Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes a base supporting a laminate which has an LC-layer (liquid crystal layer) formed of polymeric material holding micro-volumes of liquid crystal material, and a conductive layer on one surface of the LC-layer, the other surface of the LC-layer being substantially conductor-free, and apparatus for transitory application of potential through the LC-layer to the conductive layer to produce an image. The LC-layer has at least about 50% by weight of the polymeric material and less than 50% of the liquid crystal material by weight of the LC-layer, and the duration of image retention after transitory application of potential ceases is significantly extended.

Abstract: A light modulating material including liquid crystalline materials dispersed within a polymeric material including a cross-linked isocyanate material. The isocyanate material preferably is acrylic polyisocyanate which when cross-linked, forms a complex urethane having the form: -urethane-acrylic-urethane-cross linking agent.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes a base supporting a laminate which has an LC-layer (liquid crystal layer) formed of polymeric material holding micro-volumes of liquid crystal material, and a conductive layer on one surface of the LC-layer, the other surface of the LC-layer being substantially conductor-free, and apparatus for transitory application of DC electrical potential through the LC-layer to the conductive layer to produce an image. The invention provides improved image quality independent of application technique and without degradation of the laminate.

Abstract: A slate, such as a writing/drawing slate, includes a base supporting a laminate which has an LC-layer (liquid crystal layer) formed of polymeric material holding micro-volumes of liquid crystal material, a conductive layer on one surface of the LC-layer, and a substantially transparent protective overlayer on the other surface of the LC-layer, apparatus for transitory application of potential through the LC-layer to the conductive layer to produce an image on the image-displaying surface area, and apparatus secured to the base to facilitate erasing of the image. In preferred embodiments the other surface of the LC-layer is substantially conductor-free.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes a base supporting a laminate which has an LC-layer (liquid crystal layer) formed of polymeric material holding micro-volumes of liquid crystal material, and a conductive layer on one surface of the LC-layer, the other surface of the LC-layer being substantially conductor-free, and apparatus for transitory application of potential through the LC-layer to the conductive layer to produce an image.

Abstract: An improved light modulating material for use in electro-optic and thermo-optic display devices is produced by forming a homogeneous solution comprising an acrylic resin containing active hydrogen groups, a liquid crystal material, a diisocyanate or epoxide, and a solvent. The homogeneous solution is preferably applied to a conductive substrate and the solvent is then evaporated, causing phase separation resulting in formation of a liquid crystal phase dispersed within a solid polymer matrix. Application of an electric field to the substrate causes the liquid crystal material to align, which in turn causes the coating to switch from substantially translucent to substantially transparent. If the electric field is removed the light modulating material again becomes substantially translucent. Switching times can be improved by incorporating a titanate or zirconate organometallic material into the light modulating material.

Abstract: An improved light modulating material for use in electro-optic and thermo-optic display devices is produced by forming a homogeneous solution comprising an acrylic resin containing active hydrogen groups, a liquid crystal material, a diisocyanate or epoxide, and a solvent. The homogeneous solution is preferably applied to a conductive substrate and the solvent is then evaporated, causing phase separation resulting in formation of a liquid crystal phase dispersed within a solid polymer matrix. Application of an electric field to the substrate causes the liquid crystal material to align, which in turn causes the coating to switch from substantially translucent to substantially transparent. If the electric field is removed the light modulating material again becomes substantially translucent. Switching times can be improved by incorporating a titanate or zirconate organometallic material into the light modulating material.