Patents by Inventor Thomas Gerard Shannon

Thomas Gerard 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: 8535780
    Abstract: Coreless tissue rolls can be produced without having to use an adhesive to form a hollow center. Instead, moisture can be used to promote light hydrogen bonding between the layers of the tissue web that line the hollow center. The hydrogen bonding provides sufficient structure to maintain the shape of the hollow center without rendering the tissue web surrounding the passageway unusable. Passageways can also be formed in accordance with the present disclosure that are substantially circular so that the rolls will easily spin on a spindle. In an alternative embodiment, moisture is not used in constructing the wound tissue roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven James Wojcik, Mark R. Verburgt, Joel Banda, Jr., Kenneth Allen Pigsley, Christine Ann Armstrong, Dennis Marvin Jobs, Thomas Gerard Shannon, James Leo Baggot
  • Patent number: 8524374
    Abstract: The disclosure provides tissue webs, and products incorporating the same, where the webs comprise wood and bamboo fibers. More specifically the disclosure provides soft and durable through-air dried tissue webs comprising at least about 10 percent bamboo fiber by weight of the web. In the through-air dried tissue webs of the present disclosure, bamboo typically replaces high average fiber length wood fibers, which increases the bulk of the through-air dried web without negatively effecting softness or durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Gerard Shannon
  • Publication number: 20130071678
    Abstract: The disclosure provides tissue webs, and products incorporating the same, where the webs comprise wood and bamboo fibers. More specifically the disclosure provides soft and durable through-air dried tissue webs comprising at least about 10 percent bamboo fiber by weight of the web. In the through-air dried tissue webs of the present disclosure, bamboo typically replaces high average fiber length wood fibers, which increases the bulk of the through-air dried web without negatively effecting softness or durability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas Gerard Shannon
  • Patent number: 8298374
    Abstract: Dry products, and particularly dry tissue substrates, including a blend of conventional papermaking fibers and microalgae are disclosed herein. Use of a cationic retention aid in the dry tissue substrates helps to provide a tissue sheet retaining the microalgae without being detrimental to tissue properties such as caliper, bulk, air permeability, slough and absorbent capacity. Additionally, use of a flocculating agent may agglomerate the microalgae and make it easier to retain the microalgae within the tissue sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Gerard Shannon, Bo Shi, Ellen Elizabeth Pelky, Jeffrey Robert Besaw, David Wesley Bernd
  • Publication number: 20110303375
    Abstract: Dry products, and particularly dry tissue substrates, including a blend of conventional papermaking fibers and microalgae are disclosed herein. Use of a cationic retention aid in the dry tissue substrates helps to provide a tissue sheet retaining the microalgae without being detrimental to tissue properties such as caliper, bulk, air permeability, slough and absorbent capacity. Additionally, use of a flocculating agent may agglomerate the microalgae and make it easier to retain the microalgae within the tissue sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas Gerard Shannon, Bo Shi, Ellen Elizabeth Pelky, Jeffrey Robert Besaw, David Wesley Bernd
  • Patent number: 7988824
    Abstract: A tissue product is disclosed containing an additive composition. The additive composition may be, for instance, a composition designed to provide benefits to a user's skin. In accordance with the present disclosure, the additive composition is located in a target delivery zone on a base web. The base web is modified in the target delivery zone so that the additive composition more efficiently transfers to an opposing surface during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Gerard Shannon, Lisa Ann Flugge-Berendes, Frederick J. Lang
  • Patent number: 7927457
    Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a multiple ply paper product which includes a first ply comprising virgin fiber, pre-consumer recycled fiber, or mixtures thereof and a second ply comprising at least about 30% by weight post-consumer recycled fiber, wherein the average pore size distribution of the first ply is greater than the average pore size distribution of the second ply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Gerard Shannon, Benjamin Joseph Kruchoski
  • Publication number: 20110079671
    Abstract: Coreless tissue rolls can be produced without having to use an adhesive to form a hollow center. Instead, moisture can be used to promote light hydrogen bonding between the layers of the tissue web that line the hollow center. The hydrogen bonding provides sufficient structure to maintain the shape of the hollow center without rendering the tissue web surrounding the passageway unusable. Passageways can also be formed in accordance with the present disclosure that are substantially circular so that the rolls will easily spin on a spindle. In an alternative embodiment, moisture is not used in constructing the wound tissue roll.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Steven James Wojcik, Mark R. Verburgt, Joel Banda, JR., Kenneth Allen Pigsley, Christine Ann Armstrong, Dennis Marvin Jobs, Thomas Gerard Shannon, James Leo Baggot
  • Publication number: 20110081528
    Abstract: Dry paper towel sheets are provided with a cleaning-related scent and a functional visual indicia to indicate the capability of the sheets to remove 99 or greater percent of germs when used to wipe hard surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas Gerard Shannon, Maurizio Tirimacco, Bao Trong Do, Megan Kathryn Millard, Raegan Elyse Allen
  • Patent number: 7914866
    Abstract: A product including two or more plies with each ply including one absorbent layer and a second opposing fluid impervious layer. The two plies are arranged such that the fluid impervious layers face each other and are positioned at the inside of the two-ply product. The two plies are bonded on two or three sides to form a sleeve or a pocket, such that a hand can be inserted between the two plies and positioned in contact with one or both fluid impervious layers. In this manner, the product is absorbent on both sides, and can be utilized on both sides while preventing hand contact with the material absorbed or picked up by the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Gerard Shannon, James Joseph Clark, Jr., Susan Jean Moder, Garry Roland Woltman
  • Patent number: 7820010
    Abstract: Tissue products are disclosed containing an additive composition. The additive composition, for instance, comprises an aqueous dispersion containing an olefin polymer, an ethylene-carboxylic acid copolymer, or mixtures thereof. The 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 without substantially affecting the perceived softness of the web in an adverse manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Lostocco, Thomas Joseph Dyer, Deborah Nickel, Troy M. Runge, Jerry W. Baker, Thomas Gerard Shannon
  • Patent number: 7811948
    Abstract: Hydrophilic polysiloxanes and hydrophobic polysiloxanes are used in combination to provide tissues, such as facial and bath tissues, with an optimal combination of absorbency and softness. At least one of the hydrophobic and hydrophilic polysiloxanes is applied to the outer surface of the tissue product in a zoned pattern such that the absorbent rate of the tissue varies across the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Gerard Shannon, Matthew Edmund Higgins
  • Patent number: 7794565
    Abstract: The present invention is a soft tissue sheet having reduced lint and slough. The tissue sheet comprises papermaking fibers and a synthetic co-copolymer. The synthetic co-polymer has the general structure: wherein R1, R2, R3 are independently selected from a group consisting of: H; C1-4 alkyl radicals; and, mixtures thereof; R4 is selected from a group consisting of C1-C8 alkyl radicals and mixtures thereof; Z1 is a bridging radical attaching the R4 functionality to the polymer backbone; and, Q1 is a functional group containing at least a cationic quaternary ammonium radical. w, x, y?1 and the mole ratio of x to (x+y) is about 0.5 or greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Gerard Shannon, Kelly Dean Branham, William Clayton Bunyard, Lisa Ann Flugge-Berendes
  • Publication number: 20100078444
    Abstract: Tissue products comprising an expandable dispensing carton and a compressed stack of folded tissues, such as facial tissues, can significantly reduce costs associated with shipping such low density products. Expansion of the expandable dispensing carton can be activated by the user or the retailer, thereby releasing the compression of the tissue stack and allowing the tissues to be dispensed normally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas Gerard Shannon, Benjamin Joseph Kruchoski
  • Patent number: 7678230
    Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a multiple ply paper product which includes a first ply comprising virgin fiber, pre-consumer recycled fiber, or mixtures thereof and a second ply comprising at least about 30% by weight post-consumer recycled fiber, wherein the average pore size distribution of the first ply is greater than the average pore size distribution of the second ply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Gerard Shannon, Benjamin Joseph Kruchoski
  • Patent number: 7678232
    Abstract: Synthetic co-polymers having moieties capable of forming hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, or covalent bonds with cellulose fibers and paper modifying moieties capable of modifying a paper sheet are disclosed. These synthetic co-polymers are derived from the reaction of an aldehyde functional polymer and an aldehyde reactive paper modifying agent containing a non-hydroxyl aldehyde reactive functional group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Gerard Shannon, Mike Thomas Goulet, Dana Stephanie Kass
  • Publication number: 20100043989
    Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a multiple ply paper product which includes a first ply comprising virgin fiber, pre-consumer recycled fiber, or mixtures thereof and a second ply comprising at least about 30% by weight post-consumer recycled fiber, wherein the average pore size distribution of the first ply is greater than the average pore size distribution of the second ply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Gerard Shannon, Benjamin Joseph Kruchoski
  • Publication number: 20090297586
    Abstract: Wiping products, such as facial tissues, contain a temperature change composition that can provide a cooling sensation when contacted with the skin of a user. The temperature change composition, for instance, can contain one or more phase change agents that undergo a phase change at slightly elevated temperatures. The phase change agents, in one embodiment, can have a relatively high heat of fusion. When undergoing a phase change, the phase change agents absorb heat and thereby provide a cooling feeling to the skin of a user. In one embodiment, the phase change agent comprises a straight chain hydrocarbon. Hydrocarbons useful as phase change agents include an octadecane, a nonadecane, a heptonoate, or mixtures thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Gerard Shannon, Frank P. Abuto
  • Publication number: 20090157472
    Abstract: A personalized shopping system can provide for delivery of relevant information that is responsive to the needs and desires of shoppers. Any suitable information can be delivered including, but not limited to, advertisements. By taking one or more preferences or parameters of the shopper into account, the advantages of targeted advertising and/or other information delivery can be achieved with reduced adverse effects on shoppers. To the contrary, the shoppers may benefit from the system, since it is configured to address the needs of the shopper, rather than the needs of only the manufacturer, retailer, advertiser, or other information purveyor. The system can evaluate whether to present information at various opportunities based on the shopper's media preferences. Further, the system may respond to user requests for information. The system may be configured to provide navigational guidance, such as a map through a retail location, for use by a shopper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Mark A. Burazin, Thomas Gerard Shannon, Henry L. Griesbach, III
  • Patent number: 7517433
    Abstract: Tissues having a high level of softness and hand protection in combination with improved cleaning are disclosed. The tissues have been shown to remove more mucus than commercially available tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth John Zwick, Thomas Gerard Shannon, Michael John Rekoske, Kathy Geralyn Richardson, Paul Kerner Pauling, Mark Alan Burazin, Gary Lee Shanklin, Thomas Kremer, Benjamin Peter Sierra