US4538883A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Conformable electrodes for proximity coupled electro-optic devices
Assignee: Xerox Corp
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Filing: 1983-05-26
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Granted: 1985-09-03
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Expires: 2003-05-26
Abstract
Abstract The electrodes of a proximity coupled, multigate electro-optic light valve are overcoated with a soft, conformable composition which flows in its solid state to conform to the electro-optic element of the light valve when the electrodes are pressed thereagainst. For example, standard semiconductor fabrication techniques may be utilized to fabricate a suitably patterned set of electrically independent, elongated electrical conductors on a silicon integrated circuit, and those conductors are, in turn, overcoated with a high dielectric constant, conformable material, such as indium or aluminum.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert A. Sprague
- 👤 William D. Turner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 10:48
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/01; G02F1/03; G02F1/0305; G02F1/0316; G02F1/29; G02F1/31; G02F1/315
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
84 words
In a multigate electro-optic light valve having an electro-optic element, and a plurality of individually addressable electrodes engaged with said electro-optic element for proximity coupling electric fields into said electro-optic element; the improvement wherein said electrodes include elongated electrical conductors and a relatively soft overcoating deposited on said conductors, said overcoating being selected so that it flows in its solid state to cause said electrodes to conform to said electro-optic element, thereby providing generally uniform surface contact between said electrodes and said electro-optic element.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
84 words
In a multigate electro-optic light valve having an electro-optic element, and a plurality of individually addressable electrodes engaged with said electro-optic element for proximity coupling electric fields into said electro-optic element; the improvement wherein said electrodes include elongated electrical conductors and a relatively soft overcoating deposited on said conductors, said overcoating being selected so that it flows in its solid state to cause said electrodes to conform to said electro-optic element, thereby providing generally uniform surface contact between said electrodes and said electro-optic element.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The improvement of claim 1 wherein said overcoating is a relatively poor electrical conductor but has a sufficiently high dielectric constant to avoid substantial attenuation of said fields.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
The improvement of claim 1 wherein said light valve further includes an integrated circuit for applying data to said electrodes, and said integrated circuit comprises an electrically conductive layer patterned to define said conductors.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-09-02 | 1989-03-04 | 1989-09-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-09-02 | 1993-03-04 | 1993-09-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-09-02 | 1997-03-04 | 1997-09-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |