Abstract: A paper for thermal image transfer to flat porous surfaces is characterized by a paper support and a layer applied thereto which contains an ethylene copolymer or an ethylene copolymer mixture and a dye-receiving layer.

Abstract: There is provided a method for obtaining a lithographic printing plate requiring no wet processing comprising the steps ofimage-wise exposing using a laser beam a heat mode recording material comprising on a support a recording composition comprising a hydrophobic polymer and a substance capable of converting the laser beam radiation into heat while said heat mode recording composition is in contact with the acceptor layer of an acceptor element comprising a flexible support, said acceptor layer comprising a hardened non-proteinic hydrophilic polymer obtained by reacting a non-proteinic hydrophilic polymer containing a hydroxyl group or an amino or amido group having a free hydrogen with a hardener capable of reacting with said groups andseparating said heat mode recording material from said acceptor material,characterized in that said recording composition comprises a thermal transferable dye which is transferred at the exposed areas from the recording material to the surface of the acceptor element.

Abstract: Disclosed is image receiving sheet having a support sheet, a first image receiving layer thereon and a second image receiving layer provided on the first image receiving layer; wherein the second image receiving layer comprises butyral resin and polymer having at least one of recurring units represented by the following formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; and Q represents a group having amide bond, a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group, or a phenyl group substituted with residue of ammonium salt. Further, a thermal transfer recording methods by area gradation using a heat sensitive ink sheet and the image receiving sheet are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dyesheet for light-induced thermal transfer printing comprises a substrate having on one side a dyecoat comprising a first polymeric binder containing at least one thermal transfer dye dissolved or dispersed therein, and between the dyecoat and the substrate an absorber coat comprising a polymeric material through which the dye molecules diffuse less readily under printing conditions than they do through the dyecoat binder.

Abstract: Thermal dye transfer receiving elements are disclosed comprising a base having thereon a dye image-receiving layer, the base comprising a composite film laminated to a support, the dye image-receiving layer being on the composite film side of the base. The composite film comprises a microvoided thermoplastic core layer and at least one substantially void-free thermoplastic surface (skin) layer having a thickness of about 3 to about 6 .mu.m, and the support comprising a latex-impregnated paper.

Abstract: A thermal imaging process is provided using (i) a donor element comprising on a support a donor layer comprising a binder, a thermotransferable reducing agent capable of reducing a silver source to metallic silver upon heating and a thermotransferable toning agent and (ii) a receiving element comprising on a support a receiving layer comprising a silver source capable of being reduced to metallic silver by means of heat in the presence of a reducing agent, said thermal imaging process comprising the steps ofbringing said donor layer of said donor element into face to face relationship with said receiving layer of said receiving element,image-wise heating a thus obtained assemblage preferably by means of a thermal head, thereby causing image-wise transfer of an amount of said thermotransferable reducing agent to said receiving element in accordance with the amount of heat supplied andseparating said donor element from said receiving element.

Abstract: A method of preparing a color filter array element comprising the following steps:a) imagewise-heating a dye-donor element comprising a support having thereon a dye layer comprising a dye dispersed in a binder, the dye layer being in superposed relationship with a dye image-receiving layer of a dye-receiving element comprising a support having thereon a dye image-receiving layer, the dye image-receiving layer comprising a polymer which has a glass transition temperature above the sublimation temperature of the dye but which contains an organic plasticizer in an amount so that the glass transition temperature of the dye image-receiving layer is below the sublimation temperature of the dye;b) transferring portions of the dye layer to the dye-receiving layer to form a repeating dye pattern thereon to form a color filter array; andc) subjecting the dye-receiving element to a fusing heat treatment below the sublimation temperature of the dye but at a sufficient temperature and for a sufficient time so that the dye

Abstract: A peel-developable imaging medium for the imagewise recordation of information is provided, the imaging medium having therein a plurality of fracturable layers, the plurality comprising a porous or particulate image-forming layer and a release layer, and at least one of the fracturable layers having incorporated therein a boric ion generating species. In particular embodiments, the fracturable layers contain crosslinked borated polymeric binder. The laminar imaging medium is characterized by good imaging performance in an extended range of environmental conditions.

Abstract: Toning agents are provided for use in thermographic and photothermographic materials, either on their own or in combination with at least one other toning agent, with improved compatibility with hydrophobic media as shown by reduced crystallization and reduced diffusion through the material, which properties enabling an improved imaging performance to be achieved and in particular a more neutral image tone after storage.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the formation of a heat mode image comprising the steps of (i) bringing in close contact a donor element, containing a reducing agent and an radiation to heat converting compound, and an acceptor element, containing a reducible organic silver salt, (ii) exposing this assemblage information-wise by intense infra-red laser radiation, (iii) peeling apart the elements and (iiii) optionally overall heating the separated acceptor element.In a preferred embodiment the laser is an infra-red laser and the radiation to heat converting compound is an infra-red absorbing compound.In an alternative embodiment the radiation to heat converting compound is incorporated in the acceptor.

Abstract: A thermal mass transfer imaging process comprises the thermal mass transfer of a dye-receptive transparent donor layer which is then at least partially over-coated with a thermally transferred dye image.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dye-donor element for use according to thermal dye sublimation transfer. The dye-donor element comprises a support having thereon a dye layer comprising a polymeric binder and a dye corresponding to the following general formula (I): ##STR1## wherein: Z represents hydrogen or a substituent.X represents N-R or ##STR2## R represents NR.sup.3 R.sup.4 or the residue of an aromatic coupling compound E-Q wherein Q is a group displaceable by a diazotized amine:R.sup.1 represents NR.sup.3 R.sup.4, OR.sup.12 or SR.sup.12 ;R.sup.2 represents hydrogen, cyano, COR.sup.13, CO.sub.2 R.sup.13, CONR.sup.14 R.sup.15, SO.sub.2 R.sup.16 ;R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 each independently represent hydrogen, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, an aryl group, an a heterocyclic group or R.sup.3 and R.sup.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermal imaging process using (i) a donor element comprising on a support having a thickness of 3-10 .mu.m a donor layer comprising a binder, a thermotransferable reducing agent capable of reducing a silver source to metallic silver upon heating and particles protruding from the surface of said donor layer and (ii) a receiving element comprising on a support a receiving layer comprising a silver source capable of being reduced by means of heat in the presence of a reducing agent, said thermal imaging process comprising the steps ofbringing said donor layer of said donor element into face to face relationship with said receiving layer of said receiving element,image-wise heating a thus obtained assemblage, thereby causing image-wise transfer of an amount of said thermotransferable reducing agent to said receiving element in accordance with the amount of heat supplied by said thermal head andseparating said donor element from said receiving element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a donor element comprising on a support a donor layer comprising a binder, a thermotransferable reducing agent capable of reducing a silver source to metallic silver upon heating and a thermotransferable dye. When such a donor element is used in a thermal transfer printing process in conjunction with a receiving element having a receiving layer that contains a thermoreducible silver source, an image of a neutral black tone and having a high optical density is obtained.

Abstract: Disclosed is a light-heat converting type heat mode recording process using a recording material and an image receiving material, which comprises the steps of:(a) transferring an ink image from a recording material to an image receiving material by exposing from a back of the recording material or the receiving material; and(b) transferring the ink image from the image receiving material to a final recording medium by applying heat or pressure.The light-heat converting type heat mode recording material and the light-heat converting type heat mode image receiving material are capable of forming excellent transferred images.

Abstract: A laser recording element comprising a support having thereon a dye layer comprising an image dye dispersed in a polymeric binder, said dye layer having an infrared-absorbing material associated therewith, and wherein said dye layer also contains a cinnamal-nitrile UV-absorbing dye.

Abstract: This invention relates to a single-sheet process for obtaining a multicolor image comprising:a) coating a support with a polymeric adhesion layer;b) coating the adhesion layer with a single dye layer comprising a mixture of at least two different colors of solid, homogeneous beads, each of which contains an image dye, a binder and a laser light-absorbing material, the beads being dispersed in a vehicle, and the beads of each color being sensitized to a different wavelength;c) exposing the element to laser light at the wavelength to which each type of bead is sensitized, causing the exposed beads to melt and become adhered to the polymeric adhesion layer; andd) removing any unadhered beads.

Abstract: A method of preparing a color filter array element comprising the following steps:a) coating a glass support with a polymeric dye image-receiving layer;b) coating the polymeric dye image-receiving layer with at least one additive primary color dye from a solvent that does not swell or penetrate the polymeric dye image-receiving layer;c) placing a stencil mask of a desired pixel shape in intimate contact with the surface of the polymeric dye image-receiving layer;d) fusing the dye into the polymeric dye image-receiving layer by heating or by using a solvent vapor treatment using a solvent which will swell or penetrate the dye image-receiving layer;e) removing the stencil mask;f) removing all unfused dye with a solvent wash; andg) repeating steps b) to f) twice using different additive primary color dyes.

Abstract: An ablative recording element comprising a support having thereon a colorant layer comprising a colorant dispersed in a polymeric binder, the colorant layer having an infrared-absorbing material associated therewith, and wherein the polymeric binder comprises a vinyl polymer having recurring units of the following formula: ##STR1## wherein: R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 each independently represents a ketal group; an acetal group; a thioketal group; a thioacetal group; or an unsaturated group containing a double or triple bond between any two atoms, one of which is the atom of attachment to the polymer chain; orR.sup.1 and R.sup.2, as defined above, may be joined together to form a ring.

Abstract: An image-receiving sheet material for forming a transfer image by heat-transferring an ink layer from a transfer material having a heat-transferable ink layer onto an image-receiving sheet material, and re-transferring the ink layer onto a permanent support. The image-receiving sheet material comprises a support having thereon at least two image-receiving layers, at least one of the image-receiving layers is transferred onto the permanent support, and at least the image-receiving layer onto which the ink layer is transferred contains a modified resin prepared from a polyvinyl acetal resin containing hydroxyl groups in which from 0.1 to 1 equivalent of the hydroxyl groups of the polyvinyl acetal resin have been converted to a group represented by formula (I). In a preferred embodiment, the image-receiving layer onto which the ink layer is transferred further contains a high molecular weight compound having at least a repeating unit represented by formula (II) and/or formula (III).

Abstract: A process is described for providing a conductive metal circuit using a coherent radiation source. The circuit pattern is directly written onto a laser addressable element having a supercooling material layer. A conductive metal toner is then applied to the light struck areas and fired in a furnace to provide a conductive metal circuit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of transferring an image of a master pattern by an intermediate carrier being a laser copy of the master pattern onto a carrier, for example a plate of metal. The surface of the carrier is provided on one side with a layer of a couch or with a layer of a lacquer or with a layer of a thermoplastic or elastomeric material or with a powder coating which is dried at an increased temperature. The material forming the image penetrates under the action of heat and pressure into the layer or the powder coating thus softened which is subsequently after-baked. A weather-resistant and scratch-resistant copy of the master pattern is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dye donor element comprising on a support a dye layer containing a dye dispersed or dissolved in a binder and a thermotransferable infrared absorbing azo dye having an absorption maximum above 700 nm as a stabilizer, said thermotransferable infrared absorbing azo dye being comprised in said dye layer and/or in a layer adjacent thereto. There is further provided an image receiving element comprising an infrared absorbing azo dye as a stabilizer.

Abstract: There are described heat-developable photosensitive image-recording materials which include a compound having at least one cyclic 1,3-sulfur-oxygen moiety. The compound is stable in the photographic processing composition but capable of undergoing cleavage in the presence of an imagewise distribution of silver ions and/or soluble silver complex made available as a function of development to liberate a reagent in an imagewise distribution corresponding to that of the silver ion and/or the soluble silver complex. The reagent includes a photographically useful group such as a complete dye or dye intermediate.

Abstract: A donor element for use in a laser-induced thermal transfer process, said element comprising a support bearing on a first surface thereof in the order listed (a) at least one ejection layer comprising a first polymer having a decomposition temperature T.sub.1 ; (b) at least one heating layer; (c) at least one transfer layer comprising (c) a second polymer having a decomposition temperature T.sub.2 and (ii) an imageable component; wherein T.sub.2 .gtoreq.(T.sub.1 +100) is described.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a thermal imaging process using (i) a donor element comprising on a support a donor layer containing a binder and a thermotransferable reducing agent capable of reducing a silver source to metallic silver upon heating and (ii) a receiving element comprising on a support in the order given a receiving layer and a curable layer, said receiving layer comprising a silver source capable of being reduced by means of heat in the presence of a reducing agent for said silver source and a binder, said thermal imaging process comprising the steps ofbringing said donor layer of said donor element into face to face relationship with said receiving layer of said receiving element,image-wise heating a thus obtained assemblage, thereby causing image-wise transfer of an amount of said thermotransferable reducing agent to said receiving element in accordance with the amount of heat supplied,separating said donor element from said receiving element,curing said release layer andoverall heating sai

Abstract: A laminar thermal imaging medium is prepared from a first element comprising a first sheet transparent to image-forming radiation and having at least a surface zone or layer of polymeric material heat-activatable upon subjection of the thermal imaging medium to brief and intense radiation, the first element carrying a layer of porous or particulate image-forming substance having cohesivity in excess of its adhesivity for the polymeric heat-activatable layer, and, on the opposed side of the layer of porous or particulate image-forming substance from the surface zone or layer, a first layer of adhesive, and a second element comprising a second sheet carrying a second layer of adhesive. The second layer of adhesive comprises a polymeric hardenable adhesive comprising a macromolecular organic binder having acidic groups, and a photopolymerizable monomer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a printing process using a donor element and a receiving element. The donor element comprises on a support a donor layer comprising a binder and a thermotransferable strong reducing agent capable of reducing a silver source to metallic silver upon heating.The donor element is image-wise heated while being in contact with an image receiving material comprising a thermoreducible silver source and a weak reducing agent, only being capable of reducing a silver source to metallic silver in the presence of metallic silver formed by said strong reducing agent. Image density is increased and stability of the reductor donor element can be improved.

Abstract: A rewritable recording medium which can perform multi-color recording is provided. The recording medium comprises an optical absorption layer and an optically selective absorption layer sequentially stacked on a substrate, wherein the optically selective absorption layer includes a plurality of colored segments and a reversible thermosensitive recording matrix in contact with the colored segments, the reversible thermosensitive recording matrix being formed so as to cover the colored segments and so as to come in contact with the optical absorption layer, and changing in light transmittance in a reversible manner by application of heat.

Abstract: There is provided a thermal transfer film comprising: a substrate film; a sublimable dye layer region comprised of at least one color layer; and a hot-melt ink layer region, the sublimable dye layer region and the hot-melt ink layer region being provided in parallel to each other on the substrate film,the hot-melt ink layer region comprising at least a release layer, a release protective layer, and a hot-melt ink layer laminated in that order on the substrate film,the hot-melt ink layer region being broader than one color layer in the sublimable dye layer region.

Abstract: An image forming method comprises the steps of applying a laser light imagewise and sequentially onto a laminate for image formation and separating the image receiving sheet from other materials of the laminate so as to keep on the image receiving sheet an imagewise transferred image formation layer comprising the thermoplastic resin and pigment.

Abstract: A laser dye-ablative recording element comprising a support having on one side thereof a dye layer comprising an image dye dispersed in a polymeric binder, the dye layer having an infrared-absorbing material associated therewith to absorb at a given wavelength of the laser used to expose the element, the image dye being substantially transparent in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum and absorbing in the region of from about 300 to about 700 nm and not having substantial absorption at the wavelength of the laser used to expose the element, and the other side of the support having thereon a conductive backing layer of resistivity <5.times.10.sup.12 .OMEGA./.quadrature..

Abstract: A donor element for use in a laser-induced thermal transfer process, said element comprising a support bearing on a first surface thereof, in the order listed: (a) at least one ejection layer comprising a first polymer having a decomposition temperature T.sub.1 ; (b) at least one heating layer; (c) at least one transfer layer comprising a binder and an imageable component, wherein the binder comprises a second polymer having a decomposition temperature T.sub.2 ; wherein T.sub.2 .gtoreq.(T.sub.1 +100), and further wherein a thermal amplification additive is present in at least one of layers (a) and (c) is described.

Abstract: Color filter elements are prepared by the laser induced thermal transfer of colorant from a color donor to a transparent, non-birefringent substrate such as glass or polymeric film. Transparent pigments which are less prone to migration, more thermally stable, and considerably more lightfast than dyes can be used to prepare the color filter elements of this invention. Color filter elements are useful for elements in color displays such as liquid crystal display devices.

Abstract: A recording unit structure comprising a recording material layer faced to a recording body with a space incorporated therebetween, so that said recording material is vaporized and transferred to said recording body through said space, provided that pores are provided to a vaporizing portion of the recording material in such a manner that the pores be present within the layer of the recording material. The recording unit structure of the present invention assures a recording of excellent quality, is made compact and light weight, yields a high thermal efficiency, and produces no used ink sheets and other wastes. The present invention also relates to a recording device comprising the same.

Abstract: An element and process of use in a laser-induced ablative transfer process, said element comprising (a) a support having a first surface, said first surface having a surface roughness with an R.sub.z value of r, and bearing on the first surface (b) at least one transfer coating comprising (i) a non-sublimable imageable component (ii) a laser-radiation absorbing component, and (iii) optionally a binder, wherein the imageable component and the laser-radiation absorbing component can be the same or different; wherein the transfer coating and any additional coating on the first surface of the support have a total thickness t; and further where r.gtoreq.1.5t is described.

Abstract: An element for use in a laser induced ablative transfer process, said element comprising a support bearing on a first surface thereof at least one coating comprising (i) a non-sublimable imageable component, (ii) a laser radiation absorbing component, (iii) a particular filler having an average particle size (S), and (iv) optionally a binder, wherein the non-sublimable imageable component and the laser radiation absorbing component can be the same or different; wherein the total thickness of all coatings present on the first surface is T and further wherein S.gtoreq.2T is described.

Abstract: Dye-donor element for use according to thermal dye sublimation transfer comprising a support having thereon a dye layer containing a bis(N,N-dialkyl(ene) or N,N-diaryl or N-alkyl(ene),N-aryl)aniline azo dye.

Abstract: A new type of thermal imaging element containing a thermally degradable polymer and a radiation to heat converting substance is disclosed. The invention further comprises several methods for the formation of a heat mode image after image-wise exposure of the thermal imaging element to intense laser radiation.

Abstract: A black laser dye-ablative recording element comprising a support having thereon a dye layer comprising a mixture of at least one cyan, magenta and yellow dye dispersed in a polymeric binder, said dye layer having an infrared-absorbing material associated therewith, said cyan dye having the formula: ##STR1## wherein: R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, X, Y, J and m are as defined.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heat mode thermal transfer recording material comprising a support having thereon at least a light-heat converting layer containing a water-soluble colorant and an ink layer. The heat mode thermal transfer recording material is capable of forming transferred images excellent in color reproduction.

Abstract: A thermal transfer system for transferring material in an imagewise manner by means of thermal transfer printing from a donor element to an image receiving element is used to prepare printing plates. In one construction, a donor element, which is prepared by coating a photoinitiator (and optionally a sensitizer) in a binder on a backing material, is used with an image receiving element, which is prepared by coating a photopolymer (and optionally a sensitizer) on a substrate having a microporous hydrophilic crosslinked silicated surface. In an alternative construction, a donor element, which is prepared by coating a sensitizer in a binder on a backing material, is used with an image receiving element, which is prepared by coating a photopolymer and photoinitiator on a substrate having a microporous hydrophilic crosslinked silicated surface.

Abstract: A laser dye-ablative recording element comprising a support having thereon a dye layer comprising two or more image dyes dispersed in a polymeric binder, the dye layer having an infrared-absorbing material associated therewith, and wherein the image dyes comprise curcumin yellow dye and a 1,4-diaminoanthraquinone dye.

Abstract: A laser markable thermoplastic composition which contains a copper phosphate salt such as copper phosphate, copper sulfate, cupric hydroxide phosphate and copper thiocyanate. The copper phosphate salt is preferably added in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to 5 parts by weight and the copper phosphate salt preferably has a particle size less than 10 .mu.m. The laser markable thermoplastic composition can be laser marked to provide a visibly distinct and separately identifiable region which preferably differs in overall color from the base material by a Delta E value of at least 10-20.

Abstract: A dispersion of a carbonate type blocked color developer having a hydroxyl group having a color developing function which is blocked by an O-substituted oxycarbonyl group (--(C.dbd.O)OR.sub.1), and a metal salt of an organic acid or inorganic acid or a leuco dye are mixed to obtain an opaque undeveloped coating color, and the coating color is coated on paper or the like to obtain a recording sheet. Also, the coating color is further mixed with a light absorbent to obtain an opaque undeveloped coating color, which is coated on paper or the like to obtain an optical recording sheet.

Abstract: Black colored dye mixture for use in thermal dye sublimation transfer composed of at least four dyes and comprising two dyes having absorption maxima in the spectral range between 470 and 600 nm that are at least 30 nm apart from each other.

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 comprises a vinyl polymer having recurring units of the following formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 each independently represents a halogen atom; a haloalkyl group with at least one halogen atom in its .beta.-position of the carbon to which R.sup.1 or R.sup.2 is attached; a ketal group; an acetal group; a thioketal group; a thioacetal group; a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group; or a group containing a double or triple bond between any two atoms, one of which is adjacent to the carbon to which R.sup.1 or R.sup.2 is attached;with the proviso that at least one of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 represents a group containing a double or triple bond between any two atoms, one of which is adjacent to the carbon to which R.sup.1 or R.

Abstract: A thermal mass transfer imaging process comprises the thermal mass transfer of a white or metallic donor layer which is then at least partially over-coated with a thermally transferred dye image.

Abstract: A thermal transfer system for transferring material in an imagewise manner by means of thermal transfer printing from a donor element to an image receiving element is used to prepare printing plates. In one construction, a donor element, which is prepared by coating a photoinitiator (and optionally a sensitizer) in a binder on a backing material, is used with an image receiving element, which is prepared by coating a photopolymer (and optionally a sensitizer) on a substrate having a microporous hydrophilic crosslinked silicated surface. In an alternative construction, a donor element, which is prepared by coating a sensitizer in a binder on a backing material, is used with an image receiving element, which is prepared by coating a photopolymer and photoinitiator on a substrate having a microporous hydrophilic crosslinked silicated surface.

Abstract: Laser-addressable thermal transfer donor elements for producing color proofs, printing plates, films, printed circuit boards, and other media are disclosed. The thermal transfer donor elements include a substrate with a gas-producing polymer layer thereon, and an array of discrete nanostructured elements embedded within the gas-producing polymer layer. The gas-producing polymer layer has a thermally available nitrogen content of greater than about 10 weight percent. Each of the nanostructured elements includes an elongated structure conformally coated with a radiation absorbing material. A thermal mass transfer material (e.g., a metal or colorant such as a dye or pigment) is included in or over the gas-producing polymer layer.