Patent ID: 7374801
Filing Date: 2008-05-20
Classification: B41M,B44C,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A thermal transfer assembly comprised of a thermal transfer ribbon, a covercoated transfer sheet, a film forming glass frit comprised of at least 5 weight percent of silica, and metal oxide containing ceramic colorant wherein: (a) said thermal transfer ribbon is comprised of a support and, disposed above said support, a ceramic ink layer, wherein said ceramic ink layer is present at a coating weight of from about 2 to about 15 grams per square meter, and is comprised of from about 15 to about 94.5 weight percent of a solid, volatilizable carbonaceous binder; (b) said covercoated transfer sheet is comprised of a support and, disposed above said support, a covercoat, wherein said covercoat is present at a coating weight of from about 1 to about 20 grams per square meter and is comprised of from about 15 to about 100 weight percent of a solid, volatilizable carbonaceous binder, and (c) said film-forming glass frit is present in a said ceramic ink layer and/or said covercoat; (d) said metal oxide containing ceramic colorant is selected from the group consisting of metal oxide containing pigment, metal oxide containing opacifying agent, and mixtures thereof; (e) said metal oxide containing ceramic colorant is present in said ceramic ink layer and/or said covercoat; and (f) said metal oxide containing ceramic colorant has a first refractive index, said film-forming glass frit has a second refractive index, and the difference between said first refractive index and said second refractive index is at least about 0.1.