Patents by Inventor Thomas A. Eby
Thomas A. Eby 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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Publication number: 20220137067Abstract: The present invention provides a cell-based assay for measuring antibody potency. Antigen, bound to a surface, is contacted with the antibody which in turn is contacted with a reporter cell. Compositions and kits are also contemplated.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2021Publication date: May 5, 2022Applicant: Genentech, Inc.Inventors: Alexis DeHaven DUNKLE, Jeongsup SHIM, Sahim Xavier WALLACE, Linda Git-Mon CHAN, Catherine CRUZ, Michael Thomas EBY
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Patent number: 11084916Abstract: A polymeric material having a multimodal pore size distribution is provided. The material is formed by applying a stress to a thermoplastic composition that contains first and second inclusion additives dispersed within a continuous phase that includes a matrix polymer. Through the use of particular types of inclusion additives and careful control over the manner in which such additives are dispersed within the polymer matrix, the present inventors have discovered that a unique, multimodal porous structure can be achieved.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2014Date of Patent: August 10, 2021Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventors: Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Ryan J. McEneany, Theodore T. Tower, David Glen Biggs, Neil T. Scholl, Thomas A. Eby, Antonio J. Carrillo
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Publication number: 20210180216Abstract: Fibers that are formed from a thermoplastic composition that contains a rigid renewable polyester and has a voided structure and low density are provided. To achieve such a structure, the renewable polyester is blended with a polymeric toughening additive in which the toughening additive can be dispersed as discrete physical domains within a continuous matrix of the renewable polyester. Fibers are thereafter formed and then stretched or drawn at a temperature below the glass transition temperature of the polyester (i.e., “cold drawn”).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2020Publication date: June 17, 2021Inventors: Ryan J. McEneany, Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Neil T. Scholl, Thomas A. Eby
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Patent number: 10889696Abstract: Microparticles that have a multimodal pore size distribution are provided, Notably, the pore structure of the present invention can be formed without the need for complex techniques and solvent chemistries traditionally employed to form porous microparticles. Instead, the microparticles contain a polymeric material that is formed from a thermoplastic composition, which is simply strained to a certain degree to achieve the desired porous network structure.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2014Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Neil T. Scholl, Ryan J. McEneany, Thomas A. Eby
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Patent number: 10858762Abstract: Fibers that are formed from a thermoplastic composition that contains a rigid renewable polyester and has a voided structure and low density are provided. To achieve such a structure, the renewable polyester is blended with a polymeric toughening additive in which the toughening additive can be dispersed as discrete physical domains within a continuous matrix of the renewable polyester. Fibers are thereafter formed and then stretched or drawn at a temperature below the glass transition temperature of the polyester (i.e., “cold drawn”).Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2012Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventors: Ryan J. McEneany, Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Neil T. Scholl, Thomas A. Eby
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Patent number: 10815374Abstract: A film that is formed from a thermoplastic composition is provided. The thermoplastic composition contains a rigid renewable polyester and a polymeric toughening additive. The toughening additive can be dispersed as discrete physical domains within a continuous matrix of the renewable polyester. An increase in deformation force and elongational strain causes debonding to occur in the renewable polyester matrix at those areas located adjacent to the discrete domains. This can result in the formation of a plurality of voids adjacent to the discrete domains that can help to dissipate energy under load and increase tensile elongation. To even further increase the ability of the film to dissipate energy in this manner, the present inventors have discovered that an interphase modifier may be employed that reduces the degree of friction between the toughening additive and renewable polyester and thus reduces the stiffness (tensile modulus) of the film.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2015Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Ryan J. McEneany, Neil T. Scholl, Thomas A. Eby
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Patent number: 10718069Abstract: A method for forming biodegradable fibers is provided. The method includes blending polylactic acid with a polyepoxide modifier to form a thermoplastic composition, extruding the thermoplastic composition through a die, and thereafter passing the extruded composition through a die to form a fiber. Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that the polyepoxide modifier reacts with the polylactic acid and results in branching of its polymer backbone, thereby improving its melt strength and stability during fiber spinning without significantly reducing glass transition temperature. The reaction-induced branching can also increase molecular weight, which may lead to improved fiber ductility and the ability to better dissipate energy when subjected to an elongation force. Through selective control over this method, the present inventors have discovered that the resulting fibers may exhibit good mechanical properties, both during and after melt spinning.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2014Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Ryan J. McEneany, Thomas A. Eby, Tyler J. Lark
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Publication number: 20190183690Abstract: A leg gasket for a disposable absorbent article includes a laminate having a core structure with a first surface and a second surface, the core structure including an elastic core layer and a plastic core layer, wherein the elastic core layer is one of a film, a plurality of strands, and a plurality of strips, wherein the plastic core layer is one of a film layer, a plurality of strands, and a plurality of strips, and wherein at least one of the elastic and plastic core layers is a film; and a nonwoven first facing layer affixed to the first surface. Also, a disposable absorbent article includes a chassis including an absorbent structure and the leg gasket described above.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2017Publication date: June 20, 2019Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventors: Davis Dang H. Nhan, Richard N. Dodge, Peiguang Zhou, WanDuk Lee, Thomas A. Eby, David G. Biggs
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Patent number: 10195157Abstract: A delivery system containing an active agent within a polymeric material formed from a thermoplastic composition is provided. Through selective control over the particular nature of the thermoplastic composition, as well as the manner in which it is formed, the present inventors have discovered that a porous network can be created that contains a plurality of micropores and nanopores. The ability to create such a multimodal pore size distribution can allow the delivery rate of an active agent to be tailored for a particular use.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2014Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Neil T. Scholl, Ryan J. McEneany, Thomas A. Eby
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Patent number: 10144825Abstract: A thermoplastic composition that contains a rigid renewable polyester and a polymeric toughening additive is provided. The toughening additive can be dispersed as discrete physical domains within a continuous matrix of the renewable polyester. An increase in the deformation force and elongational strain causes debonding to occur in the renewable polyester matrix at those areas located adjacent to the discrete domains. This can result in the formation of a plurality of voids adjacent to the discrete domains that can help to dissipate energy under load and increase impact strength. To even further increase the ability of the composition to dissipate energy in this manner, an interphase modifier may be employed that reduces the degree of friction between the toughening additive and renewable polyester and thus enhances the degree and uniformity of debonding.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2015Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Neil T. Scholl, Ryan J. McEneany, Thomas A. Eby
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Patent number: 10058513Abstract: A delivery system containing an active agent within a polymeric material formed from a thermoplastic composition is provided. Through selective control over the particular nature of the thermoplastic composition, as well as the manner in which it is formed, the present inventors have discovered that a porous network can be created that contains a plurality of micropores and nanopores. The ability to create such a multimodal pore size distribution can allow the delivery rate of an active agent to be tailored for a particular use.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2014Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Neil T. Scholl, Ryan J. McEneany, Thomas A. Eby
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Patent number: 9518181Abstract: A thermoplastic composition that contains a rigid renewable polyester and has a voided structure and low density is provided. To achieve such a structure, the renewable polyester is blended with a polymeric toughening additive to form a precursor material in which the toughening additive can be dispersed as discrete physical domains within a continuous matrix of the renewable polyester. The precursor material is thereafter stretched or drawn at a temperature below the glass transition temperature of the polyester (i.e., “cold drawn”). This creates a network of voids located adjacent to the discrete domains, which as a result of their proximal location, can form a bridge between the boundaries of the voids and act as internal structural “hinges” that help stabilize the network and increase its ability to dissipate energy. The present inventors have also discovered that the voids can be distributed in a substantially homogeneous fashion throughout the composition.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2015Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Neil T. Scholl, Ryan J. McEneany, Thomas A. Eby, Vasily A. Topolkaraev
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Publication number: 20160193157Abstract: A delivery system containing an active agent within a polymeric material formed from a thermoplastic composition is provided. Through selective control over the particular nature of the thermoplastic composition, as well as the manner in which it is formed, the present inventors have discovered that a porous network can be created that contains a plurality of micropores and nanopores. The ability to create such a multimodal pore size distribution can allow the delivery rate of an active agent to be tailored for a particular use.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2014Publication date: July 7, 2016Inventors: Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Neil T. Scholl, Ryan J. McEneany, Thomas A. Eby
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Publication number: 20160168349Abstract: Microparticles that have a multimodal pore size distribution are provided, Notably, the pore structure of the present invention can be formed without the need for complex techniques and solvent chemistries traditionally employed to form porous microparticles. Instead, the microparticles contain a polymeric material that is formed from a thermoplastic composition, which is simply strained to a certain degree to achieve the desired porous network structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2014Publication date: June 16, 2016Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Neil T. Scholl, Ryan J. McEneany, Thomas A. Eby
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Publication number: 20160102185Abstract: A polymeric material having a multimodal pore size distribution is provided. The material is formed by applying a stress to a thermoplastic composition that contains first and second inclusion additives dispersed within a continuous phase that includes a matrix polymer. Through the use of particular types of inclusion additives and careful control over the manner in which such additives are dispersed within the polymer matrix, the present inventors have discovered that a unique, multimodal porous structure can be achieved.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2014Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventors: Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Ryan J. McEneany, Theodore T. Tower, David Glen Biggs, Neil T. Scholl, Thomas A. Eby, Antonio J. Carrillo
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Publication number: 20150225565Abstract: A thermoplastic composition that contains a rigid renewable polyester and has a voided structure and low density is provided. To achieve such a structure, the renewable polyester is blended with a polymeric toughening additive to form a precursor material in which the toughening additive can be dispersed as discrete physical domains within a continuous matrix of the renewable polyester. The precursor material is thereafter stretched or drawn at a temperature below the glass transition temperature of the polyester (i.e., “cold drawn”). This creates a network of voids located adjacent to the discrete domains, which as a result of their proximal location, can form a bridge between the boundaries of the voids and act as internal structural “hinges” that help stabilize the network and increase its ability to dissipate energy. The present inventors have also discovered that the voids can be distributed in a substantially homogeneous fashion throughout the composition.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2015Publication date: August 13, 2015Inventors: Neil T. Scholl, Ryan J. McEneany, Thomas A. Eby, Vasily A. Topolkaraev
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Publication number: 20150159012Abstract: A film that is formed from a thermoplastic composition is provided. The thermoplastic composition contains a rigid renewable polyester and a polymeric toughening additive. The toughening additive can be dispersed as discrete physical domains within a continuous matrix of the renewable polyester. An increase in deformation force and elongational strain causes debonding to occur in the renewable polyester matrix at those areas located adjacent to the discrete domains. This can result in the formation of a plurality of voids adjacent to the discrete domains that can help to dissipate energy under load and increase tensile elongation. To even further increase the ability of the film to dissipate energy in this manner, the present inventors have discovered that an interphase modifier may be employed that reduces the degree of friction between the toughening additive and renewable polyester and thus reduces the stiffness (tensile modulus) of the film.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2015Publication date: June 11, 2015Inventors: Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Ryan J. McEneany, Neil T. Scholl, Thomas A. Eby
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Publication number: 20150152261Abstract: A thermoplastic composition that contains a rigid renewable polyester and a polymeric toughening additive is provided. The toughening additive can be dispersed as discrete physical domains within a continuous matrix of the renewable polyester. An increase in the deformation force and elongational strain causes debonding to occur in the renewable polyester matrix at those areas located adjacent to the discrete domains. This can result in the formation of a plurality of voids adjacent to the discrete domains that can help to dissipate energy under load and increase impact strength. To even further increase the ability of the composition to dissipate energy in this manner, an interphase modifier may be employed that reduces the degree of friction between the toughening additive and renewable polyester and thus enhances the degree and uniformity of debonding.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2015Publication date: June 4, 2015Inventors: Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Neil T. Scholl, Ryan J. McEneany, Thomas A. Eby
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Patent number: 9040598Abstract: A thermoplastic composition that contains a rigid renewable polyester and has a voided structure and low density is provided. To achieve such a structure, the renewable polyester is blended with a polymeric toughening additive to form a precursor material in which the toughening additive can be dispersed as discrete physical domains within a continuous matrix of the renewable polyester. The precursor material is thereafter stretched or drawn at a temperature below the glass transition temperature of the polyester (i.e., “cold drawn”). This creates a network of voids located adjacent to the discrete domains, which as a result of their proximal location, can form a bridge between the boundaries of the voids and act as internal structural “hinges” that help stabilize the network and increase its ability to dissipate energy. The present inventors have also discovered that the voids can be distributed in a substantially homogeneous fashion throughout the composition.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2012Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Neil T. Scholl, Ryan J. McEneany, Thomas A. Eby, Vasily A. Topolkaraev
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Patent number: 8980964Abstract: A film that is formed from a thermoplastic composition is provided. The thermoplastic composition contains a rigid renewable polyester and a polymeric toughening additive. The toughening additive can be dispersed as discrete physical domains within a continuous matrix of the renewable polyester. An increase in deformation force and elongational strain causes debonding to occur in the renewable polyester matrix at those areas located adjacent to the discrete domains. This can result in the formation of a plurality of voids adjacent to the discrete domains that can help to dissipate energy under load and increase tensile elongation. To even further increase the ability of the film to dissipate energy in this manner, the present inventors have discovered that an interphase modifier may be employed that reduces the degree of friction between the toughening additive and renewable polyester and thus reduces the stiffness (tensile modulus) of the film.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2012Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Ryan J. McEneany, Neil T. Scholl, Thomas A. Eby