  • Patent number: 5814430
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for the formation of a heat mode image with good differentiation between Dmin and Dmax. The method essentially comprises information-wise laser exposure of a layer pack comprising a layer containing a reducing agent, a barrier layer, and a layer containing a reducible organic metal salt, preferably silver behenate. The barrier layer is destructible by laser radiation and allows transfer of reducing agent in the exposed parts while no such transfer occurs in the unexposed parts. Preferably, an overall heat post-treatment is given. A mono-sheet and a two-sheet version of the invention are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: AGFA-Gevaert, N.V.
    Inventors: Eddie Daems, Rita Torfs, Luc Leenders
  • Patent number: 5811215
    Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a method for preparing a hydrophilic surface of an aluminum lithographic base comprising the steps of roughening and anodizing a side of an aluminum foil and sealing said side of the aluminum foil with hot water within a temperature range from 70.degree. C. to 100.degree. C. for at least 5 seconds and rinsing said side of the aluminum foil with water characterized in that between said hot water treatment and said rinsing said side of the aluminum foil is treated with an aqueous silicate solution within a temperature range from 70.degree. C. to 100.degree. C. for at least 5 seconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert, N.V.
    Inventors: Marc Van Damme, Joan Vermeersch
  • Patent number: 5804355
    Abstract: Thermal recording or producing of a contone image comprises an imagewise and scanwise exposing a thermographic recording material with a set (s) of radiation beams (b), wherein at any given moment (t) during the exposure at least two radiation beams impinge on different dots (m) of a scanline (l), so that by completion of the exposure each effective dot of the scanline has been impinged. Photo-thermographic recording or producing comprises a developing of the exposed photo-thermographic recording material with a set (s) of radiation beams (b), wherein at any given moment (t) during the development at least two radiation beams impinge on different dots (m) of a scanline (l), so that by completion of the development step each dot of the scanline has been impinged by all radiation beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert N.V.
    Inventors: Jacobus Herman Bosschaerts, Robert Theodoor Overmeer, Leo Oelbrandt, Hans Louis Strijckers, Eddie Roza Daems
  • Patent number: 5800960
    Abstract: A method of producing a radiation-induced colorant transfer image on a support, includes the steps of: providing an image-receiving element comprising a support having thereon an image-receiving layer; providing a colorant donor element having a colorant transfer layer on a colorant element support and wherein colorant can be transferred from a transfer surface of the colorant donor element to the image-receiving element in response to selectively applied radiation; providing a uniformly reflecting opaque element that is sufficiently opaque to radiation at the wavelengths of the radiation source; causing the image-receiving element to be contacted with the colorant donor element and these elements to be positioned between the radiation source and the uniformly reflecting opaque element; and applying radiation to the colorant donor element to cause colorant to transfer to the image-receiving element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Michael L. Boroson, Judith L. Fleissig, Edward A. Tickner
  • Patent number: 5792579
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to color filters comprising a transparent substrate and a repeating pattern of colored pixels on the substrate thereby forming the color filter, wherein each of the pixels comprises a plurality of small colorant areas, referred to as a sub-pixel. Processes forming pixels comprising a plurality of sub-pixels exhibit a drastic increase in the formation of usable color filters, resulting in greatly improved yields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Flex Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger Winston Phillips
  • Patent number: 5773170
    Abstract: An image-forming element comprising a substrate, and an image-forming medium comprising (a) a compound absorbing at a first wavelength in the UV/blue region and (b) a dye absorbing at a second wavelength which is longer than the first wavelength, irradiation at said second wavelength bleaching absorption of said compound at said first wavelength, said element being free of thermally unstable urea and/or carbamate molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Ranjan C. Patel, Robert J. D. Nairne
  • Patent number: 5766819
    Abstract: Donor elements, assemblages, and associated processes are described for use in a laser-induced thermal transfer process, said elements comprising in the order listed (a) at least one flexible ejection layer comprising a first polymer having a decomposition temperature T.sub.1 and characteristic glass transition temperatures of T.sub.g.sup.0 and T.sub.g.sup.1 for unplasticized and plasticized polymer samples, respectively, wherein the tensile modulus of the flexible ejection layer(s) structure is less than or equal to 2.5 Gigapascals; (b) at least one heating layer; (c) at least one transfer layer comprising (i) a second polymer having a decomposition temperature T.sub.2, wherein T.sub.2 .gtoreq.(T.sub.1 +100.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: E. I. duPont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Graciela Beatriz Blanchet-Fincher
  • Patent number: 5766827
    Abstract: A process for forming an image on a transparent or translucent substrate comprising the steps of providing an imageable element comprising a transparent or translucent glass or polymeric film having a coating of a black metal on one surface thereof, directing radiation in an imagewise distributed pattern at said black metal layer with sufficient intensity to substantially increase the light transmissivity of the medium in the irradiated region in an imagewise distributed pattern, said element having no layers comprising a thermally activated gas-generating composition. The image comprises residual black metal on the film base, and may be used for overhead transparencies, contact negatives/positives, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Richard E. Bills, Hsin-hsin Chou, Thomas A. Isberg, Charles C. Lee, William V. Dower, Martin B. Wolk, John S. Staral
  • Patent number: 5763136
    Abstract: A method of producing a radiation-induced colorant transfer image on a support, includes the steps of: providing an image-receiving element comprising a support having thereon an image-receiving layer; providing a colorant donor element having a colorant transfer layer on a colorant element support and wherein colorant can be transferred from a transfer surface of the colorant donor element to the image-receiving layer in response to selectively applied radiation; providing a rigid element being configured to provide a surface having peaks and valleys; pressing either the colorant element support surface or the image-receiving support surface against the rigid element so as to cause either the colorant transfer layer surface or the image-receiving surface, respectively, to conformally have peaks and valleys; causing the peaks of the colorant transfer layer or the image-receiving layer to engage either the image-receiving element or the colorant donor element, respectively; and applying radiation to the colora
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Michael L. Boroson, Nancy J. Armstrong, Charles D. DeBoer
  • Patent number: 5759738
    Abstract: An image receiving sheet having a support sheet, an intermediate layer and an image receiving layer, wherein the intermediate layer comprises a polymer and a plasticizer having at least one ester bonds and molecular weight of 700 to 3,000. Otherwise, an image receiving sheet having a support sheet and an image receiving layer wherein the image receiving layer comprises a polymer and the plasticizer. A heat sensitive ink sheet has a heat sensitive ink layer which is formed of a heat sensitive ink material comprising colored pigment and thermoplastic resin such as amorphous organic polymer. An image forming method is conducted by using the heat sensitive ink sheet and one of the image receiving sheets by area gradation by the use of a thermal head or laser beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Tsuno, Naoya Imamura
  • Patent number: 5759752
    Abstract: A thermosensitive recording material suited for use in direct thermal imaging by means of an information-wise energized heating element, said recording material containing a thermosensitive recording layer of which the optical density is changed by heat, characterized in that said recording layer is coated with a protective transparent resin layer essentially consisting of a polycarbonate or copolycarbonate derived from one or more bisphenols, wherein at least 25 mole % of said bisphenols consists of a bis-(hydroxyphenyl)-cycloalkane corresponding to following general formula (I): ##STR1## wherein: each of R.sup.1, R.sup.2 , R.sup.3, and R.sup.4 (same or different) represents hydrogen, halogen, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkyl group, a substituted C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkyl group, a C.sub.5 -C.sub.6 cycloalkyl group, a substituted C.sub.5 -C.sub.6 cycloalkyl group, a C.sub.6 -C.sub.10 aryl group, a substituted C.sub.6 -C.sub.10 aryl group, a C.sub.7 -C.sub.12 aralkyl group, or a substituted C.sub.7 -C.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: AGFA-Gevaert N.V.
    Inventors: Carlo Uyttendaele, Geert Defieuw
  • Patent number: 5759741
    Abstract: An ablative recording element comprising a support having thereon, in order, a barrier layer and a colorant layer comprising a colorant dispersed in a polymeric binder, the colorant layer having an infrared-absorbing material associated therewith, and wherein the barrier layer contains polymeric beads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Glenn T. Pearce, Stephen M. Neumann
  • Patent number: 5756249
    Abstract: An image media assembly comprising: a doner element, a receptor element, and means for maintaining the elements in a predetermined position wherein one element overlies the other, said means including a vacuum present between the elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventor: Ernest W. Ellis
  • Patent number: 5750462
    Abstract: A latent image printing method and apparatus uses a substrate with one main surface having a covering comprising only one of a first pair of a color developer and color former dye in at least one selected latent imaging area defining a background color in conjunction with the one main surface, wherein the color developer and the color former dye react when mixed to produce a first spectral response which is visible relative to the background color and a continuous coating over the covering which is non-porous with respect to the other of the pair and solvent-resistant to the other of the pair. The coating above selected portions of the covering corresponding to a desired latent image is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Nocopi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Arshavir Gundjian
  • Patent number: 5750323
    Abstract: Solid particle dispersions of compounds useful in imaging elements can be made with substantially improved stability to particle growth by dispersing the compound of interest in the presence of a relatively small amount of a second compound that is structurally similar to the compound of interest. This second compound is combined with the compound of interest prior to dispersing the compound of interest, i.e., prior to milling in the case of milled dispersions, and prior to precipitation in the case of pH or solvent precipitated dispersions. While being distinct, the second compound has a similar chemical structure to the main compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Raymond Peter Scaringe, David Darrell Miller, Mary Christine Brick, Leslie Shuttleworth, Margaret Jones Helber, Steven Evans
  • Patent number: 5747217
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of increasing the sensitivity of laser induced thermal imaging by using certain sublimable compounds. The invention is useful in the field of thermal transfer imaging for the production of various graphic arts media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Krzysztof A. Zaklika, Stanley C. Busman, Gregory D. Cuny
  • Patent number: 5725989
    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: April 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Chang, John S. Staral, William A. Tolbert, Martin B. Wolk, Claire A. Jalbert, Hsin-hsin Chou
  • Patent number: 5725993
    Abstract: A laser-exposed thermal recording element comprising a support having thereon a pigment layer comprising a pigment dispersed in a polymeric binder, the pigment absorbing at the wavelength of a laser used to expose the element, wherein the pigment comprises the formula:M.sub.x A.sub.y Q.sub.zwherein:M is at least one metal atom,A is at least one alkali metal,Q is at least one of oxygen or sulfur,x is an integer between 1 and 3,y is between 0 and about 2, andz is between about 1 and about 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Joseph F. Bringley, David P. Trauernicht, Patrick M. Lambert
  • Patent number: 5720841
    Abstract: A new type of positive working thermal imaging medium, and a process of forming an image with it is disclosed. This thermal imaging medium comprises a transparent support and (1) a layer comprising a homopolymer or copolymer comprising at least 60 mole % of monomer units containing covalently bound chlorine, (2) a layer containing a homopolymer or copolymer comprising at least 50 mole % of a vinyl acetal monomer unit, (3) an image forming layer, (4) a release layer, and (5) a thermoadhesive layer. After or before exposure to a heat pattern generated directly by a thermal head or indirectly by information-wise exposure to laser radiation a cover sheet is laminated to layer (5). After delamination a positive image is obtained on the original support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert
    Inventors: Johan Lamotte, Rudi De Busser
  • Patent number: 5721087
    Abstract: A method for forming a lithographic printing plate requiring no fountain solution, which comprises the steps of irradiating a lithographic printing plate precursor requiring no fountain solution comprising a support having a layer for converting a laser beam to heat (first layer) and a layer having an ink-repellent surface (second layer) provided thereon in this order with the laser beam absorbable by the first layer to conduct image exposure, pressing an adhesive sheet layer on the second layer, the sheet having a surface layer adhesive to a surface of the second layer, and thereafter separating the adhesive sheet, thereby forming an image which makes it possible to perform printing requiring no fountain solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Yokoya, Tsumoru Hirano, Norio Aoshima
  • Patent number: 5718995
    Abstract: A composite support for an imaging element is described, which composite support comprises a polymeric film and an electrically conductive layer, wherein the polymeric film comprises a surface which has been activated by energetic treatment, the electrically conductive layer comprises an electrically conductive agent dispersed in an aqueous dispersible polymeric binder comprising an aliphatic, anionic polyurethane having an ultimate elongation to break of at least 350 percent, and the electrically conductive layer is in contiguous contact with the activated surface of the polymeric film. Imaging elements for use in an image-forming process are also described, which element comprise such composite supports and at least one image-forming layer. The invention provides composite supports and imaging elements containing an electrically conductive antistatic layer having excellent adhesion to energetic surface-treated polymer film supports, and of auxiliary layers to the electrically conductive antistatic layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Dennis John Eichorst, Cathy Ann Fleischer, Jeremy Grace, Paul Daniel Yocobucci
  • Patent number: 5716710
    Abstract: A prepress color proof can be prepared using suitable donor elements and an intermediate receiver element that has a roughened outer image receiving layer so that the color image is transferred with high image resolution. The intermediate receiver element can also have a cushioning layer beneath the outer image receiving layer that reduces the tendency for entrapped dirt particles to form minus density spot defects. In addition, a unique carrier plate can be used to carry the donor and intermediate receiver elements through laminating equipment. This carrier plate has a thermoplastic adhesive layer with sufficient tackiness to prevent irreversible dimensional change during lamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Richard Julius Kapusniak, Colin Carl Campbell, Lawrence Philip Pate, David Alan Niemeyer
  • Patent number: 5716754
    Abstract: There are described image-recording materials which include an image dye-providing compound comprising a novel naphthol azo cyan dye having a 3-aminobenzoisothiazole moiety. The image dye-providing compound includes a diffusion control moiety such as a hydroquinonyl developer group, a precursor thereof or a thiazolidine moiety and, may be diffusible or nondiffusible as a function of the diffusion control moiety.Image-recording materials according to the invention including those which contain high potential developers such as aminoreductone allow sufficient cyan chromophore to diffuse to the image-receiving layer to provide an acceptable photograph and result in no appreciable reduction of the 3-aminobenzoisothiazole moiety of the novel naphthol azo cyan dye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Arnost, Peter Viski, David P. Waller, David C. Whritenour
  • Patent number: 5712079
    Abstract: An ablative recording element comprising a support having thereon, in order, a barrier layer and a colorant layer comprising a colorant dispersed in a polymeric binder, the element containing an infrared-absorbing material, and wherein the barrier layer is prepared 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 vinyl monomer with a pendant ionizable group, andthe weight ratios of x:y range from about 97:3 to about 70:30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Douglas R. Robello, Michael T. Swanson, Scott E. Tunney
  • Patent number: 5710097
    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: June 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: John S. Staral, Claire A. Jalbert, William A. Tolbert, Martin B. Wolk, Allan R. Martens, Thomas A. Isberg
  • Patent number: 5702863
    Abstract: A production method of an ink-oozing plate for stamp having open cells, in which the production steps and the apparatus are simple, and an ink-oozing plate for stamp which can provide a sharp impress image and is conveniently used, that is, to provide a production method of a stamping plate in which a stamping plate can easily be produced with a small flashlight irradiating energy, including such a method as using a heat transfer sheet coated with a heat transfer substance which generates heat by irradiating with infrared rays and can be transferred, irradiating with infrared rays while pressing a stamp material, and coating an impress image copy with a liquid substance containing water, and thus coming to complete the production method of the ink-oozing plate for stamp of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Pencil Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoichi Ando
  • Patent number: 5698363
    Abstract: An image forming method is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Konica Corporation
    Inventors: Ai Katsuda, Hiroshi Watanabe, Tomonori Kawamura, Toshihisa Takeyama, Kunihiro Koshizuka
  • Patent number: 5698366
    Abstract: Imaging elements are prepared by a method in which an image is generated on a donor element and then transferred from the donor element to a receiver element by the steps of lamination and peeling. The donor element comprises a support, an image-forming layer and optional release and adhesive layers and the image is formed by imagewise laser-induced thermal ablation of the image-forming layer. The method is particularly useful for the preparation of lithographic printing plates as it avoids the need to employ alkaline developing solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Lee William Tutt, Gerald Thomas Frizelle, Linda Kaszczuk
  • Patent number: 5698368
    Abstract: A thermal transfer sheet is provided which can eliminate the need to use any apparatus, such as equipment for vapor deposition, and to provide any anchor layer for vapor deposition and can provide a good print having high brightness even on paper having low smoothness. The thermal transfer sheet comprises: a substrate sheet; and a hot-melt ink layer provided on at least one surface of the substrate sheet, the hot-melt layer containing a metallic powder having such a particle geometry that the shape is tabular, the diameter is from 8 to 20 .mu.m and the thickness is from 0.01 to 5 .mu.m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Obata, Nobuyuki Tominaga
  • Patent number: 5695907
    Abstract: The invention provides a thermal transfer element having an infrared sensitive adhesive topcoat and process for using the transfer element to generate a colored image on a receptor. The infrared sensitive adhesive topcoat allows for a more efficient transfer of the image to a receptor. The color transfer layer and/or infrared sensitive adhesive topcoat may optionally contain crosslinkable or polymerizable materials that allows one to crosslink the image after transfer to the receptor to produce a more durable image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Chang
  • Patent number: 5693589
    Abstract: A thermal recording element comprising a support having thereon a dye layer comprising a polymeric binder containing:(a) a metallized complex of a formazan dye that absorbs at from about 400 to about 850 nm; and(b) an organic carboxylic acid;the dye layer having associated therewith:(c) a hexaarylbiimidazole which is an oxidative dimer of a 2,4,5-triarylimidazole having one of the following formulas: ##STR1## wherein: R, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 each independently represents hydrogen, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or alkoxy group of from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, amino, a substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl group having from about 5 to about 7 carbon atoms, or an electron-rich heterocyclic group having from about 5 to about 7 atoms, with the proviso that at least one of R and R.sup.1 is the alkoxy or amino group;X and X.sup.1 each independently represents oxy or imino;Z is an alkylene group of 1 or 2 carbon atoms; andm, n and o each independently represents an integer of 0 to 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Ramanuj Goswami, Robert J. Perry, Paul Anthony Zielinski
  • Patent number: 5693447
    Abstract: An image forming material is disclosed which comprises a support and provided thereon, an image forming layer containing colorant particles and a binder, the image forming layer having an optical density of 3.0 or more per 1 .mu.m thickness of the image forming layer at .lambda.max which is a wavelength giving a maximum transparent density in the spectral absorption wavelength range of 350 to 1200 nm of the image forming layer, wherein an image is formed by removing exposed portions of the image forming layer of the image forming material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Konica Corporation
    Inventors: Toshihisa Takeyama, Ai Katsuda, Tomonori Kawamura, Masataka Takimoto, Yoshitaka Goto
  • Patent number: 5693446
    Abstract: A method of transferring a high resolution polarizing image from a mass transfer donor element to a receptor element. The transfer can be induced by thermal energy or electromagnetic (optical) energy. In either case, the transferred image will be a high resolution image that exhibits optically anisotropic properties. The polarizing mass transfer donor element comprises a substrate having a polarizing mass transfer layer coated thereon. Optionally, the polarizing mass transfer donor element further comprises a light absorbing material, preferably in the form of a light to heat conversion layer. The polarizing mass transfer donor element can further comprise an adhesive to facilitate transfer of the polarizing mass transfer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: John S. Staral, William A. Tolbert, Hsin Hsin Chou, Wu Shyong Li
  • Patent number: 5691098
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of increasing the sensitivity of laser induced thermal imaging by using certain diazo compounds. The diazo compounds contain functional groups adjacent the diazo substituent capable of stabilizing these compounds. The invention is useful in the field of thermal transfer imaging for the production of various graphic arts media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Stanley C. Busman, Gregory D. Cuny, Krzysztof A. Zaklika, Richard J. Ellis
  • Patent number: 5691103
    Abstract: An image forming material is disclosed which comprises a support and provided thereon, an image forming layer containing a colorant, the image forming layer being hardened, wherein an image is formed by imagewise exposing the image forming layer to a high density energy light to reduce an adhesive force between the image forming layer and the support and by removing the exposed portions of the image forming layer of the image forming material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Konica Corporation
    Inventors: Toshihisa Takeyama, Ai Katsuda, Kunihiro Koshizuka, Tomonori Kawamura, Masataka Takimoto, Yoshitaka Goto
  • Patent number: 5691102
    Abstract: A process of producing an ink-oozing plate for a stamp having open cells, in which the production steps and the apparatus are simple, and an ink-oozing plate for a stamp which can provide a sharp impress image and is conveniently used, including such a method as using an exothermally fusible sheet coated with a heat-fusing substance which generates heat by irradiating with infrared rays and can penetrate into a stamp material, irradiating with infrared rays while pressing the stamp material, and coating an impress image copy with a liquid substance containing water, and thus coming to complete the process of producing the ink-oozing plate for a stamp of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Pencil Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoichi Ando
  • Patent number: 5674661
    Abstract: A laser dye removal recording element comprising a support having thereon a dye layer comprising an image dye dispersed in a polymeric binder, the dye layer having an infrared-absorbing material associated therewith, and wherein the image dye comprises a cyan disazo dye having the following formula: ##STR1## wherein: R.sup.1, R.sup.3, and R.sup.4 each independently represents nitro, hydroxy, alkyl, aryl, fused aryl, fused heteroaryl, carboxy, alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, hydrogen, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, haloalkyl, cyanoalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxy, alkoxyalkyl, aryloxyalkyl, alkoxyalkylcarbonyl, aryloxyalkylcarbonyl, alkoxyalkoxyalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxyalkoxyalkyl, hydroxyalkoxyalkylamino, alkenyloxyalkyl, alkoxycarbonyloxyalkyl, alkenylcarbonyl, aryloxyalkylcarbonyl, aminoalkyl, cyanoalkylcarbonyl, haloalkylcarbonyl, alkylamino, arylamino, amino, halogen, sulfonamido or arylazo;or R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 can be joined together at the 4- and 5- positions of the ring to form a diaminoalkylene group;R.sup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Stephen Michael Neumann
  • Patent number: 5672562
    Abstract: A thermal recording element comprising a support having thereon a dye layer comprising a polymeric binder containing:(a) a formazan dye that absorbs at from about 400 to about 850 nm, and(b) a hexaarylbiimidazole which is an oxidative dimer of a 2,4,5-triarylimidazole having one of the following formulas: ##STR1##
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Ramanuj Goswami, Robert J. Perry, Paul Anthony Zielinski
  • Patent number: 5667933
    Abstract: There are described heat-developable photosensitive image-recording elements which have an alkali-generating system incorporated therein. In the alkali-generating system, a slightly water-soluble metal compound is reacted with a salt of 2-hydroxy-pyridine-N-oxide, or its derivatives, in the presence of a fluid such as water, to form an insoluble precipitate and the alkali required for silver image development during processing. The image-recording materials are useful as image-forming materials in thermographic and photothermographic processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventors: Gary E. Cargill, Edward C. Taylor, Peter Viski, Christopher E. R. Orvig
  • Patent number: 5654079
    Abstract: A process of forming a single color, ablation image comprising imagewise-exposing by means of a laser, in the absence of a separate receiving element, a dye-ablative recording element comprising a support having thereon a dye layer comprising a cyan image dye dispersed in a polymeric binder, the dye layer having a nitrosophenol or nitrosonaphthol ferrous complex associated therewith, the dye layer also having an infrared-absorbing material associated therewith to absorb at a given wavelength of the laser used to expose the element, the cyan image dye not having substantial absorption at the wavelength of the laser used to expose the element, the laser exposure taking place through the dye side of said element, the laser exposure taking place through the dye side of the element, thereby imagewise-heating the dye layer and causing it to ablate, and removing the ablated material to obtain an image in said ablative recording element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Lee William Tutt, Derek David Chapman
  • Patent number: 5633113
    Abstract: An image media assembly comprising: a donor element, a receptor element, and means for maintaining at least the elements in a predetermined position wherein one element overlies the element, said means including a vacuum present between the elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventor: Ernest W. Ellis
  • Patent number: 5633116
    Abstract: A prepress color proof can be prepared using suitable donor elements and an intermediate receiver element that has a roughened outer image receiving layer so that the color image is transferred with high image resolution. The intermediate receiver element can also have a cushioning layer beneath the outer image receiving layer that reduces the tendency for entrapped dirt particles to form minus density spot defects. In addition, a unique carrier plate can be used to carry the donor and intermediate receiver elements through laminating equipment. This carrier plate has a thermoplastic adhesive layer with sufficient tackiness to prevent irreversible dimensional change during lamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Eastman Kokak Company
    Inventors: Richard J. Kapusniak, Colin C. Campbell, Lawrence P. Pate, David A. Niemeyer
  • Patent number: 5631117
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a light-heat converting heat mode recording material comprises a first support having thereon a cushion layer, an intermediate layer and an image forming layer in that order, the material comprising a light-heat converting substance, the method comprising the steps of a) providing a first unit comprising a first support; b) providing a second unit comprising a second support having thereon the image forming layer; c) superposing the second unit on the first unit so that the image forming layer is in close contact with the first unit; and d) separating the second support from the image forming layer to form the recording material, wherein the second support has a releasing layer containing a cross-linked compound on the image forming layer side, the releasing layer being insoluble in a coating solvent for both the intermediate layer and the image forming layer, and provided between the second support, or has a releasing layer containing a fluorine-containing compound or a long chain a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Konica Corporation
    Inventors: Atsushi Nakajima, Ai Katsuda, Sota Kawakami, Shinji Kudo
  • Patent number: 5629129
    Abstract: Disclosed is a heat sensitive ink sheet having a support sheet and a heat sensitive ink layer having a thickness of 0.2 to 1.0 .mu.m which is formed of a heat sensitive ink material comprising 30 to 70 weight % of colored pigment, 25 to 65 weight % of amorphous organic polymer having a softening point of 40.degree. to 150.degree. C. and 0.1 to 20 weight % of nitrogen-containing compound. Further, thermal transfer recording methods by area gradation using the heat sensitive ink sheet and an image receiving sheet are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuru Yamamoto, Akihiko Takeda, Akihiro Shimomura, Yasutomo Goto
  • Patent number: 5629130
    Abstract: A new method is disclosed for the formation of a heat mode image comprising exposing to a heat pattern a donor element comprising a reactant (A) while in contact with an acceptor element comprising a reactant (B), the said reactant (A) being transferred by said exposure from said donor element to said acceptor element to form an image therein by reaction of said reactant (A) with said reactant (B), (2) separating said donor and said acceptor element from each other, and (3) optionally giving said acceptor element a post-treatment consisting of a supply of extra energy, characterized in that the said acceptor element comprises spacing particles also containing a said reactant (B), and/or the said donor element comprises spacing particles also containing a said reactant (A), or a said reactant (B), or a density providing compound, preferably carbon black, or combinations thereof.In the preferred embodiment reactant (A) is a reducing agent and reactant (B) is an organic silver salt, preferably silver behenate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert N.V.
    Inventors: Luc Leenders, Rita Torfs
  • Patent number: 5627007
    Abstract: A method for exposing a radiation sensitive material is disclosed comprising a double-sided laser exposure of the same information in register on both sides. In a preferred embodiment this material is a thermal imaging medium comprising a support, an image forming layer preferably containing carbon black, a release layer and an adhesive layer. By laser exposing this medium in register on both sides a heat mode image can be obtained after lamination and delamination which shows practically no pinhole defects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert N.V.
    Inventors: Rudolf Van den Bergh, Johan Lamotte, Andr e Bellens