Abstract: This invention is based upon the unexpected discovery that cured rubber can be devulcanized by heating it to a temperature of at least about 150° C. under a pressure of at least about 3.4×106 Pascals in the presence of a solvent selected from the group consisting of alcohols and ketones having a critical temperature within the range of about 200° C. to about 350° C. The molecular weight of the rubber can be maintained at a relatively high level if the devulcanization is carried out at a temperature of no more than about 300° C. This devulcanization technique does not significantly change the microstructure of the rubber. In other words, the devulcanized rubber can be recompounded and recured into useful articles in substantially the same way as was the original rubber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pixel circuit consisting of complementary N- and P-channel MOS field-effect transistors (or of thin-film transistors), a capacitor, and an organic light-emitting diode. This circuit stores a voltage signal that is used to control the amount of light emitted from the pixel by means of a CMOS inverter. This pixel circuit is used in a two-dimensional array to form an active-matrix OLED display. The amount of light emitted at each pixel during a frame time is controlled by dividing the frame time into many sub-frames (or fields) and changing the stored voltage at the beginning of each sub-frame in such a way that the integrated time a voltage is stored during a frame time determines the total amount of light emitted.

Abstract: This invention is based upon the unexpected discovery that the crosslinks in thermoset plastics can be broken by heating to a temperature of at least about 150.degree. C. under a pressure of at least about 3.4.times.10.sup.6 Pascals in the presence of 2-butanol. By utilizing the process of this invention, precious metals can be easily and economically recovered from electronic circuit boards. In this process, the crosslinks in the thermoset plastics in the circuit board break under conditions of heat and pressure in the presence of 2-butanol. After the crosslinks in the thermoset plastic break, the plastic material dissolves in the 2-butanol and can be removed by decanting. The remaining undissolved fiberglass mat and precious metal is removed by filtration, decanting or centrifugation. The precious metals which were entrapped in the thermoset plastic can be recovered from fiberglass on the circuit board by being melted.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pixel circuit consisting of MOS field-effect transistors (or of thin-film transistors), a capacitor, and an organic light-emitting diode that stores a voltage signal that is used to control the amount of light emitted from the pixel. This pixel circuit is used in a two-dimensional array to form an active-matrix OLED display. The amount of light emitted at each pixel during a frame time is controlled by dividing the frame time into many sub-frames and changing the stored voltage at the beginning of each sub-frame in such a way that the integrated time a voltage is stored during a frame time determines the total amount of light emitted.

Abstract: A method of activating an ultrasound contrast agent such that an increased number of microbubbles are produced and subsequent ultrasound images using the activated agent is enhanced. Hypobaric methods are disclosed which provide significant increases in bubble population per unit volume over unactivated solutions. The method is particularly useful for the activation of the dispersed phase in a gas or liquid in liquid emulsion.

Abstract: This invention is based upon the unexpected discovery that cured rubber can be devulcanized by heating it to a temperature of at least about 150.degree. C. under a pressure of at least about 3.4.times.10.sup.6 Pascals in the presence of 2-butanol. The molecular weight of the rubber can be maintained at a relatively high level if the devulcanization is carried out in the presence of the 2-butanol at a temperature of no more than about 300.degree. C. This devulcanization technique does not significantly change the microstructure of the rubber and it can accordingly be used in the same types of applications as was the original rubber. In other words, the devulcanized rubber can be recompounded and recurred into useful articles in substantially the same way as was the original rubber.

Abstract: A thin film light used in displays is disclosed. The thin film light is an organic light generating thin film located between two electrodes. One electrode facing the display is transparent, while another electrode is a reflective patterned electrode. The patterned electrode is aligned with pixel displays. At least one polarizer is used to provide a light or dark display background. The thin film light may be a backlight for transmission displays. Alternatively, the thin film light may be a frontlight for reflective displays, where display illumination and imaging are performed over the same front side of the reflective display.

Abstract: In the formation of organic light emitting diodes with a transparent top electrode, it was discovered that many of the materials used for this electrode can readily diffuse at room temperature into the organic films, creating shorts and otherwise compromising the performance of the diode. A solution to this problem is disclosed which involves a method for the creation of a diffusion barrier which prevents diffusion of electrode materials into the substrate while enhancing the ability of the OLED to emit light through the top electrode.