KENT, Ohio, July 9 -- Kent Displays Inc. has licensed its cholesteric liquid crystal display (ChLCD) technology to Eastman Kodak Co., of Rochester, N.Y. The technology enables changeable displays that maintain images indefinitely without consuming power and can be viewed at a wide angle in a variety of lighting conditions. Kent Displays is the exclusive worldwide licensee for Kent State University's ChLCD technology developed at the Liquid Crystal Institute for sign and display applications.
"Coupled with some of our ongoing development projects, cholesteric technology offers some intriguing possibilities for new kinds of displays," said Bernard Masson, senior vice president of Kodak and president of its Display Group. "Taking this license enables us to pursue additional display applications and to develop and manufacture new products to serve these new markets."
Kodak is well known for expertise in thin-layer coating technology in products from photographic films to organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays. In late 2002, the company formed the Display Group to apply its expertise and intellectual property in material and coating technologies to the development of electronic displays.
"Kodak's leadership in materials and manufacture of both consumer and commercial goods could significantly increase the visibility and use of this innovative technology," said Joel C. Domino, president of Kent Displays.
Gregory B. Wilson, Kent State University's associate vice president for technology transfer and economic development, said, "This arrangement with Kodak develops the global impact of Kent State's technology while fostering economic development in Ohio."
For more information, visit: www.kentdisplays.com or www.kodak.com