US4674839A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Ferroelectric liquid crystal apparatus having protective cover means
Assignee: Canon Inc
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Filing: 1986-09-09
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Granted: 1987-06-23
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Expires: 2006-09-09
Abstract
Abstract The specification and the drawings discloses, in a ferroelectric liquid crystal device used for a liquid crystal display device, a liquid crystal-optical shutter, etc., a technique for stably retaining a desired alignment state for a long period of time to improve display and driving characteristics by providing protection means for protecting the liquid crystal cell from a phenomenon of generating a sanded texture caused by an external force such as an impact applied to the cell.
Inventors
- 👤 Akira Tsuboyama
- 👤 Yutaka Inaba
- 👤 Hiroyuki Kitayama
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 16:44
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/01; G02F1/13; G02F1/133; G02F1/1333; G02F1/133308; G02F1/1335; G02F1/133528; G02F1/137; G02F1/139; G02F1/141; G02F1/133305
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
73 words
A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a liquid crystal cell, which comprises a first substrate, a second substrate which is flexible on application of an external force and is disposed oppositely spaced from the first substrate and secured at the periphery to the first substrate to leave an internal space therebetween, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal filled in the internal space; and protection means for protecting the liquid crystal cell from an external force.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
73 words
A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a liquid crystal cell, which comprises a first substrate, a second substrate which is flexible on application of an external force and is disposed oppositely spaced from the first substrate and secured at the periphery to the first substrate to leave an internal space therebetween, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal filled in the internal space; and protection means for protecting the liquid crystal cell from an external force.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
A liquid crystal apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said protection means comprises a transparent plate which is disposed opposite to said second substrate with a gap therebetween.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
A liquid crystal apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said protection means comprises a hollow case in which the liquid crystal cell is enclosed, said hollow case comprising two transparent plates, one of which is disposed opposite to said second substrate with a gap therebetween.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
A liquid crystal apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said protection means comprises a case including the first substrate and one transparent plate which is disposed opposite to said second substrate with a gap therebetween.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
A liquid crystal apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said protection means comprises a polarizing plate which is disposed opposite to said second substrate with a gap therebetween.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
45 words
A liquid crystal apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said protection means comprises a hollow case in which the liquid crystal cell is enclosed, said hollow case comprising two polarizing plates, one of which is disposed opposite to said second substrate with a gap therebetween.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
A liquid crystal apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said second substrate comprises a flexible glass sheet.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
A liquid crystal apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said second substrate comprises a flexible plastic sheet.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
A liquid crystal apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said ferroelectric liquid crystal is a chiral smectic liquid crystal.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
A liquid crystal apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said chiral smectic liquid crystal is formed in a layer thin enough to release the spiral structure.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
A liquid crystal apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first substrate comprises a non-flexible glass plate.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4403831A
Cited
US4527862A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-06-22 | 1990-12-22 | 1991-06-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-06-22 | 1994-12-22 | 1995-06-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-06-22 | 1998-12-22 | 1999-06-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |