Patents by Inventor Robert Allen Janssen

Robert Allen Janssen 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: 20100206742
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for treating hydrogen isotopes. Specifically, the system includes a treatment chamber that 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 electrical 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: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    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
  • Patent number: 7740666
    Abstract: In a process for dyeing a textile web having a first face and a second face opposite the first face, a solvent-based dye having at least one component that has a thermal conductivity substantially greater than that of the solvent is applied to the textile web. The web is then moved, in an open configuration thereof, over a contact surface of an ultrasonic vibration system with the textile web in direct contact with the contact surface of the ultrasonic vibration system. The ultrasonic vibration system is operated to impart ultrasonic energy to the textile web at the contact surface of the ultrasonic vibration system. In one embodiment, the dye is applied to the first face of the web and the web is then moved over the contact surface of the ultrasonic vibration system with the second face of the web in direct contact with the contact surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Allen Janssen, Thomas David Ehlert, John Gavin MacDonald, Earl C. McCraw, Jr., Patrick Sean McNichols, Michael Joseph Garvey
  • Publication number: 20100152042
    Abstract: A composition comprising particles with a transition metal imbedded therein is disclosed. Specifically, the ratio of particles to the transition metal is from about 25:1 to about 50:1. The composition is prepared in the presence of ultrasonic energy. The particles are selected from the group consisting of organic particles, inorganic particles, and metal particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Bao Trong Do, Thomas David Ehlert, Robert Allen Janssen, John Gavin MacDonald, Paul Warren Rasmussen, Shiming Zhuang
  • Publication number: 20100150859
    Abstract: A method of preparing metal-modified silica particles is disclosed. Specifically, a treatment chamber is provided in which a first and a second formulation are ultrasonically mixed to prepare metal-modified silica particles. The treatment chamber has an elongate housing through which the first and second formulations flow longitudinally from a first inlet port and a second inlet port, respectively, to an outlet port thereof. An elongate ultrasonic waveguide assembly extends within the housing and is operable at a predetermined ultrasonic frequency to ultrasonically energize the formulations 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 15, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Bao Trong Do, Thomas David Ehlert, Robert Allen Janssen, John Gavin MacDonald, Paul Warren Rasmussen, Shiming Zhuang
  • Patent number: 7712353
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Allen Janssen, Thomas David Ehlert, John Gavin MacDonald, Earl C. McCraw, Jr., Patrick Sean McNichols
  • Patent number: 7703698
    Abstract: An ultrasonic liquid treatment chamber has an elongate housing through which liquid flows 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 to ultrasonically energize 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. The horn and agitating members are constructed and arranged for dynamic motion of the agitating members relative to the horn at the predetermined frequency and to operate in an ultrasonic cavitation mode of the agitating members corresponding to the predetermined frequency and the liquid being treated in the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Allen Janssen, Steve Roffers, Thomas David Ehlert, John Glen Ahles, Paul Warren Rasmussen, Patrick Sean McNichols, Earl C. McCraw, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7673516
    Abstract: An ultrasonic treatment chamber and a process for ultrasonically treating a liquid in an ultrasonic treatment chamber include an elongate, generally tubular housing having an inlet and an outlet spaced longitudinally from the inlet. Liquid is directed into the housing at the housing inlet for longitudinal flow within the housing to the housing outlet. Mechanical ultrasonic vibration is generated within the housing in direct contact with the liquid flowing within the housing, with the direct contact being upstream of the housing outlet. A standing acoustic wave is produced within the housing with the standing acoustic wave having a node spaced longitudinally from the housing outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Allen Janssen, Thomas David Ehlert, John Gavin MacDonald, Earl C. McCraw, Jr., Patrick Sean McNichols
  • Patent number: 7674300
    Abstract: In a process for dyeing a textile web, dye is applied directly to a first face of the textile web other than by saturating the web. The web is moved in an open configuration thereof over a contact surface of an ultrasonic vibration system with a second (opposite) face of the textile web in direct contact with the contact surface of the ultrasonic vibration system and the first face free from contact with the contact surface of the ultrasonic vibration system. The ultrasonic vibration system is operated to impart ultrasonic energy to the second face of the textile web to facilitate movement of the dye from the first face of the web into and through the web to the second face thereof. In another embodiment, dye is applied to the first face of the textile web without applying the dye to the second face of the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Allen Janssen, Thomas David Ehlert, John Gavin MacDonald, Earl C. McCraw, Jr., Patrick Sean McNichols, Michael Joseph Garvey
  • 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: 20090166177
    Abstract: An ultrasonic mixing system having a treatment chamber in which at least two separate phases can be mixed to prepare an emulsion is disclosed. Specifically, at least one phase is a dispersed phase and one phase in a continuous phase. The treatment chamber has an elongate housing through which the phases flow longitudinally from a first inlet port and a second inlet port, respectively, to an outlet port thereof. An elongate ultrasonic waveguide assembly extends within the housing and is operable at a predetermined ultrasonic frequency to ultrasonically energize the phases 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 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott W. Wenzel, John Glen Ahles, Thomas David Ehlert, Robert Allen Janssen, David William Koenig, Paul Warren Rasmussen, Steve Roffers, Shiming Zhuang
  • Publication number: 20090168590
    Abstract: An ultrasonic mixing system having a treatment chamber in which antimicrobial agents, particularly, hydrophobic antimicrobial agents, can be mixed with one or more formulations is disclosed. Specifically, the treatment chamber has an elongate housing through which a formulation and antimicrobial agents flow longitudinally from a first inlet port and a second inlet port to an outlet port thereof. An elongate ultrasonic waveguide assembly extends within the housing and is operable at a predetermined ultrasonic frequency to ultrasonically energize the formulation and antimicrobial agents 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 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: David William Koenig, John Glen Ahles, Thomas David Ehlert, Robert Allen Janssen, Paul Warren Rasmussen, Steve Roffers, Scott W. Wenzel, Shiming Zhuang
  • Publication number: 20090168591
    Abstract: An ultrasonic mixing system having a particulate dispensing system to dispense particulates into a treatment chamber and the treatment chamber in which particulates can be mixed with one or more formulations is disclosed. Specifically, the treatment chamber has an elongate housing through which a formulation and particulates 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 to ultrasonically energize the formulation and particulates 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 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott W. Wenzel, John Glen Ahles, Thomas David Ehlert, Robert Allen Janssen, David William Koenig, Paul Warren Rasmussen, Steve Roffers, Shiming Zhuang
  • Publication number: 20090165654
    Abstract: An ultrasonic treatment system having a treatment chamber for treating a formulation to increase the shelf life thereof. In one embodiment, the shelf life is produced by degassing the formulation using the treatment chamber. Specifically, the treatment chamber has an elongate housing through which a formulation flows longitudinally from an inlet port to a first outlet port and a second outlet port thereof. An elongate ultrasonic waveguide assembly extends within the housing and is operable at a predetermined ultrasonic frequency to ultrasonically energize the formulation 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 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: David William Koenig, John Glen Ahles, Thomas David Ehlert, Robert Allen Janssen, Paul Warren Rasmussen, Steve Roffers, Scott W. Wenzel, Shiming Zhuang
  • 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: 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: 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: 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: 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
  • 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
  • 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