Abstract: The present invention is directed to an aqueous sealing composition that comprises a combination of polymers, a poly(vinyl alcohol) homopolymer or poly(vinyl alcohol-co-ethylene) copolymer, a polyurethane, and a rheology modifier in an aqueous carrier. The aqueous sealing composition may be used to form a low-defect sealing film in electro-optic devices having an electro-optic material layer, comprising (a) a plurality of microcells filled with charged particles and a non-polar fluid and (b) a sealing film, wherein the electro-optic material layer is disposed between two electrode layers. The corresponding electro-optic devices exhibit good electro-optic performance.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an aqueous sealing composition that comprises a combination of polymers, a poly(vinyl alcohol) homopolymer or poly(vinyl alcohol-co-ethylene) copolymer and a polyurethane, a conductive filler, and a water-soluble ether in an aqueous carrier. The aqueous sealing composition may be used to form a sealing film in electro-optic devices having an electro-optic material layer, comprising (a) a plurality of microcells filled with charged particles and a non-polar fluid and (b) a sealing film, wherein the electro-optic material layer is disposed between two electrode layers. The device exhibits good electro-optic performance.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sealing layer that comprises a poly(vinyl alcohol) homopolymer or poly(vinyl alcohol-co-ethylene) copolymer and a polyurethane. The sealing layer shows good barrier properties to a non-polar fluid and low moisture absorption. The sealing layer can be used to seal microcells of electro-optic devices.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sealing layer that comprises a poly(vinyl alcohol) homopolymer or a poly(vinyl alcohol-co-ethylene) copolymer, a polyurethane, and a conductive filler. The sealing layer shows good barrier properties to a non-polar fluid. The sealing layer can be used to seal microcells of electro-optic devices, contributing to improved good electro-optic performance of the device, especially at low temperatures.

Abstract: A variable valve with an actuator that elongates upon application of an electrically-derived field. The valve includes an actuator comprising an actuator member made of a material that is elongated by an electrically-derived field. A coil surrounding the actuator member selectively applies an electrically-derived field to the actuator member. The valve further comprises a fluid flow path, an opening in the fluid flow path defining a flow area, and a closure member movable by the actuator member from a closed or more closed position in which it is restricting some or all of the flow area, to an open or more open position in which it is restricting less of the flow area, to selectively alter the fluid flow rate through the opening.