Abstract: A method for treating urinary incontinence includes the steps of inserting into the woman's vagina a first disposable device, removing the first disposable device, and inserting a second disposable device substantially identical to the first disposable device. The disposable devices have a working portion with opposed working surfaces to provide support to an associated urinary system and an anchoring portion to maintain the disposable device in place during use. The anchoring portion has at least one member extending beyond at least one end of the working portion.

Abstract: A bristle configuration providing enhanced cleaning of teeth. The bristle pattern includes large tufts having a greater cross-sectional area than standard toothbrush bristle tufts. The large tufts are contoured so that the top ends of the bristles comprising the large tufts are not all at the same height. More than one raised section is provided, the raised sections being spatially isolated from one another to function independently of one another. Preferably, at least one of the raised sections has a sufficient brushing surface area with bristles extending a sufficient height above surrounding bristles such that that raised section can reach into and clean interdental tooth surfaces, preferably while the remaining bristles in the large tuft clean other tooth surfaces. Another aspect of the invention relates to a zig-zag or sawtooth bristle profile, wherein each tuft making up the profile has its own unique substantially conical or frustoconical profile.

Abstract: A tooth sensitivity treatment composition is disclosed. The composition includes a compound of formula I M1-A-M2-B-M1??(I) wherein: M1 is a monovalent or divalent metal; M2 is a polyvalent metal or metal oxide; and A and B are, independently, selected from the group consisting of C2-C6 diacids, triacids, and tetraacids. Methods for treating tooth sensitivity are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tooth sensitivity treatment composition is disclosed. The composition includes a compound of Formula I M1A-M2-Bm3 ??(I) wherein: M1 and M3 are, independently, a monovalent or divalent metal; M2 is a polyvalent metal or metal oxide; and A and B are, independently, selected from the group consisting of C2-C6 diacids, triacids, and tetraacids. Methods for treating tooth sensitivity are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tooth sensitivity treatment composition is disclosed. The composition includes a compound of formula I M1-A-M2-B-M1??(I) wherein: M1 is a monovalent or divalent metal; M2 is a polyvalent metal or metal oxide; and A and B are, independently, selected from the group consisting of C2-C6 diacids, triacids, and tetraacids. Methods for treating tooth sensitivity are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved gelatinous coated dosage form having two end regions coated with gelatinous materials and an exposed circumferential band. Openings are provided in at least the exposed band to reveal the core material. The invention also relates to methods for manufacturing such gelatinous coated dosage forms.

Abstract: A child-resistant multi-step tear-access blister package having at least one product well containing a product. The product is accessed by tearing the blister package from a peripheral edge toward the product well. A step in addition to tearing is required to access the product, thereby elevating the cognitive skill necessary to access the product above those of a typical small child. In the disclosed exemplary embodiment, the additional step involves weakening a tear-resistant channel blocking a tear path from the peripheral edge of the package to the product well. More particularly, initial tearing of the package toward the product well is interfered with by the presence of the tear-resistant channel interrupting the tear path. The tear-resistant channel may be bent or snapped to permit tearing therethrough and to permit continued tearing of the blister package toward the product well to access the product.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an absorbent article includes a holding tool, a female tool disposed along a machine axis, and a male tool disposed along the machine axis. The holding tool has an aperture aligned along the machine axis and means for holding a flexible sheet across the aperture. The female tool has at least one folding element extending in a direction radially away from the machine axis, and the male tool has means for holding a fluid storage element and at least one pleating blade extending in a direction radially away from the machine axis. At least two of the holding tool, female tool, and male tool are capable of relative motion along the machine axis. Further the at least one pleating blade and of the male tool and the at least one folding element of the female tool are aligned to permit manipulation of the flexible sheet about the fluid storage element.

Abstract: Monofilament dental tapes including a core body having first and second opposing external faces, where at least one of the external faces has a plurality of indentations protruding into the core body of the dental tape, where the plurality of indentations are provided in from about 5% to about 95% of the total area of the first or second external faces, the indentations having a depth within the core body corresponding to from about 0.1% to about 95% of the thickness of the core body, taken transversally to the external face containing the plurality of indentations.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and device for dispensing a quantity of liquid from a vessel. In one embodiment, an apparatus according to the invention comprises: a base portion adapted for insertion into an opening of a vessel, the base portion having a well extending into the base portion such that at least a portion of the well resides at within a body of the vessel when the base portion is inserted into the vessel opening; and a hollow spout portion extending from the well of the base portion away from the vessel opening when the base portion is inserted into the vessel opening, the spout portion having at least one opening such that a liquid within the body of the vessel may pass through the hollow spout, through the at least one opening, and into the well.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing absorbent tampons with reduced fiber fluff includes a novel needlepunching unit. The method includes the steps of providing a continuous nonwoven fibrous web; separating individual nonwoven web sections from the continuous nonwoven fibrous web; forming distinct side edges of each individual nonwoven web section; rolling the nonwoven web section to form a substantially cylindrical tampon blank; and compressing the substantially cylindrical tampon blank to form the absorbent tampon. The distinct side edges of each individual nonwoven web section are formed by needlepunching proximate the longitudinal side edges of each individual nonwoven web section, folding both longitudinal side edges inwardly to form distinct side edges of the individual nonwoven web section, and needlepunching the folded longitudinal side edges to stabilize the distinct side edges of the individual nonwoven web section.

Abstract: An intravaginal device has a fluid storage element and at least one fluid transport element in fluid communication with the fluid storage element. The at least one fluid transport element has a first plate and a second plate coupled to the first plate. The second plate is capable of separating from the first plate sufficiently to provide inter-plate capillary action. The at least one fluid transport element is bendable about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fluid storage element. The invention also includes methods and apparatus useful in the production of an intravaginal device.

Abstract: A composition comprising a high molecular weight, water soluble polymer having a cloud point from about 20 to about 90° C. and at least one carrageenan is provided. The composition may be used as a component of a pharmaceutical dosage form, such as the shell of a dosage form, to provide burst release of active ingredient contained therein.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a cover layer, a barrier layer and an absorbent system arranged between the cover layer and the barrier layer, the absorbent article being drapeable and possessing the absorbency attributes required of a sanitary napkin.

Abstract: A dosage form comprises at least one active ingredient, a first portion which comprises an exterior surface and one or more cavities defining at least one interior surface having indentations and an exterior surface, and a second molded portion which is inlaid into the cavities of the first portion and has an exterior surface. The first and second portions are in contact at an interface, the second portion comprises a solidified thermoplastic material, and the second portion resides substantially conformally upon the indentations of the first portion. In another embodiment, a dosage form comprises at least one active ingredient, a core having an outer surface and a shell residing on at least a portion of the core outer surface, wherein the shell comprises a first shell portion and a second molded shell portion which is inlaid into the first shell portion.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a cover layer, a barrier layer and an absorbent system arranged between the cover layer and the barrier layer, the absorbent article being drapeable and possessing the absorbency attributes required of a sanitary napkin.

Abstract: The invention provides self-preserving compositions and methods for their production.