Patents by Inventor Thomas Henrich

Thomas Henrich 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).

  • Publication number: 20080125736
    Abstract: Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders, training pants and the like, having elastomeric ear panels and a fastening system that provides the user with different options as to how the absorbent article may be fitted to and removed from the wearer. The absorbent articles allow the wearer to choose between conventional and pull-on diaper configurations, or combinations thereof, and properly and comfortably fit a large range of wearer sizes. Further, the absorbent articles can be pulled on and/or off as a pant. This feature is provided by the ear panels which maintain sufficient tension to hold the diaper on the wearer throughout the period of use without harming the wearer's skin, while providing enough stretch to allow the diaper to be pulled up or down over the wearer's hips. The fastening system is refastenable for convenience yet strong enough to maintain the diaper in a fastened configuration without becoming detached if the diaper is pulled on or off the wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Mark James Kline, Miguel Alvaro Robles, Thomas Henrich
  • Publication number: 20080110775
    Abstract: Various stiffness characteristics of removable and replaceable absorbent core components used with disposable absorbent articles are disclosed. The replaceable core component can be constructed with bending stiffness characteristics making it easier to install in a diaper chassis. In other instances, a relatively stiff insertion tool may also be used to engage a relatively flexible replaceable core component to aid with insertion of the replacaeable core component into the diaper chassis. Aspects of the present disclosure involve replaceable core components alone or in combination with insertion tools having bending stiffness characteristics that reduce the likelihood of buckling and/or folding while installing the replaceable core component into the diaper chassis. The present disclosure also provides methods for testing replaceable core components and/or insertion tools to evaluate the bending stiffness characteristics associated therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Theodora Beck, Andrea Breitenbach, Janet Madge Roller, Gary Dean LaVon, Thomas Henrich, Lisa Beth Gleason, Stephen Lebeuf Hardie, Gerald Alfred Young
  • Publication number: 20080103471
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve new methods for using disposable absorbent articles having replaceable absorbent core components as a swim pant. Non-removable absorbent core components may be disposed in a chassis of the disposable absorbent article. The absorbent article may also include replaceable absorbent core components adapted to be selectively disposed in capillary liquid communication with the non-removable absorbent core component. Embodiments of such absorbent articles can be configured for use as a swim pant or diaper with relatively low absorbency by removing the replaceable absorbent core component. Removal of the replaceable core component may be done without having to remove the absorbent article from the wearer. In addition, embodiments of the absorbent articles can be reconfigured for use as a high absorbency diaper by reinstalling a replaceable absorbent core component without having to remove the absorbent article from the wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Gary Dean LaVon, Thomas Henrich
  • Publication number: 20080058754
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article adapted to be worn about a lower torso of a human body and having a chassis, a non-removable absorbent core component disposed in a crotch region of the chassis, and a replaceable absorbent core component disposed in capillary liquid communication with the non-removable absorbent core component. The replaceable absorbent core component may be removed and a like component may be substituted in place of the removed component without the removal of the absorbent article from the wearer. The replaceable absorbent core component may be disposed inside an openable chassis pocket, with access for its removal and replacement provided by an aperture in a backsheet, an openable end of an external pocket, or an openable end of an internal pocket formed at an area of a waist end edge where the backsheet and a topsheet may be separated. Additional replaceable absorbent core components may also be incorporated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Gary Lavon, Theodora Beck, Gerald Young, Stephen Hardie, Thomas Henrich
  • Patent number: 7212720
    Abstract: In a method for producing a termination of an optical fiber bundle, the optical fiber bundle is combined at one end in a crimping sleeve, and the crimping sleeve is introduced with the end of the optical fiber bundle into a compression device having a crimping tool which matches the end geometry of the optical fiber bundle. Advantageous effects are achieved by the fact that the crimping sleeve is compression molded over the end of the optical fiber bundle with a predetermined crimping force by the crimping tool, and in that the crimping force is regulated during the compression molding process depending on the material of the crimping sleeve. In this case, the compression molding process is begun, carried out and ended depending on the distance, time and/or force by a regulating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Schott AG
    Inventors: Achim Wied, Jürgen Meinl, Thomas Henrich, Thomas Weingärtner
  • Publication number: 20060217676
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article adapted to be worn about a lower torso of a human body and having a chassis, a non-removable absorbent core component disposed in a crotch region of the chassis, and a replaceable absorbent core component disposed in capillary liquid communication with the non-removable absorbent core component. The replaceable absorbent core component may be removed and a like component may be substituted in place of the removed component without the removal of the absorbent article from the wearer. The replaceable absorbent core component may be disposed inside an openable chassis pocket, with access for its removal and replacement provided by an aperture in a backsheet, an openable end of an external pocket, or an openable end of an internal pocket formed at an area of a waist end edge where the backsheet and a topsheet may be separated. Additional replaceable absorbent core components may also be incorporated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Publication date: September 28, 2006
    Inventors: Gary LaVon, Theodora Beck, Gerald Young, Thomas Henrich
  • Publication number: 20060212016
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article adapted to be worn about a lower torso of a human body and having a chassis, a non-removable absorbent core component disposed in a crotch region of the chassis, and a replaceable absorbent core component disposed in capillary liquid communication with the non-removable absorbent core component. The replaceable absorbent core component may be removed and a like component may be substituted in place of the removed component without the removal of the absorbent article from the wearer. The replaceable absorbent core component may be disposed inside an openable chassis pocket, with access for its removal and replacement provided by an aperture in a backsheet, an openable end of an external pocket, or an openable end of an internal pocket formed at an area of a waist end edge where the backsheet and a topsheet may be separated. Additional replaceable absorbent core components may also be incorporated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Publication date: September 21, 2006
    Inventors: Gary Lavon, Theodora Beck, Gerald Young, Stephen Hardie, Thomas Henrich, Mark Kline, Edward Milbrada
  • Publication number: 20060206088
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article adapted to be worn about a lower torso of a human body and having a chassis, a non-removable absorbent core component disposed in a crotch region of the chassis, and a replaceable absorbent core component disposed in capillary liquid communication with the non-removable absorbent core component. The replaceable absorbent core component may be removed and a like component may be substituted in place of the removed component without the removal of the absorbent article from the wearer. The replaceable absorbent core component may be disposed inside an openable chassis pocket, with access for its removal and replacement provided by an aperture in a backsheet, an openable end of an external pocket, or an openable end of an internal pocket formed at an area of a waist end edge where the backsheet and a topsheet may be separated. Additional replaceable absorbent core components may also be incorporated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventors: Gary Lavon, Theodora Beck, Gerald Young, Thomas Henrich
  • Patent number: 7101359
    Abstract: A strong, easy to use tab and slot fastening device suitable for use with disposable absorbent articles. The fastening device preferably includes a tab member and a slot member. The slot member has an inboard portion, an outboard portion and a slot. The inboard portion located laterally inboard of the outboard portion and the slot located between the inboard portion and the outboard portion. The tab member has a length, a proximal edge, a distal edge and a lip portion. The tab portion is passed through the slot of the slot member to engage the fastening device. Once passed through the slot, at least the lip portion of the tab member pivots such that it overlaps the outboard portion of the slot member to prevent the tab member from disengaging from the slot member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Mark James Kline, Tracey Elaine Beckman, Thomas Henrich, David Joseph Kenneth Goulait, Miguel Alvaro Robles, Constance Lee Fisher
  • Publication number: 20060072893
    Abstract: In a method for producing a termination of an optical fiber bundle, the optical fiber bundle is combined at one end in a crimping sleeve, and the crimping sleeve is introduced with the end of the optical fiber bundle into a compression device having a crimping tool which matches the end geometry of the optical fiber bundle. Advantageous effects are achieved by the fact that the crimping sleeve is compression molded over the end of the optical fiber bundle with a predetermined crimping force by the crimping tool, and in that the crimping force is regulated during the compression molding process depending on the material of the crimping sleeve. In this case, the compression molding process is begun, carried out and ended depending on the distance, time and/or force by a regulating unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Publication date: April 6, 2006
    Inventors: Achim Wied, Jurgen Meinl, Thomas Henrich, Thomas Weingartner
  • Publication number: 20050276554
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are described, which permit a simple, rapid manufacture of an end of an optical fiber bundle. According to the method a metallic sleeve is placed on an end section of the bundle, the end section with the sleeve on it is positioned in a shaping tool without pressing the sleeve and then pressure is exerted on the sleeve exclusively in a radial direction by press jaws of the shaping tool. In the optical fiber bundle made by the method the outer optical fibers (4?) of the optical fiber bundle (1) are embedded at least partially in the sleeve material. The apparatus for making the end of the bundle (1) with the sleeve (10) has a shaping tool (20) including at least two radially movable press jaws (22a-22f) that substantially surround the sleeve (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Publication date: December 15, 2005
    Inventors: Hubertus Russert, Thomas Henrich
  • Publication number: 20050234419
    Abstract: A strong, easy to use tab and slot fastening device suitable for use with disposable absorbent articles. The fastening device preferably includes a tab member and a slot member. The slot member has an inboard portion, an outboard portion and a slot. The inboard portion located laterally inboard of the outboard portion and the slot located between the inboard portion and the outboard portion. The tab member has a length, a proximal edge, a distal edge and a lip portion. The tab portion is passed through the slot of the slot member to engage the fastening device. Once passed through the slot, at least the lip portion of the tab member pivots such that it overlaps the outboard portion of the slot member to prevent the tab member from disengaging from the slot member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Publication date: October 20, 2005
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Mark Kline, Tracey Beckman, Thomas Henrich, David Goulait, Miguel Robles, Constance Fisher
  • Patent number: 6936039
    Abstract: A strong, easy to use tab and slot fastening device suitable for use with disposable absorbent articles. The fastening device preferably includes a tab member and a slot member. The slot member has an inboard portion, an outboard portion and a slot. The inboard portion located laterally inboard of the outboard portion and the slot located between the inboard portion and the outboard portion. The tab member has a length, a proximal edge, a distal edge and a lip portion. The tab portion is passed through the slot of the slot member to engage the fastening device. Once passed through the slot, at least the lip portion of the tab member pivots such that it overlaps the outboard portion of the slot member to prevent the tab member from disengaging from the slot member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Mark J. Kline, Tracey E. Beckman, Thomas Henrich, David J. K. Goulait, Miguel A. Robles, Constance L. Fisher
  • Publication number: 20030199844
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article adapted to be worn about a lower torso of a human body and having a chassis, a non-removable absorbent core component disposed in a crotch region of the chassis, and a replaceable absorbent core component disposed in capillary liquid communication with the non-removable absorbent core component. The replaceable absorbent core component may be removed and a like component may be substituted in place of the removed component without the removal of the absorbent article from the wearer. The replaceable absorbent core component may be disposed inside an openable chassis pocket, with access for its removal and replacement provided by an aperture in a backsheet, an openable end of an external pocket, or an openable end of an internal pocket formed at an area of a waist end edge where the backsheet and a topsheet may be separated. Additional replaceable absorbent core components may also be incorporated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventors: Gary Dean LaVon, Theodora Beck, Gerald Alfred Young, Stephen Lebeuf Hardie, Thomas Henrich, Mark James Kline, Edward John Milbrada
  • Publication number: 20030100879
    Abstract: Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders, training pants and the like, having elastomeric ear panels and a fastening system that provides the user with different options as to how the absorbent article may be fitted to and removed from the wearer. The absorbent articles allow the wearer to choose between conventional and pull-on diaper configurations, or combinations thereof, and properly and comfortably fit a large range of wearer sizes. Further, the absorbent articles can be pulled on and/or off as a pant. This feature is provided by the ear panels which maintain sufficient tension to hold the diaper on the wearer throughout the period of use without harming the wearer's skin, while providing enough stretch to allow the diaper to be pulled up or down over the wearer's hips. The fastening system is refastenable for convenience yet strong enough to maintain the diaper in a fastened configuration without becoming detached if the diaper is pulled on or off the wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Mark James Kline, Miguel Alvaro Robles, Thomas Henrich
  • Publication number: 20020188268
    Abstract: Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders, training pants and the like, having elastomeric ear panels and a fastening system that provides the user with different options as to how the absorbent article may be fitted to and removed from the wearer. The absorbent articles allow the wearer to choose between conventional and pull-on diaper configurations, or combinations thereof, and properly and comfortably fit a large range of wearer sizes. Further, the absorbent articles can be pulled on and/or off as a pant. This feature is provided by the ear panels which maintain sufficient tension to hold the diaper on the wearer throughout the period of use without harming the wearer's skin, while providing enough stretch to allow the diaper to be pulled up or down over the wearer's hips. The fastening system is refastenable for convenience yet strong enough to maintain the diaper in a fastened configuration without becoming detached if the diaper is pulled on or off the wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: MARK JAMES KLINE, MIGUEL ALVARO ROBLES, THOMAS HENRICH
  • Publication number: 20020169431
    Abstract: A strong, easy to use tab and slot fastening device suitable for use with disposable absorbent articles. The fastening device preferably includes a tab member and a slot member. The slot member has an inboard portion, an outboard portion and a slot. The inboard portion located laterally inboard of the outboard portion and the slot located between the inboard portion and the outboard portion. The tab member has a length, a proximal edge, a distal edge and a lip portion. The tab portion is passed through the slot of the slot member to engage the fastening device. Once passed through the slot, at least the lip portion of the tab member pivots such that it overlaps the outboard portion of the slot member to prevent the tab member from disengaging from the slot member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Mark J. Kline, Tracey E. Beckman, Thomas Henrich, David J.K. Goulait, Miguel A. Robles, Constance L. Fisher
  • Patent number: 6432098
    Abstract: A strong, easy to use tab and slot fastening device suitable for use with disposable absorbent articles. The fastening device preferably includes a tab member and a slot member. The slot member has an inboard portion, an outboard portion and a slot. The inboard portion located laterally inboard of the outboard portion and the slot located between the inboard portion and the outboard portion. The tab member has a length, a proximal edge, a distal edge and a lip portion. The tab portion is passed through the slot of the slot member to engage the fastening device. Once passed through the slot, at least the lip portion of the tab member pivots such that it overlaps the outboard portion of the slot member to prevent the tab member from disengaging from the slot member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Mark J. Kline, Tracey E. Beckman, Thomas Henrich, David J. K. Goulait, Miguel A. Robles, Constance L. Fisher
  • Patent number: 6349572
    Abstract: The method of making an optical fiber bundle (1) from individual optical fibers with good optical properties and a wider applicability includes temporarily mechanically holding individual optical fibers together and pushing them in a snug fit in a single metallic sleeve (3) made from a metallic material that has a sufficient high temperature strength at a forming temperature of the optical fiber glass; installing the optical fiber bundle (1) in a clamping device (4) in order to hold the optical fiber bundle fixed in an axial and radial direction; heating the end of the clamped optical fiber bundle (1) to the forming temperature, pressing the single metallic sleeve (3) on the optical fiber bundle and compressing the end of the optical fiber bundle in the single metallic sleeve with a forming tool (5) to shape or form the individual optical fibers in a hexagonal packing; cooling the shaped end of the optical fiber bundle (1) and removing the optical fiber bundle from the clamping device (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Schott Glas
    Inventors: Juergen Meinl, Thomas Henrich
  • Patent number: 6251097
    Abstract: A strong, easy to use tab and slot fastening device suitable for use with disposable absorbent articles. The fastening device preferably includes a tab member and a slot member. The slot member has an inboard portion, an outboard portion and a slot. The inboard portion located laterally inboard of the outboard portion and the slot located between the inboard portion and the outboard portion. The tab member has a length, a proximal edge, a distal edge and a lip portion. The tab portion is passed through the slot of the slot member to engage the fastening device. Once passed through the slot, at least the lip portion of the tab member pivots such that it overlaps the outboard portion of the slot member to prevent the tab member from disengaging from the slot member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Mark J. Kline, Tracey E. Beckman, Thomas Henrich, David J. K. Goulait, Miguel A. Robles, Constance L. Fisher