Patents by Inventor Kenneth J. Zwick
Kenneth J. Zwick 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).
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Publication number: 20230366155Abstract: Disclosed is a dispersible adhesively bonded wet tissue laminate and more particularly a dispersible wet wipe comprising two or more adhesively bonded tissue plies. Generally, the wet tissue laminate comprises first, and second tissue plies adhesively bonded to one another by an adhesive, particularly a triggerable binder, that binds the plies together at discrete bond points. The first and second tissue plies may differ in respect to at least one of basis weight, sheet bulk, tensile strength or fiber composition. The laminates are generally strong enough to withstand use, such as having a geometric mean wet tensile strength (GMWT) greater than about 200 g/in, but disperse quickly in water, such as having a Slosh Time less than about 60 minutes.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2020Publication date: November 16, 2023Inventors: Kenneth J. Zwick, Nicholas S. Wolter, Eric Hartl, Stephen J. Ratajczak, Daniel M. Piette, Robert S. Monson
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Publication number: 20230072598Abstract: The present disclosure relates to tissue products comprising crosslinked fibers. The tissue products generally have good formation, such as a Formation Index greater than about 20, strength, such as geometric mean tensile strengths greater than about 700 g/3? and high bulk, such as sheet bulks greater than about 10 cc/g. Unlike many prior art crosslinked fibers, the crosslinked softwood pulps of the present invention, which are preferably prepared using a glyoxal based crosslinking reagent, are readily dispersible in water and have relatively low degrees of kink and curl. As such, the fibers are well suited for forming wet-laid tissue products and more particularly wet-laid tissue products having improved physical properties, such as improved bulk.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2021Publication date: March 9, 2023Inventors: Stephen M. Lindsay, Richmond R. Cohen, Kenneth R. Schueler, JR., Kenneth J. Zwick
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Publication number: 20210062424Abstract: The disclosure is directed towards a through-air drying system comprising a hood and a rotatable cylinder with a porous cylindrical deck. The system includes a seal, and more particularly a seal along the lateral edges of the system. The seal generally prevents the exhaust of drying medium from the system through the gap between the hood and the rotatable cylinder and enables the system to be operated at positive air pressure. The seal may be formed by providing the hood with an axial hood flange, which extends at least partially along the bottom edge of the hood and overlaps an axial annular flange disposed on the cylinder when the hood is in a closed and sealed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2019Publication date: March 4, 2021Inventors: Robert J. Seymour, Reza Ramazani-Rend, Daniel K. Lawson, Kenneth J. Zwick, Peter J. Allen, Nathan J. Haiduk, Robert E. Krautkramer
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Patent number: 10914035Abstract: The disclosure is directed towards a through-air drying system comprising a hood and a rotatable cylinder with a porous cylindrical deck. The system includes a seal, and more particularly a seal along the lateral edges of the system. The seal generally prevents the exhaust of drying medium from the system through the gap between the hood and the rotatable cylinder and enables the system to be operated at positive air pressure. The seal may be formed by providing the hood with an axial hood flange, which extends at least partially along the bottom edge of the hood and overlaps an axial annular flange disposed on the cylinder when the hood is in a closed and sealed position.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2019Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventors: Robert J. Seymour, Reza Ramazani-Rend, Daniel K. Lawson, Kenneth J. Zwick, Peter J. Allen, Nathan J. Haiduk, Robert E. Krautkramer
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Patent number: 8444811Abstract: Sheet-like products are disclosed containing an additive composition. In accordance with the present disclosure, the additive composition is applied to a creping surface. A base sheet is then pressed against the creping surface for contact with the additive composition. The base sheet is then creped from the creping surface causing the additive composition to transfer to the base sheet. In particular, the additive composition is transferred to the base sheet in amounts greater than about 1% by weight, such as from about 2% to about 50% by weight. The additive composition can comprise, for instance, a thermoplastic polymer resin containing an aqueous dispersion, a lotion, a debonder, a softener, or mixtures thereof.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2007Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Joseph Dyer, Deborah Nickel, Kenneth J. Zwick, Mike T. Goulet, Jeffrey J. Timm, Perry H. Clough
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Patent number: 7879190Abstract: Sheet-like products, such as tissue products, are disclosed containing an additive composition. The additive composition, for instance, comprises an aqueous dispersion containing an alpha-olefin polymer, an ethylene-carboxylic acid copolymer, or mixtures thereof. The alpha-olefin polymer may comprise an interpolymer of ethylene and octene, while the ethylene-carboxylic acid copolymer may comprise ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer. The additive composition may also contain a dispersing agent, such as a fatty acid. The additive composition may be incorporated into the tissue web by being combined with the fibers that are used to form the web. Alternatively, the additive composition may be topically applied to the web after the web has been formed. The additive composition can improve various properties of the sheet-like product. For instance, in one embodiment, the additive composition can reduce lint and increase softness.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2007Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Joseph Dyer, Michael R. Lostocco, Deborah Nickel, Troy M. Runge, Kenneth J. Zwick, Mike T. Goulet, Jeffrey J. Timm, Perry H. Clough, Michael J. Rekoske
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Patent number: 7880610Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method that provide emergency instructions to an individual. The emergency notification system includes a plurality of badges where each badge is adapted to be joined with an individual. The emergency notification system further includes a device that locates each badge and sends information to each badge during an emergency. The information includes emergency response instructions that are based on the location of each badge and the type of emergency. The present invention also relates to a method that includes providing individuals which are within a facility with a badge. The method further includes determining emergency response instructions when an emergency arises within the facility based on the location of each badge and the type of emergency, and then communicating the emergency response instructions to the badges to direct individuals wearing badges to an appropriate location.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2005Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Inventors: James J. Tanner, Thomas P. Jorgenson, Kenneth J. Zwick
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Patent number: 7879188Abstract: Sheet-like products, such as tissue products, are disclosed containing an additive composition. The additive composition, for instance, comprises an aqueous dispersion containing an alpha-olefin polymer, an ethylene-carboxylic acid copolymer, or mixtures thereof. The alpha-olefin polymer may comprise an interpolymer of ethylene and octene, while the ethylene-carboxylic acid copolymer may comprise ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer. The additive composition may also contain a dispersing agent, such as a fatty acid. The additive composition may be incorporated into the tissue web by being combined with the fibers that are used to form the web. Alternatively, the additive composition may be topically applied to the web after the web has been formed. For instance, in one embodiment, the additive composition may be applied to the web as a creping adhesive during a creping operation. The additive composition may improve the strength of the tissue web and/or improve the perceived softness of the web.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2006Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Joseph Dyer, Michael R. Lostocco, Deborah Nickel, Troy M. Runge, Kenneth J. Zwick, Mike T. Goulet, Jeffrey J. Timm, Perry H. Clough, Michael J. Rekoske
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Patent number: 7837832Abstract: Wiping products are disclosed comprising a sheet and an additive composition. The additive composition, for instance, comprises an aqueous dispersion containing an alpha-olefin polymer, an ethylene-carboxylic acid copolymer, or mixtures thereof. The alpha-olefin polymer may comprise an interpolymer of ethylene and octene, while the ethylene-carboxylic acid copolymer may comprise ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer. The additive composition may also contain a dispersing agent, such as a fatty acid. The additive composition may be incorporated into the sheet by being combined with the fibers that are used to form the sheet. Alternatively, the additive composition may be topically applied to the sheet after the sheet has been formed. For instance, in one embodiment, the additive composition may be applied to the sheet as a creping adhesive during a creping operation. The additive composition may improve the strength of the sheet and/or improve the perceived softness of the sheet.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2007Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Dow Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Christopher B. Fetner, Thomas J. Dyer, Michael R. Lostocco, Deborah J. Nickel, Troy M. Runge, Kenneth J. Zwick, Mike T. Goulet, Jeffrey J. Timm, Perry H. Clough, Michael J. Rekoske
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Patent number: 7803250Abstract: Wiping products are disclosed containing an additive composition that enhances the cleaning properties of the product. The additive composition, for instance, comprises an aqueous dispersion containing an alpha-olefin polymer, an ethylene-carboxylic acid copolymer, or mixtures thereof. The alpha-olefin polymer may comprise an interpolymer of ethylene and octene, while the ethylene-carboxylic acid copolymer may comprise ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer. The additive composition may also contain a dispersing agent, such as a fatty acid.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2007Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Dow Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Dyer, Michael R. Lostocco, Deborah J. Nickel, Troy M. Runge, Kenneth J. Zwick, Mike T. Goulet, Jeffrey J. Timm, Perry H. Clough, Michael J. Rekoske
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Patent number: 7803249Abstract: Wiping products, such as tissue products, are disclosed containing an additive composition. The additive composition, for instance, comprises an aqueous dispersion containing an alpha-olefin polymer, an ethylene-carboxylic acid copolymer, or mixtures thereof. The alpha-olefin polymer may comprise an interpolymer of ethylene and octene, while the ethylene-carboxylic acid copolymer may comprise ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer. The additive composition may also contain a dispersing agent, such as a fatty acid. The additive composition may be incorporated into the base web by being combined with the fibers that are used to form the web. Alternatively, the additive composition may be topically applied to the web after the web has been formed. The additive composition can improve various properties of the wiping product. For instance, in one embodiment, the additive composition can reduce lint and increase softness.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2007Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Dow Global Technologies Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Dyer, Michael R. Lostocco, Deborah J. Nickel, Troy M. Runge, Kenneth J. Zwick, Mike T. Goulet, Jeffrey J. Timm, Perry H. Clough, Michael J. Rekoske
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Patent number: 7678231Abstract: Sheet-like products are disclosed containing an additive composition. In accordance with the present disclosure, the additive composition is applied to a creping surface. The additive composition includes at least an aqueous dispersion containing a thermoplastic polymer. A base sheet is then pressed against the creping surface for contact with the additive composition. The base sheet is then creped from the creping surface causing the additive composition to transfer to the base sheet. In particular, the additive composition is transferred to the base sheet in amounts greater than about 1% by weight, such as from about 2% to about 50% by weight. The additive composition may further include a lotion, a debonder, a softener, or mixtures thereof.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2007Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Dow Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Dyer, Deborah J. Nickel, Kenneth J. Zwick, Mike T. Goulet, Jeffrey J. Timm, Perry H. Clough
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Patent number: 7666276Abstract: A paper machine includes a dryer and a reel; at least one blow box located between the dryer and the reel; and a blower supplying a source of dry air to the at least one blow box.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2008Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Hermans, Kenneth J. Zwick, Peter J. Allen
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Patent number: 7588662Abstract: Soft tissue products with a good rate of absorbency, such as facial and bath tissue, are provided by forming a tissue sheet with a non-fibrous polymeric surface structure and thereafter topically applying a softening composition comprising a polysiloxane, a fatty alkyl derivative and glycerin. The non-fibrous polymeric surface structure is created by applying an additive composition to the surface of a tissue sheet prior to or after drying. The additive composition can be an aqueous dispersion containing an alpha-olefin polymer, an ethylene-carboxylic acid copolymer, or mixtures thereof. The alpha-olefin polymer may comprise an interpolymer of ethylene and octene, while the ethylene-carboxylic acid copolymer may comprise ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2007Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Frederick John Lang, Perry Howard Clough, Thomas Joseph Dyer, Mike Thomas Goulet, Kou-Chang Liu, Michael Ralph Lostocco, Deborah Joy Nickel, Michael John Rekoske, Troy Michael Runge, Michelle Lynn Seabaugh, Jeffrey James Timm, Kenneth J. Zwick
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Publication number: 20080308246Abstract: A paper machine includes a dryer and a reel; at least one blow box located between the dryer and the reel; and a blower supplying a source of dry air to the at least one blow box.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2008Publication date: December 18, 2008Inventors: Michael A. Hermans, Kenneth J. Zwick, Peter J. Allen
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Patent number: 7442279Abstract: A method of making paper comprising over drying the paper web by a dryer; transporting the paper web to a reel; and supplying dry air adjacent at least a portion of the paper web's travel path from the dryer to the reel. A paper machine comprising a dryer and a reel; at least one blow box located between the dryer and the reel; and a blower supplying a source of dry air to the at least one blow box.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2005Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Hermans, Kenneth J. Zwick, Peter J. Allen
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Publication number: 20080230195Abstract: Soft tissue products with a good rate of absorbency, such as facial and bath tissue, are provided by forming a tissue sheet with a non-fibrous polymeric surface structure and thereafter topically applying a softening composition comprising a polysiloxane, a fatty alkyl derivative and glycerin. The non-fibrous polymeric surface structure is created by applying an additive composition to the surface of a tissue sheet prior to or after drying. The additive composition can be an aqueous dispersion containing an alpha-olefin polymer, an ethylene-carboxylic acid copolymer, or mixtures thereof. The alpha-olefin polymer may comprise an interpolymer of ethylene and octene, while the ethylene-carboxylic acid copolymer may comprise ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2007Publication date: September 25, 2008Inventors: Frederick John Lang, Perry Howard Clough, Thomas Joseph Dyer, Mike Thomas Goulet, Kou-Chang Liu, Michael Ralph Lostocco, Deborah Nickel, Michael John Rekoske, Troy Michael Runge, Michelle Lynn Seabaugh, Jeffrey James Timm, Kenneth J. Zwick
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Publication number: 20080216977Abstract: Wiping products, such as tissue products, are disclosed containing an additive composition. The additive composition, for instance, comprises an aqueous dispersion containing an alpha-olefin polymer, an ethylene-carboxylic acid copolymer, or mixtures thereof. The alpha-olefin polymer may comprise an interpolymer of ethylene and octene, while the ethylene-carboxylic acid copolymer may comprise ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer. The additive composition may also contain a dispersing agent, such as a fatty acid. The additive composition may be incorporated into the base web by being combined with the fibers that are used to form the web. Alternatively, the additive composition may be topically applied to the web after the web has been formed. The additive composition can improve various properties of the wiping product. For instance, in one embodiment, the additive composition can reduce lint and increase softness.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2007Publication date: September 11, 2008Applicant: Dow Global Technologies Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Dyer, Michael R. Lostocco, Deborah J. Nickel, Troy M. Runge, Kenneth J. Zwick, Mike T. Goulet, Jeffrey J. Timm, Perry Clough, Michael J. Rekoske
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Patent number: 7252870Abstract: Nonwoven materials having a pattern incorporated into the materials are disclosed. The nonwoven materials may be, for instance, tissue webs, meltspun webs such as meltblown webs or spunbond webs, bonded carded webs, hydroentangled webs, and the like. The pattern may be incorporated into the webs using various techniques. For instance, the pattern may be formed into the web by topically applying a bonding material. In an alternative embodiment, the pattern may be formed according to a thermal bonding process. The pattern contains individual cells that include two spaced apart expanded regions separated by a constricted region. By incorporating the pattern into the web, a material is produced having a relatively low Poisson ratio.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2003Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Ralph L. Anderson, Eugenio G. Varona, Charles J. Garneski, Maurizio Tirimacco, Douglas W. Stage, Mark Burazin, Kenneth J. Zwick
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Patent number: 6949166Abstract: “Products made from a process for increasing the tactile properties of a base web without adversely affecting the strength of the web is disclosed. In general, the process includes the steps of placing a base web in between a first moving conveyor and a second moving conveyor. The conveyors are then wrapped around a shear inducing roll which creates shear forces that act upon the base web. The shear forces disrupt the web increasing the softness and decreasing the stiffness of the web. The shear inducing roll typically has a relatively small diameter. In some applications, more than one shear inducing roll may be incorporated into the system.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2003Date of Patent: September 27, 2005Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Andrew P. Bakken, Troy M. Runge, Kenneth J. Zwick