Abstract: An image-forming method is described using a light-sensitive material comprising a support and a light-sensitive layer on the support, said light-sensitive layer containing an o-quinonediazide compound as a first component and a basic carbonium dye as a second component; according to this method images can be obtained both by positive working and negative working techniques. Furthermore, images which are free from yellow light fogging can be obtained by use of a laser beam.

Abstract: A process for producing a lithographic printing plate is disclosed which comprises exposing and developing a photographic element, coating the element with one or more carboxylated amines or the salts thereof, and subsequently baking the element.

Abstract: A deletion fluid for positive working printing plates which is capable of removing unwanted, unexposed portions of a photosensitive coating on a substrate without detrimentally affecting the surface of said substrate. Said deletion fluid comprises an aqueous solution of a gum, an aliphatic alcohol, acetate or ether solvent, an amine desensitizing component and a thixotropic agent.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved process for preserving a planographic printing form which is ready for printing. In the process, the planographic printing form is treated with an aqueous solution of a water-soluble, film-forming high-molecular weight organic compound and a hydrophilizing acid and is then dried. The hydrophilizing acid used is an organic phosphonic acid, in particular polyvinyl phosphonic acid, preferably in a concentration from 0.05 to 10 percent by weight. As the water-soluble, high-molecular weight organic compound gum arabic, dextrin or polyvinyl alcohol is appropriately used.

Abstract: Polysaccharide S-119 is used as a desensitizer in lithographic fountain solutions to maintain non-image areas on a lithographic printing plate in a hydrophilic condition in order to prevent scumming or ink pickup in said areas. S-119 is prepared in aqueous solution which is added to phosphoric acid etch in water plus alcohol to provide a gum concentration of 20-1000 ppm by weight in the fountain solution.

Abstract: This invention relates to a developer mixture for washing out light-sensitive copying layers previously exposed in imagewise manner and containing a polymer of an N-vinyl amine, of vinyl alcohol or of a vinyl alcohol derivative, an alcohol being water-soluble in an amount less than 10% by weight, and water as the main constituent, the mixture containing as said polymer a copolymer which is water-soluble or which can be dispersed in water to form a stable dispersion, composed of (a) hydrophilic units of the formula I: ##STR1## wherein A is O-R or ##STR2## R is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R.sub.1 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or an alkoxy alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms each or an aryl group with 6 to 10 carbon atoms; R.sub.

Abstract: A desensitizing solution and process for using the solution are disclosed to desensitize a diazo photosensitive printing plate after development. The solution comprises a water soluble desensitizing agent capable of reacting with any residual photosensitive diazo on the developed plate to render the diazo incapable of forming an oleophilic substance and a filming agent selected from water soluble aliphatic polyols have less than eight carbon units, the acid derived monoesters of these polyols, and the alkali metal salts of the monoesters.

Abstract: Described is a lithographic element which may optionally be used as a positive working or a negative working element by minor changes in exposure and development parameters.

Abstract: An improved photosensitive litho element comprises, in order, a support, a non-photosensitive solvent-soluble contiguous layer having an optical density of at least 3.0 in the visible region of the spectrum and a maximum thickness of 0.015 mm, and a solvent-processable photosensitive layer. Dot-etchable contact litho negatives and positives are provided.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for developing and treating PS plates in which the useful life of the treatment liquid is greatly enhanced. First and second developing baths and a gum coating bath are provided with the PS plates conveyed therethrough. The plates are squeezed between the first and second developing baths to remove treatment liquid. Treatment liquid is transferred from the second to the first developing bath and discharged from the first developing bath when the liquid in the first bath is beyond the normal limit of treatment ability for a single bath system. New treatment liquid is supplied to the second bath in proportion to the amount of treatment and the lapse of time.

Abstract: A developer suitable for machine and hand processing may now be made which accomplishes the aforementioned objects which is an aqueous solution comprising 2-propoxyethanol as a detackifying agent, an adjuvant solvent, a nonionic surfactant with a hydrophile-lipophile balance over about 17, and an inorganic salt. A developer/finisher may be prepared by adding thereto a water-soluble polymeric film former which is preferably polyvinyl pyrrolidone. A suspending agent, e.g. polyethylene glycol, is added to hand processing solutions.

Abstract: Light-sensitive compositions containing a quinone diazide which are useful in positive-working photoresists and positive-working lithographic printing plates are developed with a developing composition comprising a quaternary alkanol ammonium hydroxide developing agent and a stabilizing concentration of a sulfite.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel planographic printing plate suitable for dry planographic printing without supply of dampening water and a method for the preparation thereof. The inventive printing plate has, on one surface of a base plate, a layer of an organopolysiloxane composed of the areas where fresh surface of the organopolysiloxane is exposed bare as the ink-repellent non-image areas and the areas where the surface of the organopolysiloxane layer has been subjected to the treatment with low temperature plasma to be oleophilic or ink-receptive as the image areas of the printing plate. According to the inventive method, the pattern-wise exposure of the organopolysiloxane layer to the plasma atmosphere is performed by first providing a pattern-wise layer of a plasma resistant protective resist layer on the organopolysiloxane layer followed by the plasma treatment and removal of the resist layer.

Abstract: A method of increasing the strength, abrasion resistance, solvent resistance, and press life of a lithographic image comprising a layer of light-reacted light sensitive material and an outer layer comprising an epoxy resin overlying the light-reacted layer. In the method, the surface of the outer layer is contacted and wetted with an aqueous solution comprising a least about 7% by weight of a boron trifluoride-amine complex. Solvent is evaporated from the solution on the surface to deposit dry boron trifluoride-amine complex on the outer layer and the outer layer is heated in the presence of the complex to cross-link the epoxy resin and form a hard, tough, abrasion-resistant, solvent-resistant and wear-resistant epoxy resin layer at the outside of the image. Further included in the invention are a curing composition adapted for topical application to a lithographic image in carrying out the method of the invention and a planographic printing plate produced thereby.

Abstract: In a plate-making process comprising the steps of (a) imagewise exposing a presensitized plate comprising an aluminum support having thereon a light-sensitive layer, (b) developing the imagewise exposed presensitized plate to remove either the exposed area or the unexposed area of the light-sensitive layer to reveal the surface of the aluminum support and (c) subjecting the developed plate to a process selected from the group consisting of (i) application of a developing ink, (ii) retouching process and (iii) gumming process, the improvement which comprises processing the developed plate with an aqueous surfactant solution directly after the step of (b).

Abstract: An image forming material comprising a support having thereon a layer composed of a Ge-S composition or a Ge-S-X composition wherein X represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Al, Si, Mg, Ti, V, Mn, Co, Ni, Sn, Zn, Pd, In, Se, Te, Fe, I, P and O which undergoes a structural change capable of being detected optically, electrically or chemically upon exposure imagewise to light wherein the Ge-S or Ge-S-X composition layer has a thickness of at least about 300 A and contains therein at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ag, Cu and Pb in an amount of more than 2 atoms of Ag, Cu and/or Pb based on 100 atoms of the Ge-S composition or the Ge-S-X composition.

Abstract: A method for producing a pressure-sensitive dry transfer sheet. A release coating is applied to a base sheet and a pigmented ink is applied over the release coating. A photoresist is applied over the pigmented ink and selected portions of the photoresist are exposed to light. Portions of the photoresist and the pigmented ink that are not to be part of the transfer image are removed, and a pressure sensitive adhesive coating is applied.

Abstract: A lithographic resist for use in microfabrication comprising a negative-type resist containing a radical scavenger capable of preventing post-irradiation reaction.

Abstract: Aluminum substrate suitable for making lithographic plates which has been treated to render the surface hydrophilic and negatively charged and thereafter ionically colored with a cationic dye.

Abstract: A developer composition for a lithographic printing plate provided with a coated layer composed of a photosensitive polymer having in the main chain thereof groups of formula (I) ##STR1## wherein X and Y independently represent hydrogen, halogen, cyano or nitro, and n is an integer of 1 or 2, comprising ethylene glycol monophenyl ether and at least one acid selected from the group consisting of a mineral acid, an organic carboxylic acid and an organic sulfonic acid.

Abstract: A plastic surface-printing method which comprises the steps of drawing an image on a plastic surface by an ink composition containing a coloring material; enclosing the printed plastic surface in a cover wherein there is placed a flash discharge tube; causing the flash discharge tube to emit light beams to irradiate heat pulses on the printed plastic surface; applying pressure on the printed plastic surface due to the expansion of air in the cover resulting from the application of heat pulses; and fixing an inked image on the plastic surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for making relief deepenings in solid, hydrophylic, adhesive printing plate materials.The surface of the plate with an image unaffected by water is treated before making pressurized contact with another solid substance, i.e. removal medium. Non-imaged areas of the plate surface are softened and rendered actively adhesive by aforesaid treatment of water and are bonded to removal medium by said contact. Bond formed between plate parts and removal medium is terminated when the removal medium and the plate are forcefully separated; the removal medium carrying away the adhered plate material.Various embodiments of this basic method include the mode of plate surface treatment, means for controlling formation of image supporting sidewalls and different forms of removal medium.The method is employable with solid hydrophylic adhesive materials of organic or synthetic origin.

Abstract: An emulsion type protective agent for the surface of a lithographic printing plate comprising an aqueous phase having dissolved therein a hydrophilic high molecular weight compound and an oil phase containing an organic solvent, an alkylphenyl type nonionic surfactant having an HLB less than 14, an aliphatic acid ester type surfactant and an anionic surfactant.

Abstract: Aqueous solutions are provided for treating image-bearing lithographic plates.

Abstract: A developer for use with a lithographic photo-sensitive medium of a polyether resin, comprising a compound of the formula:RO--CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --O--.sub.k R.sup.1orROCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 OR.sup.2(wherein R represents an alkyl group with carbon number of 1 to 4, R.sup.1 represents hydrogen or an acyl group, R.sup.2 represents an acyl group with a carbon number of 2 to 5, and k represents an integer of 2 to 3).

Abstract: A process for the preparation of planographic printing forms is described, in which a light-sensitive material composed of a support having a hydrophilic surface and of a light-sensitive layer, which contains a 1,2-naphthoquinone-diazide, is exposed imagewise, developed and then heated to a temperature above 180.degree. C. for such a time and at such a temperature level that an oleophilic precipitate is formed on the hydrophilic image background, and the precipitate is then removed by treatment, for example wiping over, with an aqueous solution of about 0.01 to 50% by weight of polyvinyl phosphonic acid. The treatment has the advantage that in this case the support surface, for example anodically produced aluminum oxide, is not significantly attacked and is nevertheless completely freed from impurities.

Abstract: The method of preparing a lithographic printing plate containing ink receptive printing image areas and water receptive non-printing background areas in which the plate consists of a substrate having on one side thereof in sequence an electrically conductive layer and a photoconductive layer consisting of fully crystalline inorganic photoconductive substance. The method comprises the steps of forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of said photoconductive layer, developing the electrostatic latent image to define the ink receptive printing image areas on the surface, and applying to the surface an aqueous chromic acid solution.

Abstract: Photopolymeric printing plates that have been imaged and etched are hardened by drying to remove surface moisture and are slowly and evenly heated while circulating warm air over the plate to prevent hot spots and remove vaporized material. Letter press type plates are heated up to 120.degree. C. to 150.degree. C., and intaglio type plates are heated to 200.degree. C. to 220.degree. C. Intaglio plates are also preferably coated with a thin layer of a fluorotelomer material before the heating is completed.

Abstract: A method of preparing a lithographic printing plate, and the resulting printing plate, by applying an acidified oxidizing agent such as aqueous potassium permanganate solution to the toned electrostatic latent image on the photoconductive layer of an electrophotographic member to define water-receptive non-printing areas. The thus treated surface may be washed or further treated with conventional ferrocyanide ion containing fountain solutions or gum arabic, but only if desired.

Abstract: A desensitizer for a lithographic printing plate, which contains:(i) at least one silicate represented by the general formulae (I), (II) and (III)M.sub.2 O.(SiO.sub.2).sub.n.qH.sub.2 O (I) ##STR1## wherein M represents an alkali metal atom; R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4, which may be the same or different, each represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or a hydroxyalkyl group; n represents a number of from 1 to 8.5; q represents a number of from 0 to 12; m represents a number of greater than 0 and up to 10; and p represents a number of from 4 to 5000;(ii) at least one wetting agent;(iii) a hydrophilic colloidal material; and(iv) water, anda process for preparing a lithographic printing plate using the desensitizer.

Abstract: During the processing of an image-wise exposed radiation sensitive device, such as a radiation sensitive plate for lithographic printing plate production, by contacting the device with developer liquid, a temperature sensitive member is immersed in the developer liquid. The member produces an output signal in dependence on the temperature of the developer liquid. This signal is used to control the degree to which the device is processed in a manner dependent on the temperature of the developer liquid for example by controlling the residence time of the device in the developer liquid, by controlling the degree to which the developer liquid is agitated in contact with the device, or by controlling the degree to which the device is subjected to an overall exposure to radiation prior to or during contact with the developer liquid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lithographic printing plate, which is made by exposing a photographic material having a silver halide photosensitive emulsion layer, developing the exposed material and treating the developed material with a conversion liquid comprising a solvent for a silver halide and an organic compound capable of forming a compound which is more stable and has a lower solubility than a soluble silver complex formed by said solvent.

Abstract: The adherence of the oleophilic polymer printing surface of a lithographic printing plate to the support of the lithographic printing plate is improved by an anchoring layer formed from a hydrophobic oleophilic ester colloid which is capable of being rendered hydrophilic by treatment with an aqueous alkali solution. After an image-wise exposure of the photosensitive layer of the presensitized photosensitive sheet used to prepare the lithographic printing plate and removal of the non-polymerized (non-image) portions of the photosensitive layer the plate is contacted with an aqueous alkali solution to render those portions of the anchoring layer, which have been exposed by removal of the non-polymerized portions of the photosensitive layer, hydrophilic. Accordingly, the portions of the anchoring layer underlying the oleophilic hardened polymeric printing surface remain hydrophobic oleophilic and therefore can increase the number of satisfactory printings which can be made from the lithographic printing plate.

Abstract: A photolithographic plate, method for preparation thereof, and salt compound useful in the preparation, the method involving the treatment of a metallic silver image on a substrate with a homogeneously stable acidic aqueous salt solution comprising a ferricyanide anion for oxidizing the metallic silver and an organic cation capable of forming a water-insoluble, inherently oleophilic complex with oxidized silver, the cation being derived from a protonatable nitrogen-substituted hydrocarbon compound containing a formal imine group therein which is in resonant association with adjacent groups within the hydrocarbon compound.

Abstract: Aqueous solutions are provided for treating image-bearing lithographic plates.

Abstract: A radiation sensitive composition comprises a quaternary ammonium salt and a chemical sensitizer of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.21 is aryl, arylalkenyl or arylalkyl, R.sup.22 is aryl, alkyl, arylalkenyl, arylalkyl, carboxylic acid or salt, or hydrogen and X is carboxylic acid or salt. The quaternary ammonium salt is of the type which will accept at least one electron on exposure to radiation to form a substance capable of causing metal to be deposited onto said substance from an electroless plating solution in contact with said substance and comprising a salt of said metal and a reducing agent. A radiation sensitive plate comprises a metallic substrate coated with a radiation sensitive layer comprising a quaternary ammonium salt. The layer may be formed of the above composition.

Abstract: Aqueous solutions are provided for treating image-bearing lithographic plates.

Abstract: A method for developing a light-sensitive lithographic printing plate having an image-forming layer containing a substantially water-insoluble diazo resin thereon using a developer composition which comprises (a) benzyl alcohol, .alpha.-methylbenzyl alcohol, ethylene glycol monophenyl ether and/or ethylene glycol monobenzyl ether, (b) an anionic surface active agent and (c) a water-soluble sulfite.

Abstract: Aqueous solutions are provided for treating imagebearing lithographic plates.

Abstract: A process for preparing a lithographic printing plate, which has excellent printability, durability and stability, which comprisingimagewise irradiating a lithographic printing plate material comprising a support having thereon a light-sensitive layer comprising, as essential components, (a) an inorganic material and (b) at least one member selected from the group consisting of a metal and a metal compound, both of which are in contact with each other and which, upon irradiation with electromagnetic radiation, react with each other forming a mutually diffused state and as a result, a difference in the hydrophilic property or in the oleophilic property occurs between the areas irradiated with the electromagnetic radiation and the non-irradiated areas, with electromagnetic radiation, andthen wetting the light-sensitive layer thereof with wetting solution containing (i) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of thiourea and a thiourea derivative and (ii) as an acid component, at least one compo

Abstract: It has been found that excellent quality photopolymer printing plates having hardness, flexibility, resilience, abrasion resistance and resistance to alcohol-based inks can be prepared from photopolymer compositions comprising a liquid polymer containing at least two terminal olefin groups attached to the polymer through a combination of at least two ether, thioether, ester, keto or amide groups, from about 1 to about 50% by weight based on the polymer of at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer, from about 0.1 to about 10% by weight of a photoinitiator and about 0.01 to about 2% of a stabilizer.