Abstract: The present invention provides a tampon applicator barrel having a fingergrip with one or more gripping structures that have an acute edge for improved gripping. Preferably, the one or more gripping structures are one or more embossed ring-like structures. The present invention also provides a method for forming the one or more gripping structures on the applicator barrel. The method preferably includes forming at least one embossed ring-like gripping structure on the barrel such that the radial compressive strength of the applicator barrel is not compromised.

Abstract: A method of forming a barrel for a tampon applicator assembly including molding a barrel then forming a rearward taper region in an area of the barrel is provided. The method includes molding a first portion of the barrel in a first mold part and a second portion of the barrel in a second mold part, the first and second mold parts meeting at a maximum outer dimension of the first portion, ejecting the barrel from the first and second mold parts, and forming a flared region in an area of the second portion.

Abstract: A method of forming a barrel for a tampon applicator assembly including molding a barrel then forming a rearward taper region in an area of the barrel is provided. The method includes molding a first portion of the barrel in a first mold part and a second portion of the barrel in a second mold part, the first and second mold parts meeting at a maximum outer dimension of the first portion, ejecting the barrel from the first and second mold parts, and forming a flared region in an area of the second portion.

Abstract: A device and corresponding method for converting the contractile work of skeletal muscles into transportable energy. The device may comprise a converter having a mobile end adapted to be connected to a skeletal muscle, a relatively stationary end opposite the mobile end; one or more energy processing units operatively connected to the mobile and stationary ends of the converter, with each energy processing unit adapted to convert tensile forces generated by contraction of the skeletal muscle into transportable energy; and one or more energy conduits such as electrical wires associated with the relatively stationary end of the converter for delivering the transportable energy to power-consuming devices implanted in a body. The device may further comprise a relatively stationary end that is operatively connected to a body structure that is stationary relative to the skeletal muscle.

Abstract: The invention consists of a cushioned active cyclically deforming cushion or jacket (39) that surrounds the outer or epicardial surface of at least one chamber (2, 3, 4, 5) of the natural heart, including its base, configured so that internal components may be suspended from the jacket (39) by heart wall-penetrating cords to complete a restraining harness over the entire 3-dimensional boundary of the chamber or chambers. The cushion or jacket (39) provides protective and stabilizing openings (8, 9, 10) for atria and their inflow valves as well as for great vessels and their outflow valves. It is equipped with one or more actuator mechanisms (37, 38) that cyclically change shape at one or more sites, thus altering heart wall shape and chamber volume.

Abstract: A container and sealable cover in which the container has a bottom wall and an upstanding peripheral wall terminating in an upper edge surrounding an open mouth. The peripheral wall is inclined outwardly at a slight angle to the vertical or alternatively vertically disposed. A replaceable cover is provided with a central top planar wall and an inverted U-shaped periphery terminating in an outer rim skirt. A contiguous downwardly extending sealing fin is disposed inwardly of the skirt for forming an interference fit with the inside surface of the upper portion of the container peripheral wall when the cover is installed over the container mouth. The fin may be substantially vertically disposed or canted outwardly at a small angle to the vertical depending upon the inclination of the peripheral wall.

Abstract: The invention consists of means (1, 64, 81) of securing a powered active cyclically deforming jacket (13) that surrounds the outer or epicardial surface (12) of at least one chamber of the natural heart, as well as auxiliary components. Internal components suspended from the jacket (13) by heart wall-penetrating cords complete a restraining harness over the entire 3-dimensional boundary of the chamber or chambers. The embodiments of the invention also teach means (1, 64, 81) that are suitable to achieve secure fixation with limited operative exposure such as would be available in minimally invasive approaches, and means (89, 90, 91) by which later cardiac operation such as coronary bypass can be facilitated despite presence of the heart actuation device.

Abstract: An actuation mechanism for assisting the operation of the natural heart has a varying shape for deforming the heart. In one embodiment, a plurality of links (6) articulates with respect to each other for varying the shape of the actuation mechanism. The plurality of links (6) is configured for being positioned proximate to an outer surface of the heart for deforming the heart by varying the shape of the actuation mechanism. In another embodiment, a jacket (51) for coupling with an outer surface of the heart has a tether (50) coupled to successive sections of the jacket. The tether (50) is operable to be translated with respect to the jacket sections to vary the shape of the jacket (51) for deforming the heart. In another embodiment, a plurality of concentric ring structures (81-84) are coupled together to move with respect to each other in a concentric fashion.

Abstract: Actuator mechanisms on the heart are of several types. In preferred embodiments, they are generally simple, durable, mechanical assemblies and are driven by power delivered from a remote location, generally outside the chest, by a variety of mechanisms. The invention teaches physical mechanisms (1) for transfer of cyclic power from outside the chest to the region of the heart for that purpose, either as translational or rotary motion. Also taught are electromechanical converting mechanisms suitable for delivering power to those transfer devices. The embodiments described herein for either transmission of energy from a site of generation to a conduit (2, 10, 22), and of conduits that then deliver energy to heart actuators, have contours and interfaces designed to promote a favorable biologic response similar to the pseudosynovial capsules that surround artificial joints. Further, design features are chosen to avoid both non-vented gas-filled chambers and static collections of tissue fluid.

Abstract: A plunger having a first end, a second end, and a main body is provided. The first end of the plunger is about 10% to about 15% larger than the main body and the second end is more than about 50% larger than the main body.

Abstract: An actuation system for assisting the operation of the natural heart includes a framework for interfacing with a natural heart and which is coupled with tissue of the heart. An actuator element is adapted to be coupled to the framework and is configured for extending along a portion of a heart wall exterior surface. The actuator element is operable for deforming the portion of the heart wall to effect a reduction in the volume of the heart. A protective sheath is configured to extend along the heart wall between the actuator element and the heart wall portion for protecting the heart wall portion from damage by the actuator element. The protective sheath is flexible and operable to transmit, to the heart wall portion, a force thereon by the actuator element for indenting the heart wall portion.

Abstract: An actuation system for assisting the operation of the natural heart includes an actuator element adapted to be positioned proximate a portion of a heart wall. The actuator element is operable for acting on the heart wall portion to effect a change in the shape of the heart. A shape-limiting element is configured for being positioned proximate a heart wall. The shape-limiting element is operable for flexing to assume a curvature no greater than a predetermined curvature when the heart wall is acted upon and maintaining that predetermined curvature to control the shape of the actuated heart.

Abstract: An insertion kit for positioning a plurality of filaments into muscle includes at least one holder that is configured for being attached to an end portion of the muscle. The holder is coupled with a guide, such as on a frame. The guide conforms the muscle to a desired shape. An inserter, used in conjunction with a plurality of needles, inserts a plurality of filaments into the muscle.

Abstract: A method of forming a barrel for a tampon applicator assembly including molding a barrel then forming a rearward taper region in an area of the barrel is provided. The method includes molding a first portion of the barrel in a first mold part and a second portion of the barrel in a second mold part, the first and second mold parts meeting at a maximum outer dimension of the first portion, ejecting the barrel from the first and second mold parts, and forming a flared region in an area of the second portion.

Abstract: A plunger having a first end, a second end, and a main body is provided. The first end of the plunger is about 10% to about 15% larger than the main body and the second end is more than about 50% larger than the main body.

Abstract: A container and sealable cover in which the container has a bottom wall and an upstanding peripheral wall terminating in an upper edge surrounding an open mouth. The peripheral wall is inclined outwardly at a slight angle to the vertical or alternatively vertically disposed. A replaceable cover is provided with a central top planar wall and an inverted U-shaped periphery terminating in an outer rim skirt. A contiguous downwardly extending sealing fin is disposed inwardly of the skirt for forming an interference fit with the inside surface of the upper portion of the container peripheral wall when the cover is installed over the container mouth. The fin may be substantially vertically disposed or canted outwardly at a small angle to the vertical depending upon the inclination of the peripheral wall.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tampon applicator barrel having a fingergrip with one or more gripping structures that have an acute edge for improved gripping. Preferably, the one or more gripping structures are one or more embossed ring-like structures. The present invention also provides a method for forming the one or more gripping structures on the applicator barrel. The method preferably includes forming at least one embossed ring-like gripping structure on the barrel such that the radial compressive strength of the applicator barrel is not compromised.

Abstract: A container (10) and scalable cover (32) in which the container (10) has a bottom wall (12) and an upstanding peripheral wall (16, 18) terminating in an upper edge (22) surrounding an open mouth. The peripheral wall (16, 18) is inclined outwardly at a slight angle to the vertical or alternatively vertically disposed. A replaceable cover (32) is provided with a central top planar wall (34) and an inverted U-shaped periphery terminating in an outer rim skirt (38). A contiguous downwardly extending scaling fin (44) is disposed inwardly of the skirt for forming an interference fit with the inside surface of the upper portion of the container peripheral wall when the cover (32) is installed over the container mouth. The fin (44) may be substantially vertically disposed or canted outwardly at a small angle to the vertical depending upon the inclination of the peripheral wall (16, 18).

Abstract: A gas conveying system capable of conveying a solids material without pushing or compressing the solids material. The system comprising: at least one conduit assembly comprising a conduit, a lance assembly disposed about a first end of the conduit which is capable of removing the solids material from a holding device, and a first eductor which is capable of entraining the solids material in a gas stream and moving the solids material through the conduit; a cyclone disposed about a second end of the conduit, the cyclone being capable of separating the solids material from the gas stream; and a second eductor disposed to receive the solids material from the cyclone, the second eductor being capable of entraining the solids material in a second gas stream which has a solid-material-to-gas mass ratio which is greater than that of the first eductor. The second stage eductor transports the particles further downstream for storage, additional transport or for further treatment, such as burning in an incinerator.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in one mode as a cot or play yard and in another mode as a play mat includes a framework which may be used to erect and lower a flexible peripheral wall. A mattress is supported in the apparatus in either mode and is removed during the step of converting from one mode to the other and repositioned. In the play mat mode, the mattress rests on the collapsed framework.