Patents by Inventor Thomas Michael Ales
Thomas Michael Ales 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: 10357409Abstract: The present subject matter relates to absorbent articles and signaling devices for use therewith. The signaling device includes one or more non-invasive sensors configured to detect the presence of a substance, such as a body fluid, in the absorbent article. The signaling device can provide an audible and/or visible alert to the user of the absorbent article when it detects the presence of a substance. The absorbent article includes one or more identifiable characteristics the presence of which permits operation of the signaling device. In this manner, the present disclosure provides for product and signaling device matching for use.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2016Date of Patent: July 23, 2019Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventors: Thomas Michael Ales, Sudhanshu Gakhar, Andrew Mark Long, Davis-Dang H. Nhan
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Publication number: 20160354259Abstract: The present subject matter relates to absorbent articles and signaling devices for use therewith. The signaling device includes one or more non-invasive sensors configured to detect the presence of a substance, such as a body fluid, in the absorbent article. The signaling device can provide an audible and/or visible alert to the user of the absorbent article when it detects the presence of a substance. The absorbent article includes one or more identifiable characteristics the presence of which permits operation of the signaling device. In this manner, the present disclosure provides for product and signaling device matching for use.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2016Publication date: December 8, 2016Inventors: Thomas Michael Ales, Sudhanshu Gakhar, Andrew Mark Long, Davis-Dang H. Nhan
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Patent number: 9375355Abstract: The present subject matter relates to absorbent articles and signaling devices for use therewith. The signaling device includes one or more non-invasive sensors configured to detect the presence of a substance, such as a body fluid, in the absorbent article. The signaling device can provide an audible and/or visible alert to the user of the absorbent article when it detects the presence of a substance. The absorbent article includes one or more identifiable characteristics the presence of which permits operation of the signaling device. In this manner, the present disclosure provides for product and signaling device matching for use.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2014Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Michael Ales, Sudhanshu Gakhar, Andrew Mark Long, Davis-Dang H Nhan
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Patent number: 9241839Abstract: A wetness monitoring system is provided for an absorbent article, the wetness monitoring system including a signaling device including an alarm to indicate that the absorbent article has reached an insult limit. The signaling device operates with a sensor array which is disposed on the outermost surface of the absorbent article outer cover. The signaling device includes a detection circuit which measures changes in inductance or capacitance. The wetness monitoring system does not make direct contact with the absorbent structure located within an outer cover of the absorbent article.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2011Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Jose Kollakompil Abraham, Thomas Michael Ales, III, Sudhanshu Gakhar, Jeffrey Robert Heller, Davis Dang Hoang Nhan, Joseph Raymond Feldkamp, Sridhar Ranganathan
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Patent number: 9220640Abstract: Absorbent articles are disclosed that convey information to a user. In particular, the absorbent articles include an active graphic that comprises a machine readable code. The active graphic, for instance, may comprise a disappearing graphic, an appearing graphic, and/or a color-change graphic. The change in appearance of the graphic may occur once contacted with a suitable activation agent, such as urine. The machine readable code contained in the active graphic, once scanned by a suitable reader device, may convey information to a user related to the absorbent article.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2010Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Michael Ales, Andrew Mark Long, Matt Fitton
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Patent number: 9018434Abstract: Absorbent articles are disclosed that have been printed with active graphics alone or in combination with permanent graphics to create a wetness indicator. Different active graphic compositions and/or permanent graphic compositions are combined so as to make the wetness indicator very prominent on the article. In addition, when the absorbent article is wetted, the active graphics undergo a change that is easily noticed by the wearer or the caregiver for the wearer. In one embodiment, for instance, active graphics are positioned within a distinctive frame. The frame focuses a person's attention onto the active graphics. The active graphics fill most of the surface area of the frame such that when the absorbent article is wetted, a clearly noticeable change occurs.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2010Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Marcille Faye Ruman, Shannon K. Melius, Eric Donald Johnson, Tami L. Kurtz, Marty J. Granius, Dean M. Wydeven, Anita M. Gilgenbach, Aaron D. Schilpp, Michael Donald Sperl, Paula K. DeBruin, Thomas Michael Ales, Joy Patricia Bauman, Steven Carl Strubbe
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Patent number: 8866052Abstract: A heating article is provided including a heating element including a first layer of nonwoven fibers mixed with conductive fibers, wherein the layer is divided to include a conductive region and a nonconductive region, wherein the conductive region extends in a co-extensive and co-planar pattern in a majority of the layer, and wherein the conductive region has first and second ends, and a power source removably coupled to the first and second ends. The first layer can include nonwoven fibers mixed with non-metallic conductive fibers. The heating article can also include a second layer superposed with the first layer, wherein the second layer is substantially free of non-metallic conductive fibers.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2009Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Davis-Dang Hoang Nhan, Sudhanshu Gakhar, Thomas Michael Ales, III, Sridhar Ranganathan
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Patent number: 8866624Abstract: Signaling systems are disclosed that indicate a change in an absorbent article, such as the presence of a body fluid. The various different signaling systems disclosed do not include any conductive elements contained on the interior of the article as were required in the past. Instead, the changes are monitored from the outer cover of the article. In one aspect, for instance, a signaling device is provided for sensing and indicating the presence of a body exudate in an absorbent article, the device including a housing and a capacitive sensor disposed within the housing, the capacitive sensor adapted to sense a change in capacitance due to an insult to the absorbent article. The signaling device can include an attachment mechanism for removably attaching the housing to the absorbent article.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2009Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Michael Ales, III, Sudhanshu Gakhar, Andrew Mark Long
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Publication number: 20140155851Abstract: The present subject matter relates to absorbent articles and signaling devices for use therewith. The signaling device includes one or more non-invasive sensors configured to detect the presence of a substance, such as a body fluid, in the absorbent article. The signaling device can provide an audible and/or visible alert to the user of the absorbent article when it detects the presence of a substance. The absorbent article includes one or more identifiable characteristics the presence of which permits operation of the signaling device. In this manner, the present disclosure provides for product and signaling device matching for use.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2014Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Michael Ales, Sudhanshu Gakhar, Andrew Mark Long, Davis-Dang H Nhan
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Patent number: 8642832Abstract: The present subject matter relates to absorbent articles and signaling devices for use therewith. The signaling device includes one or more non-invasive sensors configured to detect the presence of a substance, such as a body fluid, in the absorbent article. The signaling device can provide an audible and/or visible alert to the user of the absorbent article when it detects the presence of a substance. The absorbent article includes one or more identifiable characteristics the presence of which permits operation of the signaling device. In this manner, the present disclosure provides for product and signaling device matching for use.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2010Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Michael Ales, Sudhanshu Gakhar, Andrew Mark Long, Davis-Dang H Nhan
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Patent number: 8372242Abstract: Conductive nonwoven webs are disclosed. The nonwoven webs contain pulp fibers combined with conductive fibers. In one embodiment, the webs are made in a wetlaid tissue or paper making process. The pulp fibers contained in the webs may comprise softwood fibers, while the conductive fibers may comprise carbon fibers. Base webs can be produced having a resistance of less than about 100 Ohms/square in one embodiment. Once produced, the conductive material can be cut into slits that are then wound on spools. From the spools, the conductive slits can be fed into a process for making any suitable product.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2012Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, inc.Inventors: Thomas Michael Ales, Davis-Dang H. Nhan, Duane Joseph Shukoski, Michael John Rekoske
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Publication number: 20130018340Abstract: A wetness monitoring system is provided for an absorbent article, the wetness monitoring system including a signaling device including an alarm to indicate that the absorbent article has reached an insult limit. The signaling device operates with a sensor array which is disposed on the outermost surface of the absorbent article outer cover. The signaling device includes a detection circuit which measures changes in inductance or capacitance. The wetness monitoring system does not make direct contact with the absorbent structure located within an outer cover of the absorbent article.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2011Publication date: January 17, 2013Inventors: Jose Kollakompil Abraham, Thomas Michael Ales, III, Sudhanshu Gakhar, Jeffrey Robert Heller, Davis Dang Hoang Nhan, Joseph Raymond Feldkamp, Sridhar Ranganathan
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Patent number: 8334226Abstract: Presented is a variety of products and apparatuses employing a conductive nonwoven web. Products and apparatuses include an RFID system, a radiofrequency shielding system, a flexible electronic circuit component, a heating element, an antenna, an electromagnetic energy shield, a membrane switch, a keypad, and a packaging system. In one embodiment, the conductive nonwoven web contains conductive carbon fibers in combination with pulp fibers and/or synthetic fibers. Electric pathways are formed into the conductive material using ultrasonic energy. The electric pathways can be used to produce various electronic devices.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2009Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Davis-Dang H. Nhan, Thomas Michael Ales, Thomas David Ehlert, Sudhanshu Gakhar
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Patent number: 8299317Abstract: An absorbent article includes a liner and an outercover in facing relation and at least one conductive element located between the liner and the outercover. At least a portion of the conductive element is exposed through the liner and/or the outercover to define at least one external contact point. The external contact point defines a perimeter and the liner and/or the outercover is sealed about the perimeter. The contact points provide external access to the internal conductive elements.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2007Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Darold Dean Tippey, Andrew Mark Long, Thomas Michael Ales, III, Thomas David Ehlert
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Patent number: 8274393Abstract: Signaling systems are disclosed that indicate a change in an absorbent article, such as the presence of a body fluid. The various different signaling systems disclosed do not include any conductive elements contained on the interior of the article as were required in the past. Instead, the changes are monitored from the outer cover of the article. In one embodiment, for instance, conductive zones are formed directly into the outer cover for forming the signaling system. Alternatively, a sensor may be mounted to the outer cover of the article for monitoring changes within the article. The sensor may comprise, for instance, a temperature sensor, a conductivity sensor, an optical sensor, a vibration sensor, a humidity sensor, a material expansion sensor, a chemical sensor, or the like.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2008Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Michael Ales, Andrew Mark Long, Chuck R. Tomsovic, Davis-Dang H. Nhan, Shirlee Ann Weber, Jason C. Cohen, Shawn Jeffrey Sullivan, Xuedong Song
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Patent number: 8264362Abstract: Disclosed is an insult-sensing absorbent article including an absorbent assembly, an insult-sensing means coupled to the absorbent assembly, and a tuned antenna system coupled to the insult-sensing means. Also disclosed is a method for indicating an insult to an absorbent article to be worn by a wearer, the method including providing an absorbent article including a conductive element; providing an antenna system associated with the absorbent article, the antenna system including a signal generator and an antenna, wherein the antenna includes the conductive element, and wherein the antenna system is adapted to transmit a signal; and maximizing the receivability of the signal by optimizing an aspect of the antenna system.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2007Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Michael Ales, III, Andrew Mark Long, Timothy Joseph Wurth, Terrance James Hill
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Publication number: 20120216973Abstract: Conductive nonwoven webs are disclosed. The nonwoven webs contain pulp fibers combined with conductive fibers. In one embodiment, the webs are made in a wetlaid tissue or paper making process. The pulp fibers contained in the webs may comprise softwood fibers, while the conductive fibers may comprise carbon fibers. Base webs can be produced having a resistance of less than about 100 Ohms/square in one embodiment. Once produced, the conductive material can be cut into slits that are then wound on spools. From the spools, the conductive slits can be fed into a process for making any suitable product.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2012Publication date: August 30, 2012Inventors: Thomas Michael Ales, Davis-Dang H. Nhan, Duane Joseph Shukoski, Michael John Rekoske
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Patent number: 8215973Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to conductive connector attachments for use in electrically connecting printed circuit boards to absorbent products such as diapers, training pants, incontinence products, feminine hygiene products, and the like. Specifically, various configurations and methods of securely attaching conventional conductive hook and loop attachments to printed circuit boards are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2011Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Michael Ales, Davis-Dang Hoang Nhan
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Publication number: 20120172825Abstract: Absorbent articles are disclosed that convey information to a user. In particular, the absorbent articles include an active graphic that comprises a machine readable code. The active graphic, for instance, may comprise a disappearing graphic, an appearing graphic, and/or a color-change graphic. The change in appearance of the graphic may occur once contacted with a suitable activation agent, such as urine. The machine readable code contained in the active graphic, once scanned by a suitable reader device, may convey information to a user related to the absorbent article.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2010Publication date: July 5, 2012Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventors: Thomas Michael Ales, Andrew Mark Long, Matt Fitton
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Publication number: 20120173249Abstract: Absorbent articles are disclosed that include a machine readable code. The machine readable code, once scanned by a suitable reader device, provides access to information related to the absorbent article. The information may relate to use or disposal of the article. In other embodiments, the information may comprise promotional materials, such as coupons, rebates and news about related products, new products, or the like. The present disclosure is particularly directed to applying and positioning the machine readable codes on the absorbent articles so that the codes are noticeable and can be scanned.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2010Publication date: July 5, 2012Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Robert Lee Popp, Andrew Mark Long, Thomas Michael Ales, Kristina Smits