Thermal Excitation Patents (Class 349/20)
  • Patent number: 12061386
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides dimming glass, a dimming module and an operating method thereof. The dimming glass includes: a first glass substrate and a second glass substrate arranged opposite to each other; a first electrode and a second electrode arranged between the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate; a liquid crystal dimming layer arranged between the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate; and a heating layer arranged between the liquid crystal dimming layer and the first glass substrate, and configured to heat the liquid crystal dimming layer upon the receipt of an electric signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2024
    Assignees: Beijing BOE Sensor Technology Co., Ltd., BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuelei Xiao, Yue Li, Fengchun Pang, Xue Cao, Na Li, Juan Chen, Sikai Zhang, Yifan Wu, Wenbo Chang
  • Patent number: 11892347
    Abstract: A system for determining the profile of a laser beam includes a detector having a thermochromic liquid crystal film (TLCF) in thermal communication with a heat spreader and a thermoelectric cooler. The liquid crystal film has a thermochromic response such that heating of the film by a received laser beam creates a detectable color response at the film. The system also includes an image sensor and a controller configured to output an operating current for the TEC and receive images from the sensor. The system can selectively vary the temperature set point of the TEC to change the steady state temperature of the TLCF to examine the full intensity profile of the received beam even when the temperature response bandwidth of the TLCF is too narrow to display the full beam profile in a single color spot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: RAM Photonics Industrial, LLC
    Inventors: Per Adamson, Mike Cinquino, Joseph Lawson, Jordan Leidner
  • Patent number: 11616081
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a three-dimensional semiconductor memory device including a ferroelectric thin film. The method includes forming a mold structure including interlayer dielectric layers and sacrificial layers alternately stacked on a substrate, forming channel holes penetrating the mold structure, forming vertical channel structures inside the channel holes, forming an isolation trench penetrating the mold structure and having a line shape extending in one direction, selectively removing the sacrificial layers exposed by the isolation trench, forming gate electrodes filling a space from which the sacrificial layers are removed, and performing a heat treatment process and a cooling process for the vertical channel structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Inventors: Chang Hwan Choi, Yun Heub Song, Bon Cheol Ku
  • Patent number: 11112440
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a measuring device, a measuring apparatus, and a measuring method for a dielectric constant of a liquid crystal. The measuring device includes: a first substrate and a second substrate disposed to be opposite to each other; a resonant structure layer disposed on a side of the first substrate facing the second substrate. a cavity for receiving the liquid crystal to be measured is defined between the first substrate and the second substrate. The above measuring device is applied to measurement of the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal in the terahertz wave band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yongchun Lu
  • Patent number: 11106125
    Abstract: A transparent screen, wherein a direction normal to a reference surface is defined as a first direction, a direction which is perpendicular to the first direction and in which each reflective inclined surface extends as seen from the first direction is defined as a second direction, and a direction which is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction and in which the reflective inclined surfaces are arranged side by side is defined as a third direction, and in at least a part of an image projection area, to which the image is projected, in a section perpendicular to the second direction, the reflective inclined surfaces are formed so that inclination angles of the reflective inclined surfaces, measured on a per-respective reflective inclined surface basis, decrease, in a stepwise manner or continuously, away from one end in the third direction toward another end in the third direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: AGC Inc.
    Inventors: Naruki Yamada, Yukihiro Tao, Tsuneo Ichimatsu, Yusuke Sato
  • Patent number: 10705366
    Abstract: A method for fabricating micro-cell structures is provided and has providing a liquid crystal mixture; performing a heating step on the liquid crystal mixture at a temperature ranging from 45° C. to 150° C., performing a heat induced phase separation step on the liquid crystal mixture at a thermal phase separation temperature for a thermal phase separation titre such that the liquid crystal mixture forms liquid crystal particles and a network light-curing adhesive, wherein the thermal phase separation temperature and the thermal phase separation time are determined by a changing rate of a bright area ratio of the liquid crystal mixture; and performing a photo-curing step on the liquid crystal mixture by emitting an ultraviolet light so that a plurality of micro-cell structures are formed. The micro-cell structures with different transparency are fabricated based on different values of the thermal phase separation temperature and the thermal phase separation time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: NATIONAL SUN YAT-SEN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Tsung-Hsien Lin, Cheng-Chang Li, Heng-Yi Tseng, Hung-Chang Jau, Jin-Wei Lin
  • Patent number: 10700426
    Abstract: An antenna array is steered electronically by controlling the transmission speed of the RF signal in feed line of each radiator in the array. The transmission speed is controlled using phase shifters, that include variable dielectric constant (VDC) material causing the change in transmission speed. The control signal applied to the VDC material generates the required phase shift. The control signal is calculated for each phase shifter in real time for each control cycle, so as to enable the main beam to track a target, such as a satellite. The control signal is a square wave signal, and each control signal has a specifically calculated duty cycle or frequency to generate the required phase shift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: WAFER LLC
    Inventors: Dedi David Haziza, Benjamin Rieger Claman
  • Patent number: 10429679
    Abstract: A display device includes a backlight module generating an emitting light having a first light distribution pattern, a switchable single-axis diffuser and a display panel. The first light distribution pattern has a light intensity exceeding a predetermined value within a first view angle range in a first direction. When the switchable single-axis diffuser is switched to a transparent mode, the emitting light passes through the switchable single-axis diffuser and maintains the first light distribution pattern. When the switchable single-axis diffuser is switched to a diffusion mode, the emitting light passes through the switchable single-axis diffuser and converts to a second light distribution pattern having the luminous intensity exceeding the predetermined value within a range of a second view angle in a first direction. The second view angle range is larger than the first view angle range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Coretronic Corporation
    Inventors: Chong-Yang Fang, Wen-Chun Wang, Hsiung-Chun Hsu
  • Patent number: 10190049
    Abstract: The invention relates to mesogenic media comprising one or more bimesogenic compounds, one or more nematogenic compound, one or more chiral compound and a compound of formula I, R11-A11-(Z12-A12)m-AG??I in which, the parameter A11, A12, Z12 and R11 have one of the meanings as given in claim 1, and to the use of these mesogenic media in liquid crystal devices and in particular in flexoelectric liquid crystal devices, as well as to liquid crystal devices comprising a liquid crystal medium according to the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: MERCK PATENT GMBH
    Inventors: Owain Ilyr Parri, Graziano Archetti, Simon Siemianowski, Izumi Saito, Rachel Tuffin
  • Patent number: 9969847
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) based components. The method comprises the steps of (i) providing or creating micro-sized or nano-sized LCE particles, (ii) dispersing the particles in an uncured liquid polymer, (iii) aligning the nematic directors of the particles and, (iv) shaping and curing the matrix/particles mixture. The composite material formed by this method is a polymer dispersed liquid crystal elastomer (PDLCE) with custom-tailored properties which can be shaped into arbitrary forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: JOZEF STEFAN INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Andraz Resetic, Jerneja Milavec, Blaz Zupancic, Bostjan Zalar
  • Patent number: 9427430
    Abstract: A compression therapy apparatus and a method for manufacturing and applying compression with the same may include a bandage and a tension indicator coupled to the bandage. A tension indicator may include a film having layers of liquid crystal droplets deposited on a polymer matrix. The tension indicator can be adapted to color shift under tension between the first end and the second end of the bandage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Stokes, Timothy Mark Robinson
  • Patent number: 9225893
    Abstract: A liquid crystal lens optical body that is available to a rapid response, the liquid crystal lens optical body having a first liquid crystal lens in which a liquid crystal layer is held between first electrodes, the first liquid crystal lens changing optical power by controlling orientation condition of liquid crystal molecules based on an input signal to the electrodes, and a second liquid crystal lens in which a liquid crystal layer is held between second electrodes, the second liquid crystal lens changing optical power by controlling orientation condition of liquid crystal molecules based on the input signal to the electrodes, the first and second liquid crystal lenses provided on an optical axis. In each liquid crystal lens, a response characteristic when the optical power undergoes a transition from a large condition thereof to a small condition thereof is different from a response characteristic when the optical power undergoes a transition from a small condition thereof to a large condition thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Optoelectronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Hakata, Yasutake Kawashima
  • Patent number: 9158141
    Abstract: A thermally activated display with a temperature management feature and a cover comprising a thermochromic material generally changes from a first color to a second color. The temperature management feature can be a mattress and has a top surface. The cover is substantially flush with the top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: DREAMWELL, LTD.
    Inventor: Michael S. DeFranks
  • Publication number: 20140333985
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for regulating the passage of energy through a light-transmitting area, comprising a first polarisation layer, a second polarisation layer and a switching layer which is arranged between the two polarisation layers and changes the polarisation properties of polarised light as a function of temperature, where the two polarisation layers are characterised by a suitable choice of their transmission in the transmission direction and their degree of polarisation. The invention furthermore relates to a process for the production of the device according to the invention and to the use of the device for influencing light transmission and/or the passage of energy into an interior as a function of temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: MERCK PATENT GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Junge, Andreas Beyer
  • Publication number: 20140320776
    Abstract: A structural interface having an adaptive liquid crystal material that is positioned to receive electromagnetic radiation and adapted to reflect a selective band of the received electromagnetic radiation so as to help with cooling of a structure in the summer and/or heating of the structure in the winter. The adaptive liquid crystal material is designed to change its selective reflection band when exposed to an activating temperature or an activating light or both. Depending on the interior and/or exterior conditions, the adaptive liquid crystal material has one or more selective reflection bands with a peak wavelength selected from the following: within a sunlight wavelength span, outside a thermal infrared wavelength span, outside the sunlight wavelength span, or within the thermal infrared wavelength span. The structural interface may be applied to an exterior or interior surface of a structural envelop or be integrated into a structural envelope material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Bahman Taheri, Ludmila Sukhomlinova, Paul Luchette
  • Publication number: 20140293174
    Abstract: The invention relates to a temperature-controlled switching element for the regulation of light transmission. The invention furthermore relates to a mixture comprising at least one liquid-crystalline compound, at least one monomer compound which represents a monofunctional compound, and at least one monomer compound which represents a multifunctional compound. The invention again furthermore relates to the use of the said mixture for the production of the switching element according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: MERCK PATENT GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Junge, Andreas Beyer
  • Patent number: 8830280
    Abstract: A driving unit of a display panel includes a control part, a gate driving part, a grayscale compensating part, and a data driving part. The control part provides a control signal and a grayscale signal. The gate driving part provides a gate signal to the display panel. The display panel is divided into a plurality of blocks according to a distance from a light source to each of the blocks. The grayscale compensating part outputs a compensating signal of an n-th frame using look-up tables, and the look-up tables respectively correspond to the blocks of the display panel. The data driving part converts the compensating signal of the n-th frame into a grayscale voltage and provides the grayscale voltage to the display panel. Accordingly, the driving unit of the display panel may improve a response speed of liquid crystals and display quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyoung-Rae Lee, Gyu-Su Lee, Min-Sik Um, Sang-Won Lee, Duk-Hwan Kang
  • Publication number: 20140218650
    Abstract: A layer arrangement (1) which changes the transmission of incident light depending on its temperature, where the layer arrangement (1) has a first polarization layer (5a), a switching layer (2) which influences the polarization properties of light depending on the temperature, and a second polarization layer (5b), whereby both the first polarization layer (5a) and the second polarization layer (5b) are arranged to affect polarization both in the VIS region and in the NIR region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: MERCK PATENT GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Junge, Andreas Beyer
  • Publication number: 20140211113
    Abstract: A thermally activated display with a temperature management feature and a cover comprising a thermochromic material generally changes from a first color to a second color. The temperature management feature can be a mattress and has a top surface. The cover is substantially flush with the top surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: DREAMWELL, LTD.
    Inventor: Michael S. DeFranks
  • Patent number: 8665414
    Abstract: Thermochromic liquid crystal filters are fabricated by providing two polarizers oriented at offset polarity with respect to each other; providing alignment structures adjacent the inner surfaces of the polarizers; placing a plurality of spacers between the polarizers; and filling a space created by the spacers with a thermotropic liquid crystal that acts as a depolarizer in a nematic state. The filter acts as a wave block when the liquid crystal is in an isotropic state. Alternatively, the filters can be created by encapsulating a thermochromic liquid crystal with a polymer material to form a flexible film and orienting the thermochromic liquid crystal in the polymer material to create a structure that functions as a thermochromic optical filter. Such filters can control the flow of light and radiant heat through selective reflection, transmission, absorption, and/or re-emission. The filters have particular application in passive or active light-regulating and temperature-regulating films and materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: RavenBrick LLC
    Inventors: Richard M. Powers, Wil McCarthy, Matthew Bryant Kish
  • Publication number: 20140055696
    Abstract: A curved liquid crystal display panel includes an upper substrate having a curved shape, a liquid crystal layer, a lower substrate having a curved shape, where the lower substrate is combined with the upper substrate and the liquid crystal layer is disposed between the upper substrate and the lower substrate, and a heating line disposed on at least one of the upper substrate and the lower substrate and which provides heat to the liquid crystal layer such that a temperature of the liquid crystal layer increases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Cheong-Hun LEE, Jeong-Man SON, Dong-Wook KIM, Byong-Wook AHN
  • Patent number: 8643795
    Abstract: A thermochromic, thermotropic, or thermoreflective filter relies on a mismatch between the index of refraction of a thermotropic material (e.g., a liquid crystal) and a substrate material that includes refractive or diffractive features. At colder operating temperatures, the refraction mismatches are eliminated or minimized such that the filter becomes transparent, whereas at high operating temperatures the refraction mismatches are increased such that for light at appropriate incidence angles, the structure becomes highly reflective. This filter has particular but not exclusive application as a temperature-controlled “smart mirror” for use in windows, walls, roofing, and other building materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Ravenbrick LLC
    Inventors: Wil McCarthy, Richard M. Powers
  • Publication number: 20130308069
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a layer arrangement which changes the transmission of light depending on its temperature, where the layer arrangement has a first polarisation layer, a switching layer which influences the polarisation properties of light depending on the temperature, and a second polarisation layer, as well as an additional NIR transmission-preventing layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: MERCK PATENT GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Junge, Andreas Beyer
  • Patent number: 8576345
    Abstract: A cholesteric liquid crystal display is provided, including a substrate, a first electrode layer disposed on the substrate, and a liquid crystal layer disposed on the first electrode layer, wherein the liquid crystal layer comprises at least two liquid crystals having different sensitivities to driving frequencies, mixed with each other, and liquid crystals having a greater initial state-transition temperature are more sensitive to driving frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Kai-Wei Lan, Chao-Wen Chen, Wan-Wen Chiu
  • Patent number: 8502840
    Abstract: A driving unit of a display panel includes a control part, a gate driving part, a grayscale compensating part, and a data driving part. The control part provides a control signal and a grayscale signal. The gate driving part provides a gate signal to the display panel. The display panel is divided into a plurality of blocks according to a distance from a light source to each of the blocks. The grayscale compensating part outputs a compensating signal of an n-th frame using look-up tables, and the look-up tables respectively correspond to the blocks of the display panel. The data driving part converts the compensating signal of the n-th frame into a grayscale voltage and provides the grayscale voltage to the display panel. Accordingly, the driving unit of the display panel may improve a response speed of liquid crystals and display quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyoung-Rae Lee, Gyu-Su Lee, Min-Sik Um, Sang-Won Lee, Duk-Hwan Kang
  • Patent number: 8471970
    Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid crystal display device to display moving and still images with superior image quality, comparable to common LCDs and to display memory images by a voltage lower than conventional electronic paper, and a method for operating the same. The liquid crystal display device comprises: a pair of electrode substrates facing each other; an orientation film of a polymer material on the pair of electrode substrates; a liquid crystal material between the pair of electrode substrates, wherein the liquid crystal display device displays an image by varying orientation of the liquid crystal material and a surfacial region of the orientation film, depending on temperature and voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignees: LG Display Co., Ltd, Tokyo Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Osamu Sato, Masatoshi Tokita, Junji Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8471998
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display element includes a liquid crystal composition sandwiched between substrates, wherein at least two types of liquid crystal compositions which exhibit liquid crystal phase in different temperature ranges are contained within each one pixel, and each of the at least two types of liquid crystal compositions is sealed and isolated within each pixel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: NLT Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuko Ishii, Ken Sumiyoshi, Kenichi Takatori
  • Publication number: 20130155338
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a switch element, which is thermoresponsive and which switches between a less transmissive state for radiant energy and a more transmissive state for radiant energy, and which comprises a liquid-crystalline medium. The invention furthermore relates to the use of the switch element for the regulation of radiant energy flow between interior spaces and the environment and for the regulation of the temperature of interior spaces. The invention furthermore relates to a liquid-crystalline medium, characterised in that it comprises 5-95% of a compound of the formula (I), in particular for use in the switch elements according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: MERCK PATENT GESELLSCHAFT MIT BESCHRANKTER HAFTUNG
    Inventor: Michael Junge
  • Patent number: 8345215
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for the optical calibration of the temperature of a micro-environment. The system comprises a thermochromic liquid crystal in combination with a luminophore. The steps of the method comprise providing in combination in the micro-environment at least one thermochromic liquid crystal and a luminophore, varying the temperature of the environment while irradiating the combination with light that includes light at one or more excitation wavelengths of the luminophore, and monitoring luminescence emitted by the combination while recording the temperature of the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Corbett Research Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Carl Peter Renneberg
  • Patent number: 8284336
    Abstract: Thermochromic filters are constructed using absorptive, reflective, or fluorescent dyes, molecules, polymers, particles, rods, or other orientation-dependent colorants that have their orientation, order, or director influenced by carrier materials, which are themselves influenced by temperature. These order-influencing carrier materials include thermotropic liquid crystals, which provide orientation to dyes and polymers in a Guest-Host system in the liquid-crystalline state at lower temperatures, but do not provide such order in the isotropic state at higher temperatures. The varying degree to which the absorptive, reflective, or fluorescent particles interact with light in the two states can be exploited to make many varieties of thermochromic filters. Thermochromic filters can control the flow of light and radiant heat through selective reflection, transmission, absorption, and/or re-emission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Ravenbrick LLC
    Inventors: Richard M. Powers, Wil McCarthy
  • Patent number: 8248683
    Abstract: A variable light transmittance window includes: a substrate configured to transmit light; a thermochromic layer on the substrate; first function thin film layers on opposite surfaces of the thermochromic layer; and second function thin film layers on respective surfaces of the first function thin film layers opposite the thermochromic layer, wherein a difference between refractive indices of the first function thin film layers and the second function thin film layers is greater than a difference between refractive indices of the first function thin film layers and the thermochromic layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mi-Hyun Lee, Myun-Gi Shim, Dong-Gun Moon, Soo-Ho Park, Tae-Hyun Bae
  • Patent number: 8212983
    Abstract: In a liquid crystal display panel, a liquid crystal layer is sandwiched between a TFT substrate and a color filter substrate. An ITO film is formed on a front surface of the color filter substrate. By supplying an electric current to the ITO film at the time of staring an operation of the liquid crystal display panel, a temperature of the liquid crystal layer is elevated to a level which allows the liquid crystal layer to perform a normal operation within a short time. By forming a plating electrode on two sides of the color filter substrate, it is possible to uniformly supply an electric current to the ITO film thus enabling uniform heating of the color filter substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignees: Hitachi Displays, Ltd., Panasonic Liquid Crystal Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuhiko Sugita, Hiroshi Ogawa
  • Patent number: 8144275
    Abstract: Disclosed are thermal tuning glazing structures for selectively reflecting electromagnetic radiation for use in dynamically controlling electromagnetic radiation flow in various applications such as intelligent energy saving windows. The thermal tuning glazing structure comprises one or more cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) panels, each CLC panel comprising a CLC material, the CLC material being in a planar texture at least at one temperature, having a pitch that changes with temperature, and having a broad reflection band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: LXD Research & Display, LLC
    Inventors: Hailiang Zhang, Chenhui Wang
  • Patent number: 8089440
    Abstract: A flat panel liquid crystal display has a front plate and a rear plate with a layer of liquid crystal material maintained in a cavity between them. A thin film transistor array layer is disposed in the cavity, as is an integral heater with a grid of intersecting sets of horizontal and vertical conductors. The heating capacity of the heater is predeterminably set by selectively interrupting continuity of at least some of the intersecting conductors. In some embodiments, the discontinuities occur in only one set of the intersecting conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: American Panel Corporation
    Inventor: William Dunn
  • Publication number: 20110292310
    Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid crystal display device to display moving and still images with superior image quality, comparable to common LCDs and to display memory images by a voltage lower than conventional electronic paper, and a method for operating the same. The liquid crystal display device comprises: a pair of electrode substrates facing each other; an orientation film of a polymer material on the pair of electrode substrates; a liquid crystal material between the pair of electrode substrates, wherein the liquid crystal display device displays an image by varying orientation of the liquid crystal material and a surfacial region of the orientation film, depending on temperature and voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicants: Tokyo Institute of Technology, LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu SATO, Masatoshi TOKITA, Junji WATANABE
  • Patent number: 8040443
    Abstract: A method comprising arranging a first heating element on a first liquid crystal elastomer, arranging a first layer of thermal paste on the first heating element, and arranging a second liquid crystal elastomer on the first layer of thermal paste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Christopher M Spillmann, David A Cylinder, Banahalli R Ratna, Jawad Naciri, Brett D. Martin
  • Publication number: 20110128457
    Abstract: Provided are phase-separating polymer systems including a cured polymeric liquid crystal matrix phase and a guest phase including at least one photoactive material where the guest phase separates from the matrix phase during the curing process. Optical elements, including ophthalmic elements and other articles of manufacture including the phase-separating polymer systems are also disclosed. Methods of forming a liquid crystal phase-separating photoactive polymer system are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: TRANSITIONS OPTICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Meng He, Anil Kumar, Peter C. Foller, Chenguang Li, Ruisong Xu, Jiping Shao
  • Patent number: 7936404
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a first liquid crystal elastomer, a first heating element, a first layer of thermal paste, and a second liquid crystal elastomer. The apparatus further comprising a second heating element, a second layer of thermal paste, and a third liquid crystal elastomer. The heating element can be a nickel-chromium heating element. A method comprising arranging a first heating element on a first liquid crystal elastomer, arranging a first layer of thermal paste on the first heating element, and arranging a second liquid crystal elastomer on the first layer of thermal paste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Christopher M. Spillmann, David Cylinder, Banahalli R. Ratna, Jawad Naciri, Brett D. Martin
  • Publication number: 20110096253
    Abstract: Disclosed are thermal tuning glazing structures for selectively reflecting electromagnetic radiation for use in dynamically controlling electromagnetic radiation flow in various applications such as intelligent energy saving windows. The thermal tuning glazing structure comprises one or more cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) panels, each CLC panel comprising a CLC material, the CLC material being in a planar texture at least at one temperature, having a pitch that changes with temperature, and having a broad reflection band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: LXD L.L.C
    Inventors: Hailiang Zhang, Chenhui Wang
  • Patent number: 7892870
    Abstract: A method and system for removing heat from an LED facilitates the fabrication of LEDs having enhanced brightness. A thermally conductive interposer can be attached to the top of the LED. Heat can flow through the top of the LED and into the interposer. The interposer can carry the heat away from the LED. Light can exit the LED though an at least partially transparent substrate of the LED. By removing heat from an LED, the use of more current through the LED is facilitated, thus resulting in a brighter LED.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Bridgelux, Inc.
    Inventor: Wei Shi
  • Patent number: 7888688
    Abstract: A method and system for removing heat from an LED facilitates the fabrication of LEDs having enhanced brightness. A thermally conductive interposer can be attached to the top of the LED. Heat can flow through the top of the LED and into the interposer. The interposer can carry the heat away from the LED. Light can exit the LED though an at least partially transparent substrate of the LED. By removing heat from an LED, the use of more current through the LED is facilitated, thus resulting in a brighter LED.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Bridgelux, Inc.
    Inventor: Wei Shi
  • Publication number: 20110025934
    Abstract: A thermochromic, thermotropic, or thermoreflective filter relies on a mismatch between the index of refraction of a thermotropic material (e.g., a liquid crystal) and a substrate material that includes refractive or diffractive features. At colder operating temperatures, the refraction mismatches are eliminated or minimized such that the filter becomes transparent, whereas at high operating temperatures the refraction mismatches are increased such that for light at appropriate incidence angles, the structure becomes highly reflective. This filter has particular but not exclusive application as a temperature-controlled “smart mirror” for use in windows, walls, roofing, and other building materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: RavenBrick LLC
    Inventors: Wil McCarthy, Richard M. Powers
  • Publication number: 20100259698
    Abstract: Thermochromic filters are constructed using absorptive, reflective, or fluorescent dyes, molecules, polymers, particles, rods, or other orientation-dependent colorants that have their orientation, order, or director influenced by carrier materials, which are themselves influenced by temperature. These order-influencing carrier materials include thermotropic liquid crystals, which provide orientation to dyes and polymers in a Guest-Host system in the liquid-crystalline state at lower temperatures, but do not provide such order in the isotropic state at higher temperatures. The varying degree to which the absorptive, reflective, or fluorescent particles interact with light in the two states can be exploited to make many varieties of thermochromic filters. Thermochromic filters can control the flow of light and radiant heat through selective reflection, transmission, absorption, and/or re-emission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: RavenBrick LLC
    Inventors: Richard M. Powers, Wil McCarthy
  • Publication number: 20100245694
    Abstract: An assembly for converting a microscope into a phase contrast microscope includes a first optical Fourier element that Fourier transforms light from a coherent light source, a cell in the Fourier plane arranged to receive light from the first optical Fourier element, a second optical Fourier element arranged to receive light from the cell and inversely Fourier transform the received light to provide an image, an image sensor that detects the image and generates an electronic representation of the image, and an adaptor capable of coupling the first and second Fourier elements, the cell, and the image sensor to the microscope such that the first Fourier element Fourier transforms light collected by the microscope objective.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Chandra S. Yelleswarapu, Sri R. Kothapalli, D. V. Gopal L.N. Rao
  • Patent number: 7764324
    Abstract: A thermal imaging device is provided for converting an image in the terahertz radiation range to the visible range. In one embodiment, the device includes a converter having a thermochromic liquid crystal layer mounted on a sapphire base. In another embodiment, the device includes a thermal absorption layer including a metal selected from the group of iron, aluminum, tin, and copper. In a further embodiment, the device has an light source shaped as an annulus for illuminating a rearward surface of the converter, configured to permit visible light rays to pass through the annulus for capture by a digital detector. In a final embodiment, the device has a thermal adjustment device for adjusting the temperature of the thermochromic liquid crystal layer to an optimal temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Radiabeam Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gerald Andonian, Salime M. Boucher, Pedro E. Frigola, Alex Y. Murokh, Timur Shaftan, Gil Travish
  • Patent number: 7567337
    Abstract: A liquid crystal lens comprises a first liquid crystal lens part. The first liquid crystal part comprises first and second flat parallel substrates and a liquid crystal filled between said first and second light-transmitting regions. First and second electrodes are provided on said first and second substrates, respectively, to apply a voltage across the first liquid crystal. An electric heating element is provided on said first substrate to heat said first liquid crystal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Citizen Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Megumi Horiuchi, Toshiro Yukinari
  • Patent number: 7522141
    Abstract: A method of writing an image on a liquid crystal display of the type having a layer of cholesteric liquid crystal material disposed between a pair of unpatterned conductors and a light absorbing layer for forming an image wise thermal pattern in response to an image wise pattern of light, including applying a first voltage to the conductors; applying a second voltage different from the first voltage to the conductors after applying the first voltage, wherein the first and second voltages are non-zero; and exposing the liquid crystal display to the image wise pattern of light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Xiang-Dong Mi, Joshua M. Silbermann, Jorge I. Rangel, Stanley W. Stephenson
  • Publication number: 20090073332
    Abstract: A liquid crystal component module comprises a liquid crystal dielectric layer, first and second electrically conductive layers disposed to oppose each other with the liquid crystal dielectric layer interposed therebetween, a voltage applying device which applies a DC voltage to the liquid crystal dielectric layer so as to control the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal dielectric layer, a temperature regulating element for changing the temperature of the liquid crystal dielectric layer, and a temperature control device which changes the temperature of the liquid crystal dielectric layer by means of the temperature regulating element so as to cause transition of the liquid crystal dielectric layer between solid phase and liquid phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: KYOCERA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Irie
  • Patent number: 7495714
    Abstract: A flat panel display having a black mask EMI layer isolated from Vcom and tied to zero potential. The flat panel display has a integral metal heater layer and thermal sensor that are in close proximity to the liquid crystals to provide efficient heating and temperature sensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: American Panel Corporation
    Inventors: William R. Dunn, Keuk-Sang Kwon, Hyoung Yol Park
  • Patent number: 7372511
    Abstract: Device for controlling spreading of liquid crystal including a stage, and variable temperature controlling means in the stage for controlling spreading of the liquid crystal, wherein the variable temperature controlling means is formed of a heating wire, and controls a temperature within a varied temperature of approximately 30°-120°, thereby reducing gaps of liquid crystal drops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: LG.Philips LCD Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wan Soo Kim, Hyug Jin Kweon, Hae Joon Son