Patents by Inventor Kelly D. Farmer

Kelly D. Farmer 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: 11998428
    Abstract: Elasticated materials and absorbent articles comprising elasticated materials are disclosed. In an embodiment, an elasticated material may comprise a first layer bonded to a second layer by first bonds and second bonds. A plurality of elastomeric strands may extend between the first layer and the second layer. A first bond and a second bond are disposed on opposite sides of a first strand and are separated by a longitudinal distance less than an un-tensioned diameter of the first strand, and a third bond and a fourth bond are disposed on opposite sides of a second strand and are separated by a longitudinal distance less than an un-tensioned diameter of the second strand. The first bond forms a first angle with respect to the first strand, the third bond forms a second angle with respect to the second strand, and the first angle is different than the second angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph D. Coenen, Ross T. Kaufman, Kelly D. Farmer, Jerry L Hameister
  • Publication number: 20230405939
    Abstract: Energy mechanism assemblies and methods of operating such assemblies are described. One method of providing energy to an item may comprise positioning an item proximate an energy mechanism assembly comprising a first and second energy mechanism and a translation system configured to move the second mechanism along between a first position and a second position along a first axis and a second axis, positioning the item between the first and second mechanisms, moving the second mechanism from the first position to the second position, moving the second mechanism along the second axis for a first length while the second mechanism is in contact with the item; and providing energy to the item at least while the second mechanism contacts the item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventors: Ronald A. Hilt, Kelly D. Farmer, Craig R. Roble, Matthew D. Opsteen, Jason A. Verboomen
  • Publication number: 20230329923
    Abstract: Elasticated materials and articles comprising elasticated materials are disclosed. A method may comprise advancing first and second substrate materials and a stretched elastomeric strand in the machine direction. The method may further comprise advancing the first and the second substrate materials with the elastomeric strand positioned therebetween to a bonding apparatus. The bonding apparatus may comprise first and second elements forming a bonding nip. The method may further comprise oscillating the strand in a cross-machine direction and advancing the first and second substrate materials, and the strand, through the bonding nip and bonding the first and second substrate materials together with at least first and second bonds. The first and second bonds may be disposed on opposite sides of the strand and spaced apart a distance less than its un-tensioned diameter, and the first and second bonds may be located along an arcuate portion of the strand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Joseph D. Coenen, Ross T. Kaufman, Kelly D. Farmer, Jerry L. Hameister
  • Patent number: 11786415
    Abstract: Exemplary wearable articles including regions with differing visual patterns are disclosed. In one embodiment, an article may comprise an elasticated front chassis region and an elasticated front waistband region, a rear region, a crotch region, and an absorbent body disposed at least partially within the crotch region. The front chassis and front waistband regions may comprise a plurality of elastomeric strands disposed between a first material and a material and are bonded together by a plurality of discrete bonds, at least some of which entrap the strands. The strands of the front chassis region are spaced apart a first distance, while the strands of the front waistband region are spaced apart a second distance, with the second distance being less than the first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Ross T. Kaufman, Kelly D. Farmer, Joseph D. Coenen, Jerry L. Hameister
  • Patent number: 11684522
    Abstract: Elasticated materials and articles comprising elasticated materials are disclosed. A method may comprise advancing first and second substrate materials and a stretched elastomeric strand in the machine direction. The method may further comprise advancing the first and the second substrate materials with the elastomeric strand positioned therebetween to a bonding apparatus. The bonding apparatus may comprise first and second elements forming a bonding nip. The method may further comprise oscillating the strand in a cross-machine direction and advancing the first and second substrate materials, and the strand, through the bonding nip and bonding the first and second substrate materials together with at least first and second bonds. The first and second bonds may be disposed on opposite sides of the strand and spaced apart a distance less than its un-tensioned diameter, and the first and second bonds may be located along an arcuate portion of the strand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph D. Coenen, Ross T. Kaufman, Kelly D. Farmer, Jerry L. Hameister
  • Patent number: 11667086
    Abstract: An energy apparatus can be configured for providing energy to an item being transferred over a rotatable drum. The energy apparatus can include a first energy mechanism configured to be fixedly coupled to the rotatable drum and rotate with the rotatable drum. The energy apparatus can also include a second energy mechanism configured to rotate around a circumference of the rotatable drum. The energy apparatus can additionally include a translation system coupled to the second energy mechanism and configured to move the second energy mechanism to an end position that allows the second energy mechanism and the first energy mechanism to provide energy to the item while there is no relative motion between the first energy mechanism and the second energy mechanism. Methods of providing energy to an item utilizing an energy apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Michael L. Lohoff, Craig R. Roble, Greg Rajala, Katherine M. Nackers, Kelly D. Farmer, Jason K. Sieck, Joseph D. Coenen, Jerry L. Hameister
  • Publication number: 20220266535
    Abstract: An energy apparatus can be configured for providing energy to an item being transferred over a rotatable drum. The energy apparatus can include a first energy mechanism configured to be fixedly coupled to the rotatable drum and rotate with the rotatable drum. The energy apparatus can also include a second energy mechanism configured to rotate around a circumference of the rotatable drum. The energy apparatus can additionally include a translation system coupled to the second energy mechanism and configured to move the second energy mechanism to an end position that allows the second energy mechanism and the first energy mechanism to provide energy to the item while there is no relative motion between the first energy mechanism and the second energy mechanism. Methods of providing energy to an item utilizing an energy apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2022
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Inventors: Michael L. Lohoff, Craig R. Roble, Greg Rajala, Katherine M. Nackers, Kelly D. Farmer, Jason K. Sieck, Joseph D. Coenen, Jerry L. Hameister
  • Patent number: 11351737
    Abstract: An energy apparatus can be configured for providing energy to an item being transferred over a rotatable drum. The energy apparatus can include a first energy mechanism configured to be fixedly coupled to the rotatable drum and rotate with the rotatable drum. The energy apparatus can also include a second energy mechanism configured to rotate around a circumference of the rotatable drum. The energy apparatus can additionally include a translation system coupled to the second energy mechanism and configured to move the second energy mechanism to an end position that allows the second energy mechanism and the first energy mechanism to provide energy to the item while there is no relative motion between the first energy mechanism and the second energy mechanism. Methods of providing energy to an item utilizing an energy apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Michael L. Lohoff, Craig R. Roble, Greg Rajala, Katherine M. Nackers, Kelly D. Farmer, Jason K. Sieck, Joseph D. Coenen, Jerry L. Hameister
  • Publication number: 20210267818
    Abstract: Exemplary wearable articles including regions with differing visual patterns are disclosed. In one embodiment, an article may comprise an elasticated front chassis region and an elasticated front waistband region, a rear region, a crotch region, and an absorbent body disposed at least partially within the crotch region. The front chassis and front waistband regions may comprise a plurality of elastomeric strands disposed between a first material and a material and are bonded together by a plurality of discrete bonds, at least some of which entrap the strands. The strands of the front chassis region are spaced apart a first distance, while the strands of the front waistband region are spaced apart a second distance, with the second distance being less than the first distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2021
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Inventors: Ross T. Kaufman, Kelly D. Farmer, Joseph D. Coenen, Jerry L. Hameister
  • Publication number: 20210162676
    Abstract: An energy apparatus can be configured for providing energy to an item being transferred over a rotatable drum. The energy apparatus can include a first energy mechanism configured to be fixedly coupled to the rotatable drum and rotate with the rotatable drum. The energy apparatus can also include a second energy mechanism configured to rotate around a circumference of the rotatable drum. The energy apparatus can additionally include a translation system coupled to the second energy mechanism and configured to move the second energy mechanism to an end position that allows the second energy mechanism and the first energy mechanism to provide energy to the item while there is no relative motion between the first energy mechanism and the second energy mechanism. Methods of providing energy to an item utilizing an energy apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Publication date: June 3, 2021
    Inventors: Michael L. Lohoff, Craig R. Roble, Greg Rajala, Katherine M. Nackers, Kelly D. Farmer, Jason K. Sieck, Joseph D. Coenen, Jerry L. Hameister
  • Patent number: 11020286
    Abstract: Exemplary wearable articles including regions with differing visual patterns are disclosed. In one embodiment, an article may comprise an elasticated front chassis region and an elasticated front waistband region, a rear region, a crotch region, and an absorbent body disposed at least partially within the crotch region. The front chassis and front waistband regions may comprise a plurality of elastomeric strands disposed between a first material and a material and are bonded together by a plurality of discrete bonds, at least some of which entrap the strands. The strands of the front chassis region are spaced apart a first distance, while the strands of the front waistband region are spaced apart a second distance, with the second distance being less than the first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Ross T. Kaufman, Kelly D. Farmer, Joseph D. Coenen, Jerry L. Hameister
  • Patent number: 10973703
    Abstract: Elasticated materials and absorbent articles comprising elasticated materials are disclosed. In an embodiment, an elasticated material can comprise a first web material, a second web material bonded to the first web material, and a plurality of elastomeric strands extending in a lateral direction and disposed between the first and second web materials. The material may comprise a pair of bonds disposed on opposite sides of an elastomeric strand and spaced apart across the elastomeric strand a distance less than an untensioned diameter of the elastomeric strand of the plurality of elastomeric strands. Additionally, the elasticated material may exhibit a first amount of elongation in a direction perpendicular to the lateral direction at a given tension along a first length of the elasticated material and a second amount of elongation in a direction perpendicular to the lateral direction at the given tension along a second length of the elasticated material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph D. Coenen, Ross T. Kaufman, Kelly D. Farmer, Jerry L. Hameister, Julia R. Selden
  • Publication number: 20200268567
    Abstract: Elasticated materials and absorbent articles comprising elasticated materials are disclosed. In an embodiment, an elasticated material may comprise a first layer bonded to a second layer by first bonds and second bonds. A plurality of elastomeric strands may extend between the first layer and the second layer. A first bond and a second bond are disposed on opposite sides of a first strand and are separated by a longitudinal distance less than an un-tensioned diameter of the first strand, and a third bond and a fourth bond are disposed on opposite sides of a second strand and are separated by a longitudinal distance less than an un-tensioned diameter of the second strand. The first bond forms a first angle with respect to the first strand, the third bond forms a second angle with respect to the second strand, and the first angle is different than the second angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Publication date: August 27, 2020
    Inventors: Joseph D. Coenen, Ross T. Kaufman, Kelly D. Farmer, Jerry L. Hameister
  • Publication number: 20200237576
    Abstract: Elasticated materials and articles comprising elasticated materials are disclosed. A method may comprise advancing first and second substrate materials and a stretched elastomeric strand in the machine direction. The method may further comprise advancing the first and the second substrate materials with the elastomeric strand positioned therebetween to a bonding apparatus. The bonding apparatus may comprise first and second elements forming a bonding nip. The method may further comprise oscillating the strand in a cross-machine direction and advancing the first and second substrate materials, and the strand, through the bonding nip and bonding the first and second substrate materials together with at least first and second bonds. The first and second bonds may be disposed on opposite sides of the strand and spaced apart a distance less than its un-tensioned diameter, and the first and second bonds may be located along an arcuate portion of the strand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Inventors: Joseph D. Coenen, Ross T. Kaufman, Kelly D. Farmer, Jerry L. Hameister
  • Publication number: 20200206043
    Abstract: Elasticated materials and absorbent articles comprising elasticated materials are disclosed. In an embodiment, an elasticated material can comprise a first web material, a second web material bonded to the first web material, and a plurality of elastomeric strands extending in a lateral direction and disposed between the first and second web materials. The material may comprise a pair of bonds disposed on opposite sides of an elastomeric strand and spaced apart across the elastomeric strand a distance less than an untensioned diameter of the elastomeric strand of the plurality of elastomeric strands. Additionally, the elasticated material may exhibit a first amount of elongation in a direction perpendicular to the lateral direction at a given tension along a first length of the elasticated material and a second amount of elongation in a direction perpendicular to the lateral direction at the given tension along a second length of the elasticated material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Joseph D. Coenen, Ross T. Kaufman, Kelly D. Farmer, Jerry L. Hameister, Julia R. Selden
  • Patent number: 10596047
    Abstract: Elasticated materials and absorbent articles comprising elasticated materials are disclosed. In an embodiment, an elasticated material may comprise a first layer bonded to a second layer by first bonds and second bonds. A plurality of elastomeric strands may extend between the first layer and the second layer. A first bond and a second bond are disposed on opposite sides of a first strand and are separated by a longitudinal distance less than an un-tensioned diameter of the first strand, and a third bond and a fourth bond are disposed on opposite sides of a second strand and are separated by a longitudinal distance less than an un-tensioned diameter of the second strand. The first bond forms a first angle with respect to the first strand, the third bond forms a second angle with respect to the second strand, and the first angle is different than the second angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph D. Coenen, Ross T. Kaufman, Kelly D. Farmer, Jerry L. Hameister
  • Publication number: 20190374398
    Abstract: Elasticated materials and absorbent articles comprising elasticated materials are disclosed. In an embodiment, an elasticated material may comprise a first layer bonded to a second layer by first bonds and second bonds. A plurality of elastomeric strands may extend between the first layer and the second layer. A first bond and a second bond are disposed on opposite sides of a first strand and are separated by a longitudinal distance less than an un-tensioned diameter of the first strand, and a third bond and a fourth bond are disposed on opposite sides of a second strand and are separated by a longitudinal distance less than an un-tensioned diameter of the second strand. The first bond forms a first angle with respect to the first strand, the third bond forms a second angle with respect to the second strand, and the first angle is different than the second angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Publication date: December 12, 2019
    Inventors: Joseph D. Coenen, Ross T. Kaufman, Kelly D. Farmer, Jerry L. Hameister
  • Publication number: 20190358093
    Abstract: Exemplary wearable articles including regions with differing visual patterns are disclosed. In one embodiment, an article may comprise an elasticated front chassis region and an elasticated front waistband region, a rear region, a crotch region, and an absorbent body disposed at least partially within the crotch region. The front chassis and front waistband regions may comprise a plurality of elastomeric strands disposed between a first material and a material and are bonded together by a plurality of discrete bonds, at least some of which entrap the strands. The strands of the front chassis region are spaced apart a first distance, while the strands of the front waistband region are spaced apart a second distance, with the second distance being less than the first distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Inventors: Ross T. Kaufman, Kelly D. Farmer, Joseph D. Coenen, Jerry L. Hameister