Display apparatus and chronometer utilizing optically variable liquid

Claim 2

A chronometer for providing a visible display indicative of time, comprising: 9a first optically visible state, display means including at least one body of optically variable liquid in a first optically visible state, a reflecting electrode, and a transparent electrode disposed a predetermined distance from and at a predetermined angle with respect to said reflecting electrode, said body of optically variable liquid disposed between and in engagement with said electrodes whereby said body of optically variable liquid is provided with portions of varying thickness; means for providing pulses at a predetermined frequency related to said time; and means for receiving said pulses and for converting said pulses into drive signals at a predetermined frequency related to said time and for applying said drive signals to said electrodes whereby longitudinal electric fields are developed and applied by said electrodes to said body of optically variable liquid to cause said body of optically variable liquid to change periodically from said first optically visible state to a second optically visible state and periodically reflect received incident light and provide said visible display indicative of time.

Claim 3

A chronometer for providing a visible display indicative of time, comprising: means for providing pulses at a first predetermined frequency related to said time; display means including a plurality of bodies of optically variable liquid arranged in a predetermined manner, said bodies of optically variable liquid normally in a first optically visible state; and means for receiving said pulses at said first predetermined frequency and for converting said pulses into drive signals at a second predetermined frequency indicative of said time and for developing from said drive signals predetermined electric fields occurring at said second predetermined frequency and for selectively applying said electric fields across said bodies of optically variable liquid at said second predetermined frequency from said first optically visible state to a second optically visible state and thereby provide said visible display indicative of time.

Claim 4

A chronometer for providing a visible display indicative of time, comprising: means for providing pulses at a first predetermined frequency related to said time; display means including a plurality of bodies of optically variable liquid arranged in a predetermined manner, said bodies of optically variable liquid normally in a first optically visible state; and means for receiving said pulses at said first predetermined frequency and for converting said pulses into drive signals at a second predetermined frequency indicative of said time and for developing from said drive signals predetermined electric fields occurring at said second predetermined frequency and for selectively applying said electric fields across said bodies of optically variable liquid at said second predetermined frequency from said first optically visible state to a second optically visible state and thereby provide said visible display indicative of time.

Claim 5

Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said plurality of bodies of optically variable liquid are arranged and configured in a predetermined manner to provide a digital display, and wherein said last recited means includes a binary-to-digital converter.

Claim 6

Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said plurality of bodies of optically variable liquid are arranged and configured in a predetermined manner to provide an analog-digital display, and wereein said means for receiving and converting said pulses includes a binary-to-decimal converter.

Claim 7

A chronometer according to claim 2 wherein said last recited means includes a shift register including a plurality of stages wherein predetermined ones of said plurality of stages are interconnected with predetermined ones of said plurality of bodies of optically variable liquid, and wherein said last recited means further includes delay means interconnected between the first and last stages of said shift register and for applying the output of the last stage to the first stage delayed by a predetermined amount of delay, said shift register for receiving said pulses at said predetermined frequency and upon the receipt of said pulses, said predetermined ones of said shift register stages provide output signals which comprise said drive signals.

Claim 8

A chronometer according to claim 2 wherein said last recited means includes a driver connected between each body of optically variable liquid and the shift register stage to which the body of optically variable liquid is connected, each of said drivers for receiving the output signal of the shift register stage to whcih it is connected and for amplifying said output signal and wherein said electric fields are developed from said amplified output signals.

Claim 9

Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said first optically visible state is a transparent state and said second optically visible state is a light scattering state.

Claim 10

Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said first optically visible state is a light scattering state and said second optically visible state is a transparent state.

Claim 11

A chronometer according to claim 2 wherein said last recited means includes: a first voltage low voltage shift register including a predetermined number of stages; first delay means interconnecting the last and first stages of said first shift register and for the output of said last stage to the input of said first stage delayed by a predetermined amount of delay; a first plurality of high voltage drivers, the input of each of said drivers interconnected with the output of a predetermined stage of said first shift register; a second low voltage shift register including a predetermined number of stages; second delay means interconnecting the last and first stages of said second shift register and for applying the output of said last stage to the input of said first stage delayed by a predetermined amount of delay; a second plurality of high voltage drivers, the input of each of said drivers interconnected with the output of a predetermined stage of said second shift register; a plurality of high voltage diodes, said diodes arranged in a matrix having rows equal in number to said first plurality of high voltage drivers and having columns equal in number to said second Plurality of high voltage drivers; the output of each of said high voltage drivers of said first plurality of high voltage drivers being applied to the high voltage diodes in a predetermined row of said matrix; the output of each of said high voltage drivers of said second plurality of high voltage drivers applied to the diodes in a predetermined column of said matrix; signal input means for receiving said pulses at said predetermined frequency and for applying said pulses as shift pulses simultaneously in parallel to all the stages of said first and said second low voltage shift registers; and upon each of said shift registers receiving said shift pulses and upon the output of the last stage of each respective shift register being applied to the first stage of each respective shift register by said respective delay means, said stages of said respective shift registers being activated sequentially and applying low voltage output signals sequentially to their respectively interconnected drivers and said drivers amplifying said low voltage signals to high voltage signals and applying said high voltage signals sequentially to said respectively interconnected rows and columns of said diode matrix, and upon the sequential coincidence of a high voltage signal from said first plurality of drivers with a high voltage signal from said second plurality of drivers at each of said high voltage diodes said diodes being activated in a predetermined sequence to provide said drive signals.

Claim 12

A chronometer for providing a plurality of visible displays indicative of a plurality of units of time, comprising: a plurality of time read-out displays equal in number to said plurality of units of time and each of said displays for providing a visible display indicative of one of said units of time, and each of said displays including a plurality of bodies of optically variable liquid arranged in a predetermined manner and normally in a first optically visible state; time standard means for providing pulses at a predetermined frequency; counter means for receiving said pulses and for converting said pulses into a plurality of trains of time pulses with each of said trains of time pulses being at a different predetermined frequency and related to one of said units of time; and addressing means for receiving said plurality of trains of time pulses and for converting said trains of time pulses into respective trains of drive signals at respective frequencies the same as that of the respective trains of time pulses from which said drive signals are converted, and said addressing means for applying said trains of drive signals to respective predetermined time read-out displays to cause said bodies of optically variable liquid of each of said respective time read-out displays to change from said first optically visible state into a second optically visible state in a predetermined sequence and at a frequency the same as that of the respective drive signals applied thereto and to cause said changed bodies of optically variable liquid to provide one of said plurality of visible displays indicative of one of said units of time.

Claim 13

A chronometer for providing a plurality of visible displays indicative of a plurality of units of time, comprising: a plurality of time read-out displays equal in number to said plurality of units of time and each of said displays for providing a visible display indicative of one of said units of time, and each of said displays including a plurality of bodies of optically variable liquid arranged in a predetermined manner and normally in a first optically visible state; time standard means for providing pulses at a predetermined frequency; counter means for receiving said pulses and for converting said pulses into a plurality of trains of time pulses with each of said trains of time pulses being at a different predetermined frequency and related to one of said units of time; and addressing means for receiving said plurality of trains of time pulses and for converting said trains of time pulses into respective trains of drive signals at respective frequencies the same as that of the respective trains of time pulses from which said drive signals are converted, and said addressing means for applying said trains of drive signals to respective predetermined time read-out displays to cause said bodies of optically variable liquid of each of said respective time read-out displays to change from said first optically visible state into a second optically visible state in a predetermined sequence and at a frequency the same as that of the respective drive signals applied thereto and to cause said changed bodies of optically variable liquid to provide one of said plurality of visible displays indicative of one of said units of time.

Claim 14

Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein said plurality of bodies of optically variable liquid of each of said time read-out displays are arranged in a predetermined manner to provide a digital display, and wherein said addressing means for receiving said plurality of trains of time pulses includes a plurality of binary-to-digital converters.

Claim 15

Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein said plurality of bodies of optically variable liquid of each of said time read-out displays are arranged and configured in a predetermined manner to provide an analog-digital display, and wherein said addressing means for receiving said plurality of trains of time pulses includes a binary-to-decimal converter.

Claim 16

Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein said first optically visible state is a transparent state and said second optically visible staTe is a light scattering state.

Claim 17

Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein said first optically visible state is a light scattering state and said second optically visible state is a transparent state.

Claim 18

A chronometer for providing a plurality of visible time read-out displays, indicative of a plurality of units of time, comprising: means for providing pulses at a predetermined frequency; means providing a first shift register including a first predetermined number of stages and first delay means interconnected between the last and first stages of said shift register, said first delay means for applying the output of said last stage delayed by a first predetermined amount of delay to said first stage as input pulses for said first shift register, all of said stages of said first shift register for receiving in parallel said pulses at said predetermined frequency which received pulses act as shift pulses for said first shift register; a first time read-out display including a plurality of bodies of optically variable liquid arranged in a predetermined configuration, said bodies of optically variable liquid normally in a first optically visible state; predetermined ones of said stages of said first shift register electrically interconnected with said first time read-out display and said predetermined stages of said first shift register, upon the occurrence of said shift pulses and said input pulses for providing first drive signals to said first time read-out display to cause predetermined ones of said bodies of optically variable liquid to change from said first optically visible state to a second optically visible state in a first predetermined manner and thereby provide a first visible time read-out display indicative of one of said units of time; means providing a second shift register including a second predetermined number of stages and second delay means interconnected between the last and first stages of said shift register, said second delay means for applying the output of said last stage delayed by a second predetermined amount of delay in said first stage as input pulses for said second shift register, all of said stages of said second shift register interconnected with the last stage of said first shift register and for receiving in parallel pulses from said last stage of said first shift register which received pulses act as shift pulses for said second shift register; a second time read-out display including a plurality of bodies of optically variable liquid arranged in a predetermined configuration, said bodies of optically variable liquid normally in a transparent state; and predetermined ones of said stages of said second shift register being electrically interconnected with said second time read-out display and said predetermined stages of said second shift register, upon the occurrence of said shift pulses and said input pulses, for providing second drive signals to said second time read-out display to cause predetermined ones of said bodies of optically variable liquid to change from said first optically visible state to a second optically visible state in a second predetermined manner and thereby provide a second visible time read-out display indicative of another of said units of time.

Claim 19

A chronometer for providing a plurality of visible time read-out displays, indicative of a plurality of units of time, comprising: means for providing pulses at a predetermined frequency; means providing a first shift register including a first predetermined number of stages and first delay means interconnected between the last and first stages of said shift register, said first delay means for applying the output of said last stage delayed by a first predetermined amount of delay to said first stage as input pulses for said first shift register, all of said stages of said first shift register for receiving in parallel said pulses at said predetermined frequency which received pulses act as shift pulses for said first shift register; a first time read-out display including a plurality of bodies of optically variable liquid arranged in a predetermined configuration, said bodies of optically variable liquid normally in a first optically visible state; predetermined ones of said stages of said first shift register electrically interconnected with said first time read-out display and said predetermined stages of said first shift register, upon the occurrence of said shift pulses and said input pulses for providing first drive signals to said first time read-out display to cause predetermined ones of said bodies of optically variable liquid to change from said first optically visible state to a second optically visible state in a first predetermined manner and thereby provide a first visible time read-out display indicative of one of said units of time; means providing a second shift register including a second predetermined number of stages and second delay means interconnected between the last and first stages of said shift register, said second delay means for applying the output of said last stage delayed by a second predetermined amount of delay in said first stage as input pulses for said second shift register, all of said stages of said second shift register interconnected with the last stage of said first shift register and for receiving in parallel pulses from said last stage of said first shift register which received pulses act as shift pulses for said second shift register; a second time read-out display including a plurality of bodies of optically variable liquid arranged in a predetermined configuration, said bodies of optically variable liquid normally in a transparent state; and predetermined ones of said stages of said second shift register being electrically interconnected with said second time read-out display and said predetermined stages of said second shift register, upon the occurrence of said shift pulses and said input pulses, for providing second drive signals to said second time read-out display to cause predetermined ones of said bodies of optically variable liquid to change from said first optically visible state to a second optically visible state in a second predetermined manner and thereby provide a second visible time read-out display indicative of another of said units of time.

Claim 20

A chronometer for providing a sequentially varying visible display having at least one sequentially varying optically visible state indicative of time, comprising: means for providing electrical pulses at a predetermined frequency related to said time; a body of semiconductive material having at least one integrated shift register circuit including a plurality of stages formed therein; a delay circuit, said delay circuit interconnecting the last stage with the first stage of said shift register and for applying the output of said last stage delayed by a predetermined amount of delay to said first stage as input pulses for said shift register; a plurality of reflecting electrodes formed on said body of sEmiconductive material with each reflecting electrode electrically associated with a predetermined one of said shift register stages; a body of transparent material; a transparent electrode formed on said body of transparent material and said transparent electrode being electrically common to all of said reflecting electrodes; said body of transparent material being positioned in opposed, predetermined spaced relationship with respect to said body of semiconductive material, and said transparent electrode being positioned in opposed predetermined spaced relationship with respect to said reflecting electrodes; a body of optically variable liquid disposed between, and in intimate mechanical and electrical engagement with said common transparent electrode and all of said reflecting electrodes, said optically variable liquid normally in a first optically visible state; means for sealing said body of optically variable liquid between said transparent electrode and said reflecting electrodes; means electrically associated with said transparent electrode and said body of semiconductive material and for receiving said electrical pulses at said predetermined frequency and for applying said pulses to said common transparent electrode and in parallel to all of said stages of said shift register as shift pulses; upon the occurrence of said input pulses and said shift pulses, said shift register stages being activated sequentially at said predetermined frequency to provide first predetermined signals at said predetermined frequency and upon said first predetermined signals being applied sequentially to said transparent electrode and to said reflecting electrodes, said transparent and said reflecting electrodes establishing predetermined electric fields sequentially at said predetermined frequency across predetermined portions of said optically variable liquid positioned between said transparent electrode and said reflecting electrodes to which said first predetermined signals are applied to cause said predetermined portions of said optically variable liquid to change sequentially at said predetermined frequency from said first optically visible state to a second optically visible state and thereby provide a sequentially varying second optically visible state indicative of time.

Claim 21

A chronometer for providing a sequentially varying visible display having at least one sequentially varying optically visible state indicative of time, comprising: means for providing electrical pulses at a predetermined frequency related to said time; a body of semiconductive material having at least one integrated shift register circuit including a plurality of stages formed therein; a delay circuit, said delay circuit interconnecting the last stage with the first stage of said shift register and for applying the output of said last stage delayed by a predetermined amount of delay to said first stage as input pulses for said shift register; a plurality of reflecting electrodes formed on said body of sEmiconductive material with each reflecting electrode electrically associated with a predetermined one of said shift register stages; a body of transparent material; a transparent electrode formed on said body of transparent material and said transparent electrode being electrically common to all of said reflecting electrodes; said body of transparent material being positioned in opposed, predetermined spaced relationship with respect to said body of semiconductive material, and said transparent electrode being positioned in opposed predetermined spaced relationship with respect to said reflecting electrodes; a body of optically variable liquid disposed between, and in intimate mechanical and electrical engagement with said common transparent electrode and all of said reflecting electrodes, said optically variable liquid normally in a first optically visible state; means for sealing said body of optically variable liquid between said transparent electrode and said reflecting electrodes; means electrically associated with said transparent electrode and said body of semiconductive material and for receiving said electrical pulses at said predetermined frequency and for applying said pulses to said common transparent electrode and in parallel to all of said stages of said shift register as shift pulses; upon the occurrence of said input pulses and said shift pulses, said shift register stages being activated sequentially at said predetermined frequency to provide first predetermined signals at said predetermined frequency and upon said first predetermined signals being applied sequentially to said transparent electrode and to said reflecting electrodes, said transparent and said reflecting electrodes establishing predetermined electric fields sequentially at said predetermined frequency across predetermined portions of said optically variable liquid positioned between said transparent electrode and said reflecting electrodes to which said first predetermined signals are applied to cause said predetermined portions of said optically variable liquid to change sequentially at said predetermined frequency from said first optically visible state to a second optically visible state and thereby provide a sequentially varying second optically visible state indicative of time.

Claim 22

A chronometer according to claim 16 wherein said stages of said integrated shift register are formed in predetermined portions of said body of semiconductive material in a predetermined geometric pattern and wherein said reflecting electrodes are formed on said body of semiconductive material in substantially said same predetermined geometric pattern and wherein said reflecting electrodes are electrically associated with said stages by being formed on said body of semiconductive material in direct mechanical and electrical contact with said predetermined portions of said body of semi-conductive material having said stages formed therein.

Claim 23

Apparatus according to claim 16 wherein said transparent electrode is evaporated, sputtered or sprayed directly on said body of transparent material and said transparent electrode is chosen from a group of materials consisting of tin oxide, indium oxide and indium-antimony oxide.

Claim 24

Apparatus according to claim 16 wherein said body of transparent material is glass.

Claim 25

A chronometer according to claim 16 wherein said reflecting electrodes are formed on said body of semiconductive material in a predetermined geometric pattern and wherein said chronometer further includes a plurality of lands provided on said body of semiconductive material intermediate said shfit register stages and said reflecting electrodes and for electrically associating said shift register stages with said reflecting electrodes.

Claim 26

A chronometer according to claim 16 wherein said reflecting electrodes are provided in predetermined physical configurations.

Claim 27

A chronometer according to claim 16 wherein said second optically visible state is a light scattering state and wherein reflecting electrodes have predetermined normally visible indicia formed therein which indicia are obscured by said portions of optically variable liquid when in said light scattering state.

Claim 28

A chronometer according to claim 16 wherein said means for providing said electrical pulses at said predetermined frequency includes a piezoelectric crystal oscillator for providing electrical pulses at a frequency higher than said predetermined frequency and a counter for receiving said pulses at said higher frequency and for counting said pulses down to said predetermined frequency.

Claim 29

Apparatus according to claim 16 further comprising: a plurality of integrated drive circuits, formed in said body of semiconductive material, each drive circuit interconnected between one of said shift register stages and the reflecting electrode electrically associated therewith, said drive circuits for receiving said first predetermined signals and for amplifying said first predetermined signals into second predetermined signals; and wherein said second predetermined signals are applied sequentially to said transparent electrode and said reflecting electrodes to establish said longitudinal electric fields.

Claim 30

Apparatus according to claim 16 wherein said reflecting electrodes are formed in said body of semiconductive material by being evaporated directly on said body of active material and wherein said reflecting electrodes are chosen from a group of materials consisting of aluminum, gold, silver and combinations thereof.

Claim 31

Apparatus according to claim 25 wherein each of said reflecting electrodes further includes a transparent coating for rendering said reflecting electrodes chemically inert with respect to said body of optically variable liquid.

Claim 32

Apparatus according to claim 26 wherein said coating is chosen from a group of materials consisting of tin oxide, indium oxide and indium-antimony oxide.

Claim 33

Apparatus according to claim 16 wherein said predetermined electric fields are longitudinal electric fields.

Claim 34

Apparatus according to claim 16 wherein said body of optically variable liquid is mesomorphic matter.

Claim 35

Apparatus according to claim 16 wherein said mesomorphic matter is nematic liquid crystal material.

Claim 36

Apparatus according to claim 16 wherein said mesomorphic matter is smectic liquid crystal material.

Claim 37

Apparatus according to claim 16 wherein said mesomorphic matter is cholesteric material and wherein upon said application of said first predetermined signals to said transparent electrode and said reflecting electrodes, said electrodes produce heat which heat causes predetermined portions of said cholesteric material to change into a predetermined color and thereby provide said second optically visible state.

Claim 38

Apparatus according to claim 30 wherein said nematic liquid crystal material includes a predetermined dye molecule and wherein upon the establishment of said predetermined electric fields across predetermined portions of said nematic liquid crystal material, said fields cause said predetermined portions of said material to change color and thereby provide said second optically visible state.

Claim 39

Apparatus according to claim 31 wherein said smectic liquid crystal material includes a predetermined dye molecule and wherein upon the establishment of said predetermined electric fields across predetermined portions of said smectic liquid crystal material, said fields cause said predetermined portions of said material to change color and thereby provide said second optically visible state.

Claim 40

Apparatus according to claim 32 wherein said cholesteric material includes a predetermined dye molecule and upon said production of said heat said predetermined portions of said cholesteric material changes into a different predetermined color to provide said second optically visible state.

Claim 41

Apparatus according to claim 16 wherein said optically variable liquid is a metallic dipole suspension whose normal sTate is a light scattering state which provides said first optically visible state, and wherein upon the establishment of said predetermined electric fields, predetermined portions of said suspension undergoing a reorientation and being changed into a transparent state and thereby providing said second optically visible state.

Claim 42

Apparatus according to claim 16 wherein said optically variable liquid is pleochroic material and wherein upon the establishment of said predetermined electric fields, predetermined portions of said pleochroic material changing color and to thereby provide said second optically visible state.

Claim 43

Apparatus according to claim 16 wherein said first optically visible state is a transparent state and wherein said second optically visible state is a light scattering state.

Claim 44

Apparatus according to claim 16 wherein said first optically visible state is a light scattering state and wherein said second optically visible state is a transparent state.

Claim 45

A chronometer according to claim 16 further comprising: at least one additional body of semiconductive material having at least one integrated shift register circuit including a plurality of stages formed therein, said plurality of stages being different in number than the number of stages of the first said shift register, and of the stages of said shift register circuit formed in said additional body of semiconductive material being connected in parallel to the last stage of the first said shift register circuit and for receiving signals therefrom as shift pulses; a delay circuit interconnecting the last stage with the first stage of the second said shift register circuit and for applying the output of the last stage thereof delayed by a prdetermined amount of delay to the first stage as input pulses for the second said shift register circuit; a plurality of reflecting electrodes formed on said additional body of semiconductive material with each reflecting electrode electrically associated with a predetermined one of said shift register stages formed in said additional body of semiconductive material; an additional body of transparent material; a transparent electrode formed on said additional body of transparent material and said transparent electrode being electrically common to all of the second said reflecting electrodes; said additional body of transparent material being positioned in opposed, predetermined spaced relationship with respect to said additional body of semiconductive material, and the second said transparent electrode being positioned in opposed predetermined spaced relationship with respect to the second said reflecting electrodes; an additional body of optically variable liquid disposed between, and in intimate mechanical and electrical engagement with the second said common transparent electrode and all of the second said reflecting electrodes, said crystal material normally in a first optically visible state; means for sealing the second said body of optically variable liquid between the second said transparent electrode and the second said reflecting electrodes; and upon the occurrence of said input pulses and said shift pulses at the second said shift register circuit, the second said shift register circuit stages being activated sequentially at a second predetermined frequency determined by the rate of the output signals from the last stage of the first said shift register circuit and said sequentially activated stages of the second said shift register circuit providing second predetermined signals and applying said second predetermined signals to the second said transparent electrode and the second said reflecting electrodes to cause said electrodes to establish predetermined electric fields sequentially at said second predetermined frequency across predetermined portions of of said optically variable liquid positioned between the second said transparent electrode and the second said reflecting electrodes to which said sEcond predetermined signals are applied to cause said predetermined portions of said optically variable liquid to change sequentially at said second predetermined frequency from said first optically visible state to a second optically visible state and thereby provide an additional sequentially varying second optically visible state also indicative of said time.

Claim 46

A chronometer according to claim 40 wherein said stages of the second said integrated shift register circuit are formed in predetermined portions of said additional body of semiconductive material in a second predetermined geometric pattern and wherein the second said reflecting electrodes are formed on said additional body of semiconductive material in substantially said second predetermined geometric pattern and wherein the second said reflecting electrodes are electrically associated with the second said stages by being formed on said additional body of semiconductive material in direct mechanical and electrical contact with said predetermined portions of said additional body of semiconductive material having the second said stages formed therein.

Claim 47

A chronometer according to claim 40 wherein the second said reflecting electrodes are formed on said additional body of semiconductive material in a second predetermined geometric pattern and wherein said chronometer further includes an additional plurality of lands provided on said additional body of semiconductive material intermediate the second said shift register stages and the second said reflecting electrodes and for electrically associating the second said shift rgister stages with the second said reflecting electrodes.

Claim 48

A chronometer according to claim 40 wherein the second said reflecting electrodes are provided in predetermined physical configurations.

Claim 49

A chronometer according to claim 40 wherein said second optically visible state is a light scattering state and wherein the second said reflecting electrodes have predetermined normally visible indicia formed therein which indicia are obscured by the second said portions of said optically variable liquid when in said light scattering state.

Claim 50

Apparatus according to claim 40 further comprising: a plurality of integrated drive circuits, formed in said additional body of semiconductive material, each drive circuit interconnected between one of the second said shift register stages and the reflecting electrode electrically associated therewith, the second said drive circuits for receiving said second predetermined signals and for amplifying second predetermined signals into second predetermined signals at said second predetermined frequency; and wherein said second predetermined signals are applied sequentially to the second said transparent electrode and the second said reflecting electrodes to establish the second said predetermined electric fields.

Claim 51

Apparatus according to claim 40 wherein the second said transparent electrode is evaporated, sputtered or sprayed directly on said additional body of transparent material and the second said transparent electrode is chosen from a group of materials including tin oxide, indium oxide, and indium-antimony oxide.

Claim 52

Apparatus according to claim 40 wherein said additional body of transparent material is glass.

Claim 53

Apparatus according to claim 40 wherein said reflecting electrodes are formed in said body of semiconductive material by being evaporated directly on said body of active material and wherein said reflecting electrodes are chosen from a group of materials consisting of aluminum, gold, silver and combinations thereof.

Claim 54

Apparatus according to claim 40 wherein each of said reflecting electrodes further includes a transparent coating for rendering said reflecting electrodes chemically inert with respect to said body of optically variable liquid.

Claim 55

Apparatus according to claim 49 wherein said coating is chosen from a group of materials consisting of tin oxide, indium oxide and indium-antimony oxide.

Claim 56

ApParatus according to claim 40 wherein said predetermined electric fields are longitudinal electric fields.

Claim 57

Apparatus according to claim 40 wherein said body of optically variable liquid is mesomorphic matter.

Claim 58

Apparatus according to claim 40 wherein said mesomorphic matter is nematic liquid crystal material.

Claim 59

Apparatus according to claim 40 wherein said mesomorphic matter is smectic liquid crystal material.

Claim 60

Apparatus according to claim 40 wherein said mesomorphic matter is cholesteric material wherein upon said application of said first predetermined signals to said transparent electrode and said reflecting electrodes, said electrodes produce heat which heat causes predetermined portions of said cholesteric material to change into a predetermined color and thereby provide said second optically visible state.

Claim 61

Apparatus according to claim 53 wherein said nematic liquid crystal material includes a predetermined dye molecule and wherein upon the establishment of said predetermined electric fields across predetermined portions of said nematic liquid crystal material, said fields cause said predetermined portions of said material to change color and thereby provide said second optically visible state.

Claim 62

Apparatus according to claim 54 wherein said smectic liquid crystal material includes a predetermined dye molecule and wherein upon the establishment of said predetermined electric fields across predetermined portions of said smectic liquid crystal material, said fields cause said predetermined portions of said material to change color and thereby provide said second optically visible state.

Claim 63

Apparatus according to claim 55 wherein said cholesteric material includes a predetermined dye molecule and upon said production of said heat said predetermined portions of said cholesteric material change into a different predetermined color to provide said second optically visible state.

Claim 64

Apparatus according to claim 40 wherein said optically variable liquid is a metallic dipole suspension whose normal state is a light scattering state which provides said first optically visible state, and wherein upon the establishment of said predetermined electric fields, predetermined portions of said suspension undergoing a reorientation and being changed into a transparent state and thereby providing said second optically visible state.

Claim 65

Apparatus according to claim 40 wherein said optically variable liquid is pleochroic material and wherein upon the establishment of said predetermined electric fields, predetermined portions of said pleochroic material changing color and to thereby provide said second optically visible state.

Claim 66

Apparatus according to claim 40 wherein said first optically visible state is a transparent state and wherein said second optically visible state is a light scattering state.

Claim 67

Apparatus according to claim 40 wherein said first optically visible state is a light scattering state and wherein said second optically visible state is a transparent state.

Claim 68

A chronometer for providing a plurality of visible displays indicative of a plurality of units of time, comprising: pulse providing means for providing pulses at a predetermined frequency related to said time; a body of semiconductive material having a plurality of serially interconnected integrated shift register circuits formed therein with each shift register circuit including a different number of stages and said plurality of shift register circuits being equal in number to said plurality of units of time, and said body of semiconductive material having a plurality of integrated delay circuits formed therein equal in number to said shift register circuits, each delay circuit interconnecting the last stage of one of said shift register circuits with the first stage thereof and for applying the output of said last stage as input pulses for said shift register; a plurality of groups of reflecting electrodes and each of said groups for providing oNe of said visible displays indicative of one of said units of time, said groups of reflecting electrodes being equal in number to said shift register circuits and each of said groups including reflecting electrodes equal in number to the stages of one of said shift register circuits, groups of reflecting electrodes and shift register circuits having corresponding numbers of reflecting electrodes and stages, respectively, being associated, and each reflecting electrode of each group being electrically associated with a predetermined one of the stages of the associated shift register circuit; a body of transparent material disposed from and opposed to said body of semiconductive material; a transparent electrode formed on said body of transparent material opposite said reflecting electrodes and displaced therefrom; said transparent electrode being electrically common to all of said reflecting electrodes; a body of optically variable liquid disposed between said reflecting electrodes and said transparent electrode and in electrical engagement with said electrodes, said body of optically variable liquid normally in a first optically visible state; means for sealing said body of optically variable liquid between said reflecting electrodes and said transparent electrode; all of the stages of the first shift register circuit of said serially interconnected plurality connected in parallel with said pulse providing means and for receiving said pulses at said predetermined frequency which received pulses act as shift pulses for said first shift register and which shift pulses in combination with said input pulses to said shift register cause the stages of said first shift register to provide output signals in a predetermined sequence and at a predetermined rate, and all the stages of each succeeding shift register circuit in said serially connected plurality in parallel to the last stage of the preceding shift register and for receiving output signals from the last stage of the next preceding shift register circuit which received output signals act as shift pulses for the respective succeeding shift register circuits and which shift pulses in combination with said input pulses to said shift registers cause the stages of each succeeding shift register circuit to provide respective output signals in a predetermined sequence and at a predetermined rate; each of said predetermined rates at which said respective sequential output signals are provided by the stages of each of said shift register circuits being different from the other and related to one of said units of time; and upon said respective output signals provided by said respective shift register circuits being applied sequentially to said transparent electrode and to the reflecting electrodes of the respectively associated reflecting electrode groups, said reflecting electrodes of said groups and said transparent electrode establishing a plurality of predetermined electric fields sequentially at said respective predetermined rates across the respective portions of said optically variable liquid disposed between said transparent electrode and said respective groups of reflecting electrodes, said plurality of sequential electric fields causing said respective portions of said optically variable liquid to change sequentially at said respective predetermined rates from said first optically visible state to a second optically visible state and thereby provide a plurality of second optically visible states indicative respectively of said plurality of units of time.

Claim 69

A chronometer for providing a plurality of visible displays indicative of a plurality of units of time, comprising: pulse providing means for providing pulses at a predetermined frequency related to said time; a body of semiconductive material having a plurality of serially interconnected integrated shift register circuits formed therein with each shift register circuit including a different number of stages and said plurality of shift register circuits being equal in number to said plurality of units of time, and said body of semiconductive material having a plurality of integrated delay circuits formed therein equal in number to said shift register circuits, each delay circuit interconnecting the last stage of one of said shift register circuits with the first stage thereof and for applying the output of said last stage as input pulses for said shift register; a plurality of groups of reflecting electrodes and each of said groups for providing oNe of said visible displays indicative of one of said units of time, said groups of reflecting electrodes being equal in number to said shift register circuits and each of said groups including reflecting electrodes equal in number to the stages of one of said shift register circuits, groups of reflecting electrodes and shift register circuits having corresponding numbers of reflecting electrodes and stages, respectively, being associated, and each reflecting electrode of each group being electrically associated with a predetermined one of the stages of the associated shift register circuit; a body of transparent material disposed from and opposed to said body of semiconductive material; a transparent electrode formed on said body of transparent material opposite said reflecting electrodes and displaced therefrom; said transparent electrode being electrically common to all of said reflecting electrodes; a body of optically variable liquid disposed between said reflecting electrodes and said transparent electrode and in electrical engagement with said electrodes, said body of optically variable liquid normally in a first optically visible state; means for sealing said body of optically variable liquid between said reflecting electrodes and said transparent electrode; all of the stages of the first shift register circuit of said serially interconnected plurality connected in parallel with said pulse providing means and for receiving said pulses at said predetermined frequency which received pulses act as shift pulses for said first shift register and which shift pulses in combination with said input pulses to said shift register cause the stages of said first shift register to provide output signals in a predetermined sequence and at a predetermined rate, and all the stages of each succeeding shift register circuit in said serially connected plurality in parallel to the last stage of the preceding shift register and for receiving output signals from the last stage of the next preceding shift register circuit which received output signals act as shift pulses for the respective succeeding shift register circuits and which shift pulses in combination with said input pulses to said shift registers cause the stages of each succeeding shift register circuit to provide respective output signals in a predetermined sequence and at a predetermined rate; each of said predetermined rates at which said respective sequential output signals are provided by the stages of each of said shift register circuits being different from the other and related to one of said units of time; and upon said respective output signals provided by said respective shift register circuits being applied sequentially to said transparent electrode and to the reflecting electrodes of the respectively associated reflecting electrode groups, said reflecting electrodes of said groups and said transparent electrode establishing a plurality of predetermined electric fields sequentially at said respective predetermined rates across the respective portions of said optically variable liquid disposed between said transparent electrode and said respective groups of reflecting electrodes, said plurality of sequential electric fields causing said respective portions of said optically variable liquid to change sequentially at said respective predetermined rates from said first optically visible state to a second optically visible state and thereby provide a plurality of second optically visible states indicative respectively of said plurality of units of time.

Claim 70

A chronometer according to claim 63 wherein said stages of each of said integrated shift register circuits are formed in said body of semiconductive material in a respective predetermined geometric pattern and wherein said reflecting electrodes of each of said groups are formed on said body of semiconductive material in substantially said same predetermined geometric pattern as the stages of respectively associated shift register circuiTs and wherein said reflecting electrodes are electrically associated with said stages as said by being formed on said body of semiconductive material in direct mechanical and electrical contact with said predetermined portions of said body of semiconductive material having said stages formed therein.

Claim 71

A chronometer according to claim 63 wherein said reflecting electrodes are formed on said body of semiconductive material by being evaporated directly thereon and wherein said reflecting electrodes are chosen from a group of materials including aluminum, gold and silver.

Claim 72

A chronometer according to claim 63 wherein said reflecting electrodes of each of said groups are formed on said body of semiconductive material in a respective predetermined geometric pattern and wherein said chronometer further includes a plurality of lands provided on said body of semiconductive material intermediate said shift register stages and said reflecting electrodes and for electrically associating said shift register stages with said reflecting electrodes.

Claim 73

A chronometer according to claim 63 wherein said reflecting electrodes are provided in predetermined physical configurations.

Claim 74

A chronometer according to claim 63 wherein said reflecting electrodes have predetermined normally visible indicia formed therein which indicia are sequentially obscured by said portions of nematic liquid crystal material when in said light scattering state.

Claim 75

A chronometer according to claim 63 wherein said pulse providing means for providing said electrical pulse at said predetermined frequency includes a piezoelectric crystal oscillator for providing electrical pulses at a frequency higher than said predetermined frequency and a counter for receiving said pulses at said higher frequency and for counting said pulses down to said predetermined frequency.

Claim 76

A chronometer according to claim 63 comprising: a plurality of integrated drive circuits formed in said body of semiconductive material, each drive circuit interconnected betweeen one of said shift register stages and the reflecting electrode electrically associated therewith, said drive circuits for receiving said output signals from said shift register stages and for amplifying said output signals and for applying the amplified output signals to said transparent electrode and said reflecting electrodes to establish said longitudinal electric fields.

Claim 77

A chronometer according to claim 63 wherein said transparent electrode is evaporated, sputtered or sprayed directly on said body of transparent material and said transparent electrode is chosen from a group of materials including tin oxide, indium oxide and indiumantimony oxide.

Claim 78

A chronometer according to claim 63 wherein said body of transparent material is glass.

Claim 79

A chronometer according to claim 63 wherein one of said units of time is seconds.

Claim 80

A chronometer according to claim 63 wherein one of said units of time is minutes.

Claim 81

A chronometer according to claim 63 wherein one of said units of time is hours.

Claim 82

A chronometer according to claim 63 wherein one of said units of time is days.

Claim 83

Apparatus according to claim 63 wherein said reflecting electrodes are formed in said body of semiconductive material by being evaporated directly on said body of active material and wherein said reflecting electrodes are chosen from a group of materials consisting of aluminum, gold, silver and combinations thereof.

Claim 84

Apparatus according to claim 77 wherein each of said reflecting electrodes further includes a transparent coating for rendering said reflecting electrodes chemically inert with respect to said body of optically variable liquid.

Claim 85

Apparatus according to claim 78 wherein said coating is chosen from a group of materials consisting of tin oxide, indium oxide and indium-antimony oxide.

Claim 86

Apparatus according to claim 63 wherein said predetermined electric fields are longitudinal electric fields.

Claim 87

Apparatus according to cLaim 63 wherein said body of optically variable liquid is mesomorphic matter.

Claim 88

Apparatus according to claim 81 wherein said mesomorphic matter is nematic liquid crystal material.

Claim 89

Apparatus according to claim 81 wherein said mesomorphic matter is smectic liquid crystal material.

Claim 90

Apparatus according to claim 81 wherein said mesomorphic matter is cholesteric material and wherein upon said application of said signals to said transparent electrode and said reflecting electrodes, said electrodes produce heat which heat causes predetermined portions of said cholesteric material to change into a predetermined color and thereby provide said second optically visible state.

Claim 91

Apparatus according to claim 82 wherein said nematic liquid crystal material includes a predetermined dye molecule and wherein upon the establishment of said predetermined electric fields across predetermined portions of said nematic liquid crystal material, said fields cause said predetermined portions of said material to change color and thereby provide said second optically visible state.

Claim 92

Apparatus according to claim 83 wherein said smectic liquid crystal material includes a predetermined dye molecule and wherein upon the establishment of said predetermined electric field across predetermined portions of said smectic liquid crystal material, said fields cause said predetermined portions of said material to change color and thereby provide said second optically visible state.

Claim 93

Apparatus according to claim 84 wherein said cholesteric material includes a predetermined dye molecule and upon said production of said heat said predetermined portions of said cholesteric material change into a different predetermined color to provide said second optically visible state.

Claim 94

Apparatus according to claim 63 wherein said optically variable liquid is a metallic dipole suspension whose normal state is a light scattering state which provides said first optically visible state, and wherein upon the establishment of said predetermined electric fields, predetermined portions of said suspension undergoing a reorientation and being changed into a transparent state and thereby providing said second optically visible state.

Claim 95

Apparatus according to claim 63 wherein said optically variable liquid is pleochroic material and wherein upon the establishment of said predetermined electric fields, predetermined portions of said pleochoric material changing color and to thereby provide said second optically visible state.

Claim 96

Apparatus according to claim 63 wherein said first optically visible state is a transparent state and wherein said second optically visible state is a light scattering state.

Claim 97

Apparatus according to claim 63 wherein said first optically visible state is a light scattering state and wherein said second optically visible state is a transparent state.

Claim 98

A chronometer for providing a plurality of visible displays indicative of a plurality of units of time, comprising: pulse providing means for providing pulses at a predetermined frequency related to said time; a body of semiconductive material having a plurality of serially interconnected integrated shift register circuits formed therein with each shift register circuit including a different number of stages and said plurality of shift register circuits being equal in number to said plurality of units of time, and said active body of material having a plurality of integrated delay circuits formed therein equal in number to said shift register circuits, each delay circuit interconnecting the last stage of one of said shift register circuits with the first stage thereof and for applying the output of said last stage delayed by a predetermined amount of delay to said first stage as input pulses for said shift register, each of said delay circuits providing a different amount of delay; a plurality of groups of reflecting electrodes and each of said groups for providing one of said visible displays indicAtive of one of said units of time, said groups of reflecting electrodes being equal in number to said shift register circuits and each of said groups including reflecting electrodes equal in number to the stages of one of said shift register circuits, groups of reflecting electrodes and shift register circuits having corresponding numbers of reflecting electrodes and stages, respectively, being associated, and each reflecting electrode of each group being electrically associated with a predetermined one of the stages of the associated shift register circuit; a plurality of bodies of transparent material equal in number to said shift register circuits, each of said bodies of transparent material being associated with one of said groups of reflecting electrodes by being opposed to one of said groups of reflecting electrodes; a plurality of electrodes equal in number to said bodies of transparent material; each of said transparent electrodes being formed on one of said bodies of transparent material opposite to and displaced from the group of reflecting electrodes associated with said one body of transparent material; each of said transparent electrodes being associated with and electrically common with all of the reflecting electrodes of the group opposite thereto; a plurality of bodies of optically variable liquid equal in number to said transparent electrodes, each of said bodies of optically variable liquid being associated with one of said groups of reflecting electrodes and its associated transparent electrode by being disposed between and in mechanical engagement with one of said groups of reflecting electrodes and its associated transparent electrode, and each of said bodies of optically variable liquid normally in a first optically visible state; means for sealing said bodies of optically variable liquid between said respectively associated groups of reflecting electrodes and said associated transparent electrodes; all of the stages of the first shift register circuit of said serially interconnected plurality connected in parallel with said pulse providing means and for receiving said pulses at said predetermined frequency which received pulses act as shift pulses for said first shift register and which shift pulses in combination with said input pulses to said shift register cause the stages of said first shift register to provide output signals in a predetermined sequence and at a predetermined rate, and all the stages of each succeeding shift register circuit in said serially connected plurality connected in parallel to the last stage of the preceding shift register and for receiving output signals from the last stage of the next preceding shift register circuit which received output signals act as shift pulses for the respective succeeding shift register circuits and which shift pulses in combination with said input pulses to said shift registers cause the stages of each succeeding shift register circuit to provide respective output signals in a predetermined sequence and at a predetermined rate; each of said predetermined rates at which said respective sequential output signals are provided by the stages of each of said shift register circuits being different from the other and related to one of said units of time; and upon each of said respective output signals provided by said respective shift register circuits being applied sequentially to a predetermined one of said transparent electrodes and to the reflecting electrodes of the respectively associated reflecting electrode group, said reflecting electrodes of said groups and said respectively associated transparent electrodes establishing a plurality of predetermined electric fields sequentially at said respective predetermined rates across the respective portions of said bodies of optically variable liquid disposed between said transparent electrodes and said respectively associated groups of reflecting electrodes receiving said output signals, said plurality of sequential electric fielDs causing said respective portions of said bodies of optically variable liquid to change sequentially at said respective predetermined rates from said first optically visible state to a second optically visible state and thereby provide a plurality of second optically visible states indicative respectively of said plurality of units of time.

Claim 99

A chronometer for providing a plurality of visible displays indicative of a plurality of units of time, comprising: pulse providing means for providing pulses at a predetermined frequency related to said time; a body of semiconductive material having a plurality of serially interconnected integrated shift register circuits formed therein with each shift register circuit including a different number of stages and said plurality of shift register circuits being equal in number to said plurality of units of time, and said active body of material having a plurality of integrated delay circuits formed therein equal in number to said shift register circuits, each delay circuit interconnecting the last stage of one of said shift register circuits with the first stage thereof and for applying the output of said last stage delayed by a predetermined amount of delay to said first stage as input pulses for said shift register, each of said delay circuits providing a different amount of delay; a plurality of groups of reflecting electrodes and each of said groups for providing one of said visible displays indicAtive of one of said units of time, said groups of reflecting electrodes being equal in number to said shift register circuits and each of said groups including reflecting electrodes equal in number to the stages of one of said shift register circuits, groups of reflecting electrodes and shift register circuits having corresponding numbers of reflecting electrodes and stages, respectively, being associated, and each reflecting electrode of each group being electrically associated with a predetermined one of the stages of the associated shift register circuit; a plurality of bodies of transparent material equal in number to said shift register circuits, each of said bodies of transparent material being associated with one of said groups of reflecting electrodes by being opposed to one of said groups of reflecting electrodes; a plurality of electrodes equal in number to said bodies of transparent material; each of said transparent electrodes being formed on one of said bodies of transparent material opposite to and displaced from the group of reflecting electrodes associated with said one body of transparent material; each of said transparent electrodes being associated with and electrically common with all of the reflecting electrodes of the group opposite thereto; a plurality of bodies of optically variable liquid equal in number to said transparent electrodes, each of said bodies of optically variable liquid being associated with one of said groups of reflecting electrodes and its associated transparent electrode by being disposed between and in mechanical engagement with one of said groups of reflecting electrodes and its associated transparent electrode, and each of said bodies of optically variable liquid normally in a first optically visible state; means for sealing said bodies of optically variable liquid between said respectively associated groups of reflecting electrodes and said associated transparent electrodes; all of the stages of the first shift register circuit of said serially interconnected plurality connected in parallel with said pulse providing means and for receiving said pulses at said predetermined frequency which received pulses act as shift pulses for said first shift register and which shift pulses in combination with said input pulses to said shift register cause the stages of said first shift register to provide output signals in a predetermined sequence and at a predetermined rate, and all the stages of each succeeding shift register circuit in said serially connected plurality connected in parallel to the last stage of the preceding shift register and for receiving output signals from the last stage of the next preceding shift register circuit which received output signals act as shift pulses for the respective succeeding shift register circuits and which shift pulses in combination with said input pulses to said shift registers cause the stages of each succeeding shift register circuit to provide respective output signals in a predetermined sequence and at a predetermined rate; each of said predetermined rates at which said respective sequential output signals are provided by the stages of each of said shift register circuits being different from the other and related to one of said units of time; and upon each of said respective output signals provided by said respective shift register circuits being applied sequentially to a predetermined one of said transparent electrodes and to the reflecting electrodes of the respectively associated reflecting electrode group, said reflecting electrodes of said groups and said respectively associated transparent electrodes establishing a plurality of predetermined electric fields sequentially at said respective predetermined rates across the respective portions of said bodies of optically variable liquid disposed between said transparent electrodes and said respectively associated groups of reflecting electrodes receiving said output signals, said plurality of sequential electric fielDs causing said respective portions of said bodies of optically variable liquid to change sequentially at said respective predetermined rates from said first optically visible state to a second optically visible state and thereby provide a plurality of second optically visible states indicative respectively of said plurality of units of time.

Claim 100

A chronometer according to claim 92 wherein said stages of each of said integrated shift register circuits are formed in said body of semiconductive material in a respective predetermined geometric pattern and wherein said reflecting electrodes of each of said groups are formed on said body of semiconductive material in substantially said same predetermined geometric pattern as the stages of respectively associated shift register circuits and wherein said reflecting electrodes are electrically associated with said stages as said by being formed on said body of semiconductive material in a direct mechanical and electrical contact with said predetermined portions of said body of semiconductive material having said stages formed therein.

Claim 101

A chronometer according to claim 93 wherein said reflecting electrodes are formed on said body of semiconductive material by being evaporated directly thereon and wherein said reflecting electrodes are chosen from a group of materials including aluminum, gold and silver.

Claim 102

A chronometer according to claim 92 wherein said reflecting electrodes of each of said groups are formed on said body of semiconductive material in a respective predetermined geometric pattern and wherein said chronometer further includes a plurality of lands provided on said body of semiconductive material intermediate said shift register stages and said reflecting electrodes and for electrically associating said shift register stages with said reflecting electrodes.

Claim 103

A chronometer according to claim 92 wherein said reflecting electrodes are provided in predetermined physical configurations.

Claim 104

A chronometer according to claim 92 wherein said pulse providing means for providing said electrical pulse at said predetermined frequency includes a piezoelectric crystal oscillator for providing electrical pulses at a frequency higher than said predetemined frequency and a counter for receiving said pulses at said high frequency and for counting said pulses down to said predetermined frequency.

Claim 105

A chronometer according to claim 92 comprising: a plurality of integrated drive circuits formed in said body of semiconductive material, each drive circuit interconnected between one of said shift register stages and the reflecting electrode electrically associated therewith, said drive circuits for receiving said output signals from said shift register stages and for amplifying said output signals and for applying the amplified output signals to said respectively associated transparent electrodes and reflecting electrodes to establish said plurality of sequential predetermined electric fields.

Claim 106

A chronometer according to claim 92 wherein said transparent electrodes are evaporated, sputtered or sprayed directly on said respectively associated bodies of transparent material and said transparent electrodes are chosen from a group of materials consisting of tin oxide, indium oxide and indiumantimony oxide.

Claim 107

A chronometer according to claim 92 wherein said bodies of transparent material are glass.

Claim 108

A chronometer according to claim 92 wherein one of said units of time is seconds.

Claim 109

A chronometer according to claim 92 wherein one of said units of time is minutes.

Claim 110

A chronometer according to claim 92 wherein one of said units of time is hours.

Claim 111

A chronometer according to claim 92 wherein one of said units of time is days.

Claim 112

Apparatus according to claim 92 wherein said reflecting electrodes are associated with said body of semiconductive material by being evaporated directly on said body of active material and wherein said reflecting electrodes are chosen from a grop of materials consisting of aluminum, gold, silver and combinations thereof.

Claim 113

Apparatus according to claim 105 wherein each of said reflecting electrodes further includes a transparent coating for rendering said reflecting electrodes chemically inert with respect to said body of optically variable liquid.

Claim 114

Apparatus according to claim 106 wherein said coating is chosen from a group of materials consisting of tin oxide, indium oxide and indium-antimony oxide.

Claim 115

Apparatus according to claim 92 wherein said predetermined electric fields are longitudinal electric fields.

Claim 116

Apparatus according to claim 92 wherein said body of optically variable liquid is mesomorphic matter.

Claim 117

Apparatus according to claim 109 wherein said mesomorphic matter is nematic liquid crystal material.

Claim 118

Apparatus according to claim 109 wherein said mesomorphic matter is smectic liquid crystal material.

Claim 119

Apparatus according to claim 109 wherein said mesomorphic matter is cholesteric material and wherein upon said application of said signals to said transparent electrode and said reflecting electrodes, said electrodes produce heat which heat causes predetermined portions of said cholesteric material to change into a predetermined color and thereby provide said second optically visible state.

Claim 120

Apparatus according to claim 110 wherein said nematic liquid crystal material includes a predetermined dye molecule and wherein upon the establishment of said predetermined electric fields across predetermined portions of said nematic liquid crystal material, said fields cause said predetermined portions of said material to change color and thereby provide said second optically visible state.

Claim 121

Apparatus according to claim 110 wherein said smectic liquid crystal material includes a predetermined dye molecule wherein upon the establishment of predetermined electric fields across predetermined portions of said smectic liquid crystal material, said fields cause said predetermined portions of said material to change color and thereby provide said second optically visible state.

Claim 122

Apparatus according to claim 112 wherein said cholesteric material includes a predetermined dye molecule and upon said production of said heat said predetermined portions of said cholesteric material change into a different predetermined color to provide said second optically visible state.

Claim 123

Apparatus according to claim 92 wherein said optically variable liquid is a metallic dipole suspension whose normal state is a light scattering state which provides said first optically visible state, and wherein upon the establishment of said predetermined electric fields, predetermined portions of said suspension undergoing a reorientation and being changed into a transparent state and thereby providing said second optically visible state.

Claim 124

Apparatus according to claim 92 wherein said optically variable liquid is pleochroic material and wherein upon the establishment of said predetermined electric fields, predetermined portions of pleochroic material changing color and to thereby provide said second optically visible state.

Claim 125

Apparatus according to claim 92 wherein said first optically visible state is a transparent state and wherein said second optically visible state is a light scattering state.

Claim 126

Apparatus according to claim 92 wherein said first optically visible state is a light scattering state and wherein said second optically visible state is a transparent state.