Abstract: A flat panel display has a linear array of switchable light emitting diodes (“LEDs”) to emit bands of light across the display, providing a light pattern programmable at video frequencies and a two-dimensional electropolymeric shutter array to convert the light pattern into a video image. The light pattern can be varied or controlled spatially, with respect to both hue and intensity, by suitable drive signals, at points along the array determined by the location of individual LEDs, or groups of LEDs, and temporally as the shutters in the array are opened and closed to provide a pleasing full color gamut for every pixel in the display. Closed shutters, displaying a reflective appearance, can be employed for background or other effects. The shutter array can be flexibly constructed and supported on a flexible substrate to provide a flexible display.

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: A window for gating light for the purpose of controlling temperature within a building, comprising a light transmissive substrate, a plurality of at least partially reflective rollout members disposed on said substrate, the rollout members being responsive to a source of electrical potential to cause the rollout members to rollout, and an electrically conductive at least partially light transmissive conductive member disposed in facing relationship with said reflective rollout members and said substrate.

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 electrostatically actuated color video display is disclosed which can be illuminated by backlighting transmitted through the display and by reflected ambient light to have good visibility in both bright daylight and in subdued or dim light. To display full-color dynamically changing images from an electronic video signal the functions of creating the image and of generating color light rays for use in the image are separated. A preferred embodiment employs a pixellated color screen having rectangular cells of alternate red, green, blue and a somewhat opaque white color and a shuttering mask comprising an array of selectively actuatable light-modulating capacitors with black movable electrodes that when retracted are in registration with and present an open light path to individual color screen cells and when extended present a continuous black screen appearance.

Abstract: Inventive electromagnetic-wave-modulating capacitors with movable electrodes are low-cost, low-energy, reliable and fast-acting elements for employment in highly transparent, conductive fixed electrodes and are incorporated, among others, in reflective display pixels for large and small-scale video displays, including full-color displays where multiple such capacitors are aligned in a single pixel. Further embodiments, not necessarily with a transparent electrode, are assemblable into array antennas deployable in outer space; provide digitally controllable or responsive such variable capacitors; and in mechanically active applications can be constituted as accelerometers, or in microrobotics. Constructions with ultra-thin electrodes have special advantages.

Abstract: A reflective full color light modulating capacitor having a fixed conductive electrode and an active metalized conductive electrode which is deformed from a relaxed state positioned away from the fixed electrode and a deformed state closer to the fixed electrode, whereby the degree to which the active electrode is deformed from its relaxed state varies in proportion to the magnitude of the voltage potential thereon, the metalization on the active conductive electrode being insulated from the fixed conductive electrode.

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.

Abstract: An electrostatic display device of the type which includes a fixed electrode (16) of first reflective properties and a movable flapper (30) of different reflective properties has an improved fixed electrode. In particular, the fixed electrode (16) includes structure for defining venting regions or passages (44) which allow air from the atmosphere to communicate with the underside of a mechanical flapper (30) in the display device.

Abstract: An electrostatic device has a fixed electrode and a flexible-sheet-variable electrode mounted adjacent thereto and insulated therefrom. Fixedly spaced from a portion of the variable electrode is a third electrode to provide a fixed capacity therebetween. A voltage applied between the fixed and third electrode activates the device, and direct ohmic contact to the delicate variable electrode is not necessary.

Abstract: An electrostatic particle collector, comprising a pair of particle collecting elements (12,52) is disclosed. Each of the elements (12,52) comprises a high conductivity member (18,54). Insulative support means (26,66) is secured to the high conductivity member (18,54). Low conductivity means (30,58) is electrically connected to the high conductivity member (18,54) and is secured to the insulative support means (26,66).

Abstract: An electrostatically driven electromechanical display device is disclosed. It comprises first electrode means having a reflective face of first reflectivity and second electrode means having a reflective face of second reflectivity, that second reflectivity being different from the first reflectivity. A flexible conductive tongue is disposed between the first and second electrode means. First support means supports the first electrode means with its face in facing spaced relationship to the face of the second electrode means. Second support means supports the tongue between the facing portions of the first and second electrode means in a position where the tongue may be caused to bear against the face of the first electrode means and where the tongue is in contact with the first electrode means and the second electrode means.

Abstract: An electrostatic particle collector comprising a pair of spaced, parallel, paper collector electrodes. Each electrode has a narrow high conductive region adjacent one side and a wide low conductive region in contact with the narrow high conductive region. The regions are formed by impregnating the paper electrodes with varying concentrations of a conductive material such as graphite. The narrow high conductive region of one electrode is disposed opposite and spaced from the wide low conductive region of the other electrode of the pair.

Abstract: A variable reflectivity display which defines a plane of display (92) is disclosed. It comprises a fixed electrode (16) which defines a first reflective surface having a first reflectivity. A shield (20) defines a second reflective surface having a second reflectivity. The second reflectivity is different from the first reflectivity. A flexible tongue (18) having a mirrored surface is supported in a position where one side of the tongue (18) is adjacent to the shield (20). Means for attracting the tongue to the fixed electrode is provided.

Abstract: A method for making a rolling electrode for use in an electrostatically controllable device includes depositing a metal film on only one surface of a tentered plastic sheet, heating to a temperature substantially above the softening temperature of the plastic and cooling to shrink the plastic and to cause the plastic sheet to form a tight roll.

Abstract: An air cleaner (10) adapted to admit a flow of air containing entrained particles and to remove some of the particles from the air and expel the air and any remaining particles comprises a plurality of non-conductive filter elements (22,24). Means (16a, 16b, 18) are provided for supporting the filter elements in spaced relationship to each other. The filter elements define a plurality of macroscopic passages (46) for the flow of air which are very small but not microscopic in size. Means (26) for concentrating electrical charges of opposite polarity on facing surfaces of adjacent filter elements is also provided.