Patents by Inventor Darran Cairns

Darran Cairns 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).

  • Patent number: 9896549
    Abstract: Provided according to some embodiments of the invention are hydrophobic and/or oleophobic silica-based coatings. In some embodiments of the invention, coatings may include a silica matrix having hydrophobic and/or oleophobic functionalized pores encapsulated therein. Also provided according to some embodiments of the invention are methods of forming a coating according to an embodiment described herein. In some embodiments, methods include (a) combining at least one silane and/or alkoxysilane and at least one fluoroalkylsilane and/or fluoroalkoxysilane with an alcohol, water and an acid to form a sol mixture; (b) adding a surfactant to the sol mixture to form a surfactant sol mixture; (c) depositing the surfactant sol mixture onto a substrate; and (d) curing the surfactant sol mixture to form a silica coating. Methods of preventing adhesion are also provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Inventors: Aaron Kessman, Darran Cairns
  • Publication number: 20110250422
    Abstract: Provided according to some embodiments of the invention are hydrophobic and/or oleophobic silica-based coatings. In some embodiments of the invention, coatings may include a silica matrix having hydrophobic and/or oleophobic functionalized pores encapsulated therein. Also provided according to some embodiments of the invention are methods of forming a coating according to an embodiment described herein. In some embodiments, methods include (a) combining at least one silane and/or alkoxysilane and at least one fluoroalkylsilane and/or fluoroalkoxysilane with an alcohol, water and an acid to form a sol mixture; (b) adding a surfactant to the sol mixture to form a surfactant sol mixture; (c) depositing the surfactant sol mixture onto a substrate; and (d) curing the surfactant sol mixture to form a silica coating. Methods of preventing adhesion are also provided herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventors: Aaron Kessman, Darran Cairns
  • Publication number: 20080024461
    Abstract: A wiring harness and a touch sensor incorporating same are disclosed. The touch sensor includes a sensing electrode disposed in a touch sensitive area. The touch sensor further includes a plurality of auxiliary electrodes disposed on a self-supporting dielectric substrate in a border area. The auxiliary electrodes transmit a touch signal to electronics configured to use the touch signal to determine the touch location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventors: Paul Richter, Darran Cairns, Frank Bottari
  • Publication number: 20080014341
    Abstract: The present invention relates to articles comprising an antiglare layer, coating compositions suitable for making antiglare layers, methods of making an antiglare article, and methods of making antiglare coating compositions. In some embodiments the article is a (e.g. illuminated) display article such as a touch screen. The antiglare layer comprises aggregate inorganic oxide particles in a cured inorganic polymer matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: Paul Richter, Darran Cairns, Frank Bottari
  • Publication number: 20080014340
    Abstract: The present invention relates to articles comprising an antiglare layer, coating compositions suitable for making antiglare layers, methods of making an antiglare article, and methods of making antiglare coating compositions. In some embodiments the article is a (e.g. illuminated) display article such as a touch screen. The antiglare layer comprises aggregate silica particle in a cured inorganic polymer matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: PAUL RICHTER, Darran Cairns, Frank Bottari
  • Publication number: 20060046071
    Abstract: The present invention relates to articles comprising an antiglare layer, coating compositions suitable for making antiglare layers, methods of making an antiglare article, and methods of making antiglare coating compositions. In some embodiments the article is a (e.g. illuminated) display article such as a touch screen. The antiglare layer comprises aggregate silica particle in a cured inorganic polymer matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Publication date: March 2, 2006
    Inventors: Paul Richter, Darran Cairns, Frank Bottari
  • Publication number: 20060046078
    Abstract: The present invention relates to articles comprising an antiglare layer, coating compositions suitable for making antiglare layers, methods of making an antiglare article, and methods of making antiglare coating compositions. In some embodiments the article is a (e.g. illuminated) display article such as a touch screen. The antiglare layer comprises aggregate inorganic oxide particles in a cured inorganic polymer matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Publication date: March 2, 2006
    Inventors: Paul Richter, Darran Cairns, Frank Bottari
  • Publication number: 20050126831
    Abstract: A wiring harness and a touch sensor incorporating same are disclosed. The touch sensor includes a sensing electrode disposed in a touch sensitive area. The touch sensor further includes a plurality of auxiliary electrodes disposed on a self-supporting dielectric substrate in a border area. The auxiliary electrodes transmit a touch signal to electronics configured to use the touch signal to determine the touch location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Publication date: June 16, 2005
    Inventors: Paul Richter, Darran Cairns, Frank Bottari
  • Publication number: 20050087021
    Abstract: A reflective strain gauge includes an holographically-formed polymer dispersed liquid crystal (H-PDLC) film comprising layers of liquid crystal (LC) droplets in a matrix polymer, the H-PDLC film having a reflection or transmission grating capable of reflecting or transmitting light of a selected wavelength, and means for adhering the film to a surface of a workpiece for monitoring the strain at said surface. A change in the nature of the reflected light is an indication of strain. Also included is a polarizing material having an holographically-formed polymer dispersed liquid crystal (H-PDLC) film comprising layers of liquid crystal (LC) droplets in a matrix polymer, the H-PDLC film having a reflection grating capable of reflecting light of a selected wavelength, wherein the reflection grating of the H-PDLC film is oriented, such that the refractive index parallel to said axis of orientation (ne) is greater than the refractive index perpendicular to said axis (no).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Publication date: April 28, 2005
    Inventors: Gregory Crawford, Darran Cairns, Christopher Bowley, Sorasak Danworaphong, Adam Fontecchio, Sadeg Faris, Le Li
  • Publication number: 20050073507
    Abstract: A touch sensor and a method of sensing are disclosed. The touch sensor includes a self-supporting flexible glass layer disposed on a conductive film. The touch sensor further includes electrical circuitry configured to detect a signal induced by capacitive coupling between the conductive film and a touch input applied to the flexible glass layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Publication date: April 7, 2005
    Inventors: Paul Richter, Darran Cairns, Frank Bottari