Patents by Inventor John Gavin MacDonald

John Gavin MacDonald 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: 20090325221
    Abstract: Temporary tattoos to be applied to the skin of a wearer for the detection of an analyte are generally disclosed. The temporary tattoo can be applied to the skin via a temporary tattoo decal. The temporary tattoo can indicate the presence of an analyte by displaying a certain spectral response (e.g., color change) in the presence of a targeted analyte. This change in color can indicate to the wearer and/or caregiver the presence of the targeted analyte in real-time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Mark Long, John Gavin MacDonald, Tom Michael Ales, III, Lindsey Marie Jain
  • Publication number: 20090326495
    Abstract: Absorbent articles having a pouch for the collection of bodily waste are generally disclosed. The pouch can generally be located on or within the wearer contacting surface of an absorbent article. The pouch can have an opening ready to receive the bodily waste or can include a pouch opening mechanism. Additionally, a pouch closing mechanism can be included within the absorbent article to close the opening of the pouch upon collection of the bodily waste.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: John Gavin MacDonald, Andrew Mark Long, Jessica Sara Van Handel
  • Publication number: 20090318287
    Abstract: This invention relates to high surface area materials, such as nanoparticles, that are coated with metal ions. These modified nanoparticles have active sites that bind various gases and/or odorous compounds, thereby removing these compounds from a medium such as air or water. Metal ions are adsorbed onto the surface of the nanoparticle and bound strongly to the surface. By selection of the metal ion, specific gaseous compounds and/or odorous compounds can be targeted and removed efficiently and effectively from both aqueous phase and from the air. The modified nanoparticles are useful in numerous article of manufacture for industrial and consumer use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: John Gavin MACDONALD
  • Publication number: 20090299312
    Abstract: Absorbent articles including a twisted, compressed substrate are generally described. The twisted, compressed substrate of the present invention is configured to expand toward the skin of the wearer (i.e., in the z-direction of the absorbent article perpendicular to the plane of the absorbent article) upon contact with a liquid. However, the expansion of the twisted, compressed substrate is substantially limited to the z-direction. Also, upon contact with a liquid, the twisted, compressed substrate unwinds to penetrate through the absorbent core of the absorbent article to reduce any pressure put on the absorbent core during expansion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: John Gavin MacDonald, Jin Heo, Jaeho Kim
  • Publication number: 20090240220
    Abstract: A compressed substrate having an altered upper surface is generally disclosed. The compressed substrate is configured to expand in the z-direction upon contact with a liquid to form an expanded substrate without substantially expanding in either the x-direction or the y-direction. The altered upper surface of the expanded substrate has an expanded surface area that is at least about 110% of the initial surface area of the compressed substrate. The compressed substrate is constructed from a compression molded web and includes an active agent. The compressed substrate can be included within the construction of an absorbent article to transfer the active agent to a wearer. The upper surface of a compressed substrate can be altered after formation of the compressed substrate. Alternatively, the upper surface of the compressed substrate can be altered during the compression process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc
    Inventors: John Gavin MacDonald, Andrew Mark Long, Mary L. McDaniel, Jin Heo, Jaeho Kim, Lindsey Marie Jain
  • Patent number: 7592020
    Abstract: There is provided a personal care product having a body side liner, a baffle and an indicator strip with two ends. The indicator has an amine sensitive dye near at least one end. The indicator extends from the target area just below the liner to just above the baffle such that the dye deposit is visible to an unaided eye. The dye changes color in the presence of amines which are characteristic of infection, thus alerting the user to the possibility of infection. Such an indicator placed in a feminine hygiene pad, for example, may be useful in the diagnosis of vaginitis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: RameshBabu Boga, John Gavin MacDonald
  • Patent number: 7582485
    Abstract: The invention provides a breath testing device which visually indicates the presence of ammonia in a patient's breath, in particular ammonia from helicobacter pylori urease infection. The breath testing device comprises a visual indicating agent which changes color in response to ammonia odors, such as 4,4?-bis(dimethylamino)-benzhydrol (Michler's hydrol or BDMB), pararosaniline base and alpha-naphtholbenzein. The indicating agent is applied to a substrate which is then inserted into a tube or straw, which can be attached to the inlet of a breath collection balloon. When the patient blows into the tube or straw, the indicating agent will change color if it detects levels of ammonia which are consistent with helicobacter pylori urease infection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldride, Inc.
    Inventors: RameshBabu Boga, John Gavin MacDonald
  • Patent number: 7578997
    Abstract: This invention relates to high surface area materials, such as nanoparticles, that are coated with metal ions. These modified nanoparticles have active sites that bind various gases and/or odorous compounds, thereby removing these compounds from a medium such as air or water. Metal ions are adsorbed onto the surface of the nanoparticle and bound strongly to the surface. By selection of the metal ion, specific gaseous compounds and/or odorous compounds can be targeted and removed efficiently and effectively from both aqueous phase and from the air. The modified nanoparticles are useful in numerous article of manufacture for industrial and consumer use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: John Gavin MacDonald
  • Patent number: 7568251
    Abstract: In a process for dyeing a textile web having a first face and a second face opposite the first face, dye is applied to the textile web and the dyed web is then immersed in a flowing treatment liquid with the textile web in a generally open configuration. A contact surface of an ultrasonic vibration system is immersed in the flowing treatment liquid with the contact surface in direct contact with at least a portion of the textile web immersed in the treatment liquid. The ultrasonic vibration system is operated to impart ultrasonic energy to the portion of the textile web immersed in the treatment liquid at the contact surface of the ultrasonic vibration system to facilitate the removal of unbound dye from the textile web for entrainment in the flow of treatment liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Allen Janssen, Thomas David Ehlert, John Gavin MacDonald, Michael Joseph Garvey, Patrick Sean McNichols, Earl C. McCraw, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090165223
    Abstract: A process for treating a textile web includes applying a first treatment agent to the web. The web is moved in an open configuration over a contact surface of an ultrasonic vibration system. The ultrasonic vibration system is operated to impart ultrasonic energy to the textile web to facilitate the distribution of the first treatment agent through a first extent of the thickness of the textile web. A second treatment agent is applied to the web. The web is moved in an open configuration thereof over a contact surface of an ultrasonic vibration system. The ultrasonic vibration system is operated to impart ultrasonic energy to the textile web to facilitate the distribution of the second treatment agent through a second extent of the thickness of the web. The second extent is different than the first extent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Laura Braunecker, Thomas David Ehlert, Tony Fedel, Robert Allen Janssen, John Gavin MacDonald, Patrick Sean McNichols, Roland C. Smith, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090169745
    Abstract: The present invention provides nanoparticle based recording mediums, inks and ink compositions, methods of making nanoparticle based recording mediums and inks, nanoparticles and methods for making nanoparticles, methods for stabilizing colorants against electromagnetic radiation (including radiation in the visible wavelength range), methods for enhancing the substrate independent durability performance of inks, and methods for color density control. The nanoparticle based inks deliver better color, color density control, improved printability, enhanced durability, and increased lightfastness, and are capable of being printed on woven and non-woven fabrics and paper products without special treatment or other limitations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Ronald S. Nohr, John Gavin MacDonald, Bengt Gunnar Kronberg
  • Publication number: 20090158936
    Abstract: A gas treatment system has a housing defining an interior space adapted for holding liquid therein. The housing has an inlet port and an outlet port spaced from the inlet port so that gas passing through the interior space flows through the liquid therein. A gas delivery system directs gas to be treated into the interior space of the housing at the inlet port. An ultrasonic waveguide assembly is disposed within the interior space of the housing and includes an ultrasonic horn disposed at least in part intermediate the inlet port and the outlet port of the housing. The ultrasonic horn is operable at an ultrasonic frequency to ultrasonically energize liquid within the housing. An ultraviolet light source is for emitting ultraviolet light into the interior space of the housing to treat liquid flowing from the inlet port to the outlet port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Allen Janssen, John Gavin MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20090162258
    Abstract: A liquid treatment system has a housing defining an interior space. The housing has an inlet port for receiving liquid into the interior space of the housing and an outlet port for allowing liquid to exit the interior space of the housing. The outlet port is spaced from the inlet port so that liquid flows through the interior space of the housing from the inlet port to the outlet port. An ultrasonic waveguide assembly is disposed within the interior space of the housing and includes an ultrasonic horn disposed at least in part intermediate the inlet port and the outlet port of the housing. The ultrasonic horn is operable at an ultrasonic frequency to ultrasonically energize liquid flowing within the housing. An ultraviolet light source emits ultraviolet light into the interior space of the housing to treat liquid flowing therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Allen Janssen, John G. Ahles, Robert A. Cool, Thomas David Ehlert, John Gavin MacDonald, Earl C. McCraw, Patrick Sean McNichols, Paul W. Rasmussen, Steve J. Roffers
  • Publication number: 20090155327
    Abstract: A wipe that includes a bacteriostatic agent that contains cations having an affinity for the negatively charged cell walls of bacteria is provided. The affinity of the bacteriostatic agent for the bacteria allows the wipe to capture bacteria, thereby removing them from a surface and also inhibiting their spread to other surfaces that may contact the wipe. Of particular advantage, the bacteriostatic agent may help protect against the spread or infection of pathogens without the use of chemicals, such as antiseptics or antibiotics. Still further, the wipe of the present invention also contains a solvatochromatic indicator that undergoes a color change in the presence of a broad spectrum of bacteria. Thus, when the wipe captures bacteria, the indicator undergoes a color change that signals to the user that the wipe is functioning properly. The lack of a color change may likewise provide the user with the assurance that the area is generally free of bacteria and clean.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Stephanie M. Martin, John Gavin MacDonald, Bao Trong Do
  • Publication number: 20090157022
    Abstract: Absorbent articles including a wetness indicator are generally described. The wetness indicator of the present invention is configured to expand toward the skin of the wearer (i.e., in the z-direction of the absorbent article perpendicular to the plane of the absorbent article) upon contact with a liquid. However, the expansion of the wetness indicator is substantially limited to the z-direction. That is, the wetness indicator does not substantially expand in any direction parallel with the plane of the article (i.e., the x- and y-directions). As such, the wetness indicator does not significantly interfere with the absorbent capabilities of the absorbent article. Thus, the wetness indicator can be included within conventional absorbent articles without significantly sacrificing the absorbency characteristics of the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: John Gavin MacDonald, Terry Lee Combs, Andrew Mark Long, Mary L. McDaniel, Jaeho Kim
  • Publication number: 20090155197
    Abstract: A skin sealant composition having a film former like cyanoacrylate and a goniochromic dye or pigment is provided. The addition of mica/metal oxide powders to the sealant formulation makes it possible to see where it has been applied, due to the mica/metal oxide's goniochromic (e.g. irridescent or pearlescent) appearance, and it is also still possible to view the underlying skin, especially from an angle at which the color is less apparent. Thus, mica/titanium dioxide or other goniochromic or light interfering particles may be used as an additive to allow for determination of complete coverage, while not significantly obscuring the incision site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Molly K. Smith, John Gavin MacDonald, Bao Trong Do
  • Publication number: 20090157032
    Abstract: Absorbent articles including a compressed tablet are generally described. The compressed tablet of the present invention is configured to expand toward the skin of the wearer (i.e., in the z-direction of the absorbent article perpendicular to the plane of the absorbent article) upon contact with a liquid. However, the expansion of the compressed tablet is substantially limited to the z-direction. That is, the compressed tablet does not substantially expand in any direction parallel with the plane of the article (i.e., the x- and y-directions). As such, the compressed tablet does not significantly interfere with the absorbent capabilities of the absorbent article. Thus, the compressed tablet can be included within conventional absorbent articles without significantly sacrificing the absorbency characteristics of the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: John Gavin MacDonald, Terry Lee Combs, Andrew Mark Long, Mary L. McDaniel, Jaeho Kim
  • Publication number: 20090147905
    Abstract: A thermonuclear fusion system having a treatment chamber in which gas isotopes are fused to initiate a thermonuclear fusion reaction is disclosed. Specifically, the treatment chamber has an elongate housing through which liquid and gas isotopes flow longitudinally from an inlet port to an outlet port thereof. An elongate ultrasonic waveguide assembly extends within the housing and is operable at a predetermined ultrasonic frequency and a predetermined electrode potential to ultrasonically enhance the concentration of dissolved hydrogen gas isotopes within the housing or energize and electrolyze the liquid and gas isotopes within the housing. An elongate ultrasonic horn of the waveguide assembly is disposed at least in part intermediate the inlet and outlet ports, and has a plurality of discrete agitating members in contact with and extending transversely outward from the horn intermediate the inlet and outlet ports in longitudinally spaced relationship with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Allen Janssen, John Glen Ahles, Thomas David Ehlert, John Gavin MacDonald, Earl C. McCraw, JR., Patrick Sean McNichols, Paul Warren Rasmussen, Steve Roffers
  • Publication number: 20090143754
    Abstract: There is provided a personal care product having a body side liner, a baffle and an indicator strip with two ends. The indicator has an amine sensitive dye near at least one end. The indicator extends from the target area just below the liner to just above the baffle such that the dye deposit is visible to an unaided eye. The dye changes color in the presence of amines which are characteristic of infection, thus alerting the user to the possibility of infection. Such an indicator placed in a feminine hygiene pad, for example, may be useful in the diagnosis of vaginits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: RameshBabu Boga, John Gavin MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20090143516
    Abstract: A material composition including a flexible, polymeric matrix and a reverse-thermochromic colorant is described. When subjected to a heat source, the polymeric material can change color from a pale or neutral color to a darker or more vibrant color of a Delta E (?E) change of >3. The reverse-thermochromic colorant exhibits a color change when exposed to a heat source within a period of about 30 seconds, and is observable by an unaided human eye under either natural daylight or ambient artificial normal lighting conditions. One or more different reverse-thermochromic colorants in combination may be incorporated. The polymeric matrix surrounds or encapsulates a solvatochromic dye molecule with a phenolate betaine structure. The polymeric matrix includes a dipole orientating agent that induces said solvatochromic dye to express locally when subjected to a temperature change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: John Gavin MacDonald, Stephanie M. Martin