Patents by Inventor Thomas G. Shannon

Thomas G. Shannon 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: 7351308
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for application of compositions onto non-woven webs, such as paper webs. The present invention is also directed to products made from the process. In general, the method includes applying a composition to a non-woven web using a non-impact printer, such as an ink jet printer. The composition is applied, in one embodiment, as droplets that remain as discrete shapes on the substrate. In this manner, treated areas and untreated areas are formed on the web. Through this process, the water absorption and control properties of the web can be adjusted as desired while simultaneously treating the web with a composition that improves the physical and/or chemical properties of the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Urlaub, Thomas G. Shannon
  • Patent number: 7306699
    Abstract: A method for application of compositions onto non-woven webs, such as paper webs, and to products made from the process. In general, the method includes applying a composition to a non-woven web using a non-impact printer, such as an ink jet printer. The composition is applied, in one embodiment, as droplets that remain as discrete shapes on the substrate. In this manner, treated areas and untreated areas are formed on the web. Through this process, the water absorption and control properties of the web can be adjusted as desired while simultaneously treating the web with a composition that improves the physical properties of the web, improves the chemical properties of the web and/or can provide a benefit to a user if transferred from the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Urlaub, Thomas G. Shannon
  • Patent number: 7008507
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for application of compositions onto non-woven webs, such as paper webs. The present invention is also directed to products made from the process. In general, the method includes applying a composition to a non-woven web using a non-impact printer, such as an ink jet printer. The composition is applied, in one embodiment, as droplets that remain as discrete shapes on the substrate. In this manner, treated areas and untreated areas are formed on the web. Through this process, the water absorption and control properties of the web can be adjusted as desired while simultaneously treating the web with a composition that improves the physical and/or chemical properties of the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Urlaub, Thomas G. Shannon
  • Patent number: 6994770
    Abstract: A paper product having improved strength properties as disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, the paper product is treated with a strength agent comprising a derivatized polyethylene oxide. The paper product can be, for instance, a facial tissue, a bath tissue, a paper towel or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Shannon, Dave Allen Soerens
  • Patent number: 6949167
    Abstract: Tissue products are disclosed that contain a hydrophobic additive, such as a polysiloxane. In accordance with the present invention, the tissue products are further treated with a wetting agent. The wetting agent may be applied after application of the hydrophobic additive to one or more surfaces of the base sheet. The wetting agent improves the wettability properties of the base sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Shannon, David A. Moline, John J. Urlaub
  • Patent number: 6936136
    Abstract: The disclosed invention is directed to pulp fibers suitable for forming a wet-laid paper product which include amino-functionality which is non-extractable in an aqueous phase. The pulp fibers may be prepared by applying an amino-functional additive to a fibrous web prior to the finishing operation at a pulp mill. The fibrous web may then be repulped at a papermaking machine to form a paper web which includes the amino-functionalized fibers of the present invention. A paper web formed of the amino-functionalized fibers may display unique and/or improved reactivity toward certain papermaking additives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Shannon, David Moline
  • Patent number: 6916402
    Abstract: Articles containing cellulose materials and treated with a chemical additive are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, at least a portion of the cellulose containing the article is modified to include a first moiety. A chemical additive, such as softener or a humectant, is then chosen that includes a second moiety. When the chemical additive is applied to the article, the second moiety on the chemical additive forms a chemical linkage with the first moiety on the cellulose material. In this manner, the chemical additive becomes bonded to the cellulose material alleviating problems associated with retention. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to the formation of tissue products, such as facial tissue, bath tissue and paper towels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Shannon, Gil Bernard Didier Garnier, Alberto Ricardo Negri, Mike T. Goulet
  • Patent number: 6896766
    Abstract: Paper products treated on two surfaces with a liquid resistant composition are disclosed. The paper products can be, for instance, bath tissues, facial tissues, paper towels, and industrial wipers. The liquid resistant compositions can include any additive that provides benefits to the product. For instance, the liquid resistant composition can be a softener containing a hydrophobic additive. In one embodiment, the hydrophobic additive is a polysiloxane. In accordance with the present invention, the water resistant composition is applied to each surface according to a pattern. Each of the patterns includes treated and untreated areas. The patterns are positioned on the paper product such that untreated areas on one surface are in correspondence with the treated areas on the other surface of the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Sarbo, Lisa A. Flugge, Matthew Higgins, Jeff Loritz, Bozena Nogaj, Mary Philip, Darnell Radtke, Thomas G. Shannon
  • Patent number: 6893537
    Abstract: A tissue product that has a relatively low level of lint and slough is provided. For example, the tissue product contains a flexible binder copolymer that is at least formed from an ethylenically unsaturated monomeric constituent and an unsaturated polysiloxane monomeric constituent. In one particular embodiment, the unsaturated polysiloxane monomeric constituent includes at least one unsaturated polysiloxane monomer having the following formula: wherein, R1 is an ethylenically unsaturated group that has free radical polymerizability; R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, and R8 are the same or different and can be selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, an aryl group, an alkyl group, a substituted alkyl or aryl group, an ethoxy group, and a propoxy group; m is an integer from 4 to 15,000; and n is an integer from 0 to 15,000.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Shannon, David A. Moline, Jim D. Lorenz, Lisa A. Flugge
  • Publication number: 20040163784
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for application of compositions onto non-woven webs, such as paper webs. The present invention is also directed to products made from the process. In general, the method includes applying a composition to a non-woven web using a non-impact printer, such as an ink jet printer. The composition is applied, in one embodiment, as droplets that remain as discrete shapes on the substrate. In this manner, treated areas and untreated areas are formed on the web. Through this process, the water absorption and control properties of the web can be adjusted as desired while simultaneously treating the web with a composition that improves the physical and/or chemical properties of the web.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Urlaub, Thomas G. Shannon
  • Publication number: 20040131842
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for application of compositions onto non-woven webs, such as paper webs. The present invention is also directed to products made from the process. In general, the method includes applying a composition to a non-woven web using a non-impact printer, such as an ink jet printer. The composition is applied, in one embodiment, as droplets that remain as discrete shapes on the substrate. In this manner, treated areas and untreated areas are formed on the web. Through this process, the water absorption and control properties of the web can be adjusted as desired while simultaneously treating the web with a composition that improves the physical and/or chemical properties of the web.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Urlaub, Thomas G. Shannon
  • Publication number: 20040123962
    Abstract: The disclosed invention is directed to pulp fibers suitable for forming a wet-laid paper product which include amino-functionality which is non-extractable in an aqueous phase. The pulp fibers may be prepared by applying an amino-functional additive to a fibrous web prior to the finishing operation at a pulp mill. The fibrous web may then be repulped at a papermaking machine to form a paper web which includes the amino-functionalized fibers of the present invention. A paper web formed of the amino-functionalized fibers may display unique and/or improved reactivity toward certain papermaking additives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Shannon, David Moline
  • Publication number: 20040118533
    Abstract: Articles containing cellulose materials and treated with a chemical additive are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, at least a portion of the cellulose containing the article is modified to include a first moiety. A chemical additive, such as softener or a humectant, is then chosen that includes a second moiety. When the chemical additive is applied to the article, the second moiety on the chemical additive forms a chemical linkage with the first moiety on the cellulose material. In this manner, the chemical additive becomes bonded to the cellulose material alleviating problems associated with retention. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to the formation of tissue products, such as facial tissue, bath tissue and paper towels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Shannon, Gil Bernard Idier Garnier, Alberto Ricardo Negri, Mike T. Goulet
  • Publication number: 20040118531
    Abstract: Tissue products are disclosed that contain a hydrophobic additive, such as a polysiloxane. In accordance with the present invention, the tissue products are further treated with a wetting agent. The wetting agent may be applied after application of the hydrophobic additive to one or more surfaces of the base sheet. The wetting agent improves the wettability properties of the base sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Shannon, David A. Moline, John J. Urlaub
  • Publication number: 20040118541
    Abstract: A paper product having improved strength properties as disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, the paper product is treated with a strength agent comprising a derivatized polyethylene oxide. The paper product can be, for instance, a facial tissue, a bath tissue, a paper towel or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Shannon, Dave Allen Soerens
  • Publication number: 20040118532
    Abstract: Paper products treated on two surfaces with a liquid resistant composition are disclosed. The paper products can be, for instance, bath tissues, facial tissues, paper towels, and industrial wipers. The liquid resistant compositions can include any additive that provides benefits to the product. For instance, the liquid resistant composition can be a softener containing a hydrophobic additive. In one embodiment, the hydrophobic additive is a polysiloxane. In accordance with the present invention, the water resistant composition is applied to each surface according to a pattern. Each of the patterns includes treated and untreated areas. The patterns are positioned on the paper product such that untreated areas on one surface are in correspondence with the treated areas on the other surface of the sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Sarbo, Lisa A. Flugge, Matthew Higgins, Jeff Loritz, Bozena Nogaj, Mary Philip, Darnell Radtke, Thomas G. Shannon
  • Publication number: 20040118540
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a bicomponent strengthening system and the paper webs produced with the bicomponent strengthening system. Through use of the strengthening system, paper webs may be produced in which the strength characteristics of the web may be specifically tailored. The first component of the system comprises a polymer having at least about 1.5 m-eq primary amine functionality per gram of polymer and a molecular weight of at least about 10,000 Daltons. The second component may be either a polymeric anionic compound or a polymeric aldehyde functional compound. For example, the polyamine polymer component may be a polyvinylamine or polysaccharide having primary amine functionality. In one embodiment, the second component may be a cationic polymeric aldehyde functional compound. For example, the second component may be a cationic glyoxylated polyacrylamide. In another embodiment, the second component may be a polymeric anionic compound comprising carboxy functionality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worlwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Gil B.D. Garnier, Jeffrey D. Lindsay, Thomas G. Shannon, Michael R. Lostocco, Lacey Hansen, Kelly D. Branham, Dan Siderius
  • Publication number: 20030145964
    Abstract: A paper product is provided that contains at least one paper web that is applied with a reactive composition. The reactive composition, for example, can contain one or more softening moieties that are capable of debonding hydrogen bonds within a paper web, thereby softening the web. In addition, the reactive composition contains a moiety that can form both a covalent bond and ionic bond with certain groups present on cellulosic fibers. For example, in one embodiment, the moiety contains a positively charged atom that can form an ionic bond with a carboxyl group present on a first cellulosic fiber. In addition, the moiety can contain a pendant hydroxyl group that can form a covalent bond with a carboxyl group present on a second cellulosic fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas G. Shannon
  • Publication number: 20030077314
    Abstract: A tissue product that has a relatively low level of lint and slough is provided. For example, the tissue product contains a flexible binder copolymer that is at least formed from an ethylenically unsaturated monomeric constituent and an unsaturated polysiloxane monomeric constituent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Shannon, David A. Moline, Jim D. Lorenz, Lisa A. Flugge
  • Patent number: 6548427
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a tissue product with improved flushability. Specifically, the incorporation of both a temporary wet strength agent and an alkaline reagent into the tissue product results in the tissue product having high initial wet tensile strength and a high rate of wet tensile loss. The high rate of wet tensile loss is caused by the high pH of the alkaline reagent that is incorporated during the dry end of a tissue manufacturing process. The temporary wet strength agent is added in the wet end of a tissue manufacturing process. In certain embodiments of the present invention, glyoxylated polyacrylamide may be used as the temporary wet strength agent, while the alkaline reagent may be in dry form or may be encapsulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Shannon, Michael J. Smith, Patrick P. Chen, Graciela Jimenez