Abstract: A cholesteric display may be formed, in some embodiments, using a single display element to produce multi-colors for display. A cholesteric material may be sandwiched between a pair of substrates, each associated with a first pair of opposed electrodes that are arranged generally transversely to the optical axis of incident light. The first pair of electrodes produce one of two liquid crystal states and result in the reflection of light of a particular wavelength. Light of other wavelengths may be reflected when a second pair (or set) of opposed electrodes, arranged generally transversely to the first pair of electrodes, are biased appropriately. A color display may be generated from a single display element by modulating the pitch length of the cholesteric material.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display system and cell configuration is disclosed. The element has a first substrate, having a first substrate electrode and a second substrate having a second substrate electrode approximately parallel to the first substrate. In between the two substrates is sandwiched a cholesteric liquid crystalline material. The pitch of the cholesteric material can be controlled by at least two interdigitized electrodes, electrically separated from each other, arranged on the second substrate.

Abstract: A liquid crystal diffractive light valve includes: a pair of opposed substrates wherein one of the substrates is a silicon wafer with associated electronics. The other substrate has an electrode layer facing the silicon substrate. And a ultraviolet curable composite material is disposed between the substrates which is then phase separated to form polymer walls having liquid crystal directors fixed therein regardless of application of an electric field across the electrode layers, and wherein pixel regions are formed between the polymer walls. The pixel regions have liquid crystal directors which are movable when an electric field is applied across the electrode layers. Application of an electric field allows for generation of phase differences between the wall and pixel regions to allow for Liquid Crystal on Silicon devices to be used as diffractive light valves.

Abstract: A cholesteric display may be formed, in some embodiments, using a single display element to produce multi-colors for display. A cholesteric material may be sandwiched between a pair of substrates, each associated with pairs of opposed electrodes that are arranged in general transversely to the optical axis of incident light. The first pair of electrodes produce one of two liquid crystal states and result in the reflection of light of a particular wavelength. Light of other wavelengths may be reflected when a second pair (or set) of opposed electrodes, arranged in general transversely, also to the optical axis of incident light, are biased appropriately. So does a third pair (or set) of electrodes. A black and white color display may be generated from a single display element by modulating the pitch length of the cholesteric material within each pairs (or sets).

Abstract: Liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) cells include a plurality of pixel elements formed between substrates. Spacers are formed on a portion of some of the pixel elements and positioned in the cell gap. The spacers on each of these LCOS cells reflecting different colors are formed in different locations in each cell. The result is that substantially none of the spacers create overlapping dead spots in a composite image. The spacers are further distributed among these pixel elements such that spacers are absent from some pixel elements and such that there is a substantially uniform thickness in the cell gaps. The reduced severity of the dead spots in the composite image as a result of the spacers in different locations, the reduced size and number of the spacers, and the uniformity in the cell gaps provide higher optical image quality.

Abstract: A flat panel display system includes a polymer memory provided thereon. The flat panel display may include a viewable portion and a non-viewable portion. In an embodiment, the polymer memory system may be provided on a non-viewable planar surface of the display. Owing to the large viewable area of many flat panel displays, it is expected that the polymer memory system can provide a large memory for a computer or other processor-based device without requiring any change in the device's form factor. Thus, such a system finds ready application in notebook computers, personal digital assistance and other mobile processor-based devices.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display system and cell configuration is disclosed. The element has a first substrate, having a first substrate electrode and a second substrate having a second substrate electrode approximately parallel to the first substrate. In between the two substrates is sandwiched a cholesteric liquid crystalline material. The pitch of the cholesteric material can be controlled by at least two interdigitized electrodes, electrically separated from each other, arranged on the second substrate.

Abstract: A cholesteric display may be formed, in some embodiments, using a single display element to produce multi-colors for display. A cholesteric material may be sandwiched between a pair of substrates, each associated with pairs of opposed electrodes that are arranged in general transversely to the optical axis of incident light. The first pair of electrodes produce one of two liquid crystal states and result in the reflection of light of a particular wavelength. Light of other wavelengths may be reflected when a second pair (or set) of opposed electrodes, arranged in general transversely, also to the optical axis of incident light, are biased appropriately. So does a third pair (or set) of electrodes. A black and white color display may be generated from a single display element by modulating the pitch length of the cholesteric material within each pairs (or sets).

Abstract: Liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) cells include a plurality of pixel elements formed between substrates. Spacers are formed on a portion of some of the pixel elements and positioned in the cell gap. The spacers on each of these LCOS cells reflecting different colors are formed in different locations in each cell. The result is that substantially none of the spacers create overlapping dead spots in a composite image. The spacers are further distributed among these pixel elements such that spacers are absent from some pixel elements and such that there is a substantially uniform thickness in the cell gaps. The reduced severity of the dead spots in the composite image as a result of the spacers in different locations, the reduced size and number of the spacers, and the uniformity in the cell gaps provide higher optical image quality.

Abstract: Liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) cells include a plurality of pixel elements formed between substrates. Spacers are formed on a portion of some of the pixel elements and positioned in the cell gap. The spacers on each of these LCOS cells reflecting different colors are formed in different locations in each cell. The result is that substantially none of the spacers create overlapping dead spots in a composite image. The spacers are further distributed among these pixel elements such that spacers are absent from some pixel elements and such that there is a substantially uniform thickness in the cell gaps. The reduced severity of the dead spots in the composite image as a result of the spacers in different locations, the reduced size and number of the spacers, and the uniformity in the cell gaps provide higher optical image quality.

Abstract: A cholesteric display may be formed, in some embodiments, using a single display element to produce multi-colors for display. A cholesteric material may be sandwiched between a pair of substrates, each associated with a first pair of opposed electrodes that are arranged generally transversely to the optical axis of incident light. The first pair of electrodes produce one of two liquid crystal states and result in the reflection of light of a particular wavelength. Light of other wavelengths may be reflected when a second pair (or set) of opposed electrodes, arranged generally transversely to the first pair of electrodes, are biased appropriately. A color display may be generated from a single display element by modulating the pitch length of the cholesteric material.

Abstract: A generalized game device may be used as any or all of a game timing device, a game management device (e.g., scoring), and a game randomization device. Internal memory includes programming that allows user inputs of selectable parameters, such as time allowed and number of dice to be simulated. In one embodiment, the device is a “game tool” that features a display and various controls for setting the selectable parameters. The device includes an input/output arrangement to enable network connectivity with at least one peer device, so that timing operations of the peer devices are synchronized. In a second embodiment, the device is a “game tool hub” that is better suited for games requiring a “Master of Ceremonies.” Any of a number of game tools may be connected to the game tool hub, such as simple lock-in buttons and a “Master of Ceremonies” keypad.

Abstract: A micromechanical reflection phase grating may be formed of spring-like ribbon reflectors that are secured to a transparent cover positioned over a substrate such as a silicon substrate. The ribbon reflectors are formed independently of the silicon substrate. If a defect occurs in the phase grating and particularly the ribbon reflectors, the top plate assembly can be reworked or discarded without sacrificing the relatively expensive silicon substrate.

Abstract: Liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) cells include a plurality of pixel elements formed between substrates. Spacers are formed on a portion of some of the pixel elements and positioned in the cell gap. The spacers on each of these LCOS cells reflecting different colors are formed in different locations in each cell. The result is that substantially none of the spacers create overlapping dead spots in a composite image. The spacers are further distributed among these pixel elements such that spacers are absent from some pixel elements and such that there is a substantially uniform thickness in the cell gaps. The reduced severity of the dead spots in the composite image as a result of the spacers in different locations, the reduced size and number of the spacers, and the uniformity in the cell gaps provide higher optical image quality.

Abstract: The present invention includes an interactive user interface in the form of a banner advertisement having various data form elements and action form elements for receiving input and data provided by a user. The advertisement additionally includes commercial information relating to the product or service that is the primary subject of the advertisement. The advertisement is embedded in one or more web pages of a website so that when such web page is displayed, the advertisement is presented to a user. Upon encountering the advertisement, the user may enter ordering data, preferably by way of a wallet file created by a wallet program and resident on the client computer, into data form elements of the advertisement, thereby defining an order. The wallet program and the wallet file permit the user to populate all of the data form elements of the advertisement simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved liquid crystal material comprising a liquid crystal material dispersed in a polymer matrix. The polymeric matrix can be a thermal-based system such as an epoxy-based thermal polymeric system or a UV-curable system such as an acrylate-based polymeric system. The polymeric matrix has a crosslinking density which minimizes the driving voltage while maintaining a good contrast ratio. A process using dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) testing identifies a T.sub.g and crosslinking density which are employed to determine the optimum degree of crosslinking.

Abstract: A polymer dispersed liquid crystal material comprising a polymer matrix, a liquid crystal and a diffusing agent.

Abstract: Water-in-oil-in-water multiple emulsion compositions are disclosed. The multiple emulsion compositions comprise an external aqueous phase optionally incorporating a surfactant system capable of forming liquid crystals as an emulsifier. The internal phase comprises a primary water-in-oil emulsion, wherein the primary emulsion comprises a first topically-active compound, a surfactant phase, an oil phase, and water.

Abstract: A method of treating hair and a hair shampoo-conditioner composition comprising a cleansing surfactant, a water-insoluble primary amine, a sufficient amount of a suitable-acid and a carrier comprising water, are disclosed. The shampoo-conditioner compositions effectively clean and condition the hair.

Abstract: Rinse-off, water-in-oil-in-water multiple emulsion compositions are disclosed. The multiple emulsion compositions comprise an external aqueous phase optionally incorporating an emulsifier and/or a second topically-active compound. The internal phase comprises a primary water-in-oil emulsion, wherein the primary emulsion comprises a first topically-active compound, a surfactant phase, an oil phase, and water.