Patents by Inventor Frank Druecke

Frank Druecke 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: 7758727
    Abstract: A process for producing tissue webs is disclosed. The process includes the step of partially dewatering a tissue web and then subjecting the web to multiple deflections against fabrics prior to drying the tissue web. For instance, in one embodiment, the tissue web is deflected multiple times in between two opposing fabrics. The tissue web can be deflected against the fabrics under sufficient pressure to cause the tissue web to mold against the fabrics. By deflecting the tissue web multiple times, rearrangement of the papermaking fibers contained in the tissue web occurs increasing the bulk of the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Beuther, Frank Druecke, Jeffrey Holz
  • Publication number: 20070151692
    Abstract: A process for producing tissue webs is disclosed. The process includes the step of partially dewatering a tissue web and then subjecting the web to multiple deflections against fabrics prior to drying the tissue web. For instance, in one embodiment, the tissue web is deflected multiple times in between two opposing fabrics. The tissue web can be deflected against the fabrics under sufficient pressure to cause the tissue web to mold against the fabrics. By deflecting the tissue web multiple times, rearrangement of the papermaking fibers contained in the tissue web occurs increasing the bulk of the web.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Inventors: Paul Beuther, Frank Druecke, Jeffrey Holz
  • Publication number: 20070148293
    Abstract: An aroma delivery device is disclosed that may be packaged with a consumable product or used to provide a scent to a consumable product at the point purchase. In one embodiment, the aroma delivery device includes a plurality of user-selectable aroma elements. Each aroma element may possess a different scent. When the aroma delivery device is packaged with a consumable product, a user can then select one of the aroma elements for providing a scent either to the product or to the environment in which the product is to be used. The consumable product, for instance, may comprise a personal hygiene product or a tissue product. In an alternative embodiment, an aroma delivery device may be configured to inject a scent into a consumable product at the point of purchase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Inventors: Jeffrey Lindsay, Jennifer Marvin, Daphne VanBuren, Fung-Jou Chen, Frank Druecke, James Tanner, Kenneth Bester, Teresa Zander
  • Publication number: 20070079470
    Abstract: A floor-cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning head having a cleaning device, a control handle connected to the cleaning head for controlling the cleaning head and a micro power source in communication with the cleaning device. The micro power source is lightweight, compact, and rechargeable or replaceable for generating energy to power the cleaning device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Inventors: Carl Rippl, Jeffrey Lindsay, Eric Wagner, Fung-Jou Chen, Frank Druecke, David Tyrrell, Kim Ellefson, Mary Meyer, Timothy McFarland, Thomas Ales
  • Patent number: 7186317
    Abstract: A process for producing tissue webs is disclosed. The process includes the step of partially dewatering a tissue web and then subjecting the web to multiple deflections against fabrics prior to drying the tissue web. For instance, in one embodiment, the tissue web is deflected multiple times in between two opposing fabrics. The tissue web can be deflected against the fabrics under sufficient pressure to cause the tissue web to mold against the fabrics. By deflecting the tissue web multiple times, rearrangement of the papermaking fibers contained in the tissue web occurs increasing the bulk of the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Beuther, Frank Druecke, Jeffrey Holz
  • Publication number: 20060194041
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device, such as a decal, for releasing an agent capable of being sensed through olfaction, generally in conjunction with the use, application, or presence of water or water vapor, as in a shower, spa, bath tub, sink, sauna, basin, or the like. The decal includes a web and an agent that can be released, transmitted, or delivered so that the agent can be sensed or detected through olfaction. The decal further includes an affixation element, such as a bonding material, that attaches the decal to a surface. In some embodiments, the agent may be attached to the web while in other embodiments the agent may form part of the web. In one embodiment, the agent is menthol. In another embodiment, the agent is menthol and is accompanied by a material capable of effervescing. In yet another embodiment, the device for releasing an agent capable of being sensed through olfaction is attached to fixtures or molded surfaces that are typically associated with showers, baths, sinks, etc. (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Publication date: August 31, 2006
    Inventors: Kevin Mullally, Kimberly Ellefson, Nefetari Murph, Frank Druecke, James Cotter, Fung-jou Chen
  • Publication number: 20060135026
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a disposable cleaning product for use in household cleaning or personal care applications. The cleaning product of the invention is a multi-layer laminate product and may include at least two distinct layers, an abrasive layer and an absorbent layer. The absorbent layer contains a sponge-like member optionally in combination with a plurality of cellulosic fibrous webs. The sponge-like member can be made from various materials. For example, in one embodiment, the sponge-like member comprises one or more layers of a spunbond web containing crimped, bicomponent filaments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Publication date: June 22, 2006
    Inventors: Jonathan Arendt, Walter Bauer, Frank Druecke, Frederick Lang, Leslie Taneri, Eugenio Varona, Fung-Jou Chen, Jeffrey Lindsay, Julie Bednarz, Catherine Nennig, Richard Timmers, Andrew Kuo
  • Publication number: 20050268274
    Abstract: An air-laid web is combined with a wet-laid web prior to drying to form a layered tissue sheet. The resulting sheet has a unique combination of properties, which can include greater bulk and fuzziness on the air-laid side and greater strength and more smoothness on the wet-laid side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Publication date: December 1, 2005
    Inventors: Paul Beuther, Frank Druecke, Margaret Huseman, Kambiz Makoui
  • Publication number: 20050129897
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a disposable scrubbing product for use in household cleaning or personal care applications. The scrubbing product of the invention is a multi-layer laminate product and generally includes at least two distinct layers, an abrasive layer and an absorbent fibrous layer such as a layer tissue made from papermaking fibers, a layer of coform, an airlaid web, or combinations thereof. The abrasive layer is formed primarily of polymeric fibers in a disordered or random distribution as is typical of fibers deposited in meltblown or spunbond processes so as to form an open, porous structure. In one embodiment, multiple layers of an abrasive structure are releasably attached together. In this manner, the top or outermost layer may be removed after being used in order to expose an unused abrasive structure located below the discarded layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Publication date: June 16, 2005
    Inventors: Peiguang Zhou, Fung-Jou Chen, Jeffrey Lindsay, Ivan Schrodt, Frank Druecke, Julie Bednarz
  • Publication number: 20050126728
    Abstract: A process for producing tissue webs is disclosed. The process includes the step of partially dewatering a tissue web and then subjecting the web to multiple deflections against fabrics prior to drying the tissue web. For instance, in one embodiment, the tissue web is deflected multiple times in between two opposing fabrics. The tissue web can be deflected against the fabrics under sufficient pressure to cause the tissue web to mold against the fabrics. By deflecting the tissue web multiple times, rearrangement of the papermaking fibers contained in the tissue web occurs increasing the bulk of the web.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Publication date: June 16, 2005
    Inventors: Paul Beuther, Frank Druecke, Jeffrey Holz
  • Patent number: 6716309
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for topical application of compositions containing a chemical additive onto a paper web. The present invention is also directed to paper products formed from the method. In general, the method includes the steps of extruding a composition containing a chemical additive through a melt blown die and then applying the composition to a moving paper web. In one embodiment, the chemical composition is extruded into fibers and applied to the paper web. The chemical composition can contain, for instance, various additives, such as a polysiloxane softener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Strong Chuang, Keu-Chang Liu, Paul Beuther, Frank Druecke, Lee Garvey, Alan Chan
  • Publication number: 20030118847
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for topical application of compositions containing a chemical additive onto a paper web. The present invention is also directed to paper products formed from the method. In general, the method includes the steps of extruding a composition containing a chemical additive through a melt blown die and then applying the composition to a moving paper web. In one embodiment, the chemical composition is extruded into fibers and applied to the paper web. The chemical composition can contain, for instance, various additives, such as a polysiloxane softener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Strong Chuang, Kou-chang Liu, Paul Beuther, Frank Druecke, Lee Garvey, Alan Chan