W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.

Omnivision Technologies, Inc.

Justin John Skaife

Matthew Bone

Michael E Hodgins

Bryan Hutchinson

David J Luber

Paul D Gassler

Mark D Edmundson

Bret Alan Snyder

Scott J Zero

Self-supporting uniaxially expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membranes that have high intrinsic strength, a high matrix modulus, and a high crystallinity index are provided. In some embodiments, the ePTFE membrane is stretched in the machine direction. Uniaxially oriented ePTFE membranes have a matrix tensile strength at least about 1000 MPa in the machine direction, a matrix modulus at least about 100 GPa ambient temperature (i. e., about 20° C.), and a crystallinity index of at least about 94%. In some embodiments, the ePTFE membrane has a tenacity greater than or equal to about 5 gf/d and a denier less than or equal to about 750 g/9000 m. In addition, the uniaxially oriented ePTFE membranes have a <P2> orientation of at least about 0.98. Also, the fibrils in the ePTFE membranes have a nearly perfect parallel alignment. The ePTFE membrane may be used to form composites, laminates, fibers, tapes, sheets, tubes, or other three-dimensional objects.

Highly oriented expanded polytetrafluoroethylene with superior stiffness

Thin, self-supporting biaxially expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membranes that have a high crystallinity index, high intrinsic strength, low areal density (i.e., lightweight), and high optical transparency are provided. In particular, the ePTFE membrane may have a crystallinity index of at least about 94% and a matrix tensile strength at least about 600 MPa in both longitudinal nd transverse directions. In addition, the ePTFE membrane is transparent or invisible to the naked eye through a complete conversion of the PTFE primary particles into fibrils. The ePTFE membrane may have a thickness per layer of less than 100 nm and a porosity reater than 50%. Further, the ePTFE membrane is stackable, which, in turn, may be used to control permeability, pore size, and/or bulk mechanical properties. The ePTFE membrane may be used to form composites, laminates, fibers, tapes, sheets, tubes, or three-dimensional objects. Additionally, the ePTFE membrane may be used in filtration applications.

Lightweight expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membranes having high instrinsic strength and optical transparency

The present invention is directed to flexible conductive articles () that include a printed circuit () and a stretchable or non-stretchable substrate (). In some embodiments, the substrate has a printed circuit on both sides. The printed circuit contains N therein a porous synthetic polymer membrane () and an electrically conductive trace () as well as a non-conducive region (). The electrically conductive trace is imbibed or otherwise incorporated into the porous synthetic polymer membrane. In some embodiments, the synthetic polymer membrane is microporous. The printed circuit may be discontinuously bonded to the stretchable or non-stretchable substrate by adhesive dots (). The printed circuits may be integrated into garments, such as smart apparel or other wearable technology.

Flexible and durable printed circuits on stretchable and non-stretchable substrates

Asymmetric expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membranes that contain multiple layers of ePTFE where at least one layer of ePTFE has a microstructure different from the microstructure of a second ePTFE layer. In exemplary embodiments, the asymmetric membrane contains a first ePTFE layer that has an 'open' microstructure and a second ePTFE layer that has a less open, or 'tight' microstructure. A third ePTFE layer having an &#x201c;open&#x201d; microstructure may be positioned on the second ePTFE layer. The asymmetric membranes possess print durability and are both abrasion resistant and air permeable. Additionally, printed asymmetric ePTFE membranes demonstrate low gloss. A textile may be affixed to the asymmetric membrane such that the first ePTFE layer is the outer surface of the laminate. Laminates containing the asymmetric membrane are sufficiently durable against abrasion so that articles of apparel having an exterior film surface remain liquid proof after an abrasion challenge.

Low gloss, air permeable, abrasion resistant, printable laminate containing an asymmetric membrane and articles made therefrom

Asymmetric expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membranes that contain multiple layers of ePTFE where at least one layer of ePTFE has a microstructure different from the microstructure of a second ePTFE layer. In exemplary embodiments, the asymmetric membrane contains a first ePTFE layer that has an 'open' microstructure and a second ePTFE layer that has a less open, or 'tight' microstructure. A third ePTFE layer having an &#x201c;open&#x201d; microstructure may be positioned on the second ePTFE layer. The asymmetric membranes possess print durability and are both abrasion resistant and air permeable. Additionally, printed asymmetric ePTFE membranes demonstrate low gloss. A textile may be affixed to the asymmetric membrane such that the first ePTFE layer is the outer surface of the laminate. Laminates containing the asymmetric membrane are sufficiently durable against abrasion so that articles of apparel having an exterior film surface remain liquidproof after an abrasion challenge.

A liquid crystal display device includes a substrate, a liquid crystal layer, a liquid crystal alignment layer between the substrate and the liquid crystal layer, a barrier layer between the liquid crystal alignment layer and the liquid crystal layer, and a gasket formed around the perimeter of the liquid crystal layer and abutting the barrier layer. The gasket has a width less than or equal to 400 micrometers. A second substrate also includes a liquid crystal alignment layer and a barrier layer formed over the liquid crystal alignment layer. The gasket also abuts the barrier layer of the second substrate. In a particular embodiment, the substrate is a reflective display backplane, and the second substrate is a transparent substrate having a transparent electrode layer. The gasket of the present invention is much narrower than gaskets of the prior art, which enables LCD devices to be made smaller and cheaper because more LCD devices can be produced per wafer.

Liquid crystal display having a thin gasket and method for manufacturing the same

A method for synchronizing a light source control signal with modulation of a display includes the steps of receiving a video signal including a synchronization signal (e.g., a Vsync signal) and using the synchronization signal to generate a light source control signals at high and low values. The light source control signal is pulsed between its high and low values between subsequent synchronization signals to cause a light source to produce light pulses at the same time over each frame of the display. Optionally, the low and/or high time periods are adjustable. A novel display driver is also disclosed and includes an input terminal for receiving the synchronization signal, a light source driver for generating the light source control signal in response to the synchronization signal, and an output terminal for providing the light source control signal to a light source control unit.

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Earleville, MD, United States of America

Justin John Skaife