Patents by Inventor Brian K. Rhodes

Brian K. Rhodes 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).

  • Publication number: 20110160692
    Abstract: A method to incorporate leg elastic members into pant-like disposable absorbent garments, and garments made thereby. In particular embodiments, the method includes supplying elastomeric film laminate first and second body panel webs spaced apart from each other. A continuous first leg elastic member is attached to the first body panel web, and a continuous second leg elastic member is attached to the second body panel web. A continuous leg elastic covering web is attached to both the first body panel web and the second body panel web so as to sandwich the first and second leg elastic members between the leg elastic covering web and the respective body panel web, thereby creating a composite web. In particular embodiments, the present invention can provide an efficient and process friendly technique to cover and hold in place leg elastic members in a pant-style disposable garment that employs elastomeric film laminates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: Todd W. Wilkes, Lacey L. Poole, Joseph A. Mlinar, Marlene R. Dins, Russell E. Thorson, Brian K. Rhodes
  • Publication number: 20080301010
    Abstract: A component management system can comprise one or more software tools that streamline creation and adjustment of documents that indicate parts stocking requirements for manufacturing assets. The manufacturing assets may comprise machines, sub-assemblies, and the like, while the components comprise parts, tools, and other equipment used to maintain operation of the manufacturing assets. The component management system can be used to enhance authorization processes by handling authority to stock documents online. Furthermore, by interfacing with an enterprise resource planning system, such as SAP, component and inventory management can be made more efficient and flexible. For instance, simulations of future versions of the installed component base can be used to generate component forecast documents useful for proactive component management.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide
    Inventors: Thomas R. Klim, Brian K. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 6227541
    Abstract: A conveyor assembly and method for rotating a strip of material via one or more transfer elements angularly disposed relative to the initial orientation of the strip of material and placing the rotated strip of material toward a continuously moving surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack L. Couillard, Brian K. Rhodes