Patents Assigned to FlexPlay Technologies, Inc.
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Publication number: 20060126484Abstract: Apparatuses, products, devices and methods of manufacture consistent with the invention include optically readable media with at least one mechanism, chemical, agent, and/or process for limiting the time period that at least a portion of encoded information can be read and/or accessed by an optical beam and/or reader capable of reading the encoded information.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2005Publication date: June 15, 2006Applicant: Flexplay Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Arthur LeBlanc, Robert Thompson, Louis Cincotta, Edward Lindholm, Joseph Paulus
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Publication number: 20060105134Abstract: Apparatuses, products, devices and methods of manufacture consistent with the invention include optically readable media with at least one mechanism, chemical, agent, and/or process for limiting the time period that at least a portion of encoded information can be read and/or accessed by an optical beam and/or reader capable of reading the encoded information.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2005Publication date: May 18, 2006Applicant: Flexplay Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Arthur LeBlanc, Robert Thompson, Louis Cincotta, Edward Lindholm, Joseph Paulus
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Publication number: 20060002263Abstract: An optically readable media (10) has an information-encoding layer (16) and at least one color-forming layer (12) that embodies an optical readout-limiting mechanism. In a first embodiment the at least one color-forming layer contains an additive that does not interfere with the optical readability of the media for a duration of a readout period. The additive, upon exposure to a source of optical radiation that is suitable for reversing the color-forming layer from an optical readout inhibiting state to an optical readout enabling state, undergoes a transformation that maintains the color-forming layer in the optical readout inhibiting state. More specifically, exposure to the source causes the color-forming layer to photobleach and the additive to oxidize, where the oxidation of the additive permanently inhibits the optical readability of the media. The additive may be a leuco dye.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2005Publication date: January 5, 2006Applicant: Flexplay Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Marianne Krieg-Kowald
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Patent number: 6982109Abstract: An optically readable media (10) has an information-encoding layer (16) and at least one color-forming layer (12) that embodies an optical readout-limiting mechanism. In a first embodiment the at least one color-forming layer contains an additive that does not interfere with the optical readability of the media for a duration of a readout period. The additive, upon exposure to a source of optical radiation that is suitable for reversing the color-forming layer from an optical readout inhibiting state to an optical readout enabling state, undergoes a transformation that maintains the color-forming layer in the optical readout inhibiting state. More specifically, exposure to the source causes the color-forming layer to photobleach and the additive to oxidize, where the oxidation of the additive permanently inhibits the optical readability of the media. The additive may be a leuco dye.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2001Date of Patent: January 3, 2006Assignee: FlexPlay Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Marianne Krieg-Kowald
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Patent number: 6960382Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for making an optically readable storage media in which the reading beam passes through a bonding layer configured with a reactive material that transforms from an optically transparent state to an optically opaque state after exposure to a predefined stimulus, thereby inhibiting access to the data encoded on the optically readable storage media. The method includes steps of synthesizing a blocked dye combining the blocked dye with a carrier material curing the resultant combination deblocking the dye to produce a reduced dye in the resultant bonding layer exposing the optically readable storage media with the reactive material in its bonding layer to a predetermined stimulus. In a further aspect of the present invention methods and apparatus are provided for making an optically readable storage media wherein the reading light passes through the bonding layer and the data encoded information is encoded on the L1 substrate.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2004Date of Patent: November 1, 2005Assignee: FlexPlay Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert F. Thompson, Neil Exter, Yannis Bakos, Richard A. Minns, Larry Takiff
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Publication number: 20050213435Abstract: Systems and methods are described for inhibiting the readability of an optical media due to changes in a pseudo-reflective material that composes the optical media after the optical media has been exposed to air for a predetermined time. An optical media includes a data encoded component. At least a fraction of the data encoded component transforms from a substantially optically reflective state to a substantially optically non-reflective state as at-least-in-part a function of time from an initializing event. The systems and methods provide advantages because of low cost, limited content lifetime, avoidance of rental returns and minimum changes to existing manufacturing precesses.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2004Publication date: September 29, 2005Applicant: FlexPlay Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Yannis Bakos, Erik Brynjolfsson, Adam Heller, Ephraim Heller
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Publication number: 20050181169Abstract: Systems and methods are described for inhibiting the readability of an optical media due to changes in a pseudo-reflective material that composes the optical media after the optical media has been exposed to air for a predetermined time. An optical media includes a data encoded component. At least a fraction of the data encoded component transforms from a substantially optically reflective state to a substantially optically non-reflective state as at-least-in-part a function of time from an initializing event. The systems and methods provide advantages because of low cost, limited content lifetime, avoidance of rental returns and minimum changes to existing manufacturing processes.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2005Publication date: August 18, 2005Applicant: Flexplay Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Yannis Bakos, Erik Brynjolfsson
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Patent number: 6917579Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for making an optically readable storage media in which the reading beam passes through a bonding layer configured with a reactive material that transforms from an optically transparent state to an optically opaque state after exposure to a predefined stimulus, thereby inhibiting access to the data encoded on the optically readable storage media. The method includes steps of synthesizing a blocked dye combining the blocked dye with a carrier material curing the resultant combination deblocking the dye to produce a reduced dye in the resultant bonding layer exposing the optically readable storage media with the reactive material in its bonding layer to a predetermined stimulus. In a further aspect of the present invention methods and apparatus are provided for making an optically readable storage media wherein the reading light passes through the bonding layer and the data encoded information is encoded on the L1 substrate.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2002Date of Patent: July 12, 2005Assignee: FlexPlay Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert F. Thompson, Yannis Bakos, Arthur R. LeBlanc, III
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Publication number: 20050058800Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for making an optically readable media unreadable and tamper-resistant. A method is disclosed for making an optically readable media unreadable, as is a media that operates in accordance with the method. The method has steps of (a) providing the media with a readout surface layer that is non-flat (i.e., textured in some way, such as by embossing, scratching, depositing a non-planar layer or regions, such as droplets) and that inhibits optical readout of the media; (b) applying a coating layer to the non-flat surface layer to smooth the non-flat surface and to enable optical readout of the media; and, after an initiation of a readout period, (c) removing the coating layer so as to expose the non-flat readout surface layer, thereby inhibiting optical readout of the media. Preferably, the coating layer is substantially index matched to the readout surface layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2004Publication date: March 17, 2005Applicant: Flexplay Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Nabil Lawandy, Charles Zepp, Andrei Smuk, Marianne Krieg-Kowald
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Publication number: 20050037181Abstract: A method is disclosed for making an optically readable media (20) unreadable. The method includes steps of providing the media having a readout layer (22, 23) having features that encode information; forming over the readout layer a reactive layer (302) that inhibits a readout device from reading the information; and forming over the reactive layer a reaction inhibiting layer (304) comprising a volatile substance that inhibits transport through the reaction inhibiting layer until the volatile substance is lost to the environment. The reactive layer may contain a solvent and a dye and may be a color-forming layer that is responsive to a loss of the solvent. The solvent of the color-forming layer may comprise 1,5-dimethyl-2-pyrrolidinone (DMP), or it may comprise N-methyl-pyrrolidinone (NMP). The reaction inhibiting layer may also contain a solvent, such as any transparent, non-absorbing solvent. Glycerol is one suitable example.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2004Publication date: February 17, 2005Applicant: FlexPlay Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Nabil Lawandy
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Patent number: 6839316Abstract: System and methods are described for inhibiting the readability of an optical media due to changes in a pseudo-reflective material that composes the optical media after the optical media has been exposed to air for a predetermined time. An optical media includes a data encoded component. At least a fraction of the data encoded component transforms from a substantially optically reflective state to a substantially optically non-reflective state as at-least-in-part a function of time from an initializing event. The systems and methods provide advantages because of low cost, limited content lifetime, avoidance of rental returns and minimum changes to existing manufacturing processes.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2003Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: Flexplay Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Yannis Bakos, Erik Brynjolfsson, Adam Heller, Ephraim Heller
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Patent number: 6838144Abstract: Systems and methods are described for inhibiting the readability of an optical media due to changes in a pseudo-reflective material that composes the optical media after the optical media has been exposed to air for a predetermined time. An optical media includes a data encoded component. At least a fraction of the data encoded component transforms from a substantially optically reflective state to a substantially optically non-reflective state as at-least-in-part a function of time from an initializing event. The systems and methods provide advantages because of low cost, limited content lifetime, avoidance of rental returns and minimum changes to existing manufacturing processes.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2003Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: FlexPlay Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Yannis Bakos, Erik Brynjolfsson
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Publication number: 20040209034Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for making an optically readable storage media in which the reading beam passes through a bonding layer configured with a reactive material that transforms from an optically transparent state to an optically opaque state after exposure to a predefined stimulus, thereby inhibiting access to the data encoded on the optically readable storage media. The method includes steps of synthesizing a blocked dye combining the blocked dye with a carrier material curing the resultant combination deblocking the dye to produce a reduced dye in the resultant bonding layer exposing the optically readable storage media with the reactive material in its bonding layer to a predetermined stimulus. In a further aspect of the present invention methods and apparatus are provided for making an optically readable storage media wherein the reading light passes through the bonding layer and the data encoded information is encoded on the L1 substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2004Publication date: October 21, 2004Applicant: Flexplay Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert F. Tompson, Neil Exter, Yannis Bakos, Richard A. Minns, Larry Takiff
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Patent number: 6780564Abstract: “Methods and apparatus are provided for making an optically readable media unreadable and tamper-resistant. A method has steps of (a)providing the media with a readout surface layer that is non-flat (i.e., texture in some way, such as by embossing, scratching, depositing a non-flat layer or regions, such as droplets) and that inhibits optical readout of the media; (b) applying a coating layer to the non-flat surface layer to smooth the non-flat surface and to enable optical readout of the media; and, after an initiation of a readout period, (c) removing the coating layer so as to expose the non-flat readout surface layer, thereby inhibiting optical readout of the media. Preferably, the coating layer is substantially index matched to the readout surface layer.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2002Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: Flexplay Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Nabil M. Lawandy, Charles M. Zepp, Andrei Smuk, Marianne Krieg-Kowald
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Publication number: 20040152015Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2004Publication date: August 5, 2004Applicant: FlexPlay Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Nabil M. Lawandy, Charles M. Zepp, Kenneth S. Norland
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Patent number: 6756103Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for making an optically readable storage media in which the reading beam passes through a bonding layer configured with a reactive material that transforms from an optically transparent state to an optically opaque state after exposure to a predefined stimulus, thereby inhibiting access to the data encoded on the optically readable storage media. The method includes steps of synthesizing a blocked dye combining the blocked dye with a carrier material curing the resultant combination deblocking the dye to produce a reduced dye in the resultant bonding layer exposing the optically readable storage media with the reactive material in its bonding layer to a predetermined stimulus. In a further aspect of the present invention methods and apparatus are provided for making an optically readable storage media wherein the reading light passes through the bonding layer and the data encoded information is encoded on the L1 substrate.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2002Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Flexplay Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert F. Thompson, Neil Exter, Yannis Bakos, Richard A. Minns, Larry Takiff
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Patent number: 6709802Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2001Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Flexplay Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Nabil M. Lawandy, Charles M. Zepp, Kenneth S. Norland
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Publication number: 20040037994Abstract: Systems and methods are described for inhibiting the readability of an optical media due to changes in a pseudo-reflective material that composes the optical media after the optical media has been exposed to air for a predetermined time. An optical media includes a data encoded component. At least a fraction of the data encoded component transforms from a substantially optically reflective state to a substantially optically non-reflective state as at-least-in-part a function of time from an initializing event. The systems and methods provide advantages because of low cost, limited content lifetime, avoidance of rental returns and minimum changes to existing manufacturing processes.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2003Publication date: February 26, 2004Applicant: Flexplay Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Yannis Bakos, Erik Brynjolfsson
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Patent number: 6678239Abstract: A hermetically sealed package for an optical media disk includes an oxygen impermeable base and an oxygen impermeable cover layer superposed on the base. The base includes a central portion thereof spaced from the cover layer to form an enclosing chamber for the disk. The cover layer is sealed to the base by a circular seal defining a periphery of the enclosing chamber.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2002Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Flexplay Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Philip M. Clemens
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Patent number: 6641886Abstract: Systems and methods are described for inhibiting the readability of an optical media due to changes in a pseudo-reflective material that composes the optical media after the optical media has been exposed to air for a predetermined time. An optical media includes a data encoded component. At least a fraction of the data encoded component transforms from a substantially optically reflective state to a substantially optically non-reflective state as at-least-in-part a function of time from an initializing event. The systems and methods provide advantages because of low cost, limited content lifetime, avoidance of rental returns and minimum changes to existing manufacturing processes.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2000Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignee: Flexplay Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Yannis Bakos, Erik Brynjolfsson