Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a dimensionally stable compressed article such as an absorbent catamenial tampon comprising compressed cellulosic fibers. The method comprises the steps of first radially compressing a cylindrical blank to form a radially compressed blank having a length in excess of the desired finished length; then axially compressing the blank in a heated chamber to a length less than the desired finished length; then allowing the blank to expand to the desired finished length; and then maintaining the blank at this length while still in the heated chamber until the blank obtains the desired stability.

Abstract: An improvement in an apparatus for winding a batt of material in strip form carrying a free end of a withdrawal tape to form a rolled body thereof having withdrawal tape attached thereto which comprise a forked shaped totatable winding mandrel having fork tines, means for moving said winding mandrel back and forth in the plane of movement of said batt of material said fork tines positioned so as to straddle the longitudinal side of said batting material which carries the free end of the withdrawal tape with it, the improvement residing in that said winding mandrel contains an interior bore lengthwise thereof which bore is connected to a vacuum source means for transporting said batt of material in rolled form from said winding mandrel to a subsequent work station disposed on the side of the so-formed roll that carries the free end of the withdrawal tape.

Abstract: An improvement in a process for preparing a tampon having a withdrawal string or tape positioned against the withdrawal end of the tampon, the improvement comprising forming the tampon body by winding a batting material strip to which is attached a withdrawal string or tape while maintaining said string or tape disposed away from said material strip and in containing it coaxial with respect to the roll axis of the batting material strip disposing the same in a cavity disposed at the withdrawal end of the so formed tampon.