Patents by Inventor Charles M. Rankin

Charles M. Rankin has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20130220514
    Abstract: There is described a method of manufacturing a digital radiography panel. The method includes providing a scintillator screen and spray coating an acrylic adhesive composition on the scintillator screen. A flat panel detector and the scintillator screen with acrylic adhesive composition are compressed together at a force of about 5 psi to about 15 psi, at an atmospheric pressure of about 0.3 Torr to about 100.0 Torr for a time sufficient to affix the flat panel detector to the scintillator screen to form the digital radiography panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Seshadri Jagannathan, Timothy J. Tredwell, Eric L. Dillenbeck, David Gruszczynski, Daniel M. Leusch, Charles M. Rankin, Bradley S. Jadrich, Brian P. Aylward, Kevin L. Bishop
  • Publication number: 20130221229
    Abstract: There is described a digital radiography panel that includes a scintillator screen, an adhesive layer and a flat panel detector. The scintillator screen includes a supporting layer; a phosphor dispersed in a polymeric binder disposed on the supporting layer and an antistatic layer disposed on the polymeric binder, wherein the antistatic layer has a transparency of greater than 95 percent at a wavelength of from about 400 nm to 600 nm and a surface resistivity of less than 105 ohms per square. The adhesive layer is disposed on the scintillator screen and includes a material selected from the group consisting of acrylic polymers and urethane polymers. The adhesive layer has a thickness of from about 5 ?m to about 15 ?m. The adhesive layer has a transmittance of greater than 95 percent at a wavelength of from about 400 nm to 600 nm. The flat panel detector is disposed on the adhesive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Seshadri Jagannathan, David Gruszczynski, Charles M. Rankin, Kevin L. Bishop, Brian P. Aylward
  • Publication number: 20130221225
    Abstract: Described is a scintillator screen that includes a supporting layer having a phosphor dispersed in a polymeric binder disposed on the supporting layer and a barrier layer disposed on the polymeric binder. The barrier layer includes a non-moisture absorbing polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, cellulose diacetate, ethylene vinyl acetate and polyvinyl butyraldehyde. The barrier layer has a thickness of less than 1 micron. An antistatic layer is disposed on the barrier layer. The antistatic layer includes poly(3,4-ethylenedixythiophene)-poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT/PSS) dispersed in a polymer selected from the group consisting of a polyester and a polyurethane. The antistatic layer has a transparency of greater than 95 percent at a wavelength of from about 400 nm to 600 nm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Seshadri Jagannathan, Timothy J. Tredwell, Charles M. Rankin, David Gruszczynski, Daniel M. Leusch
  • Publication number: 20130141655
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a display comprising, in order, a support, a first patterned conductor, a first level of electrically modulated imaging material, a coextensive common electrode conductor, a second level of electrically modulated imaging material, and a second patterned conductor and a method of imaging the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Mitchell S. Burberry, Charles M. Rankin, JR., Theodore K. Ricks
  • Patent number: 8134581
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bistable matrix-addressable display element comprising a substrate, a bistable electrically modulated imaging layer having a reflection maximum, at least one conductor, and at least one field-spreading layer between said bistable electrically modulated imaging layer and said at least one conductor, wherein said field-spreading layer has a sheet resistance (SER) of less than 109 Ohms per square and a method of imaging the display comprising identifying an area to be updated of said bistable matrix-addressable display element, wherein said area to be updated comprises rows of pixels; and applying a sequence of drive signals having a 4-phase approach to image said bistable matrix-addressable display element, which may be characterized as a planar reset, left-slope selection method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Mitchell S. Burberry, David M. Johnson, Charles M. Rankin, Jr., Debasis Majumdar
  • Patent number: 8047669
    Abstract: A uniform light source having a substrate for providing structural and functional support to the assembly. A bottom reflector provided on the substrate. A plurality of solid state light sources provided in an opening of the bottom reflector for providing a point light source. A plurality of light films and having light redirecting areas provided between the plurality of solid state light sources for redirecting and spreading the point light source to a uniform plane of light; a joining clip comprising a top capping portion and a bottom support portion, the bottom support portion being aligned perpendicular to the top capping portion and having a height sufficient to house the plurality of light films. A top diffuser for diffusing the uniform plane of light. The plurality of light films has a thickness between 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm. In addition, the joining clip further comprises a light diffusion means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: SKC Haas Display Films Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert P. Bourdelais, John C. Brewer, Qi Hong, Charles M. Rankin, Jr., Leonard S. Gates
  • Patent number: 7999832
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bistable matrix-addressable display element comprising a substrate, a bistable electrically modulated imaging layer having a reflection maximum, at least one conductor, and at least one field-spreading layer between said bistable electrically modulated imaging layer and said at least one conductor, wherein said field-spreading layer has a sheet resistance (SER) of less than 109 Ohms per square and a method of imaging the display comprising identifying an area to be updated of said bistable matrix-addressable display element, wherein said area to be updated comprises rows of pixels; and applying a sequence of drive signals having a 4-phase approach to image said bistable matrix-addressable display element, which may be characterized as a planar reset, left-slope selection method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Mitchell S. Burberry, David M. Johnson, Charles M. Rankin, Jr., Debasis Majumdar
  • Publication number: 20110026273
    Abstract: A uniform light source having a substrate for providing structural and functional support to the assembly. A bottom reflector provided on the substrate. A plurality of solid state light sources provided in an opening of the bottom reflector for providing a point light source. A plurality of light films and having light redirecting areas provided between the plurality of solid state light sources for redirecting and spreading the point light source to a uniform plane of light; a joining clip comprising a top capping portion and a bottom support portion, the bottom support portion being aligned perpendicular to the top capping portion and having a height sufficient to house the plurality of light films. A top diffuser for diffusing the uniform plane of light. The plurality of light films has a thickness between 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: SKC Haas Display Films Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert P. Bourdelais, John C. Brewer, Qi Hong, Charles M. Rankin, JR., Leonard S. Gates
  • Publication number: 20110026274
    Abstract: A uniform light source having a substrate for providing structural and functional support to the assembly. A bottom reflector provided on the substrate. A plurality of solid state light sources provided in an opening of the bottom reflector for providing a point light source. A plurality of light films and having light redirecting areas provided between the plurality of solid state light sources for redirecting and spreading the point light source to a uniform plane of light; a joining clip comprising a top capping portion and a bottom support portion, the bottom support portion being aligned perpendicular to the top capping portion and having a height sufficient to house the plurality of light films. A top diffuser for diffusing the uniform plane of light. The plurality of light films has a thickness between 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm. In addition, the joining clip further comprises a light diffusion means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: SKC Haas Display Films Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert P. Bourdelais, John C. Brewer, Qi Hong, Charles M. Rankin, JR., Leonard S. Gates
  • Patent number: 7722790
    Abstract: An LC display comprises in order (a) a light source, (b) a transparent polymeric film bearing on the light exit surface of the film an array of close-packed convex microlenses having a distribution of sizes and oriented in one direction, whereby the light output is preferentially spread in a desired direction, and (c) an LC panel. A related process and film are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: SKC Haas Display Films Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chari Krishnan, Charles W. Lander, Ronald J. Sudol, Jin-Shan Wang, Charles M. Rankin, Jr., Paul D. Yacobucci
  • Patent number: 7685692
    Abstract: A process for skiving a substrate is described, wherein the substrate is skived with a roller or a device or apparatus including the roller. The roller provides a cleaner skive than previously known methods without damage to underlying materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Charles M. Rankin, Jr., Theodore K. Ricks, Megan L. Weiner, John P. Macauley, Rusty J. Coleman
  • Publication number: 20100013874
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bistable matrix-addressable display element comprising a substrate, a bistable electrically modulated imaging layer having a reflection maximum, at least one conductor, and at least one field-spreading layer between said bistable electrically modulated imaging layer and said at least one conductor, wherein said field-spreading layer has a sheet resistance (SER) of less than 109 Ohms per square and a method of imaging the display comprising identifying an area to be updated of said bistable matrix-addressable display element, wherein said area to be updated comprises rows of pixels; and applying a sequence of drive signals having a 4-phase approach to image said bistable matrix-addressable display element, which may be characterized as a planar reset, left-slope selection method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Mitchell S. BURBERRY, David M. JOHNSON, Charles M. RANKIN, JR., Debasis MAJUMDAR
  • Patent number: 7564528
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a display comprising a substrate, an electrically modulated imaging layer, at least one conductive layer, and a drive voltage-reducing layer between said conductive layer and said electrically modulated imaging layer, wherein said drive voltage-reducing layer has an SER greater than 109 ohms per square and a method for imaging the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Mitchell S. Burberry, Charles M. Rankin, Jr., Megan L. Weiner
  • Patent number: 7543974
    Abstract: A display comprises a light source and a light redirecting polymeric film containing a structured surface on at least one side of the film and bearing a polymeric coating over at least part of the structured surface wherein the coating exhibits a variable thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: SKC Haas Display Films Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert P. Bourdelais, John C. Brewer, Charles M. Rankin, Jr., Esther M. Betancourt
  • Patent number: 7530726
    Abstract: The invention relates to a display comprising a light source and a light redirecting polymeric film containing a structured surface on at least one side of the film and bearing a discontinuous population of adherent beads bonded to the structured surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: SKC Haas Display Films Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: John C. Brewer, Charles M. Rankin, Jr., Robert P. Bourdelais, Esther M. Betancourt
  • Patent number: 7507449
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a high contrast reflective display comprising a substrate, at least one electronically modulated imaging layer, wherein the electronically modulated imaging layer comprises a uniformly thick, close-packed, ordered monolayer of domains of electrically modulated material in a fixed polymer matrix, at least one barrier layer, wherein the barrier layer is conductive in a direction perpendicular to the substrate, and at least one electrically conductive layer. The invention also relates to a method of making the display with a barrier layer comprising anisotropic particles and orienting the anisotropic conductor to produce a barrier layer conductive in a direction perpendicular to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Krishnan Chari, David M. Johnson, Charles M. Rankin, Jr., Glen C. Irvin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7485191
    Abstract: A nozzle tip having two faces and methods of using the nozzle tip are described. The nozzle tip has a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The proximal end has an opening defined by a first face including a first edge, and a second face including a second edge, wherein the first face is at an angle of from about 20 degrees to about 120 degrees relative to the axis, and the second face is at an angle of from about 15 degrees to about 70 degrees relative to the axis. The nozzle tip can be incorporated into a device or assembly for skiving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Douglas H. Axtell, John P. Macauley, Charles M. Rankin, Jr., Megan L. Weiner
  • Publication number: 20090009873
    Abstract: A voided semi-crystalline polymeric integrated optical diffuser film is provided with surface beads. The film is useful when incorporated into a display device such as an LC display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: Rohm and Haas Denmark Finance A/S
    Inventors: Thomas M. Laney, Peter T. Aylward, Charles M. Rankin, JR.
  • Publication number: 20080285304
    Abstract: A backlight comprises in order a lightguide plate with a sidelit light source and bonded thereto a light extraction unit containing in order from the lightguide plate, a first polymeric layer, an adhesive layer, a second polymeric layer bearing features at least partly embedded in the adhesive layer wherein the materials of the first polymeric layer, the adhesive layer, and the second polymeric layer differ by less than 0.05 in refractive index, the interstitial regions between the non-embedded portions of the features containing a material having a refractive index at least 0.1 lower than that of the material comprising the features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Charles M. Rankin, JR., Peter T. Aylward, Leonard S. Gates, Ronald J. Sudol
  • Patent number: 7452120
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus comprises: (a) at least one light source; (b) a light guide for accepting light from the at least one light source and for guiding the light using total internal reflection, the light guide having a top surface; (c) a light extracting film having an input surface optically coupled with the top surface and an output surface for providing light, wherein the input surface comprises a plurality of features which are optically coupled to the top surface of the light guide, such features having: (i) a first side comprising two or more planar segments; and (ii) a second side comprising two or more planar segments, and wherein either the length of at least some of the features is less than the width of the film or the first and second sides intersect at an apex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Denmark Finance A/S
    Inventors: Junwon Lee, Randall H. Wilson, Charles M. Rankin, Jr., Stephen C. Meissner