Abstract: The device consists of a container (1) within which a light source (2 and 3) is housed and on top of which a board (6) carrying silk-screen printed alphanumeric characters or symbolisms (7 to 13) is disposed; interposed between said container (1) and silk-screen printed board (6) is a liquid crystal board (14) in which the liquid crystals (15), through a reduction circuit, are activated to a low voltage and made transparent or opaque to the underlying light source (2 and 3) in order to highlight said alphanumeric characters (7 to 13) silk-screen printed on said board (6), or not.

Abstract: A visual display dependent upon the use of thermochromic materials is formed as a thin structure on a substrate sheet with a vapor deposited conductive film heater applied thereto. The current is applied to the heater through parallel opposed buss bars so that the heater heats uniformly. A non-thermochromic image layer is mounted on the substrate, with one or more thermochromic image layers thereover. One thermochromic image layer covers a first portion of a visible display area of the substrate, while a second thermochromic layer covers a second portion of the visible display area, with the first and second portions overlapping slightly along contiguous edges thereof. As the display is heated and cooled, the thermochromic materials of the thermochromic image layers reach their respective transition temperatures to change state from opaque to colorless or vice-versa, or from one color to another.

Abstract: An optical shutter operated device includes a reflector to reflect incident light and a liquid crystal light shutter interposed in front of the reflector. A photovoltaic cell is disposed behind the shutter and is illuminated by the incident light thereby supplying a control voltage to the liquid crystal light shutter for causing it to alternate cyclically between a relatively transparent state and a relatively opaque state.

Abstract: A color display apparatus includes a mechanism for storing images on a plurality of partially transparent sheets. A drive mechanism brings one sheet into viewing position as another sheet simultaneously withdraws in the same direction to produce a smooth dissolve of the projected image. Silk screened stripes of material on the sheets prevent the sheets from rubbing against each other and harming the graphic information and otherwise prevent mechanical interference between the sheets. By contouring the surface of the screen, it is possible to create a three dimensional image by illuminating the rear surface with a television screen or other image storage or producing device. It is further possible to obtain a digitized color display by placing a fluorescent bulb behind the cells of the digitizing screen with each cell containing at least one liquid crystal element and at least one color filter element and then selectively controlling the liquid crystals to produce the digitized color display.

Abstract: Method of forming various versions of an apparatus for displaying diverse types of artistic creations in which the shapes and the colors of the art piece change continuously. The changes have both a temporal and a spatial nature, and may occur according to a set programmed schedule or at random. The art objects so formed may have a flat surface, curved surfaces and/or combinations of flat and curved surfaces. The color range extends over the whole spectrum of white light components. The art object does not emit light but reflects incident light. Under set conditions, the incident white light is either not reflected at all or a spatial combination of quasi monochromatic light rays is reflected. In some specially constructed configurations, the wave length of the reflected light is not affected by the observer's viewing angle. In other specially constructed configurations, the viewing position of the observer affects the wave length of the reflected light rays and the color which such observer perceives.

Abstract: A medicament regimen control device is provided which prompts a patient to take the correct medication to a predetermined regimen. A liquid crystal display is used to display the numbers of doses of medicaments which are color and alphabet keyed to specific bottles of the medication.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermochromic artificial nail comprising an artificial nail having provided thereon a thermochromic layer, which comprises a thermochromic material changeable in visible external color in response to a change in temperature, wherein said thermochromic layer has a thickness of at least 1 .mu.m.

Abstract: A apparatus for providing a motorist advisory function similar to that of a flashing illuminated advisory sign, the apparatus having an electrically operable optical shutter positioned by means of a frame between one or more message signs and a viewing region. The optical shutter is made of a liquid crystal plastic material having a substantially opaque state, in which the message sign is not visible from a viewing region, and a transparent state in which the sign is visible over a relatively wide viewing angle. The state of the optical shutter is controlled by a flashing power supply circuit, the transparent state being achieved when power is applied to the optical shutter and the substantially opaque state being achieved when no power is applied. Several embodiments show use of the invention with conventional stationary message signs, a moveable message sign, and an embedded highway marker.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid crystal display device containing an electrode substrate, a circuit substrate, and a flat-type back light, which incorporates a guide apparatus consisting of several guide members for guiding the back light onto the back surface of the electrode substrate, in which the guide members provide grooves with tapered ends and a narrowed shape at one end, but a wide juncture portion for connecting the guide members together. The edges of the back light unit fit in the grooves. Stopper members are provided facilitate connection to the electrode substrate; and fixing members are provided to secure the guide members to the circuit substrate.

Abstract: An electronic notepad comprises a wire/display area for receiving and displaying graphic information, a control for the device and a keyboard for entering information and/or instructions. Two types of liquid crystal display arrays, both fabricated on a semiconductor substrate with logic cells and reflector/field electrodes thereon are described. Further, two methods of sensing the position of a stylus are described whereby a user may enter graphic information directly into the notepad.

Abstract: An illuminated information display including a standard planar active display, such as an LCD display, covered by a rigid transparent plate with fixed graphics on its rear surface illuminated by light transmitted laterally through the plate.

Abstract: The invention is based on the object of executing the contacting and fastening of a display element, particularly for a LCD (liquid crystal display), with an arranagement that is simple to execute in terms of production engineering. The display element is illuminated from behind by a light box. To this end, a contact element is allocated to every contact of the display element, this contact element being fashioned as a punched sheet metal part and being secured in a contact receptacle of the light box.

Abstract: A light diffusing device useful for evenly illuminating a relatively large area comprises (1) a light source member and (2) a light diffusing member comprising (A) a base plate having (a) a transparent light transmitting layer with at least one light incident edge face thereof, (b) a light diffusing layer formed on the front surface of the transparent light transmitting layer, (c) an intermediate layer formed between the transparent light transmitting layer and the light diffusing layer, and (d) a light reflecting surface layer formed on a rear surface of the transparent light transmitting layer; (B) a light diffusing plate superimposed over the base plate; and (C) a light reflecting film arranged between the base plate and the light diffusing plate and effective for evenly distributing light irradiated from the light diffusing layer into the light diffusing plate.

Abstract: A light diffusing device useful for evenly illuminating a relatively large area comprises; (A) a base plate comprising a transparent light transmitting layer, an intermediate layer and a light diffusing layer arranged in the above mentioned order, and having at least one light, incident edge face thereof; (B) a light reflecting surface layer formed on a surface of the transparent light transmitting layer opposite to the light diffusing layer; and (C) a light diffusing plate arranged on and in the vicinity of the light diffusing layer but not in contact with the light diffusing layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid crystal display for the displaying of characters and symbols, having a liquid crystal cell 1 and polarizers 8 and 10, one arranged on the viewing side and one arranged on the rear side of the liquid crystal cell 1. Furthermore, a reflector 9 is arranged behind the rear polarizer 8. A surface of the viewing-side polarizer 10 is inclined to the plane of the liquid crystal cell 1. The surface of the viewing-side polarizer facing the liquid crystal cell 1 serves as a deflection surface 15 for light incident thereon approximately transversely to the plane of the liquid crystal cell 1.

Abstract: A light diffusing device is disclosed for an edge lighted panel wherein the device includes a thin transparent light transmitting base plate, a light diffusing layer formed on a front surface of the base plate and a light reflection surface formed in the vicinity of the rear surface of the base plate. The base plate and the light diffusing layer are integrally bonded together through an intermediate layer formed between the base plate and the light diffusing layer.

Abstract: An animated display in the form of a representation of a face, is controlled by an associated audio tape player and a microprocessor-controlled liquid crystal display. The facial features are variable responsively to the audio signals of the tape player as controlled by the microprocessor.

Abstract: Briefly, according to one aspect of the invention, liquid crystal material, and especially nematic material, is encapsulated; according to another aspect the encapsulated liquid crystal material is used in liquid crystal devices, such as relatively large size visual display devices; and according to further aspects there are provided methods for encapsulating liquid crystal material and for making a liquid crystal device using such encapsulated liquid crystal material.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display unit (20) includes a main housing (21), a mirror housing (22) and a sub housing (23) which are successively connected with each other in a rotatable manner. The main housing (21) is provided on both sides with a pair of rearwardly extending arms (24 and 25), so that engaging projections (27) of the sub housing (23) are slidably engaged with sliding guide grooves (28) of the arms (24 and 25). Thus, the display unit (20) can be selectively brought into a folded condition in which the mirror housing (22) and the sub housing (23) are superposed along the arms (24 and 25) with the engaging projections (27) slid frontwardly and an opened condition in which the mirror housing (22) is downwardly inclined and the sub housing (23) is opened from the mirror housing (22). The sub housing (23) is provided with a liquid crystal display panel (38) adapted for transmission of light.

Abstract: An information panel assembly comprised of liquid crystal display devices, positioned on a mounting member and sandwiched between a cover member and a circuit member. Elastomeric connectors connect the liquid crystal display devices to drive circuitry on the circuit member. The cover member includes rear projecting members which are accepted by apertures on the circuit member and are disposed to engage threaded fasteners, locking the assembly together. A switch member including a matrix of membrane switches is mounted over the cover member connecting each switch to the circuit member thereby, selectively controlling the information displayed.

Abstract: The LED backlighting panel includes a roughened flat surface area and side edges with holes therein for receiving light emitting diodes that are supplied from a direct current power source which can have an adjustable duty cycle to provide a backlighting panel that has a minimal power consumption in a liquid crystal display (LCD) module.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display apparatus comprising first and second housing portions. The first and second housing portions are coupled so that the angle of the opposing surfaces may be adjustable. A light transmitting portion is formed on the upper surface of the first housing portion. Light received by the light transmitting portion is further transmitted through a liquid crystal plate and a colored filter housed in the first housing portion and impinges upon a mirror provided in the second housing portion. An image formed on the liquid crystal plate can be observed as a multicolored image through light reflected from the mirror. The image may be observed through a viewing window.

Abstract: A display module including a liquid crystal display for displaying corporate logos or other symbols is disclosed. The use of electrodes in the shape of the logo is obviated by using alternative means, such as an image of the logo silk screened on a reflecting member disposed behind the liquid crystal display.

Abstract: A power-driven portable machine such as a chain saw. The machine has a liquid crystal display device incorporated in a detachable cover member of a supporting assembly which is connected with a driving assembly including a prime mover such as internal combustion engine through vibration damping members.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing liquid crystal display element by a multi-element process is disclosed. Two substrates of plastic film provided with electrodes in individual element sections are put together such that the electrodes on these plastic films are in register with one another, liquid crystal is sealed in a space between the substrates which is defined in respect of the individual element sections by a seal member in the form of a closed configuration and the substrates are cut to obtain individual liquid crystal display elements separated from one another. One of the substrates is formed with cuts in the neighborhood of the outer wall of the seal members before putting together the substrates.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display apparatus comprises a first and second housing portions. The first and second housing portions are coupled so that the angle of the opposing surfaces may be adjustable. A light transmitting portion is formed on the upper surface of the first housing portion. The light beam received by the light transmitting portion is further transmitted through a liquid crystal plate and a colored filter housed in the first housing portion and then is led to impinge upon the mirror provided on the second housing portion. An image formed on the liquid crystal plate can be observed as a multicolored image through a light beam reflected from the mirror.

Abstract: A device for displaying variable and fixed indicia is provided by liquid crystal cells which give variable as well as fixed information. The variable and fixed information is in the form of alpha and/or numerical characters and/or punctuation characters, such as colons in a digital clock. The fixed characters are formed by members such as spacers which simultaneously space two carrier plates relative to one another as part of a liquid crystal cell. In a preferred embodiment, the display is a so-called twisted nematic display with spacers consisting of a glass solder enriched with a spacer element. The invention may be used in all types of displays having a relatively low tolerance of plate spacing and which contain fixed characters. It is particularly suited for liquid crystal displays in measuring equipment such, for example, as tachometers or watches.

Abstract: A multi-colored illuminated display device whereby colors are constantly changing due to small variations of temperature in the air moving about a contoured sheet of encapsulated cholesteric phase liquid crystal-coated polymeric film situated in a clear, colorless chimney. The rear interior surface of the chimney is coated to prevent the transmission of light therethrough, thus enhancing the reflected colors on the viewing faces. A source of heat and light such as a light bulb is used at the base. The heat rises by convection assisted by louvres or a small low speed fan may be installed. Many colorful designs may be achieved by varying the shape of the liquid crystal sheel and the range of heat temperatures used.

Abstract: Display arrangements useful as art forms and useful in advertising applications can be constructed by coating areas of the surface of a support with differently colored compositions, each of which is capable of appearing as being of one color at one temperature and as being of another color at a different temperature. The compositions should be differently colored at at least one temperature. The color-temperature effects achieved are obtained through the use of what are termed reversible thermochromic compounds or compositions. Elements may be provided on the support for regulating the temperatures of the various areas.