Abstract: The invention provides hard coat and image receiving layer structures and related methods used in ID document production. These structures and methods provide ID documents that offer hard protection in areas where needed (e.g., in optical windows for machine readable data), and also provide image receiving layers for later printing of variable data, such as personalization information of the bearer. Implementations of the structure provide an effective interface between hard coat and image receiving layers that provides enhanced durability in manufacture and field use.

Abstract: A heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet having, on a support, at least one receptor layer containing at least one kind of latex polymer having repeating units of vinyl chloride component and at least one kind of microcrystalline wax dispersion, wherein the melting temperature of a base wax of the microcrystalline wax dispersion is higher than a glass transition temperature of the latex polymer by at least 15° C.; and a method of forming an image using the same.

Abstract: A method for transferring a decorative sublimation dye design formed on a transfer sheet to a substrate. The method comprises providing a substrate treated with a melamine resin, chemically modifying the melamine resin to produce an active dye site for acceptance of a sublimation dye, and transferring the sublimation dye to the active dye site.

Abstract: A heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet having, on a support, at least one receptor layer containing a latex polymer and at least one heat insulation layer containing a hollow polymer, and further having, between the support and the heat insulation layer, at least one intermediate layer which contains one or both of 1) a latex polymer having a lower glass transition point than the latex polymer in the receptor layer and 2) a water-soluble polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cyan dye donor element for thermal transfer imaging comprising a support having thereon a dye layer comprising a mixture of at least two cyan dyes dispersed in a polymeric binder, wherein at least one of the at least two cyan dyes is a light stabilizing dye represented by Formula I and a thermal image recording method utilizing the same cyan dye donor element. The present invention also relates to a cyan inkjet dye comprising a light stabilizing cyan dye represented by Formula I.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the provision of a thermal transfer sheet that can realize a high maximum transfer density in printing, does not cause blocking during storage in a roll form, can suppress, in a roll form, the transfer of a dye onto a backside layer, which faces the dye layer, does not cause an abnormal transfer in which, in printing on an object, the dye is transferred together with a dye layer onto the object, can further reduce the density in a highlight part in printing, and can form printed matter which is excellent in reproduction of gradation from highlight to shadow without any trouble. The thermal transfer sheet comprises a base material, a heat resistant slip layer provided on one side of the base material, and a dye layer provided on the other side of the base material, wherein the dye layer comprises a binder resin having a loss modulus at 60° C. of not less than 107 Pa, a loss modulus at 100° C. of not less than 106 Pa and a loss modulus at 150° C.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a process and to an equipment and machine, which allow the application of digital images to straps, webbings and belts of different kinds and sizes destined to different applications and is achieved in a way to provide the continuous transferring of digital images or a trace to straps, where the straps are manufactured with an ordinary weave or with an special weave to receive a bleaching treatment with an optical white, as well as pass by a thermo-fixation process that creates an alteration at the material properties, enabling, this way, various printings in high quality.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a resin for use in a thermal transfer image-receiving sheet which is excellent in dyeability with dyes and releasability of the sheet, a resin dispersion using the resin, and a thermal transfer image-receiving sheet. The resin for a thermal transfer image-receiving sheet is obtained by addition polymerizing and condensation polymerizing (a) raw monomers of a polyester, (b) a raw monomer of an addition polymer-based resin containing at least one compound selected from the group consisting of styrene and styrene derivatives and (c) at least one dually reactive monomer selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid and derivatives of these acids, wherein the raw monomers (a) of a polyester include an alcohol component containing 80 mol % or more of an alkyleneoxide adduct of 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane.

Abstract: A dye-donor element, a method of printing using the dye-donor element, and a print assembly including the dye-donor element are described, wherein the dye-donor layer of the dye-donor element includes ethyl cellulose as a binder. The dye-donor element is capable of printing a defect-free image on a receiver element at a line speed of 2.0 msec/line or less while maintaining a print density of at least 2.0.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a thermal transfer sheet which has high adhesion strength of a dye layer to a base and a high reflection density, and has a good releasing property from a image-receiving sheet in printing even after being stored in the conditions of high temperatures and high humidity, and can attain adequately satisfactory printed substances having high sharpness of thermal transfer images. The present invention pertains to a thermal transfer sheet, wherein an under coat layer containing a thermoplastic resin and colloidal inorganic pigment ultrafine particles and a dye layer are formed in order on a face on one side of a base and a thermal transfer sheet, wherein an under coat layer formed by using colloidal inorganic pigment ultrafine particles and silicate or aluminum alcoholate and a dye layer are formed in order on a face on one side of a base.

Abstract: An azo dye represented by formula (II) as defined in the specification, a process of producing the same and a coloring composition containing the azo dye.

Abstract: There is provided a printing method that can provide an image formed object which can suppress a change in density of a visible dye image and a lowering in fluorescence intensity and, at the same time, is free from concave/convex of the image surface and has a latent image invisible even under visible light. The printing method comprises a first step of forming a latent image of a fluorescent dye by thermal diffusion transfer; and a second step of providing a visible dye on the latent image by thermal diffusion transfer.

Abstract: A thermal transfer recording material contains at least one colorant represented by the following general formula (I): wherein R1 represents a trifluoromethyl, alkyl, aryl, alkoxy, alkoxycarbonyl, acyl, acyloxy, amide, carbamoyl, amino, or cyano group; R2 represents alkyl, acyl, carbamoyl, or alkoxycarbonyl group; R3 represents alkyl, alkenyl or aryl group; a total number of carbon atoms in R1 and R2 is 3 or more; X represents —CR4R5—, —S—, —O— or —NR6—; R4 and R5 respectively represent hydrogen, halogen, or a substituent; R6 represents hydrogen or a substituent; and Y represents an atom group required for forming a 5- to 6-memberd ring.

Abstract: A method for transferring a dye sublimation ink image onto an elastomeric substrate which includes preheating the elastomeric substrate in which the dye sublimation ink image is to be transferred until the elastomeric substrate has thermally expanded, while the elastomeric substrate is still thermally expanded, disposing the dye sublimation ink image on top of the portion and applying at least a sufficient amount of heat onto the elastomeric substrate to effectively transfer the dye sublimation ink image onto the elastomeric substrate. Preheating of the elastomeric substrate is accomplished at temperature ranging from approximately 360 to 410 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 20 seconds.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an unstitched design having the appearance of being stitched or embroidered. A stitched design is digitally imaged, and the digital image used to control dye sublimation printing of a representation of the image onto a desired surface. In one configuration, the surface is a woven textile.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing printed textile ribbons reliably and inexpensively, initially a web is produced which forms the later ribbon. The web is composed of two different materials, wherein a figure is applied on one side of the web. The web is subsequently subjected to a heat and pressure treatment with sublimation colors, such that the sublimation colors are absorbed by the first ribbon material and produce on one side a desired printed image. The figure is composed on this side of materials which do not absorb the sublimation colors. As a result, the color of the figure remains unchanged on this side of the ribbon, although the figure had contact with the sublimation colors.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a fabric book with high resolution sublimation printed images and a method of making such a fabric book. The fabric book of the invention has a plurality of fabric pages. The fabric pages are made of a synthetic material with an original softness corresponding to the synthetic material. At least one fabric page has a high resolution sublimation printed image imprinted using the method of the invention. The fabric page with the high resolution image substantially retains the original softness, even after printing. The preferred method of creating the high resolution images in the fabric books begins with selecting an appropriate original object. A digital rendition of the original object is created. The digital rendition is edited to create an edited image with optimum print resolution. A color separation is performed on the edited image to create a color separated image. Optimal sublimation inks are prepared and suitable sublimation paper is selected.

Abstract: The processes and articles of the present invention use thermally stable and loft retentive polymers in sublimation printed flock fibers, which are particularly attractive for forming molded articles. A preferred polymer is poly(cyclohexylene-dimethylene terephthalate.

Abstract: An appliqué and associated method of applying an appliqué an improved sublimated and screen printed image on a substrate of a An improved appliqué suitable for applying a graphic to a material a first printing layer and a second polyurethane layer. The appliqué is cut the graphic imparted thereon and adhered to a garment.

Abstract: A sublimation ink carrier media is provided comprising a support sheet with a polymer film where a sublimation ink is printed in a pattern on the planar surface of the film. The polymer film is peelable from the planar surface of the support sheet, the polymer film is substantially non-extensible when the film is attached to the support sheet, the polymer film is extensible after being peeled from said carrier support sheet, and the polymer film has a melting temperature of at least 190° C. A process for the decoration of a shaped article by ink sublimation using the sublimation ink carrier media of the invention is also provided.

Abstract: A sublimation ink carrier media is provided comprising a textile fabric and a sublimation ink printed on the textile fabric in a pattern. The textile fabric has a first direction and a second direction that is substantially perpendicular the first direction wherein the textile fabric is extensible in the first direction and is substantially non-extensible is the second direction. A process for the decoration of a shaped article by ink sublimation is also provided using this textile fabric. The process can be practiced with a textile fabric that is a woven fabric or nonwoven fabric.

Abstract: A dyeing method of a plastic lens (10), including the steps of placing the lens (10) in a vacuum vapor deposition device (20); placing a base body (1) for dyeing in the vapor deposition device (20), the base body having a dye application area (2) in which a sublimatable dye is applied, so that the dye application area (2) faces a surface of the lens to be dyed; and heating the base body (1) in the vapor deposition device (20) under almost a vacuum, while restraining a rise in temperature of the lens (10), to sublimate the dye, depositing the sublimed dye on the lens.

Abstract: A method for applying sublimation ink to an object. An ink transfer medium is placed in contact with an object surface that is coated with a material receptive to the ink. Microwave susceptor material is placed over the transfer medium, and clamped onto the object surface. The clamped assembly is energized in a microwave oven. Energy absorbed by the susceptor material is converted into heat energy, which heats the sublimation ink, causing it to sublimate and penetrate into the receptive coating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermal donor comprising a dye mixture and a urea light-stabilizing compound, wherein the light-stabilizing compound is represented by structure I: wherein: R1, R2 and R3 represent a hydrogen atom, alkyl group, cycloalkyl group, alkenyl group, aralkyl group, aryl group or heterocyclic group, provided that at least one of R1, R2, and/or R3 is a hydrogen atom; R4-R8 represent a hydrogen atom, hydroxyl group, alkyl group, cycloalkyl group, alkenyl group, aralkyl group, aryl group, heterocyclic group, aryloxy group, or alkoxy group; and R3 forms a heterocyclic ring with either R4 or R8, and an imaging system comprising a donor sheet having a layer containing a dye and an image receiving sheet having a dye receiving layer, wherein either the donor sheet or the image receiving sheet comprises a dye mixture and a urea light-stabilizing compound of structure I.

Abstract: An image transfer sheet is provided which comprises a support, a barrier layer, a polyester layer and an optional a sublimation dye receiving layer; wherein the polyester is capable of being physically separated by the user without water, chemicals or heat. The peeled and imaged polyester is placed onto a receptor element and a non-stick sheet is optionally placed thereon. An iron is placed onto the optional non-stick sheet to drive the polyester and image into the receptor. The invention allows for both correct order image-wise printing and reverse order image-wise printing. This invention allows sublimation dye printing onto a cotton receptor.

Abstract: A magenta dye combination having improved lightfastness and keeping properties is described, wherein the magenta dye combination can be used in thermal printing.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide an ink for dyeing a plastic lens, capable of favorably dyeing the plastic lens by a vapor transfer dyeing method, and a method of dyeing a plastic lens by using the ink. In the present invention, an ink for dyeing a plastic lens, the ink being applied by an ink jet printer, sublimated in vacuum and deposited on the plastic lens to dye the lens, wherein the ink includes at least one sublimatable disperse dye of an anthraquinone dye, a quinophthalone dye, and an azo dye of thiazole type.

Abstract: An organic compound having an affinity for a resin of a molded resin article and sublimation properties is allowed to penetrate/disperse into the surface of the molded resin article, thereby modifying and/or coloring a resin surface layer. The molded resin article and the organic compound having the affinity for the resin and the sublimation properties are put into a tightly closable container, and the pressure and the temperature in the container are adjusted to place them in a saturated sublimation pressure state of the organic compound, whereby a vapor of the organic compound is uniformly deposited on the surface of the molded resin article and it further penetrates/disperses into the resin surface layer, and in consequence, the resin surface layer can be modified and/or colored. In addition, the modification of the resin surface layer permits imparting a function thereto.

Abstract: A dyeing method of a plastic lens (10), including the steps of placing the lens (10) in a vacuum vapor deposition device (20); placing a base body (1) for dyeing in the vapor deposition device (20), the base body having a dye application area (2) in which a sublimatable dye is applied, so that the dye application area (2) faces a surface of the lens to be dyed; and heating the base body (1) in the vapor deposition device (20) under almost a vacuum, while restraining a rise in temperature of the lens (10), to sublimate the dye, depositing the sublimed dye on the lens.

Abstract: A colored metal sheet useful as a decorative member, a multi-colored signboard, etc. is provided by transfer-printing a topcoat or clear paint layer 4 formed on a substrate metal sheet 1 with a sublimation dye. A basecoat paint layer 2 and a primer paint layer 3 may be formed between the substrate metal sheet 1 and the paint layer 4. A sublimation dye penetrates into the paint layer 4 to form colored parts 5 extending along thickness direction of the paint layer 4. Glass flakes 6 (of 8 ?m or less in thickness and 10-70 ?m in length) and calcium silicate (of 1-8 ?m in primary particle size) may be dispersed in the paint layer 4, to improve slippage-proof property and wear-resistance. Powdery silica (of 0.5-8 ?m in particle size) may be dispersed in the paint layer 4, to improve anti-scratching property and wear-resistance.

Abstract: Printed placemats, potholders, and oven mitts, and process for producing same using a high definition color sublimation printing technique. The sublimation printing technique applies a high quality image onto a print receiving layer that is incorporated into a printed placemat, potholder, or oven mitt. The print receiving layer can be adhesively bonded to the printed placemat, potholder, or oven mitt.

Abstract: A composite article includes a plurality of plies of composite material arranged atop one another in a stack and bonded together with a resin material, in which the stack includes a layer disposed on at least one outer surface of the stack, the layer bearing an image applied, prior to curing of the composite article, by a sublimation printing process. The layer preferably comprises a polyester material. The image preferably comprises a logo, identification information or any other representation of information or image depiction desired. The application of the image to the layer via sublimation printing results in the image having no height above said sheet.

Abstract: There are provided a method of forming an image on a card and an apparatus therefor, which are capable of properly carrying out printing of an image on a card and protection of the printed image in a simplified manner without changing the size of the card. A card is used which has an ink-fixing layer laminated on a surface of a substrate layer and an ink image-receiving layer peelably laminated on a surface of the ink-fixing layer. An image is printed on the card, while feeding the card, by an ink jet printing method using a sublimable dye ink. The card printed with the image is conveyed to a heating source, and subjected to heat treatment by the heating source to cause diffusion of the sublimable dye ink held in the ink image-receiving layer in the ink-fixing layer, and color development to form an image. The ink image-receiving layer is peeled off the card after the heat treatment.

Abstract: A method of printing a gaming table fabric includes the step of obtaining a piece of fabric, the fabric comprising a fiber material which expands when heated. A wet gel ink is applied to one or more portions of a top of the fabric. The gel ink is allowed to dry. The gel ink is then heated, causing the ink to sublimate and travel from the top of the fabric towards a bottom of the fabric.

Abstract: The present invention is related to sublimation transfer paper for cotton fabrics comprising sheet, printing layer and mixture resin layer containing polyethylenevinyl acetate, stearic acid and wax as a lubricant. More particularly, the transfer paper of the present invention has an enriched sublimation seepage force of dyes into the cotton fabrics and an improved surface touch feeling of cotton fabrics after transfer.

Abstract: An optical element in which a hard coat layer is formed on an organic glass base material surface via a primer layer. For a primer composition forming a primer layer, whole or the main body of the primer layer formation polymer is made as being ester based TPE. Moreover, a hard coat composition forming a hard coat layer is consisted of a hydrolysate of alkoxysilane in which trialkoxysilane containing monoexpoxy organic group is the main body as a matrix formation ingredient, and the titanium based metal oxide complex particle as being an optical interference control agent, the foregoing titanium based metal oxide complex particle is consisted of T1O2 as the main body, SiO2 as a major sub-ingredient, and further, ZrO2 and K2O as a trace sub-ingredient.

Abstract: An artificial chamois leather type product is provided with a colour printed decoration on at least one face thereof, that face having material such as polyester chamois material (12) and the cover layer (10, 11), typically of a latex material is highly moisture permeable yet provides wear resistance to the product; the cover material is characterized by being devoid of colouring material which would deleteriously affect a colour printed image (13) printed onto the layer.

Abstract: A dyeing method for dyeing a plastic lens, a plastic lens obtained by use of the dyeing method, and a dyeing system, a dyeing device, and a dyeing jig for a plastic lens are disclosed. The method includes a producing step of producing a print base body on which a print area is printed with a sublimatable dye by a printer under control of a computer, the printer being previously supplied with the dye; a placing step of placing the print base body and a lens to be dyed so that the print area on the base body is brought into nearly close contact with a lens surface to be dyed; and a transferring step of heating at least the print base body to sublimate the sublimatable dye of the print area, thereby transferring the dye to the lens surface to be dyed.

Abstract: Dye preparations comprising, based in each case on the weight of the preparation, from 0.1 to 30% by weight of one or more dyes from the class of the mono- or polyazo dyes containing no acidic groups, from 0.1 to 20% by weight of a dispersant based on an arylsulfonic acid-formaldehyde condensate or from 0.1 to 20% by weight of a water-soluble dispersant based on alkoxylated phenols with or without water, and their use as inks in the inkjet process and for textile sublimation transfer printing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for transferring a color pattern on or into an object, using a support which is printed with the color pattern. The color pattern is transferred from the support onto an object to be decorated. A gas jet is used to help apply the support to the object.

Abstract: A dyeing method of dyeing a plastic lens includes: a step of placing the lens in a predetermined position in a vacuum vapor-deposition device; a step of placing a base body to be used for a dyeing operation in the vapor-deposition device, the base body being applied with dyeing solutions each containing a dissolved or fine-grained dispersed sublimatable dye to form a dye application area on the base body, and the base body being arranged so that the dye application area faces the lens without contact therewith; a step of heating the base body under vacuum in the vapor-deposition device, thereby sublimating the dye of the dye application area to vapor-deposit the sublimated dye on the lens; and a step of heating the lens on which the dye has been vapor-deposited at changing heating temperatures, thereby fixing the dye on the lens.

Abstract: There are provided a method of forming an image on a card and an apparatus therefor, which are capable of properly carrying out printing of an image on a card and protection of the printed image in a simplified manner without changing the size of the card. A card is used which has an ink-fixing layer laminated on a surface of a substrate layer and an ink image-receiving layer peelably laminated on a surface of the ink-fixing layer. An image is printed on the card, while feeding the card, by an ink jet printing method using a sublimable dye ink. The card printed with the image is conveyed to a heating source, and subjected to heat treatment by the heating source to cause diffusion of the sublimable dye ink held in the ink image-receiving layer in the ink-fixing layer, and color development to form an image. The ink image-receiving layer is peeled off the card after the heat treatment.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a decorated substrate comprising the steps of: submitting the substrate to a treatment to prepare its surface for the application of a coating; applying a coating to the surface of the substrate in one or more cycles; covering the surface of the substrate with a sheet comprising a decoration which is to be transferred to the surface of the substrate; and heating the substrate and the sheet comprising the decoration to effect the transfer of the decoration from the sheet onto the substrate. In this process, the coating is cured using electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength shorter than 400 nm, until a coating is obtained having a Tg between 50 and 130° C. and a scar resistance at 200° C. of at least 3N and wherein the temperature during the transfer of the decoration to the substrate is from 180 to 220° C. The process is particularly suited to the decoration of heat sensitive substrates, like MDF or wood.

Abstract: Provided is a hair dye composition containing a direct dye A—D═D—B. This hair dye composition has markedly high hair dyeing power, has less color fade over time and undergoes a small change in the color tone of the dye even after storage. A represents any one of the following groups (2) to (8): (in which R1, R4, R5 and R6 each represents H, (substituted) C1-6 alkyl group, etc., R2 and R3 each represents (substituted) C1-6 alkyl group, etc., or form, when taken together with the adjacent C, a cycloalkane ring, Q represents N or group CR′, R7 represents (substituted) aralkyl group or a group CH2—CH(OH)—CH2—OR″, R8 and R9 each represents H, (substituted) C1-6 alkyl, etc., or form, when taken together with the adjacent N, a heterocycle, X− represents an anion, and rings C-I may each have a further substituent or a condensed ring), D represents N or group CR′″, and B represents the residue of a coupling component.

Abstract: The present invention is related to sublimation transfer paper for cotton fabrics comprising sheet, printing layer and mixture resin layer containing polyethylenevinyl acetate, stearic acid and wax as a lubricant. More particularly, the transfer paper of the present invention has an enriched sublimation seepage force of dyes into the cotton fabrics and an improved surface touch feeling of cotton fabrics after transfer.

Abstract: A process for transferring a decorative sublimation dye design formed on a transfer sheet to a continuous laminate by applying a sheet of cellulose web material impregnated with a thermosetting resin to a surface of a backer sheet to form a pre-laminate. A release sheet is applied to the exposed surface of the sheet of cellulose web material. The transfer sheet bearing the decorative sublimation dye design is applied to the exposed surface of the release sheet. Heat and pressure are applied to the pre-laminate layered with the release and transfer sheets, causing the cellulose web material to seep into the pores of the backer sheet to form a thermofused continuous laminate, and causing the design on the transfer sheet penetrates the thermofused continuous laminate through a sublimation process. The release and transfer sheets are then separated from the thermofused continuous laminate showing the transferred design.

Abstract: Dye preparations comprising, based in each case on the weight of the preparation, from 0.1 to 30% by weight of one or more dyes from the class of the mono- or polyazo dyes containing no acidic groups, from 0.1 to 20% by weight of a dispersant based on an arylsulfonic acid-formaldehyde condensate or from 0.1 to 20% by weight of a water-soluble dispersant based on alkoxylated phenols with or without water, and their use as inks in the inkjet process and for textile sublimation transfer printing.

Abstract: A coding scheme to identify the connections an optical fiber is to form in an optical assembly is provided. The coding scheme consists of a series of colors, typically four, provided along the fiber length. The combination of colors identifies the connection the fiber is to form. Colors are transferred to the optical fiber by sublimation of the dye at a relatively low temperature. The sublimed dye then diffuses into the outer coating of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A furniture surface includes a new solid wood substrate, a two-color silk screened image on the substrate, and a CNC-carved and embossed indentation in the substrate that provides a relief effect located in reference to the printed image so as to make a composite ornamentation on the substrate that makes the substrate look antique.

Abstract: A dyeing method of dyeing a plastic lens includes: a step of placing the lens in a predetermined position in a vacuum vapor-deposition device; a step of placing base bodies to be used for a dyeing operation in the vapor-deposition device, each of the base bodies being applied with dyeing solutions each containing a dissolved or fine-grained dispersed sublimatable dye to form a dye application area on each base body, and the base bodies being arranged in opposite positions to each other with respect to the lens so that the dye application area faces each surface of the lens without contact therewith; and a step of heating the base bodies by heat sources under vacuum in the vapor-deposition device, thereby sublimating the dye of the dye application areas to vapor-deposit the sublimated dye on the lens.