Patents by Inventor Bruce Lance

Bruce Lance 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: 8901188
    Abstract: An antimicrobial polyurethane foam that is formed from: a multi-functional isocyanate component; an aqueous polyol component reactive with the multi-functional isocyanate component; an antimicrobial metallic compound; and a complexing agent. The complexing agent is used to form a stable blend of the antimicrobial metallic compound with the polyol component. Exemplary complexing agents include amine compounds, ammonium-containing compounds and ammonia as well as combinations these compounds. The antimicrobial metallic compound can be a silver, zinc or copper compound. Desirably, the antimicrobial metallic compound is silver saccharinate. A process of making the antimicrobial polyurethane foam and stable blends used in the manufacture of the antimicrobial polyurethane foam are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Bhalchandra M. Karandikar, Bruce Lance Gibbins
  • Publication number: 20120322903
    Abstract: An antimicrobial polyurethane foam that is formed from: a multi-functional isocyanate component; an aqueous polyol component reactive with the multi-functional isocyanate component; an antimicrobial metallic compound; and a complexing agent. The complexing agent is used to form a stable blend of the antimicrobial metallic compound with the polyol component. Exemplary complexing agents include amine compounds, ammonium-containing compounds and ammonia as well as combinations these compounds. The antimicrobial metallic compound can be a silver, zinc or copper compound. Desirably, the antimicrobial metallic compound is silver saccharinate. A process of making the antimicrobial polyurethane foam and stable blends used in the manufacture of the antimicrobial polyurethane foam are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventors: Bhalchandra M. Karandikar, Bruce Lance Gibbins
  • Patent number: 8005701
    Abstract: Systems and methods for generating work schedules are provided. Work schedules are generated based on an identification of work periods and tasks and information related to the workers. A work schedule is produced based on a selected optimization parameter. The optimization parameter can be any type of parameter related to the tasks and workers. The optimization parameter can be ergonomic impact, level of training, experience level or the like. The systems and methods can also receive assigned tasks for one or more of the workers, and generate a schedule incorporating the assignments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Eric A. Hayler, Bruce Lance
  • Publication number: 20070288287
    Abstract: Systems and methods for generating work schedules are provided. Work schedules are generated based on an identification of work periods and tasks and information related to the workers. A work schedule is produced based on a selected optimization parameter. The optimization parameter can be any type of parameter related to the tasks and workers. The optimization parameter can be ergonomic impact, level of training, experience level or the like. The systems and methods can also receive assigned tasks for one or more of the workers, and generate a schedule incorporating the assignments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Eric A. Hayler, Bruce Lance