Patents by Inventor Gregory J. Wideman
Gregory J. Wideman 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: 20230233644Abstract: Disclosed are soluble extractives prepared from non-woody plants of the genus Hesperaloe and processes for preparing the same. The extracts preferably comprise at least one saponin. In certain instances, the process includes providing biomass derived from non-woody plants of the genus Hesperaloe, milling the biomass, washing the biomass with a solvent to yield a crude extract and optionally further purifying the crude extract by filtration to remove water insoluble compositions such as fibers, fines, epidermal debris and lipids. Preferably, the composition extracted from Hesperaloe comprises 25(27)-dehydrofucreastatin, 5(6),25(27)-disdehydroyuccaloiside C, 5(6)-disdehydroyuccaloiside, C, furcreastatin, yuccaloiside, or a mixture thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2021Publication date: July 27, 2023Inventors: Ning Wei, Thomas G. Shannon, Brent M. Thompson, Gregory J. Wideman
-
Patent number: 11345791Abstract: A polymeric material that includes a thermoplastic composition containing a continuous phase that includes a matrix polymer and a siloxane component is provided. The siloxane component contains an ultrahigh molecular weight siloxane polymer that is dispersed within the continuous phase in the form of discrete domains. A porous network is defined within the thermoplastic composition that includes a plurality of nanopores.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2018Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Ryan J. McEneany, Yuriy Galabura, Antonio J. Carrillo Ojeda, Neil T. Scholl, Vasily A. Topolkaraev, David W. Hall, Juha P. Kemppinen, Peter S. Lortscher, Lori A. Eslinger, Brent M. Thompson, Gregory J. Wideman
-
Patent number: 11123228Abstract: A flushable tampon applicator product includes an outer tube for housing a tampon; an inner tube, at least a portion of which extends into the outer tube, wherein the outer tube includes an outer, body-contacting surface, wherein the inner tube is moveable relative to the outer tube and configured to expel a tampon from the outer tube, and wherein at least one of the outer tube and the inner tube comprises a thermoplastic composition including partially-hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polyethylene glycol (PEG), a plasticizer, and a hydrophobic polymeric component, wherein at least one of the outer tube and the inner tube is a molded part; and a wrapper material configured for storage under high and low moisture storage conditions, the wrapper material having a water vapor transmission rate of less than 0.05 g/100 in2/day.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2017Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Alphonse DeMarco, Gregory J. Wideman, Peter S. Lortscher, Austin N. Pickett, Mark M. Mleziva, Garry R. Woltman, Michael G. Shlepr
-
Patent number: 11124641Abstract: A water-dispersible injection-moldable composition includes partially-hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polyethylene glycol (PEG), plasticizer, and a hydrophobic polymeric component, wherein the composition has a melt flow index of 5-180. The hydrophobic polymeric component can be a colorant within an ethylene matrix or polyethylene. The composition is flushable according to Guidance Document for Assessing the Flushability of Nonwoven Consumer Products (INDA and EDANA, 2006); Test FG 522.2 Tier 2—Slosh Box Disintegration Test. The PVOH has a hydrolysis of 87% to 89%.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2017Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Alphonse DeMarco, Gregory J. Wideman, Peter S. Lortscher, Austin N. Pickett, Mark M. Mleziva, Garry R. Woltman, Michael G. Shlepr
-
Patent number: 11058791Abstract: A thin nanocomposite film for use in an absorbent article is provided. The film contains an ethylene polymer, a nanoclay having an organic surface treatment, and a compatibilizer that includes an olefin polymer containing an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer. The present inventors have discovered that through selective control over the particular type and concentration of the components used to form the film, as well as the manner in which it is formed, the modulus and tensile strength of the film can be significantly improved without having an adverse impact on its ductility.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2015Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Feng Chen, James Hongxue Wang, Gregory J. Wideman, Michael J. Faulks, Mark M. Mleziva
-
Patent number: 10869790Abstract: A package that contains a wrapper material that defines an interior cavity within which an absorbent article is removably positioned is provided. The wrapper material is formed from a film that includes a polymer composition containing at least one ethylene polymer and at least one nanofiller. The present inventors have discovered that through selective control over the particular type and concentration of these components, as well as the manner in which it is formed, the resulting package may generate a relatively low degree of noise when physically deformed.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2015Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventors: Feng Chen, Michael J. Faulks, Mark M. Mleziva, Gregory J. Wideman
-
Patent number: 10849800Abstract: A film for use in an absorbent article is provided. The film is formed from a polymer composition that contains an ethylene polymer and a nanofiller. The present inventors have discovered that through selective control over the particular type and concentration of these components, as well as the manner in which it is formed, the resulting film may generate a relatively low degree of noise when physically deformed.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2015Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventors: Feng Chen, Michael J. Faulks, Gregory J. Wideman
-
Patent number: 10753023Abstract: Polylactic acid fibers formed from a thermoplastic composition that contains polylactic acid and a polymeric toughening additive are provided. The present inventors have discovered that the specific nature of the components and process by which they are blended may be carefully controlled to achieve a composition having desirable morphological features. More particularly, the toughening additive can be dispersed as discrete physical domains within a continuous phase of the polylactic acid. These domains have a particular size, shape, and distribution such that upon fiber drawing, they absorb energy and become elongated. This allows the resulting composition to exhibit a more pliable and softer behavior than the otherwise rigid polylactic acid. Through selective control over the components and method employed, the present inventors have discovered that the resulting fibers may thus exhibit good mechanical properties, both during and after melt spinning.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2010Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Peiguang Zhou, Gregory J. Wideman, Tom Eby, Ryan J. McEneany
-
Publication number: 20200054494Abstract: A flushable tampon applicator product includes an outer tube for housing a tampon; an inner tube, at least a portion of which extends into the outer tube, wherein the outer tube includes an outer, body-contacting surface, wherein the inner tube is moveable relative to the outer tube and configured to expel a tampon from the outer tube, and wherein at least one of the outer tube and the inner tube comprises a thermoplastic composition including partially-hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polyethylene glycol (PEG), a plasticizer, and a hydrophobic polymeric component, wherein at least one of the outer tube and the inner tube is a molded part; and a wrapper material configured for storage under high and low moisture storage conditions, the wrapper material having a water vapor transmission rate of less than 0.05 g/100 in2/day.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2017Publication date: February 20, 2020Inventors: Alphonse DeMarco, Gregory J. Wideman, Peter S. Lortscher, Austin N. Pickett, Mark M. Mleziva, Garry R. Woltman, Michael G. Shlepr
-
Publication number: 20200056032Abstract: A water-dispersible injection-moldable composition includes partially-hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polyethylene glycol (PEG), plasticizer, and a hydrophobic polymeric component, wherein the composition has a melt flow index of 5-180. The hydrophobic polymeric component can be a colorant within an ethylene matrix or polyethylene. The composition is flushable according to Guidance Document for Assessing the Flushability of Nonwoven Consumer Products (INDA and EDANA, 2006); Test FG 522.2 Tier 2—Slosh Box Disintegration Test. The PVOH has a hydrolysis of 87% to 89%.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2017Publication date: February 20, 2020Inventors: Alphonse DeMarco, Gregory J. Wideman, Peter S. Lortscher, Austin N. Pickett, Mark M. Mleziva, Garry R. Woltman, Michael G. Shlepr
-
Publication number: 20200056027Abstract: A water-dispersible injection-moldable resin blend includes 20 wt. % to 80 wt. % thermoplastic elastomer, wherein the thermoplastic elastomer is ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or a styrenic block copolymer (SBC); and 80 wt. % to 20 wt. % modified poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH), wherein the modified PVOH is unmodified PVOH blended with glycerin. A flushable tampon applicator includes a grip region generally adjacent the outer end of the barrel, wherein the grip region of the barrel includes a water-dispersible injection-moldable resin blend including 20 wt. % to 80 wt. % thermoplastic elastomer, wherein the thermoplastic elastomer is ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or a styrenic block copolymer (SBC), and 80 wt. % to 20 wt. % modified poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH), wherein the modified PVOH is unmodified PVOH blended with glycerin.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2017Publication date: February 20, 2020Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Alphonse DeMARCO, Gregory J. WIDEMAN, Austin N. PICKETT, Mark M. MLEZIVA
-
Publication number: 20190366602Abstract: A method for forming an injection-molded part includes applying a coating to a mold cavity; maintaining a water-dispersible, thermoplastic composition at a temperature between 170° C. and 190° C., wherein the thermoplastic composition comprises partially-hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polyethylene glycol (PEG), plasticizer, and a hydrophobic polymeric component, wherein the composition has a melt flow rate of from 40 grams per 10 minutes to 160 grams per 10 minutes when subjected to a load of 2160 grams at a temperature of 190° C. according to ASTM Test Method D1238-E; injecting the thermoplastic composition into the mold cavity; shaping the thermoplastic composition into a molded part within the mold cavity; and maintaining the mold temperature at less than 20° C.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2017Publication date: December 5, 2019Inventors: Alphonse DeMarco, Gregory J. Wideman, Peter S. Lortscher, Austin N. Pickett, Mark M. Mleziva, Garry R. Woltman, Michael G. Shlepr
-
Publication number: 20190338097Abstract: A polymeric material that includes a thermoplastic composition containing a continuous phase that includes a matrix polymer and a siloxane component is provided. The siloxane component contains an ultrahigh molecular weight siloxane polymer that is dispersed within the continuous phase in the form of discrete domains. A porous network is defined within the thermoplastic composition that includes a plurality of nanopores.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2018Publication date: November 7, 2019Inventors: Ryan J. McEneany, Yuriy Galabura, Antonio J. Carrillo Ojeda, Neil T. Scholl, Vasily A. Topolkaraev, David W. Hall, Juha P. Kemppinen, Peter S. Lortscher, Lori A. Eslinger, Brent M. Thompson, Gregory J. Wideman
-
Publication number: 20190330770Abstract: Spun microfibers include a blend of 70 wt. % to 90 wt. % meltblown-grade polyolefin and 10 wt. % to 30 wt. % thermoplastic starch, wherein the microfibers are suitable for use in a wet-laid process. A method for producing an absorbent product includes producing a blend of 70 wt. %-90 wt. % meltblown-grade polyolefin with 10 wt. % to 30 wt. % thermoplastic modified starch (TPMS), wherein the blend prior to spinning has a melt flow index greater than 150; spinning the blend into microfibers in a fiber spinning process; cutting the microfibers into staple fibers; and incorporating the staple fibers into a wet-laid process for making a nonwoven web.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2016Publication date: October 31, 2019Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventors: Bo Shi, Gregory J. Wideman, Thomas G. Shannon, Mark M. Mleziva
-
Publication number: 20190284353Abstract: A film includes a polymer composition, the polymer composition including a polymer, an organoclay, a primary amide slip agent, and a secondary amide slip agent different from the primary amide slip agent. The film can have static and kinetic coefficients of friction less than 0.25 as measured using ASTM D1894. The primary amide slip agent can be a primary erucamide slip agent. The film can be a multi-layered film.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2016Publication date: September 19, 2019Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Brent M. THOMPSON, Gregory J. WIDEMAN, Thomas G. SHANNON
-
Publication number: 20190255212Abstract: A water-dispersible injection-moldable composition includes a water-dispersible polymer, polyethylene glycol (PEG), plasticizer, and a hydrophobic polymeric component, wherein the composition has a melt flow index of 5-180. The water-dispersible polymer can be partially-hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) or ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer. The hydrophobic polymeric component can be a colorant within an ethylene matrix, polyethylene, a degradation product of glycerin/PVOH, erucamide, or poly(dimethyl siloxane). The plasticizer can be glycerin. The composition is flushable according to Guidance Document for Assessing the Flushability of Nonwoven Consumer Products (INDA and EDANA, 2006); Test FG 522.2 Tier 2—Slosh Box Disintegration Test.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2017Publication date: August 22, 2019Inventors: Alphonse DeMarco, Gregory J. Wideman, Peter S. Lortscher, Austin N. Pickett, Mark M. Mleziva, Garry R. Woltman, Michael G. Shlepr
-
Publication number: 20190021914Abstract: An injection-molded article includes a water-dispersible injection-moldable composition including 82 wt. % to 86 wt. % partially-hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), 11 wt. % to 13 wt. % plasticizer, and 3 wt. % to 5 wt. % total colorant and slip additives, wherein the injection-molded article has an outer surface, and wherein the composition at the outer surface is surface cross-linked. A method for controlling the dispersibility of an injection-molded article having an outer surface includes formulating a water-dispersible injection-moldable composition including 82 wt. % to 86 wt. % partially-hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), 11 wt. % to 13 wt. % plasticizer, and 3 wt. % to 5 wt. % total colorant and slip additives; injection molding the single resin composition into the injection-molded article; and treating the outer surface to increase the cross-linking of the composition at the outer surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2017Publication date: January 24, 2019Inventors: Alphonse DeMarco, Gregory J. Wideman, Mark M. Mleziva
-
Patent number: 10131753Abstract: A multi-layered nanocomposite film for use in packaging is provided. More particularly, the film contains at least one core layer positioned adjacent to at least one outer layer. For example, in one embodiment, the film contains a core layer that is positioned between two outer layers. The core layer(s) and/or outer layer(s) may be formed from a polymer composition that contains an ethylene polymer, nanoclay having an organic surface treatment, and a compatibilizer that includes an olefin component and a polar component.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2015Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: James Hongxue Wang, Feng Chen, Gregory J. Wideman, Michael J. Faulks, Mark M. Mleziva
-
Patent number: 9878065Abstract: A thin nanocomposite film for use in an absorbent article (e.g., sanitary napkin) is provided. The film contains a first ethylene polymer having a density of about 0.94 g/cm3 or less, second ethylene polymer having a density of greater than 0.94 g/cm3, and nanoclay having an organic surface treatment. The present inventors have discovered that through selective control over the particular type and concentration of the components used to form the film, as well as the manner in which it is formed, the properties of the film can be significantly improved.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2015Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: James Hongxue Wang, Feng Chen, Gregory J. Wideman, Michael J. Faulks, Mark M. Mleziva
-
Publication number: 20170319400Abstract: A film for use in an absorbent article is provided. The film is formed from a polymer composition that contains an ethylene polymer and a nanofiller. The present inventors have discovered that through selective control over the particular type and concentration of these components, as well as the manner in which it is formed, the resulting film may generate a relatively low degree of noise when physically deformed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2015Publication date: November 9, 2017Inventors: Feng Chen, Michael J. Faulks, Gregory J. Wideman