Distal Portion Of Inserting Means Deformed, Expanded, Or Ruptured To Permit Passage Of Insert Therefrom Patents (Class 604/14)
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Patent number: 5919231Abstract: A device for insertion into a first opening in a body includes a device body having a longitudinal axis and a flexible first flange provided on an outside surface of the device body. The first flange has a deployed, use orientation in which it projects generally outwardly from the outside surface of the device body and an undeployed, insertion orientation in which it is resiliently deflected toward the device body. A retainer retains the flange in its insertion orientation. The retainer is constructed of a material soluble in a fluid.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 1995Date of Patent: July 6, 1999Assignee: Hansa Medical Products, Inc.Inventors: Eric D. Blom, W. Gregory Chernoff, Daniel W. Karakla
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Patent number: 5891081Abstract: There is provided a supporting rim structure of an open-ended tampon applicator for firmly supporting a tampon pledget that has been assembled in the applicator. The applicator supports the pledget around an intermediate section between its insertion end and its rear portion so that the insertion end is exposed outside of the applicator and the rear portion is inside of the applicator. In particular, the rim structure firmly supports the pledget against an axial force subjected to the pledget by a forming tool that forms the insertion end of the pledget into a rounded, hemispherical shape and yet readily allows the pledget to eject from the applicator. The rim structure has a shape that tapers angularly inward from the body of the applicator to form a rigid brace that counters the axial force subjected by the forming tool. Thus, while preventing the insertion end of the pledget from receding back into the applicator, the rim structure allows the pledget to easily eject from the applicator.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1997Date of Patent: April 6, 1999Assignee: Playtex Products, Inc.Inventors: Thomas C. McNelis, Michael L. Miller, Jamshid Rejai
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Patent number: 5827214Abstract: A tampon applicator is disclosed which includes first and second telescopically assembled members. The first member is designed to house an absorbent tampon. The first member has first and second spaced apart ends and is formed from at least two separate and distinct layers. An insertion tip is integrally formed on the first end of the first member and extends outwardly therefrom. The insertion tip is constructed from at least one of the two distinct layers and has a thickness which is less than that of the first member. The second member is telescopically mounted in the second end of the first member and is adapted to expel the tampon through the insertion tip as it is pushed into the first member.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 1997Date of Patent: October 27, 1998Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Donald George Fox, Tammy Jo Rentmeester, Steven James Nielsen
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Patent number: 5825958Abstract: A hand held laser device is disclosed including a handpiece coupled to a source of laser energy by an optical fiber cable. A bias tensile stress is exerted on the fiber when the fiber and outer sheathing or tube are straight in-line. The bias tensile stress reduces compressional stress on the fiber when the fiber cable is bent. Moreover, the fiber is coupled to a disposable fiber in the handpiece to output light from the laser to a target area. The two fibers are precisely spaced close to one another to permit substantial lossless transmission of light without lenses or other focusing optics. Further, precision bearing devices are provided at opposite ends of the fiber cable in order to reduce torque on the fiber.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 1996Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Assignee: Pharos Optics, Inc.Inventors: William A. Gollihar, Larry G. DeShazer, Scott Bradley
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Patent number: 5817047Abstract: Absorptive pads including catamenial tampons are provided which are characterized by O.sub.2 levels sufficiently reduced so as to reduce the introduction of air into the vaginal canal with a resulting reduction in the probability of production of toxic shock syndrome exotoxin during internal use of the pads.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1997Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Thomas Ward Osborn, III, Edward John Milbrada
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Patent number: 5814073Abstract: An inserter assembly is operable between a closed condition blocking movement of a suture anchor through the inserter assembly and an open condition in which the inserter assembly is ineffective to block movement of the anchor. The inserter assembly may have an end portion which pierces body tissue. In one embodiment, a tubular member has a plurality of segments which are moved from a closed condition to an open condition. In another embodiment, a plurality of wires extend along an inner side of a passage in a sheath. As the suture anchor slides along the wires, force is transmitted to the sheath to expand the sheath and operate the inserter assembly from the closed condition to the open condition. If desired, the wires may be omitted and the sheath resiliently expanded by a member which encloses the suture anchor. Indicia may be provided to indicate the depth to which the inserter assembly is inserted into body tissue.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1996Date of Patent: September 29, 1998Inventor: Peter M. Bonutti
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Patent number: 5800377Abstract: An insertion device 10 for inserting material 13 into a body cavity is provided. An elongate, tubular holder 12, shaped for insertion into the body cavity, is adapted to hold the material to be inserted. The holder 12 has a material expulsion end portion 14 and a plunger 20, which is telescopically and slidably mounted in the holder, which is adapted to expel the material from the holder when pushed manually into the holder. The holder, and preferably the plunger as well, comprises an outer paper layer 28 and a polymer layer 30, adhered to the paper layer on its outer surface, the layer having adequate water resistance to maintain its integrity during insertion into the body cavity.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1996Date of Patent: September 1, 1998Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Terese A. Campion, Mark D. Albright, Betsy A. Davison
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Patent number: 5795320Abstract: An applicator is disclosed for inserting a substance into a body cavity. The applicator is especially useful for inserting a catamenial tampon into a woman's vagina. The applicator includes a tubular member formed from at least one layer of paper which has an exterior surface. The tubular member is capable of holding the substance which is to be inserted. The exterior surface of the tubular member is coated with a compostable coating. The coating is comprised of at least 85 percent by weight of a polymeric material, at least 10 percent by weight of additives, and up to about 5 percent by weight of a residual monomer.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1996Date of Patent: August 18, 1998Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Steven James Nielsen, Yihua Chang, Allan James Krueger, Tammy Jo Balzar, Richard Roy Tews
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Patent number: 5792096Abstract: A tampon applicator is disclosed which has an improved pleated tip for facilitating insertion of a catamenial tampon into a woman's vagina. The tampon applicator includes a first member capable of housing an absorbent tampon. The first member has a central longitudinal axis and first and second ends. An insertion tip is integrally formed on the first end of the first member and extends outwardly therefrom. The insertion tip includes a semi-spherical shaped portion and a frusto-conical shaped portion. The semi-spherical shaped portion has an aperture extending therethrough and the aperture has a side wall which is aligned essentially parallel to the central longitudinal axis. The frusto-conical shaped portion is situated between the semi-spherical shaped portion and the first end of the first member. The insertion tip contains a plurality of pleats which are capable of expanding radially outwardly as the tampon is expelled from the first member.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 1995Date of Patent: August 11, 1998Assignee: Kiberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Tammy Jo Rentmeester, Steven James Nielsen, Jeffrey Michael Weyenberg, Allan James Krueger
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Patent number: 5782793Abstract: A tampon applicator is disclosed which has a semi-spherically shaped insertion tip for facilitating insertion of a catamenial tampon into a woman's vagina. The tampon applicator includes a first member capable of housing an absorbent tampon. The first member has a central longitudinal axis and first and second ends. An insertion tip is integrally formed on the first end of the first member and extends outwardly therefrom. The insertion tip contains an aperture which extends therethrough and has a side wall which is aligned essentially parallel to the central longitudinal axis. The insertion tip contains a plurality of pleats arranged to form a semi-spherical configuration. The pleats are capable of expanding radially outwardly as the tampon is expelled from the first member. The applicator further includes a second member telescopically mounted in the second end of the first member. The second member is adapted to expel the tampon through the insertion tip as it is pushed into the first member.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1997Date of Patent: July 21, 1998Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Steven James Nielsen, Tammy Jo Rentmeester, Allan James Krueger, Jeffrey Michael Weyenberg
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Patent number: 5738646Abstract: A thermoplastic applicator is disclosed which exhibits accelerated breakup when immersed in water. The applicator includes a hollow, cylindrically shaped member which holds a pledget. This cylindrically shaped member is constructed of a water-soluble or water-dispersible material and has a wall with a thickness of less than about 0.05 inches (about 12.7 mm). A plurality of grooves are formed in the wall in a predetermined pattern to accelerate breakup of the applicator into small unrecognizable pieces. The grooves have a depth of between about 5 percent to 75 percent of the thickness of the wall. The deeper the grooves, the shorter the time period needed to breakup the applicator.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1995Date of Patent: April 14, 1998Assignee: Kimberly- Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Donald George Fox, Daniel James Heuer, Frederick Myron Guenther
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Patent number: 5693009Abstract: A tampon applicator is disclosed which includes first and second telescopically assembled members. The first member is designed to house an absorbent tampon. The first member has first and second spaced apart ends and is formed from at least two separate and distinct layers. An insertion tip is integrally formed on the first end of the first member and extends outwardly therefrom. The insertion tip is constructed from at least one of the two distinct layers and has a thickness which is less than that of the first member. The second member is telescopically mounted in the second end of the first member and is adapted to expel the tampon through the insertion tip as it is pushed into the first member.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 1995Date of Patent: December 2, 1997Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Donald George Fox, Tammy Jo Rentmeester, Steven James Nielsen
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Patent number: 5676647Abstract: A tampon applicator including an insertion tube for accepting a tampon and a discharge tube for discharging the tampon. The discharge tube is displaceable in the insertion tube. Placeable upon the end area of the insertion tube on the insertion side is a container containing a therapeutic or prophylactic medicinal substance. This container is sealed off from the insertion tube by means of a foil. Provided in the insertion tube between an accepted tampon and the foil are pivotable flaps having a sharp-edged projection, and which are pivoted during insertion of the tampon by means of the forward movement of the tampon against the foil and which break through the foil with their sharp-edged projection.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1996Date of Patent: October 14, 1997Inventor: Hugo Cimber
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Patent number: 5643196Abstract: An insertion device is provided for inserting material having an enlarged head portion into a body cavity.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1995Date of Patent: July 1, 1997Assignee: Tambrands Inc.Inventors: William M. Child, Warren Tarr
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Patent number: 5571540Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for crimping, pleating and forming a tip on a hollow tube. The apparatus includes a first punch having a tubular section sized to receive the tube and having a configured tip with a plurality of elongated grooves formed therein. The first punch also contains a shoulder formed at an opposite end of the tubular section which acts as a stop for the tube. The first punch and tube are mateable with a first die. The first die includes a base having a plurality of blades extending axially outward therefrom. Each blade is designed to engage with one of the grooves formed on the first punch and causes the tip of the tube to be crimped therebetween. After an end of the tube has been crimped, it is transformed into a plurality of pleats and configured into a semi-spherically shaped tip having a central aperture formed therethrough. This is accomplished using a second punch having a tubular section sized to receive the tube.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 1996Date of Patent: November 5, 1996Assignee: Kimberly-Clark CorporationInventors: Jeffrey M. Weyenberg, Noel J. Rasmussen, Richard R. Tews
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Patent number: 5558631Abstract: An insertion device 10 for inserting material 13 into a body cavity is provided. An elongate, tubular holder 12, shaped for insertion into the body cavity, is adapted to hold the material to be inserted. The holder 12 has a material expulsion end portion 14 and a plunger 20, which is telescopically and slidably mounted in the holder, which is adapted to expel the material from the holder when pushed manually into the holder. The holder, and preferably the plunger as well, comprises an outer paper layer 28 and a polymer layer 30, adhered to the paper layer on its outer surface, the layer having adequate water resistance to maintain its integrity during insertion into the body cavity.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 1994Date of Patent: September 24, 1996Assignee: Tambrands Inc.Inventors: Terese A. Campion, Mark D. Albright, Betsy A. Davison
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Patent number: 5501063Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for reducing the force required to expel a catamenial tampon from a tampon applicator. The tampon applicator is also disclosed. The tampon applicator includes a first member which is capable of housing an absorbent tampon. The first member has an inside diameter, first and second spaced apart ends, and an insertion tip formed adjacent to the first end. The insertion tip at least partially closes the first end of the first member and facilitates insertion of the tampon applicator into a woman's vagina. The insertion tip is opened, expanded and reclosed prior to positioning the tampon in the first member. This action allows the insertion tip to be reopened with a minimum amount of expulsion force. The apparatus includes a first punch having an outside diameter which is sized slightly less than the inside diameter of the first member. This enables the first punch to slide within the first member from the second end toward the first end.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 1994Date of Patent: March 26, 1996Assignee: Kimberly-Clark CorporationInventors: Richard R. Tews, Jeffrey M. Weyenberg, Noel J. Rasmussen
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Patent number: 5445605Abstract: A holder for a tampon having a withdrawing thread. The holder has a rigid, cylindrical sheath encasing the tampon. The sheath has a tampon expulsion opening, an expulsion end region, and another end region, respectively. The expulsion end region has a hole therethrough for accommodating and guiding the withdrawing thread. The hole is proximate to the expulsion opening. The another end region has more than one notch. The tampon is partially expulsed out of the sheath through the expulsion opening by pulling on the withdrawal thread.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 1994Date of Patent: August 29, 1995Inventor: Bruno Pluss
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Patent number: 5437628Abstract: A curved tampon applicator is disclosed having an improved fingergrip for preventing rotation of the applicator during insertion of a catamenial tampon into a woman's vagina. The applicator includes a tubular member having an arcuate shape with a centerline formed on an arc having a predetermined radius of curvature. The tubular member has a stepped outer profile with an enlarged portion designed to house a tampon joined to a smaller fingergrip portion. The tubular member has a forward end through which the tampon is ejected and a rearward end through which a plunger is slidable. The fingergrip portion has a passageway formed therethrough which is sized and configured to receive the plunger and an exterior periphery. Formed on the exterior periphery of the fingergrip portion are first and second pairs of flat surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1993Date of Patent: August 1, 1995Assignee: Kimberly-Clark CorporationInventors: Donald G. Fox, Daniel J. Heuer, Laurie Couture-Dorschner, Mary S. Semanek
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Patent number: 5397332Abstract: An applicator for applying a sheet of surgical material, e.g., a surgical mesh, to internal body tissue includes a delivery tube, a deployment tube slidably received within the delivery tube, and a shaft or irrigation tube slidably received within the deployment tube. An expandable spreader tip is connected between the distal ends of the shaft and the deployment tube. The spreader tip is collapsed and inserted in the delivery tube with the surgical mesh. The applicator is inserted through a trocar tube into a body cavity and the spreader tip is exposed by retracting the delivery tube relative to the deployment tube and shaft. The applicator has a first actuator for urging the spreader tip and surgical mesh into engagement with the tissue as the deployment tube is retracted and a second actuator for advancing the deployment tube relative to the shaft to expand the spreader tip to apply the surgical mesh to the tissue.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 1993Date of Patent: March 14, 1995Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Gene W. Kammerer, M. Joshua Tolkoff, Robert C. Allman, George R. Muise
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Patent number: 5395308Abstract: A thermoplastic applicator is disclosed which exhibits accelerated breakup when immersed in water. The applicator includes a hollow, cylindrically shaped member which holds a pledget. This cylindrically shaped member is constructed of a water-soluble or water-dispersible material and has a wall with a thickness of less than about 0.05 inches (about 12.7 mm). A plurality of grooves are formed in the wail in a predetermined pattern to accelerate breakup of the applicator into small unrecognizable pieces, The grooves have a depth of between about 5 percent to 75 percent of the thickness of the wall. The deeper the grooves, the shorter the time period needed to breakup the applicator.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1993Date of Patent: March 7, 1995Assignee: Kimberly-Clark CorporationInventors: Donald G. Fox, Daniel J. Heuer, Frederick M. Guenther
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Patent number: 5395383Abstract: An applicator is provided for applying a sheet of surgical material, e.g., an adhesion barrier or other surgical fabric, to internal body tissue. The applicator includes an expandable operating tip which is insertable into an endoscopic tube through an incision in a body to enable a surgeon to apply the adhesion barrier or other surgical fabric to tissue inside the body. A preferred embodiment of the applicator includes a set of telescoping tubes comprising an outer delivery tube, a intermediate deployment tube, and a inner irrigation tube. An expandable spreader tip is mounted at the distal end of the irrigation tube and connected to the distal end of the deployment tube. By advancing the deployment tube and irrigation tube relative to the delivery tube, the spreader tip is exposed at the distal end of the delivery tube. The spreader tip is expanded by movement of the deployment tube relative to the irrigation tube to spread the adhesion barrier over the tissue.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1994Date of Patent: March 7, 1995Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Ronald D. Adams, Richard M. O'Grady, Robert L. Marvin, Jr., Mary B. Youtsler, Michael T. Brown
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Patent number: 5389067Abstract: A method for forming a tampon applicator having a dome shaped forward end is disclosed, in which the requisite ejection force for discharging the pledget from the applicator is reduced by radially bending the petals forming the domed tip about their base prior to final fabrication of the dome-shaped petal tip. Several orders of the sequential steps for bending the petals are disclosed. The resultant tampon applicator has weakened fibers at the base of its petals to provide a desired significant reduction of the pledget ejection force.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1993Date of Patent: February 14, 1995Assignee: Playtex Family Products CorporationInventor: Jamshid Rejai
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Patent number: 5385542Abstract: A tampon applicator has an outer cylindrical member for containing a tampon and an inner arcuate member which is arranged to lie between the inner surface of the outer member and the tampon and to be slidably moved within the outer member to act as a piston for ejecting the tampon. One end of the inner member is adapted to engage the tampon and has a shoulder region. The outer member is provided with a first inward projection to engage the tampon and prevent rearward movement thereof and at least one second inward projection intermediate the first projection and the rear end of she cylindrical member to engage the shoulder region of the inner member and prevent complete withdrawal of she inner member from the outer member. The inward projections comprises at least one flap for example a pair of flaps or an inwardly deformed arcuate strip.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1993Date of Patent: January 31, 1995Assignee: Smith & Nephew plcInventor: David A. Rawlings
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Patent number: 5348534Abstract: An improved tampon applicator for insertion of a tampon into a body cavity is provided, including a paper tampon holder tube having an expulsion end dimensioned for insertion into the body cavity and including a plurality of contiguous segments separated by slits, and a plunger, telescopically and slidably mounted in the holder distal to the expulsion end and adapted to expel the tampon from the holder when pushed manually into the holder. As the tampon is expelled, the segments bend open at a hinge region. The segments of the improved applicator bend outwardly during expulsion with significantly reduced applied force, improving user comfort. In one aspect, the tampon holder includes a plurality of small cuts extending circumferentially from the slits through the paper in the vicinity of the hinge region. The cuts reduce the width of the petal segments, and thereby reduce the bending moment and rigidity at the hinge region.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1992Date of Patent: September 20, 1994Assignee: Tambrands Inc.Inventors: Gina M. Tomaszewski, Garrett Cavanaugh
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Patent number: 5346468Abstract: An insertion device 10 for inserting material 13 into a body cavity is provided. An elongate, tubular holder 12, shaped for insertion into the body cavity, is adapted to hold the material to be inserted. The holder 12 has a material expulsion end portion 14 and a plunger 20, which is telescopically and slidably mounted in the holder, which is adapted to expel the material from the holder when pushed manually into the holder. The holder, and preferably the plunger as well, comprises an outer paper layer 28 and a polymer layer, preferably a cellophane layer 30, adhered to the paper layer on its outer surface, the layer having adequate water resistance to maintain its integrity during insertion into the body cavity.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1993Date of Patent: September 13, 1994Assignee: Tambrands Inc.Inventors: Terese A. Campion, Mark D. Albright, Betsy A. Davison
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Patent number: 5330427Abstract: This invention relates to a suppository applicator adapted for administering medicament in a suppository form to a body cavity. More particularly, it relates to a one-piece injection molded article having a main body portion and a flexible chamber whereby the flexible chamber is inverted in use to expel the medicament from the applicator into a body cavity.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 1993Date of Patent: July 19, 1994Assignee: Ortho Pharmaceutical CorporationInventor: Edward A. Weissenburger
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Patent number: 5290501Abstract: A method for forming a tampon applicator having a dome shape forward end, in which the stability of the petal tips to maintain their closure, is enhanced. During the manufacture of the tampon barrel, the petals which collectively form the dome shape tip are sprayed with a predetermined amount of moisture prior to their being presented to the heated tip forming die. It has been observed that the addition of moisture prior to petal tip formation counteracts the tendency of the petal tips to thereafter move towards their opened condition.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 1992Date of Patent: March 1, 1994Assignee: Playtex Family Products CorporationInventor: Allan W. Klesius
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Patent number: 5279541Abstract: An improved tampon applicator for insertion of a tampon into a body cavity is provided, including a paper tampon holder tube having an expulsion end dimensioned for insertion into the body cavity and including a plurality of contiguous segments separated by slits, and a plunger, telescopically and slidably mounted in the holder distal to the expulsion end and adapted to expel the tampon from the holder when pushed manually into the holder. As the tampon is expelled, the segments bend open at a hinge region. The segments of the improved applicator bend outwardly during expulsion with significantly reduced applied force, improving user comfort. In one aspect, the tampon holder includes a plurality of small cuts extending circumferentially from the slits through the paper in the vicinity of the hinge region. The cuts reduce the width of the petal segments, and thereby reduce the bending moment and rigidity at the hinge region.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1992Date of Patent: January 18, 1994Assignee: Tambrands Inc.Inventors: Max Frayman, Richard J. Lindsay, E. Russell Sprague
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Patent number: 5213566Abstract: This invention relates to a suppository applicator adapted for administering medicament in a suppository form to a body cavity. More particularly, it relates to a onepiece injection molded article having a main body portion and a flexible chamber whereby the flexible chamber is inverted in use to expel the medicament from the applicator into a body cavity.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1992Date of Patent: May 25, 1993Assignee: Ortho Pharmaceutical CorporationInventor: Edward A. Weissenburger
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Patent number: 5135475Abstract: A tampon has an absorbent material and an accommodation barrel for accommodating the absorbent material therein. The accommodation barrel includes an absorbent material accommodating portion for accommodating therein the absorbent material and a clamping portion continuously connected with the absorbent material accommodating portion and has a flexible property. The clamping portion is formed as a large diameter portion which is provided with a ring on an outer circumferential edge thereof.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 1991Date of Patent: August 4, 1992Assignee: Kao CorporationInventors: Takashi Nakanishi, Yasushi Koizumi, Masayuki Kuboi, Yasushi Nakafukushima, Yoshinori Takahashi, Tatsuya Yamamoto, Yoshihiro Sakai
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Patent number: 5087239Abstract: The ease of vaginal insertion experienced with round-edged petal-format tampon applicators can be achieved without the user comfort problems experienced in existing such application by a tampon applicator which has an expulsion end portion of unique structure. Thus, the invention provides an elongate hollow tampon holder shaped for vaginal insertion and having a tampon expulsion end portion and a plunger mounted in the holder and adapted to expel a tampon through the expulsion end portion from the holder interior. The expulsion end portion comprises a dome-shaped portion having an appreciable substantially central aperture therein and comprising a plurality of contiguous segments defined by a plurality of radial slits extending from said aperture through said dome-shaped portion to the base of the dome but no farther. In some embodiments, the expulsion end portion comprises a weakened region around the periphery of the tampon holder functioning as a preformed hinge.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1990Date of Patent: February 11, 1992Assignee: Tampax LimitedInventors: Alan L. Beastall, Malcolm G. Guest
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Patent number: 4963143Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing laser surgery by directing infrared and ultraviolet radiant energy from a surgical laser inside a patient's body using a lensguide is disclosed. The lensguide is comprised of a plurality of spaced convex lenses which are disposed within a plurality of rigid tubular segments connected end to end. The lensguide is flexible, allowing it to replace optical fibers in redirecting the radiant energy around bends encountered in surgical applications.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1989Date of Patent: October 16, 1990Inventor: Douglas A. Pinnow
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Patent number: 4923440Abstract: An improved device for containing and inserting tampons, suppositories and other objects includes the suppository or object, a transporter comprising a sheath or a combination of straps which surrounds the suppository or object and is open at one end, a long hollow cylinder, a short hollow cylinder attached to said transporter and slidably mounted on the outside of the long cylinder. The elements are arranged such that the tampon or other object may be inserted into an opening without frictional movement between the opening and either the long hollow cylinder or the sheath or the straps. The device is significantly more compact than prior art applicator devices and provides for smoothness and ease of insertion.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 1988Date of Patent: May 8, 1990Assignee: Henry Dreyfuss AssociatesInventor: Donald M. Genaro
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Patent number: 4900299Abstract: A biodegradable tampon applicator comprising a molded, flexible, polymeric hollow cylindrical body for enclosing a tampon therein and having a first open end through which said tampon is expelled and a second open end for receiving means for expelling said tampon, said body comprising a moldable poly 3-hydroxybutyric acid composition.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1987Date of Patent: February 13, 1990Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.Inventor: Andrew Webb
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Patent number: 4857044Abstract: A compact tampon applicator is disclosed having a hollow first tube with a forward end and a rearward end. A tampon is slidably positioned within the first tube. The tampon has a longitudinally aligned central aperture formed therein which is open at both ends and has a withdrawal string attached thereto. The applicator also contains a radially expandable second tube having a forward end and a rearward end. The forward end is initially retained in the central aperture of the tampon and the rearward end initially extends out of the rearward end of the first tube. The second tube is capable of expanding radially once the forward end is removed from the tampon such that the second tube acquires a larger diameter and can be manually moved forward to eject the tampon from the first tube.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1987Date of Patent: August 15, 1989Assignee: Kimberly-Clark CorporationInventor: Patrick G. Lennon
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Patent number: 4795422Abstract: An improved system for containing and inserting suppositories and objects includes the suppository or object, a sheath which surrounds the suppository or object and is open at one end, a broad-collared ring with an opening therein for passage of the suppository or object and the sheath, and a closure which is removably secured over the opening in the ring.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 1987Date of Patent: January 3, 1989Assignee: Henry Dreyfuss AssociatesInventors: James M. Conner, Daniel K. Harden, Donald M. Genaro
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Patent number: 4690671Abstract: The insertion and removal of tampons from a body cavity is facilitated by the use of an inserter equipped with a moveable and removable fluid reservoir at the place of tampon exit and conduits which carry a portion of the fluid to the other end of the tampon. The fluid can be a lubricant, a medicant or a combination thereof.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1985Date of Patent: September 1, 1987Inventors: Mary T. Coleman, Hedy E. Tasbas
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Patent number: 4676773Abstract: A compact tube applicator is provided in which a nesting telescoping inner tube has slits on its leading edge to receive the tampon pledget and a ring positioned around the trailing end, the trailing end being narrower in diameter than the leading end when the inner tube is pulled backward, the tampon is expelled through the leading ends of the two tubes by the inwardly compressive forces provided by the ring.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1985Date of Patent: June 30, 1987Assignee: Kimberly-Clark CorporationInventor: Donald A. Sheldon
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Patent number: 4648867Abstract: An improved tampon system includes a tampon, a sheath which surrounds the tampon and is open at one end, a broad-collared ring with an opening therein for passage of the tampon and the sheath, and a closure which is removably secured over the opening in the ring.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1986Date of Patent: March 10, 1987Assignee: Henry Dreyfuss AssociatesInventors: James M. Conner, Daniel K. Harden, Donald M. Genaro
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Patent number: 4620534Abstract: An apparatus for insertion of an intravaginal article into a mammalian female comprises a sleeve, a tube movably received within the sleeve, and a plunger adapted to release an intravaginal article from the tube. An anterior portion of the sleeve is adapted to be inserted within a segment of the reproductive tract of the female that is adjacent to the vulva and an anterior portion of the tube is adapted to be inserted within the tract to a point deeper than the segment, such that contaminants in the segment are not carried to the deeper point by the tube. A method for inserting an intravaginal article is also described.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 1984Date of Patent: November 4, 1986Assignee: New Mexico State University FoundationInventor: David L. Zartman
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Patent number: 4614182Abstract: The applicator for inserting a pessary into the uterus, which pessary comprises a chain combined with a distal coil screwable into the base of the uterus. The applicator has an inner shaft, which received the chain in its leading end, installed in an outer shaft and with its leading end securing the nearer of the coil in a formlocked or forcelocked manner, as well as a handle at the opposite end of the shaft whose rotation and axial displacement allow screwing the coil out of the outer shaft and into the base of the uterus to the extend of its longitudinal dimension. The outer and inner shafts are withdrawable from the uterus with respect to the screwed-in coil and chain which are to be released, after completion of the application.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1984Date of Patent: September 30, 1986Assignee: Richard Wolf GmbHInventor: Manfred Boebel
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Patent number: 4588395Abstract: A device and method are provided for disposing a quantity of matter at a select location within an animal or human body. In one form, the matter is a solid material, such as medication which dissolves with time, a source of radiation such as gamma radiation, a sensor or transducer in a housing which includes a short wave transmitter or other material or device which is operable to beneficially effect human tissue or body function when it is inserted into the body. The material is retained within a housing located at an end of a flexible tube or catheter which is inserted into a body cavity and is manipulated from the other end thereof to a predetermined location within the body cavity. Suitable actuating means located at the external end of the catheter is operated, when the head end thereof is at a predetermined location within the human body, to cause the material supported within the head to be ejected therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1980Date of Patent: May 13, 1986Inventor: Jerome H. Lemelson
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Patent number: 4508531Abstract: A flexible convolutely wound paper tampon tube is provided in which a thermoplastic coating on either the interior or the exterior portion of the tube is present in an amount to maintain the tube configuration.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1982Date of Patent: April 2, 1985Assignee: Kimberly-Clark CorporationInventor: Howard A. Whitehead
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Patent number: 4496341Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed which may be utilized to package vaginal medication and may also be utilized in the application of such medication. The apparatus includes a flexible tubular membrane with an open end and a closed end. The closed end is axially depressed into the tubular membrane and forms a cavity into which the medication is placed. During packaging, a sealing cap is placed over the cavity and encloses the cavity and the medication. To utilize the apparatus for application of medication, the tubular membrane is slipped over a hollow tubular applicator and a piston member is inserted into the hollow tubular applicator. The piston member is utilized to outwardly extend the closed end of the tubular membrane and dispense the medication. After utilization, the tubular membrane is removed from the hollow tubular applicator and may be disposed of, thus preserving the sanitary condition of the applicator.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1982Date of Patent: January 29, 1985Inventor: Anton B. Brucks
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Patent number: 4479791Abstract: A tampon applicator of the telescoping tube type including an ejector tube adapted to store a tampon in its distal end, a plurality of fingers formed in said distal end, an outer tube slip fit over the ejector tube, directionally-locking inward projections fixed within the distal end of said outer tube so as to pass between said fingers and engage a tampon carried therein thus securing the latter relative to said outer tube while permitting only distal expulsion therefrom. Said applicator charged with a tampon is packaged and stored in a telescopically collapsed position. It is activated for use by partial withdrawal of the ejector tube from the outer tube until the fingers of the ejector tube pass beyond the tampon and catch behind the proximal end of said tampon. The applicator is then used in the usual manner by telescopically collapsing the ejector tube into the outer tube, whereby the ejector tube serves as a plunger bearing against the proximal end of the tampon to expel the latter.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 1983Date of Patent: October 30, 1984Assignee: Tampax IncorporatedInventor: E. Russell Sprague
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Patent number: 4453925Abstract: A tampon insertion device comprising an elongated tube of spirally wound laminated paper construction provided with a domed insertion end defined by a series of generally hemispherically cupped petals. The petals are formed in a generally triangular configuration through the removal of tube material by appropriate punch and die apparatus. The insertion end of the tube, preferably prior to the defining of the petals in the tube end, is provided with longitudinal scores oriented to locate a single score extending centrally along each of the formed petals. Additionally, multiple circumferential scores are provided about the insertion end of the tube whereby each formed petal will incorporate multiple transversely extending scores.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 1982Date of Patent: June 12, 1984Assignee: Sonoco Products CompanyInventor: William D. Decker
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Patent number: 4421504Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for placing an object into a body cavity, the device comprising an applicator body, lubricating apparatus, and movement apparatus, wherein the lubricating apparatus and the movement apparatus may comprise a single plunger, whereby the object is placed into the device, the device is placed into the body cavity, and the single plunger is pressed, thereby lubricating the exterior of the injector and the single plunger is pushed, thereby pushing the object through the device and into the body cavity.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1982Date of Patent: December 20, 1983Inventor: Larry H. Kline
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Patent number: 4413986Abstract: A tampon assembly includes a tampon and a withdrawal cord, an insertion tube containing the tampon, a guide tube telescoped around the insertion tube, a flexible sheath attached to the inner end of the guide tube and tucked into the inner end of the insertion tube, and a pusher to eject the tampon from the insertion tube. When the user inserts the tampon by placing the guide tube against her introitus, plunging the insertion tube inward so that a portion thereof penetrates the vagina and plunging the pusher inward to eject the tampon from the insertion tube, the flexible sheath sheathes the penetrating portion of the insertion tube thereby maintaining the sterility of the insertion.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1980Date of Patent: November 8, 1983Inventor: Henry R. Jacobs
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Patent number: 4412833Abstract: This invention relates to a tampon applicator.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1981Date of Patent: November 1, 1983Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf AktienInventors: Georg Wiegner, Elmar Reinwald