Abstract: An image receiving sheet for thermal transfer recording is disclosed. The image receiving sheet comprises a lower layer and an image receiving layer on the support, and variation of position of point of a needle satisfies the following conditions when the needle having a diameter of 1 mm is touched on the image receiving sheet with a load of 10 g and the temperature is risen at a rate of 5° C. per minute; {(Position at 25° C.−Position at 30° C.)/Position at 25° C.}×100%≦5% {(Position at 25° C.−Position at 130° C.)/Position at 25° C.}×100%≧50%.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a laser ablative recording material having at least one coloring agent layer and at least one overcoat layer on a surface of a support, wherein at least one of the overcoat layers contains a non-self-oxidizing, low temperature heat decomposable polymer which, when heated at a rate of 10° C./min, starting at room temperature, decreases in weight by 50% or more before reaching 300° C. This laser ablative recording material is characterized by excellent scratch resistance, a low Dmin, and a very high dye removing efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a laser ablative recording material having at least one coloring agent layer and at least one overcoat layer on a surface of a support, wherein at least one of the overcoat layers contains a non-self-oxidizing, low temperature heat decomposable polymer which, when heated at a rate of 10° C./min, starting at room temperature, decreases in weight by 50% or more before reaching 300° C. This laser ablative recording material is characterized by excellent scratch resistance, a low Dmin, and a very high dye removing efficiency.

Abstract: A thermal transfer material includes a support. A release layer is overlaid on the support. A coloring transfer layer is overlaid on the release layer, has thermoplasticity, and is colorable by being exposed and then pressurized. In a printer for use with the thermal transfer material, an image is formed by exposing the coloring transfer layer. The coloring transfer layer is placed on image receiving material after the image is formed. The thermal transfer material is heated and pressurized while the coloring transfer layer is placed on, so as to color the image and transfer the coloring transfer layer to the image receiving material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an active primer that includes an electronically active material dispersed in a binder. The active primer can be disposed between a thermal transfer donor sheet and a receptor to assist selective thermal transfer of a material from the donor sheet to the receptor to form at least a portion of an electronic device on the receptor. The binder of the active primer can be selected to improve adhesion of the transferred material to the receptor, or to enhance other transfer properties. The electronically active material of the active primer can be selected to maintain a desired level of functionality in the electronic device being patterned on the receptor.

Abstract: A coated transfer sheet comprising a substrate having a first and second surface; optionally at least one barrier layer overlaying said first surface, at least one release layer overlaying said at least one barrier layer or, when the barrier layer is not present, said first surface of the substrate; and an optional image receiving layer comprising an ethylene acrylic acid co-polymer dispersion; wherein the coated transfer sheet exhibits cold peel and hot peel properties when transferred, and may be used in electrostatic printers and copiers or other devices in which toner particles are imagewise applied to a substrate. The addition of elastomeric polymers and polyurethanes help provide enhanced wash stability and chemical stability.

Abstract: Disclosed are thermal transfer elements and processes for patterning solvent-coated layers and solvent-susceptible layers onto the same receptor substrate. These donor elements and methods are particularly suited for making organic electroluminescent devices and displays. The donor elements can include a substrate, an optional light-to-heat conversion layer, and a single or multicomponent transfer layer that can be imagewise transferred to a receptor to form an organic electroluminescent device, portions thereof, or components therefor. The methods offer advantages over conventional patterning techniques such as photolithography, and make it possible to fabricate new organic electroluminescent device constructions.

Abstract: A receiver element for use in a thermal imaging process, wherein a surface of a pigment-image receiving layer of the receiver element has a roughness, and the surface is brought into contact with a thermally imageable element, wherein the pigment-image receiving layer provided on the receiver element has an average roughness (Ra) of less than about 1&mgr; and has surface irregularities having a plurality of peaks, at least about 50 of the peaks having a height of at least about 200 nm and a diameter of about 100 pixels over a surface area of about 458&mgr; by about 602&mgr;. These roughened receiver elements substantially reduce the micro-dropouts.

Abstract: Disclosed is provide an intermediate image receiving sheet for a laser thermal transfer recording method, which can easily transfer an image to even a rough surface paper with high quality and stable repeatability, and can use a variety of papers to produce an image proof which yields results similar to a print made in a production run.

Abstract: A thermal transfer film or a thermal transfer ribbon includes a substrate layer and a donor layer applied thereto. The substrate layer consists of at least one polymer composition which has mechanical stability at a temperature >150° C. and transmission >70% for light having a wavelength of from 700 to 1600 nm. The donor layer comprises at least the following components: a substance which is able to convert the radiation energy of the incident laser light into heat energy, a polymer which contains acidic groups and/or unsubstituted or substituted amide groups thereof, and optionally a wetting aid. The polymer composition also includes a reactive polymer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an intermediate transfer recording medium for use in a method which comprises the steps of: forming an image using the intermediate transfer recording medium on an object; and forming a protective layer on the image. In this case, fastness properties can be fully imparted to the image, the protective layer can be transferred onto the image with high accuracy in a simple manner, blocking and the like attributable to the exposure of a pressure-sensitive adhesive do not take place, and the design and the fastness properties are excellent. An image forming method using the intermediate transfer recording medium is also disclosed.

Abstract: A laser thermal-transfer to transfer an ink image by being imagewise exposed with a laser beam, comprising: at a support; a photo-thermal conversion layer; and an ink layer having at least one kind of a thermoplastic resin and a pigment, wherein an average transmittance of the ink layer for a light having wavelength of 350 to 650 nm is not more than 70% and L* value of the ink layer is not less than 60.

Abstract: A coated transfer sheet comprising a substrate having a first and second surface; optionally at least one barrier layer overlaying said first surface, at least one release layer overlaying said at least one barrier layer or, when the barrier layer is not present, said first surface of the substrate; and an optional image receiving layer comprising an ethylene acrylic acid co-polymer dispersion; wherein the coated transfer sheet exhibits cold peel and hot peel properties when transferred, and may be used in electrostatic printers and copiers or other devices in which toner particles are imagewise applied to a substrate. The addition of elastomeric polymers and polyurethanes help provide enhanced wash stability and chemical stability.

Abstract: A developing paper having an image receiving dye layer containing a plasticizing agent on a substrate, the plasticizing agent including a solid plasticizing agent which is solid in the application temperature and a liquid plasticizing agent which is liquid in the application temperature. Since the developing paper contains a plasticizing agent including a liquid plasticizing agent and a solid plasticizing agent, the developing paper has an excellent light resistance. Moreover, since the plasticizing agent contains a liquid plasticizing agent and a solid plasticizing agent, there is no danger of precipitation of the plasticizing agent from the surface of the developing paper. Furthermore, the developing paper containing the aforementioned plasticizing agent enables to obtain a desirable plasticizing effect.

Abstract: A combination digital/analog color proofing method having the steps of: digitally forming a color thermal image on a receiver element comprising a receiver support and an image receiving layer; laminating the digitally formed image with a film comprising a support having a release surface and a thermoplastic polymer layer; removing the support thereby revealing the thermoplastic polymer layer, and leaving the digitally formed image encased between the image receiving layer and the thermoplastic polymer layer; and laminating an analog color image to the revealed thermoplastic polymer layer to create a color proof having at least two color images.

Abstract: The present invention provides an active primer that includes an electronically active material dispersed in a binder. The active primer can be disposed between a thermal transfer donor sheet and a receptor to assist selective thermal transfer of a material from the donor sheet to the receptor to form at least a portion of an electronic device on the receptor. The binder of the active primer can be selected to improve adhesion of the transferred material to the receptor, or to enhance other transfer properties. The electronically active material of the active primer can be selected to maintain a desired level of functionality in the electronic device being patterned on the receptor.

Abstract: Cleaning compositions for ablation-type lithographic printing plates include solvent, non-solvent and lubricating components, the vapor pressures and concentrations of the various components being chosen such that the mixture never becomes too rich in solvent. In this way, the solvent's effect is directed primarily at thermal byproducts, which, because they are exposed and already partly decomposed, are more vulnerable to solvent action than the intact, anchored plate constituents in unimaged regions. The compositions are used in conjunction with mechanical rubbing of the plate surface following imaging.

Abstract: Improved processes and products for laser thermal imaging are described. These improved processes and products utlilize an image rigidification element and significantly reduce halftone dot movement, swath boundary cracking and banding.

Abstract: A substantially light-insensitive monosheet recording material comprising a support and a thermosensitive element containing a substantially light-insensitive organic silver salt, an organic reducing agent therefor in thermal working relationship therewith and a binder, wherein the thermosensitive element further contains an unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic stabilizer compound substituted with a —SA group where A is hydrogen, a counterion to compensate the negative charge of the thiolate group or a group forming a symmetrical or an asymmetrical disulfide and the recording material is capable of producing prints with a numerical gradation value defined as the quotient of the fraction (2.5-0.1)/(E2.5-E0.1) greater than 2.3 , where E2.5 is the energy in Joule applied in a dot area of 87 &mgr;m×87 &mgr;m of the imaging layer that produces an optical density value of 2.5, and E0.

Abstract: ? The object of the present invention is to provides a novel polyhalogenomethylsulfonyl compound which can be used for providing a thermally processed image recording material which has a high sensitivity, gives less fog, and has a good stock stability and a good image storage stability of dark and high temperature or light storage.

Abstract: Disclosed are thermal transfer elements and processes for patterning solvent-coated layers and solvent-susceptible layers onto the same receptor substrate. These donor elements and methods are particularly suited for making organic electroluminescent devices and displays. The donor elements can include a substrate, an optional light-to-heat conversion layer, and a single or multicomponent transfer layer that can be imagewise transferred to a receptor to form an organic electroluminescent device, portions thereof, or components therefor. The methods offer advantages over conventional patterning techniques such as photolithography, and make it possible to fabricate new organic electroluminescent device constructions.

Abstract: A thermal transfer material includes a support. A release layer is overlaid on the support. A coloring transfer layer is overlaid on the release layer, has thermoplasticity, and is colorable by being exposed and then pressurized. In a printer for use with the thermal transfer material, an image is formed by exposing the coloring transfer layer. The coloring transfer layer is placed on image receiving material after the image is formed. The thermal transfer material is heated and pressurized while the coloring transfer layer is placed on, so as to color the image and transfer the coloring transfer layer to the image receiving material.

Abstract: A method for forming an image using a transfer material and an image-receiving material. The transfer material has at least a support, a light-heat exchange layer and a coloring material layer. The image-receiving material has at least an image-receiving layer. The coloring material layer is superposed on the image-receiving layer, and laser light is imagewasely irradiated onto this laminate from the transfer material side. An irradiated region of the coloring material layer transfers onto the image-receiving layer. The transfer material may include an electroconductive layer, and the surface of the coloring material layer may be charged by corona discharge before superposition. Moreover, yellow, magenta, cyan and black may be used one after another, The laser light may be irradiated from a multi-beam 2-dimensional laser array, The thickness of black coloring material layer is from 0.5 to 0.7 &mgr;m and is greater than the thickness of other coloring material layers.

Abstract: A thermal transfer material includes a support. A release layer is overlaid on the support. A coloring transfer layer is overlaid on the release layer, has thermoplasticity, and is colorable by being exposed and then pressurized. In a printer for use with the thermal transfer material, an image is formed by exposing the coloring transfer layer. The coloring transfer layer is placed on image receiving material after the image is formed. The thermal transfer material is heated and pressurized while the coloring transfer layer is placed on, so as to color the image and transfer the coloring transfer layer to the image receiving material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an imaging system, which comprises a support having a front and rear surface, at least one layer of microcapsules or at least one layer of microcapsules and developer in the same layer or at least one layer of microcapsules and developer in separate layers, on said front surface of the support, wherein the microcapsules or developer or microcapsules and developer are dispersed in a carrier of the invention, said carrier is capable of transferring and adhering developed image and non-image areas from said front surface of said support upon the application of heat energy to the rear surface of the support, said carrier strips from said front surface of the support by liquefying and releasing from said support when heated, said liquefied carrier providing adherence to a receptor element by flowing onto said receptor element and solidifying thereon, said adherence does not require an external adhesive layer, with the proviso that the carrier is not capable of reacting to form an i

Abstract: A thermal transfer material is provided which has a support on which a light-to-heat conversion layer and an image forming layer are provided, wherein a smoothster value of the surface of the image forming layer is no more than 2 mmHg, and a center line average surface roughness Ra thereof is in a range of 0.03 to 0.2 &mgr;m. Also provided is a laser thermal transfer recording method in which the thermal transfer material and a thermal transfer image receiving material are laminated to each other to produce a laminate. Further provided is a laser thermal transfer recording method in which the thermal transfer material and a thermal transfer image receiving material are laminated to each other to produce a laminate, the laminate is irradiated with a multi-mode semiconductor laser, the thermal transfer material and the thermal transfer image receiving material are peeled from each other, and an image is thereby formed on the thermal transfer image receiving material.

Abstract: Color filters are provided which comprise a transparent substrate and a repeating pattern of colored pixels on the substrate thereby forming a color filter, wherein each of the pixels comprises a plurality of small colorant areas, referred to as sub-pixels. The pixels and sub-pixels are substantially surrounded by a black matrix grid on the transparent substrate. 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.

Abstract: Improved processes and products for laser thermal imaging are described. These improved processes and products utilize an image rigidification element and significantly reduce halftone dot movement, swath boundary cracking and banding.

Abstract: Disclosed are thermal transfer elements and processes for patterning organic materials for electronic devices onto patterned substrates. These donor elements and methods are particularly suited for making organic electroluminescent devices and displays. The donor elements can include a substrate, and optional light-to-heat conversion layer, and a single or multicomponent transfer layer that can be imagewise transferred to a receptor to form an organic electroluminescent device, portions thereof, or components therefor, The methods offer advantages over conventional patterning techniques such as photolithography, and make it possible to fabricate new organic electroluminescent device constructions.

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 laser irradiation, which is useful in the production of colored images.

Abstract: Disclosed are thermal transfer elements and processes for patterning solvent-coated layers and solvent-susceptible layers onto the same receptor substrate. These donor elements and methods are particularly suited for making organic electroluminescent devices and displays. The donor elements can include a substrate, an optional light-to-heat conversion layer, and a single or multicomponent transfer layer that can be imagewise transferred to a receptor to form an organic electroluminescent device, portions thereof, or components therefor. The methods offer advantages over conventional patterning techniques such as photolithography, and make it possible to fabricate new organic electroluminescent device constructions.

Abstract: A thermal transfer donor element is disclosed that includes a substrate, a transfer layer, a light-to-heat conversion layer disposed between the substrate and the transfer layer, and an underlayer disposed between the substrate and the light-to-heat conversion layer. The underlayer manages heat flow between layers of the donor element during imaging. For example, the underlayer can increase heat transport from the light-to-heat conversion layer to the substrate to prevent overheating. The underlayer can also be used to insulate the substrate from heat generated in the light-to-heat conversion layer or to increase heat flow to the transfer layer during imaging. Managing heat flow using an underlayer can improve transfer properties and/or reduce defect formation during imaging.

Abstract: A positive hole transporting layer (14) is formed on an ITO film so as to form a substrate (10). A light emission organic material (20) is formed on the front surface of a convex protrusion portion (18) of a metal sheet (16). The front surface of the positive hole transporting layer (14) and the convex protrusion portion (18) are clamped with a glass plate (22). Laser light is radiated to the interior of the convex protrusion portion (18) through a shielding plate with an opening portion whose size corresponds to the size of the convex protrusion portion (18). The light emission organic material formed on the front surface of the convex protrusion portion (18) sublimates and transfers to the positive hole transporting layer (14). These steps are performed for areas of three color light emission devices.

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.

Abstract: A thermal transfer element for forming a multilayer device may include a substrate and a multicomponent transfer unit that, when transferred to a receptor, is configured and arranged to form a first operational layer and a second operational layer of a multilayer device. In at least some instances, the thermal transfer element also includes a light-to-heat conversion (LTHC) layer that can convert light energy to heat energy to transfer the multicomponent transfer unit. Transferring the multicomponent transfer unit to the receptor may include contacting a receptor with a thermal transfer element having a substrate and a multicomponent transfer unit. Then, the thermal transfer element is selectively heated to transfer the multicomponent transfer unit to the receptor according to a pattern to form at least first and second operational layers of a device.

Abstract: An improved electronic display that includes components selected to enhance display performance. The improved display includes an active substrate that has a plurality of thin film transistors and a plurality of thermally transferred color filters that include a colorant in a crosslinked binder. The active substrate can also include a black matrix. Other components in the improved display such as a liquid crystal material, spacers, and bottom polarizer, can be selected to enhance display performance characteristics such as brightness, power consumption, response time, weight, and thickness. The invention also provides a method of forming a color filter substrate for displays including the steps of thermally mass transferring a plurality of color filters and crosslinking the plurality of color filters after transfer. Before the crosslinking step, the plurality of color filters can be inspected and removed for reworking of the substrate.

Abstract: A developing paper having an image receiving dye layer containing a plasticizing agent on a substrate, the plasticizing agent including a solid plasticizing agent which is solid in the application temperature and a liquid plasticizing agent which is liquid in the application temperature.

Abstract: A direct write lithographic printing plate includes a base layer; a metal light absorbing layer provided over the base layer; and a melanophobic layer provided over the metal absorbing layer and selected to have a thickness which minimizes reflection of light from the metal layer so that light which passes through a selected portion of the melanophobic layer and into the metal light absorbing layer, is absorbed by such metal layer to provide a heat source which causes the removal, at the selected portion, of the melanophobic layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an imaging system, which comprises a support having a front and rear surface, at least one layer of microcapsules or at least one layer of microcapsules and developer in the same layer or at least one layer of microcapsules and developer in separate layers, on said front surface of the support, wherein the microcapsules or developer or microcapsules and developer are dispersed in a carrier of the invention, said carrier is capable of transferring and adhering developed image and non-image areas from said front surface of said support upon the application of heat energy to the rear surface of the support, said carrier strips from said front surface of the support by liquefying and releasing from said support when heated, said liquefied carrier providing adherence to a receptor element by flowing onto said receptor element and solidifying thereon, said adherence does not require an external adhesive layer, with the proviso that the carrier is not capable of reacting to form an i

Abstract: The present invention discloses a laser ablative recording material which has one or more layers including a coloring agent layer on a surface of a support, wherein at least one layer from among one or more layers including the coloring agent layer contains nitric acid ester of carboxyalkyl cellulose having a degree of nitric ester group substitution per glucose anhydride unit within a range of from 0.05 to 2.8; and at least one layer from among one or more layers including the coloring agent layer contains a material having absorption in the laser wavelength region. The laser ablative recording material of the invention is characterized by a small Dmin and a high removing efficiency of the image forming dyes.

Abstract: A developing paper having an image receiving dye layer containing a plasticizing agent on a substrate, the plasticizing agent including a solid plasticizing agent which is solid in the application temperature and a liquid plasticizing agent which is liquid in the application temperature. Since the developing paper contains a plasticizing agent including a liquid plasticizing agent and a solid plasticizing agent, the developing paper has an excellent light resistance. Moreover, since the plasticizing agent contains a liquid plasticizing agent and a solid plasticizing agent, there is no danger of precipitation of the plasticizing agent from the surface of the developing paper. Furthermore, the developing paper containing the aforementioned plasticizing agent enables to obtain a desirable plasticizing effect.

Abstract: The present invention uses a thermal transfer film in combination with a thermally sensitive color developing paper. The hue of the thermal transfer ink layer or the hue of the developed color of the color developing paper can be recorded on the color developing paper when the applied energy is low, and a plurality of colors can be recorded on the color developing paper by color mixture of the transfer from the thermal transfer ink layer and the developed color of the color developing paper when the applied energy is high.

Abstract: A laser ablative recording material having on a support a coloring agent layer containing a fluorine-containing surfactant, in which the fluorine-containing surfactant is a copolymer made of: (Condition I) either or both of acrylate having a fluoroaliphatic group and methacrylate having a fluoroaliphatic group (the fluoroaliphatic group herein includes 3 to 20 carbon atoms and fluorine atoms of 40% or more by weight where a half or above of atoms bonded to three carbon atoms constituting terminal portions are fluorine atoms.); and (Condition II) either or both of poly(oxyalkylene) acrylate and poly(oxyalkylene) methacrylate, wherein monomer units according to Condition I are 20 to 80 percent by weight of the copolymer is disclosed. This laser ablative recording material has features of a uniform surface state and a uniform film thickness profile, a small Dmin of the laser exposure portion, and smaller deviations in a maximum density.

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.

Abstract: A high resolution thermal imaging medium including a support web having an image forming surface of a material which may be temporarily liquified by heat and upon which is deposited a particulate or porous layer of an image forming substance which is wettable by the material during its liquified state.

Abstract: A method of forming a mark on a molding, which includes the steps of: (a)feeding a film having a first surface and a second surface (b) disposing a paint containing a paint component on the first surface of the film, where the paint has a lower melting point than the film, (c) positioning the film on the surface of a molding so that the paint contacts the surface of the molding, and (d) forming a mark by emitting an energy ray from the second surface side of the film, and transferring and disposing the paint positioned on the first surface of the illuminated portion on the surface of the molding, thereby forming a mark. The molding is a resin molding formed of a material containing resin. In this constitution, a mark with a desired color can be formed on a molding. The mark is formed easily and inexpensively. A mark having an excellent wear resistance is formed. A mark having an excellent precision is easily formed on the surface of a molding having a complicated shape.

Abstract: Color filters are provided which comprise a transparent substrate and a repeating pattern of colored pixels on the substrate thereby forming a color filter, wherein each of the pixels comprises a plurality of small colorant areas, referred to as sub-pixels. 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.

Abstract: A transfer film for printing onto at least partially three-dimensional articles, with the intention that surfaces having different planar portions can be printed onto at the same time and with equally good effect, is partially cut into in the region of contour lines of the planar portions. The article printed onto is characterized by scarcely visible printing defects in marginal zones of the printing. Applications include any articles having raised planar portions, for example containers, rotary knobs etc.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermal transfer donor element that includes a transfer layer comprising a fully or partially crosslinked material. The crosslinked transfer layer can be imagewise transferred from the donor element to a proximate receptor by imaging the donor element with radiation that can be absorbed and converted into heat by a light-to-heat converter included in the donor element. The heat generated during imaging is sufficient to effect transfer of the crosslinked transfer layer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a color filter by thermal transfer using a laser beam with uniform energy distribution. The method includes forming a black matrix pattern on a substrate by photolithography. A transfer film having thermal color layers is placed on the substrate, and a laser beam with uniform energy distribution irradiates the transfer film to transfer the color layers onto the substrate. The substrate onto which the color layer has been transferred, is cured at 200˜300° C. Therefore, by using the laser beam with uniform energy distribution, or a laser beam which scans by dithering, for the thermal transfer, the quality of an image formed at the edges of the is improved and the surface roughness is reduced, resulting in an excellent color filter.