Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for making an optically readable media unreadable. The method includes steps of (a) providing the media with an optically activated mechanism that degrades the reflectivity of a surface wherein information is encoded; (b) exposing the media to optical radiation for reading out the information; and, during the step of exposing, (c) initiating the operation of the optically activated mechanism. In this embodiment the step of initiating includes steps of (d) generating singlet oxygen in a layer disposed on the media; and (e) reacting the singlet oxygen with a metal-containing layer for oxidizing the surface of the metal-containing layer, thereby degrading the reflectivity of the surface. In a further aspect the optically activated mechanism causes a defocusing of a readout beam, thereby degrading reflection of the readout beam from a surface wherein information is encoded.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for making an optically readable media unreadable. The method includes steps of (a) providing the media with an optically activated mechanism that degrades the reflectivity of a surface wherein information is encoded; (b) exposing the media to optical radiation for reading out the information; and, during the step of exposing, (c) initiating the operation of the optically activated mechanism. In this embodiment the step of initiating includes steps of (d) generating singlet oxygen in a layer disposed on the media; and (e) reacting the singlet oxygen with a metal-containing layer for oxidizing the surface of the metal-containing layer, thereby degrading the reflectivity of the surface. In a further aspect the optically activated mechanism causes a defocusing of a readout beam, thereby degrading reflection of the readout beam from a surface wherein information is encoded.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for making an optically readable media unreadable. The method includes steps of (a) providing the media with an optically activated mechanism that degrades the reflectivity of a surface wherein information is encoded; (b) exposing the media to optical radiation for reading out the information; and, during the step of exposing, (c) initiating the operation of the optically activated mechanism. In this embodiment the step of initiating includes steps of (d) generating singlet oxygen in a layer disposed on the media; and (e) reacting the singlet oxygen with a metal-containing layer for oxidizing the surface of the metal-containing layer, thereby degrading the reflectivity of the surface. In a further aspect the optically activated mechanism causes a defocusing of a readout beam, thereby degrading reflection of the readout beam from a surface wherein information is encoded.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for making an optically readable media unreadable. The method includes steps of (a) providing the media with an optically activated mechanism that degrades the reflectivity of a surface wherein information is encoded; (b) exposing the media to optical radiation for reading out the information; and, during the step of exposing, (c) initiating the operation of the optically activated mechanism. In this embodiment the step of initiating includes steps of (d) generating singlet oxygen in a layer disposed on the media; and (e) reacting the singlet oxygen with a metal-containing layer for oxidizing the surface of the metal-containing layer, thereby degrading the reflectivity of the surface. In a further aspect the optically activated mechanism causes a defocusing of a readout beam, thereby degrading reflection of the readout beam from a surface wherein information is encoded.

Abstract: Metal complexes of pyridylbenzimidazoles are described which can be used as ultraviolet absorbers. The pyridylbenzimidazole compounds can be substituted or unsubstituted. The ultraviolet absorbers can be used to protect a carrier or to protect objects being shielded by a carrier.

Abstract: There are described novel perylene dyes which have at least one, and preferably two, substituted twisted biphenylene radicals. The substituted biphenylene radicals include substituents which confer a non-coplanar molecular configuration about the long axis of the dye molecule. The dyes are soluble in various liquid crystal materials and exhibit a high order parameter in solutions of liquid crystal material. Also disclosed are liquid crystal compositions and liquid crystal devices.

Abstract: A silver diffusion transfer film unit comprising photosensitive silver halide, silver precipitating nuclei, a stabilizing compound of the formulaXS(CH.sub.2).sub.n COORwherein X is a noble metal below silver in the Electromotive Series of Elements, n is 1, 2 or 3 and R is an alkyl or substituted alkyl group; and a compound of the formulaH.sub.x S.sub.y [(CH.sub.2).sub.b COOZ].sub.mwherein Z is hydrogen or alkyl, b is 1, 2 or 3, m=1 or 2, x=1 or 0 and y=1 or 2; when y=2, m=2 and x=0 and when y=1, m=1 and x=1.

Abstract: An electrode material is electrodeposited on a conductive substrate by contacting a first surface of the substrate with an electrolyte, establishing a vacuum at predetermined areas of the substrate opposite the surface containing the electrolyte, and causing a current flow in the areas of the conductive substrate where the vacuum has been established. Apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A stable high capacity battery employs a lead foil having cadmium plated on at least one side thereof to a thickness of about 0.1 to 3 mils as the anode.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward light-transmitting photochromic articles with low haze levels under illumination and processes for forming said articles without employing high temperature chemistry or heat treatments to initiate photochromism.