US4660938A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical display device
Assignee: Xerox Corp
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Filing: 1985-03-11
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Granted: 1987-04-28
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Expires: 2005-03-11
Abstract
Abstract A transparent electrode has a grating formed thereon, the dimensions of the grating selected to prevent light transmission at a given wavelength or range of wavelengths. A non-wetting transparent liquid covering the grating is held in place by a second electrode. Application of an electrical field between the electrodes causes the liquid to be drawn into the space between the grating ridges, allowing light transmission.
Inventors
- 👤 Benjamin Kazan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 23:22
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/01; G02F1/19; G02F1/195
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
66 words
A light-modulating cell comprising an electrically insulating transparent layer with a light-interference-producing grating surface, a non-wetting fluid in contact with said grating surface, and at least two electrodes positioned to apply a potential difference across said grating surface and said liquid so as to alter said cell, for a given wavelength of light, from being light-blocking to being light-transmissive or from being non-reflective to being reflective.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
66 words
A light-modulating cell comprising an electrically insulating transparent layer with a light-interference-producing grating surface, a non-wetting fluid in contact with said grating surface, and at least two electrodes positioned to apply a potential difference across said grating surface and said liquid so as to alter said cell, for a given wavelength of light, from being light-blocking to being light-transmissive or from being non-reflective to being reflective.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The light-modulating cell of claim 1 wherein the liquid is conductive and acts as one electrode in the system.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
69 words
A method of imaging which comprises: providing a layer of a non-wetting liquid on a grated structure having spaced apart grates, which structure, in the absence of an electrical potential across said liquid, blocks light of a given wavelength; and applying an electrical potential across said liquid to cause said liquid to enter the spaces between said grates sufficiently to cause said light to be transmitted through said structure.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
69 words
A method of imaging which comprises: providing a layer of a non-wetting liquid on a grated structure having spaced apart grates, which structure, in the absence of an electrical potential across said liquid, blocks light of a given wavelength; and applying an electrical potential across said liquid to cause said liquid to enter the spaces between said grates sufficiently to cause said light to be transmitted through said structure.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 3 wherein the liquid is conductive, and the liquid is made an electrode in the system.
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) | 1990-04-27 | 1990-10-27 | 1991-04-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-04-27 | 1994-10-27 | 1995-04-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-04-27 | 1998-10-27 | 1999-04-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |