Patents by Inventor Steven Craig Gehling

Steven Craig Gehling 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: 7341737
    Abstract: A tampon adapted to deliver a therapeutic agent, the tampon including a tampon body having a distal end; and a dosage form affixed to the distal end of the tampon body, wherein the dosage form includes a formulation including a therapeutic agent, and wherein the dosage form comprises a plurality of layers. Also, a method for manufacturing a medicated tampon adapted to deliver a therapeutic agent, the method including manufacturing a tampon body having a distal end; producing a dosage form having a plurality of layers, wherein the dosage form includes a formulation including a therapeutic agent; and affixing the dosage form to the distal end of the tampon body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Craig Gehling, Donald C. Harrison, James H. Liu, Wolfgang A. Ritschel, Chris Clendening, Giovanni M. Pauletti
  • Patent number: 7000260
    Abstract: A disposable garment, subassemblies of the garment, and apparatus and methods for making the garment and subassemblies. The garment has elasticized leg and waist openings. The apparatus and methods of the invention facilitate assembling leg elastics and crotch elastics into the garment subassemblies, with the leg elastics extending across the width of the garment, and the crotch elastics extending along the length of the garment, while assembling a series of the garment subassemblies in a continuous web structure at a constant, or relatively constant, continuous and efficient speed. The leg elastics are installed across the crotch. The resulting garment is free from resilient tension across the crotch when the crotch portion is extended across the width of the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory John Rajala, Steven Craig Gehling, Paul Daniel Suke
  • Patent number: 6899700
    Abstract: A tampon adapted to deliver a therapeutic agent includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end. The body includes an absorbency zone adjacent the distal end, wherein the absorbency zone includes absorbent material; an application zone adjacent the proximal end and spaced apart from the distal end; and a therapeutic agent positioned substantially within the application zone. A method produces a device for delivering a therapeutic agent. The method includes manufacturing a tampon having a body with a distal end, a proximal end, an absorbency zone adjacent the distal end, and an application zone adjacent the proximal end; and locating a therapeutic agent substantially within the application zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Craig Gehling, Charles Christopher Keely, Jeffrey Dean Lindsay, Kimberly Marie Geiser, David William Koenig, Bernard Joseph Minerath, Barbara Jo Dvoracek, David John Tyrrell, Duane Gerard Krzysik
  • Publication number: 20030196253
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a three dimensional disposable garment, subassemblies of the garment, and apparatus and methods for making the garment and subassemblies. The garment is designed to hold a primary absorbent sanitary pad. The garment may have elasticized leg and waist openings and be stretchable about the hip and stomach regions of a user. The garment provides backup protection to control egress of fluids that leak or seep around or through the primary sanitary pad. The garment includes a secondary absorbent positioned in the crotch area and extending into the body of the disposable garment, front and back, and preferably over the leg elastics to trap, inside the garment, leakage from the primary absorbent, and to prevent strike through onto e.g. outer clothing and bed linen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory John Rajala, Steven Craig Gehling, Paul Daniel Suke
  • Publication number: 20030144639
    Abstract: A tampon adapted to deliver a therapeutic agent, the tampon including a tampon body having a distal end; and a dosage form affixed to the distal end of the tampon body, wherein the dosage form includes a formulation including a therapeutic agent, and wherein the dosage form comprises a plurality of layers. Also, a method for manufacturing a medicated tampon adapted to deliver a therapeutic agent, the method including manufacturing a tampon body having a distal end; producing a dosage form having a plurality of layers, wherein the dosage form includes a formulation including a therapeutic agent; and affixing the dosage form to the distal end of the tampon body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Steven Craig Gehling
  • Publication number: 20030139709
    Abstract: A tampon adapted to deliver a therapeutic agent, the tampon including a tampon body that is manufactured at a first manufacturing facility; and a dosage form coupled to the body, wherein the dosage form includes a formulation including a therapeutic agent, and wherein the dosage form is manufactured at a second manufacturing facility. Also, a method for producing a medicated tampon including manufacturing a tampon body at a first manufacturing facility; manufacturing a dosage form at a second manufacturing facility, wherein the dosage form includes a formulation including a therapeutic agent; and coupling the dosage form to the tampon body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventor: Steven Craig Gehling
  • Publication number: 20030045829
    Abstract: A tampon is adapted to deliver a therapeutic agent, the tampon including a body having a proximal end and a distal end, the body including an absorbency zone adjacent the distal end, wherein the absorbency zone includes absorbent material; an application zone adjacent the proximal end and spaced apart from the distal end; and a therapeutic agent positioned substantially within the application zone. A method produces a device for delivering a therapeutic agent, the method including manufacturing a tampon having a body with a distal end, a proximal end, an absorbency zone adjacent the distal end, and an application zone adjacent the proximal end; and locating a therapeutic agent substantially within the application zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Craig Gehling, Charles Christopher Keely, Jeffrey Dean Lindsay, Kimberly Marie Geiser, David William Koenig, Bernard Joseph Minerath, Barbara Jo Dvoracek, David John Tyrrell, Duane Gerard Krzysik
  • Patent number: 6260211
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a three dimensional disposable garment, subassemblies of the garment, and apparatus and methods for making the garment and subassemblies. The garment is designed to hold a primary absorbent sanitary pad. The garment may have elasticized leg and waist openings and be stretchable about the hip and stomach regions of a user. The garment provides backup protection to control egress of fluids that leak or seep around or through the primary sanitary pad. The garment includes a secondary absorbent positioned in the crotch area and extending into the body of the disposable garment, front and back, and preferably over the leg elastics to trap, inside the garment, leakage from the primary absorbent, and to prevent strike through onto e.g. outer clothing and bed linen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory John Rajala, Steven Craig Gehling, Paul Daniel Suke
  • Patent number: 6217690
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a three dimensional disposable garment, subassemblies of the garment, and apparatus and methods for making the garment and subassemblies. The garment is designed to hold a primary absorbent sanitary pad. The garment may have elasticized leg and waist openings and be stretchable about the hip and stomach regions of a user. The garment provides backup protection to control egress of fluids that leak or seep around or through the primary sanitary pad. The garment includes a secondary absorbent positioned in the crotch area and extending into the body of the disposable garment, front and back, and preferably over the leg elastics to trap, inside the garment, leakage from the primary absorbent, and to prevent strike through onto e.g. outer clothing and bed linen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory John Rajala, Steven Craig Gehling, Paul Daniel Suke
  • Patent number: 6098203
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a three dimensional disposable garment, subassemblies of the garment, and apparatus and methods for making the garment and subassemblies. The garment is designed to hold a primary absorbent sanitary pad. The garment may have elasticized leg and waist openings and be stretchable about the hip and stomach regions of a user. The garment provides backup protection to control egress of fluids that leak or seep around or through the primary sanitary pad. The garment includes a secondary absorbent positioned in the crotch area and extending into the body of the disposable garment, front and back, and preferably over the leg elastics to trap, inside the garment, leakage from the primary absorbent, and to prevent strike through onto e.g. outer clothing and bed linen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory John Rajala, Steven Craig Gehling, Paul Daniel Suke
  • Patent number: 6049916
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a three dimensional disposable garment, subassemblies of the garment, and apparatus and methods for making the garment and subassemblies. The garment is designed to hold a primary absorbent sanitary pad. The garment may have elasticized leg and waist openings and be stretchable about the hip and stomach regions of a user. The garment provides backup protection to control egress of fluids that leak or seep around or through the primary sanitary pad. The garment includes a secondary absorbent positioned in the crotch area and extending into the body of the disposable garment, front and back, and preferably over the leg elastics to trap, inside the garment, leakage from the primary absorbent, and to prevent strike through onto e.g. outer clothing and bed linen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark World, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory John Rajala, Steven Craig Gehling, Paul Daniel Suke
  • Patent number: 5940887
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a three dimensional garment and subassemblies of the garment. The garment has an elasticized leg and waist openings and is stretchable about the hip and stomach regions of a user. The garment provides superior fit about the legs especially in the crotch area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory John Rajala, Steven Craig Gehling
  • Patent number: 5745922
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a three dimensional disposable garment, subassemblies of the garment, and apparatus and methods for making the garment and subassemblies. The garment is designed to hold a primary absorbent sanitary pad. The garment may have elasticized leg and waist openings and be stretchable about the hip and stomach regions of a user. The garment provides backup protection to control egress of fluids that leak or seep around or through the primary sanitary pad. The garment includes a secondary absorbent positioned in the crotch area and extending into the body of the disposable garment, front and back, and preferably over the leg elastics to trap, inside the garment, leakage from the primary absorbent, and to prevent strike through onto e.g. outer clothing and bed linen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Kimberly Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory John Rajala, Steven Craig Gehling, Paul Daniel Suke
  • Patent number: 5667608
    Abstract: This invention pertains to apparatus and methods for processing workpieces on a moving continuous web using ultrasonic energy. The ultrasonic system includes one or more sets, each set containing first and second ultrasonic application devices, corresponding to an ultrasonic horn and a corresponding anvil. A first element of the set is mounted on a rotating work drum which carries the web of workpieces while the workpieces are being processed with ultrasonic energy. The second element of the set is mounted for rotation with the work drum. As the work drum rotates, the second element rotates with the drum. With each rotation of the work drum, the second element extends over the work drum and the first element, ultrasonic energy is applied to the workpiece, and the second element withdraws from over the work drum and the first element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory John Rajala, Steven Craig Gehling, Dean Edward Paszek
  • Patent number: 5660657
    Abstract: This invention pertains to methods for use in constructing a garment including a stretched elastic. Specifically, the invention contemplates incorporating stretched elastic into a continuous web, including one or more segments which exert retractive forces in directions counterproductive to the function of either the web, the garment, or both, and nullifying that portion of the stretched elastic which would be counterproductive. The elastics may be cut at appropriate loci. The stretch may be intermittently reduced or eliminated on one or more selected ones of the elastics as the elastics are incorporated into the web. A special coating may be used on the processing rolls to maintain the width dimension of the web at loci disposed after incorporation of elastic stretched across the transverse dimension of the web. Transverse bonds may be formed on the web using a rotary carrying drum, and energy application devices which rotate with the drum, to increase bond forming time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory John Rajala, Paul Daniel Suke, Steven Craig Gehling, Gerald Leigh Rabe
  • Patent number: 5660679
    Abstract: This invention pertains to apparatus and methods for processing workpieces on a moving continuous web using ultrasonic energy. The ultrasonic system includes one or more sets, each set containing first and second ultrasonic application devices, corresponding to an ultrasonic horn and a corresponding anvil. A first element of the set is mounted on a rotating work drum which carries the web of workpieces while the workpieces are being processed with ultrasonic energy. The second element of the set is mounted for rotation with the work drum. As the work drum rotates, the second element rotates with the drum. With each rotation of the work drum, the second element extends over the work drum and the first element, ultrasonic energy is applied to the workpiece, and the second element withdraws from over the work drum and the first element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory John Rajala, Steven Craig Gehling, Dean Edward Paszek
  • Patent number: 5643396
    Abstract: This invention pertains to apparatus for use in constructing a garment including a stretched elastic. Specifically, the invention contemplates incorporating stretched elastic into a continuous web, including one or more segments which exert retractive forces in directions counterproductive to the function of either the web, the garment, or both, and nullifying that portion of the stretched elastic which would be counterproductive. The elastics may be cut at appropriate loci. The stretch may be intermittently reduced or eliminated on one or more selected ones of the elastics as the elastics are incorporated into the web. A special coating may be used on the processing rolls to maintain the width dimension of the web at loci disposed after incorporation of elastic stretched across the transverse dimension of the web. Transverse bonds may be formed on the web using a rotary carrying drum, and energy application devices which rotate with the drum, to increase bond forming time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory John Rajala, Paul Daniel Suke, Steven Craig Gehling, Gerald Leigh Rabe