Abstract: A polyhydroxyalkanoate characterized by having in the molecule a unit represented by Chemical Formula (1): wherein n may assume any one integral value within the range of from 1 to 8. Also disclosed are a process for producing the polyhydroxyalkanoate by the use of a microorganism having the ability to produce the polyhydroxyalkanoate and accumulate it in the bacterial body; a charge control agent, a toner binder and a toner which contain this polyhydroxyalkanoate; and an image-forming method and an image-forming apparatus which make use of the toner.

Abstract: The invention is to provide polyhydroxyalkanoate of a novel structure enabling application to wider fields, and a producing method therefor. The invention also provides a biodegradable charge control agent having excellent charging characteristics, excellent dispersibility in the toner resin and improved spent property. The polyhydroxyalkanoate of the present invention is featured by including, in the polymer molecule, a units represented by the general formulas (1) and (2) and at least one of the units represented by the general formulas (3) to (6).

Abstract: There is disclosed an image element wherein a dye, formed or released by reaction with an oxidized product of specific a compound, and specific a fixed compound, coexist in a binder on a support. The image element can have high color density in image, and it can be excellent in light fastness. Furthermore, there is also disclosed an image formation method to provide the image element.

Abstract: There are described a diffusion transfer photographic film unit of the type wherein an image-receiving element is designed to be separated from a photosensitive element after photoexposure and processing and a photographic process which utilizes the film unit. The photographic film unit comprises a photosensitive element including a support carrying at least one silver halide emulsion, an image-receiving element comprising a support, an image-receiving layer and, optionally, an overcoat layer and/or a strip-coat layer. At least one of the image-receiving layer, overcoat layer or strip-coat layer includes a "crosslinkable material" which is crosslinked during processing. The film unit further includes means for providing an aqueous alkaline processing composition to the photosensitive element and the image-receiving element for developing an image. The aqueous alkaline processing composition includes a borate compound for crosslinking the crosslinkable material of the image-receiving element during processing.

Abstract: Copolymeric mordant materials containing recurring units according to the following formula are disclosed: ##STR1## In such copolymers, each of R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 can independently be alkyl; substituted-alkyl; cycloalkyl; aryl; aralkyl; alkaryl; or at least two of R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3, together with the quaternary nitrogen atom to which they are bonded, can complete a saturated or unsaturated, substituted or unsubstituted nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ring; X is an anion; R.sup.4 is hydrogen or alkyl (e.g. methyl). The pendent "b" group contain hydrogen-bonding sites for promotion of self-associated aggregation and ring unsaturation for photocyclization and control of physical properties (e.g., water insensitivity) of the image-receiving layer. The copolymeric mordant materials can be utilized as image-receiving layers in photographic products and processes of the diffusion transfer type.

Abstract: A photosensitive transfer sheet layered a releasable colored photosensitive layer comprising modified poly(vinyl alcohol) of either of following general formulae and adhesive and a heat-seal layer provided in turn on a supporter is disclosed, ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 denote hydrogen atoms or alkyl groups independently one another, Y.sup.- denotes a conjugated chlorinic ion of acid, m denotes an integer of 1 to 6, and n denotes 0 or 1), thereby providing a multicolor image-forming material for obtaining high-precision prepress color proof being excellent in the preservability, possible to handle in a light room, water-developable and excellent in the registering accuracy as well.

Abstract: A negative-working photoresist composition comprising, in admixture, (a) dye-loaded or dye-precursor-loaded polymeric particles individually covered with a layer of gelatin that is covalently bonded thereto and (b) a radiation-sensitive dichromate is useful in the preparation of continuous tone dyed imaging elements such as color filter arrays for use in solid state color image sensing devices.

Abstract: A negative-working dyeable photoresist composition comprising in admixture(a) a poly(vinyl alcohol) binder,(b) a radiation-sensitive dichromate, and(c) a polymeric mordant comprising recurring units derived from a quaternized N-vinylimidazole is useful in the preparation of continuous tone dyed imaging elements.

Abstract: A solid state color image sensing device comprising a semiconductive support having a surface comprising an array of light sensing pixels and superimposed thereon in microregistration a color filter array having at least three sets of dyed filter elements is characterized in that at least one set of the filter elements is formed from a negative-working dyeable photoresist composition comprising, in admixture,(a) a poly(vinyl alcohol) binder,(b) a radiation-sensitive dichromate, and(c) a polymeric mordant comprising recurring units derived from a quaternized N-vinylimidazole.Color filter elements prepared from the dyeable photoresist composition have high resolution, excellent clarity and dye uptake, and low absorbance of blue light and thus are particularly useful in high quality high resolution solid state color imaging sensors having excellent thermal and light stability. A method of making the above-described device is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of a processing of a silver halide color photographic material is disclosed. The process comprises a step of developing the exposed color photographic material and a step of treating the developed color photographic material with a bleach-fixing solution. The bleach-fixing solution contains an organic acid ferric complex. At least one layer of the emulsion layers of the photographic material contains silver halide grains containing from 0.5 to 25 mol % of silver iodide. The total dry-thickness of the photographic component layers contained in the photographic material is from 8 to 25 .mu.m and the swelling rate T1/2 of the photographic component layers is not more than 25 sec. The method is suitable for rapid processing of the fine grain-type high-speed silver iodide-containing color photographic material. The method uses a bleach-fixing bath enabling the rapid processing of the high-speed color photographic material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dye diffusion transfer imaging process comprising transferring image-wise by diffusion an acid dye to an image-receiving layer incorporating a non-polymeric phosphonium mordanting agent and a copolymer latex comprising free weak acid groups as a stabilizer for the mordanting agent, wherein the image-wise transfer of said acid dye is performed in the presence of a heterocyclic compound corresponding to one of the following general formulae I, II, and III: ##STR1## wherein: Y represents the non-metallic atoms needed to complete a saturated or unsaturated 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic nucleus, which may carry a fused-on aromatic ring system, and M represents hydrogen, an alkali metal atom, a quaternary ammonium group, or a negative charge forming an inner salt with a quaternized nitrogen atom of the heterocyclic compound. The invention also provides an image receptor element for dye diffusion transfer imaging processes comprising a support and such image-receiving layer.

Abstract: Copolymeric mordant materials containing recurring units according to the following formula are disclosed: ##STR1## In such copolymers, each of R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 can independently be alkyl; substituted-alkyl; cycloalkyl; aryl; aralkyl; alkaryl; or at least two of R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3, together with the quaternary nitrogen atom to which they are bonded, can complete a saturated or unsaturated, substituted or unsubstituted nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ring; X is an anion; each R.sup.4 is alkyl of from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; R.sup.5 is a divalent alkylene of from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R.sup.6 is hydrogen, amino, phenyl or alkyl of from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; R.sup.7 is hydrogen or methyl; and m is an integer 1 or 2. The molar ratio of a:b can range from about 0.1:1 to about 10:1, e.g., about 0.3:1 to about 3:1.The copolymeric mordant materials can be utilized as image-receiving layers in photographic products and processes of the diffusion transfer type.

Abstract: Colored dye diffusion images are produced using a recording material containing, on a layer support (layer element 1), a first dye absorbent layer (layer element 2), a light-sensitive element containing silver halide emulsion layers and color-providing compounds (layer element 3) and optionally a second dye absorbent layer (layer element 4), in that order. An imagewise distribution of diffusible dyes is produced in the light-sensitive element in the course of development and transferred to the first dye absorbent layer.The light-sensitive element is then decomposed by a treatment which decomposes its layers, e.g. by means of a proteolytic enzyme, but leaves the first dye absorbent layer intact. The second dye absorbent layer optionally present, which has a lower mordanting capacity than the first dye absorbent layer and serves to prevent contamination of the developer bath with diffusible dyes, is also decomposed.

Abstract: A process for the production of a sealed laminate especially a security document comprising a support sheet, an image layer containing a photographic image present in a hardened hydrophilic diffusion transfer reversal image-receiving colloid medium made from an image receiving layer containing photosensitive iron(III) compound, and a protective cover sheet is described wherein:(1) the support sheet is of a polymeric heat meltable material,(2) the image layer is disposed adherently on the support sheet to cover the support area only partly and to leave uncovered at least one edge area thereof,(3) the protective sheet is of a heat-meltable material which in the melted state is capable of forming a homogeneous mass with melted support sheet material, and(4) the protective cover sheet is heat sealed to the support sheet in the uncovered areas thereof to form the homogeneous mass, whereby said image layer is sealed between the support sheet and the protective sheet.

Abstract: Copolymeric mordant materials containing recurring units according to the following formula are disclosed: ##STR1## In such copolymers, each of R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 can independently be alkyl; substituted alkyl; cycloalkyl; aryl; aralkyl; alkaryl; or at least two of R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3, together with the quaternary nitrogen atom to which they are bonded, can complete a saturated or unsaturated, substituted or unsubstituted nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ring; and X is an anion. The molar ratio of a:b can range from about 0.1:1 to about 10:1, e.g., about 0.3:1 to about 3:1. The copolymeric mordant materials can be utilized as image-receiving layers and in photographic products and processes of the diffusion transfer type. The mordants are especially adapted to the production of dye images free of objectionable haze, yellowing or related image defects.

Abstract: Photographic elements, diffusion transfer assemblages and processes are described wherein a dye image-receiving layer comprising a poly(vinylimidazole) mordant is employed in a nonmordanting, water-permeable polymeric vehicle. The polymeric vehicle comprises recurring units derived from a hydroxyalkyl acrylate ester, and/or an N-hydroxyalkylacrylamide, and/or an N-alkylacrylamide. Image sharpness is thereby improved, especially under conditions of high temperature and humidity.

Abstract: Photographic elements, multicolor filters and receivers are disclosed having supports providing microvessels for materials such as radiation-sensitive materials, imaging materials, mordants, silver precipitating agents and materials which are useful in conjunction with these materials. Processes of forming microvessels and introducing materials therein are also disclosed. Processes of forming images are disclosed employing microvessel containing elements. Image transfer processes are disclosed for producing one or a combination of silver and multicolor subtractive primary images alone or in combination with multicolor additive primary images.

Abstract: Image-receiving elements and photographic diffusion transfer products providing diffusion transfer transparency images are described. The image-receiving elements include a transparent support carrying, in sequence, an acid-reacting reagent; a first polymeric timing layer possessing decreasing alkaline solution permeability with increasing temperature; a second timing layer comprising cellulose acetate; and an alkaline solution-permeable and dyeable polymeric image-receiving layer comprising a graft polymer having a polymeric backbone and grafted thereto moieties which provide mordant capability. The utilization in the image-receiving elements of the aforedescribed first and second timing layers permits the provision of elements which can be effectively processed over a range of processing temperatures and which are adapted to the provision of transparencies which exhibit desired images without the distracting or otherwise objectionable image defects associated with reticulation.

Abstract: Photographic elements, diffusion transfer assemblages and processes are described wherein a polymeric vehicle is employed in a metallizable dye image-receiving layer, a layer adjacent thereto or both. The polymeric vehicle comprises a cross-linked polymer derived from recurring units of an acrylamide, a 1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone or a 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate and a cross-linkable monomer.

Abstract: Copolymeric mordant materials containing recurring units according to the following formula are disclosed: ##STR1## In such copolymers, each of R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 can independently be alkyl; substituted alkyl; cycloalkyl; aryl; aralkyl; alkaryl; or at least two of R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3, together with the quaternary nitrogen atom to which they are bonded, can complete a saturated or unsaturated, substituted or unsubstituted nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ring; and X is an anion. The molar ratio of a:b can range from about 0.1:1 to about 10:1, e.g., about 0.3:1 to about 3:1.The copolymeric mordant materials can be utilized as image-receiving layers and in photographic products and processes of the diffusion transfer type. The mordants are especially adapted to the production of dye images free of objectionable haze, yellowing or related image defects.

Abstract: Photographic film units and photographic products and processes using polyphenylene ethers which provide pendant quaternary nitrogen groups as mordants for diffusible dye image-providing materials.

Abstract: Diffusion transfer films and processes are disclosed wherein the processing composition includes a light-reflecting pigment and a pH-sensitive optical filter agent, and the image-receiving element carries a layer containing a substantially non-diffusible agent adapted to decolorize optical filter agent immediately adjacent the interface between said processing composition and said layer containing said decolorizing agent.

Abstract: Receptor material adapted for use in a combined dye transfer and silver complex diffusion transfer process, comprising in order:(i) a support,(ii) a first hydrophilic colloid layer containing a cationic compound capable of mordanting an acid dye, and(iii) a transparent second hydrophilic colloid layer containing development nuclei for catalyzing the reduction therein of silver complex salts to silver and at least one organic compound having an anionic group linked to a carbon atom. The use of the receptor material for the production of a black-and-white silver image in combination with one or more dye images results in silver images of increased density.

Abstract: An image dye receiving element comprises a support having thereon in order:(1) a layer comprising a source of metal ions and a binder therefor; and(2) a dye image receiving layer comprising a polymer containing heterocyclic tertiary groups.The receiving element can be used in an image transfer film unit which contains a dye ligand or dye ligand former and the film unit is stable to metal ion wandering and the resulting metallized dye image is stable to fading.

Abstract: A photographic element comprises a support having thereon a layer containing a copolymer comprising a vinylimidazole in association with metal ions. The metal forms a novel complex with the polymer and photographic elements comprising these materials are useful in diffusion transfer processes, and particularly useful with metal-coordinating dyes such as chelating dyes or dye-forming materials to provide a metallized dye image.

Abstract: A bleach-fix sheet for use in color photographic processes comprises a support having thereon a bleaching agent, a fixing agent and a hardened hydrophilic binder. In a preferred embodiment, the bleach-fix sheet is useful to bleach and fix a retained image in a color image diffusion transfer unit.

Abstract: A process for amplifying an imagewise exposure of a silver halide photographic element comprises the steps of (a) developing the element to release spectral sensitizing dye from a release compound as a function of silver halide development; (b) adsorbing the spectral sensitizing dye to undeveloped silver halide grains; (c) exposing the element overall to radiation absorbable by released spectral sensitizing dye to render developable silver halide grains to which the released spectral sensitizing dye has been adsorbed and (d) developing silver halide grains.

Abstract: A photographic element comprises a support having thereon a layer containing a hydrophilic vehicle having dispersed therein a particulate polymeric material encapsulated with a chelating or already chelated polymer, said element, when the polymer is not already chelated, comprising a source of metal ions. The elements are useful in diffusion transfer processes, and particularly useful with chelating acid dyes or dye-forming materials to provide a metallized dye image.

Abstract: A photographic element comprising a support, a layer containing an image dye ligand or dye ligand forming material and a layer containing a dye mordant, wherein the mordant layer has associated therewith:(1) a polymer containing groups which form coordination complexes with metal ions; and(2) a source of metal ions.The polymer holds the metal ions in the vicinity of the dye mordant so that the metal ions can metallize the dye or dye forming material at the image receiving layer. These complexes, elements, and receiving elements are particularly useful in diffusion transfer processes. Novel polymers are also described.

Abstract: A photographic element comprises a support having thereon a layer containing a novel polymer comprising a recurring unit having the formula: ##STR1## said element comprising a source of metal ions. The elements are useful in diffusion transfer processes, and particularly useful with chelating dyes or dye-forming materials to provide a metallized dye image.

Abstract: There is disclosed a composition and element, comprising a diazo resin and a mordant for anionic dyes that is compatible with the resin. The element of the invention is suitable for dye immersion and dye transfer to a mordanted receiver.

Abstract: In a dye image forming process in color photography comprising imagewise exposing a photographic element comprising a support and a light sensitive silver halide emulsion layer, and processing the exposed photographic element with an alkaline processing solution in the presence of a dye developer whereby a dye image corresponding to the imagewise exposure is formed by oxidation of said developer as a function of development of silver halide, the improvement which comprises the dye developer being a mono azo dye developer represented by the following formula:X--N.dbd.

Abstract: A photographic element particularly for the color diffusion transfer process having a support and an image pattern receiving layer which comprises a polymer containing at least 10 mole percent of a repeating unit of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 each represent an alkyl group, an aralkyl group, a cycloalkyl group or a cycloalkylalkyl group; and X.sup..sym. represents a monovalent anion.