Abstract: A system for brewing a beverage from a liquid. The system preferably has a device for steeping brewing ingredients in a liquid. The liquid is delivered to the steeping device through a contaminant removing device, such as a filter. The contaminant removing device is alternatively disposed, by way of a positioning device, either between the liquid supply and the steeping device or in a position wherein the contaminant removing device can be dried, cleaned, or replaced. A method of using such a system is also provided.

Abstract: A system for brewing a beverage from a liquid. The system preferably comprises a device for steeping brewing ingredients in a liquid. The liquid is delivered to the steeping device through a contaminant removing device, such as a filter. The contaminant removing device is alternatively disposed, by way of a positioning device, either between the liquid supply and the steeping device or in a position wherein the contaminant removing device can be dried, cleaned, or replaced. A method of using such a system is also provided.

Abstract: A shortened tampon applicator of the telescoping tube type employs an ejector tube to store a tampon at its distal end and an outer tube disposed by a slip fit thereover. Directionally-locking inward flaps fixed within the distal end of said outer tube engage the distal end of the tampon stored in the ejector tube thus securing the latter relative to said outer tube while permitting only distal expulsion therefrom. The ejector tube advantageously has inwardly biased short stubby fingers at its distal end which catch behind the proximal end of the tampon. Preferably, the applicator tubes are both molded form soft plastic and have an improved restraining means for interlocking the two tubes. This means comprises a stopping ring and a shorter adjacent inner stabilizing ring positioned to project from the inner surface of the outer tube at its proximal end and an axially overlapping a third ring of ribs positioned around the outer surface of the ejector tube near its distal end.

Abstract: A shortened tampon applicator of the telescoping tube type employs an ejector tube to store a tampon in its distal end and an outer tube disposed by a slip fit thereover to thus shorten the overall length of the tampon and applicator assembly. Directionally-locking inward flaps fixed within the distal end of said outer tube engage the distal end of the tampon stored in the ejector tube thus securing the latter relative to said outer tube while permitting only distal expulsion therefrom. The ejector tube preferably has inwardly biased flexible portions at its distal end which serve to catch behind the proximal end of the tampon. In the preferred version, the inwardly biased portions are unique undulations at the blunt distal end of the ejector tube which advantageously cooperatively functions with a tampon having an enlarged tail.

Abstract: A shortened tampon applicator of the telescoping tube type employs an ejector tube to store a tampon in its distal end and an outer tube disposed by a slip fit thereover to thus shorten the overall length of the tampon and applicator assembly. Directionally-locking inward flaps fixed within the distal end of said outer tube engage the distal end of the tampon stored in the ejector tube thus securing the latter relative to said outer tube while permitting only distal expulsion therefrom. The ejector tube preferably has inwardly biased flexible portions at its distal end which serve to catch behind the proximal end of the tampon. In the preferred version, the inwardly biased portions are unique undulations at the blunt distal end of the ejector tube.