Abstract: A method of assembling a tampon applicator includes providing a barrel with internal ridges that define a guide channel having an effective diameter. The method includes providing a plunger that has a finger flare with a circular shape and a flare diameter that is at least 15% larger than the effective diameter of the guide channel. The method includes assembling the plunger and the barrel by pushing the finger flare into the guide channel and deforming the finger flare into a non-circular shape while moving the finger flare through the guide channel. The method includes moving the finger flare out of the plunger end of the barrel and reestablishing the circular shape of the finger flare.

Abstract: Self-corrugating laminates useful in the manufacture of thermoelectric devices are disclosed. The laminates include an upper and a lower shrinkable film layer and a non-shrinkable core with a thermoelectric pattern formed thereon bonded between said upper and lower shrinkable film along bond lines arranged parallel, substantially parallel, radially, or annularly. The bond lines that bond the upper shrinkable film layer to top surface of the nonshrinkable core are staggered relative to the bond lines that bond the lower shrinkable film layer to the bottom surface of the non-shrinkable core such that upon shrinkage of the shrinkable film layers, structural corrugations are formed in the non-shrinkable core. Thermoelectric modules or devices and methods for forming them from the self-corrugating laminates are also described.

Abstract: A pull-activated applicator includes a barrel, a pledget, a finger grip, and a deployment element. The pledget includes a withdrawal string and is located within the barrel. The barrel, the pledget, and the deployment element are configured such that application of a force to the deployment element in a first direction deploys the pledget and withdrawal string from the barrel in a second direction generally opposite the first direction.

Abstract: The present inventions relate to cellulose esters having low hydroxyl content for use in optical applications, such as liquid crystal display (LCD) films. Films with low hydroxyl levels and a given ratio of non-acetyl ester to hydroxyl level have low intrinsic birefringence. These films can be cast, molded, or otherwise oriented without an appreciable birefringence or optical distortion (i.e. retardation). These films are useful in polarizer, protective, and compensator films and in molded optical parts, such as lenses. The resins of the present inventions can also be made to have “+C plate” behavior either by melt or solvent based processing, which is uncharacteristic of cellulose esters. Such +C behavior allows films having unique compensatory behavior. Other embodiments of the invention relate to methods of melt casting films while minimizing birefringence. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to films made from the cellulose esters described herein further comprising a plasticizer.

Abstract: A self-service distribution system and method to request a withdrawal of funds from tax-deferred accounts (i.e., a distribution), such as individual retirement accounts (IRAs). The system may retrieve information about a participant's age and type of account from which a distribution is requested. A series of checks defined by rules and regulations that apply to tax-deferred accounts may be run against participant and account information retrieved by the system. A sequence of user interfaces may present information and warnings, such as tax consequences of the distribution, to the guide the participant. The participant may request distributions having a certain frequency, amount, and timing through the presented user interfaces. After all of the information is entered to initiate the distribution, a verification page is presented such that the participant may confirm the enter information is correct. Upon submitting the request, a confirmation is presented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cellulose esters having low hydroxyl content for use in optical applications, such as liquid crystal display (LCD) films. Films made with low hydroxyl levels and a given ratio of non-acetyl ester to hydroxyl level have been found to have low intrinsic birefringence. These films can be cast, molded, or otherwise oriented without an appreciable birefringence or optical distortion (i.e. retardation). Such features make these films useful in polarizer, protective, and compensator films as well as molded optical parts, such as lenses. Furthermore, it has also been found that resins of the present invention can also be made to have “+C plate” behavior either by melt or solvent based processing, a characteristic which is not typical of cellulose esters. Such +C behavior allows films to be produced having unique compensatory behavior. Other embodiments of the invention relate to methods melt casting films while minimizing birefringence formation.

Abstract: Self-corrugating laminates are disclosed that include first and second shrinkable film layers, each having a primary axis of shrinkage, bonded together in a grid of spaced bond points arranged substantially linearly along perpendicular horizontal and vertical bond lines such that the axes of shrinkage are substantially perpendicular to one another. Upon shrinkage of the shrinkable film layers, a structural corrugate is formed that includes first and second corrugated layers each with structural corrugations therein arranged along lines of corrugation. At the interface of the two corrugated layers, the lines of corrugation in the first corrugated layer are substantially perpendicular to the lines of corrugation in the second corrugated layer.

Abstract: Self-corrugating laminates are disclosed that include first and second non-shrinkable core layers bonded together in a grid of spaced bond points arranged substantially linearly along perpendicular horizontal and vertical bond point lines; and upper and lower shrinkable film layers, each having a primary axis of shrinkage and each bonded to one of the non-shrinkable core layers along bond lines that are substantially perpendicular to the primary axis of shrinkage of the immediately adjacent shrinkable film layer. Upon shrinkage of the upper and lower shrinkable film layers a corrugated structure is formed that includes first and second core layers each having spaced structural corrugations formed therein.

Abstract: A self-corrugating laminate is disclosed. The self-corrugating laminate includes an upper and a lower shrinkable film layer each having at least one axis of shrinkage and a non-shrinkable core bonded between the upper and lower shrinkable film layers along bond lines. The bond lines that bond the upper shrinkable film layer to the non-shrinkable core are staggered relative to the bond lines that bond the lower shrinkable film layer to the non-shrinkable core such that upon shrinkage of the shrinkable film layers, structural corrugations are formed in the non-shrinkable core. The shrinkable film layers of the invention exhibit a percent shrinkage along an axis of shrinkage from about 10 to about 45 percent.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to films that are deposited with foamable inks or coatings. One purpose is to facilitate their separation for recycling purposes. The films are particularly useful as packaging labels. The inks/coatings are designed so that foaming is activated when the film is in the hot-wash stage of a typical recycle process. This provides added buoyancy to the film allowing it to float to the surface and be removed, thereby significantly improving the efficiency of the recycle process. A feature of the invention is that, prior to this hot wash, the inks/coatings remain substantially unfoamed and thereby do not negatively affect the aesthetics of labeled package. The foamable inks/coatings can be used with any type of film.

Abstract: A method of assembling a tampon applicator includes providing a barrel with internal ridges that define a guide channel having an effective diameter. The method includes providing a plunger that has a finger flare with a circular shape and a flare diameter that is at least 15% larger than the effective diameter of the guide channel. The method includes assembling the plunger and the barrel by pushing the finger flare into the guide channel and deforming the finger flare into a non-circular shape while moving the finger flare through the guide channel. The method includes moving the finger flare out of the plunger end of the barrel and reestablishing the circular shape of the finger flare.

Abstract: A method of assembling a tampon applicator includes providing a barrel with internal ridges that define a guide channel having an effective diameter. The method includes providing a plunger that has a finger flare with a circular shape and a flare diameter that is at least 15% larger than the effective diameter of the guide channel. The method includes assembling the plunger and the barrel by pushing the finger flare into the guide channel and deforming the finger flare into a non-circular shape while moving the finger flare through the guide channel. The method includes moving the finger flare out of the plunger end of the barrel and reestablishing the circular shape of the finger flare.

Abstract: Disclosed are hot-melt adhesives prepared from aromatic-aliphatic polyesters containing terephthalic acid in combination with adipic acid, glutaric acid, or a mixture thereof, as diacid components and a diol component containing 1,4-butanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, or a combination thereof. These adhesives set up rapidly within a well-defined temperature window. The hot-melt adhesives can be used in a variety of applications, but are especially suited as seaming adhesives for roll-applied labels. These adhesives have melting temperatures and crystallization properties that allow their application at temperatures cool enough to prevent curling and premature shrinkage of the shrink label during seaming, and yet produce strong label seams that can withstand the elevated temperatures of a shrink tunnel without sacrificing line speed. Also disclosed are labeled containers and a process for applying a roll-on, shrink label to a container using the hot-melt adhesives of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed are hot-melt adhesives prepared from polyesters containing 1,4-cyclohexane-dicarboxylic acid as a diacid component and a diol component containing at least two diols chosen from 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, triethylene glycol, and diethylene glycol. These adhesives set up rapidly within a well-defined temperature window. The hot-melt adhesives can be used in a variety of applications, but are especially suited as seaming adhesives for roll-applied labels. These adhesives have melting temperatures and crystallization properties that allow their application at temperatures cool enough to prevent curling and premature shrinkage of the shrink label during seaming, and yet produce strong label seams that can withstand the elevated temperatures of a shrink tunnel without sacrificing line speed. Also disclosed are labeled containers and a process for applying a roll-on, shrink label to a container using the hot-melt adhesives of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to films made from mixed cellulose esters having low hydroxyl content and certain plasticizers. These films can exhibit +C plate, ?A plate, and biaxial Nz behavior, which make them particularly suitable for use in optical applications, such as in liquid crystal displays (LCD) as protective and compensator films.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cellulose esters having low hydroxyl content for use in optical applications, such as liquid crystal display (LCD) films. Films made with low hydroxyl levels and a given ratio of non-acetyl ester to hydroxyl level have been found to have low intrinsic birefringence. Therefore, these films can be cast, molded, or otherwise oriented without an appreciable birefringence or optical distortion (i.e. retardation). Such features make these films useful in polarizer, protective, and compensator films as well as molded optical parts, such as lenses. Furthermore, it has also been found that resins of the present invention can also be made to have “+C plate” behavior either by melt or solvent based processing, a characteristic which is not typical of cellulose esters. Such +C behavior allows films to be produced having unique compensatory behavior. Other embodiments of the invention relate to methods melt casting films while minimizing birefringence formation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to films made from cellulose triacetate having low hydroxyl content and certain plasticizers. These films can exhibit low or zero optical retardation values, making them particularly suitable for use in optical applications, such as in liquid crystal displays (LCD) as protective and compensator films.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cellulose esters having low hydroxyl content for use in optical applications, such as liquid crystal display (LCD) films. Films made with low hydroxyl levels and a given ratio of non-acetyl ester to hydroxyl level have been found to have low intrinsic birefringence. Therefore, these films can be cast, molded, or otherwise oriented without an appreciable birefringence or optical distortion (i.e. retardation). Such features make these films useful in polarizer, protective, and compensator films as well as molded optical parts, such as lenses. Furthermore, it has also been found that resins of the present invention can also be made to have “+C plate” behavior either by melt or solvent based processing, a characteristic which is not typical of cellulose esters. Such +C behavior allows films to be produced having unique compensatory behavior. Other embodiments of the invention relate to methods melt casting films while minimizing birefringence formation.

Abstract: A packaged tampon and applicator assembly includes a tampon and an applicator assembled together with the tampon and adapted to facilitate insertion of the tampon in a user. A wrapper has an interior space and sealingly encloses the tampon and applicator assembly in the interior space. The wrapper includes a line of weakness formed therein to facilitate tearing of the wrapper along the line of weakness to facilitate opening a portion thereof to provide an opening in the wrapper through which the tampon and applicator assembly is removed from the wrapper. The wrapper is further configured to inhibit separation of the opened portion from the wrapper. The remainder of the wrapper defines a pocket sized for receiving the entire applicator therein following use of the applicator to insert the tampon in the user. Should mention facilitation of the opening via a line of weakness (i.e. perforation).