Patents Assigned to Kent Display Incorporated
  • Patent number: 7796103
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Kent Displays Incorporated
    Inventors: J. William Doane, Asad A. Khan, Irina Shiyanovskaya, Albert Green
  • Patent number: 7791700
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Kent Displays Incorporated
    Inventor: Alan Keith Bellamy
  • Patent number: 7773064
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Kent Displays Incorporated
    Inventors: J. William Doane, Asad A. Khan, Irina Shiyanovskaya
  • Patent number: 7737928
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Kent Displays Incorporated
    Inventors: Xiao-Yang Huang, Asad A. Khan, Nick M. Miller, IV
  • Publication number: 20100059273
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: Kent Displays Incorporated
    Inventors: Erica N. MONTBACH, Mark LIGHTFOOT, Todd C. ERNST
  • Patent number: 7675239
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Kent Displays Incorporated
    Inventors: Duane Marhefka, Todd Ernst, Xiao-Yang Huang
  • Publication number: 20090096942
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: Kent Displays Incorporated
    Inventors: Tod L. Schneider, Erica Montbach, J. William Doane
  • Publication number: 20090033811
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: Kent Displays Incorporated
    Inventor: Tod L. Schneider
  • Patent number: 7479940
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Kent Displays Incorporated
    Inventor: Duane W. Marhefka
  • Patent number: 7351506
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Kent Displays, Incorporated
    Inventors: Tod Schneider, Forrest Nicholson, Liang-Chy Chien
  • Publication number: 20080037306
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: Kent Displays Incorporated
    Inventors: Duane Marhefka, Todd Ernst, Xiao-Yang Huang
  • Publication number: 20070237906
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Applicants: Kent Displays Incorporated, Kent State University
    Inventors: Quan Li, Lisa Green, J. Doane, Asad Khan, Nithya Venkataraman, Irina Shiyanovskaya
  • Publication number: 20070152928
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Applicant: Kents Displays Incorporated
    Inventors: J. Doane, Asad Khan, Irina Shiyanovskaya, Albert Green
  • Patent number: 7236151
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Kent Displays Incorporated
    Inventors: J. William Doane, Asad A. Khan, Irina Shiyanovskaya, Albert Green
  • Publication number: 20070139299
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Applicant: Kent Display Incorporated
    Inventors: Xiao-Yang Huang, Asad Khan, Nick Miller
  • Publication number: 20070126674
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Applicant: Kent Displays Incorporated
    Inventors: J. William Doane, Asad Khan, Irina Shiyanovskaya
  • Patent number: 7190337
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Kent Displays Incorporated
    Inventors: Nick M. Miller, IV, Xiao-Yang Huang
  • Patent number: 7170481
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Kent Displays Incorporated
    Inventors: Joseph W. Doane, Asad A. Khan, Irina Shiyanovskaya, Tod Schneider, Oleg Pishnyak, Seth E. Green, Forrest N. Nicholson, Liang-Chy Chien
  • Publication number: 20060103641
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Publication date: May 18, 2006
    Applicant: Kent Displays Incorporated
    Inventor: Duane Marhefka
  • Patent number: 7023409
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Kent Displays, Incorporated
    Inventors: Chris Blackson, Todd Ernst, Xiao-Yang Huang