Display device with side-illuminated cell

Abstract

A display device may include a cell containing a suspension fluid and at least one suspension particle dispersed within the suspension fluid. The suspension particle may be adapted to migrate in the suspension fluid under the influence of an electric field. A light waveguide layer may extend adjacent to a side of the cell. The light waveguide layer may be adapted to conduct light laterally into the cell through the side of the cell.

1 - 13 . (canceled)  
   
   
       14 . A method of shaping a capsule for a display device comprising: 
 forming a generally spherical capsule;    pulling a first portion of the capsule away from a second portion of the capsule, and thereby elongating the capsule between the first and second portions; and    maintaining the capsule in the elongated condition.    
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising restraining the second portion of the capsule while pulling the first portion of the capsule.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15  in which restraining the second portion includes positioning the capsule against the mouth of a passageway in a substrate, and pulling a first portion includes pulling the first portion into the passageway.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16  in which pulling a first portion includes applying a reduced ambient pressure to the passageway sufficient to draw the capsule into the passageway.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 16  in which the passageway extends through the substrate, and pulling a first portion further includes pulling a first portion through the substrate until the first portion extends beyond the substrate.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18  in which maintaining the capsule in the elongated condition includes retaining the capsule in the passageway.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 14  in which forming a capsule includes forming a capsule containing an electrode plate disposed adjacent the first portion, and pulling a first portion includes pulling on the electrode plate sufficiently to draw the first portion away from the second portion.  
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 14  in which forming a capsule includes forming a capsule made of a thermoplastic material, the method further comprising heating the first portion of the capsule, and pulling a first portion includes pulling a first portion while the first portion is heated.  
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising restraining the second portion of the capsule while pulling a first portion of the capsule.  
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 22  in which restraining the second portion includes anchoring the second portion in a substrate.  
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 23  in which anchoring the second portion includes anchoring the second portion in a light waveguide layer.  
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 14  in which pulling a first portion includes securing the first portion and suspending the second portion.  
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 25  in which forming a capsule includes forming a capsule made of a thermoplastic material, the method further comprising heating the second portion of the capsule, and suspending the second portion includes suspending the second portion while the second portion is heated.  
   
   
       27 . The method of  claim 26  further comprising supporting the second portion on a surface opposite the first portion, and cooling the second portion.  
   
   
       28 . The method of  claim 26  further comprising cooling a part of the second portion adjacent to the first portion while suspending the second portion.  
   
   
       29 . (canceled)