U.S. PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
Information Products Division |
U.S. Patent Classification System - Classification Definitions
as of June 30, 2000
Patents classified in a subclass may be accessed by either clicking on
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Classification Index
Explanation of Data web page.
(definitions have been obtained from the
Patents ASSIST CD-ROM which
is produced by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Electronic Products Branch)
Class 349
LIQUID CRYSTAL CELLS, ELEMENTS AND SYSTEMS
Class Definition:
This is the generic class for cells, elements, and systems
which include molecules of a material having both liquid and
crystalline properties. Elements or systems included in this
class are those which have a significant liquid crystal cell
detail or liquid crystal response or properties, and in which
the liquid crystal controls or changes the optical properties
of electromagnetic radiation such as direction, phase,
amplitude, frequency, or polarization state. This class
also provides for nominal manufacturing methods for producing
significant liquid crystal cell structure.
LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
If the liquid crystal cell is an insignificant part of a
system, or if there is no detail of the liquid crystal cell
in the system, the apparatus should not be classified here.
Nominal manufacturing processes for producing significant
liquid crystal cell structure, or nominally described
"providing processes" that can only be classified by liquid
crystal device structure are proper for Class 349. Processes
having significant manufacturing steps for producing liquid
crystal devices are provided in various manufacturing
classes, depending on the steps or combination of steps
involved in the process. While plural nominal manufacturing
steps are considered significant manufacturing--placing the
original in other manufacturing classes, a mandatory cross to
this class is required if significant liquid crystal
structure is present. See the SEARCH CLASS notes for some
examples of manufacturing classes that provide for
manufacture of liquid crystal devices.
Liquid crystal compositions with no more than nominal cell
structure are excluded from this class; instead see
elsewhere. In this case, nominal cell structure refers to a
broad recitation of substrates, electrodes (or conductive
plates or electrical excitation means), alignment layers, a
seal, spacers, and polarizers. (See References to Other
Classes, below.)
Driving waveforms and external driving circuitry for the
liquid crystal are excluded from this class (see References
to Other Classes, below). When the driving is in the context
of a television, proper classification is elsewhere.
Electrooptic devices using materials other than liquid
crystals and optical elements separate from liquid crystal
devices are excluded from this class. (See References to
Other Classes, below.)
Nominal liquid crystal display cell structure with specific
chemical composition of nonconducting layers other than the
liquid crystal are excluded from this class. (See References
to Other Classes, below.)
REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
29, Metal Working, appropriate subclasses for processes
having combined operations involving metal working,
machining, metal fusion bonding, or casting class and
treating not provided for in the metal working, machining,
welding, or casting classes. Class 29 is also a generic
mechanical assembly class.
65, Glass Manufacturing, for processes of, or apparatus for
glassworking and/or treating.
117, Single-Crystal, Oriented-Crystal, and Epitaxy Growth
Processes; Non-Coating Apparatus Therefor, for processes for
growing therein-defined single-crystal of all types of
materials and by all techniques, including epitaxy.
156, Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture,
as the generic class for the adhesive joining of parts and as
the generic class for manufacturing processes involving a
chemical reaction.
174, Electricity: Conductors and Insulators, appropriate
subclasses for the use of conductors and insulators in
general.
204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy, 155 for a
process of coating involving chemical preparation of a
compound or element by application to a base of electrical or
wave energy in a magnetic field (but without involving
electrolysis as provided for in Class 205), where said base
supplies a part or all of the coating (e.g., by conversion at
the surface, etc.); subclasses 164+ for a process of coating
involving chemical preparation of a compound or element by
application of an electrostatic field or electrical discharge
to a base which supplies a part or all of the coating;
subclasses 471+ for a process of coating by electrophoresis
or electro-osmosis; and subclasses 192.12+ for coating by
glow discharge deposition (e.g., cathode sputtering, etc.).
205, Electrolysis: Processes, Compositions Used Therein, and
Methods of Preparing the Compositions, 80 for electrolytic
coating processes and subclasses 183+, 188+, 191+, and 198+
for processes involving plural coating steps, at least one
but not all of which is electrolytic.
216, Etching a Substrate: Processes, for etching processes
not otherwise provided for in which one of the manufacturing
steps includes a chemical etching or physical solvation,
especially subclass 23 for making an article containing a
liquid crystal material.
228, Metal Fusion Bonding, appropriate subclasses for
processes of metal fusion bonding or welding of metal.
252, Compositions, 299.01 for liquid crystal compositions
with no more than nominal cell structure. (See Lines With
Other Classes and Within This Class, above.)
257, Active Solid-State Devices (e.g., Transistors,
Solid-State Diodes), appropriate subclasses for the use of a
transistor in general.
264, Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating:
Processes, for a process of manufacturing nonmetallic
articles by shaping or treating.
313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, appropriate
subclasses for use of a particular illumination device in
general.
315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems,
appropriate subclasses for use of a particular illumination
system in general.
324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, subclass 770 for
testing a liquid crystal device for a fault in an individual
circuit component.
345, Computer Graphics Processing, Operator Interface
Processing, and Selective Visual Display Systems, subclass 89
for producing a greyscale effect in a liquid crystal device;
subclasses 90+ for using switching devices in a liquid
crystal device; subclass 91 for using diodes or varistor in a
liquid crystal device; subclass 93 for the use of a
redundancy in liquid crystal device; subclass 97 for use of
ferroelectric liquid crystal display elements; subclass 101
for generation of data compensation in response to the
temperature of the liquid crystal material; and subclasses
104 and 173+ for use of liquid crystal touch pads.
345, Computer Graphics Processing, Operator Interface
Processing, and Selective Visual Display Systems, for driving
waveforms and external driving circuitry for liquid crystal.
(See Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, above.)
353, Optics: Image Projectors, appropriate subclasses for
projectors in general.
359, Optics: Systems (Including Communication) and Elements,
subclass 107 for optical computing without diffraction;
subclass 462 for stereoscopic systems; subclass 561 for
convolution, cross-correlation, or correlation using a
diffraction grating; subclasses 619+ for microlenses with no
liquid crystal; and subclasses 630+ for general heads-up
display devices.
359, Optics: Systems (Including Communication) and Elements,
for electrooptic devices using materials other than liquid
crystals and optical elements separate from liquid crystal
devices. (See Lines With Other Classes and Within This
Class, above.)
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclass
681 for housing for electronic systems or devices with
display support, and subclasses 789+ for the use of flexible
circuits.
362, Illumination, appropriate subclasses for illuminating
devices in general.
365, Static Information Storage and Retrieval, subclass 108
for a memory for a liquid crystal using a light beam.
395, Information Processing System Organization, subclass 25
for optical systems performing neural network type
algorithms.
427, Coating Processes, for general coating processes,
including vapor deposition, etc.
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, 1.1 for
liquid crystal alignment layers having a particular chemical
composition.
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, 1.1 for
nominal liquid crystal display cell structure with specific
chemical composition of nonconducting layers other than the
liquid crystal. (See Lines With Other Classes and Within
This Class, above.)
430, Radiation Imagery Chemistry: Process, Composition, or
Product Thereof, for process of making radiation images
involving chemistry.
438, Semiconductor Device Manufacturing: Process, especially
27 for methods of packaging a semiconductor electronic
device having an additional optical component and subclass 30
for methods of making a semiconductor electronic device
including a liquid crystal optical component.
445, Electric Lamp or Space Discharge Component or Device
Manufacturing, particularly see subclass 24, Note (1) for a
liquid crystal display device.
708, Electrical Computers: Arithmetic Processing and
Calculating, subclass 191, 816, and 831 for electro-optical
data processing systems.
GLOSSARY:
CELL*
For the purpose of this class, a cell is the minimum
combination of elements necessary to physically contain an
entire liquid crystal layer given a stimulus or excitation.
In a matrix addressed liquid crystal device, a single pixel
is not a cell.
EXCITATION*
For the purpose of this class, excitation is a force or
energy which selects the state of the liquid crystal
material.
LAYER*
For the purpose of this class, a layer is a periodic
discontinuous material or materials within a single plane
having a single function, or a continuous material having one
or more functions.
SUBSTRATE*
For the purpose of this class, substrate is a flexible or
rigid member which provides structural support in a cell.
SUBCLASSES
Subclass:
1
LIQUID CRYSTAL SYSTEM:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter wherein the liquid crystal is a significant
component of a larger system.
(1) Note. Systems such as watches, computers, calculators,
etc., in which the liquid crystal cell is merely used in the
system, with no detail of the function or structure of the
cell are excluded from this subclass. For such excluded
subject matter, see the appropriate class for such external
systems.
Subclass:
2
Liquid crystal for recording or imaging on photosensitive
medium:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
wherein a liquid crystal cell is used as an image defining
shutter for projecting light onto a medium sensitive to the
action of radiant energy.
(1) Note. Included here are liquid crystal image forming
devices for cameras or motion picture films.
Subclass:
3
Printer or print bar:
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Subject matter
wherein the recording or image forming takes place in a
device used for printing or a print bar.
(1) Note. To be classified here there must be actual
recitation of a printer or a print bar claimed or the
preferred embodiment of the disclosure must be directed to a
printer or a print bar.
Subclass:
4
Exposure device for lithography:
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Subject matter
wherein the liquid crystal cell is used as an automatic or
adjustable mask in forming high definition exposures on very
small areas.
(1) Note. The liquid crystal cell forms the mask, not simply
a shutter.
Subclass:
5
Projector including liquid crystal cell(s):
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
wherein one or more liquid crystal cells modulate light for
producing an image on a screen by a lens system.
(1) Note. Excluded from this subclass are projectors with no
liquid crystal cell or projectors including a liquid crystal
cell with no detail of the liquid crystal material, its
function, or the liquid crystal cell structure. For such
excluded subject matter, see SEARCH CLASS below:
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
353, Optics: Image Projectors, appropriate subclasses for
projectors in general.
Subclass:
6
Overhead projector:
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Subject matter
wherein the direction of the light passing through the liquid
crystal cell (or cells) is in the vertical direction and the
projection of the light is in a direction substantially
perpendicular thereto.
(1) Note. Included here are projectors where the liquid
crystal cell acts as an electrically driven transparency.
Subclass:
7
Video/motion picture projector:
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Subject matter
wherein images are sequentially projected to give the
appearance of movement.
(1) Note. Included here are recitations of sequential
projections of red, green, and blue images.
Subclass:
8
Plural light path projectors:
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Subject matter
wherein incoming light begins as or is broken into separate
paths according to a characteristic of the light and is
combined or recombined before or after modulation by the one
or more liquid crystal cells.
(1) Note. "Characteristic" here includes polarization and
wavelength, but excludes direction.
Subclass:
9
Having light separated into S and P polarization:
This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Subject matter
wherein a characteristic determining the separation of light
paths is the polarization of the light, such that the S
polarization travels along one path and the P polarization
travels along a different path.
Subclass:
10
Wherein liquid crystal cells include microencapsulated or
polymer dispersed liquid crystal:
This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Subject matter
wherein the liquid crystal cells are formed of small regions
of a liquid crystal material embedded in a material of
diverse composition.
Subclass:
11
Heads-up display:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
wherein a liquid crystal cell is utilized to combine a real
world view and a generated information image or a liquid
crystal cell is used for generating information to be
displayed in a heads-up display device.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
359, Optics: Systems (Including Communication) and Elements,
630 for general heads-up display devices.
Subclass:
12
Liquid crystal writing tablet:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
wherein the system includes a stylus whose position is sensed
and the liquid crystal is excited according to the sensed
position.
Subclass:
13
Liquid crystal eyewear (glasses, goggles, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
wherein a liquid crystal cell is utilized as an
electronically controlled lens, shutter, or display for
covering an eye.
Subclass:
14
For protection:
This subclass is indented under subclass 13. Subject matter
wherein the liquid crystal cells operate to shield eyes from
light/ electromagnetic radiation.
(1) Note. Included here are welding helmets, sunglasses, and
laser eye protection devices.
Subclass:
15
Stereoscopic:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
wherein two liquid crystal cells form two images to be
superimposed on each other or wherein two images to be
superimposed on each other are formed separately from the
liquid crystal cell, but wherein the liquid crystal cell is
integrally involved in the image forming process.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
353, Optics: Image Projectors, subclass 7 for stereoscopic
projectors not specific to liquid crystals.
359, Optics: Systems (Including Communication) and Elements,
subclass 462 for stereoscopic systems not specific to liquid
crystals.
Subclass:
16
Liquid crystal window:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
wherein a liquid crystal cell acts as an electrically excited
shade for a window, by blocking light and/or reducing glare.
(1) Note. Included here are car, house, and building
windows.
Subclass:
17
Computational system employing liquid crystal element (neural
network, correlation device, optical computer):
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
wherein liquid crystal cells are utilized to optically
perform basic or more complex mathematical processes such as
comparing, adding, subtracting, correlating, adaptive
algorithms or neural network type algorithms.
(1) Note. Excluded from this subclass are liquid crystal
elements merely employed as memory storage for a computer and
the mathematics inherent to any optical process. For such
excluded subject matter, see SEARCH CLASS below.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
359, Optics: Systems (Including Communication) and Elements,
subclass 107 for optical computing without diffraction and
subclass 561 for convolution, cross-correlation, or
correlation using a diffraction grating.
395, Information Processing System Organization, subclass 25
for optical systems performing neural network type
algorithms.
706, Data Processing: Artificial Intelligence, subclass 40
for optical systems performing neural network type
algorithms.
708, Electrical Computers: Arithmetic Processing and
Calculating, subclass 191, 816, and 831 for electro-optical
data processing systems.
Subclass:
18
Variable or rotatable retarder used with other retarders to
produce filtering effects (Solc, Lyot, Partial):
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
wherein a liquid crystal element forms a variable or
rotatable retarder which is combined with other retarders to
form a tunable filter, such that the relative orientations of
the retarders produce a precise output.
Subclass:
19
PARTICULAR EXCITATION OF LIQUID CRYSTAL:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter wherein a change in a liquid crystal optical
property is exhibited in response to the active application
of an external stimulus.
Subclass:
20
Thermal excitation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Subject matter
wherein a change in a liquid crystal optical property is
exhibited in response to the application of heat energy.
(1) Note. Structure merely maintaining the liquid crystal
material at a particular temperature is excluded from this
subclass. For such excluded subject matter, see SEARCH THIS
CLASS, SUBCLASS below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
72 and 161, for using particular devices for keeping the
liquid crystal material at a particular temperature.
Subclass:
21
By heating electrode:
This subclass is indented under subclass 20. Subject matter
wherein the liquid crystal material exhibits an optical
property change in response to thermal energy from a heating
electrode adjacent to the liquid crystal.
(1) Note. Included here are thermal heads and electrodes
using resistance heating.
Subclass:
22
By light beam heating (e.g., IR, laser, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 20. Subject matter
wherein the liquid crystal material exhibits an optical
property change in response to thermal energy derived from
incident light rays.
(1) Note. Included here are infrared light and laser beams
which directly change the state of the liquid crystal.
(2) Note. Excluded from this subclass is light used for
optically exciting the liquid crystal. For such excluded
subject matter see SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
24 for optical excitation of a liquid crystal cell.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
365, Static Information Storage and Retrieval, subclass 108
for a memory for liquid crystal using a light beam.
Subclass:
23
Magnetic or pressure excitation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Subject matter
wherein the liquid crystal material is responsive to either
applied magnetic lines of force or mechanical stress.
(1) Note. Included here is excitation produced by an
acoustic wave.
Subclass:
24
Optical excitation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Subject matter
wherein the liquid crystal material exhibits an optical
property change across the liquid crystal in response to the
nonthermal application of light to corresponding areas of the
liquid crystal.
(1) Note. Included here are light activated switches.
(2) Note. Excluded from this subclass is light used to
excite the liquid crystal by heating. For such excluded
subject matter, see SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
22 for changing the optical property of liquid crystal
material in response to thermal application of incident
light.
Subclass:
25
With photoconductive layer (e.g., spatial light modulator
(SLMs)):
This subclass is indented under subclass 24. Subject matter
wherein the liquid crystal material exhibits an optical
property change when an electrical field is produced across
the liquid crystal in response to the application of light to
corresponding areas of a photosensitive layer.
(1) Note. Included here are photoconductors and
photodiodes.
Subclass:
26
Of an alloy of S, Se, or Te:
This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Subject matter
wherein the photoconductive layer is formed of an alloy of S,
Se, or Te.
Subclass:
27
With silicon photoconductive layer:
This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Subject matter
wherein the photoconductive layer is formed of silicon.
Subclass:
28
With silicon photodiode, N-I-N photoconductor structure, or
P-I-P photoconductor structure:
This subclass is indented under subclass 27. Subject matter
wherein the silicon photoconductive layer has the structure
of a photodiode, an N-I-N photoconductor, or a P-I-P
photoconductor.
Subclass:
29
With particular light blocking layer for separating read and
write lights:
This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Subject matter
wherein a light preventing layer with a particular
composition or structure is included for separating read and
write lights.
Subclass:
30
With particular dielectric mirror for spatial light modulator
(i.e., SLM):
This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Subject matter
including a reflector formed of a multilayer nonconductive
material having a particular composition or structure.
Subclass:
31
Electron beam excitation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Subject matter
wherein an optical property of the liquid crystal material is
changed by the application of a ray of electrons.
(1) Note. Included here are apparatus having an electron gun
or field emission device.
Subclass:
32
Plasma excitation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Subject matter
wherein an optical property of the liquid crystal material is
changed by application of a plasma charge.
Subclass:
33
Electrical excitation of liquid crystal (i.e., particular
voltage pulses, AC vs. DC, threshold voltages, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Subject matter
wherein an optical property of the liquid crystal material is
changed by the application of an electric potential or
current to the liquid crystal material.
(1) Note. Nominal driving subject matter which depends on
details of liquid crystal cell structure is classified in
this subclass. Excluded from this subclass is driving of a
liquid crystal device with a nominal liquid crystal cell
structure. For such excluded subject matter, see SEARCH CLASS
below.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
345, Computer Graphics Processing, Operator Interface
Processing, and Selective Visual Display Systems, 38 and 87+
for driving of a liquid crystal device.
Subclass:
34
With application of holding or bias voltage (i.e., voltage
which does not change the optical state of the liquid
crystal):
This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Subject matter
wherein a voltage applied to the liquid crystal does not
change the optical state of the liquid crystal.
Subclass:
35
For driving Grandjean to focal conic or dynamic scattering
type liquid crystal:
This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Subject matter
wherein the electrical excitation is applied to a liquid
crystal material to switch it from a Grandjean to a focal
conic state or to exhibit dynamic scattering.
Subclass:
36
Including diverse driving frequencies:
This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Subject matter
wherein the applied voltage has two or more frequencies.
(1) Note. Included herein are different frequencies for
changing the sign of the dielectric anisotropy of the liquid
crystal material.
Subclass:
37
Polarity based driving:
This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Subject matter
wherein the liquid crystal state is determined by the
polarity of the voltage applied to the liquid crystal.
Subclass:
38
With supplemental capacitor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Subject matter
wherein a capacitor is in parallel to the liquid crystal such
that the relaxation time (or the RC time constant) of the
liquid crystal is increased.
Subclass:
39
In active matrix with separate dedicated capacitor line:
This subclass is indented under subclass 38. Subject matter
wherein the supplemental capacitor is part of an active
matrix and is formed from an electrical line different from
the matrix lines and dedicated specifically to the
capacitor.
Subclass:
40
With antistatic elements:
This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Subject matter
including structure to distribute, eliminate, or block static
electrical charges.
Subclass:
41
With particular switching device:
This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Subject matter
including an electrical device which receives voltages from
electrode drivers and toggles a portion of the liquid crystal
on and off.
(1) Note. Included here are micromechanical switches used to
switch a portion of the liquid crystal on and off.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
257, Active Solid-State Devices (e.g., Transistors,
Solid-State Diodes), appropriate subclasses for the use of a
transistor in general.
345, Selective Visual Display Systems, 90 for using
switching devices in a liquid crystal device.
438, Semiconductor Device Manufacturing: Process, especially
27 for methods of packaging a semiconductor electronic
device having an additional optical component and subclass 30
for methods of making a semiconductor electronic device
including a liquid crystal optical component.
Subclass:
42
Transistor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 41. Subject matter
wherein the switching device comprises a three-terminal
semiconductor device.
Subclass:
43
Structure of transistor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 42. Subject matter
wherein the particular layering of the transistor is
specified.
(1) Note. Included here are connective electrodes to buses,
pixels, etc.
Subclass:
44
With light block conductively connected to transistor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 43. Subject matter
including an opaque structure covering a portion of the
transistor and conductively connected thereto.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
110 for an opaque mask not associated with and electrically
connected to a transistor.
Subclass:
45
Transferred transistor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 43. Subject matter
wherein the transistor is fabricated on a film and then
transferred to one of the substrates which forms the liquid
crystal cell.
(1) Note. An adhesive layer which attaches the transistor to
the substrate is indicative of a transferred transistor.
(2) Note. Transferred transistors typically result in a
structure in which the layers at the side of the transistor
adjacent to the liquid crystal material are more level than
those at the side adjacent the cell substrate.
Subclass:
46
With particular gate electrode structure:
This subclass is indented under subclass 43. Subject matter
wherein the material, location, or other detail of the gate
electrode of the transistor is specified.
(1) Note. Included here are thinned electrodes for easy
disconnection.
Subclass:
47
With gate electrode between liquid crystal and semiconductor
layer:
This subclass is indented under subclass 46. Subject matter
wherein the gate electrode is located between the liquid
crystal layer and the semiconductor layer.
Subclass:
48
Plural nonredundant transistors per pixel:
This subclass is indented under subclass 42. Subject matter
wherein each pixel includes two or more transistors for
purposes other than redundancy.
(1) Note. Included here are a pair of N and P transistors
for each pixel or a pair of transistors connected to
different address lines for each pixel.
(2) Note. Excluded from this subclass is the use of
transistors for redundancy purposes. For such excluded
subject matter, see SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
54 for the use of transistors for redundancy purposes.
Subclass:
49
Two terminal nonlinear switching device (e.g., N-I-N, S-I-S,
Ferroelectric, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 41. Subject matter
wherein the switching device comprises a two-terminal
element.
Subclass:
50
Diode:
This subclass is indented under subclass 49. Subject matter
wherein the switching device has a rectifying function.
(1) Note. Excluded from this subclass are photodiodes used
for optically exciting the liquid crystal. For such excluded
subject matter, see SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
25 and 28, for using photodiodes for optically exciting a
liquid crystal cell.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
345, Computer Graphics Processing, Operator Interface
Processing, and Selective Visual Display Systems, subclass 91
for using diodes in a liquid crystal device.
Subclass:
51
Metal-insulator-metal (i.e., MIM):
This subclass is indented under subclass 49. Subject matter
wherein the switching device is a bidirectional tunneling
device with a metal-insulator-metal structure.
Subclass:
52
With particular insulating layer:
This subclass is indented under subclass 51. Subject matter
wherein the MIM has an insulating layer of a particular
composition between the two metal layers.
Subclass:
53
Varistor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 49. Subject matter
wherein the switching device has a two-electrode
semiconductor device with a voltage-dependent nonlinear
resistance that drops markedly as the applied voltage is
increased.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
345, Computer Graphics Processing, Operator Interface
Processing, and Selective Visual Display Systems, subclass 91
for using varistor in a liquid crystal device.
Subclass:
54
Matrix including additional element(s) which correct or
compensate for electrical fault:
This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Subject matter
including a structure or arrangement of additional buses,
switching elements, or circuit elements for correcting and
preventing electrical defects such as open or short
circuits.
(1) Note. The defect correction structure included in this
subclass is that which is incorporated in the liquid crystal
device when the device is manufactured. Excluded from this
subclass are defect correction after the device has been
made. For such excluded subject matter, see SEARCH THIS
CLASS, SUBCLASS below.
(2) Note. Included here are double buslines, double
switches, and bypass lines. Also included are pixels
connected directly to the busline to reduce defects.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
192 for defect correction after the liquid crystal device
has been made.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
345, Computer Graphics Processing, Operator Interface
Processing, and Selective Visual Display Systems, subclass 93
for the use of redundancy in a liquid crystal device.
Subclass:
55
Laser links:
This subclass is indented under subclass 54. Subject matter
wherein the correction or compensation of the fault is
accomplished by using a laser to conductively connect two
conductors which were isolated from each other.
Subclass:
56
PARTICULAR STRUCTURE:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter including a specific aspect of the structure
of the liquid crystal device and not involving the
application of electrical energy to the liquid crystal.
(1) Note. The structure here includes the parts of the whole
device. For example, light source, frame, liquid crystal
cell, etc.
Subclass:
57
Lens or prism separate from projection system (i.e., it is
not integral part of illumination system):
This subclass is indented under subclass 56. Subject matter
wherein the liquid crystal device includes a specific lens or
prism near or adjacent to the liquid crystal cell, wherein
the lens or prism is not an integral part of a projection
system nor a light guide of the liquid crystal illumination
system.
(1) Note. Included here are collimating lenses and prisms
for redirecting light entering or leaving the liquid crystal
cell.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
5 for using lens or prisms in a projection device.
62 for illumination systems having integral lens or prism.
Subclass:
58
Holder, support, frame, or housing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 56. Subject matter
wherein the device includes structure which holds elements of
the device including the liquid crystal cell together or
which facilitates the mounting of the liquid crystal cell.
(1) Note. Excluded from this subclass are eyeglass frames,
windows, and other frames or holders for the liquid crystal
which define a system environment for the liquid crystal
cell. For such excluded subject matter, see SEARCH THIS
CLASS, SUBCLASS below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
1 through 18, for utilizing frames or holders in a liquid
crystal cell.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclass
681 for housings for electronic systems or devices with
display supports.
Subclass:
59
Including electromagnetic shielding:
This subclass is indented under subclass 58. Subject matter
wherein the structure includes a means of preventing the
transmission of electromagnetic fields or waves into or out
of the cell.
Subclass:
60
Including resilient support member:
This subclass is indented under subclass 58. Subject matter
wherein the structure includes an elastic means used as
support.
(1) Note. Included here are elastomeric connectors used as
support which also function as electrical connection and
buffers.
Subclass:
61
Particular illumination:
This subclass is indented under subclass 56. Subject matter
including specific structure for providing light to the
liquid crystal device.
(1) Note. This structure may use a special light source for
the liquid crystal device or be structurally designed for use
with ambient light.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, appropriate
subclasses for use of a particular illumination device in
general.
315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems,
appropriate subclasses for use of a particular illumination
system in general.
362, Illumination, appropriate subclasses for illuminating
devices in general.
Subclass:
62
With integral optical element for guiding or distributing
light from the light source:
This subclass is indented under subclass 61. Subject matter
including an optical means for directing or dividing the
light into different paths therefrom.
Subclass:
63
Specifically for guiding light in a front-lit device:
This subclass is indented under subclass 62. Subject matter
wherein the optical means guides or distributes light
entering the liquid crystal device from a viewer's side.
Subclass:
64
Diffuser between light source and liquid crystal:
This subclass is indented under subclass 62. Subject matter
wherein the optical means scatters or disperses light before
it enters the liquid crystal device.
(1) Note. Excluded from this subclass are diffusing elements
behind the liquid crystal. Also excluded are diffusing
elements between the liquid crystal device and the viewer.
For such excluded subject matter, see SEARCH THIS CLASS,
SUBCLASS below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
112 for the use of diffusing elements behind the liquid
crystal or between the liquid crystal device and a viewer.
Subclass:
65
Edge lit type light guide behind liquid crystal:
This subclass is indented under subclass 62. Subject matter
wherein the optical means is a substantially flat or tapered
sheet behind the liquid crystal with the light source at an
edge of the sheet.
(1) Note. Included here are details of reflector, bulb,
etc., that are part of rear edge-lit light guide.
Subclass:
66
Louvres:
This subclass is indented under subclass 62. Subject matter
wherein the optical means is formed of thin parallel slats or
strips which reflect or refract light rays toward or away
from the liquid crystal cell.
Subclass:
67
Reflector having particular shape behind light source:
This subclass is indented under subclass 62. Subject matter
wherein the optical means is a reflecting element behind the
light source for redirecting rays from the light source back
toward the liquid crystal cell, and the reflecting element
has a specific form such as specific curved shape.
(1) Note. Excluded from this subclass are reflectors merely
specified as curved.
(2) Note. Reflectors behind the liquid crystal cell for
making the liquid crystal device reflective (i.e., not part
of the light source itself) are excluded from this subclass.
For such excluded subject matter, see SEARCH THIS CLASS,
SUBCLASS below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
113 for the use of reflectors.
Subclass:
68
With plural diverse light sources (e.g., for day and night):
This subclass is indented under subclass 61. Subject matter
wherein two or more different types of lights are used to
illuminate the liquid crystal device.
(1) Note. Included here are differently colored light
sources.
Subclass:
69
Electroluminescent light source:
This subclass is indented under subclass 61. Subject matter
wherein the liquid crystal device is lit by a layer which
emits fluorescent light when electrically driven by
electrodes.
(1) Note. Excluded from this subclass are fluorescent bulbs
and layers which emit fluorescent light when illuminated with
a light source, rather than when driven by electrodes. For
such excluded subject matter, see SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS
below.
(2) Note. Included here are CRTs for lighting and not for
exciting.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
70 for using fluorescent bulbs and layers as a light source
in a liquid crystal cell.
Subclass:
70
Fluorescent light source:
This subclass is indented under subclass 61. Subject matter
wherein the liquid crystal device is lit by a tube containing
mercury vapor, lined with phosphor which emits light in
response to passage of a current, or a phosphorescent layer
not driven by electrodes.
(1) Note. Included herein are apparatus having fluorescent
bulbs and layers which emit fluorescent light when
illuminated with a light source.
(2) Note. Excluded from this subclass are fluorescent layers
which are driven by electrodes, or electroluminescent light
sources. For such excluded subject matter, see SEARCH THIS
CLASS, SUBCLASS below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
69 for the use of fluorescent layers which are driven by
electrodes or electroluminescent light sources in a liquid
crystal device.
Subclass:
71
Formed of planar phosphor or fluorescent layer separate from
illumination source:
This subclass is indented under subclass 70. Subject matter
including a continuous layer or a layer of individual
elements separate from an illumination source wherein the
layer emits light when excited by radiant energy.
Subclass:
72
Detector of liquid crystal temperature:
This subclass is indented under subclass 56. Subject matter
wherein the device includes a sensor of the temperature of
the liquid crystal material itself; e.g., for maintaining a
constant liquid crystal temperature or characteristic.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
345, Computer Graphics Processing, Operator Interface
Processing, and Selective Visual Display Systems, subclass
101 for generation of data compensation in response to the
temperature of the liquid crystal material.
Subclass:
73
Interconnection of plural cells in parallel (e.g., edge to
edge):
This subclass is indented under subclass 56. Subject matter
wherein two or more liquid crystal cells are positioned side
by side.
(1) Note. Each liquid crystal cell is formed from a separate
enclosure around a liquid crystal material and a liquid
crystal cell is not a single pixel or display element. Thus,
excluded from this subclass is merely a matrix of liquid
crystal pixels.
(2) Note. Excluded from this subclass are plural liquid
crystal cells which substantially overlap each other. For
such excluded subject matter, see SEARCH THIS CLASS,
SUBCLASS below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
74 for plural overlapping liquid crystal cell.
Subclass:
74
Interconnection of plural cells in series:
This subclass is indented under subclass 56. Subject matter
wherein two or more liquid crystal cells substantially
overlap each other.
(1) Note. Excluded from this subclass are multiple
cholesteric layers in series wherein each layer selectively
reflects a different particular wavelength of light. For such
excluded subject matter, see SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS
below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
115 176 and 193, for the use of multiple cholesteric layers
in series in a liquid crystal device.
Subclass:
75
For compensation of birefringence effects:
This subclass is indented under subclass 74. Subject matter
wherein one or more of the plural cells compensates for the
double refraction of another liquid crystal cell.
Subclass:
76
Of twisted (or chiral) nematic or supertwisted nematic liquid
crystal:
This subclass is indented under subclass 75. Subject matter
wherein the cell having birefringence and needing
compensation contains nematic liquid crystal having a nonzero
twist angle.
Subclass:
77
With particular cooperation between cells (e.g., alternating
selection or simultaneous selection of cells):
This subclass is indented under subclass 74. Subject matter
wherein all of the cells are driven either simultaneously or
in a particular sequence for a particular display effect.
Subclass:
78
Cell cooperation providing multicolor display:
This subclass is indented under subclass 77. Subject matter
wherein the color of the display depends on which cell or
cells are activated such that the cooperation between the
plural cells provides a multicolor display.
(1) Note. Excluded from this subclass are displays including
plural cells with solely a single layer of multicolor filters
for color across a surface of one of the cells. For such
excluded subject matter, see SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS
below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
106 for use of color filter.
Subclass:
79
With color formed by different dye in each cell:
This subclass is indented under subclass 78. Subject matter
wherein each cell includes a dye of a different color from
that in each other cell.
Subclass:
80
With color formed by different color polarizer or color
filter associated with each cell:
This subclass is indented under subclass 78. Subject matter
wherein each cell includes or is adjacent to a polarizer or
color filter of a different color from that associated with
each other cell.
Subclass:
81
With cells being substantially identical and driven
simultaneously, providing improved contrast:
This subclass is indented under subclass 77. Subject matter
wherein the plural cells are substantially the same as each
other, with corresponding elements overlapping each other and
driven simultaneously to prevent light leakage that occurs in
a dark state when a single cell is used.
Subclass:
82
With projection of electrodes in one cell substantially
nonoverlapping that of another cell (i.e., for improving
resolution):
This subclass is indented under subclass 77. Subject matter
wherein the plural cells overlap each other, but the
electrodes in each cell do not substantially overlap the
electrodes in the other cells, such that resolution of the
display is improved.
(1) Note. Included herein are displays in which the
electrodes of one cell overlap the spaces between the
electrodes of another cell or in which the electrodes of one
cell cover a different display area from those of each other
cell.
Subclass:
83
With each cell displaying a different pattern:
This subclass is indented under subclass 77. Subject matter
wherein the electrodes of one cell form a different pattern
from those of each other cell such that two or more different
patterns (such as an analog and a digital display) can be
displayed simultaneously with one superimposed on the others
or can be displayed in sequence.
Subclass:
84
Having significant detail of cell structure only:
This subclass is indented under subclass 56. Subject matter
including a specific aspect of the structure which surrounds
the liquid crystal material.
(1) Note. Included here is structure involving the liquid
crystal material, structure immediately adjacent to the
liquid crystal material, and structure attached to the
structure adjacent to the liquid crystal material.
Subclass:
85
Producing a greyscale effect:
This subclass is indented under subclass 84. Subject matter
including particular structure which produces gradation.
(1) Note. Included here are varied subpixel thicknesses.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
144 for greyscale resultant from split pixels.
173 for greyscale resultant from a liquid crystal property
or from uniform boundary conditions.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
345, Computer Graphics Processing, Operator Interface
Processing, and Selective Visual Display Systems, subclass 89
for producing a greyscale effect in a liquid crystal
device.
Subclass:
86
Microencapsulated or polymer dispersed liquid crystal:
This subclass is indented under subclass 84. Subject matter
wherein small regions of liquid crystal material are embedded
in a medium of diverse composition.
Subclass:
87
For variable polarizer:
This subclass is indented under subclass 86. Subject matter
wherein the encapsulated or dispersed liquid crystal has a
polarizing effect without the use of a separate polarizing
element and which is controllable by excitation applied to
the liquid crystal cell.
(1) Note. Included here are stretched polymer dispersed
liquid crystal films. For excluded subject matter see, SEARCH
THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
86 for microencapsulated or polymer dispersed liquid
crystal.
Subclass:
88
Polymer network liquid crystal:
This subclass is indented under subclass 86. Subject matter
wherein the liquid crystal forms a continuous phase
throughout a polymer layer, such that the polymer forms a
network structure filled with liquid crystal material.
(1) Note. Excluded from here are discrete capsules of liquid
crystal material embedded in the polymer layer.
Subclass:
89
With particular encapsulating medium:
This subclass is indented under subclass 86. Subject matter
wherein details of the medium are specified.
Subclass:
90
With second material between liquid crystal and encapsulating
medium:
This subclass is indented under subclass 89. Subject matter
wherein a second material of a composition different from
both the liquid crystal and the medium exists between the
liquid crystal and the medium.
(1) Note. Included here are walls formed around individual
capsules of liquid crystal material and surfactants
surrounding the liquid crystal material.
Subclass:
91
With nonpolymer encapsulating medium:
This subclass is indented under subclass 89. Subject matter
wherein the encapsulating medium is formed of a material
which is not a polymer.
(1) Note. Included here are encapsulating mediums such as
glass.
Subclass:
92
Formed by particular technique:
This subclass is indented under subclass 86. Subject matter
wherein the particular microencapsulated or polymer dispersed
liquid crystal has been formed by a particular technique.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
264, Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating:
Processes, 4 for a process of encapsulating liquid
material.
Subclass:
93
Having UV polymerized element:
This subclass is indented under subclass 92. Subject matter
wherein the liquid crystal has been microencapsulated or
dispersed in an ultra violet polymerized material.
Subclass:
94
Formed with particular alignment technique:
This subclass is indented under subclass 92. Subject matter
wherein the liquid crystal alignment has been formed by a
particular technique.
Subclass:
95
Microlenses:
This subclass is indented under subclass 84. Subject matter
wherein the cell structure includes a surface configured to
form a regular array of optical elements for focusing light
by refraction.
(1) Note. Included here are arrays of lenses which have one
or more lenses per pixel for focusing light onto the pixels
or for collimating light entering or exiting the pixels.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
359, Optics: Systems (Including Communication) and Elements,
619 for microlenses with no liquid crystal.
Subclass:
96
Polarizer:
This subclass is indented under subclass 84. Subject matter
wherein the cell structure includes a means for making light
or other radiation vibrate perpendicular to the ray with a
particular composition, pattern, or orientation.
Subclass:
97
Color:
This subclass is indented under subclass 96. Subject matter
wherein the polarizer has the additional property that it
only passes a particular frequency of polarized light along a
particular polarization axis.
(1) Note. Color polarizers are sometimes termed selective
polarizers.
Subclass:
98
Circular:
This subclass is indented under subclass 96. Subject matter
wherein the cell structure provides circular polarization to
light entering or exiting the cell.
Subclass:
99
With particular non-zero angle between polarization axis and
orientation direction:
This subclass is indented under subclass 96. Subject matter
wherein transmission or absorption axis of one polarizer of
the cell is at an angle to the direction of orientation of
liquid crystal molecules near one of the substrates holding
the liquid crystal therebetween.
Subclass:
100
For ferroelectric liquid crystal:
This subclass is indented under subclass 99. Subject matter
wherein the liquid crystal material used with the polarizer
is ferroelectric liquid crystal.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
345, Computer Graphics Processing, Operator Interface
Processing, and Selective Visual Display Systems, subclass 97
for use of ferroelectric liquid crystal display elements.
Subclass:
101
For supertwisted nematic liquid crystal:
This subclass is indented under subclass 99. Subject matter
wherein the liquid crystal material used with the polarizer
is nematic liquid crystal with a twist angle greater than 90
deg..
Subclass:
102
With particular non-zero angle between polarization axis and
compensator optical axis:
This subclass is indented under subclass 96. Subject matter
wherein the transmission or absorption axis of one polarizer
of the cell is at an angle to the optical axis of a
compensator for the liquid crystal material.
Subclass:
103
With particular non-zero and non-90 deg. angle between
opposite polarization axes:
This subclass is indented under subclass 96. Subject matter
wherein the transmission or absorption axis of one polarizer
of the cell is at an angle other than 90 deg. to the
transmission or absorption axis of another polarizer of the
cell.
Subclass:
104
Filter:
This subclass is indented under subclass 84. Subject matter
including a particular light absorbing device to attenuate
particular wavelengths or frequencies while passing others on
with relatively no change.
(1) Note. Included here are infrared and ultraviolet
filters.
Subclass:
105
Interference filter:
This subclass is indented under subclass 104. Subject matter
wherein two light waves, as a result of their relative
phases, interact to produce a cancellation or reinforcement
of wave energy.
Subclass:
106
Color filter:
This subclass is indented under subclass 104. Subject matter
wherein only a portion of the frequency band of incident
light is passed, giving a colored appearance.
(1) Note. Typically triads of filters passing red, green,
and blue light are used.
Subclass:
107
With different liquid crystal thickness for each color of
filter:
This subclass is indented under subclass 106. Subject matter
wherein each of the color filters has a different thickness
of liquid crystal material.
Subclass:
108
With plural colors for each display element (i.e., each pixel
or segment):
This subclass is indented under subclass 106. Subject matter
wherein each display electrode overlaps filters passing two
or more different colors.
Subclass:
109
With unequal areas for different colors or with fractional
shift between one line of colors and the next:
This subclass is indented under subclass 106. Subject matter
wherein at least one color passed by the color filter passes
through a different sized area than all other colors or each
line of color filter element is shifted from an adjacent line
by a fractional number of pixel elements.
Subclass:
110
Opaque mask or black mask:
This subclass is indented under subclass 104. Subject matter
wherein a structure covering certain portions of the liquid
crystal cell totally or substantially blocks all of the light
incident thereon.
Subclass:
111
Conductive mask:
This subclass is indented under subclass 110. Subject matter
wherein the opaque mask or black mask is formed of a
conductive material.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
44 for light blocking elements conductively connected to a
transistor.
Subclass:
112
Diffuser (on viewer side of liquid crystal):
This subclass is indented under subclass 84. Subject matter
including a particular light scattering or dispersing device
which is not part of the illumination system.
(1) Note. Excluded from this subclass are diffusing elements
between the light source and the liquid crystal. For such
excluded subject matter, see SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS
below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
64 for the use of diffusing elements between the light
source and the liquid crystal cell.
Subclass:
113
Reflector:
This subclass is indented under subclass 84. Subject matter
having a detail of a means for returning light that has
passed through the cell back through the cell again.
(1) Note. Reflectors in conjunction with the light source
are excluded from this subclass. For such excluded subject
matter, see SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
67 for the use of reflectors in conjunction with light
source in a liquid crystal device.
Subclass:
114
Dielectric mirror (i.e., in devices excited other than by
photoconductive layer) or transflector:
This subclass is indented under subclass 113. Subject matter
wherein the reflector is formed of a multilayer nonconductive
material or is partially light transmitting.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
30 for dielectric mirrors part of a spatial light modulator
in a liquid crystal device.
Subclass:
115
Cholesteric reflector:
This subclass is indented under subclass 113. Subject matter
wherein the reflector is formed of a cholesteric liquid
crystal material.
(1) Note. To be classified here, the cholesteric reflector
must be additional to another liquid crystal cell.
Subclass:
116
Photoconductive element (i.e., not used for exciting):
This subclass is indented under subclass 84. Subject matter
having an element whose electrical resistance varies as a
function of incident light, but which is not used for
optically exciting the liquid crystal material.
(1) Note. Included here are photodetectors and solar
batteries.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
25 for the use of photoconductive layer in a liquid crystal
device for exciting purposes.
Subclass:
117
Compensator or retarder (i.e., not using liquid crystal
cell):
This subclass is indented under subclass 84. Subject matter
including an element which modifies relative velocity between
two light rays.
(1) Note. Included here are quarter-wave and half-wave
plates and birefringent layers.
(2) Note. Excluded from this subclass are compensators
formed of liquid crystal cells. For such excluded subject
matter, see SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
75 and 76, for compensators formed of liquid crystal cells.
Subclass:
118
With refractive indices in the x, y, and z directions:
This subclass is indented under subclass 117. Subject matter
wherein the compensator or retarder is described as having
three refractive indices, one in each of the x, y, and z
directions.
Subclass:
119
Multiple compensators:
This subclass is indented under subclass 117. Subject matter
wherein two or more compensators or retarders are employed.
Subclass:
120
Including at least one with negative intrinsic
birefringence:
This subclass is indented under subclass 119. Subject matter
wherein at least one of the plural compensators or retarders
has a negative refractive index anisotropy.
(1) Note. Materials that have a negative intrinsic
birefringence include polystyrene and styrene copolymers,
whereas materials that have a positive intrinsic
birefringence include polycarbonate.
Subclass:
121
With particular non-zero angle between compensator optical
axis and orientation direction:
This subclass is indented under subclass 117. Subject matter
wherein an angle greater than zero degrees is formed between
the optical axis of the compensator or retarder and the
orientation direction of the molecules adjacent one of the
substrates surrounding the liquid crystal.
Subclass:
122
Particular nonoptical film or layer (e.g., adhesive layer,
barrier layer):
This subclass is indented under subclass 84. Subject matter
having a specified sheet that possesses no inherent light
modifying property.
Subclass:
123
Alignment layer:
This subclass is indented under subclass 122. Subject matter
wherein the sheet is used for orienting the liquid crystal
molecules in a particular manner.
(1) Note. Examples of an alignment layer are silicon
dioxide, polyimides, polyamides, organosilanes, and polyvinyl
alcohol.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, 1.1 for
liquid crystal alignment layers having a particular chemical
composition.
Subclass:
124
Formed by particular technique (e.g., Langmuir Blodgett,
stretching, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 123. Subject matter
wherein the alignment layer has been produced utilizing a
specialized technique.
Subclass:
125
Having particular deposited structure (e.g., angled, plural
layered) produced by vapor deposition:
This subclass is indented under subclass 124. Subject matter
wherein the alignment layer has been produced by vapor
deposition to form a specified structure (e.g., particular
angle, plural layered, etc.).
Subclass:
126
Having structure produced by rubbing under particular rubbing
conditions (e.g., particular direction, rubbing force, by
using named rubbing material or roller, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 124. Subject matter
wherein the alignment layer has been produced utilizing a
technique that involves rubbing of the material for forming
the alignment layer under a specific rubbing condition, such
as: (a) rubbing in a specific direction relative to elements
of the liquid crystal display, (b) rubbing with a defined or
varying rubbing force, or (c) using a specific rubbing
material or roller for rubbing the alignment layer.
Subclass:
127
Formed of a liquid crystal material:
This subclass is indented under subclass 123. Subject matter
wherein the alignment layer is formed of a liquid crystal
layer different from the liquid crystal layer which is
oriented by the alignment layer.
Subclass:
128
With different alignments on opposite substrates:
This subclass is indented under subclass 123. Subject matter
wherein the alignment direction and/or pretilt angle of the
alignment layer on one side of the liquid crystal material
differs from that on the other side of the liquid crystal
material.
(1) Note. Different alignments can be formed by using
different compositions for the two alignment layers.
Subclass:
129
With plural alignments on the same substrate:
This subclass is indented under subclass 123. Subject matter
wherein the alignment layer on one side of the liquid crystal
includes two or more alignment directions, and/or two or more
pretilt angles.
(1) Note. Included here are two different alignment layers
used one on top of the other or alternating side-by-side.
Also included herein are alternating alignment directions or
pretilt angles; e.g., between pixel and nonpixel portions.
(2) Note. Different alignments can be formed by using
different compositions for the two alignment layers.
Subclass:
130
For perpendicular alignment:
This subclass is indented under subclass 123. Subject matter
wherein the alignment layer causes the liquid crystal
molecules to be oriented homeotropically or substantially
perpendicular to a supporting surface (i.e., substrate).
(1) Note. This type of alignment is typically found in
conjunction with dynamic scattering or variable birefringence
type liquid crystal devices.
Subclass:
131
Silanes:
This subclass is indented under subclass 130. Subject matter
wherein the alignment layer is formed of any one of various
silicon hydrides.
Subclass:
132
For parallel alignment:
This subclass is indented under subclass 123. Subject matter
wherein the alignment layer causes the liquid crystal
molecules to be oriented homogeneously or substantially
parallel to a supporting surface (i.e., substrate).
(1) Note. This alignment is sometimes caused by rubbing or
otherwise forming grooves in the surface of the layer.
(2) Note. This type of alignment is typically found in
conjunction with the twisted nematic field effect type liquid
crystal devices.
Subclass:
133
With chiral smectic liquid crystal (includes ferroelectric
liquid crystal):
This subclass is indented under subclass 132. Subject matter
wherein the alignment layer is employed to orient the
molecules in a chiral smectic liquid crystal material.
Subclass:
134
With particular pretilt angle from the alignment layer:
This subclass is indented under subclass 133. Subject matter
wherein the alignment layer causes the chiral smectic liquid
crystal molecules near a supporting surface (i.e., substrate)
to form a particular angle with the surface.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
136 for alignment layers causing a particular pretilt angle
for liquid crystals which are not chiral smectic.
Subclass:
135
With particular polymer composition of the alignment layer
(e.g., fluorine-containing aliphatic polyamide):
This subclass is indented under subclass 133. Subject matter
wherein the chemical composition of the alignment layer is
specifically recited (i.e., more than merely reciting
polyamide, polyvinyl alcohol, silicon dioxide, or
organosilane).
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Article, 1.1 for liquid
crystal alignment layers having a particular chemical
composition.
Subclass:
136
With particular pretilt angle (i.e., with liquid crystal
other than chiral smectic):
This subclass is indented under subclass 132. Subject matter
wherein the alignment layer causes the liquid crystal
molecules near a supporting surface (i.e., substrate) to form
a particular angle with the surface.
Subclass:
137
Antireflection layer:
This subclass is indented under subclass 122. Subject matter
including a layer which reduces unwanted surface reflections,
thereby reducing glare.
Subclass:
138
Insulating layer:
This subclass is indented under subclass 122. Subject matter
wherein a particular nonelectrically conducting layer is in
the vicinity of the liquid crystal material.
(1) Note. When the insulative layer is located between an
electrode and the liquid crystal material, this insulative
layer causes the device to block direct current, thereby
extending device life.
(2) Note. Although alignment layers are typically insulative
layers adjacent the liquid crystal material, they are
excluded from this subclass unless an insulating function is
specifically recited for the layers. For such excluded
subject matter, see SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS below.
(3) Note. Excluded from here are insulative layers which are
soley within the structure of switching elements. For such
excluded subject matter, see SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS
below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
43 and 52, for the use of insulative layer in a structure of
a transistor or in a MIM switching device respectively.
123 and 136, for the use of alignment layer in a liquid
crystal device.
Subclass:
139
Electrode or bus detail (i.e., excluding supplemental
capacitor and transistor electrodes):
This subclass is indented under subclass 84. Subject matter
wherein a particular characteristic of an electrode or bus
line is specified.
(1) Note. Included here are details of the pixel electrodes,
bus lines, common (or counter) electrodes, and segmented
electrodes.
(2) Note. Excluded from here are details of the electrodes
forming supplemental capacitors and transistors. For such
excluded subject matter, see SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS
below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
38 39, 43, and 47, for details of electrodes forming
supplemental capacitors and transistors in a liquid crystal
device.
Subclass:
140
Formed of semiconductor material:
This subclass is indented under subclass 139. Subject matter
wherein the electrodes are made of a solid or liquid
electronic conductor material with resistivity between that
of metals and that of insulators.
Subclass:
141
Interdigited electrodes (comb-shaped):
This subclass is indented under subclass 139. Subject matter
wherein the electrodes are interlocked with each other such
that one set of electrodes are located in the gaps between
another set of electrodes.
Subclass:
142
Segmented or fixed pattern:
This subclass is indented under subclass 139. Subject matter
wherein the electrodes which border the liquid crystal
material form a particular pattern.
(1) Note. Examples include an alphanumeric display pattern,
an analog clock pattern, and a picture to be displayed.
(2) Note. Excluded from this subclass is a matrix of
electrodes. For such excluded subject matter, see SEARCH THIS
CLASS, SUBCLASS below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
143 for the use of a matrix of electrodes in a liquid
crystal device.
Subclass:
143
Matrix electrodes:
This subclass is indented under subclass 139. Subject matter
wherein the electrodes are arranged in an array of rows and
columns and some detail thereof is specified.
(1) Note. Examples include a particular material, width, or
spacing for the bus lines (or row and column electrodes), a
particular shape or size for the pixel electrodes, and a
particular common electrode.
Subclass:
144
Split pixels:
This subclass is indented under subclass 143. Subject matter
wherein at a given intersection between a column electrode
and a row electrode, two or more portions of a pixel
electrode are connected thereto, forming two or more
subpixels.
(1) Note. Included here are subpixels used for greyscale.
Subclass:
145
Nonrectilinear rows and columns:
This subclass is indented under subclass 143. Subject matter
wherein the rows and columns of the matrix are not merely
straight horizontal and vertical lines, respectively.
(1) Note. Included here are diagonal lines and zigzag
lines.
Subclass:
146
Nonrectangular (odd) shaped pixels:
This subclass is indented under subclass 143. Subject matter
wherein the pixel electrodes have a shape other than
rectangular.
(1) Note. Included here are pixels with hexagonal and
diamond shapes.
Subclass:
147
Multilayer electrodes:
This subclass is indented under subclass 143. Subject matter
wherein bus lines, common electrodes, or pixel electrodes
include two or more layers of conductive material which are
substantially coextensive.
Subclass:
148
Resistance reducing electrodes:
This subclass is indented under subclass 143. Subject matter
wherein a set of low resistance electrodes are included along
an edge of the row or column electrodes to reduce the
resistance thereof.
(1) Note. These electrodes are not coextensive with their
associated row or column lines. Excluded from this subclass
are multilayer electrodes which are substantially
coextensive. For such excluded subject matter, see SEARCH
THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS below.
(2) Note. These electrodes are particularly common with
ferroelectric liquid crystals.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
147 for the use of multilayer electrodes which are
substantially coextensive in a liquid crystal device.
Subclass:
149
Having connection detail to external circuit:
This subclass is indented under subclass 139. Subject matter
including particular structure for joining a liquid crystal
electrode to a driving circuit outside of the liquid crystal
cell.
Subclass:
150
Featuring flexible circuit (i.e., tape automated bonding,
(TAB), etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 149. Subject matter
wherein the connection detail includes a flexible circuit
such as a tape automated bonding circuit.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
174, Electricity: Conductors and Insulators, 254 for
preformed flexible circuits.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, 789 for
the use of flexible circuits.
Subclass:
151
With driving circuit having input and output electrodes on
liquid crystal substrate:
This subclass is indented under subclass 149. Subject matter
wherein the driving circuit to which the liquid crystal
electrode is connected is formed with its input and output
electrodes on a substrate of the liquid crystal cell.
(1) Note. Excluded from this subclass are driving circuits
formed on separate substrate and bonded to the liquid crystal
substrate. For such excluded subject matter, see SEARCH THIS
CLASS, SUBCLASS below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
33 and 56, for driving circuits formed on separate
substrate.
Subclass:
152
With detail of terminals to external circuit:
This subclass is indented under subclass 149. Subject matter
wherein the connection detail includes particular structure
for the terminals of the electrodes connected to the drive
circuit.
(1) Note. Included here are terminals having a particular
shape, material, or spacing.
Subclass:
153
Liquid crystal seal:
This subclass is indented under subclass 84. Subject matter
wherein a detail of an environmentally impermeable enclosure
for the liquid crystal material is specified.
(1) Note. Included here are gaskets and adhesives holding
the substrates together around a periphery of the liquid
crystal layer.
(2) Note. Excluded from this subclass are particular methods
for sealing the liquid crystal between the substrates unless
a detail of the seal itself is specified. For such excluded
subject matter, see SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
190 for particular methods for sealing the liquid crystal
between the substrates.
Subclass:
154
With particular injection port or injection plug:
This subclass is indented under subclass 153. Subject matter
wherein the seal includes an opening for injecting the liquid
crystal therethrough, the opening having a particular shape
or other significant detail or a plug for filling the opening
after the injection of the liquid crystal material having a
particular composition, shape, or other significant detail.
(1) Note. Excluded from here are particular injection
methods unless a detail of the injection port or injection
plug is recited. For such excluded subject matter see, SEARCH
THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
189 for the use of particular injection methods in a liquid
crystal device.
Subclass:
155
Spacer:
This subclass is indented under subclass 84. Subject matter
having a detail of a structure used to maintain substrates at
a particular uniform distance.
(1) Note. Spacers may be dispersed within the liquid crystal
material.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
153 for a liquid crystal seal which incorporates a spacer.
Subclass:
156
Formed as walls (e.g., between pixels) or integral with
substrate:
This subclass is indented under subclass 155. Subject matter
wherein the spacers are formed integrally with substrate or
have the shape of elongated walls segmenting portions of the
liquid crystal.
(1) Note. Included here are spacers formed by etching or
cutting out portions of the substrate and growing spacers on
the substrate.
Subclass:
157
Plural types in single liquid crystal cell:
This subclass is indented under subclass 155. Subject matter
wherein two or more different types of spacers are included
in a single liquid crystal layer.
(1) Note. Included here are combinations of hard and soft or
adhesive and nonadhesive spacers.
Subclass:
158
Substrate:
This subclass is indented under subclass 84. Subject matter
wherein the features of a liquid crystal supporting surface
(i.e., substrate) are specifically identified.
Subclass:
159
Fiberoptic faceplate:
This subclass is indented under subclass 158. Subject matter
wherein each surface of the substrate is formed from ends of
multiple thin transparent fibers of plastic or glass
waveguides bundled together side-by-side.
(1) Note. Excluded from this subclass are fiberoptic plates
used as part of the illumination system. For such excluded
subject matter see, SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
62 and 63, for the use of fiberoptic plates as part of the
illumination system in a liquid crystal device.
Subclass:
160
With particular topology (i.e., other than for diffraction
and spacers):
This subclass is indented under subclass 158. Subject matter
wherein a surface of the substrate is nonplanar, but wherein
the nonplanar surface is not used for diffraction or as a
liquid crystal spacer.
(1) Note. Included here are curved or roughened surfaces.
(2) Note. The nonplanar surface is not used for diffraction
or as a liquid crystal spacer.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
156 for spacers formed integrally with the substrate.
201 for a diffraction grating using a liquid crystal.
Subclass:
161
Heating or cooling element other than for exciting:
This subclass is indented under subclass 84. Subject matter
wherein a structure is employed for maintaining the liquid
crystal material at a particular temperature either by
increasing or decreasing the liquid crystal temperature.
(1) Note. Included here are thermal conduction elements.
Subclass:
162
Dual function layer or element:
This subclass is indented under subclass 84. Subject matter
wherein two or more elements or layers have been combined as
a single element or layer having the functions of all of the
original elements or layers.
(1) Note. Included here are polarizers used as substrates,
reflectors used as electrodes, color filters used as
alignment layers, and electrodes used as antireflection
layers.
Subclass:
163
Nonchiral additive in the liquid crystal material:
This subclass is indented under subclass 84. Subject matter
wherein a material is added to the liquid crystal material
other than for promoting a twist of the liquid crystal
molecules.
(1) Note. Included here are additives which selectively
absorb light under certain conditions and additives which
align with electric or magnetic fields applied to the liquid
crystal.
Subclass:
164
Fluorescent additive:
This subclass is indented under subclass 163. Subject matter
wherein the liquid crystal is mixed with a substance which
fluoresces.
Subclass:
165
Pleochroic dye:
This subclass is indented under subclass 163. Subject matter
wherein a pleochroic dye is added to the liquid crystal for
controlling the absorption of light.
(1) Note. Dichroic dyes are classified here.
Subclass:
166
Nonspacer particles significantly smaller than liquid crystal
thickness (e.g., scattering centers, ferromagnetic particles,
etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 163. Subject matter
wherein small particles (with a diameter significantly less
than the liquid crystal layer thickness) are added to the
liquid crystal layer.
Subclass:
167
WITH SPECIFIED NONCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTIC OF LIQUID CRYSTAL
MATERIAL:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter wherein a specific property of the enclosed
liquid crystal material unrelated to its chemical structure
is recited.
(1) Note. Examples of characteristics classified here
include resistivity and response time.
Subclass:
168
Utilizing change between diverse phases (e.g., cholesteric to
nematic):
This subclass is indented under subclass 167. Subject matter
wherein applied excitation to the liquid crystal material
induces a conversion from one mesophase to another during the
operation of the device.
(1) Note. Smectic, cholesteric, and nematic are all
mesophases of liquid crystal.
(2) Note. Excluded from here is a liquid crystal phase
change as a nominal manufacturing step. For such excluded
subject matter, see SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
188 for liquid crystal phase change as a nominal
manufacturing step.
Subclass:
169
Utilizing change within liquid crystal phase (e.g., Grandjean
to focal conic, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 167. Subject matter
wherein a transformation occurs to the liquid crystal
material while the material is in a particular mesophase.
(1) Note. Excluded from here is a transformation in the
liquid crystal within a particular mesophase, as a nominal
manufacturing step. For such excluded subject matter, see
SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
188 for transformation in the liquid crystal within a
particular mesophase as a nominal manufacturing step.
Subclass:
170
Utilizing reversal in sign of dielectricanisotropy:
This subclass is indented under subclass 167. Subject matter
wherein the polarity of the dielectric anisotropy changes
from positive to negative or vice versa.
Subclass:
171
Within smectic phase:
This subclass is indented under subclass 167. Subject matter
wherein the characteristic recited is that of a liquid
crystal within the smectic mesophase.
Subclass:
172
Within chiral smectic phase (includes ferroelectric):
This subclass is indented under subclass 171. Subject matter
wherein the characteristic recited is that of a liquid
crystal within the smectic mesophase wherein the liquid
crystal molecules are twisted from one substrate to the
other.
Subclass:
173
Greyscale resulting from liquid crystal property other than
solely smectic A:
This subclass is indented under subclass 172. Subject matter
wherein the liquid crystal molecules have more than two
positions which can be used to modulate light at different
intensities.
(1) Note. Included here are uniform boundary conditions.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
345, Computer Graphics Processing, Operator Interface
Processing, and Selective Visual Display Systems, subclass 89
for greyscale capability in a liquid crystal display
device.
Subclass:
174
Antiferroelectric:
This subclass is indented under subclass 172. Subject matter
wherein the chiral smectic material has two hysteresises;
i.e., three stable states.
Subclass:
175
Within cholesteric phase:
This subclass is indented under subclass 167. Subject matter
wherein the characteristic recited is that of a liquid
crystal within the cholesteric mesophase.
(1) Note. An example is the pitch of the cholesteric
material.
Subclass:
176
Using reflection characteristic:
This subclass is indented under subclass 175. Subject matter
wherein the characteristic recited relates to the reflection
property of the cholesteric liquid crystal material.
(1) Note. An example is the particular wavelengths for which
the cholesteric material is reflective.
Subclass:
177
Within nematic phase:
This subclass is indented under subclass 167. Subject matter
wherein the characteristic recited is that of a liquid
crystal within the nematic mesophase.
Subclass:
178
Negative dielectric anisotropy only:
This subclass is indented under subclass 177. Subject matter
wherein the nematic liquid crystal material aligns
perpendicular to an applied electric field.
(1) Note. Material which exhibits both positive and negative
dielectric anisotropy is excluded from this subclass. For
such excluded subject material, see SEARCH THIS CLASS,
SUBCLASS below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
170 for the use of material which exhibits both positive and
negative dielectric anisotropy.
Subclass:
179
Twisted (or chiral) nematic or supertwisted nematic:
This subclass is indented under subclass 177. Subject matter
wherein the characteristic recited is that of a liquid
crystal within the nematic mesophase in which the liquid
crystal molecules exhibit a twist from one substrate to the
other.
Subclass:
180
Having particular parameter of twist:
This subclass is indented under subclass 179. Subject matter
wherein the characteristic recited is a particular angle
formed between the molecules near one substrate and the
molecules near another substrate.
(1) Note. Excluded from this subclass is a twist angle of 90
deg., since all regular twisted nematic liquid crystal has a
twist angle of 90 deg..
Subclass:
181
Having particular birefringence or retardation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 179. Subject matter
wherein the characteristic recited is a particular value for
the difference between the ordinary and the extraordinary
indexes of refraction or that difference multiplied by the
layer thickness for the twisted or supertwisted nematic
material.
Subclass:
182
CELL CONTAINING LIQUID CRYSTAL OF SPECIFIC COMPOSITION:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter wherein a liquid crystal material of a
particular composition is incorporated in a cell.
(1) Note. Claims directed only to the liquid crystal
chemical composition but with disclosure to its inclusion in
a cell structure which is more than nominal are classified
here.
Subclass:
183
Polymer liquid crystal:
This subclass is indented under subclass 182. Subject matter
wherein the liquid crystal is specified as a material having
chemical elements combined in the same proportions by
weight.
(1) Note. In this subclass the terms polymer or polymeric
are conventionally used for specifying the liquid crystal
composition.
Subclass:
184
In smectic phase:
This subclass is indented under subclass 182. Subject matter
wherein the liquid crystal has a layered structure with a
well-defined interlayer spacing and in which the molecular
long axes in a given layer are parallel.
(1) Note. For a given material, the smectic phases always
occur at temperatures below the nematic mesophase.
Subclass:
185
In cholesteric phase:
This subclass is indented under subclass 182. Subject matter
wherein the liquid crystal has parallel molecular long axes
within a given plane and has the additional characteristic
that as one moves to successive planes in a direction
perpendicular to the planes, the molecular axes remain
mutually parallel but rotate progressively about the
direction of travel.
Subclass:
186
In nematic phase:
This subclass is indented under subclass 182. Subject matter
wherein the molecular long axes of the liquid crystal are
substantially parallel throughout the substance with no
additional structural constraints.
Subclass:
187
NOMINAL MANUFACTURING METHODS OR POST MANUFACTURING
PROCESSING OF LIQUID CRYSTAL CELL:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter which relates to nominal manufacturing
processes for producing significant liquid crystal cell
structure, or to processes for modifying the liquid crystal
cell after fabrication.
(1) Note. Excluded from this subclass are (a) methods of
making a liquid crystal cell which are substantially
structures in method format, (b) a liquid crystal cell
product described in terms of a method of manufacturing the
same (e.g., product-by-process, etc.). For example,
recitations like "providing a liquid crystal material" does
not qualify as a modification of the liquid crystal for this
subclass.
(2) Note. Excluded from this subclass are processes having
significant manufacturing steps for producing liquid crystal
devices which are provided in various manufacturing classes,
depending on the steps or combination of steps involved in
the process. While plural nominal manufacturing steps are
considered significant manufacturing--placing the original in
other manufacturing classes, a mandatory cross to this class
is required if significant liquid crystal structure is
present. See "SEARCH CLASS" notes under the main class
definitions for some examples of manufacturing classes that
provide for manufacture of liquid crystal devices.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, subclass 770 for
testing a liquid crystal device for a fault in an individual
circuit component.
430, Radiation, Imagery Chemistry: Process, Composition, or
Product Thereof, subclass 20 for a method of making a liquid
crystal device with a step of radiation.
438, Semiconductor Device Manufacturing: Process, especially
27 for methods of packaging a semiconductor electronic
device having an additional optical component and subclass 30
for methods of making a semiconductor electronic device
including a liquid crystal optical component.
Subclass:
188
Changing liquid crystal phase:
This subclass is indented under subclass 187. Subject matter
wherein the method is limited to applying excitation to the
liquid crystal to convert the liquid crystal material from
one mesophase to another.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
168 for a change in mesophase during the use of the liquid
crystal cell.
Subclass:
189
Injecting liquid crystal:
This subclass is indented under subclass 187. Subject matter
wherein the method is limited to a particular method of
filling the cell with liquid crystal material.
Subclass:
190
Sealing of liquid crystal:
This subclass is indented under subclass 187. Subject matter
wherein the method includes enclosing the liquid crystal
within the cell.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
153 for details of the liquid crystal seal itself.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
156, Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture,
as the generic class for the adhesive joining of parts and as
the generic class for manufacturing processes involving a
chemical reaction.
427, Coating Processes, for general coating processes,
including vapor deposition, etc.
Subclass:
191
Aligning liquid crystal with means other than alignment
layer:
This subclass is indented under subclass 187. Subject matter
wherein the methods are limited to the alignment of liquid
crystal molecules which are oriented in an OFF state without
the use of an alignment layer.
(1) Note. Included here is the application of electric or
magnetic field or heat, per se, to orient the liquid crystal
molecules.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
123 through 136, for alignment layers.
Subclass:
192
Defect correction or compensation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 187. Subject matter
wherein the liquid crystal cell is treated after fabrication
to correct or compensate for an imperfection in the cell.
(1) Note. Included here are methods of blacking out
defective pixels.
(2) Note. Excluded from this subclass are structures built
into the cell to correct or prevent defects which may occur
in a matrix addressed liquid crystal cell. For such excluded
subject matter, see SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
54 for structures built into a cell to correct or prevent
defects in a matrix addressed liquid crystal cell.
Subclass:
193
LIQUID CRYSTAL OPTICAL ELEMENT:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter wherein a liquid crystal cell when exposed to
or placed in the path of a light beam performs optical
functions such as refraction, diffraction, attenuation,
blocking of the light or a modification in the character or
properties of the light.
Subclass:
194
Passive liquid crystal polarizer:
This subclass is indented under subclass 193. Subject matter
wherein liquid crystal material of a liquid crystal cell
varies the polarization of incident light rays without
application of excitation.
Subclass:
195
Antidazzle mirror formed from liquid crystal cell:
This subclass is indented under subclass 193. Subject matter
wherein a liquid crystal device functions as a reflective
device.
(1) Note. Examples include a liquid crystal automotive
rear-view mirror.
Subclass:
196
Beam dividing switch formed from liquid crystal cell:
This subclass is indented under subclass 193. Subject matter
wherein the liquid crystal itself forms an optical switch
which determines the direction in which the light travels.
Subclass:
197
Including passive liquid crystal switch portion:
This subclass is indented under subclass 196. Subject matter
wherein at least a portion of the liquid crystal cell divides
the incident light into two beams without application of a
voltage.
(1) Note. The portion of the liquid crystal cell here
includes a portion of all the elements making the cell
structure.
Subclass:
198
Liquid crystal etalon:
This subclass is indented under subclass 193. Subject matter
wherein a liquid crystal material is sandwiched between two
at least partially reflective surfaces which are parallel and
opposite to each other and perpendicular to incoming light
and wherein the liquid crystal state determines whether light
constructively or destructively interferes.
Subclass:
199
Liquid crystal sensors (e.g., voltmeters, pressure sensors,
temperature sensors):
This subclass is indented under subclass 193. Subject matter
wherein the liquid crystal cell is used as a measuring
device.
(1) Note. Excluded from this subclass are heat excited
liquid crystals. For such excluded subject matter, see
SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS below.
(2) Note. Excluded from this subclass are liquid crystal
touch pads. For such excluded subject matter, see SEARCH
CLASS below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
20 for heat excited liquid crystals.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
345, Computer Graphics Processing, Operator Interface
Processing, and Selective Visual Display Systems, subclass
104 and 173+ for liquid crystal touch pads.
Subclass:
200
Liquid crystal lenses other than for eyewear:
This subclass is indented under subclass 193. Subject matter
wherein the variable refraction of the liquid crystal is used
to produce at a focal point an image of an object external to
the liquid crystal for purposes other than eyewear.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
13 for liquid crystal lenses as part of eyewear.
Subclass:
201
Liquid crystal diffraction element:
This subclass is indented under subclass 193. Subject matter
wherein changes in the strength of an electric field applied
to a liquid crystal cell result in changes in the spacing of
a grating formed in the liquid crystal material (wherein the
liquid crystal alone forms the diffraction element) or
wherein a liquid crystal material fills spaces between
equidistant parallel lines which form a diffraction grating.
Subclass:
202
For beam steering:
This subclass is indented under subclass 201. Subject matter
wherein the diffraction determines the direction of the
output beam such that diffraction orders other than 0 are in
different channels.
FOREIGN ART COLLECTIONS
The definitions for FOR 100-FOR 144 below correspond to the
definitions of the abolished subclasses under Class 349 from
which these collections were formed. See the Foreign Art
Collection schedule for specific correspondences. {Note: The
titles and definitions for indented art collections include
all the details of the one(s) that are hierarchically
superior.}
Subclass: FOR 100
With particular illumination: Foreign Art Collection
including specific structure for providing light to the
liquid crystal device.
Subclass: FOR 101
Having optical element (e.g., curved reflector behind light
source, etc.): Foreign Art Collection wherein the light
source includes an optical element for altering the light
therefrom.
Subclass: FOR 102
Fluorescent light (e.g., FLAD type): Foreign Art Collection
wherein the liquid crystal device is lit by a fluorescent
source.
Subclass: FOR 103
Microencapsulated liquid crystal: Foreign Art Collection
wherein small beads of liquid crystal material are embedded
in a medium of diverse composition.
Subclass: FOR 104
With particular encapsulating medium: Foreign Art Collection
wherein details of the medium are specified.
Subclass: FOR 105
Plural contiguous cells: Foreign Art Collection wherein the
optical element is formed from a plurality of adjacent
discrete liquid crystal cells.
Subclass: FOR 106
Having electrodes arranged into rows and columns: Foreign Art
Collection wherein the electrodes which modify a liquid
crystal property are arranged in a matrix form.
Subclass: FOR 107
With liquid crystal electrode excitation: Foreign Art
Collection wherein a circuit is specifically employed to
control a property unique to the respective liquid crystal
material.
Subclass: FOR 108
For ferroelectric liquid crystal: Foreign Art Collection
wherein the energizing circuit is particularly adapted to
excite a liquid crystal material having a ferroelectric
property.
Subclass: FOR 109
With particular switching device: Foreign Art Collection
which includes an electrical device which toggles a portion
of the liquid crystal matrix off and on.
Subclass: FOR 110
With particular switching device: Foreign Art Collection
including an electrical device which receives voltages from
electrode drivers and toggles a portion of the liquid crystal
matrix off and on.
Subclass: FOR 111
Transistor: Foreign Art Collection wherein the switching
device comprises a three-terminal semiconductor device.
Subclass: FOR 112
Diode: Foreign Art Collection wherein the switching device
comprises a two-terminal semiconductor device.
Subclass: FOR 113
Having particular nonelectrical detail of cell structure
enclosing or adjacent liquid crystal material: Foreign Art
Collection reciting a specific aspect of the structure which
surrounds the liquid crystal material and which does not
involve the application of electrical energy thereto.
Subclass: FOR 114
Polarizer: Foreign Art Collection wherein the cell structure
passes ray energy which vibrates in accordance with a
particular orientational pattern.
Subclass: FOR 115
Color: Foreign Art Collection wherein the polarizer has the
additional property that it only passes a particular
frequency of polarized light.
Subclass: FOR 116
Circular: Foreign Art Collection wherein the cell structure
provides circular polarization to light entering or exiting
the cell.
Subclass: FOR 117
Diffuser: Foreign Art Collection including details of a
particular light scattering or dispersing device.
Subclass: FOR 118
Dielectric mirror or transflector: Foreign Art Collection
wherein the reflector is formed of a dielectric material or
is partially light transmitting.
Subclass: FOR 119
Particular nonoptical film or layer (e.g., adhesive layer,
barrier layer, etc.): Foreign Art Collection having a
specified structure of uniform negligible thickness that
possesses no inherent light modifying property.
Subclass: FOR 120
Alignment layer: Foreign Art Collection wherein a particular
film-like layer in a liquid crystal device is used to orient
the liquid crystal molecules in a particular manner.
Subclass: FOR 121
Formed by particular technique (e.g., vapor deposition,
rubbing, etc.): Foreign Art Collection including specific
processes for producing the alignment layer.
Subclass: FOR 122
For perpendicular alignment: Foreign Art Collection wherein
the layer causes the liquid crystal alignment to be
homotropic or substantially perpendicular to its supporting
surface (i.e., substrate).
Subclass: FOR 123
For parallel alignment: Foreign Art Collection wherein the
layer causes the liquid crystal alignment to be homogeneous
or substantially parallel to its supporting surface (i.e.,
substrate).
Subclass: FOR 124
Substrate: Foreign Art Collection wherein the features of a
liquid crystal supporting surface (i.e., substrate) are
specifically identified.
Subclass: FOR 125
Holder, support or frame: Foreign Art Collection wherein the
cell includes structure which provides strengthening or which
facilitates the mounting thereof.
Subclass: FOR 126
With specified electrode excitation characteristic of liquid
crystal material: Foreign Art Collection comprising
excitation which is specifically employed to control a
property unique to the respective liquid crystal material.
Subclass: FOR 127
Provided by particular circuit: Foreign Art Collection
wherein the electrode excitation is derived from a plurality
of interconnected electrical circuit elements.
Subclass: FOR 128
With detector of liquid crystal temperature: Foreign Art
Collection combined with a sensor of the temperature of the
liquid crystal material itself.
Subclass: FOR 129
Electrode detail: Foreign Art Collection wherein a particular
characteristic of an electrode is specified.
Subclass: FOR 130
Reversal in sign of dielectric anisotropy: Foreign Art
Collection wherein the polarity of the dielectric anisotropy
changes from positive to negative or vice versa.
Subclass: FOR 131
Birefringence effect: Foreign Art Collection wherein either
the liquid crystal cell or an element used with the liquid
crystal cell exhibits the refraction of light in two slightly
different directions to form two rays.
Subclass: FOR 132
Variable index of refraction: Foreign Art Collection wherein
the ratio of the velocity of light in air to the velocity of
light in a refractive material for a given wavelength is
controllable through the liquid crystal device.
Subclass: FOR 133
Variable diffraction: Foreign Art Collection wherein changes
in the strength of an electric field applied to the liquid
crystal device result in changes in the spacing of a grating
formed in the liquid crystal material.
Subclass: FOR 134
Variable absorption of light due to an additive in the liquid
crystal material: Foreign Art Collection wherein the liquid
crystal material contains an additive which selectively
absorbs light under certain conditions.
Subclass: FOR 135
Fluorescent additive: Foreign Art Colleection wherein the
liquid crystal material is mixed with a substance which
fluoresces.
Subclass: FOR 136
Pleochroic dye: Foreign Art Collection wherein a pleochroic
dye is added to the liquid crystal for controlling the
absorption of light.
Subclass: FOR 137
With specified nonchemical characteristic of liquid crystal
material: Foreign Art Collection wherein a specific property
of the enclosed liquid crystal material unrelated to its
chemical structure is recited.
Subclass: FOR 138
Within smectic phase: Foreign Art Collection wherein the
characteristic recited is that of a liquid crystal within the
smectic mesophase.
Subclass: FOR 139
Within cholesteric phase: Foreign Art Collection wherein the
characteristic recited is that of a liquid crystal within the
cholesteric mesophase.
Subclass: FOR 140
Within nematic phase: Foreign Art Collection wherein the
characteristic recited is that of a liquid crystal within the
nematic mesophase.
Subclass: FOR 141
Cell containing liquid crystal of specified composition:
Foreign Art Collection wherein a liquid crystal material of
particular chemical structure is incorporated in a cell of
more than nominal structure.
Subclass: FOR 142
In smectic phase: Foreign Art Collection wherein the liquid
crystal has a layered structure with a well-defined
interlayer spacing and in which the molecular long axes in a
given layer are parallel.
Subclass: FOR 143
In cholesteric phase: Foreign Art Collection wherein the
enclosed liquid crystal material is in a mesophase having
parallel molecular long axes within a given plane and having
the additional characteristic that as one moves to successive
planes in a direction perpendicular to the planes, the
molecular long axes remain mutually parallel but rotate
progressively about the direction of travel.
Subclass: FOR 144
In nematic phase: Foreign Art Collection wherein the
molecular long axes of the liquid crystal are substantially
parallel throughout the substance with no additional
structural constraints.
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Last Modified: 6 October 2000