Abstract: A method for forming walls (8) between substrates (11, 12) in a liquid crystal cell (10) includes the step of forming a cell with a liquid crystal-monomer mixture (50). The cell (10) is then exposed to ultraviolet light (70) causing the monomer to be selectively polymerized to form walls (8) between substrates (11, 12) of the cell. The monomer is selectively polymerized by applying an electric field across the cell through a patterned conductive coating (31, 32) on each substrate (11, 12) to separate the dispersed monomer to the low field, interpixel regions (72). The cell (10) is then exposed to ultraviolet light (70) to polymerize the separated monomer to form the walls (8) in the low field regions (72).

Abstract: A method for forming a uniformly-spaced plastic substrate liquid crystal cell (100) includes the step of forming a cell with a liquid crystal-monomer mixture (150) disposed between upper and lower plastic substrates (111, 112). The cell (100) is then exposed to ultraviolet light (170) causing the monomer to be selectively polymerized to form support walls (108) between substrates (111, 112) of the cell in the light-intense areas. The monomer may be selectively polymerized by exposing the cell (100) through a mask (180, 188). The distance between the substrates (111, 112) is maintained before the walls (108) are formed by dispersing plastic ball spacers (114) between the substrates (111, 112). During exposure to the UV light, the substrates (111, 112) are sandwiched between substantially planar supports (182, 184) to maintain contact between the substrates (111, 112) and the spacers (114) and thus a uniform distance between the substrates (111, 112).

Abstract: A haze-free light modulating polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) material is disclosed which comprises a polymer which is birefringent and possesses anisotropic optical properties similar to those of the dispersed liquid crystal such that the PDLC material in its transparent state exhibits a refractive index that is matched for all directions of incident light providing for an optically clear, scatter-free film for all angles of view. Electrooptic light shutters are possible from this material which are transparent in the field OFF-state and opaque in the field ON-state or vice versa, depending upon the liquid crystal phase structure and configuration of the light shutter device.

Abstract: An improved surgical needle is disclosed. The needle has a butt. The butt has a proximal and a distal end. A blind hole is in the butt. The hole originates at the proximal and terminates at the distal end of the butt. A crimp is adjacent to the butt. The improvement to the crimp comprises a first and a second side that are essentially parallel. A third side is essentially perpendicular to the first and second sides. A fourth side is curvilinear. The curvilinear fourth side can be a semicircle. A machine and a method of attaching a surgical suture to the improved needle is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved surgical needle is disclosed. The needle has a butt. The butt has a proximal and a distal end. A blind hole is in the butt. The hole originates at the proximal and terminates at the distal end of the butt. A crimp is adjacent to the butt. The improvement to the crimp comprises a first and a second side that are essentially parallel. A third side is essentially perpendicular to the first and second sides. A fourth side is curvilinear. The curvilinear fourth side can be a semicircle. A machine and a method of attaching a surgical suture to the improved needle is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved surgical needle is disclosed. The needle has a butt. The butt has a proximal and a distal end. A blind hole is in the butt. The hole originates at the proximal and terminates at the distal end of the butt. A crimp is adjacent to the butt. The improvement to the crimp comprises a first and a second side that are essentially parallel. A third side is essentially perpendicular to the first and second sides. A fourth side is curvilinear. The curvilinear fourth side can be a semicircle. A machine and a method of attaching a surgical suture to the improved needle is also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel mesogenic amine curing agent for reactive monomers, such as epoxy resins and diisocyanates, comprises a mesogenic moiety, a primary amine, and a flexible alkyl spacer connected between the mesogenic moiety and the primary amine and wherein the alkyl spacer is a saturated, linear alkyl group having from about one to about twenty carbon atoms. Novel mesogenic amine has the formula: ##STR1## where M is --O--, ##STR2## or --CH.sub.2 --, where R is --NO.sub.2 or --CN, andwhere x is 1 to 20.Novel mesogenic amine has a labile group subject to cross-linking and the formula: ##STR3## where K is ##STR4## where L is ##STR5## where M is --o--, ##STR6## or --CH.sub.2 --, where Z is cinnamate, an alkene having from one to ten carbons, an isocyanate, an alkoxy, or an alcohol having from one to ten carbons,where T is a cyano, a nitro or an alkyl group having from about one to ten carbons, andwhere X is 1 to 20.

Abstract: An infrared modulating material comprising a first infrared transmissive phase dispersed in a second infrared transmissive phase. One of the phases comprises a liquid crystal phase and the other comprises a medium phase. The liquid crystal phase has an ordinary index of refraction for infrared radiation matched to an index of refraction of the medium for infrared radiation so that infrared radiation is scattered by the material in the absence of an external field and transmitted in the presence of an external field. In addition, the dispersed first phase has a feature size matched to a range of wavelengths of infrared radiation to be modulated so as to enhance the scattering of the radiation by the material in the absence of an applied field.

Abstract: An extended temperature range polymer dispersed liquid crystal light shutter electrically switchable between a transmissive and an opaque state over a working temperature range of about -40.degree. C. to about 100.degree. C. The shutter includes a polymer-dispersed liquid crystalline (PDLC) material comprising a fairly highly cross-linked transparent matrix having phase-separated microdroplets of liquid crystal dispersed therein, the liquid crystal existing in a supercooled liquid crystalline state at low temperatures. Such light shutters are employed in various windows and electrooptic displays, wherever it is desirable to be able to adjust visible or transparency and regardless of temperature extremes.

Abstract: A haze-free light modulating polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) material is disclosed which comprises a polymer matrix which is birefringent and possesses anisotropic optical properties similar to those of the dispersed liquid crystal microdroplets such that the PDLC material in its transparent state exhibits a refractive index that is matched for all directions of incident light providing for an optically clear, scatter-free film for all angles of view. Electrooptic light shutters are possible from this material which are transparent in the field OFF-state and opaque in the field ON-state or vice versa, depending upon the microdroplet structure and configuration of the light shutter device.

Abstract: The invention provides a new liquid crystal display material prepared by the phase separation of a homogeneous solution of liquid crystal and thermoplastic resin to create in situ microdroplets of liquid crystal within a set transparent resin matrix. The new display material is characterized by ease of fabrication and the ability to be reworked by simple heating and cooling of the thermoplastic resin containing microdroplets of liquid crystal. It has been discovered that such a material fabricated from a thermoplastic resin and a liquid crystal having a liquid crystalline phase to isotropic phase transition temperature above the softening temperature of the resin exhibits a reversible field-independent memory.

Abstract: A recording medium utilizing metal azides as an energy amplifying substance is disclosed. A photosensitive material comprises an energy absorptive dye and a metal azide dispersed in an inert binder. Low to moderate pulses of laser light cause the azide particles to react exothermally creating a void in the photosensitive material which can be read by an optical readout device.