Patents by Inventor Donald E. Waldroup
Donald E. Waldroup 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).
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Patent number: 12454582Abstract: A spray dried non-hydrogen bonded (NHB) nano-fibrillated cellulose (NFC) composition and methods for preparing such composition are disclosed. The spray dried NFC with a NHB effect results in low packing density.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2023Date of Patent: October 28, 2025Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Jian Qin, Donald E. Waldroup, Youquan Su, Liyi Shi
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Publication number: 20250305217Abstract: A method for producing a high-bulk, foam-formed substrate includes producing an aqueous-based foam including at least 1% by weight crimped synthetic fibers and at least 1% by weight binder fibers; forming a wet sheet from the aqueous-based foam; and drying the wet sheet to obtain the foam-formed substrate. A substrate includes an aqueous-based polymer foam including at least 1% by weight crimped synthetic fiber and at least 1% by weight binder fiber, wherein the substrate is free of superabsorbent material. A method for producing a high-bulk, foam-formed substrate includes producing an aqueous-based foam including at least 2% by weight crimped binder fibers; forming a wet sheet from the aqueous-based foam; and drying the wet sheet to obtain the foam-formed substrate, wherein the foam-formed substrate is free of superabsorbent material, and wherein the substrate has a dry density between 0.02 g/cc and 0.1 g/cc.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2025Publication date: October 2, 2025Inventors: Jian Qin, Deborah J. Calewarts, Charles W. Colman, Donald E. Waldroup, Cathleen M. Uttecht, Peter Wallace
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Patent number: 12331465Abstract: A method for producing a high-bulk, foam-formed substrate includes producing an aqueous-based foam including at least 1% by weight crimped synthetic fibers and at least 1% by weight binder fibers; forming a wet sheet from the aqueous-based foam; and drying the wet sheet to obtain the foam-formed substrate. A substrate includes an aqueous-based polymer foam including at least 1% by weight crimped synthetic fiber and at least 1% by weight binder fiber, wherein the substrate is free of superabsorbent material. A method for producing a high-bulk, foam-formed substrate includes producing an aqueous-based foam including at least 2% by weight crimped binder fibers; forming a wet sheet from the aqueous-based foam; and drying the wet sheet to obtain the foam-formed substrate, wherein the foam-formed substrate is free of superabsorbent material, and wherein the substrate has a dry density between 0.02 g/cc and 0.1 g/cc.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2017Date of Patent: June 17, 2025Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Jian Qin, Deborah J. Calewarts, Charles W. Colman, Donald E. Waldroup, Cathleen M. Uttecht, Peter Wallace
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Patent number: 12043963Abstract: A method for producing a foam-formed multilayered substrate that includes producing an aqueous-based foam including at least 3% by weight non-straight synthetic binder fibers, wherein the non-straight synthetic binder fibers have an average length greater than 2 mm; forming together a wet sheet layer from the aqueous-based foam and a cellulosic fiber layer, wherein the cellulosic fiber layer includes at least 60 percent by weight cellulosic fibers; and drying the combined layers to obtain the foam-formed multilayer substrate. A multilayered substrate includes a first layer including at least 60 percent by weight non-straight synthetic binder fibers having an average length greater than 2 mm; and a second layer including at least 60 percent by weight cellulosic fiber, wherein the first layer is in a facing relationship with the second layer, and wherein the multilayered substrate has a wet/dry tensile ratio of at least 60%.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2022Date of Patent: July 23, 2024Inventors: Deborah J. Calewarts, Jian Qin, Charles W. Colman, Cathleen M. Uttecht, Donald E. Waldroup, Francis P. Abuto, Jenny L. Day, Stephen M. Lindsay
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Patent number: 11939726Abstract: A multi-layered web is disclosed that is resilient and/or elastic in the Z-direction. Thus, when the web is compressed, the web assumes a compacted state and then expands to an expanded state when the compressive forces are removed. In one embodiment, the multi-layered web includes a middle layer made from a resilient blend of fibers positioned inbetween two outer layers. The middle layer, for instance, can contain elastomeric fibers, three-dimensional fibers, and/or debonded fibers.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2018Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: David A. Lilley, Donald E. Waldroup, Charles W. Colman, Joseph K. Baker, Marvin E. Swails, Michael Payne, Vicky S. Polashock
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Publication number: 20230220119Abstract: A spray dried non-hydrogen bonded (NHB) nano-fibrillated cellulose (NFC) composition and methods for preparing such composition are disclosed. The spray dried NFC with a NHB effect results in low packing density.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2023Publication date: July 13, 2023Inventors: Jian Qin, Donald E. Waldroup, Youquan Su, Liyi Shi
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Patent number: 11591755Abstract: A tissue paper product is provided having at least one ultra-low density ply having a highly porous, open-celled structure and that comprises cellulosic fibers, a water insoluble binder and a foaming surfactant. The cellulosic fiber comprises greater than 50% by weight of the ply and are bonded to one another by hydrogen bonding. Further, the ply has a density less than about 0.04 g/cc and yet still provides low lint and high strength properties with the use of minimal binder. The ultra-low density ply may comprise or be included in sheets forming a stack of dispensable wipers or may be employed as or part of an absorbent core or liquid distribution layer of a personal care absorbent personal care product such as a diaper or feminine pad.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2016Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Jian Qin, Deborah J. Calewarts, Donald E. Waldroup
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Publication number: 20220127792Abstract: A method for producing a foam-formed multilayered substrate that includes producing an aqueous-based foam including at least 3% by weight non-straight synthetic binder fibers, wherein the non-straight synthetic binder fibers have an average length greater than 2 mm; forming together a wet sheet layer from the aqueous-based foam and a cellulosic fiber layer, wherein the cellulosic fiber layer includes at least 60 percent by weight cellulosic fibers; and drying the combined layers to obtain the foam-formed multilayer substrate. A multilayered substrate includes a first layer including at least 60 percent by weight non-straight synthetic binder fibers having an average length greater than 2 mm; and a second layer including at least 60 percent by weight cellulosic fiber, wherein the first layer is in a facing relationship with the second layer, and wherein the multilayered substrate has a wet/dry tensile ratio of at least 60%.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2022Publication date: April 28, 2022Inventors: Deborah J. Calewarts, Jian Qin, Charles W. Colman, Cathleen M. Uttecht, Donald E. Waldroup, Francis P. Abuto, Jenny L. Day, Stephen M. Lindsay
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Publication number: 20220090328Abstract: A multi-layered web is disclosed that is resilient and/or elastic in the Z-direction. Thus, when the web is compressed, the web assumes a compacted state and then expands to an expanded state when the compressive forces are removed. In one embodiment, the multi-layered web includes a middle layer made from a resilient blend of fibers positioned inbetween two outer layers. The middle layer, for instance, can contain elastomeric fibers, three-dimensional fibers, and/or debonded fibers.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2018Publication date: March 24, 2022Inventors: David A. Lilley, Donald E. Waldroup, Charles W. Colman, Joseph K. Baker, Marvin E. Swails, Michael Payne, Vicky S. Polashock
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Patent number: 11255051Abstract: A method for producing a foam-formed multilayered substrate that includes producing an aqueous-based foam including at least 3% by weight non-straight synthetic binder fibers, wherein the non-straight synthetic binder fibers have an average length greater than 2 mm; forming together a wet sheet layer from the aqueous-based foam and a cellulosic fiber layer, wherein the cellulosic fiber layer includes at least 60 percent by weight cellulosic fibers; and drying the combined layers to obtain the foam-formed multilayer substrate. A multilayered substrate includes a first layer including at least 60 percent by weight non-straight synthetic binder fibers having an average length greater than 2 mm; and a second layer including at least 60 percent by weight cellulosic fiber, wherein the first layer is in a facing relationship with the second layer, and wherein the multilayered substrate has a wet/dry tensile ratio of at least 60%.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2017Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Deborah J. Calewarts, Jian Qin, Charles W. Colman, Cathleen M. Uttecht, Donald E. Waldroup, Francis P. Abuto, Jenny L. Day, Stephen M. Lindsay
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Patent number: 10865317Abstract: A composition configured to create a superhydrophobic surface includes a fluorinated hydrophobic component dispersible in an aqueous dispersion; cellulosic elements of a size ranging from 100 nm to 100 ?m; and water. The hydrophobic component is selected from the group consisting of fluorinated polymers, perfluorinated polymers, and mixtures thereof; and the cellulosic elements are micro- and nano-fibrillated cellulose. A disposable absorbent article includes a substrate having a surface, the surface including a composition including a fluorinated hydrophobic component dispersible in an aqueous dispersion; cellulosic elements of a size ranging from 100 nm to 100 ?m; and water, wherein the surface exhibits a contact angle greater than 150 degrees.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2017Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventors: Constantine Michael Megaridis, Jared Morrissette, Patrick Carroll, Ilker S. Bayer, Jian Qin, Donald E. Waldroup
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Publication number: 20200370246Abstract: A method for producing a foam-formed multilayered substrate that includes producing an aqueous-based foam including at least 3% by weight non-straight synthetic binder fibers, wherein the non-straight synthetic binder fibers have an average length greater than 2 mm; forming together a wet sheet layer from the aqueous-based foam and a cellulosic fiber layer, wherein the cellulosic fiber layer includes at least 60 percent by weight cellulosic fibers; and drying the combined layers to obtain the foam-formed multilayer substrate. A multilayered substrate includes a first layer including at least 60 percent by weight non-straight synthetic binder fibers having an average length greater than 2 mm; and a second layer including at least 60 percent by weight cellulosic fiber, wherein the first layer is in a facing relationship with the second layer, and wherein the multilayered substrate has a wet/dry tensile ratio of at least 60%.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2017Publication date: November 26, 2020Inventors: Deborah J. Calewarts, Jian Qin, Charles W. Colman, Cathleen M. Uttecht, Donald E. Waldroup, Francis P. Abuto, Jenny L. Day, Stephen M. Lindsay
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Publication number: 20200255548Abstract: A spray dried non-hydrogen bonded (NHB) nano-fibrillated cellulose (NFC) composition and methods for preparing such composition are disclosed. The spray dried NFC with a NHB effect results in low packing density.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2017Publication date: August 13, 2020Inventors: Jian Qin, Donald E. Waldroup, Youquan Su, Liyi Shi
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Publication number: 20200216681Abstract: A superhydrophobic surface includes a substrate treated with a composition including a hydrophobic matrix component free of fluorine; filler particles, wherein the filler particles are plant-based elements of a size ranging from 100 nm to 100 ?m; and water, wherein the hydrophobic component is in an aqueous dispersion, and wherein the surface exhibits a water contact angle of 150° or greater. Also, a disposable absorbent article includes a substrate having a surface, the surface including a composition including a hydrophobic matrix component free of fluorine; filler particles, wherein the filler particles are plant-based elements of a size ranging from 100 nm to 100 ?m, wherein the plant-based elements include micro- and nano-fibrillated cellulose; and water, wherein the hydrophobic component is in an aqueous dispersion, and wherein the surface exhibits a water contact angle of 150° or greater.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2017Publication date: July 9, 2020Inventors: Jian Qin, Donald E. Waldroup, Corey T. Cunningham, Constantine Michael Megaridis, Jared Morrissette, Patrick Carroll, Ilker S. Bayer
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Publication number: 20200190739Abstract: A method for producing a high-bulk, foam-formed substrate includes producing an aqueous-based foam including at least 1% by weight crimped synthetic fibers and at least 1% by weight binder fibers; forming a wet sheet from the aqueous-based foam; and drying the wet sheet to obtain the foam-formed substrate. A substrate includes an aqueous-based polymer foam including at least 1% by weight crimped synthetic fiber and at least 1% by weight binder fiber, wherein the substrate is free of superabsorbent material. A method for producing a high-bulk, foam-formed substrate includes producing an aqueous-based foam including at least 2% by weight crimped binder fibers; forming a wet sheet from the aqueous-based foam; and drying the wet sheet to obtain the foam-formed substrate, wherein the foam-formed substrate is free of superabsorbent material, and wherein the substrate has a dry density between 0.02 g/cc and 0.1 g/cc.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2017Publication date: June 18, 2020Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Jian QIN, Deborah J. CALEWARTS, Charles W. COLMAN, Donald E. WALDROUP, Cathleen M. UTTECHT, Peter WALLACE
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Publication number: 20200181422Abstract: A non-fluorinated composition configured to create a superhydrophobic surface includes a hydrophobic matrix component free of fluorine; filler particles, wherein the filler particles are plant-based elements of a size ranging from 100 nm to 100 ?m; and water, wherein the hydrophobic matrix component is in an aqueous dispersion. Also, a non-fluorinated composition configured to create a superhydrophobic surface includes a hydrophobic matrix component free of fluorine, wherein the hydrophobic matrix component includes a polyolefin, a natural wax, or a synthetic wax; filler particles, wherein the filler particles are plant-based elements of a size ranging from 100 nm to 100 ?m; an emulsifier; and water, wherein the hydrophobic component is in an aqueous dispersion.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2017Publication date: June 11, 2020Inventors: Constantine Michael Megaridis, Jared Morrissette, Patrick Carroll, Ilker S. Bayer, Jian Qin, Donald E. Waldroup, Corey T. Cunningham
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Publication number: 20190062570Abstract: A composition configured to create a superhydrophobic surface includes a fluorinated hydrophobic component dispersible in an aqueous dispersion; cellulosic elements of a size ranging from 100 nm to 100 ?m; and water. The hydrophobic component is selected from the group consisting of fluorinated polymers, perfluorinated polymers, and mixtures thereof; and the cellulosic elements are micro- and nano-fibrillated cellulose. A disposable absorbent article includes a substrate having a surface, the surface including a composition including a fluorinated hydrophobic component dispersible in an aqueous dispersion; cellulosic elements of a size ranging from 100 nm to 100 ?m; and water, wherein the surface exhibits a contact angle greater than 150 degrees.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2017Publication date: February 28, 2019Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventors: Constantine Michael Megaridis, Jared Morrissette, Patrick Carroll, Ilker S. Bayer, Jian Qin, Donald E. Waldroup
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Publication number: 20180325755Abstract: An absorbent composite foam is provided having a density below 0.04 g/cc and low wet collapse comprising (i) between about 5 to about 40% by wt. fluid resistant fibers; (ii) between about 30 to about 80% by wt. cellulosic fibers; (iii) between about 5 to about 35% by wt. binder; and (iv) a foaming surfactant. The combination of ultra-low density and wet stability is achieved, despite a high proportion of cellulosic fibers, by having both hydrogen bonding between cellulosic fibers as well as inter-fiber bonds formed by the binder.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2016Publication date: November 15, 2018Inventors: Jian Qin, Deborah J. Calewarts, Donald E. Waldroup
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Patent number: 9580869Abstract: A process is disclosed for topically applying additive compositions to planar substrates, such as tissue webs. In one embodiment, the process is designed to apply relatively high viscous compositions to base sheets at high speeds in a manner that prevents the additive composition from penetrating into the sheet. The additive composition having the relatively high viscosity can be applied to the base sheet in one embodiment using an offset gravure printing process. The applicator roll includes a pattern of raised elements. The raised elements define a surface having at least one dimension that is less than 500 microns. The raised elements are also spaced closely together in order to prevent fiber buildup on the roll during relatively fast processing speeds.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2010Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Keyur Desai, Deborah J. Calewarts, Jian Qin, Jeffrey F. Jurena, Stephen Michael Campbell, Donald E. Waldroup
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Publication number: 20160242970Abstract: A material having one-way valve properties includes a nonwoven substrate having a first surface having a first surface hydrohead value and a second surface having a second surface hydrohead value; and a superhydrophobic formulation disposed on the first surface, wherein the first surface hydrohead value is less than about 1 cm, and wherein the second surface hydrohead value is at least 4 cm greater than the first surface hydrohead value. Also, a personal care article includes this nonwoven substrate in a nonwoven fluid permeable topsheet having a body-facing surface and an opposing backside surface, the article also including a fluid impermeable backsheet and at least one intermediate layer disposed therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2014Publication date: August 25, 2016Inventors: Jian Qin, Donald E. Waldroup, Constantine Michael Megaridis, Joseph Edward Mates, Thomas Michael Schutzius