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:
Feb. 03, 2004
Filed:
Mar. 09, 1999
Ming Xu, Mt. Pleasant, SC (US);
Barbara Wagner, Mt. Pleasant, SC (US);
Other;
Abstract
A media for receiving a printed image during sublimation or heat activated liquid ink printing, and for transferring the image to a final substrate during subsequent heat transfer and activation. The media improves the quality of the finally transferred image and reduces the energy required to effect the transfer of the sublimation dyes. The media comprises multiple layers, including a feathering control layer containing a non-reactive, non-porous material; a dye screening layer, comprised of a porous material, which holds solid dye particles close to the surface of the media, while allowing other materials in the liquid ink to pass through; an absorbent liquid retaining layer; and a support layer. An optional permeation control layer allows liquids, such as aqueous or non-aqueous solutions, to pass through to subsequent layers during printing, while preventing dye vapor from penetrating beyond the dye screening layer during the final transfer step. The screening and/or absorbent layers may contain chemicals that produce an exotherm upon application of sufficient heat.