Abstract: A photographic system is disclosed, including a camera adapted to photograph a flexible liquid crystal display screen for indicating the skin temperature of a patient, an electronic flash associated with the camera, means on the camera for receiving a fresh film pack containing a first battery, means for receiving a used film pack containing a second battery, means for powering the camera from the first battery, and means for powering the flash from the second battery. The means for receiving a battery-containing used film pack may also be used to power other photographic accessories.

Abstract: Thermographic cholesteric coating compositions, containing cholesteric microcapsules, and coated plates are provided which give gray-red-green-blue coated temperature-responsive visual displays, over about a 3.degree. or 4.degree. C. range. Formulations are devised to give the displayed range, in about 1.degree. C. intervals from about 28.degree. C. to about 37.degree. C. The microcapsules contain about 55% oleyl cholesteryl carbonate, about 2.0 to about 5.0% cholesteryl propionate and about 4.5 to about 7.2% of cholesteryl chloride. Coatings containing two different microencapsulated formulations, both selected within the above formulation range give thermographic plates showing a temperature-responsive visual display of seven distinct color shades, over about a 4.degree.-7.degree. C. range, without loss of sensitivity and without loss of noticeable color intensity.

Abstract: Thermographic plates particularly for medical investigation are provided comprising a polymer film substrate coated with single-droplet microcapsules having core material consisting essentially of about 55 to about 75% of cholesteryl pelargonate, about 14 to about 35% isostearyl cholesteryl carbonate, about 2.0 to about 6.0% of cholesteryl propionate and about 4.5 to about 7.2% of cholesteryl chloride. The coated plates give a gray-red-green-blue temperature-responsive visual display over a 3.degree. or 4.degree. C. range. Thermographic plates wherein the coatings contain two different microencapsulated formulations, both selected from the above formulation range, show a temperature responsive visual display of seven distinct color shades over about a 4.degree.-7.degree. C. range.

Abstract: A temperature measuring device engageable with a surface of any contour to determine the individual temperature of each of the several portions of the surface by providing a thermal map. The map is observable and may be photographed if a record thereof is desired.The temperature measuring device has a portion engageable with the surface and conformable to the surface. The portion which engages the surface includes a coating of cholesteric material, such as microencapsulated liquid crystal material which is temperature-sensitive and light-reflecting. The device also includes a transparent fill material therewithin to transmit the thermal image or map therethrough. Thus, a thermal map or image of the surface is provided. The thermal map is observable and/or recordable through another portion of the device.

Abstract: Thermographic cholesteric coating compositions, containing cholesteric microcapsules, and coated plates are provided which give gray-red-green-blue coated temperature-responsive visual displays, over about a 3.degree. or 4.degree. C. range. Formulations are devised to give the displayed range, in about 1.degree. C. intervals from about 28.degree. C. to about 37.degree. C. The microcapsules contain about 55% oleyl cholesteryl carbonate, about 2.0 to about 5.0% cholesteryl propionate and about 4.5 to about 7.2% of cholesteryl chloride. Coatings containing two different microencapsulated formulations, both selected within the above formulation range give thermographic plates showing a temperature-responsive visual display of seven distinct color shades, over about a 4.degree.-7.degree. C. range, without loss of sensitivity and without loss of noticeable color intensity.

Abstract: Solidification of liquid crystalline compositions is retarded by incorporating therein compounds which are steroid derivatives of isostearyl carbonate. These novel carbonates which are quite stable to environmental factors such as ultraviolet light exposure, temperature changes, oxidation, etc., retard solidification of liquid crystalline compositions for extended periods of time. Moreover, these compounds, some of which of themselves exhibit color play, can be used in increasing amounts to increasingly narrow the color play range without noticeably decreasing the specular intensity of the color changes of liquid crystalline compositions.