Abstract: A method for treating a photosensitive lithographic printing plate, which comprises exposing the photosensitive lithographic printing plate to laser light, developing with a developer containing an alkali metal silicate and then carrying out post-exposure treatment, said photosensitive lithographic printing plate being prepared by forming a photopolymerizable photosensitive layer having a film thickness of from 1.2 to 4 g/m2 and further forming a protective layer having a film thickness of from 2 to 8 g/m2 on a support having a centerline average height (Ra) of at least 0.35 &mgr;m.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for processing an exposed color silver halide photographic paper in processing units having a color paper throughput greater than 200 m2/h comprising the circulation of negative color paper in:

Abstract: Disclosed are a thermally transferable image protective sheet and a method for protective layer formation that can provide a protective layer which can protect an image of a record produced by a nonsilver photographic color hard copy recording method, can impart lightfastness and other properties to the record, and can realize a record having a glossy impression comparable to silver salt photographs. The thermally transferable image protective sheet comprises a support and a thermally transferable resin layer having a single-layer or multilayer structure stacked on the support so as to be separable from the support.

Abstract: This invention relates to a photographic element comprising at least one layer comprising nacreous pigment above the image.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging element comprising a coated coated paper base, a lower biaxially oriented sheet, and an upper biaxially oriented sheet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing identification (ID) cards using a photosensitive imaging system employing microcapsules is described. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, ID cards are produced by translating an image containing identifying indicia into a latent image on an appropriate photosensitive donor sheet, pressure developing the latent image, forming a full color print of the image on a developer sheet, laminating an ID card substrate in registration with the image to the developer sheet and die cutting the laminated article to produce an ID card. Self-contained imaging systems can also be used to produce identification cards. The image preferably includes unique information useful in identifying the card holder such as a photograph, fingerprint, signature, description, name, etc. The identifying indicia may be combined with non-variable information including background printing, card issuer data, logos, security features, etc.

Abstract: A photographic film with a polymeric acid-reacting neutralizing layer comprising a half ester of isobutylene/maleic anhydride copolymer is provided herein. This polymeric acid-reacting neutralizing layer is used to attenuate a photographic film's development process, which is effective under alkali conditions, by lowering the pH of the alkaline processing composition.

Abstract: A photolithographic method for manufacturing a CMOS semiconductor device having retrograde twin well with high aspect ratio (of thickness of the photoresist to width of the mask line or thickness of the resulting structure to its own width) is disclosed. The method is applicable for high energy implantation or other processes requiring thick photoresists with high aspect ratios, with one embodiment comprising the following: (a) forming a thick film of positive photoresist on a silicon substrate (b) prebaking (softbaking) the thick film using non-typical conditions (c) exposing the thick film using UV light (d) post exposure baking (PEB) the thick film using non-typical conditions (e) developing the exposed, thick film (f) stabilizing the thick film using non-typical conditions According to this method, a thick film of photoresist with high aspect ratios can be accurately and advantageously formed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging element comprising a coated coated paper base, a lower biaxially oriented sheet, and an upper biaxially oriented sheet.

Abstract: A method for treating a photosensitive lithographic printing plate, which comprises exposing the photosensitive lithographic printing plate to laser light, developing with a developer containing an alkali metal silicate and then carrying out post-exposure treatment, said photosensitive lithographic printing plate being prepared by forming a photopolymerizable photosensitive layer having a film thickness of from 1.2 to 4 g/m2 and further forming a protective layer having a film thickness of from 2 to 8 g/m2 on a support having a centerline average height (Ra) of at least 0.35 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A process is described for healing scratches on the base side of an imaged motion picture film element comprising a polymeric film base having one or more image layers on one side thereof, the process comprising applying an aqueous coating formulation comprised of an aqueous dispersion of a polyurethane to the scratched base side of the motion picture film element, and drying the applied coating formulation to form a polyurethane layer, wherein the polyurethane comprises an aliphatic polyurethane which has a Young's modulus at 100% elongation to break of less than 4000 psi and a Sward hardness value of at least 60. Scratch healing formulations employed in accordance with the invention provide coated layers with superior resistance to blocking, cleaning solvents, and abrasion, and which are more flexible, dry faster, and are more effective in hiding minor scratches than that disclosed in the prior art.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabricating an electroplating mask for the formation of a miniature magnetic pole tip structure. The method incorporates a silylation process to silylate photoresist after creating a photoresist cavity or trench in the electroplating mask. The silylation process is performed after a dry etch of the photoresist. Alternatively, silylation is performed after a lithographic patterning of the trench. As a result of chemical biasing, the vertical side walls of the photoresist layer shift inward creating a narrower trench. The resulting structure formed after electroplating has a width of less than 0.3 micrometers. This structure can be used as a magnetic pole of a thin film head (“TFH”) for a data storage device.

Abstract: A photographic film with a polymeric acid-reacting neutralizing layer comprising a half ester of isobutylene/maleic anhydride copolymer is provided herein. This polymeric acid-reacting neutralizing layer is used to attenuate a photographic film's development process, which is effective under alkali conditions, by lowering the pH of the alkaline processing composition.

Abstract: The invention provides an opaque reflective photographic material eg paper whose non image side is coated with a mordant in an amount to absorb during washing of the photographic material dyes that would contribute to staining of the final image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to imaged photographic elements comprising an overcoat layer of a water-dispersible, hydrophobic polyester resin having the following general formula: In—P—Am wherein I is an ionic group; n is an integer from 1-3; P is a polyester backbone; A is an Asiatic group comprising a straight or branched chain fatty acid or triglyceride thereof having from about 6 to about 24 carbon atoms; and m is an integer from 3-8. Such a protective overcoat provides excellent stain resistance for an imaged photographic element.

Abstract: A photographic prebleaching or conditioning composition is useful for providing color positive images in color reversal photographic materials. This composition includes at least 0.0001 mol/l of a cyclic mercapto bleach accelerating agent and at least 0.0001 mol/l of a water-soluble or water-dispersible 2,6-diarylaminotriazine or diaminostilbene dye stain reducing agent. The amounts of the dye stain reducing agent and bleach accelerating agents are determined according to the following equation: [bleach accelerating agent, mol/l]≧0.01−10[dye stain reducing agent, mol/l].

Abstract: A method of manufacturing photopolymer marking structures is disclosed. The improved method results in a substantially tack-free marking structure.

Abstract: A post-exposure treatment method of a silver halide emulsion layer in the manufacture of a hologram, a hologram manufacturing using the post-exposure treatment method, and a holographic optical element including the hologram are provided. The post-exposure treatment method of a silver halide emulsion layer involves: pre-hardening the silver halide emulsion layer after exposure; developing the pre-hardened silver halide emulsion layer using a developer solution; bleaching the developed silver halide emulsion layer; hardening the bleached silver halide emulsion layer; drying the hardened silver halide emulsion layer; surface-hardening the dried silver halide emulsion layer; fixing the hardened silver halide emulsion layer; treating the fixed silver halide emulsion layer using warm water; and drying the silver halide emulsion layer which has been treated using warm water.

Abstract: A backing material (1) is resistant to variations in heat, temperature and in moisture. Further, the backing material (1) is large in bending strength, tearing strength and in resiliency. Still further, the backing material (1) is relatively thin in thickness and light in weight, is tough, and is under tension so as to be resistant to curling and warping deformation. A worker may cut the backing material using ordinary scissors, knives and like ordinary cutting tools. Even an amateur worker may easily treat the backing material in a mirror-finishing operation of a photograph. Disposed on a photograph bonding surface of the backing material (1) are an immense number of deposits of an adhesive (2). These deposits assume dot-like shapes or linear shapes, and are provided at appropriate intervals. Alternatively, the photograph bonding surface is dense with geometrical microscopic irregularities or microscopic through-holes being filled with an adhesive.

Abstract: A photographic washing bath comprises a chamber containing a wash solution for a silver halide photographic material having a pH of less than 7 and comprising water having dissolved therein an oxidizing agent, said oxidizing agent having an oxidizing potential of at least 1 volt and being in a concentration of from 0.05 to 2 Molar. The oxidation potential of the oxidizing agent is preferably at least 1.2 volts and may be hydrogen peroxide or a source of hydrogen peroxide, a persulphate, a perborate, a bromate, or an iodate. A washing process using the invention is suitable for being carried out in same chamber as the development and fixing stages in which case hydrogen peroxide is the preferred oxidizing agent because any peroxide remaining at the end of the wash stage can be removed by evaporation, thereby avoiding risk of contamination of the next stage to be carried out in the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides an overcoat for a photographic element that allows for appropriate diffusion of photographic processing solutions. The overcoat comprises 10 to 50% by weight of a enzyme-degradable biopolymer and 50 to 90% by weight of hydrophobic particles (by weight of dry laydown of the entire overcoat). An enzyme is applied to the element before, during, or after conventional photoprocessing. According to one embodiment of the invention, the photographic element can be exposed and processed using normal photofinishing equipment, with no modifications, to provide an imaged element together with a protective, water-resistant layer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a photographic element comprising a base having a reflection surface on each side having a spectral transmission of less than 10% and at least one photosensitive silver halide containing layer on each side wherein said photographic element has a speed less than 50 ASA.

Abstract: The invention relates to a display material comprising a base, said base comprising a polyester sheet comprising at least one voided polyester diffusion layer, at least one topside photosensitive silver halide layer on the topside of said base and at least one bottom side photosensitive layer on the bottom side of said base, below said at least one bottom side emulsion layer a tone enhancing layer, and below said tone enhancing layer an antihalation layer, wherein said display material has a light transmission of between 35 and 60 percent in the developed Dmin areas of the display material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a display material comprising a base said base comprising a polyolefin sheet comprising at least one voided polyolefin diffusion layer, at least one topside photosensitive silver halide layer on the topside of said base and at least one bottom side photosensitive layer on the bottom side of said base, below said bottom side emulsion a tone enhancing layer and below said tone enhancing layer an antihalation layer wherein said display material has a light transmission of between 35 and 60 percent in the developed Dmin areas of the display material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an imaged element that includes a support, at least image-receiving layer superposed on the support and a water-resistant protective overcoat overlying the image-receiving layer that is water-resistance. The present invention is also directed to a method of making a print by application of a UV-curable water-dispersible latex.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photographic element consisting essentially of a transparent biaxially oriented polymer sheet, at least one emulsion adhering layer, and at least one light sensitive silver halide grain containing emulsion layer adhered to said emulsion adhering layer, wherein said polymer sheet is less than 76 micrometers.

Abstract: A method of forming microstructures. An article including a metal atom precursor is disproportionally exposed to electromagnetic radiation in an amount and intensity sufficient to convert some of the precursor to elemental metal. Additional conductive material may then be deposited onto the elemental metal to produce a microstructure.

Abstract: A method of forming a shallow trench isolation is provided. In the method, a barrier oxide layer is formed on a substrate, and a silicon nitride layer is formed on the barrier oxide layer. A metal layer is formed on the silicon nitride layer, and an ultra-thin photoresist is formed on the metal layer. The ultra-thin photoresist layer is patterned with short wavelength radiation to define a pattern for a shallow trench. The ultra-thin photoresist layer is used as a mask during a first etch step to transfer the shallow trench pattern to the metal layer. The first etch step includes an etch chemistry that is selective to the metal layer over the ultra-thin photoresist layer. The metal layer is used as a hard mask during a second etch step to form the shallow trench by etching portions of the silicon nitride layer, barrier oxide layer and substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to imaging elements, including photographic elements and ink-jet recording media, having a protective overcoat that resists fingerprints, common stains, and spills. More particularly, the protective overcoat comprises a polycarbonate-containing polyurethane polymer having a Tg of 0 to 70° C. and a molecular weight of 15,000 to 200,000, wherein the amount of polycarbonate, based on the total weight of the polymer, is at least 20 percent.

Abstract: A process for the processing of an imagewise exposed photographic material which has been subjected to development and bleach-fixing comprises a plurality of sequential washing steps and where a stain reducing agent is employed wherein the photographic material is contacted with an effective amount of the stain reducing agent in the wash liquid in a first washing step and the photographic material is subjected to a following washing step to remove the stain reducing agent. The process may employ a plurality of wash tanks in which the developed material is washed sequentially and the stain reducing agent is present in the wash liquid in a first wash tank and removed from the photographic material by the wash liquid in one or more following wash tanks. The temperature of wash liquids in the tanks is preferably within the range 40 to 70° C., preferably 45 to 65° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides an overcoat for a photographic element that allows for appropriate diffusion of photographic processing solutions. The overcoat comprises 10 to 50% by weight of a enzyme-degradable biopolymer and 50 to 90% by weight of hydrophobic particles (by weight of dry laydown of the entire overcoat). An enzyme is applied to the element before, during, or after conventional photoprocessing. According to one embodiment of the invention, the photographic element can be exposed and processed using normal photofinishing equipment, with no modifications, to provide an imaged element together with a protective, water-resistant layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an element consisting essentially of a transparent polymer sheet, at least one emulsion adhering layer, and at least one light sensitive silver halide grain containing emulsion layer adhered to said emulsion adhering layer, wherein said polymer sheet is less than 40 &mgr;m in thickness.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a photographic element comprising a support, at least one silver halide emulsion layer superposed on the support, and a processing-solution-permeable protective overcoat overlying the silver halide emulsion layer. The processing solution permeable overcoat is composed of a polyester ionomer. The present invention is also directed to a method of making a photographic print involving developing the photographic element. The imaged photographic element exhibits water, stain, and wet-abrasion resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to imaging elements, including photographic elements and recording media, having a protective overcoat that resists fingerprints, common stains, and spills. More particularly, the present invention provides a water permeable overcoat during image formation but that is water resistant in the final processed product. The overcoat, before formation of the image, comprises polyurethane particles in a gelatin-containing matrix. Subsequent to formation of the image, the overcoat is heat fused, resulting in the formation of a water-resistant continuous protective overcoat that provides excellent scratch and spill resistance.

Abstract: A two-part sepia toning kit can be used to provide desired stable, warm sepia toned images in black-and-white photographic positive or negative materials such as black-and-white photographic prints. One part of the kit includes a silver bleaching composition comprising a hexacyanoferrate as the bleaching agent and halide ions in a molar ratio of at least 2.25:1. The second part is a toning composition that includes a sulfur-containing toning agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to imaging elements, including photographic elements and recording media, having a protective overcoat that resists fingerprints, common stains, and spills. More particularly, the present invention provides a processing-solution-permeable protective overcoat that is water resistant in the final processed product. The overcoat, before formation of the image, comprises hydrophobic polymeric particles in a gelatin matrix. Subsequent treatment of the overcoat, after formation of the image, to remove the gelatin, causes coalescence of the hydrophobic particles, resulting in the formation of a water-resistant continuous protective overcoat.

Abstract: This invention relates to a photographic element comprising a transparent sheet having a developed photographic image on each side, adhesively connected to a reflective base.

Abstract: The present invention is an imaging element which includes a support, an imaging layer superposed on a side of said support and an overcoat overlying the imaging layer. The overcoat is composed of an organic polymer. The overcoat is discontinuous such that a fraction of the surface area of the imaging layer remains uncovered by said polymer, wherein the fraction of area not covered by the said polymer is from 0.02 to 0.98. The present invention is a photographic which includes a support, a silver halide emulsion layer superposed on a side of said support and an overcoat overlying the silver halide layer. The overcoat is composed of an organic polymer. The overcoat is discontinuous such that a fraction of the surface area of the silver halide emulsion layer remains uncovered by said polymer, wherein the fraction of area not covered by the said polymer is from 0.02 to 0.98. In one embodiment, the discontinuous overcoat is a series of parallel stripes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission display material comprising a paper base, a lower layer of biaxially oriented polymer sheet, a polyethylene layer on the upper side of said paper base, and at least one image layer overlaying said polyethylene layer.

Abstract: A motion picture intermediate film has on one side of a support material, in order, an antihalation undercoat and at least one silver halide emulsion layer; and on the opposite side of the support a transparent, process surviving antistatic backing layer. The transparent, antistatic backing layer retains its antistatic properties after photographic film processing so that the motion picture intermediate film is protected from the generation of static charge during high speed printing of, for example, motion picture print films. The antistatic backing layer of the invention has a resistivity of less than about 1×1011 &OHgr;/□ after film processing. In a most preferred embodiment, the motion picture intermediate film of the invention is used to print images onto a motion picture print film that has a transparent antistatic backing layer.

Abstract: A paper emulsion film product and method for producing the same is shown. The film product includes a first layer of editing tape, a second layer of editing tape, and a layer of paper emulsion formed from a paper reproduction of a photograph sandwiched between the respective layers of editing tape.

Abstract: The present invention is a coating composition comprising a water insoluble polymer having a Tg less than 25° C. and comprising 75 to 100 weight percent of the monomer having the following formula: wherein: X is selected from the group consisting of —Cl, —F, or —CN, and Y is each independently selected from the group consisting of H, Cl, F, CN, CF3, CH3, C2H5, n—C3H7, iso—C3H7, n—C4H9, n—CH11, n—C6H,13, OCH3, OC2H5, phenyl, C6F5, C6Cl5, CH2Cl, CH2F, Cl, F, CN, CF3, C2F5, n—C3F7, iso— C3F7, OCF3, OC2F5, OC3F7, C(CF3)3, CH2(CF3), CH(CF3)2, —COCF3, COC2F5, COCH3, COC2H5.

Abstract: This invention relates to a photographic element comprising at least one photosensitive layer, and a base material comprising an upper and lower biaxially oriented polymer sheet separated by a paper sheet, wherein said base material has a thickness of greater than 254 micrometers, a stiffness of greater than 325 millinewtons in any direction, and an upper surface roughness of less than 0.45 micrometers at a spatial frequency of between 0.30 and 6.35 millimeters, and a transmission percent of less than 15 percent.

Abstract: The present invention is an imaging element which includes a support, an imaging layer superposed on a side of said support and an overcoat overlying the imaging layer. The overcoat is composed of an organic polymer. The overcoat is discontinuous such that a fraction of the surface area of the imaging layer remains uncovered by said polymer, wherein the fraction of area not covered by the said polymer is from 0.02 to 0.98. The present invention is a photographic which includes a support, a silver halide emulsion layer superposed on a side of said support and an overcoat overlying the silver halide layer. The overcoat is composed of an organic polymer. The overcoat is discontinuous such that a fraction of the surface area of the silver halide emulsion layer remains uncovered by said polymer, wherein the fraction of area not covered by the said polymer is from 0.02 to 0.98. In one embodiment, the discontinuous overcoat is a series of parallel stripes.

Abstract: The present invention is a photographic element which includes a support, at least one silver halide emulsion layer superposed on the support and a processing-solution-permeable protective overcoat overlying the silver halide emulsion layer. The processing solution permeable overcoat is composed of a urethane-containing component having acid functionalities wherein a weight ratio of a polyurethane-containing component in the copolymer comprises from 20 to 100 percent and a weight ratio of an optional vinyl component in the copolymer comprises from 0 to 80 percent, which urethane-containing component of the overcoat may comprise either a single polyurethane polymer or an interpenetrating network comprising two or more polymers. The overcoat further comprises a polyvinyl alcohol polymer having a molecular weight of about 150,000 or less, with the proviso that the degree of hydrolysis is less than 95% when the molecular weight is more than about 100,000.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gelatin-based aqueous-coatable overcoat for a photographic element that allows for appropriate diffusion of photographic processing solutions. The overcoat comprises 10 to 50% by weight gelatin and 50 to 90% by weight of hydrophobic particles (by weight of dry laydown of the entire overcoat) having an average diameter of 10 to 500 nm. A proteolytic enzyme is applied to the clement in reactive association with the overcoat layer. A photographic element according to one embodiment of the invention can be exposed and processed using normal photofinishing equipment, with no modifications, to provide an imaged element together with a protective, water-resistant layer.

Abstract: A conditioning solution or bleach accelerating solution can be used to process color photographic films, especially color reversal films, to minimize magenta dye fade. This solution contains an antimicrobial composition that consists essentially of a polyaminocarboxylic acid or salt thereof as the sole antimicrobial agent. This agent is present in an amount of less than about 3 g/l.

Abstract: An overcoat composition comprising a water insoluble polymer having a Tg equal to or less than 30.degree. C. and comprising 75 to 100 weight percent of the monomer having the following formula: ##STR1## wherein: X is selected from the group consisting of Cl, F or CN, and Y is each independently selected from the group consisting of H, Cl, F, CN, CF.sub.3, CH.sub.3, C.sub.2 H.sub.5, n-C.sub.3 H.sub.7, iso-C.sub.3 H.sub.7, n-C.sub.4 H.sub.9, n-C.sub.5 H.sub.11, n-C.sub.6 H.sub.13, OCH.sub.3, OC.sub.2 H.sub.5, phenyl, C.sub.6 F.sub.5, C.sub.6 Cl.sub.5, CH.sub.2 Cl, CH.sub.2 F, C.sub.2 F.sub.5, n-C.sub.3 F.sub.7, iso-C.sub.3 F.sub.7, OCF.sub.3, OC.sub.2 F.sub.5, OC.sub.3 F.sub.7, C(CF.sub.3).sub.3, CH.sub.2 (CF.sub.3), CH(CF.sub.3).sub.2, COCF.sub.3, COC.sub.2 F.sub.5, COCH.sub.3, COC.sub.2 H.sub.

Abstract: A photographic element containing a support; at least two contiguous layers, at least one of which is a silver halide emulsion layer superposed on a side of said support; a processing solution permeable protective overcoat containing a urethane-vinyl copolymer having acid functionalities wherein a weight ratio of a urethane component in the copolymer comprises from 20 to 100 percent and a weight ratio of a vinyl component in the copolymer comprises from 0 to 80 percent; a crosslinker for the said copolymer; and a second polymer selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, cellulose ethers, n-vinyl amides, polyesters, poly(ethylene oxide), starch, proteins, whey, albumin, poly(acrylic acid), alginates and gums overlying the said at least two contiguous layers; and wherein the ratio of the gelatin to non-gelatin content of the dried layers immediately underlying the uppermost gelatin layer is less than 1.

Abstract: A process for processing exposed photographic silver halide materials at least comprising the stages color development, stopping, bleaching and fixing using a bleaching bath with hydrogen peroxide as the active substance, characterized in that the stop bath contains as a buffer agent at least one carboxylic acid of the formulae I to VIII ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 to R.sub.5 mutually independently mean hydrogen, --OH, --COOM, --SO.sub.3 M, --PO(OM).sub.2, an optionally substituted alkyl residue, an optionally substituted aryl residue, an optionally substituted amino residue or a heterocyclic residue andM means hydrogen or an alkali metal atom and wherein at least one further acid group is present in the molecule, ##STR2## and at least one agent which stops development, is distinguished by improved bleaching action and the use of an environmentally friendly bleaching bath.