Abstract: Briefly, according to one aspect of the invention, liquid crystal material having a smectic phase is encapsulated; and according to further aspects there are provided methods for encapsulating liquid crystal material having a smectic phase and for making a liquid crystal device using such encapsulated liquid crystal material.

Abstract: A liquid crystal apparatus (30) comprising a containment medium (56), a birefringent liquid crystal material (38) and a pleochroic dye (54) contained in the liquid crystal material The difference between the ordinary and extraordinary indices of refraction of the liquid crystal material is between about 0.23 and 0.30. The liquid crystal material is dispersed in plural volumes in the containment medium. A pleochroic dye may be present in the liquid crystal material in a concentration of about 0.5% to 3.0%. The apparatus has enhanced backscattering in the field-off state and enhanced light transmission in the field-on state.

Abstract: A display apparatus comprising a display medium and a gain reflector disposed behind the display medium for reflecting incident light. The display medium may comprise a liquid crystal material containing a dye that conforms to the structure of the liquid crystal material and a containment medium for inducing distorted alignment of the liquid crystal material which in response to such alignment scatters and absorbs light and which response to a prescribed input reduces the amount of such scattering and absorption.

Abstract: Methods for making a latex entrapped nematic curvilinearly aligned phases liquid crystal composition and apparatus utilizing such composition wherein the liquid crystal material is dispersed in a latex medium. Such a composition may be made by emulsifying liquid crystal material in the presence of a suspension of latex particles or, alternatively, by combining a suspension of latex particles with an emulsion of liquid crystal material.

Abstract: A display apparatus comprising a display medium and a gain reflector disposed behind the display medium for reflecting incident light. The display medium may comprise a liquid crystal material containing a dye that conforms to the structure of the liquid crystal material and a containment medium for inducing distorted alignment of the liquid crystal material which in response to such alignment scatters and absorbs light and which response to a prescribed input reduces the amount of such scattering and absorption.

Abstract: A liquid crystal apparatus including a latex containment medium, a liquid crystal material dispersed in plural volumes in the medium, and a barrier means forming a wall in plural volumes in said medium so as to preserve the integrity of the volumes of the liquid crystal material.

Abstract: A apparatus for providing a motorist advisory function similar to that of a flashing illuminated advisory sign, the apparatus having an electrically operable optical shutter positioned by means of a frame between one or more message signs and a viewing region. The optical shutter is made of a liquid crystal plastic material having a substantially opaque state, in which the message sign is not visible from a viewing region, and a transparent state in which the sign is visible over a relatively wide viewing angle. The state of the optical shutter is controlled by a flashing power supply circuit, the transparent state being achieved when power is applied to the optical shutter and the substantially opaque state being achieved when no power is applied. Several embodiments show use of the invention with conventional stationary message signs, a moveable message sign, and an embedded highway marker.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display comprising a plurality of modules wherein each module includes a nematic curvilinearly aligned phases liquid crystal material. The modules are positioned adjacent to one another to effect a homogeneous display. Each module may include electrode means supported on a substrate. The substrate may include a flexible extension thereof on which conductive paths may be formed. The extension of the substrate is sufficiently flexible to permit the interconnection of the electrode means via the conductive paths to a circuit means for applying an electric field to the electrodes.

Abstract: A signal light comprising a light source and a liquid crystal means. The liquid crystal means is disposed between the light source and a viewing area of the signal light for blocking and transmitting light according to a given electrical input. The signal light further includes means for energizing the light source when the liquid crystal means transmits light and for de-energizing the light source when the liquid crystal means blocks light.

Abstract: A switch apparatus comprising a nematic curvilinearly aligned phases liquid crystal material located between a pair of electrode means wherein a flexible substrate having a conductive segment formed therein may be positioned in a spaced substantially parallel relation to one of the electrode means. The flexible substrate has sufficient flexibility to deflect toward one of the electrode means in response to the application of pressure thereto so that at least a portion of the flexible substrate is deflected toward one of the electrode means to operatively couple the conductive segment to the electrode means to effect an input of information and to cause a display of the same.

Abstract: A display comprising optical means for presenting an absence of light over a controlled viewing angle and means for selectively scattering or transmitting light in response to a prescribed input to effect a display of information within said viewing angle.

Abstract: Liquid crystal material is operable to modulate light transmitted through a panel such as a sunroof, window or partition. The panel may have safety glazing properties. The panel may also include means for reflecting infrared energy. The liquid crystal material includes operationally nematic liquid crystal having positive dielectric anisotropy and a containment medium for containing plural volumes of the liquid crystal material. The panel includes transparent surfaces with the liquid crystal material disposed therebetween and selectively operable primarily to transmit or primarily to scatter light. The liquid crystal material may alternatively include volumes of liquid crystal with a pleochroic dye in a containment medium for selectively attenuating light.

Abstract: A display comprising optical means for presenting an absence of light over a controlled viewing angle and means for selectively scattering or transmitting light in response to a prescribed input to effect a display of information within said viewing angle.

Abstract: A liquid crystal apparatus comprising a nematic curvilinearly aligned phases liquid crystal material located between two electrodes wherein a control element is incorporated into the electrodes. The electrodes may also form a circuit means integral therewith for selectively applying an electric field across the liquid crystal material.

Abstract: A display apparatus comprising a first liquid crystal means and a second liquid crystal means spaced from the first liquid crystal means. Means are disposed between the first and second liquid crystal means for transmitting and reflecting incident light. The first and second liquid crystal means comprise liquid crystal material containing a dye that conforms to the structure of the liquid crystal material and a containment medium for inducing distorted alignment of the liquid crystal material which in response to such alignment scatters and absorbs light and which response to a prescribed input reduces the amount of such scattering and absorption.

Abstract: A liquid crystal apparatus comprising a nematic curvilinearly aligned phases liquid crystal material located between two electrode means. The apparatus includes electrically-conductive, non-transparent paths for energizing said electrode means to apply an electric field across the NCAP liquid crystal, and a coating means for concealing those portions of the conductive paths in a viewing area of the apparatus.

Abstract: A liquid crystal apparatus comprising a nematic curvilinearly aligned phases liquid crystal material located between two electrodes wherein a control element is incorporated into the electrodes. The electrodes may also form a circuit means integral therewith for selectively applying an electric field across the liquid crystal material.