Patents by Inventor Thomas G. Neal

Thomas G. Neal 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: 8414738
    Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a multiple ply tissue product that includes a first ply and a second ply. The first ply includes a first outwardly facing layer having hardwood fibers, a second layer having softwood fibers, and a third layer having at least about 10 percent by weight post-consumer recycled fiber, wherein the second layer is positioned between the first layer and the third layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael John Rekoske, Thomas G. Neal, Jr., Nicholas A. Kraft, Benjamin Joseph Kruchoski
  • Patent number: 7807024
    Abstract: A system and method for transferring a continuously advancing paper web from a dryer to a reel section is provided. The system includes a first fabric defining a first moving conveyor. The first fabric may be a permeable fabric, which is positioned downstream from the dryer. A second fabric, which may also be permeable and defines a second moving conveyor, is also included. The first moving conveyor overlaps the second moving conveyor for a predetermined distance, and the first and second moving conveyors are configured to receive the paper web between the conveyors. A vacuum device is rotatably disposed against the first moving conveyor, and the dryer and the vacuum device are disposed relative to each other to form an open draw. The vacuum device is configured to produce a vacuum to attract the web to the first fabric for transferring the advancing web into the predetermined distance where the first and second conveyors overlap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Clarke, Thomas G. Neal, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090056892
    Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a multiple ply tissue product that includes a first ply and a second ply. The first ply includes a first outwardly facing layer having hardwood fibers, a second layer having softwood fibers, and a third layer having at least about 10 percent by weight post-consumer recycled fiber, wherein the second layer is positioned between the first layer and the third layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Michael John Rekoske, Thomas G. Neal, JR., Nicholas A. Kraft, Benjamin Joseph Kruchoski
  • Patent number: 7311805
    Abstract: A system and method for transferring a continuously advancing paper web from a dryer to a reel section is provided. The system includes a first fabric defining a first moving conveyor. The first fabric may be a permeable fabric, which is positioned downstream from the dryer. A second fabric, which may also be permeable and defines a second moving conveyor, is also included. The first moving conveyor overlaps the second moving conveyor for a predetermined distance, and the first and second moving conveyors are configured to receive the paper web between the conveyors. A vacuum device is rotatably disposed against the first moving conveyor, and the dryer and the vacuum device are disposed relative to each other to form an open draw. The vacuum device is configured to produce a vacuum to attract the web to the first fabric for transferring the advancing web into the predetermined distance where the first and second conveyors overlap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Clarke, Thomas G. Neal, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7001487
    Abstract: A system and method for transferring a continuously advancing paper web from a dryer to a reel section is provided. The system includes a first fabric defining a first moving conveyor. The first fabric may be a permeable fabric, which is positioned downstream from the dryer. A second fabric, which may also be permeable and defines a second moving conveyor, is also included. The first moving conveyor overlaps the second moving conveyor for a predetermined distance, and the first and second moving conveyors are configured to receive the paper web between the conveyors. A vacuum device is rotatably disposed against the first moving conveyor, and the dryer and the vacuum device are disposed relative to each other to form an open draw. The vacuum device is configured to produce a vacuum to attract the web to the first fabric for transferring the advancing web into the predetermined distance where the first and second conveyors overlap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Clarke, Thomas G. Neal, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6709550
    Abstract: A multi-layered paper web that has increased strength for minimizing slough and lint is provided. In one embodiment, the paper web contains an outer layer formed from unrefined hardwood fibers and an inner layer formed from refined hardwood, softwood, and machine broke fibers. During formation within a headbox, the outer and inner fibrous layers are allowed to partially blend. By partially blending the layers, the fibers within each layer can form bonds in the −z direction to provide sufficient strength to minimize lint and slough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Holz, Thomas G. Neal, Jr., Robert E. Donnelly, Michelle Nault, Devany H. Martin
  • Publication number: 20030111199
    Abstract: A system and method for transferring a continuously advancing paper web from a dryer to a reel section is provided. The system includes a first fabric defining a first moving conveyor. The first fabric may be a permeable fabric, which is positioned downstream from the dryer. A second fabric, which may also be permeable and defines a second moving conveyor, is also included. The first moving conveyor overlaps the second moving conveyor for a predetermined distance, and the first and second moving conveyors are configured to receive the paper web between the conveyors. A vacuum device is rotatably disposed against the first moving conveyor, and the dryer and the vacuum device are disposed relative to each other to form an open draw. The vacuum device is configured to produce a vacuum to attract the web to the first fabric for transferring the advancing web into the predetermined distance where the first and second conveyors overlap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Robert L. Clarke, Thomas G. Neal
  • Patent number: 6499358
    Abstract: A torque apparatus for the installation and removal of threaded connecting device that employs a plurality of leaf spring elements engaging a plurality of asymmetrical drive teeth sides to establish preset torque values in a hermetically sealed configuration or a variable range of preset torque values in a second configuration. The preset torque values can be readily changed in the second configuration by employing different quantities of leaf springs, differing leaf spring designs, or varying the geometry of the rotor drive teeth. The leaf spring to rotor drive teeth interface provides a slip mechanism to prevent over-torquing when torque values for the installation of a threaded connecting type device is exceeded. While both torque wrench configurations are sterilizable, the torque wrench that is capable of full disassembly for sterilization and use thereafter in a sterilized environment, is reconfigurable for different torque applications without calibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Sherwood Services AG
    Inventors: Michael P. Hogan, Thomas G. Neal, Jason P. Small, Arlan J. Reschke, Terrance M. Duffin, Arthur L. Schoenman
  • Publication number: 20020195215
    Abstract: A multi-layered paper web that has increased strength for minimizing slough and lint is provided. In one embodiment, the paper web contains an outer layer formed from unrefined hardwood fibers and an inner layer formed from refined hardwood, softwood, and machine broke fibers. During formation within a headbox, the outer and inner fibrous layers are allowed to partially blend. By partially blending the layers, the fibers within each layer can form bonds in the −z direction to provide sufficient strength to minimize lint and slough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Holz, Thomas G. Neal, Robert E. Donnelly, Michelle Nault, Devany H. Martin
  • Patent number: 6464830
    Abstract: A multi-layered paper web that has increased strength for minimizing slough and lint is provided. In one embodiment, the paper web contains an outer layer formed from unrefined hardwood fibers and an inner layer formed from refined hardwood, softwood, and machine broke fibers. During formation. within a headbox, the outer and inner fibrous layers are allowed to partially blend. By partially blending the layers, the fibers within each layer can form bonds in the -z direction to provide sufficient strength to minimize lint and slough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Holz, Thomas G. Neal, Jr., Robert E. Donnelly, Michelle Nault, Devany H. Martin
  • Patent number: 6419246
    Abstract: A dolly facilitating the transport of a cylindrical bucket or can between two sites includes a wheeled base comprising a frame having a plurality of elongated members which are joined together in a planar, spoke-like arrangement so that the end portions of the members are directed generally outwardly of a center and a plurality of double-wheeled casters which are pivotally attached to the ends of the members for supporting the spoke-like arrangement of the frame in a substantially horizontal orientation for wheeled movement across a supporting surface. A retaining ring is supportedly attached upon the spoke-like arrangement for accepting a bucket inserted bottom-end first therein and for preventing a lateral shifting of the bucket across the frame. In addition, an elongated handle is attached to the frame so that an upper end extends generally upwardly from the frame in a substantially vertically condition and so that the handle is maintained in. the substantially vertical condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas G. Neal
  • Patent number: 6279792
    Abstract: An apparatus facilitating the removal of a pair of latex gloves from the hands of a wearer as the forearms of the wearer are slid therealong utilizes a support base and a pair of blade-like members which are secured to the base in a stationary relationship therewith and in a side-by-side relationship. Each blade-like member includes an arcuate edge which extends forwardly of the base so that as a wearer of a pair of rubber gloves slides the inside surfaces of his forearms in a rearward direction along the surfaces of the blade-like members, the cuff portions of the glove accept and become hooked upon the arcuate edges of the blade-like members so that continued movement of the forearms rearwardly along the blade-like members backs the hands out of the gloves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas G. Neal