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 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: A code reading system is disclosed utilizing a novel, multicolored, densely packed code read by a scanner which is placed over the code and held in place while the scanner performs its reading function. The scanner includes lighting means which are sequentially flashed on the code, as well as optical means to pick up an image received from the code during each sequential flash. The optical means directs the received image onto an imager where it is recorded. After a predetermined sequence, the received images recorded on the imager are fed to a microprocessor for storage and manipulation.

Abstract: An electrical indicating device having an animal appearance with indicator lights, incorporated as a part of the features of the animal, to be energized to indicate selection of a right answer from among a number of possible answers. A casing is formed of two portions which cooperate to define a chamber. The outer configuration of the casing provides an animal appearance, with the indicator lights included as features of the animal. A mounting member fastened within the casing mounts circuitry including a probe that extends out of the casing. The probe includes an inner pin and a surrounding tube separated by an insulator. When the probe is touched to an electrically conductive area, the pin and tube are interconnected to complete the circuitry energizing the indicator lights.