Patents by Inventor Thomas D. Ehlert
Thomas D. Ehlert 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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Patent number: 8241733Abstract: A method of placing a logo on an article or substrate by placing a contrast sheet behind the logo and a blocking sheet therebetween to prevent a shadow effect. The contrast sheet and blocking sheet may be hidden within the hem of an article.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2011Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Walter G. Bauer, Kroy D. Johnson, Thomas D. Ehlert, Patrick S. McNichols
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Publication number: 20110223378Abstract: A method of placing a logo on an article or substrate by placing a contrast sheet behind the logo and a blocking sheet therebetween to prevent a shadow effect. The contrast sheet and blocking sheet may be hidden within the hem of an article.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2011Publication date: September 15, 2011Inventors: Walter G. Bauer, Kroy D. Johnson, Thomas D. Ehlert, Patrick S. McNichols
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Patent number: 7955710Abstract: Ultrasonically bonded laminated absorbent products comprising a first substrate, a second substrate, and an adhesive composition are disclosed. The first and second substrates are dissimilar or non-bondable materials. The adhesive composition comprises a mixture of atactic and isotactic polymers such that it has melt and flow characteristics similar to those of the materials.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2003Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Timothy J. Blenke, Peiguang Zhou, Thomas D. Ehlert
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Patent number: 7947357Abstract: A method of placing a logo on an article or substrate by placing a contrast sheet behind the logo and a blocking sheet therebetween to prevent a shadow effect. The contrast sheet and blocking sheet may be hidden within the hem of an article.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2006Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Walter G. Bauer, Kroy D. Johnson, Thomas D. Ehlert, Patrick S. McNichols
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Patent number: 7575384Abstract: A fluid applicator device includes a wipe layer, and a back layer attached to the wipe layer to form an interior space therebetween. A pouch is positioned within the interior space, and a fluid composition is contained within a cavity defined in the pouch. Exit structure is defined in the pouch through which the composition exits the cavity. A flap is defined by an extension of the pouch material and is folded over onto the pouch so as to releasably seal over the exit structure. The flap has an extension that extends out from between the wipe layer and back layer a sufficient distance so as to be grasped by a user. When the flap extension is pulled by the user, the flap is caused to unfold and unseal the exit structure. The fluid composition is the pressed out of the pouch with use of the applicator.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2005Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Walter G. Bauer, Cecelia M. Berger Sharp, Tamara L. Mace, Thomas D. Ehlert, Patrick S. McNichols
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Publication number: 20080131657Abstract: A method of placing a logo on an article or substrate by placing a contrast sheet behind the logo and a blocking sheet therebetween to prevent a shadow effect. The contrast sheet and blocking sheet may be hidden within the hem of an article.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2006Publication date: June 5, 2008Inventors: Walter G. Bauer, Kroy D. Johnson, Thomas D. Ehlert, Patrick S. McNichols
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Patent number: 7178554Abstract: An ultrasonically operated valve a source of ultrasonic energy for excitation of a pressurized liquid. The vibration of the ultrasonic horn imparts a pulsing of the pressure of the liquid within the valve. Selection of a sealing mechanism that responds at a different natural frequency than that of the valve body causes the sealing mechanism to unseat and therefore to enable liquid flow. The sealing mechanism will stay unseated as long as the source is imparting energy to the system and therefore inducing pressure pulses in the liquid thus keeping the sealing mechanism away from the valve seat.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: James Jay Tanner, Robert A. Cool, Thomas D. Ehlert
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Patent number: 6921570Abstract: The present invention provides a pattern-unbonded material that has at least two distinct regions. One region has different bond pattern than another region. The different bond pattern provides different, specific functionality or characteristics to the material. In an embodiment, the one region provides an optimal mechanical fastener, hook engagement. The different characteristics include, but are not limited to, opacity, tensile strength or stiffness. The different characteristics are provided by a bond pattern specific to the particular region. The outer regions, in an embodiment, are stronger and appear more substantial by being more opaque than or color-shifted relative to an inner region. The outer regions, in an embodiment, are not directly backed or supported by the garment to which the material is attached. Accordingly, it is important for the outer regions to provide adequate strength, stiffness, color, and opacity absent the garment backing the outer regions.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2001Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Tom R. Belau, Timothy J. Blenke, Richard T. Wehrle, Rebecca J. Kuepper, Thomas D. Ehlert, Alan F. Schleinz
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Patent number: 6869006Abstract: A method and system for directly measuring and controlling the amplitude of an ultrasonic horn comprising an ultrasonic horn, a non-contact measurement device for directly measuring an amplitude of the ultrasonic horn, and a controller for modulating the amplitude of the ultrasonic horn in communication with the non-contact measurement device. In accordance with the noncontact optical detection embodiments, the non-contact measurement device is an optical system in which one of a coherent or noncoherent light beam is transmitted from a light source onto a surface of the ultrasonic horn, generating reflected light at a photodetector. The photodetector produces an output signal proportional to at least one of the intensity or the location of the light spot. Detector output is then correlated to the amplitude of the ultrasonic horn and input to a controller for controlling the amplitude of the ultrasonic horn in real time.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2003Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Kent A. Franklin, Thomas D. Ehlert
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Publication number: 20040004106Abstract: A method and system for directly measuring and controlling the amplitude of an ultrasonic horn comprising an ultrasonic horn, a non-contact measurement device for directly measuring an amplitude of the ultrasonic horn, and a controller for modulating the amplitude of the ultrasonic horn in communication with the non-contact measurement device. In accordance with the noncontact optical detection embodiments, the non-contact measurement device is an optical system in which one of a coherent or noncoherent light beam is transmitted from a light source onto a surface of the ultrasonic horn, generating reflected light at a photodetector. The photodetector produces an output signal proportional to at least one of the intensity or the location of the light spot. Detector output is then correlated to the amplitude of the ultrasonic horn and input to a controller for controlling the amplitude of the ultrasonic horn in real time.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2003Publication date: January 8, 2004Inventors: Kent A. Franklin, Thomas D. Ehlert
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Patent number: 6628408Abstract: A method and system for directly measuring and controlling the amplitude of an ultrasonic horn comprising an ultrasonic horn, a non-contact measurement device for directly measuring an amplitude of the ultrasonic horn, and a controller for modulating the amplitude of the ultrasonic horn in communication with the non-contact measurement device. In accordance with the noncontact optical detection embodiments, the non-contact measurement device is an optical system in which one of a coherent or noncoherent light beam is transmitted from a light source onto a surface of the ultrasonic horn, generating reflected light at a photodetector. The photodetector produces an output signal proportional to at least one of the intensity or the location of the light spot. Detector output is then correlated to the amplitude of the ultrasonic horn and input to a controller for controlling the amplitude of the ultrasonic horn in real time.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2000Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Kent A. Franklin, Thomas D. Ehlert
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Publication number: 20030119404Abstract: The present invention provides a pattern-unbonded material that has at least two distinct regions. One region has different bond pattern than another region. The different bond pattern provides different, specific functionality or characteristics to the material. In an embodiment, the one region provides an optimal mechanical fastener, hook engagement. The different characteristics include, but are not limited to, opacity, tensile strength or stiffness. The different characteristics are provided by a bond pattern specific to the particular region. The outer regions, in an embodiment, are stronger and appear more substantial by being more opaque than or color-shifted relative to an inner region. The outer regions, in an embodiment, are not directly backed or supported by the garment to which the material is attached. Accordingly, it is important for the outer regions to provide adequate strength, stiffness, color, and opacity absent the garment backing the outer regions.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2001Publication date: June 26, 2003Inventors: Tom R. Belau, Timothy J. Blenke, Richard T. Wehrle, Rebecca J. Kuepper, Thomas D. Ehlert, Alan F. Schleinz
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Patent number: 5562790Abstract: An apparatus and method for bonding at least two continuously moving substrate webs together is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a rotatable bonding roll which is located adjacent the substrate webs and configured to rotate about a bonding axis. A rotatable anvil roll has an anvil surface and is configured to rotate about an anvil axis to press the substrate webs against an outer peripheral bonding surface of the bonding roll thereby bonding the substrate webs together. The anvil roll is pivotally connected to a pivotal support mechanism which is configured to maintain the anvil surface in a substantially parallel relationship with the bonding surface. The pivotal support mechanism is configured to allow the anvil roll to pivot such that the anvil roll maintains a substantially constant force on the bonding surface of the bonding roll across the width of the anvil roll.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1995Date of Patent: October 8, 1996Assignee: Kimberly-Clark CorporationInventors: Thomas D. Ehlert, Norman R. Stegelmann
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Patent number: 5552013Abstract: An apparatus and method for bonding at least two continuously moving substrate webs together is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a rotatable bonding roll which is located adjacent the substrate webs and configured to rotate about a bonding axis. A rotatable anvil roll has an anvil surface and is configured to rotate about an anvil axis to press the substrate webs against an outer peripheral bonding surface of the bonding roll thereby bonding the substrate webs together. The anvil roll is pivotally connected to a pivotal support mechanism which is configured to maintain the anvil surface in a substantially parallel relationship with the bonding surface. The pivotal support mechanism is configured to allow the anvil roll to pivot such that the anvil roll maintains a substantially constant force on the bonding surface of the bonding roll across the width of the anvil roll.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1994Date of Patent: September 3, 1996Assignee: Kimberly-Clark CorporationInventors: Thomas D. Ehlert, Norman R. Stegelmann
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Patent number: 5110403Abstract: An ultrasonic rotary horn intended to be excited at a frequency of from about 18 to about 60 kHz, which horn is a shaped, solid metal object having a rotational axis and a radial surface terminated by a first end and a second end. The horn is radially symmetrical. The thickness of the horn at the rotational axis is greater than the width of the horn at the radial surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1990Date of Patent: May 5, 1992Assignee: Kimberly-Clark CorporationInventor: Thomas D. Ehlert
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Patent number: 5096532Abstract: An ultrasonic rotary horn intended to be excited at a frequency of from about 18 to about 60 kHz, which horn is a shaped, solid metal object having a rotational axis and a radial surface terminated by a first end and a second end. The diameter of the horn can vary from about 4 cm to about 19 cm. The width of the horn at the radial surface is in the range of from about 0.6 cm to about 13 cm. The thickness of the horn at its rotational axis is from about 0.6 cm to about 15 cm and is independent of the width of the horn at the radial surface. The horn has a mass in the range of from about 0.06 kg to about 30 kg.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1990Date of Patent: March 17, 1992Assignee: Kimberly-Clark CorporationInventors: Joseph G. Neuwirth, Thomas D. Ehlert, Norman R. Stegelmann