Patents Assigned to Kimberly-Clark Worldwide
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Patent number: 8052666Abstract: An improved mechanical fastening system that includes a male component and a female component is disclosed. The female component is adapted for releasable engagement with the male component, and the female component comprises a fibrous web, wherein the fibrous web comprises a layer of elastomeric fibers. A disposable absorbent article employing the improved mechanical fastening system is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2004Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence H. Sawyer, Robert L. Popp, Joseph D. Coenen, Michael J. Faulks, Christopher P. Olson, James M. Carr
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Patent number: 8053399Abstract: Foamable compositions are disclosed. The compositions contain one or more active ingredients combined with a foaming agent and optionally one or more surface tension adjusting agents. The foaming agent may comprise, for instance, a derivatized dimethicone. The surface tension adjusting agent, on the other hand, comprises a chemical species that either increases or decreases the surface tension of the composition within a desired range so that the composition is readily foamable. In this manner, active ingredients can be incorporated into the compositions that are typically hard to foam. Such ingredients include cleaning solvents and various skin care agents. Of particular advantage, foamable compositions can be formulated in accordance with the present disclosure that contain relatively small amounts of water such as less than about 20 percent by weight, such as less than about 10 percent by weight. In other embodiments, the composition can be completely anhydrous.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2007Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey R. Seidling, Scott W. Wenzel, Corey Thomas Cunningham, Pierre Joseph
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Patent number: 8052651Abstract: An apparatus and method for securing a catheter within a target area of the anatomy are disclosed. The catheter includes a passage or opening through which a suture filament may be routed. The suture filament can be secured relative to anatomical tissue to retain the catheter within a desired region. After the catheter has been used to complete the desired medical procedure, the suture filament may be released, permitting the catheter to be easily withdrawn from the anatomy. The catheter may include a biodegradable tip, which when absorbed by the body would enable the catheter to be removed. Biodegradable suture filaments and other components may also be used to facilitate the release of the catheter from the anatomy.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2008Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventor: Roger Massengale
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Patent number: 8051982Abstract: A container particularly well suited to hold premoistened wipes is described. The container can be formed primarily from flat polymeric sheets. In one embodiment, for instance, the container can be formed and loaded with a stack of wipes all in a single process. Further, the flat polymeric sheets used to form the container can be printed with various graphics during formation of the container so as to apply any suitable graphics to the container. Through the process of the present disclosure, containers can be formed having a sleek and compact design.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2006Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventor: Duane Lyle McDonald
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Publication number: 20110266307Abstract: A foamable industrial strength cleansing composition is disclosed. The cleansing composition includes a cleaning solvent, such as d-limonene in conjunction with a mixture of surfactants. The surfactants include foaming agents and emulsifiers. When mixed with air, the cleansing composition forms a foam that may be used to clean dirt, grease and grime from the hands of a user.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2011Publication date: November 3, 2011Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventors: V. Scott Shoaf, Ralph Solarski
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Publication number: 20110270221Abstract: Disclosed are nanotopography-based methods and devices for interacting with a component of the dermal connective tissue. Devices include structures fabricated on a surface to form a nanotopography. A random or non-random pattern of structures may be fabricated such as a complex pattern including structures of differing sizes and/or shapes. Microneedles may be beneficially utilized for delivery of an agent to a cell or tissue. Devices may be utilized to directly or indirectly alter cell behavior through the interaction of a fabricated nanotopography with the plasma membrane of a cell and/or with an extracellular matrix component.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2011Publication date: November 3, 2011Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventor: Russell Frederick Ross
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Patent number: 8048057Abstract: A catheter is provided for uniform distribution of fluid medication within an anatomical region. One embodiment of the catheter is comprised of an elongate tubular catheter body defining a lumen. A distal end of the lumen is closed and a portion of the catheter body includes a plurality of openings thereby defining an infusion section of the catheter. A tubular sheath is constructed from a porous material and is positioned over the infusion section. The tubular sheath extends at least a length of the infusion section. The tubular sheath and the catheter body are configured such that fluid within the lumen must pass through the tubular sheath to exit the catheter. In at least one embodiment, a pore size of the porous material is less than about 0.5 microns.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2009Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Jose Castillo Deniega, Roger Massengale, Kenneth W. Rake
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Patent number: 8048363Abstract: A container having a scented label attached using an in-mold label process and methods of making the same. A scented material is supplied to the label, and the label is attached to the container using an in-mold label process. In another embodiment, a container comprises an interior cavity for retaining a substance, and a label adapted to dispense a scent, wherein the label is disposed on an exterior surface of the container using an in-mold label process. The scent may be suggestive of the content of the container.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2006Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Kimberly Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Robert Samuel Schlaupitz, Timothy P. Clare, Marilyn A. Roberts
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Patent number: 8046892Abstract: The present invention relate to a method of inhibiting access. Some embodiments of the method include determining that access to an item needs to be inhibited and positioning a thermal grill relative to the item such that the thermal grill provides a barrier against an individual engaging the item. A thermal grill is a device that has several relatively warm portions which are interlaced with several relatively cold portions. When an individual contacts the thermal grill, the temperature difference between the warm and cold portions causes an individual to feel pain (or discomfort) without physiologically damaging the individual. Therefore, the method inhibits access by notifying individuals that they are performing an undesirable activity when they touch the thermal grill without permanently injuring the individual.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2005Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventor: Jason Cohen
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Patent number: 8043274Abstract: A disposable incontinent underwear product can comprise areas having different stretch characteristics and thereby fit persons of varying body shape in a more comfortable and/or visually appealing manner. Additionally, in some embodiments, the different areas of stretch can aid in positioning absorbent components, such as an absorbent insert or core that is included in the undergarment to absorb body exudates. For example, a garment may feature at vertical stretch in an area above the crotch and below the waist while featuring horizontal stretch at the hip areas at its front and back sides. As another example, a garment may feature horizontal stretch across the front of the garment and vertical stretch across the back of the garment in areas above the crotch and below the waist. In some embodiments, the crotch also features horizontal, vertical, or biaxial stretch.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2007Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Andrew Mlinar, Wendy L. Hamilton, Julie A. Paveletzke, Mary F. Kutchenriter
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Patent number: 8042761Abstract: A winder for winding a web to produce a rolled product is provided. The winder includes a web transport apparatus that is used for conveying the web. Also included in one exemplary embodiment is a plurality of independent winding modules. The winding modules are independently positioned to independently engage the web as the web is conveyed by the web transport apparatus. The winding modules may be configured to wind the web to form a rolled product by center winding, surface winding, and combinations of center and surface winding. The winding modules are structurally and operationally independent of one another where if one module is disabled, another may still operate to produce the rolled product without shutting down the winder.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Steven James Wojcik, Dennis Marvin Jobs, Kenneth Allen Pigsley, James Leo Baggot
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Patent number: 8044258Abstract: An absorbent article for preventing leakage is presented and includes an absorbent assembly having an absorbent assembly perimeter and a leakage warning element disposed adjacent a portion of the perimeter, wherein the leakage warning element is adapted to provide a physical sensation indicating a fullness level of the absorbent assembly, and wherein the physical sensation includes an electrical impulse. Also presented is an absorbent article for providing a wearer with a warning of potential leakage, the article including an absorbent assembly and a leakage warning element disposed adjacent the absorbent assembly, wherein the leakage warning element is adapted to impart a physical sensation to the wearer, and wherein the physical sensation includes an electrical impulse.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2008Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventor: Lloyd Carl Hietpas
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Patent number: 8043984Abstract: An elastic laminate capable of being rolled for storage and unwound from a roll when needed for use, includes an elastic layer of an array of continuous filament strands with meltblown deposited on the continuous filament strands, and a facing layer bonded to only one side of the elastic layer. The meltblown layer may include an elastic polyolefin-based meltblown polymer having a degree of crystallinity between about 3% and about 40%. The laminate suitably has an inter-layer peel strength of less than about 70 grams per 3 inches cross-directional width at a strain rate of 300 mm/min. Alternatively or additionally, the continuous filament strands and/or the facing layer may include an elastic polyolefin-based meltblown polymer having a degree of crystallinity between about 3% and about 40%.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2004Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Bryan J. Stadelman, Braulio A. Polanco, Joerg Hendrix, Peter M. Kobylivker, Peiguang Zhou, Bryon P. Day, Wing-Chak Ng, Steven R. Stopper
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Patent number: 8044255Abstract: The present disclosure relates to personal care products such as diapers, training pants, feminine care articles, incontinence articles, bandages, and the like, that have been treated to enhance liquid intake and distribution performance characteristics and reduce leakage. Advantageously, the treated personal care products described herein not only reduce the viscosity and elasticity of viscoelastic fluids that come in contact with the treated product, but also reduce the fouling effect of such fluids.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2006Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: David Charles Potts, Jack Nelson Lindon
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Patent number: 8043275Abstract: An absorbent garment has a garment chassis, a pair of inner containment flaps and a pair of outer containment flaps. The inner and outer containment flaps are arranged on the garment chassis to inhibit leaking of body exudates from the garment during wear. In one embodiment, the inner containment flaps each have an elastic tension as determined by an elastic tension test which is substantially equal to an elastic tension of each outer containment flap as determined by the same test. In another embodiment, the inner containment flaps each have a height which is substantially equal to a height of each outer containment flap.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2002Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Kimberly Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventor: Dale A. Peterson
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Patent number: 8043821Abstract: The invention provides methods for identifying antibody preparations that can form a pair of antibodies that optimally detect a target antigen, for example, in a sandwich immunoassay. These methods provide high affinity and epitope-specific antibodies.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2009Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventor: RameshBabu Boga
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Patent number: 8044363Abstract: A portable UV detection apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the UV detection apparatus includes a UV detection device integrated with a skin type measuring device. A controller can be included in the apparatus that is in communication with the skin type measuring device and the UV detection device. The controller can provide information to the user regarding the amount of ultraviolet radiation present in the environment. In an alternative embodiment, the UV detection apparatus includes a UV detection device in conjunction with a light sensor. The light sensor can be configured to activate the UV detection device should light at a particular intensity be present in the environment. The UV detection device as described above can be configured to measure UVA radiation, UVB radiation, and/or UVC radiation.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2007Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Michael Ales, Richard Timmers, Andrew Mark Long, Shawn Jeffrey Sullivan, Sridhar Ranganathan, Timothy R. Obermann, Eric Donald Johnson
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Patent number: 8043272Abstract: A collection insert for use in a diaper for the testing of the urine of a baby is generally disclosed. The collection insert is configured to collect and temporarily retain the urine, allowing the urine to be later tested for the presence of absence of an analyte. The collection insert is fluidly isolated from the absorbent core of the diaper, and can be positioned between the bodyside liner and the outer cover or located in a pocket defined by the bodyside liner. The collection insert can include an insert cover and a collection core, such as a sponge, cellulosic material, polymeric nonwoven material, and the like. Additionally, the collection insert can be substantially free of superabsorbent material.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2007Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Long, Shirlee Ann Weber
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Patent number: 8043273Abstract: A disposable undergarment includes a body panel and an absorbent insert having a back sheet connected to a top sheet and a retention portion disposed between the back sheet and the top sheet. At least one of the back sheet and the top sheet is stretchable and includes an elastic material. At least one of the back sheet and the top sheet is connected to the body panel. A method of using a disposable undergarment includes stretching at least one of the back sheet and the top sheet. A method of instructing a user on the use of the disposable undergarment is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2002Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Paul T. Van Gompel, Yung H. Huang, Russell E. Thorson
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Patent number: D647408Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2010Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Michael John Niemeyer, Emily Nicole Schmitz, Susan Marie Trefethren, Heidi Bauerlein Hopkins, Mary Lou McDaniel, Katie Ann Boland, Susan Mary Oates