US4365018A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Imaging element and an imaging technique
Assignee: Mead Corp
•
Filing: 1981-05-11
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Granted: 1982-12-21
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Expires: 2001-05-11
Abstract
Abstract A self-exposing imaging element is disclosed comprising a support member, a light sensitive layer, and a layer containing reagents which will chemically react in a chemiluminescent reaction to produce light which exposes the light sensitive layer when in contact with an original. Reagents in the light generating layer are physically or chemically segregated prior to exposure to prevent reaction, for example, by encapsulation of one of the reactants, the reaction solvent, or a catalyst. To copy the self-exposing imaging element is placed in contact with an original, the light generating layer is activated by causing the reactants to mix or introducing the reaction solvent or catalyst and the radiant energy generated produces an image of the original in the radiation sensitive layer by reflex imaging or direct transmission imaging.
Inventors
- 👤 E. Bryant Crutchfield
- 👤 Richard F. Wright
- 👤 Paul C. Adair
- 👤 Seth O. Harris
- 👤 Dale R. Shackle
- 👤 Dennis L. Williams
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 11:36
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03C; G03C5/00; G03C5/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 38
Claim 1
Independent Claim
86 words
An imaging element carrying a self-contained exposure source comprising: a support member, a light sensitive imaging layer, and a light generating unit, said light generating unit comprising one or more layers containing at least one reagent from a chemiluminescent reaction system, said unit chemiluminescing upon reaction of said chemiluminescent system but said chemiluminescence being temporarily prevented from occurring in said unit by physically separating at least one reagent forming said reaction system, said light sensitive imaging layer containing a material which is sensitive to said chemiluminescence.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
86 words
An imaging element carrying a self-contained exposure source comprising: a support member, a light sensitive imaging layer, and a light generating unit, said light generating unit comprising one or more layers containing at least one reagent from a chemiluminescent reaction system, said unit chemiluminescing upon reaction of said chemiluminescent system but said chemiluminescence being temporarily prevented from occurring in said unit by physically separating at least one reagent forming said reaction system, said light sensitive imaging layer containing a material which is sensitive to said chemiluminescence.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The imaging element of claim 1 wherein said light generating unit comprises a layer containing an encapsulated reagent.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The imaging element of claim 1 wherein said light generating unit comprises a layer having a reagent dispersed in a binder.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The imaging element of claim 1 wherein said element additionally comprises a pressure rupturable pod containing a solution of at least one reagent.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The imaging element of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein said light generating unit comprises two or more layers.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
The imaging element of claim 1 wherein said reagent is an oxalate ester.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The imaging element of claim 1 wherein said reagent is luminol or a luminol derivative.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
12 words
The imaging element of claim 1 wherein said reagent is a fluorescer.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The imaging element of claim 1 wherein said reagent is a compound capable of being transformed to an excited state from which it emits energy.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
The imaging element of claim 1 wherein said reagent is an oxidizing agent or a precursor thereof for said chemiluminescent reaction.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
The imaging element of claim 9 wherein said light energy is ultra violet radiation.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
The imaging element of claim 1 wherein said sensitive material is a light sensitive silver halide.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
The imaging element of claim 1 wherein said light sensitive imaging layer is a thermally developable silver halide emulsion.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
29 words
The imaging element of claim 1 wherein said sensitive material is a material which is insensitive to light in its solid form but is sensitive to light when dissolved.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
17 words
The imaging element of claim 1 wherein said light sensitive imaging layer is insensitive to ambient light.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
19 words
The imaging element of claim 1 wherein said light sensitive imaging layer is a positive or negative working material.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
16 words
The imaging element of claim 1 wherein said sensitive material is a non-silver direct print-out material.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
15 words
The imaging element of claim 13 wherein said element additionally comprises a heat generating layer.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
32 words
The imaging element of claim 1 wherein said light sensitive imaging layer and said light generating unit are positioned on opposite sides of said support and said support is transparent or translucent.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
113 words
A process for imaging which comprises: positioning adjacent an original an image element including: a support member, a light generating unit wherein said light generating unit comprises one or more layers containing at least one reagent of a chemiluminescent reaction system, said system being temporarily prevented from reacting and chemiluminescing by physically separating at least one reagent from the balance of said system, and a light sensitive imaging layer sensitive to the chemiluminescence of said light generating unit, activating said light generating unit such that said light generating unit chemiluminesces, image-wise exposing said light sensitive imaging layer with chemiluminescence reflected from said original, and forming an image in said light sensitive imaging layer.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
113 words
A process for imaging which comprises: positioning adjacent an original an image element including: a support member, a light generating unit wherein said light generating unit comprises one or more layers containing at least one reagent of a chemiluminescent reaction system, said system being temporarily prevented from reacting and chemiluminescing by physically separating at least one reagent from the balance of said system, and a light sensitive imaging layer sensitive to the chemiluminescence of said light generating unit, activating said light generating unit such that said light generating unit chemiluminesces, image-wise exposing said light sensitive imaging layer with chemiluminescence reflected from said original, and forming an image in said light sensitive imaging layer.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
25 words
The process of claim 20 wherein said light generating unit comprises an encapsulated reagent and said activating comprises causing said encapsulated reagent to be released.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
36 words
The process of claim 20 wherein said light generating unit comprises a layer having a reagent dispersed in a binder and said activating comprises causing another reagent of said chemiluminescent system to migrate to said layer.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
20 words
The process of claim 20 wherein said activating comprises applying a reagent of said chemiluminescent reaction system to said element.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
17 words
The process of claim 23 wherein said applied reagent is a solvent for said chemiluminescent reaction system.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
21 words
The process of claim 23 wherein said applied reagent is a solution of an oxidizing agent for said chemiluminescent reaction system.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
17 words
The process of claim 21 wherein said encapsulated reagent is a solvent for said chemiluminescent reaction system.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
27 words
The process of claim 21 wherein said encapsulated reagent is a compound which is capable of being transformed to an excited state from which it emits energy.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
18 words
The process of claim 21 wherein said encapsuated reagent is an oxidizing agent for said chemiluminescent reaction system.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
13 words
The process of claim 20 wherein said image-wise exposing is by reflex imaging.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
14 words
The process of claim 20 wherein said image-wise exposing is by direct transmission imaging.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
14 words
The process of claim 20 which further comprises developing said image-wise exposed imaging layer.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
18 words
The process of claim 31 wherein said developing comprises applying a wet developing agent to said imaging layer.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
13 words
The process of claim 31 wherein said developing comprises heating said imaging layer.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
14 words
The process of claim 20 wherein said imaging layer contains a direct print-out material.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
17 words
The process of claims 24, 25 or 26 which further comprises developing said image-wise exposed imaging layer.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
12 words
The process of claim 20 wherein said original is a printed document.
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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) | 1985-12-20 | 1986-06-21 | 1986-12-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-12-20 | 1990-06-21 | 1990-12-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-12-20 | 1994-06-21 | 1994-12-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |