Abstract: The invention relates to a method of marking a substrate comprising treating the substrate with a boron compound and a charrable agent, and, irradiating the areas of the substrate to be marked such that those areas change colour. Marked substrates obtainable by this method are also provided.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a paper substrate comprising a color former which is capable undergoing a light activated color change reaction, wherein the color former is applied to the paper substrate during the manufacture of said paper substrate, and the color former is a metal oxyanion or a molecular organic. A paper substrate obtainable by this method is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a web substrate comprising an activatable colorant and at least one region comprising a topical additive. A first activated color region is produced in the web substrate upon exposure to a first external stimulus and a second activated color region is produced within the first activated color region upon exposure to a second external stimulus. The second activated color region coincides with the topical additive region.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a microwaveable information destruction apparatus for rendering unreadable indicia printed on a label. In various embodiments the apparatus comprises an attachable information destruction strip structured and operable to be adhered to a substrate having disposed thereon a thermally responsive label with indicia printed thereon and/or the thermally responsive label. The information destruction is attachable such that the information destruction strip is in a thermally conductive relationship with the thermally responsive label. The information destruction strip is sized to cover at least the indicia printed on the thermally responsive label. Additionally, the information destruction strip comprises a microwave activated material operable to generate heat when exposed to microwave energy.

Abstract: To provide a thermosensitive recording medium including: a support; an image recording layer on the support; and an inorganic material in particle form as a light-heat conversion material, wherein the inorganic material has a ratio of Y to X, represented by Y/X, of 2 or greater, where X denotes an average value of absorption intensities with respect to light having wavelengths in the range of 400 nm to 700 nm, and Y denotes a maximum value among absorption intensities with respect to light having wavelengths greater than 700 nm but smaller than or equal to 1,200 nm.

Abstract: Moisture-activated invisible stencil technology is created by applying a moisture-blocking agent in accordance with an artwork is applied to a base substrate. The base substrate is preferably fabricated of a moisture absorbing material. When the object is subjected to moisture, moisture wets to the exposed portion of the base substrate and is repelled in the areas where the moisture-blocking agent is applied thereon. The wetted portion of the base substrate changes in shade or color to expose the concealed image. The moisture-activated invisible stencil technology can be applied for simple aesthetic applications or advanced for applications to identify wet objects. The advanced applications can include warnings for wet roadways, pool decks, umbrellas, and the like.

Abstract: A reversible thermosensitive recording medium including: a support; a reversible thermosensitive recording layer on the support; and a protective layer on the reversible thermosensitive recording layer, wherein the reversible thermosensitive recording layer contains an electron-donating color-forming compound and an electron-accepting compound, wherein the protective layer contains a polyester acrylate resin, and wherein the protective layer has a glass transition temperature of 230° C. or higher and has an elongation of 10% or higher.

Abstract: Color change compositions that transition from a first to second color state upon application of an applied stimulus are provided. Also provided are substrates having the compositions on a surface thereof, as well as methods of making and using the compositions.

Abstract: A color erasing apparatus according to an embodiment comprises a paper feeding section configured to supply to a conveying path a paper on which images are formed by a heat-erasable coloring material, a sensor configured to output a sensor signal indicative of a thickness of the paper, and a paper thickness detector configured to determine the thickness of the paper based on the sensor signal. The color erasing apparatus further comprises a color erasing section including a heat source configured to heat the paper; and a heat source temperature controller configured to control the heat source in the color erasing section to a predetermined temperature based on the determined thickness of the paper.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a transporting path transports a paper with a heat erasable image. A first color erasing unit has a first heat roller and a first press roller. A second color erasing unit, downstream of the first color erasing unit, has a second heat roller and a second press roller. A gear drive train, engages the first heat roller and the second heat roller. An opening and closing mechanism moves between an open and a closed position. While maintaining the state of the gear drive train, the open position has the first press roller separated from the first heat roller and the second press roller separated from the second heat roller. In the closed position, the first press roller is in close proximity to the first heat roller and the second press roller is in close proximity to the second heat roller.

Abstract: Hybrid topcoat formulations comprising a water soluble polymer and a water dispersible polymer provide improved adhesion to underlying surfaces. Paper products coated with these formulations, such as thermal paper, achieve high stain resistance and improved adhesion of UV cured silicone release layers.

Abstract: Provided are ink compositions, methods for making photochromic inks, and methods of using the photochromic inks for erasable media annotation. In accordance with various embodiments, there is an ink composition including a carrier medium and one or more photochromic species in the carrier medium, wherein each of the one or more photochromic species can be selected from the group consisting of monomeric photochromic molecules, photochromic oligomers, and photochromic polymers, and wherein each one of the one or more photochromic species exhibits a reversible transition from a colorless state to a colored state upon exposure to a radiant condition wherein the radiant condition can be selected from the group consisting of a radiant energy and a combination of a radiant energy and thermal energy.

Abstract: A reversible thermosensitive recording medium including: reversible thermosensitive recording layer; first sheet-shaped base; second sheet-shaped base; first resin layer; second resin layer; and electronic information recording module containing module substrate, and electronic information recording element and antenna circuit disposed on the substrate, wherein the recording layer is provided adjacent to the first sheet-shaped base; the first or second sheet-shaped base has concave portion in which the element is disposed in depth direction thereof; the module is provided between the first and second sheet-shaped bases, where the first resin layer is provided between the module and the sheet-shaped base having the concave portion and the second resin layer is provided between the module and the sheet-shaped base having no concave portion; and inner side surface of the concave portion is tapered surface where maximum opening diameter of the concave portion decreases from opening edge thereof towards bottom sur

Abstract: A rewritable recording material can be provided which contains at least one kind of phenolic compounds represented by formula (I) and which is capable of stably repeating coloring and discoloring for a long period of time as well as exerting superior storage properties such as heat resistance and moisture and heat resistance of the colored image and light resistance of the background. Also provided are a composition for forming a rewritable color-forming layer which is capable of forming a color-forming layer of the recording material, and a composition of a color-developing agent for a rewritable recording material.

Abstract: Provided is a direct thermal media containing a regular repeating pattern of color-forming thermally-imageable stripes printed parallel to the print head element line and a system for using such direct thermal media in color direct thermal printers including an optical registration system optimized for use with this media and an image processing unit that monitors the position of the stripe pattern relative to the print head and synchronizes the start of the printing process. This direct thermal media together with the optical registration system and image processing unit comprise an operative system in that the design of the thermal media, the optical registration system and image processing unit used to control printing are optimized for use with each other. This system may be utilized, for example, in color thermal printers for documents, receipts, tags, tickets or labels.

Abstract: A thermographic substrate assembly comprised of a colorant and a flexible substrate. This assembly also contains a thermosensitive layer, and the thermosensitive layer contains a binder, a multiplicity of hollow sphere organic pigments, and a thermal solvent.

Abstract: A thermosensitive recording medium including a support; a layer containing a photothermal conversion material, formed over a surface of the support; and an oxygen blocking layer formed over a surface of the layer opposite to a surface thereof over which the support is formed, wherein the layer further contains a resin, which is in a cross-linked state, and the photothermal conversion material absorbs a light having a specific wavelength and converts the light into heat, and wherein the oxygen blocking layer has an oxygen permeability of 0.5 mL/(m2·24 hr·atm) or less at 25° C. and 80% RH.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a microwaveable information destruction apparatus for rendering unreadable indicia printed on a label. In various embodiments the apparatus comprises an attachable information destruction strip structured and operable to be adhered to a substrate having disposed thereon a thermally responsive label with indicia printed thereon and/or the thermally responsive label. The information destruction is attachable such that the information destruction strip is in a thermally conductive relationship with the thermally responsive label. The information destruction strip is sized to cover at least the indicia printed on the thermally responsive label. Additionally, the information destruction strip comprises a microwave activated material operable to generate heat when exposed to microwave energy.

Abstract: To provide a reversible thermosensitive recording medium, which contains: a base; and a reversible thermosensitive recording layer disposed on the base, wherein the base contains a first support, an electronic information recording module, an adhesive covering the first support, and a second support in a surface of which a groove is formed as a laser mark by laser marking, and wherein a ratio of a maximum depth A to a total thickness of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium is 20% or less, where the maximum depth A is a length from the surface of the second support to a bottom of the groove of the laser mark with respect to a thickness direction of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermoreversible recording medium which includes a support, a thermoreversible recording layer which comprises a thermoreversible composition containing an electron-donating color-forming compound and an electron-accepting compound, a metal compound-containing layer which includes a resin, an organic metal compound, and an inorganic layer compound, in which the resin is at least one selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol polymers, and ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers, and the organic metal compound is at least one selected from the group consisting of an organic titanium compound and an organic zirconium compound, and a protective layer which protects the metal compound-containing layer, wherein the support, the thermoreversible recording layer, the metal compound-containing layer and the protective layer are laminated in this order.

Abstract: Dye and developer components of a leuco dye system are separately microencapsulated. The microcapsule walls are fragile to the point of being easily ruptured. The microcapsules are mixed combined into a coating composition that is applied to a substrate and dried. Forces applied to the substrate, such as by the application of fingers or a writing instrument, rupture the capsule to produce a color change by interaction of the leuco dye system components that are released upon rupture of the capsules.

Abstract: A color-changing marking system, including a color-changing marking medium and a substrate. The color-changing marking medium has a nominal color and includes a color developer activator and/or color former leuco dye. The substrate includes a treated portion on which a color former leuco dye and/or color developer activator has been applied. Application of the color-changing marking medium to an untreated portion of the substrate causes the color-changing marking medium to create marks of the nominal color. Application of the color-changing marking medium to the treated portion of the substrate causes the color-changing marking medium to create marks of a changed color in response to a chemical or mechanical reaction between the leuco dye and the activator. The marking medium may a crayon, colored pencil, marker ink or paint.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are irreversible thermochromic ink compositions including a volatile color activator and a color change dye capable of becoming substantially colorless upon evaporation of the volatile color activator. The volatile color activator and the color change dye can be, optionally, encapsulated. Written marks made with the thermochromic ink compositions can be subjected to a force directing component, which can include generating heat and/or friction, to evaporate the volatile color activator, thereby causing the color change dye to become substantially colorless.

Abstract: An irreversible thermochromic ink composition can include thermochromic pigment capsules dispersed in a carrier. The irreversible thermochromic pigment capsules can include an inner core having a color changing dye, a color activator for activating the color changing dye, and a wax, an outer core surrounding the inner core and comprising a color destroying agent, and a shell surrounding the outer core. Alternatively, the irreversible thermochromic pigment capsules can include an inner core having a color destroying agent and a wax, an outer core surrounding the inner core and comprising a color changing dye and a color activator for activating the color changing dye, and a shell surrounding the outer core. Written marks made with the irreversible thermochromic inks can be rendered a different color or substantially colorless by application of a sufficient amount of heat to melt or substantially liquefy the wax in the irreversible thermochromic pigment capsules.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are irreversible thermochromic ink compositions including a solvent and a sublimable dye dissolved in the solvent. The solvent and the sublimable dye can be, optionally, encapsulated. Written marks made with the thermochromic ink compositions can be subjected to a force directing component and/or a heat source, to promote sublimation of the sublimable dye, thereby causing the written mark to change color or become substantially colorless.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recording material having a laser coloring layer, wherein the laser coloring layer comprises one or more materials selected from among pigments, dyes and inorganic materials, and the laser coloring layer exhibits absorption at a wavelength within a range from 700 to 12,000 nm. The recording material of the present invention has a laser coloring layer of a desired hue, such as yellow, cyan, magenta, orange, white or black, and by conducting printing by laser irradiation, a recorded item with excellent color tone can be obtained.

Abstract: A reversible thermosensitive recording medium including an electronic information recording sheet having at least an electronic information recording element projecting from a surface thereof, a first sheet having a through hole into which the electronic information recording element can be inserted, and a second sheet having a cut-out portion capable of housing the entire electronic information recording sheet, wherein the second sheet houses in the cut-out portion the entire electronic information recording sheet, with being laid over the first sheet, and the electronic information recording element is inserted into the through hole.

Abstract: A reversible thermosensitive recording medium including a reversible thermosensitive recording layer, a first sheet-shaped base provided adjacent to the reversible thermosensitive recording layer, an electronic information recording module containing a module substrate, and a convex-shaped electronic information recording element and an antenna circuit both disposed on the module substrate, and a first resin layer for bonding the first sheet-shaped base and the electronic information recording module, wherein the first sheet-shaped base has a concave portion on a surface opposite to a surface on which the reversible thermosensitive recording layer is formed, and the electronic information recording element is inserted into the concave portion of the first sheet-shaped base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a web substrate comprising an activatable colorant and at least one region comprising a topical additive. The web substrate is exposed to a first external stimulus producing a first activated color region. The first activated color region is subsequently exposed to a second external stimulus producing a second activated color region within the first activated color region. The second external stimulus is induced by application of the topical additive such that the second activated color region coincides with the topical additive region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of producing color change in overlapping layers of material. The method comprises providing a first layer having a first activatable colorant and a second layer having a second activatable colorant. A first external stimulus is applied to activate the first activatable colorant and produce a first activated color region in the first layer. A second external stimulus is applied to activate second activatable colorant and produce a second activated color region in the second layer.

Abstract: To provide a reversible thermosensitive recording medium, which contains: a base; and a reversible thermosensitive recording layer disposed on the base, wherein the base contains a first support, an electronic information recording module, an adhesive covering the first support, and a second support in a surface of which a groove is formed as a laser mark by laser marking, and wherein a ratio of a maximum depth A to a total thickness of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium is 20% or less, where the maximum depth A is a length from the surface of the second support to a bottom of the groove of the laser mark with respect to a thickness direction of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium.

Abstract: There are described thermal imaging members and thermal imaging methods utilizing unsymmetrical rhodamine compounds. The rhodamine color-forming compounds exhibit a first color when in a crystalline form and a second color, different from the first color, when in an amorphous form.

Abstract: There is provided a method for providing a security enabled dual-sided thermal medium, which includes imaging a first side of the thermal medium with a first data security feature, and imaging a second side of the thermal medium with a second data security feature. There is also provided a security enabled dual-sided thermal medium, which includes a first data security feature disposed at a predetermined location of a first side of the thermal medium, and a second data security feature disposed at a predetermined location of a second side of the thermal medium. Additionally, there is provided a system for providing a security enabled dual-sided thermal medium, which includes a dual-sided direct thermal printer adapted to image a first side of the thermal medium with a first data security feature and image a second side of the thermal medium with a second data security feature.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reversible piezochromic system that changes appearance upon application of a mechanical force. The reversible piezochromic system includes a cavity defined by a first substrate and a second substrate. The cavity includes at least a first fluid. The first fluid spreads when a mechanical force is applied to the system. The relaxation time of the first fluid depends upon the internal forces of the system. These internal forces at least include the surface energy differences between the substrates and the fluid or fluids, and the rheological properties of the fluid or fluids.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for activating colorant in selected regions of an article in which the colorant is incorporated are described. The colorant activation can create various desired visual aspects.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the process of making a photochromic composite having a photochromic polymer and a binder polymer. The photochromic polymer is made by solution polymerization of the photochromic monomer and two monomers in the presence of a base and the binder polymer is made by solution polymerization of the two monomers in the presence of a base.

Abstract: A method for erasing an image including irradiating an image formed on a thermoreversible recording medium with a laser light having a wavelength of 700 nm to 1,500 nm so as to erase the image, wherein an energy density of the laser light is in a range of the energy density which can erase the image and more than a center value of the range, wherein the thermoreversible recording medium includes a support, and a thermoreversible recording layer on the support, and wherein the thermoreversible recording layer contains a leuco dye serving as an electron-donating color-forming compound and a reversible developer serving as an electron-accepting compound, in which color tone reversibly changes by heat, and at least one of the thermoreversible recording layer and a layer adjacent to the thermoreversible recording layer contains a photothermal conversion material, which absorbs the light and converts the light into heat.

Abstract: The present invention presents a thermosensitive recording medium having an excellent color developing property, water resistance and preservation properties (such as anti-self-color-development) and is harmless to the environment. The present invention is a thermosensitive recording medium having a thermosensitive recording layer comprising a colorless or pale colored basic leuco dye and an electron accepting developing agent on a substrate, wherein the thermosensitive recording layer further comprises a resin containing a carboxyl group, an epichlorohydrin resin and a polyamine/amide resin. This thermosensitive recording medium is suitable for recording with a low applied energy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermochromic color-memory composition comprising a solubilized mixture of (I) an electron donating coloring organic compound, (II) an electron accepting compound and (III) an ester compound represented by the following formula (1) as a reaction medium which controls color reactions of the components (I) and (II): wherein R represents an alkyl group having 1 to 21 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 1 to 21 carbon atoms, and n represents an integer of from 1 to 3.

Abstract: An ink formulation comprises a marking component and a metal salt that absorbs laser irradiation at 700-2000 mn and thereby causes the marking component to change colour. A copper salt in particular allows effective marking with a diode or CO2 laser.

Abstract: A method for marking an substrate, comprising coating the substrate with a white or colorless solution of a soluble alkali or alkaline earth metal salt of a weak acid and irradiating areas of the substrate to be marked such that those areas change color, wherein the substrate comprises a polysaccharide material.

Abstract: A reversible thermosensitive recording medium including: reversible thermosensitive recording layer; first sheet-shaped base; second sheet-shaped base; first resin layer; second resin layer; and electronic information recording module containing module substrate, and electronic information recording element and antenna circuit disposed on the substrate, wherein the recording layer is provided adjacent to the first sheet-shaped base; the first or second sheet-shaped base has concave portion in which the element is disposed in depth direction thereof; the module is provided between the first and second sheet-shaped bases, where the first resin layer is provided between the module and the sheet-shaped base having the concave portion and the second resin layer is provided between the module and the sheet-shaped base having no concave portion; and inner side surface of the concave portion is tapered surface where maximum opening diameter of the concave portion decreases from opening edge thereof towards bottom sur

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermosensitive recording medium including a white plastic support, a thermosensitive recording layer containing a binder resin as a binding agent, a colorless or pale color leuco dye and a color developer for heat-developing the leuco dye, a protective layer, and a back layer containing an electron-conductive needle filler and an ion-conductive polymer, wherein the thermosensitive recording layer is disposed on the white plastic support, the protective layer is disposed on the thermosensitive recording layer, and the back layer is disposed on a side of the white plastic support opposite to the side where the thermosensitive recording layer is disposed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermochromic coloring color-memory composition which effectively produce a characteristic that colors can be reversibly memorized and maintained and has applicability to various fields and a thermochromic coloring color-memory microcapsule pigment containing the composition. A thermochromic coloring color-memory composition comprising a homogeneous solubilized mixture of (A) an electron donative coloring organic compound, (B) an electron accepting compound and (C) a compound represented by the following formula (1) as a reaction medium which controls color reactions of the components (A) and (B): wherein X represents any of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, a methoxy group, and a halogen atom, m represents an integer of from 1 to 3, and n represents an integer of from 1 to 20.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a microwaveable information destruction apparatus for rendering unreadable indicia printed on a label. In various embodiments the apparatus comprises an attachable information destruction strip structured and operable to be adhered to a substrate having disposed thereon a thermally responsive label with indicia printed thereon and/or the thermally responsive label. The information destruction is attachable such that the information destruction strip is in a thermally conductive relationship with the thermally responsive label. The information destruction strip is sized to cover at least the indicia printed on the thermally responsive label. Additionally, the information destruction strip comprises a microwave activated material operable to generate heat when exposed to microwave energy.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, first and second branch paths of a decoloring apparatus are formed downstream in a sheet conveying direction of a reading section in a conveying path. A diverting section is provided at a branch point of the first and second branch paths in the conveying path. A control section determines on the basis of image data whether decoloring processing should be applied to a sheet, diverts, if determining that the decoloring processing should be applied to the sheet, the sheet to the first branch path with the diverting section, and diverts, if determining that the decoloring processing should not be applied to the sheet, the sheet to the second branch path with the diverting section. A decoloring section is provided between the reading section and the branch point in the conveying path and heats the sheet to decolor an image formed with a decolorable color material.

Abstract: There is disclosed an indicator composition, the application thereof to substrates, and related products. The indicator composition comprises an organic solvent soluble polymer and a redox sensitive material which displays different visible properties in the oxidised and reduced forms. The organic solvent soluble polymer can be at least partially sulfonated polystyrene. The indicator composition can be dissolved in organic solvents such as acetone, ethanol and ethyl acetate to form inks which can be used in a variety of printing processes. The indicator composition can be used to detect oxidising agents, oxygen, water, reducing agents, UV light, temperature and the passage of time.

Abstract: A document has a carrier layer and at least a functional layer. The functional layer is provided with a content of bacteriorhodopsin as color pigment and, when the document is printed generating an essentially irreversible color change in the area of the bacteriorhodopsin by a supply of energy.

Abstract: To provide a thermal recording medium, which can realize easy maintenance, does not produce wastes such as cartridges, and can realize easy control of recording sheets, and an apparatus and method for image formation. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS]A high-temperature color development capsule (23), a low-temperature color development capsule (27), and a low-temperature color development suppression capsule (28) are incorporated in a recording sheet (10). In a printer, the low-temperature color development capsule (27) is subjected to low-temperature color development and is then pressed to break the low-temperature color development suppression capsule (28), whereby low-temperature color development is fixed. Thereafter, the high-temperature color development capsule (23) is subjected to high-temperature color development.

Abstract: A reversible thermosensitive recording material including a support, a reversible thermosensitive recording layer, and a gas barrier layer, the reversible thermosensitive recording layer and gas barrier layer being laid over the support, wherein the reversible thermosensitive recording layer is formed of a reversible thermosensitive composition containing a mixture of an electron-accepting compound and an electron-donating color-forming compound whose color-developed state varies depending upon at least one of a heating temperature and a cooling rate after heating, and wherein the gas barrier layer contains an inorganic layered compound and a gas barrier resin which is at least one selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol polymers and ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers.