Abstract: A bi-chromal ball production apparatus and method where the bi-chromal ball material is fed from opposite sides of the disk, reconfiguring the internal geometry of the apparatus, and precisely configuring the bi-chromal ball material feeding slit. The bi-chromal ball production apparatus has a disk that rotates, a first supply structure that supplies a first bi-chromal ball material to the disk from a first direction, a second supply structure tube that supplies a second bi-chromal ball material to the disk from a second direction and a motor that rotates the disk. The bi-chromal ball production apparatus includes a first reservoir and a first slit defined by the disk and a top body, a second reservoir and a second slit defined by the disk and a bottom body. An inner surface of each of the first and second reservoir is parabola shaped.

Abstract: The invention is an electric reusable paper sheet that uses a pattern of conductive charge-retaining islands on the outward-facing side of the first of two thin layers used to encapsulate a Electric reusable paper substrate which interact with conductive areas in the encapsulating sheet. The second encapsulating layer may also coated with a conductive material, or made of a conductive material, and may or may not be patterned. The Electric reusable paper substrate and two encapsulating layers comprise a sheet of Gyricon electric reusable paper on which images can be written and erased repeatedly. The patterned charge-retaining islands of the first encapsulating layer receive electric charges from an external charge-transfer device. After the charge-transfer device is removed, the conductive, charge-retaining islands hold electric charge, creating an electric field in the electric reusable paper sufficient to cause an image change.

Abstract: A bi-chromal ball production apparatus and method where the bi-chromal ball material is fed from opposite sides of the disk, reconfiguring the internal geometry of the apparatus, and precisely configuring the bi-chromal ball material feeding slit. The bi-chromal ball production apparatus has a disk that rotates, a first supply structure that supplies a first bi-chromal ball material to the disk from a first direction, a second supply structure tube that supplies a second bi-chromal ball material to the disk from a second direction and a motor that rotates the disk. The bi-chromal ball production apparatus includes a first reservoir and a first slit defined by the disk and a top body, a second reservoir and a second slit defined by the disk and a bottom body. An inner surface of each of the first and second reservoir is parabola shaped.

Abstract: A bistable display device that is powered only by ambient energy. Ambient energy is collected by an ambient energy receiver which converts the ambient energy into an operating signal and provides the operating signal to a controller. The controller drives the display device based on the operating signal. A user can create a custom display by fixing customizable patterned electrodes to the display. A display controller uses a self-starting oscillator. The oscillator outputs a clock input signal wave to a ripple counter and a voltage signal to a voltage doubler. The voltage doubler outputs a stored charge signal to a transformer concurrently with a clock pulse that is output by the ripple counter to change a state of the voltage output from the transformer to conductive electrodes within or on the display. The voltage output from the transformers applies an electric field across the display in the portions of the display covered by the conductors to switch the image on the display.

Abstract: A networked parasitic user interface terminal capable of deriving power from a host. The user terminal, adapted for use in a system for receiving, analyzing, and managing diverse information obtained from a variety of source documents, is structurally mounted to a host structure, such as an electrical appliance or a wall, and receives its power parasitically from its host. The user interface is connected to a digital network via a communications link and receives information to display from a remote processor. The user interface terminal does not receive any data directly from its host.

Abstract: Selected regions of an electronically modifiable display are fixed while other regions are left electronically modifiable. The selected regions are fixed by various methods including subjecting the selected regions to heat, light or pressure. In some embodiments, the fixed regions are reversibly fixed so that changes can be made to the fixed regions.

Abstract: A tileable computer display includes a first device having a processor and a display maintainable in communication with a second device having a processor and a display. Specific data to be displayed on both devices is based on respective spatial positions of the first device and second device relative to each other. Communication links can be through radio, optical, or physical interconnects.

Abstract: A plurality of multiple interacting computer devices for transferring data includes a first device having a processor and a first wireless communication module for transferring data, a second device having a processor and a second wireless communication module for transferring data, and a third device having a processor and a third wireless communication module for transferring data. When the first device is connected in substantially simultaneous wireless communication with the second device and the third device, specific data based on respective spatial positions of the first device, second device, and third device can be transferred.

Abstract: The invention is an electric paper sheet that uses a pattern of conductive charge-retaining islands on the outward-facing side of the first of two thin layers used to encapsulate a Gyricon sheet. The second encapsulating layer may also coated with a conductive material, or made of a conductive material, and may or may not be patterned. The Gyricon sheet and two encapsulating layers comprise a sheet of Gyricon electric paper on which images can be written and erased repeatedly. The patterned charge-retaining islands of the first encapsulating layer receive electric charges from an external charge-transfer device. After the charge-transfer device is removed, the conductive, charge-retaining islands hold electric charge, creating an electric field in the electric paper sufficient to cause an image change.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the location of an object. An object to be located can be provided with an object locator that includes a display. When the object locator receives a signal indicating that the object associated with the object locator is to be located, the display changes display state to provide a visual indication that the signal has been received. The object locator can be ambient energy-powered, and the display can be a bistable display, such as a rotating element display device.