Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a thermosensitive imaging element for obtaining a lithographic printing plate comprising on a hydrophilic surface of a support a layer comprising an organic metallic salt and in the same or an adjacent layer an organic reducing agent and a compound capable of converting light into heat, said organic metallic salt being reducible on heating by said reducing agent to an ink-accepting compound or to a compound which can react with a hydrophobizing agent to an ink-accepting compound, characterized in that said layer comprising an organic metallic salt comprises a hydrophobic binder in an amount between 0.00 g/m.sup.2 and 0.25 g/m.sup.2 and a hydrophilic binder in an amount between 0.00 g/m.sup.2 and 5.00 g/m.sup.2.

Abstract: For an optical recordable disk, a heat conductive gold layer can be deposited on a phase-change recordable layer to increase the writing threshold. This higher threshold improves the data stability during readout. However, it has been found that there is substantial inter-diffusion between the phase-change layer and the gold layer. The performance is degraded as a result. A barrier layer between the phase-change layer and the gold layer can effectively prevent diffusion and mixing. Using his barrier, the performance is preserved and the data stability is improved.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a method and composition comprising a novel pre-dye molecule that is colorless and stable to ordinary light. The pre-dye molecule is capable of forming a color when exposed to certain wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. A second embodiment of the present invention is a method of converting a conventional leuco dye to a colored composition by exposing the leuco dye admixed with a radiation transorber to certain wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A method of forming an image on an image forming material is disclosed which comprises a transparent support having a first surface side and a second surface side and provided on the first surface side, an imaging layer, the method comprising the step of forming a mirror image on the imaging layer so that the formed image is visible from the second surface side, wherein the second surface side has a glossiness of 80 to 115.

Abstract: A conducting polymer film comprising a substrate comprising a semiconductor having thereon a conducting polymer film capable of being doped with or undoped of an ionic dye molecule. In the image forming process of the present invention, the conducting polymer film is irradiated with light to generate electromotive force so that the conducting polymer film is doped with or undoped of an ionic dye molecule according to the electromotive force to form an image pattern thereon. The ionic dye molecule forming the image pattern is electrochemically released, and then transferred to a recording medium such as paper. The image forming process provides images of good quality at a relatively high printing speed. The image forming process is energy-saving and takes a low running cost. An marking process and marking apparatus using the above image forming process are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of making a printing member for providing an erasable bar-code including providing a polymeric substrate having an insert cavity; forming an insert member having a writing surface composed of a non-porous zirconia ceramic ZrO.sub.2 that is alloyed with a secondary oxide selected from the group consisting of MgO, CaO, Y.sub.2 O.sub.3, Sc.sub.2 O.sub.3, a rare earth oxide, and combinations thereof, the non-porous zirconia alloy ceramic having a density of from about 5.6 to about 6.2 g/cm.sup.3 ; and providing an erasable bar-code image on the printing member by imagewise exposing the printing surface to electromagnetic radiation that transforms the printing surface from a stoichiometric to a substoichiometric state, thereby creating a printing surface having both image areas and non-image areas.

Abstract: Thermal recording or producing of a contone image comprises an imagewise and scanwise exposing a thermographic recording material with a set (s) of radiation beams (b), wherein at any given moment (t) during the exposure at least two radiation beams impinge on different dots (m) of a scanline (l), so that by completion of the exposure each effective dot of the scanline has been impinged. Photo-thermographic recording or producing comprises a developing of the exposed photo-thermographic recording material with a set (s) of radiation beams (b), wherein at any given moment (t) during the development at least two radiation beams impinge on different dots (m) of a scanline (l), so that by completion of the development step each dot of the scanline has been impinged by all radiation beams.

Abstract: A process for forming an image on a transparent or translucent substrate comprising the steps of providing an imageable element comprising a transparent or translucent glass or polymeric film having a coating of a black metal on one surface thereof, directing radiation in an imagewise distributed pattern at said black metal layer with sufficient intensity to substantially increase the light transmissivity of the medium in the irradiated region in an imagewise distributed pattern, said element having no layers comprising a thermally activated gas-generating composition. The image comprises residual black metal on the film base, and may be used for overhead transparencies, contact negatives/positives, and the like.

Abstract: A laser-exposed thermal recording element comprising a support having thereon a pigment layer comprising a pigment dispersed in a polymeric binder, the pigment absorbing at the wavelength of a laser used to expose the element, wherein the pigment comprises the formula:Cu.sub.2-x M.sub.x (OH).sub.y R.sub.z :M'.sub.wwherein:M is at least one metal atom,M' is at least one alkali metal,R is at least one anion,w is between 0 and 2,x is between 0 and 1.5,y and z are selected to maintain charge neutrality, with the proviso that w, x and z cannot all be 0.

Abstract: A substantially non-photosensitive recording material comprising a thermosensitive element comprising a substantially light-insensitive organic silver salt, an organic reducing agent therefor in thermal working relationship therewith and a binder, on a support, characterized in that the thermosensitive element further comprises in reactive association with the light-insensitive organic silver salt and the organic reducing agent a 1,2,4-triazole compound with at least one of the nitrogen atoms having a hydrogen atom and none of the carbon atoms being part of a thione-group, said compound not being annulated with an aromatic ring system; and a thermal image recording process therefor.

Abstract: A class of rigid rod and latter polymers having light emitting capability is provided. Included in this class of polymers are those having novel repeating structural units. These rigid rod and ladder polymers are employed in light emitting diodes.

Abstract: Chemical substances are provided which exhibit thermally induced spin transitions between two stable spin states at ambient temperature, said transitions being associated with a hysteresis phenomenon and resulting in an abrupt variation of the color of the molecules for realizing a medium for storing, processing and/or displaying information by way of thermal writing, optical reading and thermal erasing, a particular embodiment of such a medium comprising at least a layer of chemical substances including a lattice with a molecule comprising a metallic element Fe.sub.(II), or Fe.sub.(III) or Co.sub.(II) associated with at least one ligand chosen from the substituted triazoles which are defined by the formula: ##STR1## in which R is H or an alkyl C.sub.n H.sub.2n+1 or R is an amine group NL.sub.2 where L is H and an alkyl radical, said molecule also comprising one or several anions chosen, for example, from BF.sub.4.sup.-, ClO.sub.4.sup.-, Br.sup.-, Cl.sup.

Abstract: A data storage process which includes an erasable high speed, high density, storage medium having a transition metal oxide layer where said oxide layer is capable of undergoing an optically readable chemical change when simultaneously exposed to heat and to light of a selected wavelength. An optically readable image is formed in selected regions of the oxide layer under ambient conditions which include O.sub.2 by simultaneously exposing said layer to heat and to radiation in the blue-green or shorter wavelength spectrum. The image is erased by heating the entire medium using a furnace or by heating selected portions with IR radiation.

Abstract: Certain squaric acid derivatives are useful for the thermochemical generation of acid. The squaric acid derivatives may be used in imaging media in conjunction with acid-sensitive materials which undergo a color change when contacted by the acid generated from the squaric acid derivatives. Preferably, the acid-sensitive materials undergo an irreversible color change, so that the image can be fixed by neutralizing all the acid generated with excess base, thereby preventing further color change in the image during long term storage.

Abstract: A process for the inscription of moldings based on thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers or mixtures of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers with up to 45% by weight based on the total weight of polymers, of further thermoplastics, by means of high-energy radiation, wherein the additives employed to improve the inscribability include a copper phosphate and an inorganic phyllosilicate.

Abstract: Dyes comprising an inner salt of a compound of the formula:Q.sup.1 =Z-Q.sup.2wherein:Q.sup.1 is a 4-(benz[b]-4H-pyrylium)methylidene, 4-(benz[b]-4H-thiopyrylium)methylidene or 4-(benz[b]-4H-selenopyrylium)methylidene grouping;Z is a 1,3-(2-hydroxy-4-oxo-2-cyclobutylidene) hydroxide or 1,3-(2-hydroxy-4,5-dioxo-2-cyclopentylidene) hydroxide ring; andQ.sup.2 is a 4-(benz[b]-4H-pyran-4-ylidene)methyl, 4-(benz[b]-4H-thiopyran-4-ylidene)methyl or 4-(benz[b]-4H-selenopyran-4-ylidene)methyl grouping;wherein at least one of the groupings Q.sup.1 and Q.sup.

Abstract: An optical recording medium is prepared by forming on a substrate a phase change recording layer comprising elements A, B, C and optional D wherein A is silver and/or gold, B is antimony and/or bismuth, C is tellurium and/or selenium, D is indium or a mixture of indium and aluminum and/or phosphorus. Formation of the recording layer is carried out by the step of sputtering an A--C base metal and the step of sputtering a B base metal optionally containing D in this successive order or reverse order; or by the step of sputtering an A--C base metal, the step of sputtering a B base metal, and the step of sputtering a D base metal in this successive order or reverse order. Since the resulting recording layer is already crystallized, the method eliminates a need for extra initialization.

Abstract: A method for exposing a radiation sensitive material is disclosed comprising a double-sided laser exposure of the same information in register on both sides. In a preferred embodiment this material is a thermal imaging medium comprising a support, an image forming layer preferably containing carbon black, a release layer and an adhesive layer. By laser exposing this medium in register on both sides a heat mode image can be obtained after lamination and delamination which shows practically no pinhole defects.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a graphic for a backlit component, such as a button for an illuminated graphic display of an automobile instrument panel. The method involves a process by which molded plastic backlit buttons are manufactured without the use of hazardous chemicals or materials, and instead utilizes laser energy to produce substantially opaque regions on the button for forming a graphics image. Backlit buttons are preferably formed from a substantially transparent polymeric material in which is present pigmentation that is reactive to laser energy. A graphic image is then created on the button by selectively exposing a portion of the backlit component to laser energy. As a result, the exposed portion becomes substantially opaque while remaining portions of the backlit component remain substantially transparent. As such, the exposed and unexposed portions of the button cooperate to produce the graphic image when the button is backlit with a suitable light source.

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: The present invention relates to writing and marking images on ceramic surfaces in a reversible fashion. The images are marked using a laser. The images are erased by heating the ceramic surfaces to a temperature of approximately 200.degree. C. or using a CO.sub.2 laser.

Abstract: An optical recording medium is disclosed, which comprises a substrate having thereon a recording layer which is capable of forming regions having an increased reflectivity by spinodal decomposition of the recording layer upon application thereto of energy of a threshold value or higher. Writing of information is achieved by irradiating the recording layer with no phase separation caused by spinodal decomposition with an energy beam having an intensity causing spinodal decomposition-induced phase separation in accordance with the information to be written. Reading of the information, on the other hand, is achieved by irradiating the recording layer with phase separation caused by spinodal decomposition with an energy beam having an intensity causing no spinodal decomposition-induced phase separation. The medium and the recording system using the same exhibit high sensitivity, high reflectivity, and high contract and conform to the CD or LD standard.

Abstract: A laser dye-ablative recording element comprising a support having thereon a dye layer comprising a yellow dye dispersed in a polymeric binder, the dye layer having an infrared-absorbing material associated therewith, the yellow dye comprising curcumin.

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 2-cyano-3,3-diarylacrylate UV-absorbing dye.

Abstract: A rewritable optical information recording medium of phase-change type wherein the recording, erasing, reproduction and rewriting of information are effected by irradiation of a high density energy flux such as laser beams. With the aim of obtaining a high erasing ratio in overwriting using a single laser beam, a constitution of medium has been devised whereby the same temperature-rise profile can be obtained for both the recorded mark part and the unrecorded (erased) part of the recording film. For example, by selecting the film thickness of each layer such that the optical absorbance at the wavelength of irradiation light source is the same in both the recorded part and the unrecorded part, an erasing ratio of -30 dB or more has been attained.

Abstract: A laser beam absorbing resin composition is disclosed which includes 100 parts by weight of a thermosetting resin, a colorant capable of discoloring upon being heated at a temperature of 250.degree. C. or more, and at least 10 parts by weight of a particulate, laser beam absorbing substance which has an average particle size of 50 .mu.m or less and which is at least one member selected from cordierite and zeolite. By irradiating a shaped, hardened body of the above composition with a laser beam, the colorant is thermally decomposed, so that the color of the irradiated surface is changed and becomes discriminitive from that of non-irradiated surface.

Abstract: An optical recording medium and a recording method therefor in which a recording layer group and a light-absorbing and heat-generating layer for absorbing radiated light to convert the absorbed light into heat are formed on a substrate. The recording layer group is formed of thermo-sensitive recording layers capable of recording thereon information in the form of a light signal stacked alternatingly with heat insulating layers. Laser light emitted from a luminous source in a recording apparatus is condensed through an objective lens so as to be focused on the light-absorbing and heat-generating layer, so that when heat of a predetermined quantity or more is generated by the light-absorbing and heat-generating layer, the heat reaches the recording layers successively stepwise due to the heat insulating functions of the respective heat insulating layers.

Abstract: An image forming element utilizing the photoreduction of a cobalt complex is disclosed. The image forming element comprises a support having thereon a layer comprising a cobalt complex compound represented by Formula 1 or Formula 2; ##STR1## wherein lig is a coordinating compound capable of forming a cobalt complex compound with a cobalt cation; R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are each independently an aryl group, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an aralkyl group, a heterocyclic group or a cyano group, provided that at least one of R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 is an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an aralkyl group, a heterocyclic group or a cyano group, the above groups represented by R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 or R.sup.

Abstract: Certain squaric acid derivatives are useful for the thermochemical generation of acid. The squaric acid derivatives may be used in imaging media in conjunction with acid-sensitive materials which undergo a color change when contacted by the acid generated from the squaric acid derivatives. Preferably, the acid-sensitive materials undergo an irreversible color change, so that the image can be fixed by neutralizing all the acid generated with excess base, thereby preventing further color change in the image during long term storage.

Abstract: A method for temporarily marking a surface whose distance from a light beam source can substantially vary, without requiring focusing or refocusing of the light beam, commences with the step of coating a portion of the surface with a light reactant, color-forming chemical solution. The solution is soluble in a liquid solvent that is nonreactive with the surface. The coated portion of the surface is exposed to a collimated, non-focused laser beam exhibiting an airy disk pattern having central bright spot, the exposure occurring for a period of time that enables the central bright spot to expose the coating and to manifest a color change at points of incidence. The bright spot exhibits a diameter that does not exceed a predetermined diameter within an expected distance variations between the source of the laser beam and the surface.

Abstract: A print-out layer is incorporated in a donor element that is useful in a dry color proofing process in which a colored image is transferred from the donor element to a receiver. To achieve full color reproduction, images are transferred in succession and in register, to the receiver from donor elements, respectively containing yellow, magenta, cyan and black colorants. A visible image is formed in the print-out layer as a result of imagewise exposure of the donor element to activating radiation and is utilized to facilitate visual registration in forming the multicolor image on the receiver.

Abstract: Laser-marks (such as indicia, characters, symbols, patterns and the like) of exceptionally clear and thambiguous quality may be inscribed on the surface of an article whose surface region to be laser-marked is formed of a thermoplastic resin composition having a critical oxygen index of 22% or above as determined by ASTM D2863. The entire article may be formed (molded of such a thermoplastic resin composition, or the article may include a non-thermoplastic core having a surface layer thereof of the thermoplastic resin composition. Preferably, the thermoplastic resin composition is a polybutylene terephthalate with one or more flame retardants which impart the requisite critical oxygen index thereto.

Abstract: The optical data recording media is provided on a substrate with a recording layer changing its optical characteristic dependent upon difference in the heat history, or processes of temperature elevation due to laser beam irradiation and the following cooling. The media is composed of layered structure not only varying its own reflectance or transmittance as an integrated media, but also changing the optical phase of the reflected light or transmitted light, when the optical characteristic of the recording layer is changed. In the method of recording, erasing and reproducing data using this optical data recording media, when the variations of the reflectance is to be detected, recording and erasing are effected after temporarily setting the recording layer in a state having a higher reflectance. On the other hand, when the variations of the transmittance is to be detected, recording and erasing are effected after temporarily setting the recording layer in a state having a higher transmittance.

Abstract: A method of printing an image on a substrate by applying to the substrate a film which is chemically activated by heat, and scanning the film by a beam of radiation according to the image to be printed, to chemically activate the film by heat and thereby to produce a pattern in the film according to the image scanned. The film includes a reagent capable of undergoing a redox reaction when heated in the presence of another reagent present with the film when scanned by the beam, to produce the redox reaction between the two reagents.

Abstract: A phototranschromic ink suitable for use in a printing machine, including a water soluble, inert, nonionic polymeric resin carrier base having film forming properties, a photo acid or photo base progenitor which releases or takes up protons upon exposure to light, a pH sensitive dye which changes color in response to a change in proton levels, a water compatible non-ionic wetting agent, a water compatible non-ionic thickening agent, a neutral water soluble flow aid; wherein said ink changes color upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation and is of suitable consistency for use in a printing machine.

Abstract: A rewritable phase-change type optical information recording medium having a recording film made of a material containing Te or In as a major component and further containing B or C.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a recording/reproducing method for an optical recording medium comprising a step of heating a recording layer containing a photochromic material and a polymer which are so combined with each other that a photostationary state attained upon irradiation with light of a specific wavelength is varied with temperatures, and a step of applying the light of a specific wavelength to the heated recording layer for bringing the same into a photostationary state and recording information. In order to reproduce the information, a portion of the recording layer which is in a photostationary state is selectively heated, and reproducing light is applied to reproduce recorded and unrecorded states.

Abstract: Certain squaric acid derivatives are useful for the thermochemical generation of acid. The squaric acid derivatives may be used in imaging media in conjunction with acid-sensitive materials which undergo a color change when contacted by the acid generated from the squaric acid derivatives. Preferably, the acid-sensitive materials undergo an irreversible color change, so that the image can be fixed by neutralizing all the acid generated with excess base, thereby preventing further color change in the image during long term storage.

Abstract: Phase-change type, reversible optical information recording medium, being possible for recording, reproducing, erasing, and rewriting of information, by use of a laser beam. This invention consists of recording thin film of ternary elements, for example, containing Ge, Te, Sb/or Bi or quaternary elements containing the fourth element of Se with which a part of Te is replaced, which is established on such surface-flat substrates as glass or plastics. In this case, the component ratio of Te and Se is selected not to be excess for other elements, such as Ge, Sb/or Bi so as to be fixed as stable compounds of stoichiometric compositions of GeTe, Sb.sub.2 Te.sub.3 /or Bi.sub.2 Te.sub.3, or GeSe, Sb.sub.2 Se.sub.3 /Bi.sub.2 Se.sub.3 when crystallized. Strictly speaking, a concentration of each component is selected to have proper ratio of the number of atomes each other so as to represent whole composition as the sum of each component.

Abstract: A rewritable optical information recording medium of phase-change type wherein the recording, erasing, reproduction and rewriting of information are effected by irradiation of a high density energy flux such as laser beams. With the aim of obtaining a high erasing ratio in overwriting using a single laser beam, a constitution of medium has been devised whereby the same temperature-rise profile can be obtained for both the recorded mark part and the unrecorded (erased) part of the recording film. For example, by selecting the film thickness of each layer such that the optical absorbance at the wavelength of irradiation light source is the same in both the recorded part and the unrecorded part, an erasing ratio of -30 dB or more has been attained.

Abstract: A method of making a ceramic material by radiating a laser beam onto the portion of said ceramic material to be marked in a low oxygen atmosphere and a block gauge marked by this marking method. This marking method enables a ceramic material to have a distinct mark. A block gauge composed of a ceramic material has excellent properties such as corrosion resistance.

Abstract: A light-sensitive image-forming material is disclosed, comprising a support having thereon a recording layer containing a leuco dye which forms color upon oxidative development, a photo-oxidizing agent and a reducing agent, wherein the leuco dye is an xanthene compound having a cyclic amino group at the 2-position. The light-sensitive image-forming material of the present invention provides an image having satisfactory color density and stability to light after imagewise exposure and fixation.

Abstract: A photosensitive element for the preparation of high quality images using an entirely dry process is provided. The photosensitive portion of this element is prepared from the anode product of an electrolysis of copper in an acid halide bath. Preferably, this material is cuprous halide. The element is then sensitized with an ascorbic acid-containing solution and given an image-wise exposure in actinic or visible light. The image is then developed by giving the element an over-all exposure to monochromatic light of about 5800 angstroms. A high quality, full dry image with good quality and shelf-life is obtained.

Abstract: Optical recording films made from alloys of antimony-tin and a third element exhibit improved properties when formed in an atmosphere containing nitrogen. The amount of nitrogen in the sputtering environment is controlled. Improvements include higher amorphous to crystalline transition temperature and greater stability of the recorded and unrecorded film.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel thermochromic quaternized polyacetylene salt derivatives which are visually imageable by exposure to a light source generating energy in a wavelength of from about 400 nm to about 1500 nm said salt derivative having a thermosensitivity of at least 50.degree. C. and defined by the formula ##STR1## or a homopolymer thereof wherein X is the N-quaternized monovalent radical of a dye having an optical absorbance in a wavelength of from about 400 nm to about 1500 nm; V is the cationic residue of a carboxyl, sulfonate, thioate, thiolic, thionic or phosphonate radical; n has a value of from 2 to 4 and X' is hydrogen, C.sub.4 to C.sub.25 alkyl, a polar hydrophilic group which promotes hydrogen bonding containing a radical of the group of an amino, amido, hydroxy, ester, ether, phenol, carboxy, halo, sulfonyl, sulfoxy, sulfinyl, silyl, silyoxy, phosphoro, phosphate, keto, carbamate, aldehyde, urea, urethane, a metal salt group or X' is selected from the group defined for X.

Abstract: A process of radiation-induced formation of a uniform metal or metal oxide region suitable for device application or for repairing transparent defects in pattern metal films of lithographic masks has been found. The process requires that the heat evolved during the radiation-induced reactions be carefully limited to produce the desired uniformity.

Abstract: A fluororesin-coated material having markings indicated thereon is disclosed, which material comprises (1) a substrate having coated thereon a fluororesin composition comprising a high-molecular weight material having a benzene ring and at least one of a nitrogen atom, a sulfur atom and a carbonyl group in the main chain thereof, or (2) a substrate having coated thereon the high-molecular weight material, and further having coated on the high-molecular weight material a fluororesin composition. The markings are indicated on the coated material by irradiating the coated surface of the coated material with electromagnetic waves having a wavelength of 600 nm or less to thereby cause a change in the color of the high-molecular weight material at irradiated parts and provide a difference in color between the irradiated parts and unirradiated parts.

Abstract: An optical recording medium includes a silver grain layer containing a large number of blackened fine silver grains and a coloring matter layer containing coloring matter on a base board and the coloring matter has an ability of absorbing near-infrared ray. When laser beam having a density of optical energy more than a boundary which represents a threshold with respect to the density of optical energy is radiated to the optical recording medium, a part of the latter is deformed to form a plurality of convexities which will be utilized as optical recording pit. The recording pits formed in this way are detected by presence or absence of reflection of radiated light whereby the content of optical recorded informations can be read. The optical recording pits are not deformed further irrespective of how long a reading light comprising laser beam having a density of energy less than the threshold is repeatedly radiated to the optical pits.

Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation of a supported modulating film having a permanent yellow imaged layer of the homopolymer of 10,12-docosadiyndioic acid monomer; said monomer having the structure ##STR1## and to the use of said film as a blue light modulator in the production of master printing plates or printed circuit boards.

Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation of a supported modulating film having a permanent yellow imaged layer of the homopolymer of a crystalline diacetylene cinnamate monomer ##STR1## and to the use of said film as a light modulator in the production of master printing plates or printed circuit boards.