Patents by Inventor James W. Clark

James W. Clark 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: 7815995
    Abstract: A textured fabric having at least one surface that contains peaks and valleys is provided. Greater than about 90% of the peaks and less than about 10% of the valleys are disposed with a treatment composition, the treatment composition comprising a latex polymer. In one embodiment, for example, the textured fabric is a hydraulically entangled composite fabric formed from a spunbond nonwoven web and pulp fibers. When coated onto the fabric, the treatment composition may form a thin film layer on the fiber surface that prevents fibers or zones of fibers from breaking away from the surface as lint. Further, because the coating is applied only to the peaks, the valleys may remain free of the latex polymer and substantially maintain the absorbency of the uncoated fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Clark, Ming Xie, James J. Detamore
  • Patent number: 7588663
    Abstract: A multiple mode headbox is provided including a support surface, two or more chambers, and an adjustable roof. Each chamber includes a plurality of nozzles adapted to optionally supply papermaking fibers to the support surface. The adjustable roof is operably configured to adjust over a range of movement such that it defines a forming zone between the support surface and at least one chamber in a first mode, and between said support surface and at least one different said chamber in a second mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry Skoog, James W. Clark, Joseph K. Baker, John M. Conner
  • Patent number: 7378360
    Abstract: A water dispersible nonwoven web is disclosed. The nonwoven web is produced in an airlaying process and contains pulp fibers mixed with water soluble fibers. The water soluble fibers may be, for instance, polyvinyl alcohol fibers. The nonwoven web may be pre-saturated with a cleaning solution. Once pre-saturated with a cleaning solution, the wiping product is particularly well suited to cleaning and/or disinfecting surfaces, such as toilet seats prior to use. Because the nonwoven web is water dispersible, the wiper may be disposed of by being flushed down a toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Clark, Joseph Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20080093042
    Abstract: A multiple mode headbox is provided including a support surface, two or more chambers, and an adjustable roof. Each chamber includes a plurality of nozzles adapted to optionally supply papermaking fibers to the support surface. The adjustable roof is operably configured to adjust over a range of movement such that it defines a forming zone between the support surface and at least one chamber in a first mode, and between said support surface and at least one different said chamber in a second mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Henry Skoog, James W. Clark, Joseph K. Baker, John M. Conner
  • Patent number: 6916480
    Abstract: A wiper having a controlled release anti-microbial agent therein for providing anti-microbial cleansing of surfaces is provided. The wiper is formed from an absorbent base web to which an anti-microbial formulation is adhered. The formulation includes an anti-microbial agent that is capable of being controllably released from the wiper. In some embodiments, a polymer mixture may be employed to control the rate of release of the anti-microbial agent. Various anti-microbial agents, such as metal ions and organic compounds may be employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph L. Anderson, Fred R. Radwanski, James W. Clark
  • Patent number: 6802924
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to base webs that are creped after a bonding material has been applied to at least one side of the web according to a predetermined pattern. According to the present invention, the bonding material contains a creping adhesive mixed with composite particles. The composite particles generally have a median particle size of less than about 5 microns and a particle size distribution of less than about 10 microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph F. Merker, Ralph L. Anderson, Thomas C. Saffel, James W. Clark, Reginald Smith
  • Patent number: 6794318
    Abstract: A use-dependent indicator system for detecting the exhaustion of an active chemical within an absorbent article is provided. The indicator system includes at least one dye component and a polymer mixture. The dye component(s) can be non-reactive and/or reactive dyes. The polymer mixture can contain a polymer, such as a latex adhesive, to facilitate control over the dissolution rate of the dye component(s). By controlling the dissolution rate of the dye component(s), an indicator system of the present invention can impart a change in color to signal the exhaustion of an active chemical incorporated within the absorbent article, such as an anti-microbial agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph L. Anderson, James W. Clark, Fred R. Radwanski
  • Publication number: 20040175556
    Abstract: A textured fabric having at least one surface that contains peaks and valleys is provided. Greater than about 90% of the peaks and less than about 10% of the valleys are disposed with a treatment composition, the treatment composition comprising a latex polymer. In one embodiment, for example, the textured fabric is a hydraulically entangled composite fabric formed from a spunbond nonwoven web and pulp fibers. When coated onto the fabric, the treatment composition may form a thin film layer on the fiber surface that prevents fibers or zones of fibers from breaking away from the surface as lint. Further, because the coating is applied only to the peaks, the valleys may remain free of the latex polymer and substantially maintain the absorbency of the uncoated fabric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Clark, Ming Xie, James J. Detamore
  • Patent number: 6734157
    Abstract: A wiper that provides a controlled release anti-microbial agent has a substrate layer to which the anti-microbial agent is adhered. In addition, the wiper will have one or more laminate layers, at least one of which will be absorbent. Various anti-microbial agents such as silver containing additives, calcium hypochlorite, and chlorine dioxide generating compounds may be employed. The substrate layer may be a poly(ethylene vinyl acetate) meltblown web and the laminate layer may be a hydroentangled composite absorbent fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred R. Radwanski, James W. Clark, Ralph L. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6712121
    Abstract: A method for forming an antimicrobially-treated fabric is provided. The method includes forming a solution from a liquid and an antimicrobial agent, such as 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyloctadecyldimethyl ammonium chloride. In one embodiment, a cellulosic fibrous material is combined with the solution while in the pulper to form a liquid suspension such that the antimicrobial agent becomes substantive to the cellulosic fibrous material. A web is formed from the antimicrobially-treated cellulosic fibrous material such that substantially all of the cellulosic fibrous material present within the web is derived from the antimicrobially-treated cellulosic fibrous material. In one embodiment, the web of antimicrobially-treated fibrous material is also hydraulically entangled with a nonwoven substrate. In some embodiments, when dried, the antimicrobial agent forms a covalent bond with the cellulosic fibrous material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Clark, Shawn E. Jenkins
  • Publication number: 20040048768
    Abstract: A method for forming an antimicrobially-treated fabric is provided. The method includes forming a solution from a liquid and an antimicrobial agent, such as 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyloctadecyldimethyl ammonium chloride. In one embodiment, a cellulosic fibrous material is combined with the solution while in the pulper to form a liquid suspension such that the antimicrobial agent becomes substantive to the cellulosic fibrous material. A web is formed from the antimicrobially-treated cellulosic fibrous material such that substantially all of the cellulosic fibrous material present within the web is derived from the antimicrobially-treated cellulosic fibrous material. In one embodiment, the web of antimicrobially-treated fibrous material is also hydraulically entangled with a nonwoven substrate. In some embodiments, when dried, the antimicrobial agent forms a covalent bond with the cellulosic fibrous material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: James W. Clark, Shawn E. Jenkins
  • Publication number: 20030224337
    Abstract: A training script device is described that conveniently allows a user to create a training script defining one or more steps of a workout routine, where each step may include an activity, a duration for performing that activity, and an intensity at which the activity is to be performed. Further, one or more steps of the training script can be self-starting in response to performance data detected by sensors of training script device executing the training script. This conveniently frees the athlete from having to continuously monitor the status of his or her workout activities. Still further, the training script device conveniently allows a user to transfer training scripts to other training script devices, so that athletes can share successful training scripts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert Shum, Theodore H. Helprin, James W. Clark
  • Publication number: 20030194932
    Abstract: A pre-moistened wiper that exhibits good antimicrobial kill at relatively small levels of antimicrobial agent is provided. In one embodiment, for example, the wiper contains a sanitizing formulation that includes between about 0.01% by weight to about 1% by weight of an antimicrobial agent, including a quaternary ammonium compound, and water. The sanitizing formulation is capable of being released from the wiper as a solution such that the quaternary ammonium compound is present within the solution in an amount less than about 2000 parts per million of the solution. The wiper can exhibit a log reduction for E. Coli of at least about 2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: James W. Clark, Shawn E. Jenkins, Julie W. Trusock
  • Publication number: 20030178135
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to base webs that are creped after a bonding material has been applied to at least one side of the web according to a predetermined pattern. According to the present invention, the bonding material contains a creping adhesive mixed with composite particles. The composite particles generally have a median particle size of less than about 5 microns and a particle size distribution of less than about 10 microns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventors: Joseph F. Merker, Ralph L. Anderson, Thomas C. Saffel, James W. Clark, Reginald Smith
  • Publication number: 20030127207
    Abstract: A method for forming an antimicrobially-treated fabric is provided. The method includes forming a solution from a liquid and an antimicrobial agent, such as 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyloctadecyldimethyl ammonium chloride. In one embodiment, a cellulosic fibrous material is combined with the solution while in the pulper to form a liquid suspension such that the antimicrobial agent becomes substantive to the cellulosic fibrous material. A web is formed from the antimicrobially-treated cellulosic fibrous material such that substantially all of the cellulosic fibrous material present within the web is derived from the antimicrobially-treated cellulosic fibrous material. In one embodiment, the web of antimicrobially-treated fibrous material is also hydraulically entangled with a nonwoven substrate. In some embodiments, when dried, the antimicrobial agent forms a covalent bond with the cellulosic fibrous material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Clark, Shawn E. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 6541099
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to base webs that are creped after a bonding material has been applied to at least one side of the web according to a predetermined pattern. According to the present invention, the bonding material contains a creping adhesive mixed with composite particles. The composite particles generally have a median particle size of less than about 5 microns and a particle size distribution of less than about 10 microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph F. Merker, Ralph L. Anderson, Thomas C. Saffel, James W. Clark, Reginald Smith
  • Publication number: 20020022050
    Abstract: A wiper having a controlled release anti-microbial agent therein for providing anti-microbial cleansing of surfaces is provided. The wiper is formed from an absorbent base web to which an anti-microbial formulation is adhered. The formulation includes an anti-microbial agent that is capable of being controllably released from the wiper. In some embodiments, a polymer mixture may be employed to control the rate of release of the anti-microbial agent. Various anti-microbial agents, such as metal ions and organic compounds may be employed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: Ralph L. Anderson, Fred R. Radwanski, James W. Clark
  • Publication number: 20020006887
    Abstract: A wiper that provides a controlled release anti-microbial agent has a substrate layer to which the anti-microbial agent is adhered. In addition, the wiper will have one or more laminate layers, at least one of which will be absorbent. Various anti-microbial agents such as silver containing additives, calcium hypochlorite, and chlorine dioxide generating compounds may be employed. The substrate layer may be a poly(ethylene vinyl acetate) meltblown web and the laminate layer may be a hydroentangled composite absorbent fabric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventors: Fred R. Radwanski, James W. Clark, Ralph L. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20010031595
    Abstract: A use-dependent indicator system for detecting the exhaustion of an active chemical within an absorbent article is provided. The indicator system includes at least one dye component and a polymer mixture. The dye component(s) can be non-reactive and/or reactive dyes. The polymer mixture can contain a polymer, such as a latex adhesive, to facilitate control over the dissolution rate of the dye component(s). By controlling the dissolution rate of the dye component(s), an indicator system of the present invention can impart a change in color to signal the exhaustion of an active chemical incorporated within the absorbent article, such as an anti-microbial agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventors: Ralph L. Anderson, James W. Clark, Fred R. Radwanski
  • Patent number: 5598824
    Abstract: A fuel delivery system for an internal combustion engine having a molded plastic fuel rail with an electrical bus molded therein. The fuel rail has a keying feature which allows orientation of the fuel injector relative to the fuel rail when the fuel injector is inserted into the fuel rail. Further, a locking device is provided to lock the fuel injector to the fuel rail. Male electrical connectors on the fuel rail are formed by exposing a portion of the electrical bus. The fuel delivery system includes an electrical connector assembly for connecting the male connector of the fuel injector to the male connector of the fuel rail. Thus, when the fuel injector is inserted into the fuel rail, mechanical orientation and retention is achieved while at the same time an electrical connection is made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Christopher J. Treusch, James W. Clark, Jr., Gerard N. Panasuk