Patents by Inventor Austin N. Pickett

Austin N. Pickett has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11931468
    Abstract: A feminine care absorbent article comprising an absorbent member positioned between a topsheet and a baffle is provided. The absorbent member contains at least one layer that comprises superabsorbent particles containing nanopores having an average cross-sectional dimension of from about 10 to about 500 nanometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuriy Galabura, Austin N. Pickett, WanDuk Lee, Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Palani Raj R. Wallajapet, Cynthia S. Krueger, Mark M. Mleziva, Richmond R. Cohen
  • Publication number: 20230172766
    Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed that has various leak-proof features. The absorbent article, for instance, includes containment flaps that hold body exudates within the garment. The containment flaps are attached to the absorbent article by a plurality of bond lines at each end of the containment flaps. In order to restrict fluids from flowing between the bond lines, the containment flaps are further bonded at each end by a transverse bond pattern. In one embodiment, the transverse bond pattern can be formed from ultrasonic point bonds. The transverse bond patterns not only restrict leaks but also is aesthetically pleasing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Inventors: Matthew X. Majestic, Lynn Lynch, Janet E. Collins, Austin N. Pickett, Amanda L. Plump, Joseph J. Sina, Lori A. Roocks
  • Patent number: 11596924
    Abstract: Superabsorbent particles have a median size of from about 50 to about 2,000 micrometers and contain a porous network that includes a plurality of nanopores having an average cross-sectional dimension of from about 10 to about 500 nanometers, wherein the superabsorbent particles exhibit a Vortex Time of about 80 seconds or less and a free swell gel bed permeability (GBP) of 5 darcys or more, of 10 darcys or more, of 20 darcys or more, of 30 darcys or more, of 60 darcys or more, or of 90 darcys or more. A method for forming such superabsorbent particles includes forming a composition that contains a superabsorbent polymer and a solvent system; contacting the composition with a non-solvent system to initiate formation of the porous network through phase inversion; removing non-solvent from the composition; and surface crosslinking the superabsorbent particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Austin N. Pickett, Karen Goeders, Mark M. Mleziva, Theodore T. Tower, WanDuk Lee, Neil T. Scholl, Lori A. Eslinger, Yuriy Galabura, Dave Soerens, Kazuhiro Takahashi, Yusuke Ueda, Megumi Tomioka
  • Publication number: 20210362125
    Abstract: An absorbent article includes an absorbent member positioned between a topsheet and a backsheet. The absorbent member contains at least one layer that includes superabsorbent particles containing a porous network that includes a plurality of nanopores having an average cross-sectional dimension of from about 10 to about 500 nanometers, wherein the superabsorbent particles exhibit a Vortex Time of about 80 seconds or less and a free swell gel bed permeability (GBP) of 5 darcys or more, of 10 darcys or more, of 60 darcys or more, or of 90 darcys or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Austin N. Pickett, Karen Goeders, Mark M. Mleziva, Theodore T. Tower, WanDuk Lee, Neil T. Scholl, Lori A. Eslinger, Yuriy Galabura, Dave Soerens
  • Patent number: 11124641
    Abstract: A water-dispersible injection-moldable composition includes partially-hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polyethylene glycol (PEG), plasticizer, and a hydrophobic polymeric component, wherein the composition has a melt flow index of 5-180. The hydrophobic polymeric component can be a colorant within an ethylene matrix or polyethylene. The composition is flushable according to Guidance Document for Assessing the Flushability of Nonwoven Consumer Products (INDA and EDANA, 2006); Test FG 522.2 Tier 2—Slosh Box Disintegration Test. The PVOH has a hydrolysis of 87% to 89%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Alphonse DeMarco, Gregory J. Wideman, Peter S. Lortscher, Austin N. Pickett, Mark M. Mleziva, Garry R. Woltman, Michael G. Shlepr
  • Patent number: 11123228
    Abstract: A flushable tampon applicator product includes an outer tube for housing a tampon; an inner tube, at least a portion of which extends into the outer tube, wherein the outer tube includes an outer, body-contacting surface, wherein the inner tube is moveable relative to the outer tube and configured to expel a tampon from the outer tube, and wherein at least one of the outer tube and the inner tube comprises a thermoplastic composition including partially-hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polyethylene glycol (PEG), a plasticizer, and a hydrophobic polymeric component, wherein at least one of the outer tube and the inner tube is a molded part; and a wrapper material configured for storage under high and low moisture storage conditions, the wrapper material having a water vapor transmission rate of less than 0.05 g/100 in2/day.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Alphonse DeMarco, Gregory J. Wideman, Peter S. Lortscher, Austin N. Pickett, Mark M. Mleziva, Garry R. Woltman, Michael G. Shlepr
  • Publication number: 20210252478
    Abstract: Superabsorbent particles have a median size of from about 50 to about 2,000 micrometers and contain a porous network that includes a plurality of nanopores having an average cross-sectional dimension of from about 10 to about 500 nanometers, wherein the superabsorbent particles exhibit a Vortex Time of about 80 seconds or less and a free swell gel bed permeability (GBP) of 5 darcys or more, of 10 darcys or more, of 20 darcys or more, of 30 darcys or more, of 60 darcys or more, or of 90 darcys or more. A method for forming such superabsorbent particles includes forming a composition that contains a superabsorbent polymer and a solvent system; contacting the composition with a non-solvent system to initiate formation of the porous network through phase inversion; removing non-solvent from the composition; and surface crosslinking the superabsorbent particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Austin N. Pickett, Karen Goeders, Mark M. Mleziva, Theodore T. Tower, WanDuk Lee, Neil T. Scholl, Lori A. Eslinger, Yuriy Galabura, Dave Soerens, Kazuhiro Takahashi, Yusuke Ueda, Megumi Tomioka
  • Publication number: 20200188195
    Abstract: An absorbent article comprising an absorbent member positioned between a topsheet and a backsheet is provided. The absorbent member contains at least one layer that comprises superabsorbent particles containing nanopores having an average cross-sectional dimension of from about 10 to about 500 nanometers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Inventors: Yuriy Galabura, Austin N. Pickett, Karen Goeders, Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Dave Soerens, Theodore T. Tower, Mark M. Mleziva, WanDuk Lee
  • Publication number: 20200171462
    Abstract: Superabsorbent particles having a median size of from about 50 to about 2,000 micrometers and containing nanopores having an average cross-sectional dimension of from about 10 to about 500 nanometers are provided. The superabsorbent particles exhibit a Vortex Time of about 80 seconds or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Inventors: Yuriy Galabura, Austin N. Pickett, Karen Goeders, Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Dave Soerens, Theodore T. Tower, Mark M. Mleziva, WanDuk Lee
  • Publication number: 20200147258
    Abstract: A feminine care absorbent article comprising an absorbent member positioned between a topsheet and a baffle is provided. The absorbent member contains at least one layer that comprises superabsorbent particles containing nanopores having an average cross-sectional dimension of from about 10 to about 500 nanometers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Yuriy Galabura, Austin N. Pickett, WanDuk Lee, Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Palani Raj R. Wallajapet, Cynthia S. Krueger, Mark M. Mleziva, Richard R. Cohen
  • Publication number: 20200056027
    Abstract: A water-dispersible injection-moldable resin blend includes 20 wt. % to 80 wt. % thermoplastic elastomer, wherein the thermoplastic elastomer is ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or a styrenic block copolymer (SBC); and 80 wt. % to 20 wt. % modified poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH), wherein the modified PVOH is unmodified PVOH blended with glycerin. A flushable tampon applicator includes a grip region generally adjacent the outer end of the barrel, wherein the grip region of the barrel includes a water-dispersible injection-moldable resin blend including 20 wt. % to 80 wt. % thermoplastic elastomer, wherein the thermoplastic elastomer is ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or a styrenic block copolymer (SBC), and 80 wt. % to 20 wt. % modified poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH), wherein the modified PVOH is unmodified PVOH blended with glycerin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Alphonse DeMARCO, Gregory J. WIDEMAN, Austin N. PICKETT, Mark M. MLEZIVA
  • Publication number: 20200056032
    Abstract: A water-dispersible injection-moldable composition includes partially-hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polyethylene glycol (PEG), plasticizer, and a hydrophobic polymeric component, wherein the composition has a melt flow index of 5-180. The hydrophobic polymeric component can be a colorant within an ethylene matrix or polyethylene. The composition is flushable according to Guidance Document for Assessing the Flushability of Nonwoven Consumer Products (INDA and EDANA, 2006); Test FG 522.2 Tier 2—Slosh Box Disintegration Test. The PVOH has a hydrolysis of 87% to 89%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Alphonse DeMarco, Gregory J. Wideman, Peter S. Lortscher, Austin N. Pickett, Mark M. Mleziva, Garry R. Woltman, Michael G. Shlepr
  • Publication number: 20200054494
    Abstract: A flushable tampon applicator product includes an outer tube for housing a tampon; an inner tube, at least a portion of which extends into the outer tube, wherein the outer tube includes an outer, body-contacting surface, wherein the inner tube is moveable relative to the outer tube and configured to expel a tampon from the outer tube, and wherein at least one of the outer tube and the inner tube comprises a thermoplastic composition including partially-hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polyethylene glycol (PEG), a plasticizer, and a hydrophobic polymeric component, wherein at least one of the outer tube and the inner tube is a molded part; and a wrapper material configured for storage under high and low moisture storage conditions, the wrapper material having a water vapor transmission rate of less than 0.05 g/100 in2/day.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Alphonse DeMarco, Gregory J. Wideman, Peter S. Lortscher, Austin N. Pickett, Mark M. Mleziva, Garry R. Woltman, Michael G. Shlepr
  • Publication number: 20190366602
    Abstract: A method for forming an injection-molded part includes applying a coating to a mold cavity; maintaining a water-dispersible, thermoplastic composition at a temperature between 170° C. and 190° C., wherein the thermoplastic composition comprises partially-hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polyethylene glycol (PEG), plasticizer, and a hydrophobic polymeric component, wherein the composition has a melt flow rate of from 40 grams per 10 minutes to 160 grams per 10 minutes when subjected to a load of 2160 grams at a temperature of 190° C. according to ASTM Test Method D1238-E; injecting the thermoplastic composition into the mold cavity; shaping the thermoplastic composition into a molded part within the mold cavity; and maintaining the mold temperature at less than 20° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Inventors: Alphonse DeMarco, Gregory J. Wideman, Peter S. Lortscher, Austin N. Pickett, Mark M. Mleziva, Garry R. Woltman, Michael G. Shlepr
  • Publication number: 20190255212
    Abstract: A water-dispersible injection-moldable composition includes a water-dispersible polymer, polyethylene glycol (PEG), plasticizer, and a hydrophobic polymeric component, wherein the composition has a melt flow index of 5-180. The water-dispersible polymer can be partially-hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) or ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer. The hydrophobic polymeric component can be a colorant within an ethylene matrix, polyethylene, a degradation product of glycerin/PVOH, erucamide, or poly(dimethyl siloxane). The plasticizer can be glycerin. The composition is flushable according to Guidance Document for Assessing the Flushability of Nonwoven Consumer Products (INDA and EDANA, 2006); Test FG 522.2 Tier 2—Slosh Box Disintegration Test.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Inventors: Alphonse DeMarco, Gregory J. Wideman, Peter S. Lortscher, Austin N. Pickett, Mark M. Mleziva, Garry R. Woltman, Michael G. Shlepr