Abstract: A process for reproducing an original having visible light absorptive image markings on a light transparent background by exposing to visible light passing through the original a normally water-removable heat-sensitive recording layer which consists essentially of a hydrophilic water-removable binder having generally homogeneously distributed therethrough finely divided particles of a hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer normally solid at room temperature together with finely divided material capable of absorbing visible light and converting it into heat and is otherwise generally transparent. The exposure is for a time lasting no longer than 10.sup.-.sup.1 second to visible light of an intensity of at least 0.3 watt, sec. per sq.cm.

Abstract: A method for forming a relief pattern on a substrate which comprises the steps of: (I) allowing a photosensitive sheet to adhere on said substrate, said photosensitive sheet containing a photo-impervious ink layer, releasing layer, pattern forming layer and photosensitive resin layer; (II) radiating actinic rays on said photosensitive sheet to cure an irradiated portion of said photosensitive resin layer; (III) peeling off the upper layers of said photosensitive sheet; and (IV) washing away the un-cured portion of said photosensitive resin layer to produce a fine and decorative relief pattern.

Abstract: The present invention is a driograhic imaging method which employs an ink comprised of an organic material which is convertible from a state of high viscosity to a state of low viscosity by exposure to high energy radiation. The ink is applied to an inking roller in its initial state of high viscosity and exposed to activating radiation in an imagewise manner to convert the material to a state of low viscosity and thereby reduce the viscosity of the ink in a configuration corresponding to the pattern of radiation. Contacting the irradiated inking roller with a receiving member results in transfer of the ink in imagewise configuration from the inking roller to the receiving member.

Abstract: A method for modifying vesicular images into non-scattering images is provided, which comprises opening the closed bubbles of the vesicular image to form an open-bore image by allowing at least one organic solvent which attacks the thermoplastic bubble walls of the vesicular image to act on the latter, optionally making the image wettable with a surfactant introducing the image substance into the open pores by treatment with a solution or dispersion of the image substance and, optionally removing any remaining gas bubbles or pores by heat or solvent treatment.

Abstract: An imaging method comprising providing a member comprising a first layer of softenable material overlying a second layer of softenable material and both of these layers of softenable material having migration material selectively located in depth in image configuration. Additionally, the first layer of softenable material has migration material dispersed throughout the non-image portions and the second layer of softenable material is essentially free of migration material in the non-image portions. The process steps comprise applying a receiver sheet to the free surface of the first layer of softenable material and separating the receiver sheet from the imaging member thereby stripping out either portions of the first layer of softenable material or portions of the first and second layer of the softenable material simultaneously. The portions of the softenable material being stripped out contains substantially the same density of migration material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the preparation of a relief printing master which is based on irradiation of a film of a composition comprisingA. a degradable polymer containing segments characterized by the structural formula ##EQU1## wherein R is H, an alkyl radical of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a chlorine or fluorine substituted alkyl radical of 1 to 6 carbon atoms or a cyano substituted aliphatic hydrocarbon radical of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, andB. a photosensitizer which upon exposure to actinic radiation assumes a .sup.3 (n, .pi.*) or a .sup.1 (n, .pi.*) state.The polymer and photosensitizer combination, which is in the form of a thin film upon a suitable substrate, is exposed in an imagewise manner to actinic radiation to thereby degrade the polymer. Upon such degradation, depressions are formed in the exposed areas thereby rendering the exposed film suitable for use as a relief printing master.

Abstract: A method of forming an image comprising imagewise exposing a sulfur based-photosensitive member comprising a support having thereon a thin layer mainly comprising a sulfur which is physically changeable on absorbing the energy of light, to thereby produce a difference in respect to solvent solubility, powder adhering property, or sublimation between the exposed area and the non-exposed area and then selectively utilizing the difference between the exposed area and the non-exposed area to form an image, i.e., removing an area of higher solubility by dissolving the area with a solvent, adhering a toner only on an area of higher powder adhering property, or subliming only an area of higher sublimation property.

Abstract: Process for forming images by heating, imagewise, to a temperature above a softening temperature, but below the thermal decomposition temperature, a solid layer of a mixture of a thermoplastic, amorphous, organic polymer and a liquid plasticizer therefor, the mixture being capable of existing in a metastable state and a stable state for a period sufficient to convert the stable polymer to the metastable state, heating the entire surface of the layer to a temperature between the softening temperature of the stable and metastable states, and converting the softened exposed image areas to a visible image by applying finely divided colored particles to the layer and removing them from nonexposed areas or by thermal transfer. The simple procedure is a dry process, and images of high quality and stability are obtained rapidly.