Title: Thermoelectric display device

Abstract: A thermoelectric display device is described which includes a thermoelectric element having a surface which exhibits a reversible temperature which is a function of the magnitude and direction of a current passing through the element. The thermoelectric element includes two dissimilar conductors joined in overlapping relation over a predetermined area to form a junction. The junction is advantageously formed by overlapping a p-type semi-conductive layer and an n-type semi-conductive layer, which may or may not be separated in the region of overlap by an electrically conductive layer of material. A cholesteric crystal material is disposed on the surface of the thermoelectric element in the region of the junction thereof in thermally conductive relation therewith, the liquid crystal material being variable between different optical states as a function of the temperature to which the same is exposed. In this manner, the optical state which the display device exhibits is a function of the direction and magnitude of a current passing through the junction of the thermoelectric element and the resulting temperature which manifests itself at the thermoelectric element surface.

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Inventors: Levy, Sidney (Oaklyn, NJ, US)
Friedman, Abraham (Brooklyn, NY, US)

Application Number: 476927
Filing Date: 1974-06-06
Publication_date: 1976-02-03
Assignee:
Primary Class(es): 345/214 345/101, 349/20, 349/21, 349/41
Other Classes:
US Patent Ref:

3718382	Feb, 1973	Wysocki et al.	340/324.
3770961	Nov, 1973	Westell	350/160.
3781865	Dec, 1973	Yamazaki	350/160.
3851318	Nov, 1974	Taylor et al.	350/160.

Other Refs:
Primary Examiner: Curtis, Marshall M.
Assistant Examiner:
Attorney: Friedman & Goodman, Esqs.