US3597043A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Nematic liquid crystal optical elements
Assignee: Polacoat Inc
•
Filing: 1969-05-02
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Granted: 1971-08-03
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Expires: 1989-05-02
Abstract
Abstract The production of visible motion patterns in a thin film of a nematic liquid crystal compound by inducing physical movement of the film, the film being formed between support plates at least one of which is transparent or translucent, means being provided to effect movement within the liquid crystal film.
Inventors
- 👤 John F Dreyer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 15:35
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01H; G01H9/00; G01H9/002; G02; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/01; G02F1/13; G02F1/133; G02F1/1333; G02F1/1337; G02F1/133711; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S359/00; Y10S359/90
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
17 words
The optical display device claimed in claim 1 wherein said lubricating film comprises a cationic wetting agent.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
28 words
The optical display device claimed in claim 1 wherein a lubricating film is on the surface of each of said plates in contact with said liquid crystal film.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The optical display device claimed in claim 1 wherein a light polarizing filter is associated with at least one of said supporting plates.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The optical display device claimed in claim 4 wherein both of said supporting plates are transparent or translucent, and wherein a light polarizing filter is associated with each of said supporting plates.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The optical display device claimed in claim 1 wherein one of said supporting surfaces has a light reflecting surface facing said liquid crystal film.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
41 words
The optical display device claimed in claim 1 wherein the means for moving said liquid crystal film comprises means connected to one of said supporting plates for effecting movement of said last named plate relative to the other of said plates.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The optical display device claimed in claim 7 wherein the said plate moving means comprises a means for converting electric or magnetic energy into mechanical energy.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
The optical display device claimed in claim 1 wherein the means for moving said liquid crystal film comprises a means responsive to acoustic vibrations.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
37 words
The optical display device claimed in claim 9 wherein the means responsive to acoustic vibrations comprises one of said supporting plates, said last named plate comprising a sheet sensitive to acoustic vibrations and acting as a diaphragm.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
34 words
The optical display device claimed in claim 9 wherein the means responsive to acoustic vibrations compriSes particles dispersed in said liquid crystal film which are of a size to be responsive to acoustic vibrations.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
39 words
The optical display device claimed in claim 1 wherein the means for moving said liquid crystal film comprises metallic particles dispersed in said liquid crystal film, said particles being responsive to an applied source of electric or magnetic energy.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
66 words
A method of effecting a change in birefringence of a nematic liquid crystal film which comprises the steps of supporting said film between plates at least of which is transparent or translucent, including the step of interposing a film or lubricant between at least one of said supporting plates and said liquid crystal film, an d moving said liquid crystal film relative to said supporting plates,
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method claimed in claim 13 including the step of inducing relative movement of said supporting plates by converting electric or magnetic energy to mechanical energy, and applying said mechanical energy to one of said plates.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method claimed in claim 13 including the step of inducing relative movement of said plates by making one of said plates a diaphragm responsive to acoustic vibrations, and applying a source of acoustic energy to said last named plate.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method claimed in claim 13 including the step of providing a light polarizing filter on one side of said liquid crystal film.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method claimed in claim 16 including the step of providing a light polarizing filter in the other side of said liquid crystal film.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method claimed in claim 13 including the step of providing the other of said plates with a reflective surface facing said liquid crystal film.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method claimed in claim 13 including the step of forming a surface oriented pattern on the inner surface of a plate which is transparent or translucent.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-08-02 | 1975-02-01 | 1975-08-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-08-02 | 1979-02-01 | 1979-08-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-08-02 | 1983-02-01 | 1983-08-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |