US4207105A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Plasma-etching image in exposed AgX emulsion
Assignee: Fujifilm Holdings Corp
•
Filing: 1977-07-12
•
Granted: 1980-06-10
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Expires: 1997-07-12
Abstract
Abstract A method for forming an image comprising forming a silver, silver halide or binder image in the emulsion layer of a photographic material, which photographic material comprises a support having a silver halide emulsion layer thereon, by exposing and developing the photographic material, and plasma etching the emulsion layer to preferentially remove the emulsion layer at the non-image areas. Alternatively, the emulsion layer may be on a masking layer, whereafter, following exposing and developing, the photographic material is plasma etched to preferentially remove the emulsion layer at the non-image areas and to uncover the masking layer lying thereunder and then the masking layer is etched away at the uncovered areas.
Inventors
- 👤 Masamichi Sato
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 09:15
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03F; G03F1/00; G03F1/54; G03C; G03C5/00; G03C5/26; G03C5/40; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S430/00; Y10S430/143
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 122
Claim 1
Independent Claim
126 words
A method for producing an image comprising (a) forming a silver image in the emulsion layer of a photographic material which comprises a support having thereon at least one silver halide emulsion layer, either directly or on at least one subbing layer on the support, by exposing and developing said photographic material to form image and non-image areas, (b) heating the photographic material of about 150° C. to about 600° C. to decompose the binder of the layer or layers above the support, and (c) then plasma etching away the layer or layers above the support with an oxygen containing gas to remove the non-image areas of the emulsion layer from the support without completely removing the image areas of the emulsion layer from the support.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
126 words
A method for producing an image comprising (a) forming a silver image in the emulsion layer of a photographic material which comprises a support having thereon at least one silver halide emulsion layer, either directly or on at least one subbing layer on the support, by exposing and developing said photographic material to form image and non-image areas, (b) heating the photographic material of about 150° C. to about 600° C. to decompose the binder of the layer or layers above the support, and (c) then plasma etching away the layer or layers above the support with an oxygen containing gas to remove the non-image areas of the emulsion layer from the support without completely removing the image areas of the emulsion layer from the support.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said silver halide emulsion is an emulsion layer of silver chloride, silver bromide, silver iodide, silver chlorobromide, silver bromoiodide, silver chlorobromoiodide or a mixture thereof.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said plasma etching is a low temperature gas plasma etching.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method of claim 3, wherein said gas is air, oxygen, a gas of an oxygen-containing compound or a mixture of oxygen and a gas selected from the group consisting of helium, argon, nitrogen, ammonia, a fluorocarbon series compound, carbon tetrachloride or a mixture thereof.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
111 words
A method for producing an image comprising: (a) forming a silver image in the emulsion layer of a photographic material which comprises a support having thereon at least one silver halide emulsion layer, either directly or on at least one subbing layer on the support, by exposing and developing said photographic material to form image and non-image areas; (b) intensifying and/or toning said silver image at least once; and (c) then plasma etching away the layer or layers above the support with an oxygen containing gas to remove the non-image areas of the emulsion layer from the support without completely removing the image areas of the emulsion layer from the support.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
111 words
A method for producing an image comprising: (a) forming a silver image in the emulsion layer of a photographic material which comprises a support having thereon at least one silver halide emulsion layer, either directly or on at least one subbing layer on the support, by exposing and developing said photographic material to form image and non-image areas; (b) intensifying and/or toning said silver image at least once; and (c) then plasma etching away the layer or layers above the support with an oxygen containing gas to remove the non-image areas of the emulsion layer from the support without completely removing the image areas of the emulsion layer from the support.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 5, wherein said silver halide emulsion layer is an emulsion layer of silver chloride, silver bromide, silver iodide, silver chlorobromide, silver bromoiodide, silver chlorobromoiodide or a mixture thereof.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 5, further comprising heating the photographic material between step (b) and step (c) to decompose the binder of the layer or layers above the support prior to said plasma etching of step (c).
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 7, wherein said heating is at about 150° C. to about 600° C.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 5, wherein said plasma etching is a low temperature gas plasma etching.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method of claim 9, wherein said gas is air, oxygen, a gas of an oxygen containing compound, or a mixture of oxygen and gas selected from the group consisting of helium, argon, nitrogen, ammonia, a fluorocarbon series compound, carbon tetrachloride or a mixture thereof.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method of claim 5, wherein said intensifying or toning is selected from the group consisting of mercury intensification, copper intensification, lead intensification, uranium toning, selenium toning, sulfur toning, iron toning, nickel toning, cobalt toning, copper toning, vanadium toning, titanium toning, lead chromate toning, cadmium toning and noble metal toning.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
162 words
A method for producing an image comprising: (a) forming a silver image in the emulsion layer of a photographic material which comprises a support having thereon a masking layer of a metal, a metal oxide, a semi-metal, a chalcogen glass or a mixture thereof in a thickness ranging from about 0.01 microns to about 10 microns, said masking layer having thereon at least one silver halide emulsion layer, either directly or on at least one subbing layer on the masking layer, by exposing and developing said photographic material to form image and non-image areas; (b) plasma etching away the layer or layers above the masking layer with an oxygen containing gas to remove the non-image areas of the emulsion layer and uncover the masking layer lying thereunder without uncovering the masking layer under the image areas; and (c) then plasma etching away the masking layer at the uncovered areas with a gas containing halogen gas or a gas of a halogenated compound.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
162 words
A method for producing an image comprising: (a) forming a silver image in the emulsion layer of a photographic material which comprises a support having thereon a masking layer of a metal, a metal oxide, a semi-metal, a chalcogen glass or a mixture thereof in a thickness ranging from about 0.01 microns to about 10 microns, said masking layer having thereon at least one silver halide emulsion layer, either directly or on at least one subbing layer on the masking layer, by exposing and developing said photographic material to form image and non-image areas; (b) plasma etching away the layer or layers above the masking layer with an oxygen containing gas to remove the non-image areas of the emulsion layer and uncover the masking layer lying thereunder without uncovering the masking layer under the image areas; and (c) then plasma etching away the masking layer at the uncovered areas with a gas containing halogen gas or a gas of a halogenated compound.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 12, wherein said silver halide emulsion layer is an emulsion layer of silver chloride, silver bromide, silver iodide, silver chlorobromide, silver bromoiodide, silver chlorobromiodide or a mixture thereof.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 12, further comprising heating the photographic material between step (a) and step (b) to decompose the binder of the layer or layers above the masking layer prior to said plasma etching of step (c).
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 14, wherein said heating is at about 150° C. to about 600° C.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 12, wherein said plasma etching of step (b) is a low temperature gas plasma etching.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 13, wherein said gas is air, oxygen, a gas of an oxygen containing compound or a mixture of oxygen and a gas selected from the group consisting of helium, argon, nitrogen, ammonia, a fluorocarbon series compound, carbon tetrachloride or a mixture thereof.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
121 words
The method of claim 12, wherein said metal oxide is silicon oxide, chromium oxide, ferric oxide, iron (II)-iron (III) oxide, cuprous oxide, cupric oxide, nickel oxide, cobalt oxide, cadmium oxide, germanium oxide, titanium oxide, or tantalum oxide; said metal is chromium, aluminum, silver, titanium, cobalt, tungsten, tellurium, nickel, gold, platinum, iridium, palladium, rhodium, molybdenum, tantalum, a nickel-iron alloy, a nickel-chromium-iron alloy, an aluminum-iron alloy, a chromium-iron alloy, a chromium-aluminum alloy, a silicon-gold alloy, a titanium-aluminum alloy, a copper-beryllium alloy, a cobalt-iron alloy, a cobalt-nickel alloy, or a nickel-chromium alloy; said semi-metal is germanium or silicon; said chalcogen glass is As-S-Ge, As-Se-Ge, or Ge-S; and said mixture thereof is chromium-chromium oxide (chromium oxide on chromium) or silicon-silicon oxide (silicon oxide on silicon).
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 12, wherein said plasma etching of step (c) is a low temperature gas plasma etching.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 12 further comprising removing the emulsion layer at the image areas to leave the masking layer thereunder.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 20, wherein said removing of the emulsion layer at the image areas is by swelling or dissolving in a solution of an acid, an alkali or a salt.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
172 words
A method for producing an image comprising: (a) forming a silver image in the emulsion layer of a photographic material which comprises a support having thereon a masking layer of a metal, a metal oxide, a semi-metal, a chalcogen glass or a mixture thereof in a thickness ranging from about 0.01 micron to about 10 microns, said masking layer having thereon at least one silver halide emulsion layer, either directly or on at least one subbing layer on the masking layer, by exposing and developing said photographic material to form image and non-image areas; (b) intensifying and/or toning said silver image at least once; (c) plasma etching away the layer or layers above the masking layer with an oxegen containing gas to remove the non-image areas of the emulsion layer and uncover the masking layer lying thereunder without uncovering the masking layer under the image areas; and (d) then plasma etching away the masking layer at the uncovered areas with a gas containing halogen gas or a gas of a halogenated compound.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
172 words
A method for producing an image comprising: (a) forming a silver image in the emulsion layer of a photographic material which comprises a support having thereon a masking layer of a metal, a metal oxide, a semi-metal, a chalcogen glass or a mixture thereof in a thickness ranging from about 0.01 micron to about 10 microns, said masking layer having thereon at least one silver halide emulsion layer, either directly or on at least one subbing layer on the masking layer, by exposing and developing said photographic material to form image and non-image areas; (b) intensifying and/or toning said silver image at least once; (c) plasma etching away the layer or layers above the masking layer with an oxegen containing gas to remove the non-image areas of the emulsion layer and uncover the masking layer lying thereunder without uncovering the masking layer under the image areas; and (d) then plasma etching away the masking layer at the uncovered areas with a gas containing halogen gas or a gas of a halogenated compound.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 22, wherein said silver halide emulsion layer is an emulsion layer of silver chloride, silver bromide, silver iodide, silver chlorobromide, silver bromoiodide, silver chlorobromoiodide or a mixture thereof.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 22, further comprising heating the photographic material between step (b) and step (c) to decompose the binder of the layer or layers above the masking layer prior to said plasma etching of step (c).
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 24, wherein said heating is at about 150° C. to about 600° C.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 22, wherein said plasma etching of step (c) is a low temperature gas plasma etching.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method of claim 26, wherein said gas is air, oxygen, a gas of an oxygen-containing compound or a mixture of oxygen and a gas selected from the group consisting of helium, argon, nitrogen, ammonia, a fluorocarbon series compound, carbon tetrachloride or a mixture thereof.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
122 words
The method of claim 22, wherein said metal oxide is silicon oxide, chromium oxide, ferric oxide, iron (II)- iron (III) oxide, cuprous oxide, cupric oxide, nickel oxide, cobalt oxide, cadmium oxide, germanium oxide, titanium oxide, or tantalum oxide; said metal is chromium, aluminum, silver, titanium, cobalt, tungsten, tellurium, nickel, gold, platinum, iridium, palladium, rhodium, molybdenum, tantalum, a nickel-iron alloy, a nickel-chromium-iron alloy, an aluminum-iron alloy, a chromium-iron alloy, a chromium-aluminum alloy, a silicon-gold alloy, a titanium-aluminum alloy, a copper-beryllium alloy, a cobalt-iron alloy, a cobalt-nickel alloy, or a nickel-chromium alloy; said semi-metal is germanium or silicon; said chalcogen glass is As-S-Ge, As-Se-Ge, or Ge-S; and said mixture thereof is chromium-chromium oxide (chromium oxide on chromium) or silicon-silicon oxide (silicon oxide on silicon).
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method of claim 22, wherein said intensifying or toning is selected from the group consisting of mercury intensification, copper intensification, lead intensification, uranium toning, selenium toning, sulfur toning, iron toning, nickel toning, cobalt toning, copper toning, vanadium toning, titanium toning, lead chromate toning, cadmium toning and noble metal toning.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 22, wherein said plasma etching of step (d) is a low temperature gas plasma etching.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 22 further comprising removing the emulsion layer at the image areas to leave the masking layer thereunder.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 33, wherein said removing of the emulsion layer at the image areas is by swelling or dissolving in a solution of an acid, an alkali or a salt.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
135 words
A method for producing an image comprising (a) forming a silver halide image in the emulsion layer of a photographic material which comprises a support having thereon at least one silver halide emulsion layer, either directly or on at least one subbing layer on the support, by exposing and developing said photographic material and then bleaching the material to give said silver halide image and non-image areas, (b) heating the photographic material at about 150° C. to about 600° C. to decompose the binder of the layer or layers above the support, and (c) then plasma etching away the layer or layers above the support with an oxygen containing gas to remove the non-image areas of the emulsion layer from the support without completely removing the image areas of the emulsion layer from the support.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
135 words
A method for producing an image comprising (a) forming a silver halide image in the emulsion layer of a photographic material which comprises a support having thereon at least one silver halide emulsion layer, either directly or on at least one subbing layer on the support, by exposing and developing said photographic material and then bleaching the material to give said silver halide image and non-image areas, (b) heating the photographic material at about 150° C. to about 600° C. to decompose the binder of the layer or layers above the support, and (c) then plasma etching away the layer or layers above the support with an oxygen containing gas to remove the non-image areas of the emulsion layer from the support without completely removing the image areas of the emulsion layer from the support.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 33, wherein said silver halide emulsion layer is an emulsion layer of silver chloride, silver bromide, silver iodide, silver chlorobromide, silver bromoiodide, silver chlorobromoiodide or a mixture thereof.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 33, wherein said plasma etching is a low temperature gas plasma etching.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 35, wherein said gas is air, oxygen, a gas of an oxygen containing compound, or a mixture of oxygen and a gas selected from the group consisting of helium, argon, nitrogen, ammonia, a fluorocarbon series compound, carbon tetrachloride or a mixture thereof.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
135 words
A method for producing an image comprising (a) forming a hardened binder image in the emulsion layer of a photographic material which comprises a support having thereon at least one silver halide emulsion layer, either directly or on at least one subbing layer on the support, by exposing and developing said photographic material and then bleaching the material to give said hardened binder image and non-image areas, (b) heating the photographic material at about 150° C. to about 600° C. to decompose the binder of the layer or layers above the support, and (c) then plasma etching away the layer or layers above the support with an oxygen containing gas to remove the non-image areas of the emulsion layer from the support without completely removing the image areas of the emulsion layer from the support.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
135 words
A method for producing an image comprising (a) forming a hardened binder image in the emulsion layer of a photographic material which comprises a support having thereon at least one silver halide emulsion layer, either directly or on at least one subbing layer on the support, by exposing and developing said photographic material and then bleaching the material to give said hardened binder image and non-image areas, (b) heating the photographic material at about 150° C. to about 600° C. to decompose the binder of the layer or layers above the support, and (c) then plasma etching away the layer or layers above the support with an oxygen containing gas to remove the non-image areas of the emulsion layer from the support without completely removing the image areas of the emulsion layer from the support.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 37 wherein said silver halide emulsion layer is an emulsion layer of silver chloride, silver bromide, silver iodide, silver chlorobromide, silver bromoiodide, silver chlorobromoiodide or a mixture thereof.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 37 wherein said plasma etching is a low temperature gas plasma etching.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 39, wherein said gas is air, oxygen, a gas of an oxygen containing compound, or a mixture of oxygen and a gas selected from the group consisting of helium, argon, nitrogen, ammonia, a fluorocarbon series compound, carbon tetrachloride or a mixture thereof.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
121 words
A method for producing an image comprising: (a) forming a silver halide image in the emulsion layer of a photographic material which comprises a support having thereon at least one silver halide emulsion layer, either directly or on at least one subbing layer on the support, by exposing and developing said photographic material and then bleaching the material to give said silver halide image and non-image areas; (b) intensifying and/or toning said silver halide image at least once; and (c) then plasma etching away the layer or layers above the support with an oxygen containing gas to remove the non-image areas of the emulsion layer from the support without completely removing the image areas of the emulsion layer from the support.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
121 words
A method for producing an image comprising: (a) forming a silver halide image in the emulsion layer of a photographic material which comprises a support having thereon at least one silver halide emulsion layer, either directly or on at least one subbing layer on the support, by exposing and developing said photographic material and then bleaching the material to give said silver halide image and non-image areas; (b) intensifying and/or toning said silver halide image at least once; and (c) then plasma etching away the layer or layers above the support with an oxygen containing gas to remove the non-image areas of the emulsion layer from the support without completely removing the image areas of the emulsion layer from the support.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 41 wherein said silver halide emulsion layer is an emulsion layer of silver chloride, silver bromide, silver iodide, silver chlorobromide, silver bromoiodide, silver chlorobromoiodide or a mixture thereof.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 41, further comprising heating the photographic material between step (b) and step (c) to decompose the binder of the layer or layers above the support prior to said plasma etching of step (c).
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 43 wherein said heating is at about 150° C. to about 600° C.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 41 wherein said plasma etching is a low temperature gas plasma etching.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 45 wherein said gas is air, oxygen, a gas of an oxygen containing compound, or a mixture of oxygen and a gas selected from the group consisting of helium, argon, nitrogen, ammonia, a fluorocarbon series compound, carbon tetrachloride or a mixture thereof.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method of claim 41 wherein said intensifying or toning is selected from the group consisting of mercury intensification, copper intensification, lead intensification, uranium toning, selenium toning, sulfur toning, iron toning, nickel toning, cobalt toning, copper toning, vanadium toning, titanium toning, lead chromate toning, cadmium toning and noble metal toning.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
170 words
A method for producing an image comprising: (a) forming a silver halide image in the emulsion layer of a photographic material which comprises a support having thereon a masking layer of a metal, a metal oxide, a semi-metal, a chalcogen glass or a mixture thereof in a thickness ranging from about 0.01 micron to about 10 microns, said masking layer having thereon at least one silver halide emulsion layer, either directly or on at least one subbing layer on the mashing layer, by exposing and developing said photographic material and bleaching the material to give said silver halide image and non-image areas; (b) plasma etching away the layer or layers above the masking layer with an oxygen containing gas to remove the non-image areas of the emulsion layer and uncover the masking layer lying thereunder without uncovering the masking layer under the image areas; and (c) then plasma etching away the masking layer at the uncovered areas with a gas containing halogen gas or a gas of a halogenated compound.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
170 words
A method for producing an image comprising: (a) forming a silver halide image in the emulsion layer of a photographic material which comprises a support having thereon a masking layer of a metal, a metal oxide, a semi-metal, a chalcogen glass or a mixture thereof in a thickness ranging from about 0.01 micron to about 10 microns, said masking layer having thereon at least one silver halide emulsion layer, either directly or on at least one subbing layer on the mashing layer, by exposing and developing said photographic material and bleaching the material to give said silver halide image and non-image areas; (b) plasma etching away the layer or layers above the masking layer with an oxygen containing gas to remove the non-image areas of the emulsion layer and uncover the masking layer lying thereunder without uncovering the masking layer under the image areas; and (c) then plasma etching away the masking layer at the uncovered areas with a gas containing halogen gas or a gas of a halogenated compound.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 48, wherein said silver halide emulsion layer is an emulsion layer of silver chloride, silver bromide, silver iodide, silver chlorobromide, silver bromoiodide, silver chlorobromoiodide or a mixture thereof.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 48, further comprising heating, the photographic material between step (a) and step (b) to decompose the binder of the layer or layers above the masking layer prior to said plasma etching of step (b).
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 50 wherein said heating is at about 150° C. to about 600° C.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 48 wherein said plasma etching of step (b) is a low temperature gas plasma etching.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 49, wherein said gas is air, oxygen, a gas of an oxygen containing compound, or a mixture of oxygen and a gas selected from the group consisting of helium, argon, nitrogen, ammonia, a fluorocarbon series compound, carbon tetrachloride or a mixture thereof.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
122 words
The method of claim 48 wherein said metal oxide is silicon oxide, chromium oxide, ferric oxide, iron (II)- iron (III) oxide, cuprous oxide, cupric oxide, nickel oxide, cobalt oxide, cadmium oxide, germanium oxide, titanium oxide, or tantalum oxide; said metal is chromium, aluminum, silver, titanium, cobalt, tungsten, tellurium, nickel, gold, platinum, iridium, palladium, rhodium, molybdenum, tantalum, a nickel-iron alloy, a nickel-chromium-iron alloy, an aluminum-iron alloy, a chromium-iron alloy, a chromium-aluminum alloy, a silicon-gold alloy, a titanium-aluminum alloy, a copper-beryllium alloy, a cobalt-iron alloy, a cobalt-nickel alloy, or a nickel-chromium alloy; said semi-metal is germanium or silicon; said chalcogen glass is As-S-Ge, As-Se-Ge, or Ge-S; and said mixture thereof is chromium-chromium oxide (chromium oxide on chromium) or silicon-silicon oxide (silicon oxide on silicon).
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 48 wherein said plasma etching of step (c) is a low temperature gas plasma etching.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 48 further comprising removing the emulsion layer at the image areas to leave the masking layer thereunder.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 56 wherein said removing of the emulsion layer at the image areas is by swelling or dissolving in a solution of an acid, an alkali or a salt.
Claim 66
Independent Claim
169 words
A method for producing an image comprising: (a) forming a hardened binder image in the emulsion layer of a photographic material which comprises a support having thereon a masking layer of a metal, a metal oxide, a semi-metal, a chalcogen glass or mixture thereof in a thickness ranging from about 0.1 micron to about 10 microns, said masking layer having thereon at least one silver halide emulsion layer, either directly or on at least one subbing layer on the masking layer, by exposing and developing said photographic material and bleaching the material to give said hardened binder image and non-image areas; (b) plasma etching away the layer or layers above the masking layer with an oxygen containing gas to remove the non-image areas of the emulsion layer and uncover the masking layer lying thereunder without uncovering the masking layer under the image areas; and (c) then plasma etching away the masking layer at the uncovered areas with a gas containing halogen gas or a gas of a halogenated compound.
Claim 67
Independent Claim
169 words
A method for producing an image comprising: (a) forming a hardened binder image in the emulsion layer of a photographic material which comprises a support having thereon a masking layer of a metal, a metal oxide, a semi-metal, a chalcogen glass or mixture thereof in a thickness ranging from about 0.1 micron to about 10 microns, said masking layer having thereon at least one silver halide emulsion layer, either directly or on at least one subbing layer on the masking layer, by exposing and developing said photographic material and bleaching the material to give said hardened binder image and non-image areas; (b) plasma etching away the layer or layers above the masking layer with an oxygen containing gas to remove the non-image areas of the emulsion layer and uncover the masking layer lying thereunder without uncovering the masking layer under the image areas; and (c) then plasma etching away the masking layer at the uncovered areas with a gas containing halogen gas or a gas of a halogenated compound.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 58 wherein said silver halide emulsion layer is an emulsion layer of silver chloride, silver bromide, silver iodide, silver chlorobromide, silver bromoiodide, silver chlorobromoiodide or a mixture thereof.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 58, further comprising heating the photographic material between step (a) and step (b) to decompose the binder of the layer or layers above the masking layer prior to said plasma etching of step (b).
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 60, wherein said heating is at about 150° C. to about 600° C.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 58, wherein said plasma etching of step (b) is a low temperature gas plasma etching.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 59 wherein said gas is air, oxygen, a gas of an oxygen containing compound, or a mixture of oxygen and a gas selected from the group consisting of helium, argon, nitrogen, ammonia, a fluorocarbon series compound, carbon tetrachloride or a mixture thereof.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
121 words
The method of claim 58 wherein said metal oxide is silicon oxide, chromium oxide, ferric oxide, iron (II)-iron (III) oxide, cuprous oxide, cupric oxide, nickel oxide, cobalt oxide, cadmium oxide, germanium oxide, titanium oxide, or tantalum oxide; said metal is chromium, aluminum, silver, titanium, cobalt, tungsten, tellurium, nickel, gold, platinum, iridium, palladium, rhodium, molybdenum, tantalum, a nickel-iron alloy, a nickel-chromium-iron alloy, an aluminum-iron alloy, a chromium-iron alloy, a chromium-aluminum alloy, a silicon-gold alloy, a titanium-aluminum alloy, a copper-beryllium alloy, a cobalt-iron alloy, a cobalt-nickel alloy, or a nickel-chromium alloy; said semi-metal is germanium or silicon; said chalcogen glass is As-S-Ge, As-Se-Ge, or Ge-S; and said mixture thereof is chromium-chromium oxide (chromium oxide on chromium) or silicon-silicon oxide (silicon oxide on silicon).
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 58 wherein said plasma etching of step (c) is a low temperature gas plasma etching.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 58 further comprising removing the emulsion layer at the image areas to leave the masking layer thereunder.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 66 wherein said removing of the emulsion layer at the image areas is by swelling or dissolving in a solution of an acid, an alkali or a salt.
Claim 77
Independent Claim
181 words
A method for producing an image comprising: (a) forming a silver halide image in the emulsion layer of a photograhic material which comprises a support having thereon a masking layer of a metal, a metal oxide, a semi-metal, a chalcogen glass or a mixture thereof in a thickness ranging from about 0.01 micron to about 10 microns, said masking layer having thereon at least one silver halide emulsion layer, either directly or on at least one subbing layer on the masking layer, by exposing and developing said photographic material and bleaching the material to give said silver halide and non-image areas; (b) intensifying and/or toning said silver halide image at least once; (c) plasma etching away the layer or layers above the masking layer with an oxygen containing gas to remove the nonimage areas of the emulsion layer and to uncover the masking layer lying thereunder without covering the masking layer under the image areas; and (d) then plasma etching away the masking layer at the uncovered areas with a gas containing halogen gas or a gas of a halogenated compound.
Claim 78
Independent Claim
181 words
A method for producing an image comprising: (a) forming a silver halide image in the emulsion layer of a photograhic material which comprises a support having thereon a masking layer of a metal, a metal oxide, a semi-metal, a chalcogen glass or a mixture thereof in a thickness ranging from about 0.01 micron to about 10 microns, said masking layer having thereon at least one silver halide emulsion layer, either directly or on at least one subbing layer on the masking layer, by exposing and developing said photographic material and bleaching the material to give said silver halide and non-image areas; (b) intensifying and/or toning said silver halide image at least once; (c) plasma etching away the layer or layers above the masking layer with an oxygen containing gas to remove the nonimage areas of the emulsion layer and to uncover the masking layer lying thereunder without covering the masking layer under the image areas; and (d) then plasma etching away the masking layer at the uncovered areas with a gas containing halogen gas or a gas of a halogenated compound.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 68 wherein said silver halide emulsion layer is an emulsion layer of silver chloride, silver bromide, silver iodide, silver chlorobromide, silver bromoiodide, silver chlorobromoiodide or a mixture thereof.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 68, further comprising heating the photographic material between step (b) and step (c) to decompose the binder of the layer or layers above the masking layer prior to said plasma etching of step (c).
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 70 wherein said heating is at about 150° C. to about 600° C.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 68 wherein said plasma etching of step (c) is a low temperature gas plasma etching.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 69 wherein said gas is air, oxygen, a gas of an oxygen containing compound, or a mixture of oxygen and a gas selected from the group consisting of helium, argon, nitrogen, ammonia, a flurocarbon series compound, carbon tetrachloride or a mixture thereof.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
120 words
The method of claim 68 wherein said metal oxide is silicon oxide, chromium oxide, ferric oxide, iron (II)-iron (III) oxide, cuprous oxide, cupric oxide, nickel oxide, cobalt oxide, cadmium oxide, germanium oxide, titanium oxide, or tantalum oxide; said metal is chromium, aluminum, silver, titanium, cobalt, tungsten, tellurium, nickel, gold, platinum, iridium, palladium, rhodium, molybdenum, tantalum, a nickel-iron alloy, a nickel-chromium-iron alloy, an aluminum-iron alloy, a chromium-iron alloy, a chromium-aluminum alloy, a slicon-gold alloy, a titanium-aluminum alloy, a copper-beryllium alloy, a cobalt-iron alloy, a cobalt-nickel alloy, or a nickel-chromium alloy; said semi-metal is germanium or silicon; said chalcogen glass is As-S-Ge, As-Se-Ge, or Ge-S; and said mixture thereof is chromium-chromium oxide (chromium oxide on chromium) or silicon-silicon oxide (silicon-oxide on silicon).
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 68 wherein said plasma etching of step (c) is a low temperature gas plasma etching.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 68 further comprising removing the emulsion layer at the image areas to leave the masking layer thereunder.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 76 wherein said removing of the emulsion layer at the image areas is by swelling or dissolving in a solution of an acid, an alkali or a salt.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said support is a material which transmits not less than 50% of electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength between about 2900 and 7500 A;
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said support is a material which transmits not less than 70% of electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength between about 2900 and 7500 A.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said silver halide emulsion layer has a thickness between 0.3 and 20μ.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 33 wherein said support is a material which transmits not less than 50% of electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength between about 2900 and 7500 A.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 33 wherein said support is a material which transmits not less than 70% of electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength between about 2900 and 7500 A.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 33 wherein said silver halide emulsion layer has a thickness between 0.3 and 20μ.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 37 wherein said support is a material which transmits not less than 50% of electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength between about 2900 and 7500 A.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 37 wherein said support is a material which transmits not less than 70% of electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength between about 2900 and 7500 A.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 37 wherein said silver halide emulsion layer has a thickness between 0.3 and 20μ.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 5 wherein said support is a material which transmits not less than 50% of electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength between about 2900 and 7500 A.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 5 wherein said support is a material which transmits not less than 70% of electromagnetic radiation having wavelength between about 2900 and 7500 A.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 5 wherein said silver halide emulsion layer has a thickness between 0.3 and 20μ.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 41 wherein said support is a material which transmits not less than 50% of electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength between about 2900 and 7500 A.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 41 wherein said support is a material which transmits not less than 70% of electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength between about 2900 and 7500 A.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 41 wherein said silver halide emulsion layer has a thickness between 0.3 and 20μ.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 12 wherein said support is a material which transmits not less than 50% of electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength between about 2900 and 7500 A.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 12 wherein said support is a material which transmits not less tha 70% of electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength between about 2900 and 7500 A.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 12 wherein said silver halide emulsion layer has a thickness between 0.3 and 20μ.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 12 wherein said masking layer masks ultraviolet light.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 48 wherein said support is a material which transmits not less than 50% of electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength between about 2900 and 7500 A.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 48 wherein said support is a material which transmits not less than 70% of electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength between about 2900 and 7500 A.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 48 wherein said silver halide emulsion layer has a thickness between 0.3 and 20μ.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 48 wherein said masking layer masks ultraviolet light.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 58 wherein said support is a material which transmits not less than 50% of electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength between about 2900 and 7500 A.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 58 wherein said support is a material which transmits not less than 70% of electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength between about 2900 and 7500 A.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 58 wherein said silver halide emulsion layer has a thickness between 0.3 and 20μ.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 58 wherein said masking layer masks ultraviolet light.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 22 wherein said support is a material which transmits not less than 50% of electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength between about 2900 and 7500 A.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 22 wherein said support is a material which transmits not less than 70% of electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength between bout 2900 and 7500 A.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 22 wherein said silver halide emulsion layer has a thickness between 0.3 and 20μ.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 22 wherein said masking layer masks ultraviolet light.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
29 words
the method of claim 68 wherein said support is a material which transmits not less than 50% of electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength between about 2900 and 7500 A.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 68 wherein said support is a material which transmits not less than 70% of electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength between about 2900 and 7500 A.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 68 wherein said silver halide emulsion layer has a thickness between 0.3 and 20μ.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 68 wherein said masking layer masks ultraviolet light.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-06-10 | 1983-12-10 | 1984-06-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-06-10 | 1987-12-10 | 1988-06-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-06-10 | 1991-12-10 | 1992-06-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |