Antibacterial, Antitoxin, Or Clean Room Patents (Class 2/901)
  • Patent number: 8821461
    Abstract: A full coverage gown that is used in medical facilities is presented. The gown includes a urine catheter pocket affixed to the gown. The gown also includes a pair of ties affixed to the gown above the urine catheter pocket. The pair of ties is configured to loop and tie around a hook attached to a urine catheter bag to prevent a backflow of urine and to secure the urine catheter bag within the catheter pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Capstone Manufacturing LLC
    Inventor: Cynthia Kovensky
  • Patent number: 8771661
    Abstract: This invention relates to high surface area materials, such as nanoparticles, that are coated with metal ions. These modified nanoparticles have active sites that bind various gases and/or odorous compounds, thereby removing these compounds from a medium such as air or water. Metal ions are adsorbed onto the surface of the nanoparticle and bound strongly to the surface. By selection of the metal ion, specific gaseous compounds and/or odorous compounds can be targeted and removed efficiently and effectively from both aqueous phase and from the air. The modified nanoparticles are useful in numerous article of manufacture for industrial and consumer use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: John Gavin MacDonald
  • Patent number: 8631516
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hood (1), particularly for a clothing item (2), preferably for protective and/or military purposes, such as an NBC protective garment (suit) or the like, wherein the hood (1) comprises a circumferential (i.e. peripheral) elastic hem (3) for forming a face opening (4), said face opening (4) being provided for receiving a respirator (5), and the hem (3) abutting the respirator (5) in the use state. To achieve or improve the sealing of the transition area between hem (3) and respirator (5), the side of the hem (3) that faces into the face opening (4) is provided with at least one circumferential sealing element (6) for closeout abutment of the respirator (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Blücher GmbH
    Inventor: Marianne Hofmann
  • Patent number: 8535654
    Abstract: Porous, permeable particles of meta-aramid can be chlorinated or brominated to produce antimicrobial and detoxifying particles for use in applications such as, but not limited to, nonwoven webs, paper, textiles, absorbent articles, healthcare products, paints, filter materials, powder coatings, clear coatings, molded plastic articles, binders for fibrous materials, and the like. The particles can be charged with halogen before or after incorporation into the application medium. The particles can contain blends of meta-aramid with other polymers such as, but not limited to, cellulose, cellulose acetate, polyurethane, and the like. The particles will be effective at inactivation of pathogenic and odor-causing microorganisms and toxic chemical agents. The particles, which contain N-halamine units, have unexpected resistance to ultraviolet light degradation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Auburn University
    Inventors: Roy M. Broughton, Hasan Basri Kocer, Shelby Davis Worley, Annelese Felmy Maddox, Wei Liu
  • Patent number: 8470422
    Abstract: An carboxylated nitrile-butadiene rubber latex formulation composed of a blend of a first acrylonitrile terpolymer and a second acrylonitrile terpolymer, wherein: the acrylonitrile content of the blended terpolymers is between 17 and 45% by weight, the methacrylic acid content of the blended termpolymers is less than 15% by weight, and the remaining balance of the terpolymers being butadiene. The invention also includes an elastomeric nitrile rubber article made from the formulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy M. Lipinski
  • Patent number: 8250672
    Abstract: A material for making elastomeric nitrile rubber articles is disclosed. In particular, the process and material formulation can produce nitrile rubber based articles, which exhibit force-strain characteristics that are comparable to those of natural rubber latex articles, while maintaining the tensile strength properties of nitrile rubber. The process includes an accelerator composition at the pre-cure stage having a dithiocarbamate, a thiazole, and a guanidine compound. The invention also includes an elastomeric nitrile rubber product made by the process, such as examination, surgical, or work gloves, which can have an exterior coating over naked rubber selected from either a silicone emulsion or oil, glycerin solution, a combined mixture of silicone and glycerin/glycerol, a fluorocarbon release agent, or a natural or synthetic hydrocarbon-based oil in amounts that do not degrade said substrate rubber material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy M. Lipinski, Tang Choong Kheng, Katherine L. Dziak
  • Patent number: 8250673
    Abstract: An improved process and material for making elastomeric nitrile rubber articles is disclosed. In particular, the process and material formulation can produce nitrile rubber based articles, which exhibit force-strain characteristics that are comparable to those of natural rubber latex articles, while maintaining the tensile strength properties of nitrile rubber. The process includes an accelerator composition at the pre-cure stage having a dithiocarbamate, a thiazole, and a guanidine compound. The invention also includes an elastomeric nitrile rubber product made by the process, such as examination, surgical, or work gloves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy M. Lipinski
  • Patent number: 8230519
    Abstract: A disposable isolation hospital gown is provided having a main body and a pair of sleeves. Integrally formed with the hospital gown is a disposable wrapper that is particularly positioned or placed such that the gown can be rolled or folded into a bundle, after which the disposable wrapper is reversed and in the process of reversing the disposable wrapper, the bundled gown is stuffed or placed into the reversed disposable wrapper for disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: Virginia C. Porowski
  • Patent number: 8182800
    Abstract: This invention relates to high surface area materials, such as nanoparticles, that are coated with metal ions. These modified nanoparticles have active sites that bind various gases and/or odorous compounds, thereby removing these compounds from a medium such as air or water. Metal ions are adsorbed onto the surface of the nanoparticle and bound strongly to the surface. By selection of the metal ion, specific gaseous compounds and/or odorous compounds can be targeted and removed efficiently and effectively from both aqueous phase and from the air. The modified nanoparticles are useful in numerous article of manufacture for industrial and consumer use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: John Gavin MacDonald
  • Patent number: 8146171
    Abstract: Disclosed is a digital garment that can provide a high-speed communication path by using a digital band that is quickly and easily attachable to a conventional garment (clothes), and a fabricating method thereof. The digital garment includes: a garment formed of textile; a digital band provided along the outside or inside of the garment so as to provide a communication path; a sensor, attached to the garment, being electrically coupled to the digital band, converting a physical signal into an electrical signal; an operation device, attached to the garment, being electrically coupled to the digital band, receiving the electrical signal from the sensor and processing the signal; and a communication module, attached to the garment, being electrically coupled to the digital band so as to perform wireless communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Industrial Technology
    Inventors: Gi Soo Chung, Dae Hoon Lee, Jae Sang An
  • Patent number: 8117672
    Abstract: An improved process and material for making elastomeric nitrile rubber articles is disclosed. In particular, the process and material formulation can produce nitrile rubber based articles, which exhibit force-strain characteristics that are comparable to those of natural rubber latex articles, while maintaining the tensile strength properties of nitrile rubber. The process includes an accelerator composition at the pre-cure stage having a dithiocarbamate, a thiazole, and a guanidine compound. The invention also includes an elastomeric nitrile rubber product made by the process, such as examination, surgical, or work gloves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy M. Lipinski
  • Patent number: 8056146
    Abstract: A disposable isolation hospital gown is provided having a main body and a pair of sleeves. Integrally formed with the hospital gown is a disposable wrapper that is particularly positioned or placed such that the gown can be rolled or folded into a bundle, after which the disposable wrapper is reversed and in the process of reversing the disposable wrapper, the bundled gown is stuffed or placed into the reversed disposable wrapper for disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Virginia Porowski
  • Patent number: 7971276
    Abstract: A hand-friendly rubber glove article comprising a dried coating of an emulsified hand-friendly mixture comprising at least one water-soluble humectant moisturizer, at least one water-soluble lubricant, at least one water-soluble surfactant, and at least one water-insoluble occlusive moisturizer, which is finely and substantially uniformly dispersed within the mixture, which is transferred to the skin of a wearer upon activation with skin-generated moisture, and, optionally, a fabric-adherent cuff region and/or a texturized surface and methods of making the emulsified hand-friendly mixture and the glove article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Ansell Healthcare Products, LLC
    Inventors: Aik Hwee Eng, Hee Meng Lai, Bit New Yee, Soo Hwa Kwan, Dave Narasimhan
  • Patent number: 7730554
    Abstract: A method of making a glove is described. The method comprises dipping a glove form into two different formulations. Each formulation comprises a carboxylated nitrile butadiene rubber with different amounts of covalent and ionic cross linkers. The gloves preferably have a stress retention value of greater than 50%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Encompass Medical Supplies, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas Wang
  • Patent number: 7490606
    Abstract: A medical garment ventilation system comprises a generally planar intake body having an intake face defining a plurality of intake ports spaced over the intake face, the intake body defining at least one outlet, the at least one outlet and one or more of the plurality of intake ports connected to one another by one or more passages through the body, at least one generally closed air flow path, the path having a first end in communication with at least one of the outlets of the intake body, and an air suction device for drawing air through the intake ports, through the intake body to the at least one closed air flow path, and along the at least one airflow path to an exhaust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Inventor: Derek A. Duke
  • Patent number: 7449194
    Abstract: A polymeric body covering article that generates and releases gas upon activation by electromagnetic energy and/or moisture. The gas provides antimicrobial and/or antiodor protection to objects in contact or in proximity to the interior surface of the article and/or to objects in contact or in proximity to the exterior surface of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: MicroActive Corp.
    Inventors: Michael D. Lelah, Joel J. Kampa, Sumner A. Barenberg
  • Patent number: 7225476
    Abstract: The invention relates to overalls, manufactured by polypropylene and polyethylene, usable as protective clothing, in particular suitable as barrier against biological agents. The overalls provide a very high level of protection against the penetration of liquids and microorganisms, excellent mechanical properties, including tear and abrasion resistance, outstanding softness, drapeability and comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: CL.COM SRL
    Inventors: Stefano Cerbini, Pasqualino Lo Ioco
  • Patent number: 7168102
    Abstract: Closed air space devices and methods of use for full body bio hazard type suits that eliminates condensation and fogging from forming on the face masks and the window visors of the suit. The devices and methods have a sealed closed air space that can be formed from flexible see-through plastic in a cone shape that can be sealed between the mask and the visor. The closed air space can be pre-sealed to the visor/outer wall of the suit and have a second end fitted with an elastic type band that allows the wearer to attach and detach the closed space by wrapping the band about their face mask. Other embodiments use flat see-through plastic sheets, and sheets that attach about the neck of the user to form the closed air spaces between the face mask and the window visor of the suit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Holmquist, Alejandro Mancuso, Par Ostberg, Par Axelsson
  • Patent number: 7169402
    Abstract: The invention provides an antimicrobial and antiviral polymeric material, having microscopic particles of ionic copper encapsulated therein and protruding from surfaces thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: The Cupron Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey Gabbay
  • Patent number: 7107628
    Abstract: Safety apparel and/or non-apparel items that filter from the air one or more airborne particles and/or undesired gasses to provide safety to a human and/or non-human from potentially unhealthy airborne particles. The apparel and/or non-apparel item at least partially includes a filter material. The filter material on the apparel and/or non-apparel item has a sufficient size to enable the human and/or non-human to cover the nose, eyes, and/or mouth of the human and/or non-human. The filter material filters at least one airborne particle and/or undesired gas by a mechanical mechanism, an electrical mechanism, and/or a chemical mechanism. The apparel and/or non-apparel item can include at least one visual and/or textural indicator on the apparel and/or non-apparel item to at least partially indicate the location of the filter material on the apparel and/or non-apparel item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: John R. Haaga
  • Patent number: 7051380
    Abstract: Safety apparel and/or non-apparel items that filter from the air one or more airborne particles and/or undesired gases to provide safety to a human and/or non-human from potentially unhealthy airborne particles. The apparel and/or non-apparel item at least partially includes a filter material. The filter material on the apparel and/or non-apparel item has a sufficient size to enable the human and/or non-human to cover the nose, eyes, and/or mouth of the human and/or non-human. The filter material filters at least one airborne particle and/or undesired gas by a mechanical mechanism, an electrical mechanism, and/or a chemical mechanism. The apparel and/or non-apparel item can include at least one visual and/or textural indicator on the apparel and/or non-apparel item to at least partially indicate the location of the filter material on the apparel and/or non-apparel item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: John R. Haaga
  • Patent number: 6990691
    Abstract: A surgical garment includes a head gear apparatus for supporting a face shield and shroud. The head gear apparatus includes a helmet that supports a fan assembly, and that defines forward and rear ventilation passageways. The helmet includes a chin bar that defines a centrally located slot, and an upper ledge. The upper edge of the face shield contacts the upper ledge, while the lower edge of the shield includes a tab that extends through the slot. The chin bar and face shield include a plurality of magnetic elements that magnetically connect the lower edge of the face shield to the chin bar. The helmet is suspended from a strap assembly that is carried directly on the head of the wearer. The strap assembly includes an adjustable occipital support that bears against the occiput of the wearer. The face shield can include a plurality of film layers that can be removed when soiled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: DePuy Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Conrad Klotz, Chris Clupper, Rudy R. Diaz, Kimberly A. Dwyer, Sam Sackett, Trent Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 6944885
    Abstract: A fluid-impervious sheet has two expansive surfaces, to one of which an elastomeric grommet adheres. The elastomeric grommet, which is annular when unstressed, outlines a region on the fluid-impervious sheet. The elastic grommet is adapted to provide a fluid-impervious seal around an object penetrating the region outlined by the elastomeric grommet and fitting tightly through the elastomeric grommet. A protective garment for a hazardous environment is made from the fluid-impervious sheet and has a breathing apparatus, which comprises elements inside the protective garment, elements outside the protective garment, and a tube connecting the inside and outside elements. The tube penetrates the region outlined by the elastomeric grommet and fits tightly through the elastomeric grommet, which provides a fluid-impervious seal around the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Morning Pride Manufacturing, L.L.C.
    Inventors: William L. Grilliot, Mary I. Grilliot
  • Patent number: 6928664
    Abstract: The microbiostatic garment is a disposable, protective garment to be worn for inhibiting microbial growth on persons exposed to a microbial environment. The microbiostatic garment is manufactured from a nonwoven, spunbonded olefin, or a polypropylene nonwoven fabric. The garment is coated with an aqueous organosilane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventor: Gary L. Price
  • Patent number: 6804836
    Abstract: A fluid-impervious sheet has two expansive surfaces, to one of which an elastomeric grommet adheres. The elastomeric grommet, which is annular when unstressed, outlines a region on the fluid-impervious sheet. The elastic grommet is adapted to provide a fluid-impervious seal around an object penetrating the region outlined by the elastomeric grommet and fitting tightly through the elastomeric grommet. A protective garment for a hazardous environment is made from the fluid-impervious sheet and has a breathing apparatus, which comprises elements inside the protective garment, elements outside the protective garment, and a tube connecting the inside and outside elements. The tube penetrates the region outlined by the elastomeric grommet and fits tightly through the elastomeric grommet, which provides a fluid-impervious seal around the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Morning Pride Manufacturing, L.L.C.
    Inventors: William L. Grilliot, Mary I. Grilliot
  • Patent number: 6687919
    Abstract: A garment system for healthcare providers including pants, a shirt, and a hood that provides a protective barrier against fluid or airborne contaminates. The pants have drawstrings and loops at the waist and have at least one bellows pocket with cover flap and at least one utility loop for holding various items. The shirt has a one pocket adapted to hold a writing utensil and incorporates a security badge attachment loop. Another pocket has a pull tab on the flap for easy access when the user is gloved. Removable insignia enable the user to remove personal identification information prior to laundering. The hood removably fastens to the shirt collar and has a clear or translucent face shield to permit viewing but be a fluid barrier, and, side openings to permit sound and air to pass into the hood. The shirt can be long or short sleeve, or convertible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Gocurda, LLC
    Inventors: Curtis Dilworth, Jr., Daniel Raiford
  • Patent number: 6615572
    Abstract: There are provided fabrics excellent in electrical conductane and antistatic property as well as dust proof clothes using the same. Conductive yarn comprising synthetic filament yarn as the core covered with conductive bicomponent fibers is used as conductive yarn used in the warps and/or wefts at intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Seiren Co. LTD
    Inventors: Susumu Takagi, Yutaka Matsui
  • Publication number: 20030131401
    Abstract: A garment system for healthcare providers including pants, a shirt, and a hood that provides a protective barrier against fluid or airborne contaminates. The pants have drawstrings and loops at the waist and have at least one bellows pocket with cover flap and at least one utility loop for holding various items. The shirt has a one pocket adapted to hold a writing utensil and incorporates a security badge attachment loop. Another pocket has a pull tab on the flap for easy access when the user is gloved. Removable insignia enable the user to remove personal identification information prior to laundering. The hood removably fastens to the shirt collar and has a clear or translucent face shield to permit viewing but be a fluid barrier, and, side openings to permit sound and air to pass into the hood. The shirt can be long or short sleeve, or convertible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: Curtis Dilworth, Daniel Raiford
  • Publication number: 20030054719
    Abstract: There are provided fabrics excellent in electrical conductane and antistatic property as well as dust proof clothes using the same. Conductive yarn comprising synthetic filament yarn as the core covered with conductive bicomponent fibers is used as conductive yarn used in the warps and/or wefts at intervals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: SEIREN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Susumu Takagi, Yutaka Matsui
  • Patent number: 6460198
    Abstract: A garment system for healthcare providers including pants, a shirt, and a hood that provides a protective barrier against infectious materials in body fluids and that is adapted for use in field operating and/or uniformed organizations such as the military, United Nations healthcare organizations, and other internationally serving healthcare providers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Gocurda, LLC
    Inventors: Curtis Dilworth, Jr., Daniel Raiford
  • Patent number: 6401259
    Abstract: A protective hood molded to the contours of the interior of an aircrew helmet. The brow pad and a support panel are located within the protective hood. The custom fitting system, that adjusts the position of the support panel relative to the helmet, is located outside the hood. The custom fitting system is pivotally connected to the support panel, with the protective hood sealed around the pivotal connection. The brow pad and support panel lift the hood off the wearer's head, providing a gap to circulate ventilating air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: William Lewis Epperson, Francis J. Kuna, Robert Henry Nattress
  • Patent number: 6286144
    Abstract: A disposable protective garment 1 has bands 8 of elastomeric material at the wrists and/or ankles and/or around the hood 5. Each band 8 is joined to the garment by a welded or adhesively-bonded seam and extends from the garment to encircle closely the adjacent part of the body of the wearer. Each band 8 is joined in a stretched condition to the garment 1 and is then allowed to relax, thereby forming gathers 9 in the garment 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Christopher P. Henderson, James Fewtrell, Elfed I. Williams, Nicholas J. Gloag
  • Patent number: 6274519
    Abstract: A food wrapping cloth comprises a fabric serving as a material and formed of a warp and a weft; the warp being composed of a cellulosic fiber yarn and a twist yarn formed by twisting an antibacterial yarn with a cellulosic fiber yarn, the antibacterial yarn being formed by depositing an antibacterial metal on a synthetic resin film and cutting the antibacterial metal deposited on the synthetic resin film to be a fine and long yarn; and the weft being composed of a cellulosic fiber yarn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventors: Michiko Omori, Sataro Shimazaki
  • Patent number: 6260202
    Abstract: A vest useful for work in radioactive environments is provided. The vest comprises (a) a garment for substantially traversing the upper body of a user while being supported by the shoulders of the user, the garment having a front portion, a rear portion, opposed side portions and opposed shoulder portions, (b) a pocket disposed on the portion of the garment for accepting and retaining a communications data transmitter with dosimeter, and (c) a pair of adjustable sleeve elements attached to the garment, each sleeve element having a sleeve pocket for accepting and retaining a remotely transmitting dosimeter probe at a position above the elbow of the user. The invention has been found to provide a convenient method for firmly retaining at least five personal teledosimeter detectors on the upper torso of a worker having to work within a radiation hazardous environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Southern California Edison
    Inventors: Librado P. Villalobos, Raul V. Contreras, Anthony M. Granieri
  • Patent number: 6235660
    Abstract: Anti-static cleanroom products having a coating of conductive polymeric particulates which decreases the surface resistivity of the products. Preferably, the particulates are pyrrole polymers. The anti-static properties are achieved by depositing conductive polymer particles onto the non-conductive substrate surface. The anti-static products include cleanroom wipers, stationery products (notebooks and writing instruments), garments and swabs (polyurethane foam tipped). The cleanroom stationery products include notebooks comprising polyethylene impregnated with silica. The invention also includes anti-static plastic gloves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: The Texwipe Company LLC
    Inventors: Himansu R. Bhattacharjee, Edward Paley
  • Patent number: 6234214
    Abstract: Dust proof clothing is made of a given fabric structure defined by multiple first fiber groups which are each composed of linear fibers and extend in a first direction, and multiple second fiber groups which are each composed of curved fibers and extend in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The first and second fiber groups are mutually interwoven such that an inside surface has more of the second fiber groups exposed than the first fiber groups, and such that an outside surface which is opposite said inside surface has more of the first fiber groups exposed than said second fiber groups. The dust proof clothing is worn such that the inside surface is in contact with a wearer of the dust proof clothing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yukihiro Tominaga
  • Patent number: 6088833
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward protective garments which include an expandable backpack portion located on the back area of the garment. The backpack portion includes at least one pair of left and right generally vertical pleats. As a result of the incorporation of the pair of left and right generally vertical pleats, the backpack portion has the ability to expand to receive life support or other equipment worn on the back of a wearer of the protective garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Debra Nell Welchel, Vivian Gray, Alan Edward Wright
  • Patent number: 6047413
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward protective garments having a conformable backpack portion located on a back area of the garment, the conformable backpack portion being adapted to conform to equipment worn on a back of a wearer of the protective garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Debra Nell Welchel, Vivian Gray, Alan Edward Wright
  • Patent number: 6040251
    Abstract: The present invention includes novel barrier webs that have certain desirable physical qualities such as water resistance, increased durability, improved barrier qualities and the like. The present invention further comprises a barrier web comprising a web that has been treated with a curable shear thinned thixotropic polymer composition, the fabric being adapted to be substantially impermeable to liquids, permeable to gases and impermeable to microorganisms. The barrier webs of the present invention are either impermeable to all microorganisms or are impermeable to microorganisms of certain sizes. The present invention also includes fabrics that are capable of either selective binding certain microorganisms, particles or molecules depending upon what binding partners are incorporated into the polymer before application to the fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Nextec Applications Inc.
    Inventor: J. Michael Caldwell
  • Patent number: 5991921
    Abstract: A dustproof suit for a clean room is provided. The dustproof suit includes a garment, a pair of inner pants disposed inside the garment, a hood detachably mounted on the garment and a suction unit attached to the garment for decompressing an interior of the garment. The suction unit consists of a suction belt arranged inside the garment and an air cleaner arranged outside the garment so as to associate with the suction belt. The suction belt is provided with a hollow passage and a plurality of suction holes communicating with the hollow passage. In operation, owing to sucking operation of the air cleaner, air in the garment is firstly sucked into the suction belt through the suction holes. Then, dust contained in the air is then filtrated by the air cleaner and sequentially discharged to an outside of the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Toyo Lint Free Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toru Saito
  • Patent number: 5981409
    Abstract: A fabric is provided which exhibits a high dust collecting efficiency and which is superior in both waterproofness and abrasion resistance, and which is especially suitable for us in dust proof and/or waterproof clothes.The fabric is a plain weave fabric of synthetic filaments, wherein warp yarns occupy 60% to 90% of the fabric surface, a percent (%) overlap of the width (L2+L3) of overlapped portions of adjacent warp yarns relative to the width (L1) of an overlapped portion of adjacent warp yarns in a section of the fabric, i.e., ((L2+L3)/L1).times.100 is in the range of 35% to 60%, and weft yarns of the fabric are located inside the warps in the thickness direction of the fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Seiren Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Susumu Takagi, Yutaka Matsui
  • Patent number: 5972812
    Abstract: An ionic substance removing material for use in a super-clean room and a method of manufacturing the material are disclosed. The material includes an ion exchanger capable of an ion exchange reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Noritsu Koki Co. Ltd
    Inventors: Kunihiro Sakata, Hiroshi Nonaka, Toshinori Suenaga, Shingo Tokunaga, Susumu Shuutoku, Goro Fujiwara, Mitsunobu Masuda, Shinji Hattori, Naoki Irie
  • Patent number: 5960475
    Abstract: A protective suit 1 comprises a trouser portion 2 which is formed from a fluid-impermeable barrier material, and an upper body portion 3 of which part 8 at least is formed from a breathable barrier material. The fluid-impermeable barrier material may be a closed plastic film or a laminate thereof, and the breathable barrier material may be a microporous film or a non-woven laminate material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: James Fewtrell
  • Patent number: 5937445
    Abstract: The one-piece surgical mask and cap includes a substantially planar blank with an eye opening formed therethrough. Straps are attached to the side edges of the blank for connecting the one-piece surgical mask and cap to the user. The upper portion of the blank above the eye opening forms the cap portion, and the lower portion of the blank below the eye opening forms the mask portion. Elastic bands may be provided surrounding the eye opening to further secure the one-piece surgical mask and cap of the present invention to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventors: Biagio Ravo, Enrico Nicolo
  • Patent number: 5830810
    Abstract: A plasma sterilizable fabric which is subjected to charging, for example electrostatic charging, is provided. Plasma sterilizable fabrics may include nonwovens and laminate nonwovens. The plasma sterilizable fabrics may also be treated with an antistatic material before or after subjecting the same to charging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernard Cohen
  • Patent number: 5784717
    Abstract: A garment is constructed by forming panels of first and second matching layers of two new and useful polyester fabrics sewn together along their edges. The composite panels are sewn together in such a fashion as to create a garment that will provide an effective barrier to dirt and dust particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventor: John Stephen Singer
  • Patent number: 5736469
    Abstract: Anti-static cleanroom products having a coating of conductive polymeric particulates which decreases the surface resistivity of the products. Preferably, the particulates are pyrrole polymers. The anti-static properties are achieved by depositing conductive polymer particles onto the non-conductive substrate surface. The anti-static products include cleanroom wipers, stationery products (notebooks and writing instruments), garments and swabs (polyurethane foam tipped). The cleanroom stationery products include notebooks comprising polyethylene impregnated with silica. The invention also includes anti-static plastic gloves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: The Texwipe Company LLC
    Inventors: Himansu R. Bhattacharjee, Edward Paley
  • Patent number: 5705251
    Abstract: A multi-layered structure having improved liquid barrier properties is provided. The multi-layered structure includes a porous hydrophobic layer and a spacing layer adjacent to and in juxtaposition with the porous hydrophobic layer. The function of the spacing layer is to provide sufficient channels for a liquid while supporting all or substantially all of a compressive pressure exerted against the spacing layer. As such, when the spacing layer is contacted with a liquid, such as water, saline or a bodily fluid such as blood, and subjected to a compressive pressure, of at least 2 psi, applied generally perpendicularly to the spacing layer, the channels are available within the bulk of the spacing layer for such liquid to flow therein or therebetween, while all or substantially all of the compressive pressure is supported by the spacing layer. In this way, the liquid in contact with the spacing layer flows into these channels without passing through the porous hydrophobic layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Tod Morman, Laureen Cecilia Clark, Lynn Preston
  • Patent number: 5652966
    Abstract: A launderable reinforced full body suit is disclosed composed of a launderable environmentally contained, flexible, light weight base garment and launderable, flexible, light weight, heavy duty reinforcements on the base garment to provide a protective knee, seat, and elbow composed of a flexible, light weight material for providing heavy duty wear resistance through successive recycle and reuse, and a launderable protective sleeve composed of a flexible, light weight aramid fibers material for providing heavy duty penetration resistance from shot blasting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Inventor: Gary L. Reinert, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5630230
    Abstract: A cap element mainly composed of a three-layer fabric, the three-layer fabric member including: a mesh-like front surface fabric; a waterproof back surface fabric; and a non-woven fabric formed of water absorptive high molecular fibers, which is sealed between the front surface fabric and the back surface fabric. At least one of the front surface fabric and the back surface fabric may be subjected to ultraviolet ray shielding treatment, or composed of a knitted or woven fabric formed of fibers of a high molecular polymer containing an inorganic material capable of absorbing ultraviolet rays and reflecting the heat rays of the sun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Kure Grinding Wheel Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukio Fujino, Yuuichi Matsuura