Abstract: Electrochemical cell systems are disclosed herein that are capable of selective ionic isolation, oxidant isolation, oxidant removal, moisture control, and combinations thereof. Selective ionic isolation is generally effectuated by selectively eliminating or minimizing ionic communication between an anode and a cathode of the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for automatically reducing glare produced from a spatial scene by reducing the intensity of light rays propagating from points in the three-dimensional spatial scene towards an optical element having a field of view. Further, an apparatus is provided that automatically reduces interfering illumination produced from an illumination source by reducing the intensity of light rays propagating from the illumination source towards a sensor having a field of view of radio communication. Both apparatus include an electro-optical element having an optically transparent surface including a plurality of pixels through which the field of view of the optical element or the sensor passes. Each pixel has a controllable light transmittance for selectively reducing the intensity of incident light rays propagating from one or more points from the illumination source, through the pixel, then towards the sensor or optical element.

Abstract: Electro-optical glazing structures having total-reflection and semi-transparent and totally-transparent modes of operation which are electrically-switchable for use in dynamically controlling electromagnetic radiation flow in diverse applications.

Abstract: Electro-optical glazing structures having total-reflection and semi-transparent and totally-transparent modes of operation which are electrically-switchable for use in dynamically controlling electromagnetic radiation flow in diverse applications.

Abstract: A reconfigurable backlighting construction for use in portable computer-based systems having direct and projection viewing modes of operation. In the illustrative embodiments of the present invention, the backlighting construction is integrated with a LCD display panel, a micropolarization panel, and a touch-screen writing panel to provide several different types of portable computer-based systems including, for example, a portable notebook computer, a computer-driven image display device, and a portable pen-computing device. In general, each of these computer-based systems are capable of selectively displaying color video images on an actively driven display surface, or projecting such video images onto a wall surface or projection screen without the need for a bulky overhead projector, required by all prior art systems. These computer-based systems can be easily reconfigured for projection viewing without physical removal of the light guiding panel and its light diffusing structures.

Abstract: A backlight for a liquid crystal display (LCD) employing light recycling. In one embodiment the backlight includes a light guide fabricated from a substantially non-absorptive material and a reflective layer fabricated from a highly reflective material. In another embodiment the backlight includes a light source, a bundle of optical fibers, and a reflective layer fabricated from a highly reflective material, wherein the bundle of optical fibers is configured to receive light from the light source and distribute it to the reflective layer.

Abstract: A method of producing an iridescent reflecting surface on an object is presented. Flakes of dry non metallic reflecting material such as cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) material are applied to the surface so that the flakes are parallel with the surface and bound with a binder to the surface.

Abstract: A light controlling film is described comprising a polymerized polymer network of a crosslinked high molecular weight polymeric material and a low molecular weight cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) material, wherein the high molecular weight and the low molecular weight form a material having cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) order such that the film is a reflective circular polarizer whose bandwidth is controllable by an electric field impressed in the film.

Abstract: A method of producing an iridescent reflecting surface on an object is presented. Flakes of dry non metallic reflecting material such as cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) material are applied to the surface so that the flakes are parallel with the surface and bound with a binder to the surface.

Abstract: A light controlling film is described comprising a polymerized polymer network of a crosslinked high molecular weight polymeric material and a low molecular weight cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) material, wherein the high molecular weight and the low molecular weight form a material having cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) order such that the film is a reflective circular polarizer whose bandwidth is controllable by an electric field impressed in the film.

Abstract: A reflector for reflecting a broad bandwidth of electromagnetic (EM) radiation, comprising a sheet comprising a large plurality of pairs of layers of transparent polymer material parallel to a surface of the sheet, each pair of layers having a difference in the index of refraction between the materials in each layer of the pair, the total thickness of each pair of layers in the large plurality of layers varying substantially continuously and non linearly across the thickness of the sheet, is disclosed.

Abstract: A material for protection against injurious ambient light composed of a binder mixed with non metallic reflective flakes is disclosed.

Abstract: A light controlling film is disclosed, comprising a polymerized polymer network varying spatially in a direction normal to the film surface, where the polymerized polymer network is a crosslinked high molecular weight polymeric material mixed with a low molecular weight nematic material exibiting cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) order, wherein wherein an electric field impressed in the film controls the reflection of circularly polarized light.

Abstract: A material for protection against injurious ambient light composed of a binder mixed with non metallic reflective flakes is disclosed.

Abstract: A computer-based system for producing a multi-color multilayer image on a substrate using multi-colored cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) pigment materials made from CLC flakes tuned to predetermined bands of color. A computer-controlled image generator automatically generates an image specifying a pattern over which binder material is to be applied to a substrate by a binder material applicator. A plurality of CLC pigment applicators automatically apply patterns of different-color CLC pigment material to a pattern of binder material applied to the substrate, binding thereto as the binder material dries. An output device is used to automatically return the substrate to a different one of CLC pigment applicators after each application of a pattern of different-color CLC pigment material to the pattern of binder material.

Abstract: A method of printing using dry pigments is introduced, wherein a binder material is applied to the surface of an object uniformly or in a pattern, and then dry pigment is applied to the binder material in a pattern or uniformly. The dry pigment sticks to the patterned binder, or the patterned pigment may be bound to the uniform binder, to produce a pattern.

Abstract: A light controlling film is described comprising a polymerized polymer network of a crosslinked high molecular weight polymeric material and a low molecular weight cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) material, wherein the high molecular weight and the low molecular weight form a material having cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) order such that the film is a reflective circular polarizer whose bandwidth is controllable by an electric field impressed in the film.

Abstract: The invention is a method for creating a micropolarizer, including providing a first plate having a first and a second surface, providing a second plate having a first and a second surface. Then coating a polyimide on each of the first surface of the two plates followed by rubbing the polyimide coated upon the first surface of the first plate along a predetermined direction and rubbing the polyimide coated upon the first surface of the second plate along a direction having a predetermined angle in relation to the predetermined direction. An alignment process includes aligning the first plate and the second plate having the first surface of the first plate and the first surface of the second plate facing each other thereby creating a space there between. In conclusion there is a filling of a liquid crystal between the space whereby a cell, or film is created.

Abstract: A light controlling film is disclosed, comprising a polymerized polymer network varying spatially in a direction normal to the film surface, where the polymerized polymer network is a crosslinked high molecular weight polymeric material mixed with a low molecular weight nematic material exibiting cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) order, wherein wherein an electric field impressed in the film controls the reflection of circularly polarized light.

Abstract: A refuelable anode structure containing anode paste for a metal air electrochemical cell is provided. The anode paste comprises metal particles, a gelling agent, and a base. The spent anode structure may be removed after discharging. The anode structure may thereafter be electrically recharged to convert oxidized metal into consumable metal fuel, or mechanically emptied and refilled with fresh metal fuel paste.