Abstract: An apparatus and method of assembling an inner tube into a hollow outer tube is disclosed for forming a tampon applicator. The apparatus includes a first member configured to mate with the outer tube and a second member configured to mate with the inner tube. A vacuum is intermittently supplied to the first and second members to hold the inner and outer tubes in coaxial alignment. The apparatus also includes a push rod which is designed to contact and move the inner tube off of the second member and into the outer tube. The movement of the push rod is activated by a control mechanism which can reciprocally move the push rod a predetermined distance at a set time to permit the inner tube to be inserted into the outer tube. The control mechanism also enables the push rod to be separated the inner tube after the two tubes are assembled.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of assembling an inner tube into a hollow outer tube is disclosed for forming a tampon applicator. The apparatus includes a first member configured to mate with the outer tube and a second member configured to mate with the inner tube. A vacuum is intermittently supplied to the first and second members to hold the inner and outer tubes in coaxial alignment. The apparatus also includes a push rod which is designed to contact and move the inner tube off of the second member and into the outer tube. The movement of the push rod is activated by a control mechanism which can reciprocally move the push rod a predetermined distance at a set time to permit the inner tube to be inserted into the outer tube. The control mechanism also enables the push rod to be separated from the inner tube after the two tubes are assembled.