Abstract: A polymer composition comprising an organic polymer and a mica containing effect pigment, e.g., a pearlescent pigment comprising mica, well suited for producing molded articles, in particular, for molding articles comprising thin sections and or delicate features, such as a hollow interior defined by a thin wall or structural features susceptible to tear or other damage and the like, is provided as are a method for preparing molded articles comprising the polymer composition and articles comprising the polymer composition, including, for example, an article used to deliver a medical or personal care component such as a tampon applicator, and a method for preparing molded articles comprising the polymer composition. Optionally, articles of the present disclosure have a varying translucency or opacity about a dimension of the article.

Abstract: A system comprising a mandrel, a winding device for helically winding strips around the mandrel to form a base tube moving away from the mandrel at a tube speed, a strip suppling device for supplying the strips to the winding device, and a cutting device for cutting the base tube at a predetermined length to form the lengths of tube while the base tube is moving in a tube direction at the tube speed, and a method.

Abstract: A tampon assembly having a barrel, a plunger, and a pledget is provided. The plunger is slidably received in the barrel. The pledget is in the barrel between the insertion tip and the plunger so that a force applied on the plunger can expel the pledget from the barrel. The barrel has a plurality of petals defining an insertion tip, which has a first taper ratio of more than about 0.3 to less than 1.0. The pledget has a shaped tip that is disposed in the insertion tip.

Abstract: An insertion end for a tampon applicator assembly. The insertion end has an insertion tip region and optionally an inflection region. The insertion end of the tampon applicator assembly is unique in one or more ways, including one or more of the following: having a unique degree of closure, an inflection region length that is different than an insertion end region length, petal slits that form a tear-drop shape, petals having multiple radii of curvature, the insertion end having a unique radius of curvature, the insertion end having a unique part thickness.

Abstract: An applicator for a tampon comprising an inner tube slideable within an outer tube is provided. A plurality of protrusions is provided on the outer surface of the inner tube at its forward end and a plurality of spikes is provided on the inner surface of the outer tube at its forward end. The applicator has one or more of these features: i) the same or different number of protrusions and spikes; ii) one or more of the protrusions are arranged in an asymmetric manner around the outer surface of the inner tube such that the distance between two adjacent protrusions is not the same for all adjacent pairs of protrusions; iii) one or more of the spikes are arranged in an asymmetric manner around the inner surface of the outer tube such that the distance between two adjacent spikes is not the same for all adjacent pairs of spikes.

Abstract: A medical device including a mesh prosthesis having a first layer having an opening a second layer secured to the first layer and forming a pocket therebetween. A deployment device is positioned in the pocket and arranged to resiliently exert a deployment force on the mesh prosthesis to urge the mesh prosthesis into a deployment shape. The deployment device has a first shape when deployed that has at least one dimension larger than that of the opening to frustrate removal of the deployment device therethrough. Upon application of a suitable pulling force the deployment device is reconfigurable into a second shape that permits the deployment device to be removed from the pocket through the opening upon application of the suitable pulling force. A method of using a medical device is also included.

Abstract: A compact applicator has a two-piece telescoping plunger. The compact applicator, with such telescoping plunger, has a full-size barrel region while maintaining an overall applicator length that is the same and/or slightly shorter than current known compact applicators. In a non-deployed configuration, the inner sleeve of the plunger is generally telescoped within the outer sleeve of the plunger, and the outer sleeve of the plunger is generally telescoped within the applicator barrel.

Abstract: An elongate open-bored applicator (EOBP) adapted to deploy a mesh comprising (a) at least one inflatable contour-balloon, (b) at least one inflatable dissection balloon. The inflatable contour-balloon and the inflatable dissection balloon are adjustable and located at the distal portion; and, (c) at least one actuating means located at the proximal portion. The actuating means is in communication with the inflatable contour-balloon and the inflatable dissection balloon. The actuating means is adapted to provide the inflatable contour-balloon and the inflatable dissection balloon with independent activation and/or de-activation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fixating means adapted for use in hernia repair surgeries in attaching a mesh and mesh deployment means; said fixating means are attached to said mesh deployment means; and fixating means comprising: (a) a first portion coupled to said deployment means; and, (b) a second portion comprising a coil having a predetermined retracted shape; said coil is reconfigurable from a plurality of unretracted positions to a plurality of retracted positions and from said plurality of retracted positions to said plurality of unretracted positions; wherein said attachment between said deployment means and said mesh is obtained by reconfiguration of said coil from at least one of said unretracted positions to at least one of said retracted positions.

Abstract: A tampon applicator barrel includes an insertion tip at a forward end of the barrel, a main body section that extends from the insertion tip, and a reverse taper section that is joined to the main body section so that the main body section is between the insertion tip and the reverse taper section. The main body section tapers toward the insertion tip section. The reverse taper section tapers in a direction away from the insertion tip section. A finger grip section extends from the reverse taper section to a plunger receiving end of the barrel opposite the forward end. The barrel is straight from the forward end to the plunger receiving end that receives a plunger.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes systems and a method for in situ application of a surgical patch during minimally invasive surgery. The method includes the steps of inserting a surgical patch into a bag; transferring a polymeric bag containing a hemostatic patch into a body cavity; removing the surgical patch from the polymeric bag while the polymeric bag is within the body cavity; and applying the surgical patch to a tissue within the body cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tampon applicator package assembly having a tampon applicator and a cap having a closed end and an open end. The tampon applicator has a barrel for housing a pledget and a plunger. The plunger has an end portion that is a cap cover that connects to a remainder of the plunger and mates with the cap at the open end to provide a seal with the cap that completely encloses the tampon applicator in the cap. Also disclosed is an assembly having a tampon applicator, a cap having both a closed end and open end, and a cap cover for covering the open end of the cap. When the cap cover is placed on the open end, the open end is sealed and the tampon applicator is completely enclosed in the cap.

Abstract: Combined methods for treating a patient using time-varying magnetic field are described. The treatment methods combine various approaches for aesthetic treatment. The methods are focused on enhancing a visual appearance of the patient.

Abstract: A disposable, feminine-hygiene product includes an elongated, hollow tube formed of a lower section telescopically received within an upper section. The top end of the upper section includes a plurality of frangible leaves that immediately separate upon impact. Received within the tube interior is a telescoping shaft having a lower end attached to a knob that, when rotated, releases a spring-biased cylinder to thrust a plurality of absorbent strips through the frangible leaves.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an inflatable contour-balloon useful in minimal invasive and/or open surgery. The inflatable contour-balloon positioned in the contour of a mesh and/or a patch and/or a net. The inflatable contour-balloon is adapted to spread and/or deploy the mesh and/or the patch and/or the net in the abdominal cavity and/or pre-peritoneal and/or space and/or hollow body organs and/or natural and/or artificial orifices and/or spaces and/or post operative spaces. The present invention also discloses an elongate open-bored applicator (EOBP) adapted to spread and/or deploy a mesh and/or a patch and/or a net. The EOBP is useful in minimal invasive surgery. The EOBP has a distal portion that is insertable into the abdominal cavity and/or pre-peritoneal and/or space arid/or hollow body organs and/or natural and/or artificial orifices and/or spaces and/or post operative spaces; and a proximal portion that remains outside the body.

Abstract: A medical device including a mesh prosthesis having a first layer having an opening a second layer secured to the first layer and forming a pocket therebetween. A deployment device is positioned in the pocket and arranged to resiliently exert a deployment force on the mesh prosthesis to urge the mesh prosthesis into a deployment shape. The deployment device has a first shape when deployed that has at least one dimension larger than that of the opening to frustrate removal of the deployment device therethrough. Upon application of a suitable pulling force the deployment device is reconfigurable into a second shape that permits the deployment device to be removed from the pocket through the opening upon application of the suitable pulling force. A method of using a medical device is also included.

Abstract: Tampon packaging and disposal systems and methods are disclosed. The packaging has a flexible mitten and an optional attached tampon enclosure. The tampon enclosure can package a tampon and the flexible mitten wraps around the tampon enclosure. When unwrapped, the tampon enclosure is detachable from the mitten and the tampon can be used by a user. The mitten is used for removing the used tampon worn by the user and disposing of the used tampon after removal.

Abstract: Applicators for inserting feminine care devices into the body are provided. The applicators include an applicator barrel having unique insertion tip designs. The insertion tips employ a plurality of petals that can have an inflection or bending point above the bases of the petals.

Abstract: A tampon applicator includes an outer tube with an absorber stored inside, an inner tube inserted inside the outer tube and movable towards and into the outer tube to push the absorber to outside the outer tube, and an auxiliary grip member. The auxiliary grip member includes a cover unit covering an outer circumference surface of the grip unit, and a collar unit extending radially outwards from an outer circumference surface of the cover unit. A caved-in unit caving in from a terminal end of the cover unit towards a distal end side of the auxiliary grip member in a direction of insertion, in which the tampon applicator is configured to be inserted inside a vagina of the user, is formed in the terminal end of the cover unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anti-microbial or anti-bacterial treated soft ointment applicator that is used to apply ointment or cream on babies. The ointment applicator with a soft and flexible tapered tip in the present invention can be applied along the curvature of a baby's body without causing harm to baby's sensitive and delicate skin. The present invention provides an anti-microbial or anti-bacterial treated ointment applicator either coated with, or homogeneously manufactured with, such anti-microbial or anti-bacterial protection. In addition, the present invention includes a reservoir filled with a cleaning solution where the ointment applicator is cleaned and stored sterile.

Abstract: In a tampon applicator, an elongated barrel has an interior chamber for housing a tampon therein, a grip region generally adjacent an outer end of the barrel, a tip region generally adjacent an inner end of the barrel, and a central region extending longitudinally between the grip region and the tip region. A plunger extends into the barrel at the outer end thereof and is moveable relative to the barrel to expel the tampon from the barrel at its inner end. The outer surface of the barrel at the grip region has a different coefficient of friction than at the central region of the barrel. In other embodiments the coefficient of friction of the barrel outer surface at the central region is different from the coefficient of friction at the tip region.

Abstract: This application relates to a pessary device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of attaching a withdrawal member to a pessary device.

Abstract: A feminine hygiene product including a tampon, an absorbent pad, and a string connecting the tampon to the absorbent pad is disclosed. The string can include at least one breakable section, or the string may releasably affixed to the absorbent pad. The tampon and/or the absorbent pad can be formed from cotton, rayon, or a cotton-rayon mixture. The feminine hygiene product can further include an applicator sized to accommodate the tampon and the absorbent pad, and to facilitate deployment of the same.

Abstract: A tampon applicator comprising a barrel having a generally tubular main body disposed intermediate an insertion end and a gripping end where the barrel is configured to contain a tampon capable of being expelled through the insertion end. A plunger having a generally tubular main body is partially disposed within the barrel for sliding movement and has a tampon engaging end within the barrel and a finger engaging end outside of the barrel. The gripping end of the barrel is formed with a reduced diameter region relative to the generally tubular main body located at the gripping end of the barrel and terminates in an outwardly and rearwardly graduated end through which the plunger extends. The finger engaging end of the plunger also has an outwardly and rearwardly graduated end which is configured to make contact with the outwardly flared end of the gripping end of the barrel to thereby limit sliding movement of the plunger.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tampon applicator assembly having an applicator barrel with an insertion tip with a maximum of three petals. Additionally, the tampon applicator assembly can be provided with a tapered insertion tip. A shaped pledget can be housed in the applicator barrel, which provides support to the petals.

Abstract: A tampon applicator includes an outer cylinder in which an absorber is housed, and a push-out opening through which the absorber is to be pushed out is provided at one side and a grip cylinder unit is provided at the other side, and an inner cylinder which is inserted into the grip cylinder unit and being moved into the outer cylinder to be thereby able to push out the absorber outward through the push-out opening. The tampon applicator includes a grip jaw unit configured to extend from an outer circumferential face of the grip cylinder unit of the outer cylinder outwardly in a radial direction, wherein a finger hook unit by which a finger of a user is to be hooked is formed at the grip jaw unit.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes a catheter device for targeted delivery of therapeutic molecules in fluids to body cavities. The invention provides a device and method for targeted delivery of fluids to tissue cavities via deployment of a fluid soaked sponge from the catheter to contact surfaces within the body cavity.

Abstract: A dual mode absorbent tampon comprising a mass of absorbent material compressed into a generally cylindrical shape, in a first mode of the tampon. The mass of absorbent material comprising a homogeneous mixture of a plurality of fibers which comprise at least a first type of fiber and a second type of fiber, where the first type of fiber is bondable to fibers of the plurality of fibers. At least a portion of the first type of fibers are bonded in a pre-determined pattern to adjacent fibers of the plurality of fibers wherein absorption by the tampon causes at least a portion of the mass of absorbent material to expand into a non-cylindrical shape which is dependent upon the pre-determined pattern, in a second mode of the tampon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tampon-applicator assembly for sanitary application of a tampon. The assembly comprises a tampon having a front end and a rear end, a flexible tubular sheath, and a sleeve. The flexible tubular sheath has a closed rear end, and encloses the tampon such that the rear end of the tampon is directed towards the closed rear end of the sheath, and the sleeve has a front end and a rear end and a longitudinal extension along the tampon and wherein the sleeve is arranged on the outside of the flexible tubular sheath along at least a part of the longitudinal extension of the tampon, whereby at least a portion of the sheath, when a pressing force is applied to the rear end of the sheath towards the front end of the tampon, is arranged to be turned in side out while the tampon is pushed at least partially out of the sleeve. The resent invention further relates to a method of production of the assembly, and the use of the assembly.

Abstract: A method and device are disclosed for delivering items into the body of a subject. The device is elongated, and includes a flexible diaphragm having a proximal face and a distal face. The diaphragm is inverted into the device to form a receptacle that holds an item to be delivered. Fluid pressure is applied against the proximal face of the flexible diaphragm to deliver the item from the receptacle and out of the delivery device into the body. In one embodiment, the device is a one-piece device having compressible walls. The diaphragm, which may be a portion of the chamber wall, invaginates within the chamber to form the receptacle. Compression of the flexible walls of the device increases pressure on a proximal face of the diaphragm to evaginate the diaphragm out of the chamber and deliver an item contained in the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying agents, including hemostatic agent, to the cervix and accompanying areas.

Abstract: Applicators for inserting feminine care devices into the body are provided. The applicators include an applicator barrel having unique insertion tip designs. The insertion tips employ a plurality of petals that can have an inflection or bending point above the bases of the petals.

Abstract: An apparatus, consisting of a rolling element, which is resting on a surface, and a force-sensing device, which is coupled to the surface. The force-sensing device is configured to make a first measurement indicative of a force exerted in a direction perpendicular to the surface. The force is exerted by a force-sensing probe pressing against the rolling element so as to hold the rolling element stationary. The apparatus further includes a calibration processor, which is configured to collect the first measurement from the sensing device, to collect a second measurement indicative of the force from the force-sensing probe, and to calibrate the force-sensing probe based on the first and second measurements.

Abstract: A tampon applicator assembly with an insertion end and a rear end containing a tampon made from absorbent material and an applicator comprising an outer tube and an inner tube able to slide in it in a telescopic arrangement, and the outer tube has at its insertion end at least two integrally formed, inwardly directed closure portions, and the tampon protrudes out from the insertion end of the inner tube by means of its insertion end and is completely accommodated inside the outer tube. The internal surface of the outer tube is smooth-walled from the closure portions to at least half the length of the outer tube without any inwardly extending projections. This assembly is extremely simple to manufacture. During use, the tampon is pushed forward by pushing the inner tube forward in the outer tube until it forces the closure portions of the outer tube outwards and protrudes out of the outer tube by an amount.

Abstract: A sanitary product for use by women for the absorption of menstrual fluid, having a plug and a pad joined by a sheath. The plug is substantially cylindrical so that is fits comfortably in a vaginal cavity. The pad remains outside the vaginal cavity, but has an absorbent layer on an inward side proximal to the plug and a liquid impermeable layer on an outward side. In use, a wearer can insert a finger into the sheath from the outward side of the pad to assist with insertion of the plug into the vaginal cavity. A string is provided that extends inside the sheath from the outward end of the plug to aid removal of the product. A line of weakness extends along the major axis of the pad, about which the pad is disposed to fold in use.

Abstract: Dispensing devices and systems for oral transmucosal administration of small volume drug dosage forms to the oral mucosa are provided. The dispensing device may be a single dose applicator (SDA), or an electromechanical device comprising a means for patient identification such as a wrist worn RFID tag and annular bidirectional antenna together with a lock-out feature.

Abstract: There is provided a multiple-component tampon applicator formed from at least three separate components. A fingergrip having a reduced cross-section as compared to that of the barrel may be formed such that it is a separate component or is integrally formed with a barrel component. The reduced cross-section fingergrip provides exceptional grippability to the user. The multiple components may be formed from materials including, for example, biopolymer including starches and proteins, cardboard, heat shrink plastic, paper slurry, plastic, plastic tubing, pulp slurry, pulp-molded paper, or any combinations thereof. Prior to assembly of the applicator and prior to loading the barrel component with an absorbent pledget, petals may be formed on the insertion end of the barrel using existing processes and equipment. Alternatively, a separate insertion tip component having petals may be formed.

Abstract: A tampon applicator barrel including a cardboard tube having a first end and a second end and at least one gripping structure defined from the cardboard tube proximate the second end is provided. The cardboard tube has a wall thickness of between about 0.015 and about 0.020 inches, while the gripping structure has a height of up to about 0.035 inches.

Abstract: An applicator for a feminine hygiene device. The applicator includes an insertion member that can have an outer surface, an insertion end, a withdrawal end opposite the insertion end, and a barrel region adapted to house the feminine hygiene device. In addition, the insertion member can have an indentation region extending inwardly from the outer surface and disposed between the barrel region and withdrawal end, and a shoulder region disposed between the barrel region and the indentation region. In certain embodiments, the indentation region can include one or more gripping formations protruding from the indentation region, the one or more gripping formations extending from the indentation region over at least a portion of the shoulder region.

Abstract: There is provided a tampon applicator having a plunger and a barrel with a tapered insertion, which provides enhanced insertion comfort to a user. The taper of the insertion tip is defined by a ratio of the length of the taper projection along a longitudinal axis of the barrel to the length of the taper projection along a radius of the barrel at a base region of the insertion tip. The insertion end of the barrel preferably has two or more petals for enhanced user comfort. Preferably, the petals have a substantially uniform thickness. The barrel may also have a fingergrip for ease of use of the applicator during insertion, expulsion of the pledget, and removal from the vagina.

Abstract: A multi-layered, absorbent perineal pad is disclosed that has a generally ovate cross-section. In disclosed embodiments, the pad has an absorbent outer layer, antimicrobial intermediate layer, and absorbent inner layer. At least two opposing edges of the pad are sealed to one another so that the absorbent inner layer encloses an internal cavity within the pad. The pad may be used to absorb liquids from perineal structures (such as vaginal or anal liquids) or administer agents to perineal structures. Liquids that are absorbed in the pad can be subjected to diagnostic assays.

Abstract: A tampon applicator assembly having a barrel, a plunger, and a pledget is provided. The barrel has an insertion tip, a main section, and a finger grip. The main section can have a maximum outer dimension located closer to the finger grip than to the insertion tip and/or can have a main section taper ratio of about 1.07 to about 1.15. The insertion tip can have a taper ratio of more than about 0.66 and/or a plurality of petals with a petal length-to-width ratio over about 2 to less than about 3.

Abstract: A tampon applicator barrel includes a wall forming a tube with a center axis therthrough and with a hollow interior volume. The tube has a first barrel end and a second barrel end opposite the first barrel end to form a length therebetween that corresponds to the length of the center axis. The tube increases in diameter along the length of the tube from a first diameter to a second diameter that forms a main body section, and decreases in diameter along the length of the tube from the second diameter to a third diameter that forms a reverse taper section. The center axis is substantially straight throughout the extant of the tube.

Abstract: A dual mode absorbent tampon comprising a mass of absorbent material compressed into a generally cylindrical shape, in a first mode of the tampon. The mass of absorbent material comprising a homogeneous mixture of a plurality of fibers which comprise at least a first type of fiber and a second type of fiber, where the first type of fiber is bondable to fibers of the plurality of fibers. At least a portion of the first type of fibers are bonded in a pre-determined pattern to adjacent fibers of the plurality of fibers wherein absorption by the tampon causes at least a portion of the mass of absorbent material to expand into a non-cylindrical shape which is dependent upon the pre-determined pattern, in a second mode of the tampon.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bone graft applicator assembly including a specially designed applicator, attached to a reservoir of bone graft material, such that the graft material can be moved into the delivery portion while the tip of the delivery portion is in place. The instantly disclosed device allows for the collapse of the delivery tip so that the tip can be placed between vertebras or alternatively within any bony structure or implant where the placement of bone graft material would be desirable, and then expanded to allow the bone graft material to be placed between the vertebras or the like while maintaining the geometry of the space into which the bone graft material is being placed.

Abstract: A tampon assembly used for penetration injuries to provide hemostasis and simultaneous broad spectrum antibiotic/anesthetic application. The tampon includes a helically-wound absorbent member impregnated with coagulant, covered with biodegradable or plastic accordion-pleated sheath including a bioluminescent tape outer marker. A measured dose of antibiotic/anesthetic suspension is sealed within the confines of an outer sheath configured as a perforated petal-shaped tip enabling wound insertion followed by through passage of the contained wound packing and treatment liquids/emulsions. A radio opaque cotton withdrawal string attaches to the absorbent member at the end facing the wound opening. An insertion shaft is used for tampon deposition within the wound. Manual pressure on the shaft causes seal rupture and expulsion of wound packing and treatment through the ruptured tip of the sheath. The tampon device may be sized to conform to various injuries, and used intra-operatively during surgery.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tampon applicator assembly with an insertion end and a rear end containing a tampon made from absorbent material and an applicator comprising an outer tube and an inner tube able to slide in it in a telescopic arrangement, and the outer tube has at its insertion end at least two integrally formed, inwardly directed closure portions, and the tampon protrudes out from the insertion end of the inner tube by means of its insertion end and is completely accommodated inside the outer tube. The internal surface of the outer tube is smooth-walled from the closure portions to at least half the length of the outer tube without any inwardly extending projections. This assembly is extremely simple to manufacture. During use, the tampon is pushed forward by pushing the inner tube forward in the outer tube until it forces the closure portions of the outer tube outwards and protrudes out of the outer tube by an amount.

Abstract: A tampon assembly used for penetration injuries to provide hemostasis and simultaneous broad spectrum antibiotic/anesthetic application. The tampon includes a helically-wound absorbent member impregnated with coagulant, covered with biodegradable or plastic accordion-pleated sheath including a bioluminescent tape outer marker. The device would also contain a measured dose of antibiotic/anesthetic suspension sealed within the confines of the outer sheath. The outer sheath would preferably have a perforated petal-shaped tip to enable wound insertion followed by through passage of the contained wound packing and treatment liquids/emulsions, etc. A radio opaque cotton withdrawal string would attach to the absorbent member at the end facing the wound opening. An insertion stick/plunger is used for tampon deposition within the wound. Manual pressure on the plunger would cause seal rupture and expulsion of the wound packing and treatment through the ruptured tip of the sheath.

Abstract: An applicator having a color gradient. The applicator includes an outer member having a first end, a second end disposed opposite the first end, a longitudinal axis, a length measured along the longitudinal axis, and an exterior surface. The outer member further includes a color gradient extending along at least a portion of the length from a first region to a second region, the color gradient being visible by a user viewing the exterior surface of the outer member.

Abstract: The tampon applicator assembly includes a tampon applicator section, an outer housing section, and a plunger section. The combined tampon applicator section and plunger section function as a conventional plunger-type tampon applicator. The outer housing section includes a sleeve with a proximal portion and a distal portion. The (distal) insertion end of the tampon applicator section essentially fits inside the proximal portion of the sleeve, and the distal portion of the sleeve is designed to accommodate a feminine hygiene product, such as a pad, a disposable wipe, a towelette disposal mitt, a simple disposal bag, and other products associated with menstruation.