The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 03, 1996
Filed:
Dec. 14, 1994
Kenneth Johnston, Richmond, VA (US);
Delta Technology, Inc., Richmond, VA (US);
Abstract
A dispersed dye sublimation imaging method of a substrate includes a pre-conditioning step, before the substrate is imaged, which uses controlled heat and humidity. The pre-conditioning step, by raising the surface energy levels of the substrate and thermally stabilizing the substrate before pressured contact in the imaging zone, allows for more precise control of dye sublimation during image. Pre-conditioning also allows: the use of higher temperature dyes; the use of higher temperatures and shorter dwell times in the imaging zone; and/or the use of lower imaging temperatures. The pre-conditioning also provides for greater migration and penetration of the dispersed dye into the surface of the substrate being imaged. The shorter dwell time and thermally stabilized pre-conditioned substrate also reduces movement between the substrate and dye carrier device, which provides for increased resolution of the imaged substrate.