Patents by Inventor Erin A. Meulners

Erin A. Meulners 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: 20100240799
    Abstract: An antimicrobial film-forming composition, an antimicrobial film, and a method of verifying the presence of an antimicrobial film. The film-forming composition can include no greater than 10 weight percent of polyvinyl alcohol, from 0.05 to 15 weight percent of polyhexamethylene biguanide, from 0.001 to 10 weight percent of a quaternary ammonium compound, and water or a water-based solvent. The film-forming composition can form a water-soluble, biocidal antimicrobial film that includes no greater than 98 weight percent of polyvinyl alcohol, and from 1 to 15 weight percent of each of polyhexamethylene biguanide and the quaternary ammonium compound. The method can include applying a film-forming composition comprising an indicator dye to a surface, drying the film-forming composition to form an antimicrobial film, and triggering the antimicrobial film to trigger the indicator dye to verify the presence of the film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Gerald R.A. Hofmann, Mitchell T. Johnson, Caroline M. Ylitalo, Duane D. Fansler, Narina Y. Stepanova, Erin A. Meulners
  • Publication number: 20080200890
    Abstract: Disposable absorbent articles comprising an absorbent material and a degradable thermoplastic polymer composition comprising an aliphatic polyester and an antimicrobial composition. The antimicrobial composition includes an antimicrobial component and an enhancer component. The aliphatic polyester and antimicrobial composition are formed into webs by melt extrusion, such as nonwovens and films, that are incorporated into disposable absorbent articles, such as disposable infant diapers, adult incontinence articles, feminine hygiene articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners and tampons, personal care wipes and household wipes to provide odor control, control of microbial growth, and control of microbial toxin production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Leigh E. Wood, Alexis S. Statham, Francis E. Porbeni, Robert J. Maki, Jeremy M. Yarwood, Matthew J. Schmid, Ronald W. Ausen, Jay M. Jennen, Kelly S. Anderson, Matthew T. Scholz, Robert W. Peterson, Erin A. Meulners
  • Publication number: 20080142023
    Abstract: Antimicrobial compositions comprising aliphatic polyester, and an antimicrobial component effective for antimicrobial activity, and, in some embodiments, an enhancer. Example: blend of poly(lactic acid) polymer (55g) with propyleneglycol monolaurate antimicrobial component (9g), and benzoic acid enhancer (1g). Inventive resin compositions are effective against gram negative and gram positive bacteria, mold and mildew. Preferred compositions comprise materials that are GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Matthew J. Schmid, Ronald W. Ausen, Jay M. Jennen, Kelly S. Anderson, Matthew T. Scholz, Robert W. Peterson, Erin A. Meulners