Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Thomas M. Parker
-
Patent number: 6710225Abstract: Absorbent article including an absorbent core having multiple absorbent layers. The absorbent layers interact in a manner which desirably locates absorbed liquid in an appointed, high saturation wicking layer.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2000Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Rob David Everett, Thomas Gerald Bolwerk, Richard Norris Dodge, II, Violet May Grube, Yong Li, Debra Jean McDowall, Shannon Kathleen Melius, Lawrence Howell Sawyer, David Louis Zenker, Xiaomin Zhang, Sylvia Bandy Little, Billie Jean Matthews, Sridhar Ranganathan, Stanley Michael Gryskiewicz, Kuo-Shu Edward Chang
-
Patent number: 6706945Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent article (10) having a longitudinal direction (26), and a lateral, cross direction (24). The article includes a liquid permeable top sheet layer (28), a substantially liquid impermeable backsheet layer (30), and an absorbent structure (32) having a primary retention portion (48) sandwiched between the top sheet and backsheet layers. The retention portion (48) includes a wet-formed mixture of fibers and superabsorbent material. The retention portion has a selected edge-wise compression value, such as an edge-wise compression value of not more than a maximum of about 9 g/gsm, and a modified circular bend value, such as a modified circular bend value of at least minimum of about 0.3 g/gsm. In particular aspects, the retention portion (48) can include cellulosic fibers.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2000Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Shannon Kathleen Melius, David Arthur Fell, Violet May Grube, Andrew Edsel Huntoon, Toan Thanh LeMinh, Sridhar Ranganathan, William Grover Reeves, Lawrence Howell Sawyer, Dave Allen Soerens, Heather Anne Sorebo, Michael William Veith, Palani Raj Ramaswami Wallajapet, David Louis Zenker
-
Patent number: 6610039Abstract: An absorbent article (10) has a longitudinal direction (26) and a lateral direction (24). The article includes a backsheet layer (30), a liquid-permeable topsheet layer (28), and an absorbent body (32) sandwiched between the backsheet layer (30) and topsheet layer (28). A surge management member (46) is joined between the topsheet layer (28) and the absorbent body (32), and the surge management member (46) includes at least a first nonwoven fabric layer (52). In particular aspects, the article (10) can be bent around a wearer's body contours with a reduced tendency to form a transverse channel crease (76) along the cross-direction of the surge management member, particularly when the surge member (46) is curved through the wearer's crotch region.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2000Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Hoa La Wilhelm, Alan Francis Schleinz, David Louis Zenker
-
Patent number: 6608237Abstract: An absorbent article (10) includes a backsheet layer (30), a liquid permeable topsheet layer (28), and an absorbent body (32) sandwiched between the backsheet and topsheet layers. The absorbent body (32) includes a first fibrous stratum (52) having a first quantity of absorbent fibers, a second fibrous stratum (54) having a second quantity of absorbent fibers, and at least a third fibrous stratum (56) which is located between and integrally formed with the first and second fibrous strata (52, 54). In particular aspects, the third fibrous stratum (56) includes an operative quantity of a substantially hydrophilic, wet-strength agent. In other aspects, the wet-strength agent is distributed in the third quantity of absorbent fibers to render the third fibrous stratum (56) substantially non-dispersible.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2000Date of Patent: August 19, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Yong Li, Wendy Lynn Van Dyke, Gary Douglas Williams, Anthony John Wisneski, Bernhardt Edward Kressner, Sridhar Ranganathan, Michael Franklin Kalmon
-
Patent number: 6603403Abstract: The present invention can provide a monitoring method and system for signaling a predetermined status in an article (20) having a monitored portion (22). The monitoring system includes an interrogator (30) which is located in an operative proximity to the article, and is configured to provide input energy with a predetermined input frequency. A status signaling device (24) is located at the monitored portion (22) of the article. The status signaling device includes a sensor (26) which can indicate a change of state that occurs when the monitored portion (22) of the article (20) changes from a first condition to a different, second condition. A passive transponder (28) is in an operative communication with the sensor (26). In a particular aspect of the invention, the transponder can be an electronic transponder.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2000Date of Patent: August 5, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Dean Curtis Jeutter, Thomas Walter Odorzynski
-
Patent number: 6596107Abstract: The present invention provides a distinctive process and apparatus (20) for forming an article. The technique of the invention includes a providing of a first panel layer (22), and a positioning of a second panel layer (28) onto the first panel layer (22). An inboard portion (24) of the first panel layer (22) is attached to an inboard portion (30) of the second panel layer (28), and a side region (36) of a tab web (34) is attached to the inboard portion (24, 30) of at least one of the first and second panel layers (22, 28) to provide a first assembly web (48). A fastening mechanism (40) is attached to the tab web (34), and an outboard portion (26, 32) of at least one of the first and second panel layers (22, 28) is folded to provide a folded layer (44) and a protruding layer (46). A protruding layer portion (56) of a panel assembly (50) is attached to a first waistband portion (62) of an article segment (60), and the article segment (60) is transversely folded to provide a folded article segment.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventor: James Bennington Stopher
-
Patent number: 6589149Abstract: The present invention provides a process and apparatus for applying a web component (42) to a moving substrate (44). The process aspect includes a delivering of the web component (42) to a rotatable applicator wheel (58). The applicator wheel has an entry surface-region (114), an exit surface-region (116), a transport surface-region (118), and an applicator wheel diameter (112). The web component (42) is contacted onto the entry surface-region (114) of the applicator wheel (58), and the applicator wheel is rotated to move the web component along a substantially circumferential, applicator path along the transport surface-region (118) of the applicator wheel. The applicator wheel (58) is oscillated about a pivot axis (102) which is spaced from the moving substrate (44) by a pivot distance (100), and the web component (42) is operatively applied from the exit surface-region (116) of the applicator wheel (58) onto the moving substrate (44) to provide a desired curved web configuration.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2000Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: David James VanEperen, Adam Lewis Daniels, Kevin Lester Fiedler, Gene Mark Gregory, Steven Michael Parsons, James Bennington Stopher
-
Patent number: 6582413Abstract: An absorbent article (10) has a longitudinal direction (26), a lateral, transverse direction (24), an article front portion (14), an article back portion (12), and an intermediate portion (16) interconnecting the front and back portions. The article includes an elastomerically stretchable backsheet member (30), a liquid-permeable topsheet layer (28), and an elastomerically stretchable retention portion (48) sandwiched between the backsheet member (30) and the topsheet layer (28). The topsheet layer can be elastomerically stretchable, and the absorbent article (10) can also provide a selected combination of physical properties, such as a composite-article elongation-at-peak-load value which is at least about 50 percent.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Candace Dyan Krautkramer, Rob David Everett, Toan Thanh LeMinh, Debra Jean McDowall, Hoa La Wilhelm, David Louis Zenker
-
Patent number: 6557245Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a bearing onto a shaft is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base plate and a support mounted to and extending upward from the base plate. The support is capable of supporting a shaft. The shaft has a shoulder, a tapered surface adjacent to the shoulder and a threaded portion adjacent to the tapered surface. A shim is positioned on the shaft adjacent to the shoulder and a bearing is positioned adjacent to the shim. The bearing has an inner race, an outer race and a plurality of roller elements positioned there between. The bearing is mounted onto the shaft by a lock nut which is secured to the threaded portion of the shaft and which contacts the inner race of the bearing. The apparatus further includes a motor mounted to the base plate. The motor has an output shaft which is axially aligned with and connectable to the outer race of the bearing. The motor is capable of rotating the outer race of the bearing at a predetermined speed.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Mark William Beduhn, Jimmy Harrell Howard, Jr.
-
Patent number: 6533978Abstract: An apparatus and process for forming an absorbent web (26) includes an airlaying of a first fibrous stratum (28) which has a first quantity of absorbent fibers; an airlaying of a second fibrous stratum (34) which has a second quantity of absorbent fibers; and an airlaying of a third, intermediate fibrous stratum (40) which has a third quantity of absorbent fibers. The intermediate fibrous stratum has a location that is interposed between the first fibrous stratum and the second fibrous stratum. A liquid, wet-strength agent is distributed onto the fibers of the intermediate fibrous stratum (40) during the airlaying of the intermediate fibrous stratum to thereby render the intermediate fibrous stratum substantially non-dispersible.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2000Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Anthony John Wisneski, Yong Li, Michael Franklin Kalmon
-
Patent number: 6533989Abstract: An apparatus and process for forming an absorbent web (26) includes an airlaying of a first fibrous stratum (28), and an airlaying of an intermediate fibrous stratum (40) onto the first fibrous stratum. A liquid, wet-strength agent is distributed onto fibers of the intermediate fibrous stratum, and at least a second fibrous stratum (28) is airlaid onto the intermediate fibrous stratum (40). The method is desirably configured to operatively form or join the intermediate fibrous stratum (40) with the first and second fibrous strata, and render the intermediate fibrous stratum (40) substantially non-dispersible in an aqueous liquid. In a particular aspect, the strata of the web (26) can be operatively compressed prior to curing the wet-strength agent. In another aspect, the liquid wet-strength agent can be distributed onto the fibers of the intermediate fibrous stratum (40) during an airlaying of the intermediate fibrous stratum.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2000Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Anthony John Wisneski, Yong Li, Michael Franklin Kalmon
-
Patent number: 6527757Abstract: An absorbent article and method are disclosed for providing side leakage protection for an undergarment and absorbent article positioning guidance for proper placement on the undergarment. In one embodiment, an absorbent cuff pad is configured to fit the pudendal region of a woman with cuffs for receiving a crotch portion of an undergarment. In one embodiment, an absorbent pad and liquid-impermeable baffle are provided with stiffening means for a pair of garment-attachment nesting ridges for receiving an loans arcuately shaped crotch portion of an undergarment. In one embodiment, an absorbent configured to fit the pudendal region of a woman, a liquid-impermeable baffle, and stiffening means for multiple pairs of garment-attachment nesting ridges receive and protect an arcuately shaped crotch portion of an undergarment. Arcuately shaped pleats on a bottom lateral side surface of the absorbent article form the nesting ridges.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2000Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventor: Wanda W. Jackson
-
Patent number: 6494974Abstract: A method of forming a meltblown web having meltblown fibers and particles is provided. The particles are heated to a temperature approximating that of the meltblown fibers as they are being extruded. As a portion of any heated particle impacts the skin of one or more solidifying meltblown fibers, that portion of any heated particle penetrates into one or more solidifying particles. Although a portion of any particle becomes embedded in and retained by one or more meltblown fibers, such surface penetration is generally slight desirably leaving a substantial amount of surface area of any particle available for interaction with any medium to which a web may be exposed.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2001Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventor: Wilfred Eugene Riddell
-
Patent number: 6473962Abstract: Apparatus and method precisely preload bearings onto shafts. A swivel plate swivels up to 360° and locks a rotary shaft axially with a motor shaft. A shim and bearing adjacent the shim preload onto shaft shoulder by lock nut secured to the threaded shaft. The lock nut forces the bearing inner race to expand outwardly, preloading the bearing. A force sensor measures torque on the bearing outer race. Measured torque is monitored within a predetermined range to establish the precisely loaded bearing. The method slides a shim onto support shaft shoulder. A bearing is slid onto tapered surface, and lock nut tightened onto the threaded shaft. The lock nut expands the bearing inner race, reducing the distance between the inner and outer races and preloading the bearing. The outer race at a predetermined, constant speed has torque monitored to a predetermined range to provide a precisely preloaded bearing.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2000Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventor: Mark W. Beduhn
-
Patent number: D466997Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2001Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Ronald Lee Edens, James John Hlaban, Laura Jay Keely, Thomas Patrick Keenan, Sylvia Bandy Little, Mary Lou McDaniel, Stephen Lanard Nunn, William Grover Reeves, Heather A. Sorebo, Susan Marie Weyenberg
-
Patent number: D468425Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2001Date of Patent: January 7, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Ronald Lee Edens, James John Hlaban, Laura Jay Keely, Thomas Patrick Keenan, Sylvia Bandy Little, Mary Lou McDaniel, Stephen Lanard Nunn, William Grover Reeves, Heather A. Sorebo, Susan Marie Weyenberg
-
Patent number: D468426Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2001Date of Patent: January 7, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Ronald L. Edens, Richard J. Hantke, James J. Hlaban, Laura J. Keely, Thomas P. Keenan, Sylvia B. Little, Mary L. McDaniel, Patricia A. Mitchler, Stephen L. Nunn, William G. Reeves, Heather A. Sorebo, Susan M. Weyenberg
-
Patent number: D472311Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Ronald Lee Edens, James John Hlaban, Laura Jay Keely, Thomas Patrick Keenan, Sylvia Bandy Little, Mary Lou McDaniel, Stephen Lanard Nunn, William Grover Reeves, Heather A. Sorebo, Susan Marie Weyenberg
-
Patent number: D473643Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2001Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Richard Joseph Hantke, James John Hlaban, Thomas Patrick Keenan, Mary Lou McDaniel, Patricia Ann Mitchler, Stephen Lanard Nunn, Heather A. Sorebo, Susan Marie Weyenberg
-
Patent number: D476736Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2002Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Richard Joseph Hantke, James John Hlaban, Thomas Patrick Keenan, Mary Lou McDaniel, Patricia Ann Mitchler, Stephen Lanard Nunn, Heather A. Sorebo, Susan Marie Weyenberg