Patents by Inventor Aimin He
Aimin He 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).
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Publication number: 20140170674Abstract: This invention discloses an immunochromatographic assay device to detect and quantify analytes. The device utilizes up-converting luminescent probes to detect time-resolved luminescence signals. Because the unconverting luminescent probes can have relatively long emission lifetime, background interference from sample autofluorescence and light scattering from excitation source can be easily eliminated through delayed luminescence detection. Furthermore, the up-converting luminescent probes can be excited by near Infrared (IR) or IR light sources. In comparing with UV and visible lights, the near IR and IR lights can penetrate deeper into sample matrices and more effectively excite the probes, but not the sample matrices, resulting in less background and higher detection sensitivity. A simple and low cost reader can be designed to measure the delayed up-converting luminescence of long lifetime that does not use expensive optical filters and mirrors.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2012Publication date: June 19, 2014Inventor: Aimin He
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Patent number: 8710172Abstract: A method for forming a biodegradable aliphatic-aromatic copolyester suitable for use in fibers is provided. In one embodiment, for example, an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester is melt blended with an alcohol to initiate an alcoholysis reaction that results in a copolyester having one or more hydroxyalkyl or alkyl terminal groups. By selectively controlling the alcoholysis conditions (e.g., alcohol and copolymer concentrations, catalysts, temperature, etc.), a modified aliphatic-aromatic copolyester may be achieved that has a molecular weight lower than the starting aliphatic-aromatic polymer. Such lower molecular weight polymers also have the combination of a higher melt flow index and lower apparent viscosity, which is useful in a wide variety of fiber forming applications, such as in the meltblowing of nonwoven webs.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2006Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: James H. Wang, Aimin He
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Publication number: 20140065914Abstract: A method for forming a biodegradable aliphatic-aromatic copolyester suitable for use in fibers is provided. In one embodiment, for example, an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester is melt blended with an alcohol to initiate an alcoholysis reaction that results in a copolyester having one or more hydroxyalkyl or alkyl terminal groups. By selectively controlling the alcoholysis conditions (e.g., alcohol and copolymer concentrations, catalysts, temperature, etc.), a modified aliphatic-aromatic copolyester may be achieved that has a molecular weight lower than the starting aliphatic-aromatic polymer. Such lower molecular weight polymers also have the combination of a higher melt flow index and lower apparent viscosity, which is useful in a wide variety of fiber forming applications, such as in the meltblowing of nonwoven webs.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventors: James H. Wang, Aimin He
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Publication number: 20130344764Abstract: A method for forming a biodegradable aliphatic polyester suitable for use in fibers is provided. In one embodiment, for example, an aliphatic polyester is melt blended with an alcohol to initiate an alcoholysis reaction that results in a polyester having one or more hydroxyalkyl or alkyl terminal groups. By selectively controlling the alcoholysis conditions (e.g., alcohol and polymer concentrations, catalysts, temperature, etc.), a modified aliphatic polyester may be achieved that has a molecular weight lower than the starting aliphatic polyester. Such lower molecular weight polymers also have the combination of a higher melt flow index and lower apparent viscosity, which is useful in a wide variety of fiber forming applications, such as in the meltblowing of nonwoven webs.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2013Publication date: December 26, 2013Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Aimin He, James H. Wang
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Patent number: 8609808Abstract: A method for forming a biodegradable aliphatic polyester suitable for use in fibers is provided. In one embodiment, for example, an aliphatic polyester is melt blended with an alcohol to initiate an alcoholysis reaction that results in a polyester having one or more hydroxyalkyl or alkyl terminal groups. By selectively controlling the alcoholysis conditions (e.g., alcohol and polymer concentrations, catalysts, temperature, etc.), a modified aliphatic polyester may be achieved that has a molecular weight lower than the starting aliphatic polyester Such lower molecular weight polymers also have the combination of a higher melt flow index and lower apparent viscosity, which is useful in a wide variety of fiber forming applications, such as in the meltblowing of nonwoven webs.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2006Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Aimin He, James H. Wang
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Publication number: 20130309932Abstract: A biodegradable, substantially continuous filament is provided. The filament contains a first component formed from at least one high melting polyester and a second component formed from at least one low melting polyester. The low melting point polyester is an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester formed by melt blending a polymer and an alcohol to initiate an alcoholysis reaction that results in a copolyester having one or more hydroxyalkyl or alkyl terminal groups. By selectively controlling the alcoholysis conditions (e.g., alcohol and copolymer concentrations, catalysts, temperature, etc.), a modified aliphatic-aromatic copolyester may be achieved that has a molecular weight lower than the starting aliphatic-aromatic polymer. Such lower molecular weight polymers also have the combination of a higher melt flow index and lower apparent viscosity, which is useful in the formation of substantially continuous filaments.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2013Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Aimin He, James H. Wang, Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Gregory J. Wideman, Doris Palfery
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Patent number: 8518311Abstract: A biodegradable, substantially continuous filament is provided. The filament contains a first component formed from at least one high melting polyester and a second component formed from at least one low melting polyester. The low melting point polyester is an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester formed by melt blending a polymer and an alcohol to initiate an alcoholysis reaction that results in a copolyester having one or more hydroxyalkyl or alkyl terminal groups. By selectively controlling the alcoholysis conditions (e.g., alcohol and copolymer concentrations, catalysts, temperature, etc.), a modified aliphatic-aromatic copolyester may be achieved that has a molecular weight lower than the starting aliphatic-aromatic polymer. Such lower molecular weight polymers also have the combination of a higher melt flow index and lower apparent viscosity, which is useful in the formation of substantially continuous filaments.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2007Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Aimin He, James H. Wang, Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Gregory J. Wideman, Doris Palfery
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Publication number: 20130171623Abstract: This invention describes a general binding assay method to detect the presence and quantity of analyte in a sample. The method uses time-resolved up-converting fluorescence detection technique to provide highly sensitive detection without using expensive optical components such as band-pass optical filters. The method uses pulsed long wavelength light for excitation and time-delayed luminescence detection, resulting in little interferences from sample matrices. Furthermore, the usage of long wavelength excitation light requires simpler sample preparation and processing such as removal of red blood cells, which otherwise will significantly interfere with excitation efficiency of the luminescence probes.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2012Publication date: July 4, 2013Inventor: Aimin He
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Publication number: 20130171624Abstract: This invention describes a general magnetic binding assay method to detect the presence and quantity of analyte in a sample. The method uses magnetic particles for separating and concentrating analytes of interest from complex samples and use time-resolved up-converting fluorescence detection technique to provide highly sensitive detection without using expensive optical components such as band-pass filters. The method uses pulsed long wavelength light for excitation and time-delayed luminescence detection, resulting in little interferences from sample matrices. Furthermore, the usage of long wavelength excitation light requires simpler sample preparation and clean-up such as removal of red blood cells, which otherwise will significantly interfere with excitation efficiency of the fluorescence probes.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2012Publication date: July 4, 2013Inventor: Aimin He
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Patent number: 8470222Abstract: A fiber formed from a thermoplastic composition that contains a thermoplastic starch and an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester is provided. The copolyester enhances the strength of the starch-containing fibers and also facilitates the ability of the starch to be melt processed. Due to its relatively low melting point, the aliphatic-aromatic copolyester may also be extruded with the thermoplastic starch at a temperature that is low enough to avoid substantial removal of the moisture found in the starch. Furthermore, the aliphatic-aromatic copolyester is also modified with an alcohol so that it contains one or more hydroxyalkyl or alkyl terminal groups. By selectively controlling the conditions of the alcoholysis reaction (e.g., alcohol and copolymer concentrations, temperature, etc.), the resulting modified aliphatic-aromatic copolyester may have a molecular weight that is relatively low.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2008Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Bo Shi, James H. Wang, Aimin He
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Patent number: 8461262Abstract: A biodegradable fiber that is formed from a thermoplastic composition that contains polylactic acid, a plasticizer, and a compatibilizer is provided. The compatibilizer includes a polymer that is modified with a polar compound that is compatible with the plasticizer and a non-polar component provided by the polymer backbone that is compatible with polylactic acid. Such functionalized polymers may thus stabilize each of the polymer phases and reduce plasticizer migration. By reducing the plasticizer migration, the composition may remain ductile and soft. Further, addition of the functionalized polymer may also promote improved bonding and initiate crystallization faster than conventional polylactic acid fibers. The polar compound includes an organic acid, an anhydride of an organic acid, an amide of an organic acid, or a combination thereof. Such compounds are believed to be more compatible with the generally acidic nature of the polylactic acid fibers.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2012Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Ryan J. McEneany, Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Aimin He
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Publication number: 20120289658Abstract: A biodegradable fiber that is formed from a thermoplastic composition that contains polylactic acid, a plasticizer, and a compatibilizer is provided. The compatibilizer includes a polymer that is modified with a polar compound that is compatible with the plasticizer and a non-polar component provided by the polymer backbone that is compatible with polylactic acid. Such functionalized polymers may thus stabilize each of the polymer phases and reduce plasticizer migration. By reducing the plasticizer migration, the composition may remain ductile and soft. Further, addition of the functionalized polymer may also promote improved bonding and initiate crystallization faster than conventional polylactic acid fibers. The polar compound includes an organic acid, an anhydride of an organic acid, an amide of an organic acid, or a combination thereof. Such compounds are believed to be more compatible with the generally acidic nature of the polylactic acid fibers.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2012Publication date: November 15, 2012Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventors: Ryan J. McEneany, Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Aimin He
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Patent number: 8268738Abstract: A biodegradable fiber that is formed from a thermoplastic composition that contains polylactic acid, a plasticizer, and a compatibilizer is provided. The compatibilizer includes a polymer that is modified with a polar compound that is compatible with the plasticizer and a non-polar component provided by the polymer backbone that is compatible with polylactic acid. Such functionalized polymers may thus stabilize each of the polymer phases and reduce plasticizer migration. By reducing the plasticizer migration, the composition may remain ductile and soft. Further, addition of the functionalized polymer may also promote improved bonding and initiate crystallization faster than conventional polylactic acid fibers. The polar compound includes an organic acid, an anhydride of an organic acid, an amide of an organic acid, or a combination thereof. Such compounds are believed to be more compatible with the generally acidic nature of the polylactic acid fibers.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2008Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Ryan J. McEneany, Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Aimin He
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Publication number: 20110135702Abstract: A cleaning medium or formulation that contains a sporicidal composition is described. The composition includes about 0.1-20% weight/weight of a germinant agent, about 0.01-75% w/w of an antimicrobial agent, in terms of dry or wet total weight, and which is admixed with water to generate a solution with a pH of 3.5-9.5. The composition can help trigger the germination of spores, in particular C. difficile, and subsequently deactivate or kill the spores. A means of applying the cleaning formulation in a medium and process for cleaning are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2009Publication date: June 9, 2011Inventors: Douglas R. Hoffman, Aimin He, David W. Koenig, Andrea J. Smiltneek, DaeGun Kim, YoungSook Kim
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Publication number: 20110065573Abstract: A biodegradable fiber that is formed from a thermoplastic composition that contains polylactic acid, a plasticizer, and a compatibilizer is provided. The compatibilizer includes a polymer that is modified with a polar compound that is compatible with the plasticizer and a non-polar component provided by the polymer backbone that is compatible with polylactic acid. Such functionalized polymers may thus stabilize each of the polymer phases and reduce plasticizer migration. By reducing the plasticizer migration, the composition may remain ductile and soft. Further, addition of the functionalized polymer may also promote improved bonding and initiate crystallization faster than conventional polylactic acid fibers. The polar compound includes an organic acid, an anhydride of an organic acid, an amide of an organic acid, or a combination thereof. Such compounds are believed to be more compatible with the generally acidic nature of the polylactic acid fibers.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2008Publication date: March 17, 2011Inventors: Ryan J. McEneany, Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Aimin He
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Publication number: 20110059669Abstract: A biodegradable, substantially continuous filament is provided. The filament contains a first component formed from at least one high melting polyester and a second component formed from at least one low melting polyester. The low melting point polyester is an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester formed by melt blending a polymer and an alcohol to initiate an alcoholysis reaction that results in a copolyester having one or more hydroxyalkyl or alkyl terminal groups. By selectively controlling the alcoholysis conditions (e.g., alcohol and copolymer concentrations, catalysts, temperature, etc.), a modified aliphatic-aromatic copolyester may be achieved that has a molecular weight lower than the starting aliphatic-aromatic polymer. Such lower molecular weight polymers also have the combination of a higher melt flow index and lower apparent viscosity, which is useful in the formation of substantially continuous filaments.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2007Publication date: March 10, 2011Inventors: Aimin He, James H. Wang, Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Gregory J. Wideman, Doris Palfery
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Publication number: 20100323575Abstract: A biodegradable fiber for use in forming a nonwoven web is provided. The fiber is formed from a thermoplastic composition comprising at least one polylactic acid in an amount from about 75 wt. % to about 99 wt. % and at least one polyether copolymer in an amount from about 1 wt. % to about 25 wt. %, wherein the polyether copolymer contains from about 40 mol. % to about 95 mol. % of a repeating unit (A) having the following formula. wherein, x is an integer from 1 to 250, the polyether copolymer further containing from about 5 mol. % to about 60 mol. % of a repeating unit (B) having the following formula. wherein, n is an integer from 3 to 20; and y is an integer from 1 to 150. Such polyether copolymers have been found to improve a variety of characteristics of the resulting thermoplastic composition, including its ability to be melt processed into fibers and webs, as well as its sensitivity to moisture.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2007Publication date: December 23, 2010Inventors: Aimin He, Vasily A. Topolkaraev
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Publication number: 20090311937Abstract: A method for forming a biodegradable polylactic acid suitable for use in fibers is provided. In one embodiment, for example, a polylactic acid is melt blended with an alcohol to initiate an alcoholysis reaction that results in a polylactic acid having one or more hydroxyalkyl or alkyl terminal groups. By selectively controlling the alcoholysis conditions (e.g., alcohol and polymer concentrations, catalysts, temperature, etc.), a modified polylactic acid may be achieved that has a molecular weight lower than the starting polylactic acid. Such lower molecular weight polymers also have the combination of a higher melt flow index and lower apparent viscosity, which is useful in a wide variety of fiber forming applications, such as in the meltblowing of nonwoven webs.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2006Publication date: December 17, 2009Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventors: Aimin He, James H. Wang
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Publication number: 20090305592Abstract: A fiber formed from a thermoplastic composition that contains a thermoplastic starch and an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester is provided. The copolyester enhances the strength of the starch-containing fibers and also facilitates the ability of the starch to be melt processed. Due to its relatively low melting point, the aliphatic-aromatic copolyester may also be extruded with the thermoplastic starch at a temperature that is low enough to avoid substantial removal of the moisture found in the starch. Furthermore, the aliphatic-aromatic copolyester is also modified with an alcohol so that it contains one or more hydroxyalkyl or alkyl terminal groups. By selectively controlling the conditions of the alcoholysis reaction (e.g., alcohol and copolymer concentrations, temperature, etc.), the resulting modified aliphatic-aromatic copolyester may have a molecular weight that is relatively low.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2008Publication date: December 10, 2009Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventors: Bo Shi, James H. Wang, Aimin He
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Publication number: 20090305594Abstract: A method for forming a fiber is provided. The method comprises supplying at least one aromatic polyester to a melt processing device and modifying the aromatic polyester with at least one polyether copolymer within the device to form a thermoplastic composition having a melt flow rate that is greater than the melt flow rate of the aromatic polyester. The polyether copolymer contains a repeating unit (A) having the following formula: ?C2H4O?x ??(A) wherein, x is an integer from 1 to 250, the polyether copolymer further containing a repeating unit (B) having the following formula: ?CnH2nO?y ??(B) wherein, n is an integer from 3 to 20; and y is an integer from 1 to 150.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2008Publication date: December 10, 2009Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Aimin He, Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Alan E. Wright, Gregory J. Wideman