The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 26, 2004
Filed:
Nov. 08, 2002
Applicant:
Inventors:
Russell F. Ross, Suwanee, GA (US);
Jark C. Lau, Marietta, GA (US);
Assignee:
Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc., Neenah, WI (US);
Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
D21F 7/00 ;
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
D21F 7/00 ;
Abstract
A method for softening a paper-based product, such as facial tissues, bath tissues, paper towels, etc., is provided. In particular, the method of the present invention includes exposing a cellulosic fibrous material to ionizing radiation (e.g., electron beam radiation). It is believed that the ionizing radiation induces vibrational forces throughout the cellulosic fibrous structure, thereby disrupting hydrogen bonds between adjacent fibers and opening the crystalline structure of the material to result in a softer product.