Patents by Inventor Nikhil P. Dani

Nikhil P. Dani 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: 10982177
    Abstract: Pre-moistened wipes that include one or more characteristics correlated to desired properties, such as high durability, mileage, cleaning composition retention, efficacy, or the like are described. Pulp substrates typically include an anionic charge, which can result in binding or retention of a cationic biocide such as a quaternary ammonium compound while the remainder of the composition is released from the wipe (e.g., through squeezing, wiping or other compression). The present wipes are specifically tailored to release at least 20% of the quaternary ammonium compound to a target surface, and exhibit at least a 3-log reduction in Staphylococcus aureus population within about 10 seconds to 5 minutes. Such release and efficacy is achieved without the presence of any cationic biocide release agent (e.g., latex or a cationic salt) included in the cleaning composition or elsewhere within the pre-loaded disinfecting wipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: THE CLOROX COMPANY
    Inventor: Nikhil P. Dani
  • Patent number: 10973385
    Abstract: Pre-moistened wipes that include one or more characteristics correlated to desired properties, such as high durability, mileage, cleaning composition retention, efficacy, or the like are described. Pulp substrates typically include an anionic charge, which can result in binding or retention of a cationic biocide such as a quaternary ammonium compound while the remainder of the composition is released from the wipe (e.g., through squeezing, wiping or other compression). The present wipes are specifically tailored to include a pore size distribution characterized by pores having a size from 300 ?m to 400 ?m, which is larger than the pore distribution characteristics of existing wipes. Such characteristics increase release of a quaternary ammonium compound to a target surface, providing improved microefficacy, without the need for any cationic biocide release agents such as latex or a cationic salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: THE CLOROX COMPANY
    Inventor: Nikhil P. Dani
  • Patent number: 10975341
    Abstract: Pre-moistened wipes that include one or more characteristics correlated to desired properties, such as high durability, mileage, cleaning composition retention, efficacy, or the like are described. Pulp substrates typically include an anionic charge, which can result in binding or retention of a cationic biocide such as a quaternary ammonium compound while the remainder of the composition is released from the wipe (e.g., through squeezing, wiping or other compression). The present wipes are specifically tailored to include a mileage absorbency/desorbency factor (“MABDF”) value that is greater than 50. Such characteristics correlate to wipes and substrates that exhibit various desirable properties, such as good handfeel characteristics, improved, more uniform dosing of composition loaded therein, good microefficacy characteristics, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: THE CLOROX COMPANY
    Inventor: Nikhil P. Dani
  • Patent number: 10973386
    Abstract: Systems including a resealable container and pre-moistened wipes packaged therein, the wipes including one or more characteristics correlated to desired properties, such as high durability, mileage, cleaning composition retention, efficacy, or the like are described. Pulp substrates typically include an anionic charge, which can result in binding or retention of a cationic biocide such as a quaternary ammonium compound while the remainder of the composition is released from the wipe (e.g., through squeezing, wiping or other compression). The present wipes may be specifically tailored to provide efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus population within 10 seconds to about 5 minutes, to include particular pore size distribution characteristics, and/or to include a mileage absorbency/desorbency factor (“MABDF”) value that is greater than 50.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: THE CLOROX COMPANY
    Inventor: Nikhil P. Dani
  • Patent number: 10843233
    Abstract: A pre-loaded cleaning substrate, and related systems and methods for picking up particles with an aspect ratio (L/D) greater than 300 (e.g., hair), or greater than 1200 (e.g., particularly long hairs). The substrate (e.g., a nonwoven) may include only a single layer of material. The pre-loaded substrate is loaded (e.g., during manufacture) with a cleaning composition. The fibers of the substrate may have an average diameter less than 15 ?m, the substrate may have an air permeability of 35 ft3/min to 75 ft3/min, and the liquid cleaning composition may have a surface tension of less than about 50 dynes/cm. Together, the combination of the particular substrate and cleaning composition may facilitate markedly improved ability to pick up high L/D aspect ratio particle debris (e.g., such as hair), while retaining such particles (e.g., providing hair retention index values of at least 20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: Ashish K. Jha, Nikhil P. Dani, David R. Scheuing, Nancy A. Falk, Bryan K. Parrish
  • Publication number: 20200360971
    Abstract: A pre-loaded cleaning substrate, and related systems and methods for picking up particles with an aspect ratio (L/D) greater than 300 (e.g., hair), or greater than 1200 (e.g., particularly long hairs). The substrate (e.g., a nonwoven) may include only a single layer of material. The pre-loaded substrate is loaded (e.g., during manufacture) with a cleaning composition. The fibers of the substrate may have an average diameter less than 15 ?m, the substrate may have an air permeability of 35 ft3/min to 75 ft3/min, and the liquid cleaning composition may have a surface tension of less than about 50 dynes/cm. Together, the combination of the particular substrate and cleaning composition may facilitate markedly improved ability to pick up high L/D aspect ratio particle debris (e.g., such as hair), while retaining such particles (e.g., providing hair retention index values of at least 20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Inventors: Ashish K. Jha, Nikhil P. Dani, David R. Scheuing, Nancy A. Falk, Bryan K. Parrish
  • Patent number: 10765973
    Abstract: In one example, a filter core includes a body with a generally cylindrical shape and a substantially hollow interior. The body includes a first annular wall disposed proximate a first end of the body, and a second annular wall disposed proximate a second end of the body such that the second annular wall is axially spaced apart from the first annular wall, and the second annular wall and the first annular wall extend toward each other. As well, the filter core includes a framework connected to the first annular wall and the second annular wall. The framework and the first and second annular walls cooperate with each other to define a group of openings, each of which communicates with the substantially hollow interior of the body, and the openings collectively define an open space of the filter core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: BRITA LP
    Inventors: Nikhil P. Dani, Russell Bell
  • Publication number: 20200238341
    Abstract: A pre-loaded cleaning substrate, and related systems and methods for picking up particles with an aspect ratio (L/D) greater than 300 (e.g., hair), or greater than 1200 (e.g., particularly long hairs). The substrate (e.g., a nonwoven) may include only a single layer of material. The pre-loaded substrate is loaded (e.g., during manufacture) with a cleaning composition. The fibers of the substrate may have an average diameter less than 15 ?m, the substrate may have an air permeability of 35 ft3/min to 75 ft3/min, and the liquid cleaning composition may have a surface tension of less than about 50 dynes/cm. Together, the combination of the particular substrate and cleaning composition may facilitate markedly improved ability to pick up high L/D aspect ratio particle debris (e.g., such as hair), while retaining such particles (e.g., providing hair retention index values of at least 20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Inventors: Ashish K. Jha, Nikhil P. Dani, David R. Scheuing, Nancy A. Falk, Bryan K. Parrish
  • Publication number: 20200198303
    Abstract: Multi-layer substrates comprising a top surface layer of pulp fibers, a bottom surface layer of pulp fibers, and a melted thermoplastic material layer between the pulp fiber layers, where the thermoplastic material comprises polyethylene or has a tan delta value of 0.2 to 0.4 within the temperature range of 100° F. to 350° F. The multi-layer substrate can include a cleaning composition loaded onto the multi-layer substrate, where a fluid pathway through the melted thermoplastic material allows the cleaning composition to travel from the top surface layer to the bottom surface layer. The multi-layer substrate may be void of chemical adhesives, where adhesion between the top surface layer and the thermoplastic layer, and between the bottom surface layer and the thermoplastic layer is instead provided by the thermoplastic material itself, which bonds to groups of fibers in the pulp fibers top and bottom surface layers that are in contact with the thermoplastic material as it melts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Publication date: June 25, 2020
    Inventors: Nikhil P. Dani, Joerg Hendrix, Scott A. Wood, Hubert Chan, Daniela N. Fritter
  • Publication number: 20200199824
    Abstract: Methods for forming multi-layer substrates comprising top and bottom surface layers and a melt softened thermoplastic material layer between the exterior surface layers, where the thermoplastic material comprises polyethylene or has a tan delta value of 0.2 to 0.4 within the temperature range of 100° F.-350° F. The 3 (or more) layers are assembled, and heated, melt softening the thermoplastic material, causing bonding of the thermoplastic layer to the exterior surface layers. A cleaning composition may finally be loaded onto the multi-layer substrate, where a fluid pathway through the melted thermoplastic material allows the cleaning composition to travel between the surface layers. Adhesion between the surface layers and the thermoplastic layer is provided by the thermoplastic material itself, which bonds to groups of fibers in the surface layers. The process does not require chemical adhesives, any processing water, drying, or the like, so as to be possible with low capital investment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Publication date: June 25, 2020
    Inventors: Nikhil P. Dani, JOERG HENDRIX, SCOTT WOOD, HUBERT CHAN, MARK PSZCZOLKOWSKI, DANIELA FRITTER
  • Publication number: 20200198288
    Abstract: Multi-layer substrates comprising top and bottom surface layers comprised of synthetic nonwoven fibers, and a melted thermoplastic material layer between the top and bottom layers, where the thermoplastic material comprises polyethylene or has a tan delta value of 0.2 to 0.4 within the temperature range of 100° F. to 350° F. The multi-layer substrate can include a cleaning composition loaded onto the multi-layer substrate, where a fluid pathway through the melted thermoplastic material allows the cleaning composition to travel from the top surface layer to the bottom surface layer. The multi-layer substrate may be void of chemical adhesives, where adhesion between the top surface layer and the thermoplastic layer, and between the bottom surface layer and the thermoplastic layer is instead provided by the thermoplastic material itself, which bonds to groups of fibers in the top and bottom surface layers that are in contact with the thermoplastic material as it melts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Publication date: June 25, 2020
    Inventors: NIKHIL P. DANI, JOERG HENDRIX, SCOTT WOOD, HUBERT CHAN, DANIELA FRITTER
  • Patent number: 10654725
    Abstract: A filter housing can be configured to receive a filter media to form a filter assembly. Water filter media assemblies can be adapted for filter-as-you-pour filtration in the context of container (e.g., pitcher) systems where filtering is achieved as the user pours water from the container. The filter housing can have a frame and an optional casing securable about the frame. The filter assembly can include a filter media within, connected to, or associated with a filter housing. The filter media can be securable in an at least partially curved configuration and/or within, connected to, or associated with the filter housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Brita LP
    Inventors: Nikhil P. Dani, Jonathan McDonald, Nicole Doan, Jonathan Taylor Wiegele
  • Publication number: 20200087166
    Abstract: The invention relates to container bodies configured to be used in filter-as-you-pour systems, where filtering is achieved as the user pours water from the container. Such container bodies may have an undivided internal storage volume, so as to not include a reservoir compartment for unfiltered water. They may be part of systems configured to filter water both as water is introduced into a container body of the system and as water is poured from the container body of the system. The filter assembly may be attached to the container body at a location proximate the outlet of the system. Filter media of the filter assembly may comprise an activated carbon textile material that presents a curved surface to water passing through the filter assembly. The container body may be configured as a pitcher, carafe, water bottle, jug, or other shaped container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Publication date: March 19, 2020
    Inventors: Nikhil P. DANI, Jonathan McDonald, Nicole Doan, Jonathan Taylor Wiegele
  • Publication number: 20200080031
    Abstract: Pre-moistened multi-layer wipes in which the fibrous substrate for the wipes comprises 70% or more pulp fibers. The present wipes are specifically tailored to include multiple layers that are adhered to one another with a water-resistant adhesive, e.g., which will maintain good peel strength, even when the multi-layer substrate is loaded with a cleaning composition during manufacture, and stored in such condition for an extended period (e.g., a shelf life of a year or more). The water-resistant adhesive may specifically comprise a ethylene vinyl acetate (e.g., rather than polyvinyl alcohol or other adhesives which do not adequately maintain peel strength), loaded between the layers of the substrate, e.g., up to 10 gsm. The wipe may have a peel strength of at least from 0.15 lbf-in, even after being soaked in the cleaning composition. Such pulp substrate wipes are formed from sustainable materials, while providing desired characteristics of strength and efficacy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Nikhil P. Dani, Mark D. Pszczolkowski, Abhishek Kher
  • Publication number: 20200040496
    Abstract: Methods for manufacturing wipes including melamine entangled into a nonwoven, and associated articles of manufacture. Such a method may include providing a melamine sheet (e.g., contiguous, rather than discrete melamine particles), providing first and second nonwoven sheets, and positioning the melamine sheet between the first and second nonwoven sheets. The sandwich structure is hydro-entangled at high pressure to force the melamine material to become entangled into the nonwoven material, to a degree that a portion of the melamine is actually exposed on the exterior face(s) of the wipe, which are generally provided by the nonwoven sheets. Such a wipe exhibits the drapability of a wipe, with the scrubbing benefits (e.g., very effective cleaning of baseboards, crayon off walls, etc.) of melamine, with greater durability than existing melamine cleaning articles, which tend to quickly crumble during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventor: Nikhil P. Dani
  • Publication number: 20190374880
    Abstract: In one example, a core cover includes an inner wall that defines a fluid passageway configured to communicate with an interior of a filter core when the core cover is engaged with the filter core. As well, the core cover includes an outer wall spaced apart from the inner wall, and a complementary structure located on the outer wall and configured to engage a corresponding complementary structure of a filter core. Finally, the core cover includes one or more indicia that indicate a flow rate, or range of flow rates, associated with the core cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Publication date: December 12, 2019
    Inventors: Nikhil P. Dani, Russell Bell
  • Patent number: 10480110
    Abstract: Methods for manufacturing wipes including melamine entangled into a nonwoven, and associated articles of manufacture. Such a method may include providing a melamine sheet (e.g., contiguous, rather than discrete melamine particles), providing first and second nonwoven sheets, and positioning the melamine sheet between the first and second nonwoven sheets. The sandwich structure is hydro-entangled at high pressure to force the melamine material to become entangled into the nonwoven material, to a degree that a portion of the melamine is actually exposed on the exterior face(s) of the wipe, which are generally provided by the nonwoven sheets. Such a wipe exhibits the drapability of a wipe, with the scrubbing benefits (e.g., very effective cleaning of baseboards, crayon off walls, etc.) of melamine, with greater durability than existing melamine cleaning articles, which tend to quickly crumble during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventor: Nikhil P. Dani
  • Patent number: 10479697
    Abstract: The invention relates to container bodies configured to be used in filter-as-you-pour systems, where filtering is achieved as the user pours water from the container. Such container bodies may have an undivided internal storage volume, so as to not include a reservoir compartment for unfiltered water. They may be part of systems configured to filter water both as water is introduced into a container body of the system and as water is poured from the container body of the system. The filter assembly may be attached to the container body at a location proximate the outlet of the system. Filter media of the filter assembly may comprise an activated carbon textile material that presents a curved surface to water passing through the filter assembly. The container body may be configured as a pitcher, carafe, water bottle, jug, or other shaped container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: BRITA LP
    Inventors: Nikhil P. Dani, Jonathan McDonald, Nicole Doan, Jonathan Taylor Wiegele
  • Publication number: 20190329299
    Abstract: A pre-loaded cleaning substrate, and related systems and methods for picking up particles with an aspect ratio (L/D) greater than 300 (e.g., hair), or greater than 1200 (e.g., particularly long hairs). The substrate (e.g., a nonwoven) may include only a single layer of material. The pre-loaded substrate is loaded (e.g., during manufacture) with a cleaning composition. The fibers of the substrate may have an average diameter less than 15 ?m, the substrate may have an air permeability of 35 ft3/min to 75 ft3/min, and the liquid cleaning composition may have a surface tension of less than about 50 dynes/cm. Together, the combination of the particular substrate and cleaning composition may facilitate markedly improved ability to pick up high L/D aspect ratio particle debris (e.g., such as hair), while retaining such particles (e.g., providing hair retention index values of at least 20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Publication date: October 31, 2019
    Inventors: Ashish K. Jha, Nikhil P. Dani, David R. Scheuing, Nancy A. Falk, Bryan K. Parrish
  • Patent number: D881336
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Brita LP
    Inventors: Nikhil P. Dani, Russell Bell