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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Publication number: 20120165771Abstract: Absorbent articles are disclosed that have been printed with active graphics alone or in combination with permanent graphics. The active graphics may be used, for instance, as a wetness indicator on an absorbent article. In accordance with the present disclosure, the active graphics include at least one disappearing graphic and at least one appearing graphic. The disappearing graphic and appearing graphic allow for complete scene changes on the article and also allow for the illusion of movement of objects in the scene.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2010Publication date: June 28, 2012Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventors: Marcille Faye Ruman, Shannon K. Melius, Mary L. Schwer, Robert E. MacDonald, Eric Donald Johnson, Thomas Michael Ales, Jennifer Leigh Skabroud Misek, Terri Lynn Meisel, Tami L. Kurtz
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Publication number: 20120157948Abstract: A disposable absorbent article and a method for providing a disposable absorbent article having a urine insult volume indicator and a longitudinal centerline having a urine insult volume indicator and a longitudinal centerline includes a liquid permeable inner surface for facing a wearer; an outer cover having an outer surface for facing away from the wearer; an absorbent body disposed therebetween; and a front waist region, a back waist region, and a crotch region extending longitudinally between and interconnecting the front and back waist regions. The article also includes a two-dimensional pattern having a plurality of segments, a longitudinal extent, and a transverse extent, the pattern disposed between the absorbent core and the outer surface, wherein the pattern is in fluid contact with the absorbent core, and wherein a segment changes appearance when wetted and is visible from the outer surface when wetted.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2010Publication date: June 21, 2012Inventors: David-Dang Hoang Nhan, William Pitman Laratta, Thomas Michael Ales, III, Sandra Kay Knight
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Publication number: 20120116337Abstract: 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: November 10, 2010Publication date: May 10, 2012Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Michael Ales, Sudhanshu Gakhar, Andrew Mark Long, Davis-Dang H. Nhan
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Patent number: 8172982Abstract: 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: December 22, 2008Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Michael Ales, Davis-Dang H. Nhan, Duane Joseph Shukoski, Michael John Rekoske
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Patent number: 8114030Abstract: Presented is a method for quantifying breastfeeding between a mother and a baby, the method including measuring a physiological volume indicative of stomach fullness volume for the baby; setting a signal threshold value of the physiological volume to correspond to a stomach level that is less than or equal to the stomach fullness volume; obtaining an objective measurement of the physiological volume indicative of a level of fullness of the baby's stomach; and providing an indication to the mother when the objective measurement equals or exceeds the signal threshold value. In one embodiment, for instance, the baby's swallows may be recorded for determining the volume of breast milk consumed by the baby.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2007Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Michael Ales, Rick D. Mosbacher
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Publication number: 20120035563Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2010Publication date: February 9, 2012Inventors: 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: 8101813Abstract: The present subject matter relates to absorbent articles and signaling devices for use therewith. An absorbent article may be provided with selected electrical components used as wetness or other type sensors which may be determined by a coupled signaling device. An attached signaling device may automatically determine physiological changes of a wearer of the absorbent article including increases in void volume over time, increases in time between voids and proximity to bathroom fixtures. The signaling device may provide data analysis and/or display, and may provide remote alarm functions.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2008Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Michael Ales, Keith William Magic, Shawn Jeffery Sullivan, Davis-Dang H. Nhan
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Patent number: 8057454Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and systems for determining hydration of an article and/or a person. The physical and/or electrical properties of a device in the absorbent article may be altered by hydration received in the absorbent article. The alteration of the physical or electrical properties may indicate the amount of hydration in the absorbent article. Furthermore, a time period for receiving the hydration in the absorbent article may also be determined. The hydration of the person may be determined based on a fluid output rate from the person computed using the amount of hydration output from the person and the time period for receiving the hydration.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2006Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Mark Long, Davis Dang Hoang Nhan, Sridhar Ranganathan, Darold Dean Tippey, Andrew Thomas Baker, Thomas Michael Ales, III, Shawn Jeffery Sullivan
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Patent number: 8044363Abstract: A portable UV detection apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the UV detection apparatus includes a UV detection device integrated with a skin type measuring device. A controller can be included in the apparatus that is in communication with the skin type measuring device and the UV detection device. The controller can provide information to the user regarding the amount of ultraviolet radiation present in the environment. In an alternative embodiment, the UV detection apparatus includes a UV detection device in conjunction with a light sensor. The light sensor can be configured to activate the UV detection device should light at a particular intensity be present in the environment. The UV detection device as described above can be configured to measure UVA radiation, UVB radiation, and/or UVC radiation.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2007Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Michael Ales, Richard Timmers, Andrew Mark Long, Shawn Jeffrey Sullivan, Sridhar Ranganathan, Timothy R. Obermann, Eric Donald Johnson
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Publication number: 20110223782Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2011Publication date: September 15, 2011Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventors: Thomas Michael Ales, Davis-Dang Hoang Nhan
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Patent number: 7946869Abstract: 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: June 8, 2010Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Michael Ales, Davis-Dang Hoang Nhan
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Patent number: 7944401Abstract: A radiating element made from a conductive-nonwoven web is incorporated into a signal emitting apparatus. The signal emitting apparatus, for instance, may comprise an RFID tag. The conductive-nonwoven web contains, in one embodiment, conductive fibers combined with pulp fibers. The conductive fibers may comprise carbon fibers. The nonwoven web may be made using a conventional paper-making process. The resulting conductive web is not only well suited for use as an antenna, but is also relatively inexpensive to manufacture and can be easily incorporated into numerous products.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2008Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Sudhanshu Gakhar, Duane Josephe Shukoski, Thomas Michael Ales, Shawn Jeffery Sullivan, Andrew Mark Long, Davis-Dang H. Nhan, Sridhar Ranganathan
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Patent number: 7850470Abstract: 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: March 18, 2009Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Michael Ales, Davis-Dang Hoang Nhan
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Publication number: 20100248507Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2010Publication date: September 30, 2010Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventors: Thomas Michael Ales, Davis-Dang Hoang Nhan
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Patent number: 7760101Abstract: Methods of reducing sensor corrosion include providing a monitor adapted to electrically connect with a wetness sensor integrated with an absorbent article. The wetness sensor has a first conductor and a second conductor and the monitor includes programming instructions that, when the monitor is attached and activated, repetitively execute a sequence of steps that includes applying voltage to the first conductor; measuring the potential across the conductors; and discontinuing the voltage to the first conductor. The instructions may also repetitively execute a sequence of steps that includes alternatively applying voltage to the first and second conductors and/or grounding the first conductor and/or second conductors after discontinuing voltage.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2008Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Michael Ales, III, Shawn Jeffery Sullivan, Paul E. Jansen
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Patent number: 7753691Abstract: 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: March 18, 2009Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Michael Ales, Davis-Dang Hoang Nhan
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Publication number: 20100168702Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2009Publication date: July 1, 2010Inventors: Thomas Michael Ales, III, Sudhanshu Gakhar, Andrew Mark Long
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Publication number: 20100168694Abstract: A signaling device for sensing and indicating the presence of a body exudate in an absorbent article includes a housing and a paired IR generator/detector disposed within the housing, the paired IR generator/detector adapted to sense a change in infrared light reflectance due to an insult to the absorbent article, the paired IR generator/detector including an infrared-generating light-emitting diode and an infrared-detecting phototransistor. In addition, a body exudate collection and detection system includes an absorbent article and a signaling device adapted to be used in conjunction with the absorbent article for detecting the presence of a body exudate therein, the signaling device including a housing and a paired IR generator/detector disposed within the housing, the paired IR generator/detector including an infrared-generating light-emitting diode and an infrared-detecting phototransistor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2009Publication date: July 1, 2010Inventors: Sudhanshu Gakhar, Sridhar Ranganathan, Thomas Michael Ales, III, Randall George Sarkis
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Publication number: 20100164733Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2008Publication date: July 1, 2010Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Michael Ales, Andrew Mark Long, Chuck R. Tomsovic, Davis-Dang H. Nhan, Shirlee Ann Weber, Jason C. Cohen
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Publication number: 20100155006Abstract: 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: December 22, 2008Publication date: June 24, 2010Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Michael Ales, Davis-Dang H. Nhan, Duane Joseph Shukoski