Abstract: Low-cost, low energy, programmable and remotely activatable traffic signs, particularly suitable for roadside, waterside or comparable use, which signs can display a variety of messages or images, for example warnings and directions, employ electropolymeric shutter arrays in front of retroreflective materials (32). The signs employ daylight or other passive illumination external to the sign, such as vehicle headlights, to yield high contrast images with good visibility. Optional features include attention-getting effects such as flashing, economical solar power means and means to detect vehicle approach to initiate the attention-getting display, e.g. flashing.

Abstract: Disclosed are cross-talk resistant drive circuitry for electrostatic video displays and flexible, foldable and shaped embodiments of such displays including books, fanfolds and scrolls employing flexible polymer film construction. Transistorless drive circuitry uses row and column dumping capacitors to charge electrostatic pixels in a traveling group to avoid simultaneously charging row-adjacent pixels. Also, individual pixels can be shielded each with their own Faraday cage to control charge leakage from the pixel. The pixels' have spiral rollout shutters whose time parameters can be controlled by the use of suitable bleed resistors. Low-cost film technology manufacturing methods are also described.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a light modulating capacitor display by successive operations on an assembly comprising forming a layer of a conductive material on a substrate in a pattern is disclosed. The pattern forms a plurality of fixed electrodes. The pattern forms electrical conductors for driving the fixed electrodes and electrical conductors for driving shutter electrodes. A layer of insulative material is laid over portions of the pattern forming the plurality of fixed electrodes. A shutter electrode forming layer is attached to the assembly. The shutter electrode forming layer has a conductive side and a nonconductive side. The conductive side is placed in facing, contacting relationship to the layer of insulative material and the pattern of conductive material. The conductive material is removed from the shutter electrode forming layer to form groups of shutter electrodes. A plurality of shutters are cut from the shutter electrode forming layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a low-cost, programmable electronically actuated, continuous use traffic sign including a pixellated display matrix, the display matrix being electronically actuatable to display a desired traffic information image display suitable for roadside and other vehicular use where it may be clearly viewed by direct sunlight during the day and by illumination at night. A preferred display is electrostatically actuated for low power requirements and comprises pixels which have spiral rollout shutters. The display can be remotely programmed and controlled, via a modem, and may be solar or battery powered, powered by a local power network or from a combination of the foregoing. Low-cost film technology manufacturing methods are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed are cross-talk resistant drive circuitry for electrostatic video displays and flexible, foldable and shaped embodiments of such displays including books, fanfolds and scrolls employing flexible polymer film construction. Transitorless drive circuitry uses row and column dumping capacitors to charge electrostatic pixels in a traveling group to avoid simultaneously charging row-adjacent pixels. Also, individual pixels can be shielded each with their own Faraday cage to control charge leakage from the pixel. The pixels' have spiral rollout shutters whose time parameters can be controlled by the use of suitable bleed resistors. Low-cost film technology manufacturing methods are also described.

Abstract: An electrostatic display device of electrically variable reflectivity has a fixed electrode with an insulated face and a conductive resilient sheet. One portion of the sheet is held against the insulated face so that when a voltage is applied between the fixed and the variable electrodes, the free end of the variable electrode is drawn to the insulated fixed electrode. An ancillary extension of the variable electrode is sandwiched and compressed between an elastomeric pad and a metal terminal to provide reliable electrical contact to the delicate variable electrode. The terminal is preferably one of an elongated and acutely curved contacting surface such as the surface of a small wire contacting the variable electrode at right angles to the direction of flexure when activated by appliction of voltage. Alternatively the terminal may consist of a plurality of elongated and convexly curved contacting surfaces, i.e. a corduroy-like metal surface.