Patents by Inventor Robert M. Hill

Robert M. Hill 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: 11365495
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process and apparatus for formation of a fluid-entangled laminate web. The laminate web includes a support layer and a nonwoven projection web having a plurality of projections which are preferably hollow. The laminate web also includes a plurality of apertures interspersed with the projections. As a result of the fluid-entangling process, entangling fluid is directed through the support layer and into the projection web which is situated on a forming surface. The force of the entangling fluid causes the two layers to be joined to one another and the fluid causes a portion of the fibers in the projection web to be forced into openings present in a forming surface thereby forming the hollow projections. The force of the entangling fluid also causes the fibers of the two layers to be moved around protrusions present in the forming surface thereby forming the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Mark J. Beitz, Stacy E. Evenson, Andrew T. Hammond, Sarah Kleuskens, Amy Q. Feng, Patrick D. Abney, Kevin G. Dolan, Robert M. Hill, Kroy D. Johnson, Niall Finn, Andy Butler, Danielle Kirby, Phil Penaia
  • Publication number: 20200378044
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process and apparatus for formation of a fluid-entangled laminate web. The laminate web includes a support layer and a nonwoven projection web having a plurality of projections which are preferably hollow. The laminate web also includes a plurality of apertures interspersed with the projections. As a result of the fluid-entangling process, entangling fluid is directed through the support layer and into the projection web which is situated on a forming surface. The force of the entangling fluid causes the two layers to be joined to one another and the fluid causes a portion of the fibers in the projection web to be forced into openings present in a forming surface thereby forming the hollow projections. The force of the entangling fluid also causes the fibers of the two layers to be moved around protrusions present in the forming surface thereby forming the apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventors: Mark J. Beitz, Stacy E. Evenson, Andrew T. Hammond, Sarah Kleuskens, Amy Q. Feng, Patrick D. Abney, Kevin G. Dolan, Robert M. Hill, Kroy D. Johnson, Niall Finn, Andy Butler, Danielle Kirby, Phil Penaia
  • Patent number: 10517779
    Abstract: An absorbent article (10) can include a pocket (64) disposed in the front waist region 12. The pocket (64) can include a first side edge (70), a second side edge (72), an upper lateral edge (74), and a lower lateral edge (76). The pocket (64) can be closed with respect to the absorbent assembly (44) at least at the first side edge (70) and the second side edge (72) and can be open with respect to the absorbent assembly (44) at least at the lower lateral edge (76). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the upper lateral edge (74) can be closer to the front waist edge (22) of the absorbent article (10) than is the first end edge (40) of the absorbent body (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Nicole J. Barna, Sara Stabelfeldt, David F. Bishop, Nancy E. Dawson, Robert M. Hill, Eric D. Johnson, Paul A. Weber, Georgia L. Zehner
  • Patent number: 9788694
    Abstract: A dispensing container for dispensable wipes generally comprises a base at least partially defining an internal compartment for storing the wipes and a dispensing partition connected to the base. The dispensing partition comprises a flexible material having an aperture defined therein through which the wipes are individually removable. The dispensing partition is configured to move from a first position to a second position when one of the wipes is removed from the container through the aperture. The dispensing partition is biased towards the first position, and is at least partially inverted from the first position when in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Robert M. Hill, Kevin Christopher Possell, Christopher Martin Pieper
  • Publication number: 20170246058
    Abstract: An absorbent article (10) can include a pocket (64) disposed in the front waist region 12. The pocket (64) can include a first side edge (70), a second side edge (72), an upper lateral edge (74), and a lower lateral edge (76). The pocket (64) can be closed with respect to the absorbent assembly (44) at least at the first side edge (70) and the second side edge (72) and can be open with respect to the absorbent assembly (44) at least at the lower lateral edge (76). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the upper lateral edge (74) can be closer to the front waist edge (22) of the absorbent article (10) than is the first end edge (40) of the absorbent body (34).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Nicole J. Barna, Sara Stabelfeldt, David F. Bishop, Nancy E. Dawson, Robert M. Hill, Eric D. Johnson, Paul A. Weber, Georgia L. Zehner
  • Publication number: 20150272406
    Abstract: A dispensing container for dispensable wipes generally comprises a base at least partially defining an internal compartment for storing the wipes and a dispensing partition connected to the base. The dispensing partition comprises a flexible material having an aperture defined therein through which the wipes are individually removable. The dispensing partition is configured to move from a first position to a second position when one of the wipes is removed from the container through the aperture. The dispensing partition is biased towards the first position, and is at least partially inverted from the first position when in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Hill, Kevin Christopher Possell, Christopher Martin Pieper
  • Patent number: 9027749
    Abstract: A container for storing wipes that can be dispensed by a consumer includes a container body. The container body includes a bottom wall, a midsection, and a top wall. The container body can define an interior cavity for storing the wipes. The container can further include a dispensing aperture in the container body and a lid. The lid is configured to be opened and closed, providing access to the dispensing aperture when open and hindering access to the dispensing aperture when closed. The lid can be urged to the closed position when the lid is in a first range of positions between the open position and the closed position and can be urged to the open position when the lid is in a second range of positions between the open position and the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Hill, Ryan L. Fulscher, Robert Schlaupitz, Kevin C. Possell, Kroy D. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20140305819
    Abstract: A container for storing wipes that can be dispensed by a consumer is disclosed. The container includes a container body. The container body includes a bottom wall, a midsection, and a top wall. The container body can define an interior cavity for storing the wipes. The container can further include a dispensing aperture in the container body and a lid. The lid is configured to be opened and closed, providing access to the dispensing aperture when open and hindering access to the dispensing aperture when closed. The lid can be urged to the closed position when the lid is in a first range of positions between the open position and the closed position and can be urged to the open position when the lid is in a second range of positions between the open position and the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Hill, Ryan L. Fulscher, Robert Schlaupitz, Kevin C. Possell, Kroy D. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20140305958
    Abstract: A container for storing wipes that can be dispensed by a consumer is disclosed. The container includes a container body defining an interior cavity for storing the wipes. The container can further include a lid configured to be opened and closed, providing access to the dispensing aperture when open and hindering access to the dispensing aperture when closed. The container can exhibit a Stability Value greater than about 24 on a Tip Test when the container is oriented in a forward facing direction or a rear facing direction during the Tip Test and a Stability Value greater than about 30 on a Tip Test when the container is oriented in a side facing direction during the Tip Test.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Hill, Robert Schlaupitz, Ryan L. Fulscher, Kevin C. Possell, Kroy D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5035540
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting a survey to determine the location and elevation of a buried pipeline located in a shallow water environment. The method includes determining whether submerged obstacles are located between the ends of that portion of the line being measured and measuring the depth of the line by taking magnetic sounding of the buried line at spaced intervals by crossing the line at longitudinally spaced points with the magnetic survey apparatus. The apparatus includes a towed sled for carrying the magnetic sensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Assignee: Eastport International
    Inventors: Robert M. Hill, Gordon Barksdale
  • Patent number: 4324195
    Abstract: A device for underwater taking in and paying out of a submarine cable or tether feeding a remote controlled submarine. A stationary guide tube has a funnel above and below it for guiding a tether therethrough. The tether is moved by a power driven wheel projecting into the guide tube. A dome spaced above the guide tube is shaped to deflect the tether into an annular storage chamber around the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1982
    Assignee: Perry Oceanographics, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank D. Cunningham, Michael A. Witt, Robert M. Hill
  • Patent number: 4258334
    Abstract: Halogen transfer laser method and means are disclosed employing a dilute mixture of molecular halogen vapor in high pressure noble gas. Noble gas atoms and molecules are excited by use of electrons to high energy metastable and/or excimer states. Collisional and/or radiative transfer of electronic excitation from the excited noble gas atoms and molecules to the lasing halogen molecules takes place for excitation of halogen molecules to upper ionic states in sufficient number to establish a population inversion in the electronic energy levels thereof for lasing. In addition to halogens, halogen-bearing compounds which dissociate and appropriately recombine to provide diatomic halogen for lasing also may be used. The laser is tunable over an electromagnetic energy range which includes ultraviolet radiation. Operation at high peak power levels with high efficiency is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1976
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1981
    Assignee: SRI International
    Inventors: Michael V. McCusker, Donald C. Lorents, Robert M. Hill, Davis L. Huestis
  • Patent number: 4070580
    Abstract: Isotope separation method and means are shown wherein an atomic beam containing two or more isotopes is exposed to radiation at a predetermined first wavelength to excite atoms of only one said isotope to a first intermediate excited state without substantially exciting atoms of other isotopes. These excited atoms are excited by a second radiation source at a second predetermined wavelength to a state of high principal quantum number, a Rydberg state, beneath the ionization continuum, again substantially without exciting atoms of said other isotopes to such high energy levels since substantially none of the other isotopes are in the intermediate excited state. From this bound atomic level only slightly below the ionization limit, the highly excited atoms are field ionized by electron tunneling and thence removed from the nonionized atoms by use of a moderate electric field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1978
    Assignee: Stanford Research Institute
    Inventors: Thomas F. Gallagher, Robert M. Hill, Stephen A. Edelstein
  • Patent number: 4024396
    Abstract: Highly sensitive method and apparatus for photon detection in the microwave and infrared regions of the electromagnetic energy spectrum are shown in which atoms of a material in the vapor state are excited to a first Rydberg energy level by use of radiation from one or more laser beams. The Rydberg excited material is subjected to the low energy radiation to be detected to induce therein an allowed electric dipole transition from said first to a second Rydberg energy level of the same or quite similar principal quantum number. Spontaneous high energy emission as a result of a distinctive radiative transition from said second Rydberg energy level is detected independently of other radiative transitions by conventional photodetector means such as a photomultiplier operable within the optical spectrum. The photomultiplier output provides a measure of said radiation to be detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1977
    Assignee: Stanford Research Institute
    Inventors: Robert M. Hill, Thomas F. Gallagher
  • Patent number: D411484
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventor: Robert M. Hill
  • Patent number: D768009
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan L. Fulscher, Robert M. Hill, Robert Schlaupitz, Kroy D. Johnson, Kevin C. Possell