Abstract: A dichroic dye-containing nematic liquid crystal mirror has a photocell connected thereto to automatically change, that is, to dim or brighten, the mirror upon exposure to light. Under the preferred operating conditions, the mirror functions as an ordinary mirror but is dimmed by light. The invention is especially suited for the rearview mirror of an automobile.

Abstract: A liquid crystalline material for use in optic displays has the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 can be the same or different and are generally an alkyl group having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, or other groups as set forth herein. Z.sub.1 and Z.sub.2 can be the same or different and generally is an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, a halogen, a cyano, or hydrogen. Such a material has a wide nematic range, good viscosity and good solubility such that it can be readily utilized in commercial applications. The nematic material can also be utilized with small amounts of dichroic dyes or mixed with other liquid crystalline materials.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrical conductor for conveying electricity between electrically conductive coatings and disposed respectively on plates and of the display that are spaced-apart from each other by means of a hermetic seal enclosing a cavity between the plates for containment of the electro-optical material. The conductor is made from a thermoplastic phenoxy resin or one or more epoxy resin and mixtures thereof and an amount of conductive particles sufficient to provide the amount of conductivity desired in addition to containing an amount of an organic glycol sufficient to insure that electrical continuity is maintained between the plates when the display is subjected to temperature cycling. The material is also useful for conducting electricity at other locations on the display.

Abstract: A liquid crystal device for direct display of analog information in images and patterns includes a layer of liquid crystal material sandwiched between a front and a back transparent plate. Transparent conducting films are applied to selected portions of the sides of both front and back transparent plates adjacent to the liquid material. A resistor network is provided electrically continuous with at least one of the transparent conducting films for impressing a voltage gradient transversely across the transparent conducting films so as to permit the selective, incremental reorientation of the liquid crystal material into the desired images and patterns.