Patents by Inventor William Alston
William Alston 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: 20110139908Abstract: Disclosed are water-dispersible fibers derived from sulfopolyesters having a Tg of at least 25° C. The fibers may contain a single sulfopolyester or a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water-dispersible or water-nondispersible polymer. Also disclosed are multicomponent fibers comprising a water dispersible sulfopolyester having a Tg of at least 57° C. and a water non-dispersible polymer. The multicomponent fibers may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the water-dispersible fibers, multicomponent fibers, and microdenier fibers. The fibrous articles include water-dispersible and microdenier nonwoven webs, fabrics, and multilayered articles such as wipes, gauze, tissue, diapers, panty liners, sanitary napkins, bandages, and surgical dressings. Also disclosed is a process for water-dispersible fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2010Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: EASTMAN CHEMICAL COMPANYInventors: William Alston Haile, Scott Ellery George, Wesley Raymond Hale, Waylon Lewellyn Jenkins
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Publication number: 20110143624Abstract: Disclosed are water-dispersible fibers derived from sulfopolyesters having a Tg of at least 25° C. The fibers may contain a single sulfopolyester or a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water-dispersible or water-nondispersible polymer. Also disclosed are multicomponent fibers comprising a water dispersible sulfopolyester having a Tg of at least 57° C. and a water non-dispersible polymer. The multicomponent fibers may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the water-dispersible fibers, multicomponent fibers, and microdenier fibers. The fibrous articles include water-dispersible and microdenier nonwoven webs, fabrics, and multilayered articles such as wipes, gauze, tissue, diapers, panty liners, sanitary napkins, bandages, and surgical dressings. Also disclosed is a process for water-dispersible fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2010Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: EASTMAN CHEMICAL COMPANYInventors: William Alston Haile, Scott Ellery George, Wesley Raymond Hale, Waylon Lewellyn Jenkins
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Publication number: 20110142896Abstract: Disclosed are water-dispersible fibers derived from sulfopolyesters having a Tg of at least 25° C. The fibers may contain a single sulfopolyester or a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water-dispersible or water-nondispersible polymer. Also disclosed are multicomponent fibers comprising a water dispersible sulfopolyester having a Tg of at least 57° C. and a water non-dispersible polymer. The multicomponent fibers may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the water-dispersible fibers, multicomponent fibers, and microdenier fibers. The fibrous articles include water-dispersible and microdenier nonwoven webs, fabrics, and multilayered articles such as wipes, gauze, tissue, diapers, panty liners, sanitary napkins, bandages, and surgical dressings. Also disclosed is a process for water-dispersible fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2010Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: EASTMAN CHEMICAL COMPANYInventors: William Alston Haile, Scott Ellery George, Wesley Raymond Hale, Waylon Lewellyn Jenkins
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Publication number: 20110142909Abstract: Disclosed are water-dispersible fibers derived from sulfopolyesters having a Tg of at least 25° C. The fibers may contain a single sulfopolyester or a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water-dispersible or water-nondispersible polymer. Also disclosed are multicomponent fibers comprising a water dispersible sulfopolyester having a Tg of at least 57° C. and a water non-dispersible polymer. The multicomponent fibers may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the water-dispersible fibers, multicomponent fibers, and microdenier fibers. The fibrous articles include water-dispersible and microdenier nonwoven webs, fabrics, and multilayered articles such as wipes, gauze, tissue, diapers, panty liners, sanitary napkins, bandages, and surgical dressings. Also disclosed is a process for water-dispersible fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2010Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: EASTMAN CHEMICAL COMPANYInventors: William Alston Haile, Scott Ellery George, Wesley Raymond Hale, Waylon Lewellyn Jenkins
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Publication number: 20110140297Abstract: Disclosed are water-dispersible fibers derived from sulfopolyesters having a Tg of at least 25° C. The fibers may contain a single sulfopolyester or a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water-dispersible or water-nondispersible polymer. Also disclosed are multicomponent fibers comprising a water dispersible sulfopolyester having a Tg of at least 57° C. and a water non-dispersible polymer. The multicomponent fibers may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the water-dispersible fibers, multicomponent fibers, and microdenier fibers. The fibrous articles include water-dispersible and microdenier nonwoven webs, fabrics, and multilayered articles such as wipes, gauze, tissue, diapers, panty liners, sanitary napkins, bandages, and surgical dressings. Also disclosed is a process for water-dispersible fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2010Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: EASTMAN CHEMICAL COMPANYInventors: William Alston Haile, Scott Ellery George, Wesley Raymond Hale, Waylon Lewellyn Jenkins
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Publication number: 20110095444Abstract: Disclosed are water-dispersible fibers derived from sulfopolyesters having a Tg of at least 25° C. The fibers may contain a single sulfopolyester or a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water-dispersible or water-nondispersible polymer. Also disclosed are multicomponent fibers comprising a water dispersible sulfopolyester having a Tg of at least 57° C. and a water non-dispersible polymer. The multicomponent fibers may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the water-dispersible fibers, multicomponent fibers, and microdenier fibers. The fibrous articles include water-dispersible and microdenier nonwoven webs, fabrics, and multilayered articles such as wipes, gauze, tissue, diapers, panty liners, sanitary napkins, bandages, and surgical dressings. Also disclosed is a process for water-dispersible fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2010Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: EASTMAN CHEMICAL COMPANYInventors: William Alston Haile, Scott Ellery George, Wesley Raymond Hale, Waylon Lewellyn Jenkins
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Publication number: 20110097959Abstract: Disclosed are water-dispersible fibers derived from sulfopolyesters having a Tg of at least 25° C. The fibers may contain a single sulfopolyester or a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water-dispersible or water-nondispersible polymer. Also disclosed are multicomponent fibers comprising a water dispersible sulfopolyester having a Tg of at least 57° C. and a water non-dispersible polymer. The multicomponent fibers may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the water-dispersible fibers, multicomponent fibers, and microdenier fibers. The fibrous articles include water-dispersible and microdenier nonwoven webs, fabrics, and multilayered articles such as wipes, gauze, tissue, diapers, panty liners, sanitary napkins, bandages, and surgical dressings. Also disclosed is a process for water-dispersible fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2010Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: EASTMAN CHEMICAL COMPANYInventors: William Alston Haile, Scott Ellery George, Wesley Raymond Hale, Waylon Lewellyn Jenkins
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Patent number: 7905230Abstract: An aerosolization device comprises a housing, a container comprising a reservoir storing a pharmaceutical formulation which comprises a propellant, and a metering valve. The metering valve is in communication with the reservoir and is moveable into the container to an actuated position where a predetermined amount of the pharmaceutical formulation is released. A contact member is provided in the housing. In one version, the contact member is moveable between a first position and a second position to allow for selective actuation of the metering valve. In another version, the contact member's configuration may be changed to allow for selective actuation of the metering valve.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2003Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Novartis AGInventors: Carlos A. Schuler, William Alston
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Patent number: 7902094Abstract: Disclosed are water-dispersible fibers derived from sulfopolyesters having a Tg of at least 25° C. The fibers may contain a single sulfopolyester or a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water-dispersible or water-nondispersible polymer. Also disclosed are multicomponent fibers comprising a water dispersible sulfopolyester having a Tg of at least 57° C. and a water non-dispersible polymer. The multicomponent fibers may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the water-dispersible fibers, multicomponent fibers, and microdenier fibers. The fibrous articles include water-dispersible and microdenier nonwoven webs, fabrics, and multilayered articles such as wipes, gauze, tissue, diapers, panty liners, sanitary napkins, bandages, and surgical dressings. Also disclosed is a process for water-dispersible fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2005Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Eastman Chemical CompanyInventors: William Alston Haile, Scott Ellery George, Wesley Raymond Hale, Waylon Lewellyn Jenkins
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Patent number: 7814905Abstract: A method for forming at least one opening in a receptacle comprises the steps of providing a receptacle having a cover with an exterior surface and an interior surface covering a cavity. A cutting mechanism is also provided having at least one blade. The cover is pierced with the blade, and the blade is moved through the cover to cut a portion of the cover and create an opening in the cover to provide access into the cavity. Further, the cut portion curls on top of the exterior surface as the opening is created.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2003Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Novartis AGInventors: Carlos Schuler, William A. Alston, Derrick Tuttle, Dennis Rasmussen, Stephen R. Demming
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Patent number: 7669596Abstract: An aerosolization apparatus comprises a body defining an inlet opening, an outlet opening, and an aerosolization chamber between the inlet opening and the outlet opening. The aerosolization chamber is adapted to receive an elongated receptacle, such as a capsule, containing a pharmaceutical formulation. The elongated receptacle rotates end-over-end about an axis substantially orthogonal to an axis passing through the outlet opening when air or gas flows through the body. In another version, the elongated receptacle rotates end-over-end about an axis substantially orthogonal to an inhalation direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2003Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Novartis Pharma AGInventor: William Alston
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Publication number: 20090095289Abstract: An aerosolization apparatus comprises a container containing a pharmaceutical formulation, the pharmaceutical formulation comprising an active agent and a propellant. The aerosolization apparatus further comprises a metering chamber in communication with the container, the metering chamber adapted to hold a metered amount of the pharmaceutical formulation, a valve to allow the metered amount of the pharmaceutical formulation to be released from the metering chamber when the valve is actuated, and a pressurizer that applies pressure to the pharmaceutical formulation in the metering chamber while the pharmaceutical formulation is being released from the metering chamber. In one version, the metering chamber is sized so that at least 2 mg, and preferably at least 5 mg, of the active agent is be aerosolized for delivery to a user during inhalation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2008Publication date: April 16, 2009Applicant: Nektar TherapeuticsInventors: Carlos Schuler, Andrew R. Clark, Kevin R. Walsh, William Alston
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Patent number: 7481212Abstract: An aerosolization apparatus comprises a container containing a pharmaceutical formulation, the pharmaceutical formulation comprising an active agent and a propellant. The aerosolization apparatus further comprises a metering chamber in communication with the container, the metering chamber adapted to hold a metered amount of the pharmaceutical formulation, a valve to allow the metered amount of the pharmaceutical formulation to be released from the metering chamber when the valve is actuated, and a pressurizer that applies pressure to the pharmaceutical formulation in the metering chamber while the pharmaceutical formulation is being released from the metering chamber. In one version, the metering chamber is sized so that at least 2 mg, and preferably at least 5 mg, of the active agent is be aerosolized for delivery to a user during inhalation.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2003Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: Nektar TherapeuticsInventors: Carlos Schuler, Andrew R. Clark, Kevin R. Walsh, William Alston
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Publication number: 20070083677Abstract: Various valves, adapters, ventilator circuits, and methods are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, a valve includes a support that includes a plurality of apertures. The support includes a center and an outer edge. The plurality of flaps includes a flap for each aperture. Each flap has an end connected proximal to the center of the support. Each flap is capable of moving between a closed position and an opened position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2006Publication date: April 12, 2007Applicant: Nektar TherapeuticsInventors: Walter Cecka, William Alston, Adrian Smith, Gregory Hall, Winfield Fisher, Gal Cohen
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Patent number: 7185651Abstract: An aerosolization device comprises a housing having a mouthpiece, and a flow path arrangement in fluid communication with the mouthpiece. The flow path arrangement has a flow regulating valve and a threshold valve, where the threshold valve is configured to open at a first vacuum level and to close at a second vacuum level that is less than the first vacuum level. The housing includes a region that is adapted to hold a powder in fluid communication with the flow path arrangement so that air drawn through the mouthpiece opens the threshold valve once the first vacuum level is exceeded and remains open until the vacuum falls below the second vacuum level. The flow rate of the air drawn through the mouthpiece is regulated by the flow regulating valve to remain within a certain range while the threshold valve remains open.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2003Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Nektar TherapeuticsInventors: William Alston, Stephen Smeulders
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Patent number: 6989193Abstract: Disclosed are water-dispersible fibers derived from sulfopolyesters having a Tg of at least 25° C. The fibers may contain a single sulfopolyester or a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water-dispersible or water-nondispersible polymer. Also disclosed are multicomponent fibers comprising a water dispersible sulfopolyester having a Tg of at least 57° C. and a water non-dispersible polymer. The multicomponent fibers may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the water-dispersible fibers, multicomponent fibers, and microdenier fibers. The fibrous articles include water-dispersible and microdenier nonwoven webs, fabrics, and multilayered articles such as wipes, gauze, tissue, diapers, panty liners, sanitary napkins, bandages, and surgical dressings. Also disclosed is a process for water-dispersible fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2004Date of Patent: January 24, 2006Inventors: William Alston Haile, Scott Ellery George, Wesley Raymond Hale, Waylon Lewellyn Jenkins
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Publication number: 20050161041Abstract: A method for forming at least one opening in a receptacle comprises the steps of providing a receptacle having a cover with an exterior surface and an interior surface covering a cavity. A cutting mechanism is also provided having at least one blade. The cover is pierced with the blade, and the blade is moved through the cover to cut a portion of the cover and create an opening in the cover to provide access into the cavity. Further, the cut portion curls on top of the exterior surface as the opening is created.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2003Publication date: July 28, 2005Inventors: Carlos Schuler, William Alston, Derrick Tuttle, Dennis Rasmussen, Stephen Deming
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Publication number: 20050139211Abstract: An aerosol introducer is provided for introducing an aerosolized pharmaceutical formulation into a ventilator circuit. The ventilator circuit comprises an endotracheal tube, an inhalation line extending from a ventilator, and an exhalation line extending from the ventilator. The aerosol introducer comprises a first end connectable to the inhalation line and the exhalation line; a second end connectable to the endotracheal tube; a first channel extending from the first end to the second end; a second channel extending from the first end to the second end; an inlet in the first channel, the inlet being adapted to receive an aerosolized pharmaceutical formulation; and a valving mechanism comprising one or more valves that reduce the loss of aerosolized pharmaceutical formulation to the exhalation line.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2004Publication date: June 30, 2005Applicant: Nektar TherapeuticsInventors: William Alston, Sarvajna Dwivedi, Guy Tucker
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Publication number: 20050056276Abstract: An aerosolization device comprises a housing, a container comprising a reservoir storing a pharmaceutical formulation which comprises a propellant, and a metering valve. The metering valve is in communication with the reservoir and is moveable into the container to an actuated position where a predetermined amount of the pharmaceutical formulation is released. A contact member is provided in the housing. In one version, the contact member is moveable between a first position and a second position to allow for selective actuation of the metering valve. In another version, the contact member's configuration may be changed to allow for selective actuation of the metering valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2003Publication date: March 17, 2005Applicant: Nektar Therapeutics (formerly Inhale Therapeutic Systems, Inc.)Inventors: Carlos Schuler, William Alston
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Publication number: 20050056280Abstract: A method of aerosolizing a pharmaceutical formulation comprises providing an aerosolization device comprising an aerosolization chamber and providing a receptacle containing a pharmaceutical formulation. The receptacle comprises a wall having a weakened portion that opens when a force is applied. By applying a force to the receptacle to create an opening at the weakened portion, the pharmaceutical formulation in the receptacle is exposed so that it may be aerosolized for delivery to a patient's respiratory tract. In one version, the receptacle is opened when a blunt force is applied.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2003Publication date: March 17, 2005Applicant: Nektar TherapeuticsInventors: William Alston, Marc Gordon