Patent US6280412B1 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3907407A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Elastic light-scattering modulator device
Assignee: RCA Corp
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Filing: 1973-10-29
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Granted: 1975-09-23
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Expires: 1993-10-29
Abstract
Abstract An electronic light valve comprising a layer of an elastomer between two electrodes. The elastomer is compressed by application of an electric field across it but it resists further compression when the electric field is above a certain threshold. When an electric field higher than the threshold is applied across the elastomer layer, the layer becomes rippled and takes on a frosted appearance which disappears when the electric field is lowered below the threshold. If the electrodes and elastomer layer are light-transmitting, the device can be used as a transmitting light valve, otherwise it operates by reflecting light.
Inventors
- 👤 David Herman Rapha Vilkomerson
- 👤 Reuben Saul Mezrich
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 10:42
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B26/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
102 words
A device for modulating an incident light beam comprising: a substrate including a first electrode, a film of an elastomer over said first electrode, said elastomer being one whichh compresses when subjected to an electric field up to a certain threshold value, resists further compression and becomes rippled when said field is above said threshold value and returns to its original condition when said field is removed, and a second highly flexible electrode over said elastomer film such that, when an electric field is applied to said electrodes above said threshold value, said elastomer film ripples, thereby deflecting said incident light beam.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
102 words
A device for modulating an incident light beam comprising: a substrate including a first electrode, a film of an elastomer over said first electrode, said elastomer being one whichh compresses when subjected to an electric field up to a certain threshold value, resists further compression and becomes rippled when said field is above said threshold value and returns to its original condition when said field is removed, and a second highly flexible electrode over said elastomer film such that, when an electric field is applied to said electrodes above said threshold value, said elastomer film ripples, thereby deflecting said incident light beam.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
A device according to claim 1 additionally including an insulating film between said first electrode and said elastomer film.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
A device according to claim 1 in which said elastomer film comprises a film of a synthetic rubber containing particles of an inert filler.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
A device according to claim 3 in which said filler comprises spherical particles of silica.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
A device according to claim 1 in which said substrate, said film and said electrodes are light-transmitting.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
A device according to claim 1 in which said first electrode comprises a pattern of transparent conductors.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
A device according to claim 6 in which said second electrode comprises a pattern of metal stripes.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
A device according to claim 1 in which said elastomer is a silicone rubber.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-09-22 | 1979-03-24 | 1979-09-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-09-22 | 1983-03-24 | 1983-09-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-09-22 | 1987-03-24 | 1987-09-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |