Patents Represented by Attorney Richard C. Witte
  • Patent number: 5048760
    Abstract: Processes for selectively comminuting impure psyllium seed husk. These processes comprise milling impure psyllium seed husk in a mill which causes the husk to be fragmented by collision under conditions whereby the mean particle size of the husk material is reduced relatively more than the mean particle size of the non-husk material. In addition, processes for purifying selectively comminuted psyllium seed husk are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Melvin A. Barbera, Larry E. Burns
  • Patent number: 5047023
    Abstract: An absorbent article wherein the deposition region of its absorbent member comprises a storage zone and an acquisition zone having a lower average density and a lower average basis weight per unit area than the storage area. The acquisition zone is positioned toward the front of either the absorbent member or the absorbent article so that the acquisition zone may most effectively and efficiently rapidly acquire discharged liquids. The absorbent member comprises a mixture of hydrophilic fibrous material and discrete particles of absorbent gelling material having a particular size distribution so as to enhance the absorbent capacity and acquisition rate of the absorbent member. The particles of absorbent gelling material are selected to have a mass median particle size greater than or equal to about 400 microns with the amounts of very large and very small particles preferably kept below certain minimum concentrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Charles J. Berg
  • Patent number: 5040783
    Abstract: A stacking device for forming stacks of articles of predetermined count, using a stacking wheel having a multiplicty of uniformly spaced peripheral slots. The slots are adapted to receive articles sequentially at a loading station and carry them to an unloading station having a plurality of stacking sites. The slots are divided into two or more sets, the slots in each set being equal to number to the predetermined count and adapted to deliver the articles therein to the unloading station with the leading edges of the articles at a predetermined radial offset from the axis of the stacking wheel. Each set of slots is associated with the stacking of articles at a specific stacking site and the slots of a set associated with one stacking site provide a different radial offset than those of a set associated with another stacking site. The stacking sites are arranged, in the downstream direction, in order of diminishing radial offset of their associated sets of slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Ruehl
  • Patent number: 5041541
    Abstract: Disclosed are novel 5-C-hydroxymethylhexose compounds and their derivatives which exhibit sugar-like functionality when used in food compositions. The derivatives include stereoisomers, di-, tri-, and polysaccharides, alkyl glycosides, polyol, and alditol derivatives. Also disclosed are sugar substitute compositions and food compositions containing these compounds and their derivatives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Adam W. Mazur
  • Patent number: 5041439
    Abstract: Topical pharmaceutical compositions containing a specific 6-amino-1,2-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2-iminopyrimidine component and a penetration-enhancing vehicle are disclosed. The vehicle comprises a binary combination of a C.sub.3 -C.sub.4 diol or C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 triol and isocetyl alcohol polar lipid compound. The vehicle provides marked transepidermal and percutaneous delivery of the iminopyrimidine compound. These compositions, when applied topically, act to stimulate the growth of mammalian hair on the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gerald B. Kasting, Ellen R. Massaro, Ronald L. Smith, William E. Snyder
  • Patent number: 5041230
    Abstract: Polymeric soil release agents that have high viscosities when molten are difficult to process. Certain organic materials can be added to such agents to lower the viscosity and improve processing. Examples of such organic materials include fatty acids, some nonionic ethylene glycol derivatives, polyethylene or polypropylene glycols and their short alkyl chain ethers, certain polyhydroxy and alkyl ether solvents, and aryl ethers of propylene glycol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Thomas A. Borcher, Sr., Rodolfo Delgado, Toan Trinh
  • Patent number: 5040261
    Abstract: The invention relates to a toothbrush, comprising a brush handle (1) and a brush head (3) adjoining the latter, and, if required, disposed at an angle. According to the invention, a gripping slide (4) which can be displaced over at least part of the length of the brush handle (1) by virtue of a guide element projecting into a handle recess is arranged on the brush handle (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: Blendax GmbH
    Inventor: Robert R. Kirberger
  • Patent number: 5038454
    Abstract: A method for producing an integral bottle/collar combination for use in a package for storing and dispensing potentially dangerous material such as medicament tablets. The package is resistant to opening by children yet readily openable by adults. The process includes a step of injection molding a polymeric part having a finish portion, a preform portion, and a flange portion. The flange portion has at least one integrally formed socket having a resiliently deformable pushtab connected by a hinge. The preform portion of the injection molded part is blow molded into the shape of the bottle. The hingedly connected pushtab is then folded into its in-use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Del M. Thornock, James R. Goldberg, Ronald W. Kock, Robert A. Paul, Peter W. Hamilton, William Willhite, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5038721
    Abstract: A system which separates the pet excreta collection, storage and disposal functions wherein each individual component used to perform each of these functions is optimized for its intended purpose. The system of the present invention permits almost indefinite recycling of the substantially nonsorbent, nonclumping granular litter material used by the animal to bury its solid excreta. The combination of the present invention includes a porous filtering member exhibiting a pore size which will readily permit the granular litter material to pass therethrough, yet retain substantially all of the solid animal excreta coming in contact with the fitering member during the filtering operation. A protective member capable of substantially resisting damage when subjected to digging or clawing by animals is secured in superposed relation to and completely overlies the uppermost surface of the porous filtering member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: William R. Ouellette, John L. Hammons, Bruce W. Lavash
  • Patent number: 5036978
    Abstract: An easy-open flexible bag filled with compressed flexible articles. The bag has a substantially rectangular form after filling with the compressed flexible articles. The rectangular form comprises a pair of opposed front panels interconnected to a pair of opposed side panels which are oriented substantially perpendicular to the direction of compression of the flexible articles. A bottom panel is connected to the lowermost edges of the front panels and the side panels and a top panel is connected to the uppermost edges of the front panels and the side panels. The interconnected front panels and side panels are subject to tension induced by the compressed flexible articles. The flexible bag further includes an easy-opening device provided on one of the tensioned side panels of the flexible bag for providing an opening in a predetermined portion of the tensioned side panel without releasing the tension in the remainder of the side panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Martin Frank, Agustin Ramos
  • Patent number: 5037416
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper, is disclosed. The topsheet of the diaper is elastically extensible and provides a relatively low contact pressure against the skin of the wearer at relatively high elongations. This arrangement provides a diaper topsheet which can be elongated to conform to the shape of the wearer without causing undue discomfort or irritation. The relatively low ultimate contact pressure at relatively high elongation may be accomplished either through a low contact force differential material, or through a material which exhibits stress relaxation over a relatively short period of time. The topsheet may be a laminate having one elastomeric lamina and an inelastic lamina. Also disclosed is a method for making such a laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Patrick J. Allen, Mary E. Freeland
  • Patent number: 5032122
    Abstract: A loop fastening material having a backing of orientable material and a multiplicity of fibrous elements extending from the backing. The fibrous elements are formed by filaments positioned on the backing and secured to the backing when the orientable material of the backing is in its dimensionally unstable state. The filaments are preferably positioned on the backing parallel to each other and essentially parallel to the path of response of the orientable material. The filaments are intermittently secured to the backing at spaced, fixed regions along the filaments so that each pair of fixed regions defines therebetween an unsecured catching region. Thus, the fibrous elements are formed by the shirring of the filaments at the catching regions when the orientable material is caused to be transformed to its dimensionally stable state such that it is caused to contract or gather along its path of response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: John R. Noel, Charles L. Scripps
  • Patent number: 5032120
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper, is disclosed. The diaper has two lengthwise extending longitudinal marginal portions, each longitudinal marginal portion having two elastically extensible leg cuffs, a barrier cuff and a gasket cuff. The leg cuffs serve to help contain body exudates within the disposable article. Each leg cuff is elasticized to provide a relatively low ultimate contact force against the skin of the wearer at relatively high elongations. This arrangement provides a diaper with leg cuffs which can be elongated to conform to the shape of the wearer, without causing undue discomfort or irritation to the legs of the wearer. The relatively low ultimate contact force at relatively high elongations may be accomplished either through a low contact force differential material, or through a material which exhibits stress relaxation over a relatively short period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Mary E. Freeland, Patrick J. Allen
  • Patent number: 5031578
    Abstract: An animal litter box system which reduces odor and extends the useful life of litter by delivering and concentrating urine in an area specifically designed to prevent odor formation. The system of the present invention permits almost indefinite recycling of the substantially nonsorbent, nonclumping granular litter material used by the animal to bury its solid excreta. The combination further includes a porous filtering member exhibiting a pore size which will readily permit the granular litter material to pass therethrough, yet retain substantially all of the solid animal excreta coming in contact with the filtering member during the filtering operation. A protective member capable of substantially resisting damage when subjected to digging or clawing by animals is secured in superposed relation to and completely overlies the uppermost surface of the porous filtering member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: John L. Hammons, William R. Ouellette, Bruce W. Lavash
  • Patent number: 5030378
    Abstract: Heavy-duty liquid laundry detergents containing anionic synthetic surfactant, detergency builder, specific proteolytic enzyme, and calcium ion are disclosed. The compositions provide improved cleaning performance, particularly through-the-wash, on enzyme-sensitive stains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Manuel G. Venegas
  • Patent number: 5026364
    Abstract: An integral disposable absorbent article such as a diaper is provided with an absorbent core; a liquid impervious backsheet; a liquid pervious topsheet; an elasticized waistband to enhance the fit of the diaper about the wearer; and a waistcap which presents a barrier to prevent the leakage of body exudates from the diaper. A single piece of elastomeric material serves as both the waistband and the waistcap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Anthony J. Robertson
  • Patent number: 5026569
    Abstract: High-fiber baked goods contain an improved powdered cellulose fiber derived from cottonseed linters. The powder has a very small particle size and good hydration capability. As compared with cellulose derived from wood, the baked goods have improved volume. The combination of small particle size and good hydration characteristics permits the substitution of the powdered cellulose for a large percentage of the flour in bread to create high-fiber and/or reduced-calorie breads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Karen M. Forand
  • Patent number: 5026589
    Abstract: Disposable sanitary garments comprise topsheet and/or backsheet materials prepared from polymers based on dioxanone. Diapers, sanitary napkins, pantiliners, and the like, prepared from the foregoing materials are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Lee A. Schechtman
  • Patent number: 5023106
    Abstract: A process for tempering flavored confectionery compositions, in particular chocolate-flavored confectionery compositions, containing certain reduced calorie fats is disclosed. These compositions are rapidly cooled to a temperature of about 57.degree. F. (13.9.degree. C.) or less and then held in this cooler temperature range for typically at least about 16 hours. The cooled composition is then raised to a temperature in the range from above about 57.degree. to about 72.degree. F. (about 13.9.degree. to about 22.2.degree. C.) in a manner such that bloom formation (surface discoloration) does not occur. The resulting tempered product has a firmness and mouthmelt comparable to cocoa butter-based chocolate products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Co.
    Inventors: Albert M. Ehrman, Paul Seiden, Rose M. Weitzel, Robert L. White
  • Patent number: 5022216
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for making an easy open substantially rectangular bag of compressed flexible articles in which the flexible articles are arranged in a stack and held in compression in a direction substantially parallel to their thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Delmar R. Muckenfuhs, James C. Baird