Abstract: A segmented, rigid-rod aromatic polyimide mixed with a UV curable acrylate photopolymer material comprises an alignment layer for aligning nematic polymeric liquid crystal compensator films. The material may also provide an out-of-plane retardation. The segmented, rigid-rod aromatic polyimide-based UV curable acrylate alignment layer, when applied in appropriate thickness, functions as a negative uniaxial C-plate compensator and causes alignment of the nematic liquid crystal molecules. The combination of the retardation provided by the alignment layer and the compensator film deposited on it provides a significant improvement in the contrast and color stability of liquid crystal displays (LCDs) at large viewing angles.

Abstract: An anisotropic cross-linked PVA alignment layer for aligning nematic polymeric liquid crystal compensator films, which also provides an out-of-plane retardation. The cross-linked PVA alignment layer, when applied in sufficient thickness functions as both a negative uniaxial C-plate and causes alignment of the nematic liquid crystal molecules. The combination of the retardation provided by the alignment layer and the compensator film deposited on it provides a significant improvement in the contrast and color stability of liquid crystal displays (LCDs) at large viewing angles in which they are used.

Abstract: A playing card shuffler for shuffling a stack of playing cards with random distribution. The playing card shuffler includes an infeed playing card stack holder supporting an unshuffled playing card stack and discharges playing cards from incremental positions of the unshuffled playing card stack directly to the shuffled card receiver.

Abstract: A playing card shuffler having an unshuffled stack holder which holds an infeed array of playing cards. One or more ejectors are mounted adjacent the unshuffled stack holder to eject cards from the infeed array at various random positions. Multiple ejectors are preferably mounted on a movable carriage. Extractors are advantageously used to assist in removing playing cards from the infeed array. Removal resistors are used to provide counteracting forces resisting displacement of cards, to thereby provide more selective ejection of cards from the infeed array.

Abstract: A playing card shuffler having an unshuffled stack holder which holds an infeed array of playing cards. One or more ejectors are mounted adjacent the unshuffled stack holder to eject cards from the infeed array at various random positions. Multiple ejectors are preferably mounted on a movable carriage. Extractors are advantageously used to assist in removing playing cards from the infeed array. Removal resistors are used to provide counteracting forces resisting displacement of cards, to thereby provide more selective ejection of cards from the infeed array.

Abstract: Playing card shufflers having unshuffled stack holders which hold infeed arrays of playing cards. Ejectors are mounted adjacent an unshuffled stack holder, which can be stationary or movable. Cards are ejected and discharged from the infeed array at various random positions. The ejectors can be mounted on a movable carriage. Extractors are advantageously used to assist in removing playing cards from the infeed array. Removal resistors are used to provide counteracting forces resisting displacement of cards, to thereby provide more selective ejection of cards from the infeed array. One embodiment mounts over the edge of a card table.