Patent GB-1212866-A (GB)
Title: Method and apparatus for transfer of molecularly oriented motion patterns
IPC: G03F7/34
Filed: 1967-10-04
Abstract: 1,212,866. Laminates including dye layers. TECHNICAL ANIMATIONS Inc. 4 Oct., 1967 [31 Oct., 1966], No. 45160/67. Heading B5N. [Also in Division B6] Polarized images on a cylindrical matrix 60 are printed on a thermoplastic web 72, e.g. polyethylene terephthalate by applying a nematic dichroic dye material 66 in solution to the matrix to permit the molecules in the dye to set in alignment with the molecules of the matrix during the nematic state and transferring the set dye material after it has passed through the nematic state to the web 72 with the aid of pressure rollers 78, 80, whereby the dye is completely stripped from the matrix and adheres to the web. The dye transfer may be facilitated by heating means 27 and cooling means 33. The molecules of the matrix are initially aligned by rubbing or polishing with felt immersed in pumice. The dye is applied to the matrix by a fountain roller 64 and a forme roller 70. A blower 63 assists the setting of the dye. Cylinder printing machines.-Alternatively a sheet (25), Fig. 1 (not shown) may be printed with polarized images from a matrix (20) using a hand roller (29) to transfer the set dye (23). Rotary printing machines.-The apparatus of Fig. 8 may be modified by the provision of an endless carrier (100), Fig. 11 (not shown), the polarized images being transferred to the thermoplastic carrier (100) at a station including heating means (27) and cooling means (33) and being supplied with dye on the lower run of the carrier. The set dye may be transferred without heat using a carrier material (83), Fig. 9 (not shown) carrying adhesively coated areas (82). Lamination. - The polycarbonate or tri. acetate carrier (100) may be used as a final product without a transfer step by applying a double adhesive (120), Fig. 12 (not shown) carrying a light pervious film (122). Alternatively the set dye (66a) may be transferred to another thermoplastic film (130), Fig. 13 (not shown), a further thermoplastic film (132) being laminated to the image side by heat and pressure. Fig. 19 (not shown) depicts an embodiment in which a laminate is formed of dye (66a), aluminium (242) resin (242), resin (250) and paper &c. (248), the laminate being coated with lacquer (256). Selective image transfer.-Selective image transfer may be obtained by using images of different metals having a differential adhesion with respect to the dye. Dye adhesion may be increased in selected areas by using resin coatings. Alternatively a hot roller having raised portions (202), Fig. 20 (not shown), (254), Fig. 19 (not shown) may be used to achieve selective transfer or a hot stamp (204), Fig. 1 (not shown) may be used intermittently. Printing-surfaces.-A matrix may be prepared with selected areas of different molecular orientation using masks, Figs. 4-7 (not shown) for the areas which are not treated at each stage of the preparation. A cylinder may be prepared with nickel-plated areas (164), Fig. 15 (not shown) and anodized aluminium areas 162. Fig. 18 (not shown) depicts a printing surface (226) of chemically deposited silver backed by an eleetro-deposited copper layer (228), the surface being formed from a matrix (220) carrying an orientated image.