Patents Examined by James C. Cannon
  • Patent number: 6136405
    Abstract: A process for forming a sheet material having a fibrous surface and the sheet material produced thereby; the fibers are produced by deposition of a heated, thermally sensitive material on to a substrate, which is transported at a velocity approximately equal to the velocity of the material being deposited, by manipulating the fiber density and denier, the sheet material can be made to be either softer or rougher to the touch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Terrill Alan Young, George Christopher Dobrin, Dennis Albert Thomas
  • Patent number: 6132835
    Abstract: The present invention provides an article comprising a curable resin and a filler associated with the resin. The incorporation of fillers into the casting materials of the present invention adds substantially to the strength of the cured casting material as well as to the handling properties of the uncured casting tape or bandage. The incorporation of fillers into the casting materials of the present invention also imparts air and vapor porosity to the cured casting materials. If desired articles of the present invention may also incorporate fibers (either individually, bundled, or in the form of a light-weight scrim) to provide increased cohesiveness to the uncured article. Extremely moldable casting tapes are also provided which comprise a highly-filled composite material coated on a light-weight scrim. The casting tapes of this embodiment handle like traditional plaster of Paris casts yet cure to a weight-bearing cast in less than one hour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Matthew T. Scholz, Jason L. Edgar, Andrew J. Callinan, Dean A. Ersfeld, Worku A. Mindaye, Andrew J. Mahler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6103647
    Abstract: There is provided a laminate having at least one layer of meltblown elastic fibers bonded on either side with a layer of soft non-elastic fibers of greater than 7 microns in average diameter. The laminate has a drape stiffness less than half of a similar fabric having a layer of meltblown non-elastic fibers in place of the layer of meltblown elastic fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay Sheldon Shultz, Susan Elaine Shawver, Leslie Warren Collier, IV, Paul Windsor Estey
  • Patent number: 6040251
    Abstract: The present invention includes novel barrier webs that have certain desirable physical qualities such as water resistance, increased durability, improved barrier qualities and the like. The present invention further comprises a barrier web comprising a web that has been treated with a curable shear thinned thixotropic polymer composition, the fabric being adapted to be substantially impermeable to liquids, permeable to gases and impermeable to microorganisms. The barrier webs of the present invention are either impermeable to all microorganisms or are impermeable to microorganisms of certain sizes. The present invention also includes fabrics that are capable of either selective binding certain microorganisms, particles or molecules depending upon what binding partners are incorporated into the polymer before application to the fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Nextec Applications Inc.
    Inventor: J. Michael Caldwell
  • Patent number: 6022818
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an entangled nonwoven composite made from absorbent fibers such as wood pulp fibers and matrix fibers such as polyolefin staple fibers. The absorbent fibers are entangled with the matrix fibers in such a manner so that the composite has an absorbent-rich side and a matrix-rich side. Intermediate the two exterior sides there is an entangled interior portion made from a mixture of the absorbent and matrix fibers. The composite is particularly well-suited for use in multifunctional handling of fluids such as, for example, body fluids which are absorbed by personal care absorbent articles. The matrix fiber portion of the composite acts as a fluid intake region while the absorbent fiber portion acts as a fluid retention region and the portion of the composite intermediate the two exterior surfaces acts as a fluid transfer region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Debra Nell Welchel, Eric Scott Kepner, Crystal Sutphin Leach
  • Patent number: 5997972
    Abstract: Filling material for percolating filters used in the biological treatment of fluids are provided with strips which are made of plastic and are connected to one another via a transversely directed holding web. The strips are arranged one above the other in a plurality of layers in order to increase the strip density. In the filling material according to the invention, the strips are provided with different cross-sections over their length. For example, the strips may be reduced in width in regions adjacent to their connection to the holding web. As a result, the strips can be arranged in one layer with an increased strip density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Norddeutsche Seekabelwerke Aktiengesellschart
    Inventor: Hartwig Basse
  • Patent number: 5932323
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting, inspecting, and adjusting probe card needles used during testing of fabricated circuits. A build wafer, comprised of build and scrub target patterns, is used to mount and re-work probe needle assemblies onto a probe card. Each build target is composed of a hard material that is resistant to probe needle scratching, and is offset a preset distance from the position of the bonding pads on the actual wafer to be tested. Each scrub target is composed of a soft material that is easily disturbed by the probe needle's scrubbing action. By counting the number of lines broken or cut by a probe needle's scrub mark, the approximate length and width of the scrub mark may be ascertained. An adjustment tool is designed to fit snugly around the untapered, thickest portion of the probe needle. The tool is rotated along the axis of the probe needle shaft, allowing the technician to "tweak" the probe needle either up or down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Fred Throssel
  • Patent number: 5885906
    Abstract: A mesh material for a spacecraft antenna reflector is disclosed. The mesh material has a base material made from a dielectric fabric. A conductive material, such as nickel, is applied to the dielectric mesh. The type and thickness of the conductive material is adjusted to regulate the final conductivity of the reflective surface to a predefined range. The present invention utilizes a range that reduces PIM while at the same time maintains a high degree of RF reflectivity. The preferred range is 0.01 to 10 ohms per square.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Hughes Electronics
    Inventors: Robert L. Reynolds, John R. Bartholomew, Kenneth J. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5866215
    Abstract: A composite component is provided having at least one felt layer as reinforcement when used for crash and/or noise management applications, and preferably also including at least one reinforcement fiber layer. At least one of the reinforcement layers, preferably a felt layer, may be formed into a preform which is placed into a mold of suitable shape to form the component, along with the other reinforcement layers, with a resin/polymer being injected into the mold and then cured to form the composite component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignees: The Regents of the University of California, Clark-Cutler-McDermott
    Inventors: Vistasp M. Karbhari, Thomas R. McDermott
  • Patent number: 5858504
    Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing a highly absorbent, high strength wiper, which comprises the steps of providing a bonded nonwoven web selected from the group consisting of spunbond fiber webs and staple fiber webs, stretching the nonwoven web by applying a stretching tension in at least one direction, aperturing the nonwoven web while maintaining the stretching tension, and relaxing the apertured web, thereby returning the apertured nonwoven web substantially to its pre-stretched dimensions, wherein the process is conducted at a temperature below the softening point of the nonwoven web. The invention also provides a nonwoven wiper produced in accordance with the production process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Wayne Fitting
  • Patent number: 5833665
    Abstract: A method is provided for preparing a drug delivery material and device comprising cross-linking a biological polymer with a cross-linking agent and loading the cross-linked biopolymer with a bioactive agent. Preferred embodiments are disclosed wherein the drug delivery material is used in a catheter securing, drug delivery device, in a wound dressing, and in a wound dressing for percutaneous catheters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Integra LifeSciences I, Ltd.
    Inventors: Matthew Bootman, Ronald Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 5830810
    Abstract: A plasma sterilizable fabric which is subjected to charging, for example electrostatic charging, is provided. Plasma sterilizable fabrics may include nonwovens and laminate nonwovens. The plasma sterilizable fabrics may also be treated with an antistatic material before or after subjecting the same to charging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernard Cohen
  • Patent number: 5817394
    Abstract: This invention relates to a fibrous laminated material wherein a first fibrous layer comprising a plurality of staple fibers or continuous filaments of a thermoplastic material and a second fibrous layer comprising a plurality of staple fibers or continuous filaments of two or more thermoplastic or other materials are bonded together in a spaced apart bonding pattern having apertures formed therein to form a fibrous laminate having improved liquid distribution and management properties as well as enhanced comfort and softness when placed in contact with human skin. Also disclosed are a method and apparatus for making such a fibrous laminate, as well as absorbent articles incorporating such fibrous laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Mir Inayeth Alikhan, Deborah Lynn Proxmire, Edward Bruce Richter
  • Patent number: 5816902
    Abstract: An abrasive sheet for fine texture processing has threads planted uniformly on a surface of a flexible base sheet and abrasive particles are attached by a binder to each of these threads uniformly over a specified distance from the tip such that the threads remain free to move independently without getting stuck to each other. Such an abrasive sheet can be manufactured by gravure processing with the separation between a gravure roller and a back roller adjusted according to the distance over which a coating material including the abrasive particles can be applied to the threads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Nihon Micro Coating Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyoshi Watanabe, Takashi Fujii, Masashi Hara, Hisatomo Ohno, Makoto Kuwabara
  • Patent number: 5817391
    Abstract: An integrated three-dimensional knit spacer fabric is provided. The fabric includes a first fabric layer, a second fabric layer, and a resilient yarn interconnecting the two layers. The first fabric layer is made from fibers rendered hydrophilic, while the second fabric layer is made from hygroscopic fibers for absorbing moisture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Malden Mills Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Moshe Rock, Karl Lohmueller
  • Patent number: 5814390
    Abstract: Nonwoven fabrics having a desirable level of bulk, elasticity and low permanent set are produced by creasing a precursor web and heat setting the creases. Such webs may have varying basis weights and compositions depending on the intended end use. Applications disclosed include components for personal care products such as disposable diapers and feminine hygiene products, for example, as well as garment applications such as training pants, surgical gowns and the like. Also, absorbent products such as wipers are disclosed. Methods for forming the creased nonwoven fabric are disclosed using interdigitated rolls for creasing in the machine direction or in the cross-machine direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Ty Jackson Stokes, Jon Richard Butt, Sr., Alan Edward Wright
  • Patent number: 5814405
    Abstract: Microporous membranes are described and characterized as having a morphological microstructure of very highly elongated nodes interconnected by fibrils which form a structural network of voids or pores through the spaces between the nodes and fibrils, which voids or pores extend from one side of the membrane to the other. The membranes are highly uniform in terms of mass per volume, have very high strength and a very open microstructure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignees: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., W. L. Gore & Associates, GmbH
    Inventors: Phillip A. Branca, Daniel E. Hubis, Wolfgang Buerger, Christiane Rudolf, Ralf Tillmanns
  • Patent number: 5810954
    Abstract: A method of producing a fabric comprising producing fine denier fibers, using either meltblown or spunbond processes, or a combination of the two, followed by crimping, spotbonding using differential bond roll temperatures, and neck-stretching. Fiber having less than or equal to about 1.5 denier is preferred. The bond temperature differential is about 10.degree.-50.degree. F. The mat produced has the unexpected result of improved strength, conformability and reduced stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Rob Lee Jacobs, David Craige Strack, Terry Kramer Timmons
  • Patent number: 5807628
    Abstract: A method and product for repairing a sound attenuation structure for aircraft jet engine noise that includes a central honeycomb core having an imperforate facing sheet adhesively bonded thereto and a perforated facing sheet adhesively bonded to the opposing surface of the core with a woven wire cloth media adhesively bonded to the outer surface of the perforated sheet. The wire cloth is subject to deterioration and disbonding in service use. The method provides for the removal of the deteriorated wire cloth that has disbanded or deteriorated and, after cleaning of the perforated sheet and the associated honeycomb core area, and priming of the cleaned area of the perforated sheet replacement with a polymer film that is precoated with a pressure sensitive adhesive so that the film may be easily applied to the exposed perforated sheet area in place of the removed wire cloth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignees: Rohr, Inc., Minnesota Mining & Manufacutring Company
    Inventors: Jason G. Mnich, David S. Marsh, Ralph T. Werley
  • Patent number: 5804286
    Abstract: A fabric comprising at least two layers wherein at least one layer is an extensible, bonded non-woven composed of a fiber comprising multiple different polymers such as a fiber comprising isotactic polypropylene, polyethylene and a block or grafted polyolefin copolymer or terpolymer which is at least partially miscible with said polypropylene and polyethylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Fiberweb North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Quantrille, Harold E. Thomas, Barry D. Meece, Scott L. Gessner, J. Darrell Gillespie, Jared A. Austin, David D. Newkirk, William Fowells