US4510225A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electrophotographic method for producing an opaque print
Assignee: Coulter Systems Corp
•
Filing: 1982-09-24
•
Granted: 1985-04-09
•
Expires: 2002-09-24
Abstract
Abstract An opaque reflective print copy is produced by transferring via heat and pressure, an electrophotographically formed toner image to a presoftened transparent thermoplastic thin layer carried bonded to an opaque substrate. The print is formed of at least one generally planar toner image layer embedded in the plastic layer near the outer surface thereof whereby light illuminating the print enters the thin layer and is reflected from the interface between said layer and said substrate, passing through the toner particles as well as being reflected from the toner particles themselves, whereby to provide an image having greater depth intensity and contrast than can be obtained using silver halide photographic film, all without distortion of the image, loss in density or loss in resolution. The substrate may have smooth or roughened surface, and may be selected from plain or coated paper, metal, stone, stretchable and/or inflatable media as well as irregularly shaped objects. Successive toner images may be applied superimposed one on the other in layers and in registry by softening the thermoplastic layer after transfer thereto of one toner image and applying the next toner image thereto. The intermediate heating embeds the toner image and readies the receptor to receive the next toner image.
Inventors
- 👤 Manfred R. Kuehnle
- 👤 Ferdinand Martinez
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 13:38
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03G; G03G7/00; G03G7/006; G03G13/00; G03G13/14; G03G13/16; G03G15/00; G03G15/22; G03G15/228; G03G16/00; G03G7/0006; G03G7/002; G03G7/0026; G03G7/004; G03G7/0046; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S430/00; Y10S430/151; Y10S430/153; Y10T; Y10T428/00; Y10T428/24; Y10T428/24802; Y10T428/24851; Y10T428/24868; Y10T428/24893
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 29
Claim 1
Independent Claim
205 words
A method of forming a print copy of an original image pattern comprising the steps of: forming a dry toner image of the original image pattern electrophotographically on an electrophotographic medium, providing an opaque substrate carrying a layer of light-transmissive thermoplastic polymer composition bonded to one surface thereof at an interface, bringing the polymer layer and the toner image carrying surface into contact engagement, simultaneously applying heat and pressure to the engaged surfaces, the heating being sufficient to bring the polymer layer to its softening temperature, thereby embedding and transparentizing the toner particles which define the toner image from the toner image carrier within the polymer layer entirely below the surface of said polymer layer and in the absence of relative lateral movement of said toner particles, maintaining the image density, resolution and integrity of the transferred image without loss to form a reflective print of the original image, and thereafter separating the engaged surfaces to recover said reflective print copy, whereby in viewing the reflective print, light passing through the light-transmissive polymer layer and the superimposed toner particles to the interface is reflected diffusingly back through the toner particles increasing the intensity and furnishing brilliance and depth giving the viewer a pseudo three-dimensional image.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
205 words
A method of forming a print copy of an original image pattern comprising the steps of: forming a dry toner image of the original image pattern electrophotographically on an electrophotographic medium, providing an opaque substrate carrying a layer of light-transmissive thermoplastic polymer composition bonded to one surface thereof at an interface, bringing the polymer layer and the toner image carrying surface into contact engagement, simultaneously applying heat and pressure to the engaged surfaces, the heating being sufficient to bring the polymer layer to its softening temperature, thereby embedding and transparentizing the toner particles which define the toner image from the toner image carrier within the polymer layer entirely below the surface of said polymer layer and in the absence of relative lateral movement of said toner particles, maintaining the image density, resolution and integrity of the transferred image without loss to form a reflective print of the original image, and thereafter separating the engaged surfaces to recover said reflective print copy, whereby in viewing the reflective print, light passing through the light-transmissive polymer layer and the superimposed toner particles to the interface is reflected diffusingly back through the toner particles increasing the intensity and furnishing brilliance and depth giving the viewer a pseudo three-dimensional image.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 comprising the step of preheating the receptor and laminating using simultaneous application of pressure and heat.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 comprising the step of cooling the polymer layer subsequent to lamination.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
56 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 comprising the steps of simultaneously applying heat and pressure to effect the laminate, cooling the receptor after separation for the laminate and subsequently resoftening and simultaneously applying pressure to apply at least an additional toner image in registry to the polymer surface in registry with the prior applied image.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 in which the polymer layer is formed of a polyester based resinous composition.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 in which the polymer layer is formed of a polyvinylideneacrylonitrile copolymer based resinous composition.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 in which the polymer layer is formed of a polyvinyl acetate based resinous composition.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 in which the polymer layer is formed of a polyvinyl butyral based resinous composition.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 in which the polymer layer is formed of a polyvinyl based resinous composition.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 in which the polymer layer is formed of one of polyethylene and polypropylene.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 in which the polymer layer is formed of a polyvinyl acetate-vinyl chloride copolymer based resinous composition.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 in which the polymer layer is formed of a blend of polyester resins of similar chemical composition but different molecular weights.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 in which the polymer layer is formed of a compatible blend of polyester resins with resins of different chemical composition selected from modified phenolic, polyketone or resin esters.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 in which the substrate layer is a metal.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 in which the thermoplastic polymer layer is between 4 to 8 microns in thickness.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 in which the thermoplastic polymer layer is one of polyethylene and polypropolene and is between 0.75 to 2 mils in thickness.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 in which the thermoplastic polymer layer is heated to a temperature between 97° C. and 151° C.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 in which the thermoplastic polymer layer is heated to a temperature between 110° C. and 135° C.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 in which the substrate is selected from the group consisting of paper, metal and resilient material.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 and the step of reheating the receptor subsequent to said transfer and separation for resoftening the polymer layer.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
136 words
A method of forming a print copy of an original image pattern comprising the steps of: forming a dry toner image of the original image pattern electrohotographically on an electrophotographic medium, providing a substrate carrying a layer of thermoplastic polymer composition bonded to one surface thereof, heating the polymer layer to its softening temperature thereof, laminating the toner image carrier to the softened polymer layer and separating the laminate to transfer the toner image to the polymer layer, reheating the separated receptor sufficient to soften the polymer layer, and forming additional toner images and transferring each to the softened polymer layer superimposed in registry, each successive transfer being preceded by application of heat to the receiving surface sufficient to soften the polymer layer, the final transfer being succeeded by heating said receptor to fix the images.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
136 words
A method of forming a print copy of an original image pattern comprising the steps of: forming a dry toner image of the original image pattern electrohotographically on an electrophotographic medium, providing a substrate carrying a layer of thermoplastic polymer composition bonded to one surface thereof, heating the polymer layer to its softening temperature thereof, laminating the toner image carrier to the softened polymer layer and separating the laminate to transfer the toner image to the polymer layer, reheating the separated receptor sufficient to soften the polymer layer, and forming additional toner images and transferring each to the softened polymer layer superimposed in registry, each successive transfer being preceded by application of heat to the receiving surface sufficient to soften the polymer layer, the final transfer being succeeded by heating said receptor to fix the images.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
104 words
A method of forming a print copy of an original image pattern comprising the steps of: forming a dry toner image of the original image pattern electrophotographically on an electrophotographic medium, providing a substrate carrying a layer of thermoplastic polymer composition bonded to one surface thereof, heating the polymer layer to its softening temperature thereof, laminating the toner image carrier to the softened polymer layer and separating the laminate to transfer the toner image to the polymer layer, and heating the separated receptor to soften the polymer layer and applying the successive image to the softened layer under the same conditions as earlier employed.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
104 words
A method of forming a print copy of an original image pattern comprising the steps of: forming a dry toner image of the original image pattern electrophotographically on an electrophotographic medium, providing a substrate carrying a layer of thermoplastic polymer composition bonded to one surface thereof, heating the polymer layer to its softening temperature thereof, laminating the toner image carrier to the softened polymer layer and separating the laminate to transfer the toner image to the polymer layer, and heating the separated receptor to soften the polymer layer and applying the successive image to the softened layer under the same conditions as earlier employed.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
94 words
A method of forming a print copy of an original image pattern comprising the steps of: forming a dry toner image of the original image pattern electrophotographically on an electrophotographic medium, providing a substrate carrying a layer of thermoplastic polymer composition bonded to one surface thereof, heating the polymer layer to its softening temperature thereof, laminating the toner image carrier of the softened polymer layer and separating the laminate to transfer the toner image to the polymer layer, and transparentizing the toner particles by reheating after transfer of the image to the polymer layer.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
94 words
A method of forming a print copy of an original image pattern comprising the steps of: forming a dry toner image of the original image pattern electrophotographically on an electrophotographic medium, providing a substrate carrying a layer of thermoplastic polymer composition bonded to one surface thereof, heating the polymer layer to its softening temperature thereof, laminating the toner image carrier of the softened polymer layer and separating the laminate to transfer the toner image to the polymer layer, and transparentizing the toner particles by reheating after transfer of the image to the polymer layer.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
141 words
A method of forming a print copy of an original image pattern comprising the steps of: forming a dry toner image of the original image pattern electrophotographically on an electrophotographic medium, providing a substrate carrying a layer of thermoplastic polymer composition bonded to one surface thereof, heating the polymer layer to its softening temperature thereof, laminating the toner image carrier to the softened polymer layer and separating the laminate to transfer the toner image to the polymer layer, reheating the separated receptor sufficient to soften the polymer layer and transparentize the toner particles, and forming additional toner images and transferring each to the softened polymer layer superimposed in registry, each successive transfer being preceded by application of heat to the receiving surface sufficient to soften the polymer layer, the final transfer being succeeded by heating said receptor to fix the images.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
141 words
A method of forming a print copy of an original image pattern comprising the steps of: forming a dry toner image of the original image pattern electrophotographically on an electrophotographic medium, providing a substrate carrying a layer of thermoplastic polymer composition bonded to one surface thereof, heating the polymer layer to its softening temperature thereof, laminating the toner image carrier to the softened polymer layer and separating the laminate to transfer the toner image to the polymer layer, reheating the separated receptor sufficient to soften the polymer layer and transparentize the toner particles, and forming additional toner images and transferring each to the softened polymer layer superimposed in registry, each successive transfer being preceded by application of heat to the receiving surface sufficient to soften the polymer layer, the final transfer being succeeded by heating said receptor to fix the images.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2855324A
Cited
US4337303A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-04-08 | 1988-10-08 | 1989-04-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-04-08 | 1992-10-08 | 1993-04-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-04-08 | 1996-10-08 | 1997-04-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |