Abstract: The present invention is directed to continuous reaction processes for preparing a glycolide/L-lactide copolymer formulation by continuously introducing glycolide monomer, L-lactide monomer, initiator and optionally a catalyst into at least one continuous reactor vessel under dry nitrogen environment, wherein the monomers, initiator, and optional catalyst are mixed at a first lower temperature and then transferred to a second continuous reactor operating at a second higher temperature, and then exothermally reacting and maintaining at a steady state, the blend of glycolide monomer, lactide monomer, initiator and optional catalyst to produce a PLGA copolymer reaction product.

Abstract: A method for activating an optical article includes providing an optical article, wherein at least one mark is disposed on the optical article, wherein the mark comprises an optical-state change material in an initial state, the initial state preventing the optical article from being read by a player; deriving an unlock code by cryptographic operations on an optical article operatively coupled with a POS equipment and a data input from a medium encrypted with a cryptographic algorithm; deriving a toggling signal from an unlock code, and applying the toggling signal to the at least one mark resulting in changing the optical-state change material to a final state, the final state allowing the optical article to be read by the player; wherein the toggling signal comprises a set of values corresponding to the respective states of each of a plurality of marks on the surface of the optical article, and wherein applying the toggling signal results in setting each of the marks to either one of an initial state or a f

Abstract: An optical article for playback in a player includes a first file comprising a first control logic; and a second file comprising a second control logic. The first file is configured to direct the player to play a first content data stored on the optical article, when the first control logic is read by the player. The player is directed to read the second file if the player cannot read the first file. The second file is configured to direct the player to play a second content data stored on the article when the second control logic is read by the player. The optical article includes a mark containing an optical state change material disposed on at least a portion of the first file, wherein the mark is in one of a first optical state or a second optical state, and wherein the first control logic can be read only when the mark is in the second optical state.

Abstract: An optical article comprising a first file encoded on the optical article comprising data structure information; a second file encoded on the optical article comprising a backup of the first file; wherein at least one of the first file or the second file must be fully readable for the player to read the data on the optical article; and a mark disposed on at least a portion of the optical article where the first file is encoded and at least a portion of the optical article where the second file is encoded; wherein the mark comprises an optical state change material; wherein the optical state change material undergoes a change in its optical state when exposed to an activation signal selected from one or more of a laser, thermal energy, infrared rays, X-rays, gamma rays, microwaves, visible light, ultraviolet light, ultrasound waves, radio frequency waves, electrical energy, chemical energy, magnetic energy, and mechanical energy; wherein the optical article is transformed from a pre-activated state to an activ

Abstract: An optical article comprising a plurality of optically detectable marks disposed on a surface of the optical article; a removable electrical device disposed on the surface of the optical article; wherein the electrical device is operatively coupled to the optical article; and wherein the electrical device is configured to interact with an activation signal when brought in direct contact with a communication device that applies the activation signal to the electrical device. A removable electrical device is also provided. A system and a method for activation are also provided.

Abstract: An equipment comprising a receptacle for receiving an optical article; a first set of electrical connectors configured to be in direct contact with a second set of electrical connectors disposed on the optical article, when the optical article is received by the receptacle; an activation device operably coupled with the first set of electrical connectors; wherein the activation device is configured to generate an activation signal which is transmitted to the second set of electrical connectors by the first set of electrical connectors, wherein an electrical device is configured to provide a power component to the optical article via the first set of electrical connectors and the second set of electrical connectors which are in direct contact. A system comprising the equipment is also provided. Also provided is a checkout device.

Abstract: An optical article comprising a primary mark disposed on the optical article and a secondary mark disposed on the optical article in close proximity to the primary mark. The primary mark comprises a first optical-state change material and the secondary mark comprises a second optical-state change material. The optical article is transformed from a pre-activated state to an activated state when a localized authorized activation method is used that selectively activates the primary mark. The optical article is transformed from a pre-activated state to an deactivated state when a non-localized unauthorized activation method is used that activates the secondary mark along with the primary mark resulting in the second optical-state change material undergoing a reverse color change when compared to the first optical-state change material. An optical article with a single mark including multiple color change optical-state change material is also disclosed.

Abstract: An activation system for optical media in one embodiment includes a tag having at least one pair of conductors with at least one heating element coupled to the conductors. The heating element is oriented proximate one or more activation regions on the optical media, and wherein the heating element activates the optical media. The tag in one embodiment is an elongate flexible tag material with a number of conductors that couple on one end to heating elements wherein the heating elements are disposed within a media case such that they are proximate activation regions on a media article.

Abstract: An optical article for playback in a player, the optical article including at least one sector having data, and a mark disposed in a predetermined relationship with the at least one sector, wherein the mark renders a portion of the data generally unreadable. The optical article further includes error correction code associated with the at least one sector, wherein data within the error correction code is configured as partially corrupted. The inclusion of partially corrupted error correction code reduces the size of the mark or spot required to render the data sector uncorrectable.

Abstract: An optical article for playback in a player includes at least one sector comprising a first control logic configured to set the value of a first register, the first register having a default value before it is set, and a non-default value after it is set, and a first command to be read sequentially after the sector. The first command is configured to direct the player to play a first content on the article if the first register is set to the default value and to direct the player to play a second content on the article if the first register is set to the non-default value. The optical article includes a mark containing an optical state change material disposed on the sector, wherein the mark is in one of a first optical state or a second optical state, and wherein the first control logic can be read only when the mark is in the second optical state.

Abstract: A method of changing a functionality of an optical article is provided. The method includes exposing the optical article to an external stimulus. The optical article includes an electrically responsive layer being configured to transform from a first optical state to a second optical state upon exposure to the external stimulus. The electrically responsive layer is configured to transform from a first optical state to a second optical state upon exposure to an external stimulus, and is capable of irreversibly transforming the optical article from the pre-activated state of functionality to the activated state of functionality.

Abstract: A method of printing comprising, placing a plurality of optically detectable marks on an optical article using a ink-jet printing method, wherein a mark of the plurality of marks has a thickness of less than or equal to about 1 micrometer, and wherein the plurality of optically detectable marks have uniform thickness.

Abstract: An optical article with a plurality of optically detectable marks on a first surface of the optical article, wherein a mark of the plurality of marks has a thickness of less than or equal to about 1 micrometer, and wherein the plurality of optically detectable marks have uniform thickness.

Abstract: An optical article comprising a mark disposed on the optical article; wherein the mark comprises an optical state change material; wherein the optical state change material undergoes a change in its optical state when exposed to an activation signal selected from one or more of a laser, thermal energy, infrared rays, X-rays, gamma rays, microwaves, visible light, ultraviolet light, ultrasound waves, radio frequency waves, electrical energy, chemical energy, magnetic energy, and mechanical energy; wherein the optical article is transformed from a pre-activated state to an activated state when an authorized activation method is used; and wherein the optical article is transformed from a pre-activated state to an incorrectly activated state when an unauthorized activation method is used. A method and a system for changing the functionality of the optical article are also provided.

Abstract: A system for altering a functionality of an optical article from a pre-activated state to an activated state, comprising an optical article comprising an optical data layer for storing data, an external radiation source for generating an external stimulus adapted to interact with the optical article, such interaction causing a change in optical accessibility of optically stored data, a directing material, wherein said directing material is for directing the external stimulus to selective portions of the optical article, thereby altering the functionality of the optical article from a pre-activated state to an activated state; a convertible element capable of responding to the external stimulus to irreversibly alter the optical article from the pre-activated state of functionality to the activated state of functionality, wherein said convertible element comprises a color-shift dye, a magnetic material, a thermo-chromic material, a magneto-optical material, a light scattering material, a phase-change material,

Abstract: An optical article for playback in a player includes a plurality of optically detectable marks disposed on a surface of the optical article; wherein the plurality of optically detectable marks are in a pre-determined combination of a first state and a second state; and at least one first control logic comprising at least one sector; wherein each optically detectable mark is associated with a particular first control logic; wherein each first control logic is executed only when its associated optically detectable mark is in a pre-determined state; and wherein a customized player-readable code is determined using a combination of the plurality of optically detectable marks and their associated first control logic. A method of making the optical article, a method of customizing the optical article, a method and a system for the playback of the optical article are also included.

Abstract: An electrically responsive ink composition comprising at least one electrically responsive optical-state change material, at least one electrolyte material, at least one solvent, and at least one binder material, wherein the ink composition has a viscosity between about 0.1 centipoise and about 10,000 centipoise, and a maximum optical absorbance in a range from about 200 nanometers to about 800 nanometers; and wherein the ink composition is capable of transforming from a first optical state to a second optical state upon exposure to an electrical stimulus. The electrically responsive ink composition may be used to deposit an electrically responsive coating composition, which may be used as part of an anti-theft system for optical articles. Articles comprising electrically responsive coating compositions are also disclosed, as are methods for activation.

Abstract: A thermochromic ink composition comprises at least one thermochromic optical-state change material, at least one thermally responsive pH modifier, and at least one base and at least one binder material. The quantity of the thermally responsive pH modifier is less than or equal to about 0.25 milli moles based on the amount of optical-state change material. The ink composition is capable of transforming from a first optical state to a second optical state upon exposure to a thermal stimulus. The thermochromic ink composition may comprise a nitro dye. A thermochromic coating composition formed using the thermochromic ink composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wirelessly powered flexible tag configured to be in contact with a substrate is provided. The tag includes a coupling layer configured to couple the tag to the substrate. An electrical circuit disposed on the coupling layer and configured to interact wirelessly with an external stimulus. The tag further includes at least one electrode or at least one heating element in operative association with the electrical circuit, and configured to generate electrical energy or thermal energy, respectively. Upon wireless interaction with the external stimulus the tag is configured to induce an electrical response, a thermal response, or a combination of both in the substrate.

Abstract: A thermally responsive ink composition consisting of at least one halochromic optical-state change material, at least one base, at least one solvent, and at least one binder material. The pH of the ink composition is such that the halochromic optical-state change material remains in its basic state until it is acted upon by a thermal stimulus. The ink composition is capable of transforming from a first optical state to a second optical state upon a change in pH caused by exposure to a thermal stimulus. A thermally responsive ink composition consisting of at least one quaternary onium salt of an halochromic optical-state change material, at least one solvent, and at least one binder material is also disclosed. Coating compositions prepared using these ink compositions and optical articles comprising these coating compositions are also disclosed.