X-ray sensitive elements and process of forming an image therefrom

Claim 2

A PROCESS FOR FORMING AN IMAGE OF AN X-RAY PATTERN COMPRISING (A) PROJECTING AN X-RAY PATTERN ONTO AN ELEMENT COMPRISING A SUPPORT (1) COATED WITH A LAYER (2) WHICH FORMS ACTIVE SITES FOR REDUCTION OF METAL IONS WHEN SUBJECTED TO AN ELECTRIC FIELD AND A LAYER (3) THEREOVER COMPRISING AN INORGANIC PHOTOCONDUCTOR INCLUDING ATOMS HAVING AN ATOMIC NUMBER OF 48 OR HIGHER WITH A CONDUCTIVE TOPCOAT (4), WHEREIN AN AIR GAP OF UP TO ABOUT 20 MICRONS SEPARATES THE LAYER FORMING ACTINIC SITES FOR THE REDUCTION OF METAL IONS (2) AND THE LAYER COMPRISING THE INORGANIC PHOTOCONDUCTOR (3), AND (B) APPLYING AN ELECTRIC FIELD ACROSS SAID ELEMENT TO FORM METAL NUCLEI, (C) SEPARATING LAYERS (1) AND (2) FROM LAYERS (3) AND (4) AND (D) PHYSICALLY DEVELOPING THE METAL NUCLEI ON LAYER (2) TO FORM AN IMAGE.

Claim 3

The process of claim 1 wherein the support (1) is baryta paper.

Claim 4

The process of claim 1 wherein the binder in Layer (2) is an insulating film-forming resin having a resistivity of greater than 1010 ohm-cm.

Claim 5

The process of claim 1 wherein layer (1) has an electrical resistivity of less than 1010 ohm-cm.

Claim 6

The process of claim 1 wherein layer (4) is more electrically conductive than layer (3).

Claim 7

The process of claim 1 wherein the air gap between layers (2) and (3) is from about 0.1 to about 10 microns.

Claim 8

The process of claim 1 wherein the element is treated with a nucleating agent prior to physical development.

Claim 9

The process of claim 1 wherein the x-ray exposure and the electric field are simultaneously applied.

Claim 10

The process of claim 1 wherein the physical developer is a ferrous-ferric-silver nitrate developer.

Claim 11

The process of claim 1 wherein the element is subjected to from 600 volts to 4000 volts.

Claim 12

The process of claim 1 wherein layer (2) comprises a pigment in a binder therefor wherein the pigment to binder ratio is from 2:1 to 10:1.

Claim 13

The process of claim 11 wherein the binder is styrene-butadiene copolymer.

Claim 14

A process of forming an image of an x-ray pattern comprising (a) projecting an x-ray pattern onto an element comprising a support (1) coated with a layer (2) comprising a member selected from the group consisting of TiO2, WO3, MoO3, BaTiO3 and lead iodide, and a layer (3) thereover comprising an inorganic photoconductor having an atomic number of 48 or higher with a conductive topcoat (4) wherein an air gap of up to about 20 microns separates the layers (2) and (3) and (b) applying an electric field across said element to form metal nuclei, (c) separating layers (1) and (2) from layers (3) and (4) and (d) physically developing the metal nuclei on layer (2) to form an image.

Claim 15

A process of forming an image of an x-ray pattern comprising (a) projecting an x-ray pattern onto an element comprising a support (1) coated with a layer (2) comprising a member selected from the group consisting of TiO2, WO3, MoO3, BaTiO3 and lead iodide, and a layer (3) thereover comprising an inorganic photoconductor having an atomic number of 48 or higher with a conductive topcoat (4) wherein an air gap of up to about 20 microns separates the layers (2) and (3) and (b) applying an electric field across said element to form metal nuclei, (c) separating layers (1) and (2) from layers (3) and (4) and (d) physically developing the metal nuclei on layer (2) to form an image.

Claim 16

The process of claim 13 wherein layer (2) comprises a binder and wherein the pigment to binder weight ratio of layer (2) is from 2:1 to 10:1.

Claim 17

The process of claim 13 wherein the binder of layer (2) is an insulating film-forming resin having an electrical resistivity greater than 1010 ohm-cm.

Claim 18

The process of claim 13 wherein the binder is styrene-butadiene copolymer.

Claim 19

The process of claim 13 wherein the air gap between layers (2) and (3) is from 0.1 to 10 microns.

Claim 20

The process of claim 13 wherein the x-ray exposure and electric field are simultaneously applied.

Claim 21

A process for forming an image of an x-ray pattern comprising (a) projecting an x-ray pattern onto an element comprising a support (1) coated with a layer (2) comprising a member selected from the group consisting of TiO2, WO3, MoO3, BaTiO2 and lead iodide, and a layer (3) comprising a member selected from the group consisting of PbO, CdS, Bi2O3, CdSe, Se, Sb2S3, and SnO2 with a conductive topcoat (4) wherein an air gap of up to about 20 microns separates the layers (2) and (3), and (b) applying an electric field across said element to form metal nuclei, (c) separating layers (1) and (2) from layers (3) and (4) and (d) physically developing the metal nuclei on layer (2) to form an image.

Claim 22

A process for forming an image of an x-ray pattern comprising (a) projecting an x-ray pattern onto an element comprising a support (1) coated with a layer (2) comprising a member selected from the group consisting of TiO2, WO3, MoO3, BaTiO2 and lead iodide, and a layer (3) comprising a member selected from the group consisting of PbO, CdS, Bi2O3, CdSe, Se, Sb2S3, and SnO2 with a conductive topcoat (4) wherein an air gap of up to about 20 microns separates the layers (2) and (3), and (b) applying an electric field across said element to form metal nuclei, (c) separating layers (1) and (2) from layers (3) and (4) and (d) physically developing the metal nuclei on layer (2) to form an image.

Claim 23

The process of claim 19 wherein the layer (2) comprises a binder and the pigment to binder weight ratio in layer (2) is from 2:1 to 10:1.

Claim 24

The process of claim 19 wherein the binder is styrene-butadiene copolymer.

Claim 25

The process of claim 19 wherein layer (1) has an electrical resistivity of less than about 1010 ohm-cm.

Claim 26

The process of claim 19 wherein the air gap between layers (2) and (3) is from 0.1 to 10 microns.

Claim 27

The process of claim 19 wherein x-ray exposure and the electric field are simultaneously applied.

Claim 28

A process of forming an image of an x-ray pattern comprising (a) projecting an x-ray pattern onto an element comprising a support (1) coated with a layer (2) comprising TiO2 in a binder therefor and a layer (3) thereon comprising an inorganic photoconductor having an atomic number of 48 or higher with a conductive topcoat (4) wherein an air gap of up to about 20 microns separates the layers (2) and (3) and (b) applying an electric field across said element, (c) separating layers (1) and (2) from layers (3) and (4), (d) treating said layer (2) with a nucleating agent to form metal nuclei and (e) physically developing the metal nuclei on layer (2) to form an image.

Claim 29

A process of forming an image of an x-ray pattern comprising (a) projecting an x-ray pattern onto an element comprising a support (1) coated with a layer (2) comprising TiO2 in a binder therefor and a layer (3) thereon comprising an inorganic photoconductor having an atomic number of 48 or higher with a conductive topcoat (4) wherein an air gap of up to about 20 microns separates the layers (2) and (3) and (b) applying an electric field across said element, (c) separating layers (1) and (2) from layers (3) and (4), (d) treating said layer (2) with a nucleating agent to form metal nuclei and (e) physically developing the metal nuclei on layer (2) to form an image.

Claim 30

A process for forming an image of an x-ray pattern comprising (a) projecting an x-ray pattern onto an element comprising a support (1) coated with a layer (2) comprising BaTiO3 in a binder therefor and a layer (3) thereon comprising an inorganic photoconductor having an atomic number of 48 or higher and a binder therefor with a conductive topcoat (4) wherein an air gap of up to about 20 microns separates the layers (2) and (3) and (b) applying an electric field across said element, (c) separating layers (1) and (2) frOm layers (3) and (4), (d) treating said layer (2) with a nucleating agent to form metal nuclei and (e) physically developing the metal nuclei on layer (2) to form an image.

Claim 31

A process for forming an image of an x-ray pattern comprising (a) projecting an x-ray pattern onto an element comprising a support (1) coated with a layer (2) comprising BaTiO3 in a binder therefor and a layer (3) thereon comprising an inorganic photoconductor having an atomic number of 48 or higher and a binder therefor with a conductive topcoat (4) wherein an air gap of up to about 20 microns separates the layers (2) and (3) and (b) applying an electric field across said element, (c) separating layers (1) and (2) frOm layers (3) and (4), (d) treating said layer (2) with a nucleating agent to form metal nuclei and (e) physically developing the metal nuclei on layer (2) to form an image.

Claim 32

A process for forming an image of an x-ray pattern comprising (a) projecting an x-ray pattern onto an element comprising a support (1) coated with a layer (2) comprising WO3 in a binder therefor and a layer (3) thereon comprising an inorganic photoconductor having an atomic number of 48 or higher and a binder therefor with a conductive topcoat (4) wherein an air gap of up to about 20 microns separates the layers (2) and (3), (b) applying an electric field across said element to form metal nuclei, (c) separating layer (1) and (2) from layers (3) and (4), and (e) physically developing the metal nuclei on layer (2) to form an image.

Claim 33

A process for forming an image of an x-ray pattern comprising (a) projecting an x-ray pattern onto an element comprising a support (1) coated with a layer (2) comprising WO3 in a binder therefor and a layer (3) thereon comprising an inorganic photoconductor having an atomic number of 48 or higher and a binder therefor with a conductive topcoat (4) wherein an air gap of up to about 20 microns separates the layers (2) and (3), (b) applying an electric field across said element to form metal nuclei, (c) separating layer (1) and (2) from layers (3) and (4), and (e) physically developing the metal nuclei on layer (2) to form an image.

Claim 34

A process for forming an image of an x-ray pattern comprising (a) projecting an x-ray pattern onto an element comprising a support (1) coated with a layer (2) comprising MoO3 in a binder therefor and a layer (3) thereon comprising an inorganic photoconductor having an atomic number of 48 or higher and a binder therefor with a conductive topcoat (4) wherein an air gap of up to about 20 microns separates the layers (2) and (3), (b) applying an electric field across said element to form metal nuclei, (c) separating layers (1) and (2) from layers (3) and (4), and (d) physically developing the metal nuclei on layer (2) to form an image.

Claim 35

A process for forming an image of an x-ray pattern comprising (a) projecting an x-ray pattern onto an element comprising a support (1) coated with a layer (2) comprising MoO3 in a binder therefor and a layer (3) thereon comprising an inorganic photoconductor having an atomic number of 48 or higher and a binder therefor with a conductive topcoat (4) wherein an air gap of up to about 20 microns separates the layers (2) and (3), (b) applying an electric field across said element to form metal nuclei, (c) separating layers (1) and (2) from layers (3) and (4), and (d) physically developing the metal nuclei on layer (2) to form an image.

Claim 36

A process for forming a positive image of an x-ray pattern comprising (a) preparing a support (1) coated with a layer (2) which forms active sites for reduction of metal ions when subjected to an electric field, (b) pre-flashing the layer (2) uniformly with light, (c) preparing an element comprising the support (1) coated with the preflashed layer (2) and a layer (3) thereover comprising an inorganic photoconductor including atoms having an atomic number of 48 or higher with a conductive topcoat (4) wherein an air gap of up to about 20 microns separates the layer forming actinic sites for the reduction of metal ions (2) and the layer comprising the inorganic photoconductor (3) and (d) applying an electric field across said element to form metal nuclei and (e) separating layers (1) and (2) from layers (3) and (4) and (f) physically developing the metal nuclei on layer (2) to form a positive image.

Claim 37

A process for forming a positive image of an x-ray pattern comprising (a) preparing a support (1) coated with a layer (2) which forms active sites for reduction of metal ions when subjected to an electric field, (b) pre-flashing the layer (2) uniformly with light, (c) preparing an element comprising the support (1) coated with the preflashed layer (2) and a layer (3) thereover comprising an inorganic photoconductor including atoms having an atomic number of 48 or higher with a conductive topcoat (4) wherein an air gap of up to about 20 microns separates the layer forming actinic sites for the reduction of metal ions (2) and the layer comprising the inorganic photoconductor (3) and (d) applying an electric field across said element to form metal nuclei and (e) separating layers (1) and (2) from layers (3) and (4) and (f) physically developing the metal nuclei on layer (2) to form a positive image.

Claim 38

The process of claim 29 wherein layer (2) comprises a member selected from the group consisting of TiO2, WO3, MoO3, BaTiO3 and lead iodide and layer (3) comprises a member selected from the group consisting of PbO, CdS, Bi2O3, CdSe, Se, Sb2S3 and SnO2.

Claim 39

A process for forming a positive image of an x-ray pattern comprising (a) preparing a support (1) coated with a layer (2) which forms active sites for reduction of metal ions when subjected to an electric field, (b) preactivating layer (2) uniformly with negative electrical charge, (c) preparing an element comprising the support (1) coated with the preactivated layer (2) and a layer (3) thereover comprising an inorganic photoconductor including atoms having an atomic number of 48 or higher with a conductive topcoat (4) wherein an air gap of up to about 20 microns separates the layer forming actinic sites for the reduction of metal ions (2) and a layer comprising the inorganic photoconductor (3) and (3) applying an electric field across said element wherein layer (3) is made a positive terminal to form metal nuclei and (e) separating layers (1) and (2) from layers (3) and (4) and (f) physically developing the metal nuclei on layer (2) to form a positive image.

Claim 40

A process for forming a positive image of an x-ray pattern comprising (a) preparing a support (1) coated with a layer (2) which forms active sites for reduction of metal ions when subjected to an electric field, (b) preactivating layer (2) uniformly with negative electrical charge, (c) preparing an element comprising the support (1) coated with the preactivated layer (2) and a layer (3) thereover comprising an inorganic photoconductor including atoms having an atomic number of 48 or higher with a conductive topcoat (4) wherein an air gap of up to about 20 microns separates the layer forming actinic sites for the reduction of metal ions (2) and a layer comprising the inorganic photoconductor (3) and (3) applying an electric field across said element wherein layer (3) is made a positive terminal to form metal nuclei and (e) separating layers (1) and (2) from layers (3) and (4) and (f) physically developing the metal nuclei on layer (2) to form a positive image.

Claim 41

The process of claim 31 wherein layer (2) comprises a member selected from the group consisting of TiO2, WO3, MoO3, BaTiO3 and lead iodide and layer (3) comprises a member selected from the group consisting of PbO, CdS, Ti2O3, CdSe, Se, Sb2S3 and SnO2.

Claim 42

An x-ray sensitive element comprising a support (1) coated with a layer (2) which comprises pigments which form active sites for reduction of metal ions when subjected to an electric field in a binder wherein the pigment to binder weight ratio is from 2: 1 to 10:1 and a layer (3) thereover comprising an inorganic photoconductor containing a metallic atom having an atomic number of 48 or higher with a conductive topcoat (4) wherein an air gap of up to about 20 microns separates the layers (2) and (3).

Claim 43

An x-ray sensitive element comprising a support (1) coated with a layer (2) which comprises pigments which form active sites for reduction of metal ions when subjected to an electric field in a binder wherein the pigment to binder weight ratio is from 2: 1 to 10:1 and a layer (3) thereover comprising an inorganic photoconductor containing a metallic atom having an atomic number of 48 or higher with a conductive topcoat (4) wherein an air gap of up to about 20 microns separates the layers (2) and (3).

Claim 44

The element of claim 33 wherein the layer (2) comprises a member selected from the group consisting of TiO2, WO3, MoO3, BaTiO3 and lead iodide.

Claim 45

The element of claim 34 wherein layer (3) comprises a member selected from the group consisting of PbO, CdS, Bi2O3, CdSe, Se, SbS3 and SnO2.

Claim 46

The element of claim 35 wherein layer (3) comprises a binder for the inorganic photoconductor.

Claim 47

The element of claim 33 wherein the binder for layer (2) is a styrene-butadiene copolymer.

Claim 48

The element of claim 33 wherein layer (1) has an electrical resistivity of less than about 1010 ohm-cm.

Claim 49

The element of claim 33 wherein layer (4) is more electrically conductive than layer (3).

Claim 50

The element of claim 33 wherein the air gap between layers (2) and (3) is from about 0.1 to about 10 microns.

Claim 51

The element of claim 33 wherein the pigment to binder ratio of layer (2) is from 2:1 to 5:1.

Claim 52

An x-ray sensitive element comprising a support (1) coated with a layer (2) which comprises TiO2 pigments in a binder wherein the pigment to binder weight ratio is from 2:1 to 10:1 and a layer (3) thereover comprising PbO with a conductive topcoat (4) wherein an air gap of up to about 20 microns separates the layers (2) and (3).

Claim 53

An x-ray sensitive element comprising a support (1) coated with a layer (2) which comprises TiO2 pigments in a binder wherein the pigment to binder weight ratio is from 2:1 to 10:1 and a layer (3) thereover comprising PbO with a conductive topcoat (4) wherein an air gap of up to about 20 microns separates the layers (2) and (3).