Patents by Inventor Libing Zhang
Libing Zhang has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20060007528Abstract: An encapsulation material, intended for use in encapsulated electrophoretic displays, comprises the coacervation product of a polyanionic polymer having a vinyl main chain and a plurality of anionic groups bonded to the main chain, with a cationic or zwitterionic water-soluble polymer capable of forming an immiscible second phase on contact with the polyanionic polymer.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2005Publication date: January 12, 2006Applicant: E INK CORPORATIONInventors: Lan Cao, Libing Zhang, Charles Honeyman, Kimberly Houde, Andrew Loxley, David Miller, Richard Paolini, Tibyron Quinn, Michael Steiner, Thomas Whitesides
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Patent number: 6958848Abstract: An encapsulation material, intended for use in encapsulated electrophoretic displays, comprises the coacervation product of a polyanionic polymer having a vinyl main chain and a plurality of anionic groups bonded to the main chain, with a cationic or zwitterionic water-soluble polymer capable of forming an immiscible second phase on contact with the polyanionic polymer.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2003Date of Patent: October 25, 2005Assignee: E Ink CorporationInventors: Lan Cao, Charles Howie Honeyman, Kimberly L. Houde, Andrew L. Loxley, David D. Miller, Richard J. Paolini, Jr., Tibyron Quinn, Michael L. Steiner, Thomas H. Whitesides, Libing Zhang
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Patent number: 6922276Abstract: An encapsulated electrophoretic medium comprises a plurality of capsules dispersed in a polymeric binder, each of the capsules comprising a capsule wall, a suspending fluid contained within the capsule wall, and a plurality of electrically charged particles suspended in the suspending fluid and capable of moving therethrough upon application of an electric field to the medium, the polymeric binder having a shear modulus of at least about 10 mPa at 20° C., and preferably over the range of 10-50° C.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2003Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Assignee: E Ink CorporationInventors: Libing Zhang, Mavyn M. Holman, Russell J. Wilcox, Alberto Goenaga, Michael L. Steiner
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Publication number: 20050035941Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2001Publication date: February 17, 2005Inventors: Jonathan Albert, Barrett Comiskey, Joseph Jacobson, Libing Zhang, Andrew Loxley, Robert Feeney, Paul Drzaic, Ian Morrison
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Publication number: 20050018273Abstract: In electrophoretic media, it is advantageous to use pigment particles having about 1 to 15 per cent by weight of a polymer chemically bonded to, or cross-linked around, the pigment particles. The polymer desirably has a branched chain structure with side chains extending from a main chain. Charged or chargeable groups can be incorporated into the polymer or can be bonded to the particles separately from the polymer. The polymer-coated particles can be prepared by first attaching a polymerizable or polymerization-initiating group to the particle and then reacting the particle with one or more polymerizable monomers or oligomers.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2004Publication date: January 27, 2005Applicant: E INK CORPORATIONInventors: Charles Honeyman, Elizabeth Moran, Libing Zhang, Anthony Pullen, Emily Pratt, Kimberly Houde, Matthew King, Craig Herb, Richard Paolini
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Patent number: 6831769Abstract: An electro-optic display comprises first and second substrates and a lamination adhesive layer and a layer of a solid electro-optic material disposed between the first and second substrates, the lamination adhesive layer having a volume resistivity, measured at 10° C., which does not change by a factor of more than about 3 after being held at 25° C. and 45 percent relative humidity for 1000 hours. The electro-optic material is preferably an encapsulated electrophoretic material. Other desirable characteristics of lamination adhesives for use in electro-optic displays are also described.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2002Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Assignee: E Ink CorporationInventors: Mavyn M. Holman, Justin Abramson, Glen Crossley, Katharine Geramita, Robert W. Zehner, Karl R. Amundson, Libing Zhang, Richard M. Webber
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Patent number: 6825970Abstract: The invention provides a first process for addressing an electro-optic material having first and second display states differing in at least one optical characteristic and being capable of being changed from its first to its second display state by application of an electric field to the material, the process comprising applying an electrically charged fluid to a portion of at least one surface of the material, thereby changing the display state of a portion of the material. The invention also provides a second process for addressing an electro-optic material, this process comprising contacting the electro-optic material with a non-conductive brush means wet with a conductive liquid while applying a potential difference between the brush means and the electro-optic material.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2002Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: E Ink CorporationInventors: Alberto Goenaga, Karl R. Amundson, Michael L. Steiner, Libing Zhang
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Publication number: 20040233509Abstract: An encapsulated electrophoretic medium comprises a plurality of capsules dispersed in a polymeric binder, each of the capsules comprising a capsule wall, a suspending fluid contained within the capsule wall, and a plurality of electrically charged particles suspended in the suspending fluid and capable of moving therethrough upon application of an electric field to the medium, the polymeric binder having a shear modulus of at least about 10 mPa at 20° C., and preferably over the range of 10-50° C.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2003Publication date: November 25, 2004Applicant: E INK CORPORATIONInventors: Libing Zhang, Mavyn M. Holman, Russell J. Wilcox, Alberto Goenaga, Michael L. Steiner
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Patent number: 6822782Abstract: In electrophoretic media, it is advantageous to use pigment particles having about 1 to 15 percent by weight of a polymer chemically bonded to, or cross-linked around, the pigment particles. The polymer desirably has a branched chain structure with side chains extending from a main chain. Charged or chargeable groups can be incorporated into the polymer or can be bonded to the particles separately from the polymer. The polymer-coated particles can be prepared by first attaching a polymerizable or polymerization-initiating group to the particle and then reacting the particle with one or more polymerizable monomers or oligomers.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2002Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: E Ink CorporationInventors: Charles H. Honeyman, Elizabeth A. Moran, Libing Zhang, Anthony Edward Pullen, Emily J. Pratt, Kimberly L. Houde, Matthew A. King, Craig A. Herb, Richard J. Paolini, Jr.
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Publication number: 20040105036Abstract: An electro-optic display comprises a layer of reflective electro-optic material capable of changing its optical state on application of an electric field, an electrode, a heat generating component in heat conducting relationship with the electro-optic material, and a heat shield disposed between the heat generating component and the electro-optic material, the heat shield comprising a layer of thermally insulating material and a layer of thermally conducting material, the thermally conducting material being disposed between the thermally insulating material and the electro-optic material. The invention also provides an electrophoretic medium comprising a suspending fluid and a plurality of electrically charged particles suspended in the suspending fluid and capable of moving therethrough upon application of an electrical field to the electrophoretic medium, the suspending fluid containing a compatibilizer to reduce its coefficient of thermal expansion.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2003Publication date: June 3, 2004Applicant: E INK CORPORATIONInventors: Guy M. Danner, Richard M. Webber, Richard J. Paolini, Libing Zhang
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Patent number: 6727881Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1998Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: E Ink CorporationInventors: Jonathan D. Albert, Barrett Comiskey, Joseph M. Jacobson, Libing Zhang, Andrew Loxley, Robert Feeney, Paul Drzaic, Ian Morrison
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Publication number: 20040012839Abstract: An encapsulation material, intended for use in encapsulated electrophoretic displays, comprises the coacervation product of a polyanionic polymer having a vinyl main chain and a plurality of anionic groups bonded to the main chain, with a cationic or zwitterionic water-soluble polymer capable of forming an immiscible second phase on contact with the polyanionic polymer.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2003Publication date: January 22, 2004Applicant: E INK CORPORATIONInventors: Lan Cao, Charles Howie Honeyman, Kimberly L. Houde, Andrew L. Loxley, David D. Miller, Richard J. Paolini, Tibyron Quinn, Michael L. Steiner, Thomas H. Whitesides, Libing Zhang
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Patent number: 6639578Abstract: A process for creating an electronically addressable display includes multiple printing operations, similar to a multi-color process in conventional screen printing. In some of the process steps, electrically non-active inks are printed onto areas of the receiving substrate, and in other steps, electrically active inks are printed onto different areas of the substrate. The printed display can be used in a variety of applications. This display can be used as an indicator by changing state of the display after a certain time has elapsed, or when a certain pressure, thermal, radiative, moisture, acoustic, inclination, pH, or other threshold is passed. In one embodiment, the display is incorporated into a battery indicator. A sticker display is described. The sticker is adhesive backed and may then be applied to a surface to create a functional information display unit. This invention also features a display that is both powered and controlled using radio frequencies.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1998Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: E Ink CorporationInventors: Barrett Comiskey, Jonathan D. Albert, Joseph M. Jacobson, Libing Zhang, Andrew Loxley, Robert Feeney, Paul Drzaic
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Publication number: 20030132908Abstract: An electrophoretic display has a viewing surface, and includes an image pixel. The image pixel includes a first plurality of particles having a first mobility, and a second plurality of particles having a second mobility. At a first addressing voltage, the first mobility is greater than the second mobility. At a second addressing voltage, the second mobility is greater than the first mobility. At least one of the first and second mobilities is a variable function of voltage, i.e., a function of an applied electric field. Application of the first addressing voltage produces a first optical state, which is determined by a motion of the first plurality of particles. Application of the second addressing voltage produces a second optical state determined by a motion of the second plurality of particles.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2002Publication date: July 17, 2003Inventors: Craig A. Herb, Libing Zhang
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Publication number: 20030053189Abstract: The invention provides a first process for addressing an electro-optic material having first and second display states differing in at least one optical characteristic and being capable of being changed from its first to its second display state by application of an electric field to the material, the process comprising applying an electrically charged fluid to a portion of at least one surface of the material, thereby changing the display state of a portion of the material. The invention also provides a second process for addressing an electro-optic material, this process comprising contacting the electro-optic material with a non-conductive brush means wet with a conductive liquid while applying a potential difference between the brush means and the electro-optic material.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2002Publication date: March 20, 2003Applicant: E Ink CorporationInventors: Alberto Goenaga, Karl R. Amundson, Michael L. Steiner, Libing Zhang
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Publication number: 20030025855Abstract: An electro-optic display comprises first and second substrates and a lamination adhesive layer and a layer of a solid electro-optic material disposed between the first and second substrates, the lamination adhesive layer having a volume resistivity, measured at 10° C., which does not change by a factor of more than about 3 after being held at 25° C. and 45 percent relative humidity for 1000 hours. The electro-optic material is preferably an encapsulated electrophoretic material. Other desirable characteristics of lamination adhesives for use in electro-optic displays are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2002Publication date: February 6, 2003Applicant: E lnk CorporationInventors: Mavyn M. Holman, Justin Abramson, Glen Crossley, Katharine Geramita, Robert W. Zehner, Karl R. Amundson, Libing Zhang, Richard M. Webber
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Patent number: 6515649Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1998Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: E Ink CorporationInventors: Jonathan D. Albert, Barrett Comiskey, Joseph M. Jacobson, Libing Zhang, Andrew Loxley, Robert Feeney, Paul Drzaic, Ian Morrison
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Publication number: 20020185378Abstract: In electrophoretic media, it is advantageous to use pigment particles having about 1 to 15 percent by weight of a polymer chemically bonded to, or cross-linked around, the pigment particles. The polymer desirably has a branched chain structure with side chains extending from a main chain. Charged or chargeable groups can be incorporated into the polymer or can be bonded to the particles separately from the polymer. The polymer-coated particles can be prepared by first attaching a polymerizable or polymerization-initiating group to the particle and then reacting the particle with one or more polymerizable monomers or oligomers.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2002Publication date: December 12, 2002Inventors: Charles H. Honeyman, Elizabeth A. Moran, Libing Zhang, Anthony Edward Pullen, Emily J. Pratt, Kimberly L. Houde, Matthew A. King, Craig A. Herb, Richard J. Paolini
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Patent number: 6262706Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1998Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: E Ink CorporationInventors: Jonathan D. Albert, Barrett Comiskey, Joseph M. Jacobson, Libing Zhang, Andrew Loxley, Robert Feeney, Paul Drzaic, Ian Morrison
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Patent number: 6249271Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2000Date of Patent: June 19, 2001Assignee: E Ink CorporationInventors: Jonathan D. Albert, Barrett Comiskey, Joseph M. Jacobson, Libing Zhang, Andrew Loxley, Robert Feeney, Paul Drzaic, Ian Morrison