Patents Assigned to Kent Display Incorporated
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Patent number: 7796103Abstract: The present invention relates to a display film that may be transferred by lamination or otherwise onto a substrate. The display film is formed of a stack of layers that can include different types, arrangements, and functionality within the stack depending upon factors including the characteristics of the substrate (e.g., upper or lower, transparent or opaque, substrates) and addressing of the display (e.g., active or passive matrix, electrical or optical addressing). The layers of the stacked display film include one or more electrode layers and one or more liquid crystal layers and, in addition, may include various combinations of an adhesive layer, preparation layer, casting layer, light absorbing layer, insulation layers, and protective layers. The liquid crystal layer can include cholesteric or other liquid crystal material. The liquid crystal layer can be a dispersion of liquid crystal in a polymer matrix formed by a variety of techniques.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2005Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Kent Displays IncorporatedInventors: J. William Doane, Asad A. Khan, Irina Shiyanovskaya, Albert Green
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Patent number: 7791700Abstract: The present invention features a liquid crystal display device including a printed circuit board, PCB, substrate composed of non-conductive material and having a front surface and having an opposing back surface that contains electrical circuitry and is located near the back of the display device. A liquid crystal display is disposed on the front PCB substrate surface and includes first and second electrode layers and a dispersion layer disposed between the first and second electrode layers. The dispersion layer includes liquid crystal (e.g., cholesteric liquid crystal) dispersed in a polymer matrix. Electrical through-conductors extend between the front substrate surface and the back substrate surface. The through-conductors are in electrical contact with the first and second electrode layers. Drive electronics are disposed on the PCB substrate and are adapted to apply voltage pulses to the first and second electrodes effective to form images on the liquid crystal display.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2005Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Kent Displays IncorporatedInventor: Alan Keith Bellamy
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Patent number: 7773064Abstract: The present invention relates to a display film that may be transferred by lamination or otherwise onto a substrate. The display film is formed of a stack of layers that can include different types, arrangements, and functionality within the stack depending upon factors including the characteristics of the substrate (e.g., upper or lower, transparent or opaque, substrates) and addressing of the display (e.g., active or passive matrix, electrical or optical addressing). The layers of the stacked display film include one or more electrode layers and one or more liquid crystal layers and, in addition, may include various combinations of an adhesive layer, preparation layer, casting layer, light absorbing layer, insulation layers, and protective layers. The liquid crystal layer can include cholesteric or other liquid crystal material. The liquid crystal layer can be a dispersion of liquid crystal in a polymer matrix formed by a variety of techniques.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2005Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Kent Displays IncorporatedInventors: J. William Doane, Asad A. Khan, Irina Shiyanovskaya
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Patent number: 7737928Abstract: A stacked color liquid crystal display uses shared electrode addressing including a plurality of liquid crystal layers each sandwiched between electrically conductive layers. Adjacent liquid crystal layers share one or two electrode layers located between the adjacent liquid crystal layers. A driving scheme is provided that allows the display to be driven by updating the liquid crystal layers sequentially, concurrently, or some combination of the two. Further, a method of manufacturing the display using a deposition process is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2005Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Kent Displays IncorporatedInventors: Xiao-Yang Huang, Asad A. Khan, Nick M. Miller, IV
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Publication number: 20100059273Abstract: Electrooptical displays require conductors on both sides of the liquid crystal thin film. The two conductors face opposite sides of the display. The cost of electrically connecting to these displays can be decreased by having the conductors of the display all face the same side of the display. This invention includes a technique to allow both conductors to face the same side of the display.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2009Publication date: March 11, 2010Applicant: Kent Displays IncorporatedInventors: Erica N. MONTBACH, Mark LIGHTFOOT, Todd C. ERNST
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Patent number: 7675239Abstract: A device and method for supplying a display, such as a liquid crystal display, for example a bistable ChLCD, with drive voltages for extremely low power operation. The method and the device implementing the method provides an energy storage device and a voltage converter being utilized to store energy in the storage device, such that a display can be driven during an inactive, powered-down phase of the converter by using the stored energy to drive the display.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2006Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Kent Displays IncorporatedInventors: Duane Marhefka, Todd Ernst, Xiao-Yang Huang
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Publication number: 20090096942Abstract: An electronic writing tablet is composed of one or more layers on which an image is formed and can be selectively erased. One aspect of the invention is a bistable cholesteric writing tablet on which an image is formed while applying writing pressure. The image can be fully erased and new images written on the tablet. In addition, one can selectively erase any or all portions of the written image to restore the original background color. Another aspect of the invention is a multi-color stacked writing tablet in which a color of an image is selected (usually by applying a suitable voltage) while applying writing pressure using an instrument such as an untethered stylus on the surface of the tablet. The writing tablet includes at least two or three stacked layers of bistable cholesteric liquid crystal material. Selected colors can be additively mixed to achieve intermediate colors as desired. The image can be fully erased and new images written on the tablet.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2008Publication date: April 16, 2009Applicant: Kent Displays IncorporatedInventors: Tod L. Schneider, Erica Montbach, J. William Doane
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Publication number: 20090033811Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a bistable cholesteric writing tablet on which an image is formed by applying a suitable voltage while applying writing pressure, which results in a focal conic texture in a reduced gap region of the active layer while not changing the texture of the unreduced gap region of the active layer (e.g., a written portion being in a focal conic texture on a background in the planar texture). Another aspect of the invention is a multi-color stacked writing tablet in which a color of an image is selected by applying a suitable voltage while applying writing pressure using an instrument such as an untethered stylus on the surface of the tablet. The writing tablet includes at least two or three stacked layers of bistable cholesteric liquid crystal material. Selected colors can be additively mixed to achieve intermediate colors as desired. The image can be erased and new images written on the tablet.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2008Publication date: February 5, 2009Applicant: Kent Displays IncorporatedInventor: Tod L. Schneider
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Patent number: 7479940Abstract: A display device includes an electronic display adapted to produce images, an electronic device that electrically communicates with the display and a zipper interconnect adapted to enable electrical connection between the display and the electronic device. The electronic display can be a reflective display such as a liquid crystal display or an emissive display such as one containing light emitting diodes. The electronic device that communicates with the display can be drive electronics adapted to electrically address the display so as to produce the images. In particular, the display is a cholesteric liquid crystal display that can be bistable and in the form of a passive matrix, active matrix or direct drive display.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2005Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Assignee: Kent Displays IncorporatedInventor: Duane W. Marhefka
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Patent number: 7351506Abstract: A liquid crystal polymer dispersion is formed where liquid crystal encapsulation is produced by a process in which a reactive additive formulation is mixed and photo-polymerized. The polymerizable additive formulation includes monofunctional, multifunctional and photoinitiator compounds in specific composition. The polymerizable additive formulation enhances the control of deformed globule or droplet size, structure integrity, electro-optical properties, and prohibits flow of the liquid crystal as it is encapsulated. A simple process and a controllable system for encapsulating cholesteric materials that provides rugged low-power flexible passively-driven displays. Such displays offer the possibility of lower cost roll-to-roll manufacturing in addition to lighter weight, more rugged and conformable displays.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2005Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: Kent Displays, IncorporatedInventors: Tod Schneider, Forrest Nicholson, Liang-Chy Chien
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Publication number: 20080037306Abstract: A device and method for supplying a display, such as a liquid crystal display, for example a bistable ChLCD, with drive voltages for extremely low power operation. The method and the device implementing the method provides an energy storage device and a voltage converter being utilized to store energy in the storage device, such that a display can be driven during an inactive, powered-down phase of the converter by using the stored energy to drive the display.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2006Publication date: February 14, 2008Applicant: Kent Displays IncorporatedInventors: Duane Marhefka, Todd Ernst, Xiao-Yang Huang
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Publication number: 20070237906Abstract: A photodisplay device in which an optically addressed image can be viewed indefinitely, erased and readdressed with a new image is disclosed. Optically responsive reversible photochiral materials are incorporated into a bistable cholesteric liquid crystal in an electrooptic display cell. A high resolution image exposed on the cell is fixed by a low voltage pulse to unpatterned electrodes and can be, at a later time, erased with a high voltage pulse.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2007Publication date: October 11, 2007Applicants: Kent Displays Incorporated, Kent State UniversityInventors: Quan Li, Lisa Green, J. Doane, Asad Khan, Nithya Venkataraman, Irina Shiyanovskaya
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Publication number: 20070152928Abstract: The present invention relates to a display film that may be transferred by lamination or otherwise onto a substrate. The display film is formed of a stack of layers that can include different types, arrangements, and functionality within the stack depending upon factors including the characteristics of the substrate (e.g., upper or lower, transparent or opaque, substrates) and addressing of the display (e.g., active or passive matrix, electrical or optical addressing). The layers of the stacked display film include one or more electrode layers and one or more liquid crystal layers and, in addition, may include various combinations of an adhesive layer, preparation layer, casting layer, light absorbing layer, insulation layers, and protective layers. The liquid crystal layer can include cholesteric or other liquid crystal material. The liquid crystal layer can be a dispersion of liquid crystal in a polymer matrix formed by a variety of techniques.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2005Publication date: July 5, 2007Applicant: Kents Displays IncorporatedInventors: J. Doane, Asad Khan, Irina Shiyanovskaya, Albert Green
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Patent number: 7236151Abstract: A flexible liquid crystal display is provided wherein an addressable liquid crystal layer is disposed on a single flexible substrate so that the display itself will exhibit flexibility. The substrate is preferably a flexible non-transparent material and more preferably a drapable material such as fabric.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2004Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: Kent Displays IncorporatedInventors: J. William Doane, Asad A. Khan, Irina Shiyanovskaya, Albert Green
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Publication number: 20070139299Abstract: A stacked color liquid crystal display uses shared electrode addressing including a plurality of liquid crystal layers each sandwiched between electrically conductive layers. Adjacent liquid crystal layers share one or two electrode layers located between the adjacent liquid crystal layers. A driving scheme is provided that allows the display to be driven by updating the liquid crystal layers sequentially, concurrently, or some combination of the two. Further, a method of manufacturing the display using a deposition process is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2005Publication date: June 21, 2007Applicant: Kent Display IncorporatedInventors: Xiao-Yang Huang, Asad Khan, Nick Miller
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Publication number: 20070126674Abstract: The present invention relates to a display film that may be transferred by lamination or otherwise onto a substrate. The display film is formed of a stack of layers that can include different types, arrangements, and functionality within the stack depending upon factors including the characteristics of the substrate (e.g., upper or lower, transparent or opaque, substrates) and addressing of the display (e.g., active or passive matrix, electrical or optical addressing). The layers of the stacked display film include one or more electrode layers and one or more liquid crystal layers and, in addition, may include various combinations of an adhesive layer, preparation layer, casting layer, light absorbing layer, insulation layers, and protective layers. The liquid crystal layer can include cholesteric or other liquid crystal material. The liquid crystal layer can be a dispersion of liquid crystal in a polymer matrix formed by a variety of techniques.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2005Publication date: June 7, 2007Applicant: Kent Displays IncorporatedInventors: J. William Doane, Asad Khan, Irina Shiyanovskaya
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Patent number: 7190337Abstract: A modular and configurable display driver for driving a bistable liquid crystal display. The driver has configurable outputs set by a plurality of configuration bits for driving rows or columns of various displays configurations. Thus, the driver can be economically mass produced for use in many products.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2004Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Kent Displays IncorporatedInventors: Nick M. Miller, IV, Xiao-Yang Huang
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Patent number: 7170481Abstract: The present invention relates to a display film that may be transferred by lamination or otherwise onto a substrate. The display film is formed of a stack of layers that can include different types, arrangements, and functionality within the stack depending upon factors including the characteristics of the substrate (e.g., upper or lower, transparent or opaque, substrates) and addressing of the display (e.g., active or passive matrix, electrical or optical addressing). The layers of the stacked display film include one or more electrode layers and one or more liquid crystal layers and, in addition, may include various combinations of an adhesive layer, preparation layer, casting layer, light absorbing layer, insulation layers, and protective layers. The liquid crystal layer can include cholesteric or other liquid crystal material. The liquid crystal layer can be a dispersion of liquid crystal in a polymer matrix formed by a variety of techniques.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2005Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Kent Displays IncorporatedInventors: Joseph W. Doane, Asad A. Khan, Irina Shiyanovskaya, Tod Schneider, Oleg Pishnyak, Seth E. Green, Forrest N. Nicholson, Liang-Chy Chien
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Publication number: 20060103641Abstract: A display device includes an electronic display adapted to produce images, an electronic device that electrically communicates with the display and a zipper interconnect adapted to enable electrical connection between the display and the electronic device. The electronic display can be a reflective display such as a liquid crystal display or an emissive display such as one containing light emitting diodes. The electronic device that communicates with the display can be drive electronics adapted to electrically address the display so as to produce the images. In particular, the display is a cholesteric liquid crystal display that can be bistable and in the form of a passive matrix, active matrix or direct drive display. The zipper interconnect can include two rows of conductive teeth that are each electrically connected to one or more of: display electrodes, drive electronics, controller or associated electronics supported on one or more substrate portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2005Publication date: May 18, 2006Applicant: Kent Displays IncorporatedInventor: Duane Marhefka
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Patent number: 7023409Abstract: A method of addressing a bistable liquid crystal material having incremental reflectance properties disposed between opposed substrates is disclosed. One substrate has a first plurality of electrodes deposited thereon facing a second substrate which has a second plurality of electrodes disposed thereon. The intersection of the first and second plurality of electrodes forms a plurality of pixels. The addressing method includes applying a predetermined number of pulses to the first plurality of electrodes, and applying a like number of the predetermined number of pulses to the second plurality of electrodes. Each of the predetermined number of pulses has a different frequency, wherein the predetermined number of pulses are applied in a set time period.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2001Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Kent Displays, IncorporatedInventors: Chris Blackson, Todd Ernst, Xiao-Yang Huang