Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for forming a curl on an end of a tubular member. The apparatus includes first and second members. The first member is capable of holding the tubular member and has an external shoulder beyond which the first end of the tubular member extends a set amount. The second member is coaxially aligned with and is engageable with the first end of the tubular member. The second member includes a pilot which is sized to be inserted into the first end of the tubular member. The second member also includes a sleeve which surrounds the pilot and cooperates with the external shoulder when the second member engages the first end of the tubular member to form a curling chamber. The second member further includes a curling element positioned between the pilot and the sleeve which is capable of contacting the first end of the tubular member. The apparatus further includes means for rotating one of the members and means for moving the members into engagement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for crimping, pleating and forming a tip on a hollow tube. The apparatus includes a first punch having a tubular section sized to receive the tube and having a configured tip with a plurality of elongated grooves formed therein. The first punch also contains a shoulder formed at an opposite end of the tubular section which acts as a stop for the tube. The first punch and tube are mateable with a first die. The first die includes a base having a plurality of blades extending axially outward therefrom. Each blade is designed to engage with one of the grooves formed on the first punch and causes the tip of the tube to be crimped therebetween. After an end of the tube has been crimped, it is transformed into a plurality of pleats and configured into a semi-spherically shaped tip having a central aperture formed therethrough. This is accomplished using a second punch having a tubular section sized to receive the tube.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for reducing the force required to expel a catamenial tampon from a tampon applicator. The tampon applicator is also disclosed. The tampon applicator includes a first member which is capable of housing an absorbent tampon. The first member has an inside diameter, first and second spaced apart ends, and an insertion tip formed adjacent to the first end. The insertion tip at least partially closes the first end of the first member and facilitates insertion of the tampon applicator into a woman's vagina. The insertion tip is opened, expanded and reclosed prior to positioning the tampon in the first member. This action allows the insertion tip to be reopened with a minimum amount of expulsion force. The apparatus includes a first punch having an outside diameter which is sized slightly less than the inside diameter of the first member. This enables the first punch to slide within the first member from the second end toward the first end.