Patents by Inventor Keith Wilbourn

Keith Wilbourn 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: 7170575
    Abstract: Homeotropically oriented layers and films of liquid crystals especially on polymeric substrates. The layers and films, which also can be multi-layered films comprising a homeotropically aligned anisotropic film, are preparable by application of an orientation layer to the substrate. The orientation layer can be either an organic surfactant which is fixed in a matrix of a polymeric material or an inorganic thin layer such as aluminum or Al2O3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Merck Patent GmbH
    Inventors: David Coates, Owain Llyr Parri, Jeremy Lewis Ward, David Joicey, Keith Wilbourn, Colum Dickson, John Scott
  • Publication number: 20060269708
    Abstract: Film structures, packages, films and methods of making the same are provided wherein the film structures have a desiccant material incorporated into a layer of the film structures and further wherein the film structures can comprise a material for making a peelable seal when the film structures are heat sealed to other film structures. The film structures are utilized for a package to hold a product that may be sensitive to the presence of moisture. The product may preferably be pharmaceutical or nutraceutical products, although any moisture-sensitive product is contemplated by the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Publication date: November 30, 2006
    Inventors: Rick Merical, Keith Wilbourn, Lee Murray
  • Publication number: 20050128395
    Abstract: Homeotropically oriented layers and films of liquid crystals especially on polymeric substrates. The layers and films, which also can be multi-layered films comprising a homeotropically aligned anisotropic film are preparable by application of an orientation layer to the substrate. The orientation layer can be either an organic surfactant which is fixed in a matrix of a polymeric material or an inorganic thin layer such as aluminum or Al2O3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Publication date: June 16, 2005
    Inventors: David Coates, Owain Parri, Jeremy Ward, David Joicey, Keith Wilbourn, Colum Dickson, John Scott
  • Patent number: 6816218
    Abstract: Homeotropically oriented layers and films of liquid crystals especially on polymeric substrates. The layers and films, which also can be multi-layered films comprising a homeotropically aligned anisotropic film, are preparable by application of an orientation layer to the substrate. The orientation layer can be either an organic surfactant which is fixed in a matrix of a polymeric material or an inorganic thin layer such as aluminum or Al2O3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Merck Patent GmbH
    Inventors: David Coates, Owain Llyr Parri, Jeremy Lewis Ward, David Joicey, Keith Wilbourn, Colum Dickson, John Scott
  • Patent number: 6735833
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a nonwoven fabric, which exhibits a pronounced three-dimensional image that is durable to both converting and end-use application. In particular, the present invention contemplates that a fabric is formed from a precursor web comprising at least one support layer or scrim, which when subjected to hydroentanglement on a moveable imaging surface of a three-dimensional image transfer device, an enhanced product is achieved. By formation in this fashion, hydroentanglement of the precursor web results in a more pronounced three-dimensional image; an image that is durable to abrasion and distortion due to elongation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Putnam, Ralph A. Moody, III, Keith Wilbourn, Kuo-Shu Edward Chang, Douglas Stowers
  • Publication number: 20030135967
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a nonwoven fabric, which exhibits a pronounced three-dimensional image that is durable to both converting and end-use application. In particular, the present invention contemplates that a fabric is formed from a precursor web comprising at least one support layer or scrim, which when subjected to hydroentanglement on a moveable imaging surface of a three-dimensional image transfer device, an enhanced product is achieved. By formation in this fashion, hydroentanglement of the precursor web results in a more pronounced three-dimensional image; an image that is durable to abrasion and distortion due to elongation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: Michael Putnam, Ralph A. Moody, Keith Wilbourn, Kuo-Shu Edward Chang, Douglas Stowers
  • Publication number: 20030045849
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a nonwoven fabric construct in the form of a laminate material suitable for medical applications. The laminate includes a nonwoven fabric layer, and first and second polymeric film layers, with the resultant material exhibiting superior viral protection in accordance with established testing procedures, ASTM F1671. In accordance with the present invention, the first and second polymeric film layers are co-extruded and adhered to one surface of the nonwoven fabric layer, with the second polymeric film layer being disposed between the first polymeric film layer and the nonwoven fabric layer. Notably, the first polymeric film layer comprises a blend of between about 0 to 100% low density polyethylene, and between about 0 to 100% linear low density polyethylene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Applicant: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: John Steffen, Keith Wilbourn
  • Publication number: 20030013371
    Abstract: A method of making a spunbond nonwoven fabric embodying the principles of the present invention contemplates use of an aliphatic-aromatic polyester resin, such as Eastar BioGP, for formation of fabrics which exhibit desirable softness and drapeability characteristics, excellent gamma-radiation stability and, where required, desirable elasticity. In distinction from previous formation techniques, the present invention contemplates formation of such fabrics by spunbonding at relatively low filament spinning speeds, thus facilitating practice of the present invention with generally available and conventional spunbonding equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyra Dorsey, Keith Wilbourn, Kuo-Shu Edward Chang, John Charles Norton, Valeria Griep Erdos