Thermographic processes
Abstract
Abstract This invention relates to a thermographic process of image formation and more particularly to such a 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 temperatures of the stable and metastable state, and converting the softened exposed image areas to a visible image, e.g., by applying finely divided colored particles to the layer and removing them from non-exposed areas or thermally exposed image areas are transferred to a separate image receptive surface. The simple procedure is a dry process, and images of high quality and stability are obtained rapidly.
Inventors
- 👤 R Heiart
Bibliographic Details
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-09-02 | 1978-03-04 | 1978-09-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-09-02 | 1982-03-04 | 1982-09-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-09-02 | 1986-03-04 | 1986-09-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |