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).

  • High Surface Area Material Blends for Odor Reduction, Articles Utilizing Such Blends and Methods of Using Same
    Publication number: 20090142224
    Abstract: A method for neutralizing odor contained within the headspace of product packaging includes the steps of formulating a blend of either modified and unmodified high surface area materials, differently modified high surface area materials, different unmodified high surface area materials, or a combination thereof; applying the blend of high surface area materials to the inside of the product packaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: John Jerald Urlaub, John Gavin MacDonald
  • Coverage indicating technology for skin sealants using tannates
    Publication number: 20090123569
    Abstract: A composition having various color changing tannates may be used to indicate that the composition has dried. The tannates change color in contact with an acid. The composition may be, for example, a skin prep, skin sealant, food product, paint or other building material or other product that undergoes a phase change. The tannate may be added either directly to the composition, incorporated into a sponge on an applicator through which the composition is dispensed and applied, applied separately or applied simultaneously from a separate reservoir. The amount of tannate in the composition can be adjusted to provide a visual cue to the user of the application area and the extent of cure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: John Gavin MacDonald, Molly K. Smith, Iiona F. Weart, Phillip A. Schorr
  • Moisture indicator for heat and moisture exchange devices
    Publication number: 20090120432
    Abstract: There is provided a moisture indicator for a heat and moisture exchange (HME) device that uses a pre-colorant and an activator applied to an inner surface of the HME device. The colorant undergoes a color change of Delta E (?E) of equal to or greater than 3 units upon exposure to moisture but not upon exposure to high humidity. The colorant is visually obvious to the unaided human eye under normal light conditions through the body of the device. The HME device with the visual indicator for moisture can indicate to the care-giver that it is time to change the HME device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: John Gavin MacDonald, Allison Salyer Bagwell, Molly K. Smith, Jeffrey E. Fish, Jason Lye, Brian J. Cuevas
  • System for providing a method for applying a skin sealant having a phase change visual indicating component
    Publication number: 20090098081
    Abstract: A system for providing a method of sealing skin with a film forming polymer is provided. The system includes providing an at least two part applicator containing a sealant composition in one or more frangible containers, providing instructions for using the applicator associated therewith, where the method including moving at least one of said applicator parts from a first position to a second position and applying said sealant to skin. The composition has film former, a plasticizer and 3000 to 10000 ppm of a dye that changes color when is undergoes a phase change. The color change is visible to a human eye under normal light conditions. changing dyes may be used to indicate that the composition has dried. The dyes change color in response to the phase change, i.e., drying of the film former.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: John Gavin MacDonald, Molly K. Smith, Ilona F. Weart, Phillip A. Schorr
  • Phase change visual indicating composition
    Publication number: 20090098073
    Abstract: A skin sealant composition of a film former and a plasticizer and having various color changing dyes may be used to indicate that the composition has dried. The dyes change color in response to the phase change, i.e., drying of the film former. The dye may be added either directly to the composition, incorporated into a sponge on an applicator through which the composition is dispensed and applied, applied separately or applied simultaneously from a separate reservoir. The amount of dye in the composition can be adjusted to provide a visual cue to the user of the application area and the extent of cure though should generally be in the range of 3000 to 10000 ppm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: John Gavin MacDonald, Molly K. Smith, Ilona F. Weart, Phillip A. Schorr
  • Method for Reducing Odor Using Metal-Modified Silica Particles
    Publication number: 20090054859
    Abstract: A method for reducing odor is provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises modifying the surface of silica particles with a transition metal so that the silica particles are bonded to the transition metal through a covalent or coordinate bond. The method further comprises contacting the modified silica particles with an odorous compound, the transition metal facilitating the capture of the odorous compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Bao Trong Do, John Gavin MacDonald, Jaeho Kim
  • High surface area material blends for odor reduction, articles utilizing such blends and methods of using same
    Patent number: 7488520
    Abstract: A package comprising a paper product, a packaging material that encloses the paper product and defines a headspace therebetween, and metal modified nanoparticles having an effective particle diameter of less than about 500 nanometers is provided. The metal modified nanoparticles are configured to neutralize gaseous or odorous compounds within the headspace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: John Jerald Urlaub, John Gavin MacDonald
  • DELIVERY SYSTEMS FOR DELIVERING FUNCTIONAL COMPOUNDS TO SUBSTRATES AND PROCESSES OF USING THE SAME
    Publication number: 20090017225
    Abstract: Delivery systems for incorporating functional compounds into substrates for use in various consumer products are disclosed. Specifically, the delivery system includes a carrier component comprising an ultrasonically energized and electrically charged adsorbent and one or more functional compounds. The ultrasonically energized and electrically charged adsorbent can adsorb the desired functional compounds and bind the functional compounds to the surface of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 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
  • TREATMENT CHAMBER FOR SEPARATING COMPOUNDS FROM AQUEOUS EFFLUENT
    Publication number: 20090014393
    Abstract: Processes of using treatment chambers for separating compounds in an aqueous effluent are disclosed. More particularly, the treatment chambers use ultrasonic energy and an electrode potential to provide efficient and effective removal of compounds from aqueous effluents, such as textile effluents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 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
  • ULTRASONIC TREATMENT CHAMBER HAVING ELECTRODE PROPERTIES
    Publication number: 20090014377
    Abstract: A liquid treatment chamber having an elongate housing through which liquid flows longitudinally from an inlet port to an outlet port thereof is disclosed. An elongate ultrasonic waveguide assembly extends within the housing and is operable at a predetermined ultrasonic frequency and a predetermined electrode potential to ultrasonically energize and electrolyze liquid 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: July 12, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 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
  • Methods for discharging colorants
    Publication number: 20080276379
    Abstract: The present invention describes a method of neutralizing an organic colorant or stain. The method enables a user to discharge a discoloration caused by staining with a substance having at least a molecular structure containing either a macrocyclic or linear hematin or linear unsaturated carbon chains or a cyclic aromatic chromophore in a rapid and effective manner. The method, in part involves, treating the discoloration with a medium containing unsaturated fatty acids or esters thereof, and a surfactant or a cell-lysing agent in amounts expressed as a ratio ranging from about 1:5, up to about 30:1, respectively. The color of said stain is reduced by a ?E value of 5 or greater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: John Gavin MacDonald, Molly K. Smith, Shu-Ping Yang
  • Colorant neutralizer
    Publication number: 20080277621
    Abstract: A composition for a medium that can discharges organic unsaturated colorant molecules that may stain is described. The composition can quickly and effectively neutralize a discoloration that results from, in particular, blood or blood-based, ink, or grease stains. The composition can remove the stain within, typically about 20-30 minutes, and can achieve color contrast of a ?E value of about 15-20 or greater. The composition can be adapted for different uses and embodied in various cleaning, stain-fighting, cosmetic, personal hygiene, or medical products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: John Gavin MacDonald, Molly K. Smith, Shu-Ping Yang
  • Method and articles for sensing relative temperature
    Publication number: 20080279253
    Abstract: A method for determining the relative body temperature of a warm-bodied animal is described. The method, in part, involves an article of manufacture that provides a manifestation, or visually observable indication on an exterior surface, of a relative state of the warm-bodied animal's body temperature, either being too cold or too hot, as a measure against relative levels of hypothermia or hyperthermia, or poor circulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: John Gavin MacDonald, Kelly D. Arehart, Stephanie M. Martin
  • Method for reducing odor using metal-modified silica particles
    Patent number: 7438875
    Abstract: A method for reducing odor is provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises modifying the surface of silica particles with a transition metal so that the silica particles are bonded to the transition metal through a covalent or coordinate bond. The method further comprises contacting the modified silica particles with an odorous compound, the transition metal facilitating the capture of the odorous compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Bao Trong Do, John Gavin MacDonald, Jaeho Kim
  • Visual Indicating Device for Bad Breath
    Publication number: 20080243015
    Abstract: The invention provides a breath testing device which includes a visual indicating agent which changes color in the presence of an odor associated with bad breath, such as sulfur and ammonia odors. An example of the visual indicating agent is 4,4?-bis(dimethylamino)-benzhydrol (Michler's hydrol or BDMB) and related dyes having a similar chemical structure. The indicating agent is applied to a substrate which is then inserted into a tube or straw, or which covers one end of a straw. When a user with bad breath blows into the tube or straw, the indicating agent will change color. The breath testing devices provide a quick and affordable means for a user to test their breath, and they may be packaged in discreet, pocket-sized dispensers which can be carried in a pocket or purse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: John Gavin MacDonald, Kevin Peter McGrath, RameshBabu Boga
  • Color changing cleansing composition
    Publication number: 20080234160
    Abstract: A cleansing composition is disclosed that changes color during use. The cleansing composition contains a plurality of thermochromic dyes that cause a color change to occur at a threshold temperature and continue to cause a color change over a temperature range. The range of temperatures corresponds to approximately the amount of time sufficient to properly wash or scrub using the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Scott W. Wenzel, Corey Thomas Cunningham, Katherine D. Stahl, David William Koenig, Kelly Davis Arehart, John Gavin MacDonald
  • Visual indicating device for bad breath
    Patent number: 7413550
    Abstract: The invention provides a breath testing device which includes a visual indicating agent which changes color in the presence of an odor associated with bad breath, such as sulfur and ammonia odors. An example of the visual indicating agent is 4,4?-bis(dimethylamino)-benzhydrol (Michler's hydrol or BDMB) and related dyes having a similar chemical structure. The indicating agent is applied to a substrate which is then inserted into a tube or straw, or which covers one end of a straw. When a user with bad breath blows into the tube or straw, the indicating agent will change color. The breath testing devices provide a quick and affordable means for a user to test their breath, and they may be packaged in discreet, pocket-sized dispensers which can be carried in a pocket or purse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: John Gavin MacDonald, RameshBabu Boga
  • Microbial detection and quantification
    Patent number: 7399608
    Abstract: A method for semi-quantitatively or quantitatively detecting the presence of a microbe in a sample is provided. The method utilizes a test dye that undergoes a detectable color change in the presence of one or more microbes. For example, in one embodiment, the test dye is a solvatochromic dye (e.g., Reichardt's dye) that responds to differences in polarity between microbe components (e.g., cell membrane, cytoplasm, etc.) and the environment outside the cell. Alternatively, other mechanisms may be wholly or partially responsible for the interaction between the dye and the microbe, such as acid-base reactions, redox reactions, and so forth. Regardless, the color of the test dye may be compared to the color of a control dye, wherein the color of the control dye corresponds to a known microbe concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: John Gavin MacDonald, Stephanie M. Martin, Jason Lye
  • PROCESS FOR DYEING A TEXTILE WEB
    Publication number: 20080155763
    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: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Allen Janssen, Thomas David Ehlert, John Gavin MacDonald, Michael Joseph Garvey, Patrick Sean McNichols, Earl C. McCraw
  • ULTRASONIC LIQUID TREATMENT SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20080159063
    Abstract: In a system and process for ultrasonically treating a liquid having a thermal conductivity, an elongate treatment chamber housing has an inlet and an outlet such that liquid flows longitudinally through an interior space of the chamber from the inlet to the outlet. At least part of the interior space of the chamber housing is filled with a bed of particles having a thermal conductivity substantially greater than that of the liquid whereby a ratio of the thermal conductivity of the particles to the thermal conductivity of the liquid is in the range of about 2:1 to about 400:1. An elongate ultrasonic waveguide assembly extends longitudinally within the interior space of the housing and is operable at a predetermined ultrasonic frequency to generate mechanical ultrasonic vibration within the housing in direct contact with the liquid flowing therein as the liquid flows through the bed of particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Allen Janssen, Thomas David Ehlert, John Gavin MacDonald, Earl C. McCraw, Patrick Sean McNichols