Abstract: A display comprises spaced first and second electrodes, and a plurality of electrochromic nanoparticles disposed between the electrodes, each of the nanoparticles having an electron-rich state and an electron-depleted state, the two states differing in at least one optical characteristic. Upon injection of charge from one of the electrodes, the nanoparticles switch between their electron-rich and electron-depleted states, thus changing an optical characteristic of the display.

Abstract: Novel addressing schemes for controlling electronically addressable displays include a scheme for rear-addressing displays, which allows for in-plane switching of the display material. Other schemes include a rear-addressing scheme which uses a retroreflecting surface to enable greater viewing angle and contrast. Another scheme includes an electrode structure that facilitates manufacture and control of a color display. Another electrode structure facilitates addressing a display using an electrostatic stylus. Methods of using the disclosed electrode structures are also disclosed. Another scheme includes devices combining display materials with silicon transistor addressing structures.

Abstract: We describe a system of electronically active inks which may include electronically addressable contrast media, conductors, insulators, resistors, semiconductive materials, magnetic materials, spin materials, piezoelectric materials, optoelectronic, thermoelectric or radio frequency materials. We further describe a printing system capable of laying down said materials in a definite pattern. Such a system may be used for instance to: print a flat panel display complete with onboard drive logic; print a working logic circuit onto any of a large class of substrates; print an electrostatic or piezoelectric motor with onboard logic and feedback or print a working radio transmitter or receiver.

Abstract: An electro-optic display comprises a layer (130) of a solid electro-optic material, at least one electrode disposed adjacent the layer (130) of electro-optic material, and a layer (180) of a lamination adhesive interposed between the layer (130) of electro-optic material and the electrode, the lamination adhesive (180) having a higher electrical conductivity in a direction perpendicular to the layer of lamination adhesive than in the plane of the layer.

Abstract: An electronic book comprising multiple, electronically addressable, page displays is described. Said page displays may be formed on flexible, thin substrates. Said book may additionally encompass memory, power, control functions and communications.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel electrophoretic displays and materials useful in fabricating such displays. In particular, novel encapsulated displays are disclosed. Particles encapsulated therein are dispersed within a suspending, or electrophoretic, fluid. This fluid may be a mixture of two or more fluids or may be a single fluid. The displays may further comprise particles dispersed in a suspending fluid, wherein the particles contain a liquid. In either case, the suspending fluid may have a density or refractive index substantially matched to that of the particles dispersed therein. Finally, also disclosed herein are electro-osmotic displays. These displays comprise at least one capsule containing either a cellulosic or gel-like internal phase and a liquid phase, or containing two or more immiscible fluids. Application of electric fields to any of the electrophoretic displays described herein affects an optical property of the display.

Abstract: A method for sensing the state of an electrophoretic display includes the steps of applying an electrical signal to a display element, measuring an electrical response for the display element, and deducing the state of the display element from the measured electrical response. Also, the parameters of the display materials are determined using the encapsulated electrophoretic display media as a sensor, either alone or in conjunction with other sensors.

Abstract: A display system includes a substrate upon which the display system is fabricated; a printable electrooptic display material, such as a microencapsulated electrophoretic suspension; electrodes (typically based on a transparent, conductive ink) arranged in an intersecting pattern to allow specific elements or regions of the display material to be addressed; insulating layers, as necessary, deposited by printing; and an array of nonlinear elements that facilitate matrix addressing. The nonlinear devices may include printed, particulate Schottky diodes, particulate PN diodes, particulate varistor material, silicon films formed by chemical reduction, or polymer semiconductor films. All elements of the display system may be deposited using a printing process.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for rendering nucleic acids directly responsive to an external signal utilizing modulators that themselves respond to the external signal and are associated with the nucleic acid. In response to the external signal, the modulator alters physical properties of the specific nucleic acid molecule(s) with which it is associated, thereby altering the structural and functional properties thereof. The modulator may, for example, transfer applied energy to a nucleic acid, or to a portion of the nucleic acid, thereby changing the nucleic acid structure.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for rendering proteins directly responsive to an external signal utilizing modulators that themselves respond to the external signal and are associated with the proteins. In response to the external signal, the modulator alters physical properties of the specific protein molecule(s) with which it is associated, thereby altering the structural and functional properties thereof. The modulator may, for example, transfer applied energy to a protein, or to a portion of the protein, thereby changing the protein structure and function.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to solution-based molecular shuttle devices. More particularly, this invention relates to solution-based molecular switches, molecular assemblies, and molecular memory devices and methods for producing the same. In some embodiments the devices are made from molecular chains constructed from molecular subunits which define binding positions and shuttles that are capable of moving along the chains.

Abstract: An electro-optic display comprises a layer (130) of a solid electro-optic material, at least one electrode disposed adjacent the layer (130) of electro-optic material, and a layer (180) of a lamination adhesive interposed between the layer (130) of electro-optic material and the electrode, the lamination adhesive (180) having a higher electrical conductivity in a direction perpendicular to the layer of lamination adhesive than in the plane of the layer.

Abstract: Transistors are formed by depositing at least one layer of semiconductor material on a substrate comprising a polyphenylene polyimide. The substrate permits the use of processing temperatures in excess of 300° C. during the processes used to form the transistors, thus allowing the formation of high quality silicon semiconductor layers. The substrate also has a low coefficient of thermal expansion, which closely matches that of silicon, thus reducing any tendency for a silicon layer to crack or delaminate.

Abstract: Bioelectronic components are formed using nanoparticles surrounded by attached shells of at least one biological material. The nanoparticles are deposited (e.g., using a printing process) onto a surface, and by associating the deposited nanoparticles with one or more electrical contacts, electrical measurement across the nanoparticles (and, consequently, across the biological material) may be made. A finished component may include multiple layers formed by nanoparticle deposition.

Abstract: In a system for contact printing, two surfaces are brought into intimate aligned contact, under controlled pressure, without the entrapment of air. A controlled bow in a stamp pushes air ahead of a moving contact line between the stamp and a substrate. In one embodiment, the bow is created by a difference in pressure between the two sides of a flexible stamp. In an alternate embodiment, a flexible stamp is rolled into contact with the substrate. Alignment of the stamp and any previously patterned features on the substrate is accomplished with an X-Y translation stage or other suitable mechanism. If an optically clear stamp is utilized, features in the stamp and the substrate can be compared simultaneously and the relative position adjusted. In another aspect, a pattern in a thin film of liquid is created by liquid embossing on an offset substrate. The offset substrate is then brought into contact with the final substrate and the high regions of the liquid film are transferred to that substrate.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a full color, reflective display includes the steps of depositing a first plurality of electrophoretic display elements in substantial registration with a first electrode and a second plurality of electrophoretic display elements in substantial registration with a second electrode. The electrophoretic display elements include a capsule containing a species of particles dispersed in a suspending fluid. The selective deposition of the display elements can be achieved by ink-jet printing methods, screen printing methods or other printing methods. In some embodiments the electrodes are printed onto the substrate before selective deposition of the display elements, while in other embodiments the substrate is provided having the electrodes already disposed on it. In still other embodiments, the sequence of printing of electrodes and electrophoretic display elements can be varied.

Abstract: A dielectrophoretic display comprises a substrate having walls defining at least one cavity, the cavity having a viewing surface and a side wall inclined to the viewing surface; a suspending fluid contained within the cavity; a plurality of at least one type of particle suspended within the suspending fluid; and means for applying to the substrate an electric field effect effective to cause dielectrophoretic movement of the particles to the side wall of the cavity.

Abstract: An electrophoretic medium (102) comprises a plurality of capsules (104), each capsule comprising an internal phase comprising a plurality of electrophoretically mobile particles (106, 108) in a gaseous suspending medium, and a capsule wall surrounding the internal phase. Various processes for producing such an electrophoretic medium are also described.

Abstract: A display includes an encapsulated display media, a rear electrode, and a movable electrode. The encapsulated display media comprises a plurality of capsules, each capsule comprising a plurality of particles dispersed in a fluid. The display media has a first surface and a second surface. The rear electrode is disposed adjacent the second surface of the display media. The movable electrode and the rear electrode apply an electric field across the display media.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel electrophoretic displays and materials useful in fabricating such displays. In particular, novel encapsulated displays are disclosed. Particles encapsulated therein are dispersed within a suspending, or electrophoretic, fluid. This fluid may be a mixture of two or more fluids or may be a single fluid. The displays may further comprise particles dispersed in a suspending fluid, wherein the particles contain a liquid. In either case, the suspending fluid may have a density or refractive index substantially matched to that of the particles dispersed therein. Finally, also disclosed herein are electro-osmotic displays. These displays comprise at least one capsule containing either a cellulosic or gel-like internal phase and a liquid phase, or containing two or more immiscible fluids. Application of electric fields to any of the electrophoretic displays described herein affects an optical property of the display.