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Abstract

An apparatus for forming magnetized rotating elements for a rotating element display where all the elements are magnetized in the same orientation is disclosed. The apparatus comprises at least one separator member. Each separator member has a diameter, two opposed surfaces and an edge region in contact with both of the surfaces. Further included is an apparatus for providing at least two liquid flows wherein each one of the liquid flows has an associated separator member and an associated surface on the associated separator member, and each one of the liquid flows is provided across the associated surface of the associated separator members. The liquid flow flows toward the edge region of the associated separator member. The liquid flows are each a flow of hardenable liquid material associated with an optical modulation characteristic, and at least one of the liquid flows containing a magnetic pigment. The separator members are spun and the liquid flows are merged outboard of the edge regions of the one separator members to form a reservoir containing side-by-side amounts of each liquid. When the flow rate of the liquids is high enough, a free jet approximately in a plane outward from the reservoir, the free jet comprising side-by-side amounts of each liquid from the reservoir is formed. A magnetic field, is provided outward from the formation of the free jet and at least a portion of the free jet is passed through the magnetic field to magnetize the magnetic pigment. The magnetic field is aligned transverse to the free jet. If cylindrical elements are desired then the magnetized free jet is hardened into filaments which can be separated into cylindrical elements. If spherical elements are desired then the free jet is broken up into spherical elements before hardening.

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First Claim