Patents by Inventor Kelly Arehart
Kelly Arehart 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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Patent number: 7786176Abstract: A vaginal treatment composition that rapidly forms a gel when placed into contact with monovalent or polyvalent cations, such as sodium (Na+) and calcium (Ca2+) cations naturally found in vaginal mucosa, is provided. The gel may form in less than about 1 hour, in some embodiments less than about 1 minute, and in some embodiments, less than about 30 seconds. Among other things, such rapid gelation reduces the likelihood of leakage during use. In addition, because the gel may form intravaginally, it is more likely to retain its structure and shape over an extended period of time. In this manner, the gel may provide the prolonged release of a therapeutic agent that inhibits and/or treats vaginal infection. For instance, the gel may remain within the vagina for about 2 to about 48 hours to provide the desired effect.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2005Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Stephanie M. Martin, Lei Huang, Shu-Ping Yang, Yanbin Huang, Julie Villanueva, Sharon Linda Greene, Kelly Arehart, Curtis Sayre, Robert B. Johnson
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Patent number: 7619008Abstract: A vaginal treatment composition that employs a therapeutic agent to inhibit and/or treat vaginal infection is provided. The therapeutic agent is capable of inhibiting and/or killing Gardnerella (e.g., Gardnerella vaginalis), Candida (e.g., Candida albicans), and/or Trichomonas (e.g., Trichomonas vaginalis) pathogens. Desirably, such antimicrobial efficacy is achieved without substantially inhibiting the growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus. For instance, sugars and/or sugar alcohols may be employed in the present invention as a therapeutic agent for inhibiting and/or treating vaginal infection. In one particular embodiment, D-xylitol is used as the therapeutic agent.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2005Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Shu-Ping Yang, Lei Huang, Stephanie M. Martin, Julie Villanueva, Sharon Greene, Kelly Arehart, Curtis Sayre, Robert B. Johnson
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Publication number: 20080085210Abstract: Microwave energy may be used to disinfect used face masks, respirators and other items containing filtration media for respiration. A method of disinfecting is provided as well as filtration media having indicators to visually indicate when disinfection has occurred. The indicators may function based on temperature and steam generation during microwaving. Thermochromic materials may be used to indicate that a proper temperature has been reached.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2006Publication date: April 10, 2008Inventors: Henry Griesbach, Kelly Arehart, David Wayne Johnson, Gavin MacDonald
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Publication number: 20080063615Abstract: Iodine is used in about 80 percent of surgeries in the US to remove some level of microbial load on the skin prior to making an incision. Skin sealants are applied over skin preps to seal the skin and hold any remaining bacteria in place. Iodine produces a characteristic orange-brown color on skin. A skin sealant is provided that has a decolorant that reacts with the iodine found in most skin preps, rendering the skin prep colorless. A skin sealant containing ascorbic acid (vitamin C), Indigo Carmine or Indigo will react with the iodine, thus visually indicating where the skin prep and sealant have been applied and allowing an unobstructed view of the incision.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2006Publication date: March 13, 2008Inventors: John Gavin MacDonald, Kelly Arehart, Molly K. Smith, Ilona Furman Weart, Phillip A. Schorr
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Publication number: 20080060550Abstract: Skin sealants are applied over skin preps to seal the skin and hold any remaining bacteria in place prior to incisions. It is desirable for the person applying the sealant to know where the sealant has been applied. It is also desirable to be able so see through the sealant to observe the skin to detect any possible infection. A skin sealant is provided that has a pH indicator and co-additive acid that react soon after mixing, rendering the skin prep colorless.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2006Publication date: March 13, 2008Inventors: Gavin MacDonald, Molly K. Smith, Kelly Arehart, Illona Furman Weart, Phill Schorr
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Publication number: 20080025154Abstract: A timer indicator or chronograph is described. The chronograph functions according to chromatographic principles to develop a perceptible visual image or pattern on an indicator panel or display area, which serves as a means to monitor the relative amount of time that elapses. The chronograph includes a self-contained reservoir for an activating agent, which once activated creates a mobile front that traverses the indicator panel substrate from the reservoir to a distal end at a predetermined rate. The chronograph may be used as a stand-alone device or may be incorporated as part of various articles or products, for instance, as either a training aid or as a dryness indicator. Methods for using and making the chronograph are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2007Publication date: January 31, 2008Inventors: John MacDonald, Kelly Arehart
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Publication number: 20070252115Abstract: Disclosed herein are thermochromic elastic articles suitable for a variety of uses. The thermochromic elastic articles include at least one elastic polymeric composition having at least one thermochromic pigment substantially uniformly dispersed therein, and the elastomeric polymers include such as elastomeric emulsion-based polymers and elastomeric solution-based polymers. Such thermochromic elastic articles are highly useful for use in protective wear products, health care and medical care products, bandages and the like, and are capable of signaling environmental temperature change or temperature change in a wearer or user via a change in color. Additionally provided are articles of manufacture including the thermochromic elastic articles, such as articles including without limitation gloves, medical wraps, garments, and stress indicating articles.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2006Publication date: November 1, 2007Inventors: Kelly Arehart, Scott Englebert, John MacDonald
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Publication number: 20070243229Abstract: A biodegradable biodelivery device is disclosed. The biodelivery device is formed from a polymer comprising the reaction product of a polyol and a polyacid. When exposed to water, the polymer degrades through hydrolysis. Of particular advantage, the polymer can be formed so as to be elastic and flexible. In one embodiment, the polymer is formed into a vaginal insert. As the polymer degrades, the polymer releases acid to a vaginal environment for decreasing the pH of the environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2006Publication date: October 18, 2007Inventors: Molly Smith, Kelly Arehart, Lei Huang, Shu-Ping Yang, Yanbin Huang
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Publication number: 20070142263Abstract: A cleansing composition is disclosed that changes color during use. The cleansing composition contains a plurality of thermochromic dyes that cause a color change to occur at a threshold temperature and continue to cause a color change over a temperature range. The range of temperatures corresponds to approximately the amount of time sufficient to properly wash or scrub using the product.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2005Publication date: June 21, 2007Inventors: Katherine Stahl, David Koenig, Scott Wenzel, Brendon Ribble, Corey Cunningham, John MacDonald, Kelly Arehart
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Publication number: 20070100304Abstract: A technique for incorporating odor control agent particles into an absorbent article is provided. More specifically, the odor control particles are “homogenously” distributed (e.g., in a substantially uniform manner) within an airformed fiber matrix of an absorbent core of an absorbent article. An absorbent core containing such a homogeneously distributed odor control particles may possess a greater surface area for contacting malodorous compounds, thereby increasing the likelihood of odor reduction.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2005Publication date: May 3, 2007Inventors: David Fell, Megan Lan, William Georger, Kelly Arehart, Bao Do, Stephanie Martin
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Publication number: 20070026074Abstract: A vaginal treatment composition that rapidly forms a gel when placed into contact with monovalent or polyvalent cations, such as sodium (Na+) and calcium (Ca2+) cations naturally found in vaginal mucosa, is provided. The gel may form in less than about 1 hour, in some embodiments less than about 1 minute, and in some embodiments, less than about 30 seconds. Among other things, such rapid gelation reduces the likelihood of leakage during use. In addition, because the gel may form intravaginally, it is more likely to retain its structure and shape over an extended period of time. In this manner, the gel may provide the prolonged release of a therapeutic agent that inhibits and/or treats vaginal infection. For instance, the gel may remain within the vagina for about 2 to about 48 hours to provide the desired effect.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2005Publication date: February 1, 2007Inventors: Stephanie Martin, Lei Huang, Shu-Ping Yang, Yanbin Huang, Julie Villanueva, Sharon Greene, Kelly Arehart, Curtis Sayre, Robert Johnson
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Publication number: 20060287215Abstract: Disclosed is a cleaning composition comprising a thermochromic ingredient that effects a color change at a given temperature or temperature range. Such a composition may be used to provide a signal, i.e., convey information, to a user of the cleaning composition, or a caregiver employing the cleaning composition. Additionally, the cleaning composition may be employed in a substrate, such as a nonwoven. The cleaning compositions may be used to provide a signal that helps improve cleaning effectiveness and/or safety and/or entertainment value. Furthermore, compositions comprising one or more thermochromic ingredients may be used to signify, or help induce, a given mental state, psychological state, or state of well being.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2005Publication date: December 21, 2006Inventors: J. McDonald, Brendon Ribble, Kelly Arehart
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Publication number: 20060114754Abstract: A timer indicator or chronograph is described. The chronograph functions according to chromatographic principles to develop a perceptible visual image or pattern on an indicator panel or display area, which serves as a means to monitor the relative amount of time that elapses. The chronograph includes a self-contained reservoir for an activating agent, which once activated creates a mobile front that traverses the indicator panel substrate from the reservoir to a distal end at a predetermined rate. The chronograph may be used as a stand-alone device or may be incorporated as part of various articles or products, for instance, as either a training aid or as a dryness indicator. Methods for using and making the chronograph are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2004Publication date: June 1, 2006Inventors: John MacDonald, Kelly Arehart
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Publication number: 20060105963Abstract: A vaginal treatment composition that employs a therapeutic agent to inhibit and/or treat vaginal infection is provided. The therapeutic agent is capable of inhibiting and/or killing Gardnerella (e.g., Gardnerella vaginalis), Candida (e.g., Candida albicans), and/or Trichomonas (e.g., Trichomonas vaginalis) pathogens. Desirably, such antimicrobial efficacy is achieved without substantially inhibiting the growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus. For instance, sugars and/or sugar alcohols may be employed in the present invention as a therapeutic agent for inhibiting and/or treating vaginal infection. In one particular embodiment, D-xylitol is used as the therapeutic agent.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2005Publication date: May 18, 2006Inventors: Shu-Ping Yang, Lei Huang, Stephanie Martin, Julie Villanueva, Sharon Greene, Kelly Arehart, Curtis Sayre, Robert Johnson
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Publication number: 20060008442Abstract: This invention relates to modified high surface area materials, such as nanoparticles that are coated with metal ions, and articles treated with the modified high surface area materials. The modified nanoparticles have active sites that bind various gases and/or odorous compounds, thereby removing these compounds from a medium such as air or water. Metal ions are adsorbed onto the surface of the nanoparticle and bound strongly to the surface. By selection of the metal ion, specific gaseous compounds and/or odorous compounds can be targeted and removed efficiently and effectively from both aqueous phase and from the air. The modified nanoparticles are applied to nonwoven webs to provide odor removing articles for industrial and consumer use in refrigerators and trash containers.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2005Publication date: January 12, 2006Inventors: John MacDonald, Bao Do, Kelly Arehart