Abstract: Tampons that provide a balance of adequate absorption with sufficient expansion properties during absorption and a relatively small initial diameter for comfortable insertion are provided.

Abstract: Tampons that provide a balance of adequate absorption with sufficient expansion properties during absorption and a relatively small initial diameter for comfortable insertion are provided.

Abstract: A method for altering the appearance of molded articles is described herein. The method includes the steps of providing a plurality of articles; feeding a first article to a conveyor; transporting the first article to a treatment station; activating an activatable colorant of the first article by exposing the first article to at least one energy source, thereby causing a color change in the first article; manipulating the exposure of the first article to create a first discernable pattern in the first article; feeding a second article to the conveyor; transporting the second article to the treatment station; activating an activatable colorant of the second article by exposing the second article to the at least one energy source, thereby causing a color change in the second article; and manipulating the exposure of the second article to create a second discernable pattern in the second article.

Abstract: A method for altering the appearance of molded articles is described herein. The method includes the steps of providing a plurality of articles; feeding a first article to a conveyor; transporting the first article to a treatment station; activating an activatable colorant of the first article by exposing the first article to at least one energy source, thereby causing a color change in the first article; manipulating the exposure of the first article to create a first discernable pattern in the first article; feeding a second article to the conveyor; transporting the second article to the treatment station; activating an activatable colorant of the second article by exposing the second article to the at least one energy source, thereby causing a color change in the second article; and manipulating the exposure of the second article to create a second discernable pattern in the second article.

Abstract: Telescoping web handling members which can be adjusted to facilitate processing webs of varying dimensions are presented.

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: Tampons that provide a balance of adequate absorption with sufficient expansion properties during absorption and a relatively small initial diameter for comfortable insertion are provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for activating colorant in selected regions of an article in which the colorant is incorporated are described. The colorant activation can create various desired visual aspects.

Abstract: Included are systems and methods for modeling compliant parts. Some of the systems and/or methods include creating a 3-dimensional simulation of a product that includes an outer part and an inner part, determining a deformation characteristic of the product, and simulating an interaction of the inner part with the outer part. Similarly, in some of the systems and/or methods a characteristic of interaction may be measured from the interaction, a determination may be made regarding whether the characteristic of interaction meets a predetermined threshold. In some of the systems and/or methods, in response to determining that the characteristic of interaction meets the predetermined threshold, an output may be sent indicating product design acceptability. In response to determining that the characteristic of interaction does not meet the predetermined threshold, the 3-dimensional simulation may be iteratively altered until the characteristic of interaction meets the predetermined threshold.

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: Heat and/or mechanical treatments on a post-molded article to create designs or textures that extend minimally above or below a surface of the article are described.

Abstract: Included are systems and methods for modeling compliant parts. Some of the systems and/or methods include creating a 3-dimensional simulation of a product that includes an outer part and an inner part, determining a deformation characteristic of the product, and simulating an interaction of the inner part with the outer part. Similarly, in some of the systems and/or methods a characteristic of interaction may be measured from the interaction, a determination may be made regarding whether the characteristic of interaction meets a predetermined threshold. In some of the systems and/or methods, in response to determining that the characteristic of interaction meets the predetermined threshold, an output may be sent indicating product design acceptability. In response to determining that the characteristic of interaction does not meet the predetermined threshold, the 3-dimensional simulation may be iteratively altered until the characteristic of interaction meets the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Methods for moving and controlling the position of an article are described. In one embodiment, the method employs a conveyor including a substantially planar surface and a support member situated opposite the substantially planar surface. An article is placed between and in contact with both the substantially planar surface and the support member. And at least one of the conveyor and the support member are moved wherein the article is both rotated and translated so that the rotation amount substantially matches the translation amount.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for activating colorant in selected regions of an article in which the colorant is incorporated are described. The colorant activation can create various desired visual aspects.