Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Roddy M. Bullock
  • Patent number: 6269763
    Abstract: An autonomous marine vehicle is disclosed, the vehicle comprising a rigid hull having an interior and a periphery, a deck joining the rigid hull at the periphery; and a rigid mast pivotally attached to the deck, the mast housing a plurality of sensors capable of effecting communication to and from said vehicle. In preferred embodiments, the vehicle further comprises various sensors and mission-specific hardware. Sensors include mast-mounted audio/video devices, radar, GPS and RF antennas, and other positioning and collision avoidance devices. Mission-specific hardware include refueling probes, fire protection systems, towing assemblies, flame thrower assemblies, liquid spray assemblies, and work pup assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Richard Lawrence Ken Woodland
  • Patent number: 6269724
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming a continuous web of material from a block of material is disclosed. The block is preferably a cylindrical block having a base and a generally vertical central axis extending generally orthogonally from the base. The apparatus comprises a rotatable platen such that the block may be rotatably supported, and a milling cutter for displacing portions of the block defining a displaced portion near the base of the block. A blade is positioned generally parallel to the central axis of the block, the blade positioned to cut into the block a predetermined distance from the central axis. The blade has a portion operatively disposed within the displaced portion of the block. The apparatus also comprises a drive mechanism for rotating the platen; as well as a linear drive mechanism for linearly decreasing the predetermined distance of the blade from the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: David Albert Sabatelli, Charles Zell Smith, III, Robert John Steller, Eric Richard Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 6265052
    Abstract: A wiping implement suitable for use as a bath tissue can be formed into sheets, each sheet comprising at least one ply of a paper web having a basis weight of at least about 25 lb/3000 square feet. The sheet can have a width of at least about 4.5 inches and temporary wet tensile properties. The sheet of the present invention can have an area of at least about 30 square inches. In a multiple ply embodiment, the sheet can have an optimized basis weight of at least about 42 lb/3000 square feet while maintaining nearly the same amount of actual total fiber usage per cleaning task as current premium bath tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Mark John Steinhardt, Michael William Tafuri, Jr., Paul Thomas Weisman, Thomas Hoerner, Bernhard Maier, Paul Dennis Trokhan, Kenneth Douglas Vinson
  • Patent number: 6228462
    Abstract: An apertured, compression-resistant web is disclosed, the web comprising a first surface having a plurality of microapertures forming volcano-shaped surface aberrations, a second surface generally parallel to and spaced apart from the first surface. A plurality of fluid passageways extend between the first surface and the second surface to place the first surface and the second surface in fluid communication with one another. The web is formed of a multilayer polymeric film comprising at least one rigid layer and at least one substantially less rigid layer joined to the rigid layer. In a preferred embodiment, a rigid layer has an elastic modulus of at least 120 kpsi a substantially less rigid layer has an elastic modulus of not greater than 75 kpsi. The multilayer film is preferably formed by coextuding a rigid layer comprising a blend of polystyrene and polypropylene, and a substantially less rigid layer comprising a blend of LDPE and LLDPE.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Yann-Per Lee, Hugh Joseph O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 6200419
    Abstract: A paper web and method of making the paper web are disclosed. In one embodiment the paper web includes a continuous relatively thinner region and a plurality of discrete relatively thicker regions. The relatively thicker regions are disposed in the plane of the relatively thinner region. The paper web can have a relatively patterned face and a relatively smooth face. The paper structures can be dried relatively quickly and efficiently, and can provide enhanced absorbency and bulk density while having a relatively smooth face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Dean Van Phan
  • Patent number: 6180216
    Abstract: A wiping implement suitable for use as a bath tissue can be formed into sheets, each sheet comprising at least one ply of a paper web having a basis weight of at least about 25 lb/3000 square feet. The sheet can have a width of at least about 4.5 inches and temporary wet tensile properties. The sheet of the present invention can have an area of at least about 30 square inches. In a multiple ply embodiment, the sheet can have an optimized basis weight of at least about 42 lb/3000 square feet while maintaining nearly the same amount of actual total fiber usage per cleaning task as current premium bath tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Mark John Steinhardt, Michael William Tafuri, Jr., Paul Thomas Weisman, Thomas Hoerner, Bernhard Maier, Paul Dennis Trokhan, Kenneth Douglas Vinson
  • Patent number: 6180214
    Abstract: The present invention provides a disposable wiping article. The wiping article may be single-layer (single-ply), or multi-layer (multi-ply). At least one layer (the only layer in a single-layer wiping article) is a primary layer and is wet extensible. A discontinuous coating is applied to selected portions of the wet extensible primary layer and cured to form a constraining component which inhibits wet extension of the primary layer in the plane of the primary layer. As a result, the primary layer deforms, such as by buckling or puckering, in the Z-direction (perpendicular to the plane of the primary layer), resulting in increased caliper, bulk, and texture. In one embodiment, more than one primary layer may be used in a single wiping article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Nicholas James Nissing, David William Cabell
  • Patent number: 6162454
    Abstract: The present invention provides a portable, disposable article for repelling insects. The article includes a fibrous substrate which can be impregnated with the insect repellent. In one embodiment, the fibrous substrate is disposed intermediate a porous cover and a barrier layer, and comprises fibers having external capillary channels. The porous cover can comprise an apertured plastic film having tapered apertures. The insect repellent can be contained in a breakable packet, such that when the breakable packet is broken, the insect repellent is directed through the fibrous substrate for release through the apertured film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Nicholas Albert Ahr, Robert Allen Godfroid, Anna Belle Marin
  • Patent number: 6146496
    Abstract: A paper web and method of making the paper web are disclosed. In one embodiment the paper web includes a continuous relatively thinner region and a plurality of discrete relatively thickner regions. The relatively thicker regions are disposed in the plane of the relatively thinner region. The paper web can have a relatively patterned face and a relatively smooth face. The paper structures can be dried relatively quickly and efficiently, and can provide enhanced absorbency and bulk density while having a relatively smooth face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Dean Van Phan
  • Patent number: 6136146
    Abstract: A non-through air dried paper web and method of making such a paper web are disclosed. The paper web includes at least two regions of different density and at least two regions of different basis weight. In one embodiment, the paper web includes a relatively high basis weight continuous network region, a plurality of discrete, relatively low basis weight regions dispersed throughout the relatively high basis weight continuous network region, and a plurality of discrete, intermediate basis weight regions circumscribed by the relatively low basis weight regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Dean Van Phan, Paul Dennis Trokhan
  • Patent number: 6129801
    Abstract: The present invention provides a stable material having enhanced extensibility and a method for making the same. A tensioning force is applied to the neckable material to neck the material in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The necked material is then subjected to mechanical stabilization to provide a stabilized extensible necked material. The stabilized extensible necked material is then passed between the peripheral surface of a cylinder which is driven in rotating motion and a device for pressing the stabilized extensible necked material against the peripheral surface of the cylinder. A retarding member retards the passage of the stabilized extensible necked material and directs the material away from the peripheral surface of the cylinder. The stabilized extensible necked material is easily extended in a direction parallel to the first direction and perpendicular to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Douglas H. Benson, John J. Curro
  • Patent number: 6114263
    Abstract: The present invention provides a stable nonwoven web having enhanced extensibility and a method for making the same. A neckable nonwoven web is fed in a first direction. The neckable nonwoven web is subjected to incremental stretching in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. A tensioning force is applied to the neckable nonwoven web to neck the nonwoven web. The necked nonwoven web is then subjected to mechanical stabilization to provide a stabilized extensible necked nonwoven web. The stabilized extensible necked nonwoven web is easily extended in a direction parallel to the direction necking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Douglas H. Benson, John J. Curro
  • Patent number: 6114595
    Abstract: The present invention pertains, in a preferred embodiment, to a stretchable, extensible, fluid-pervious composite web comprising an apertured, three-dimensional, macroscopically-expanded formed film layer and a fibrous layer, preferably a nonwoven, bonded to one side of the formed film layer. The composite web is microcreped in at least one direction, such that the composite web exhibits extensibility, and preferably also retractability, in that direction. The composite web exhibits fine scale nesting of the formed film layer and the nonwoven layer in the microfolds, providing intimate contact between the layers for enhanced fluid transport properties while the three-dimensionality of the formed film provides a stand-off between the layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Megan R. Moore, Beverly J. Manring
  • Patent number: 6103067
    Abstract: A papermaking belt including two primary elements: a reinforcing structure and pattern layer. The reinforcing structure includes a web facing first surface of interwoven first machine direction yarns and cross-machine direction yarns, the first surface having an FSI of at least about 68. The reinforcing structure has a machine facing second surface which includes second machine direction yarns binding only with the cross-machine direction yarns in a N-shed pattern, where N is greater than four, wherein the second machine direction yarns bind only one of the cross-machine direction yarns per repeat. The pattern layer extends outwardly from the first surface, wherein the pattern layer provides a web contacting surface facing outwardly from the first surface, the pattern layer extending at least partially to the second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Michael Gomer Stelljes, Jr., Paul Dennis Trokhan, Glenn David Boutilier
  • Patent number: 6092690
    Abstract: The invention relates to a container for containing a stack of moist wipes, the container comprising a container body and a lid covering the container body, the lid comprising a dispensing aperture and a hinging cover connected to the lid and overlying the dispensing aperture, wherein the hinging cover is pivotable around a hinging axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Bruce Kevin Bitowft, Martin Werner Frank
  • Patent number: 6063746
    Abstract: A cleansing preparation is provided in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion. The oil phase particles have a median particle diameter by volume of not more than 1 .mu.m, and a preservative is present in at least the aqueous phase. A method is described of making this preparation, in which a coarse emulsion is formed, the coarse emulsion is homogenized, and the homogenized emulsion is diluted by an aqueous dilution liquid containing the preservative. Cleansing articles, for example baby wipes can be made in which a substrate carries the cleansing preparation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Katherine Louise Heinicke Moore, Michael Scott Bogdanski, Paul Ralph Bunke
  • Patent number: 6060149
    Abstract: A disposable wiping article is disclosed. The disposable wiping article has at least two layers. The first layer has a wet extensibility greater than that of the second layer. The first layer can be an apertured, dry creped web of cellulosic fibers, and the second layer can be a nonwoven web comprising synthetic fibers. Selected portions of the first layer are bonded to the second layer to inhibit wet extension of the first layer in the plane of the first layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Nicholas James Nissing, David Michael McAtee, David William Cabell
  • Patent number: 6056237
    Abstract: The present invention is generally comprised of a sonotube-compatible unmanned aerial vehicle apparatus, hereinafter referred to as a UAV, and systems for launch and control of the UAV. The UAV is generally comprised of modular sections including a nose section, a payload section, a wing and fuel tank section, and a powerplant section. The modular sections are attached to adjacent sections by uniform lock sealing rings and related components. The present invention comprises an apparatus enabling very small, man portable, ballistically launched, autonomously or semi-autonomously controlled vehicle to be deployed with preprogrammed, communicated, or telemetry mission programming. A wide range of payload packages, including emergency supplies, sensors, and antenna assemblies, may be carried, used or deployed in flight. Man-portable operation is accomplished by the use of a launch canister apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: Richard L. K. Woodland
  • Patent number: 6039839
    Abstract: A paper web and method of making the paper web are disclosed. The paper web has a background portion and a non-embossed decorative pattern. The decorative pattern has at least one high basis weight region having a basis weight greater than the average basis weight of the surrounding background portion. The decorative pattern can include a number of discrete, decorative indicia. Each decorative indicia can be separated from adjacent decorative indicia by the background portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Paul Dennis Trokhan, Dean Van Phan, Howard Thomas Deason, Jorg Kleinwachter
  • Patent number: 6007627
    Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus for making a selectively-coated web. The apparatus comprises a coating means for applying a coating to a web in a plurality of coated regions, the coated regions being in spaced, parallel relationship to a plurality of uncoated regions. The present invention further comprises support means for supporting the web after coating, the support means comprising a plurality of support members, each of the support members being in registry with an uncoated region. In a preferred embodiment the coating of a beneficial emulsion is applied in selected regions by extrusion. A method of forming a coated web without producing buildup of coating material on idler rollers is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: The Proceter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Steven Lee Barnholtz