With String Attaching Patents (Class 28/120)
  • Patent number: 12220129
    Abstract: An arthroscopic bleeding control device shows a static absorptive and hemostatic effect against hemorrhage in an articular cavity that can be exposed by an arthroscopy part, and includes a hemostatic block configured to be inserted in the articular cavity through the arthroscopy part, and a hemostatic unit including a lead line extending from the hemostatic block to protrude outside through the arthroscopy part, in which the hemostatic block is formed by winding or folding a hemostatic band elongated in a longitudinal direction and then compressed in a thickness direction at least into a reference thickness for insertion into the articular cavity, so the hemostatic block can be expanded at least in the thickness direction by hemorrhage in the articular cavity, and when the lead line is pulled, the hemostatic band is unwound or unfolded from the expanding hemostatic block, so the hemostatic block is taken out of the articular cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2025
    Inventor: Hyung Hun Kim
  • Patent number: 12102513
    Abstract: An apparatus for equipping tampon applicators with tampons includes an encircling guide arrangement with an entry point, at which the tampon applicators are fed into the apparatus. The apparatus furthermore includes an exit point, at which equipped tampon applicators are discharged. The apparatus furthermore includes an equipping unit arranged between the entry point and the exit point and designed for equipping tampon applicators with tampons. A multiplicity of guide units which are guided on the guide arrangement serves for transporting the tampon applicators on the guide arrangement. A guide unit conveys tampon applicators on such apparatus, and a method equips tampon applicators with tampons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignee: Ruggli AG
    Inventors: Samuel Schuler, Patrick Baumgartner
  • Patent number: 10899100
    Abstract: Powder press having preferably stamps which are movable for a transverse press in a feed housing. The stamps partially delimit a hollow chamber of a matrix in the feed housing and are able to be coupled to a press device by one connector piece each. An adjustable positioning device, which is formed from a wedge arrangement having a stop surface and placed crosswise to the moving direction of the stamp, is allocated to the respective stamp for determining the pressing position thereof. The wedge arrangement includes at least one wedge which is adjustable crosswise to the moving direction of the stamp and has the stop surface which contacts a stop surface at the stamp. Such a wedge arrangement can achieve very accurate pressing positions of the stamp, and extremely stable positioning of the stamp to be pressed with high pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Inventor: Dietmar W Kramer
  • Patent number: 10118847
    Abstract: Devices are provided herein for the purification of free flowing or semi-free flowing bodies of water by removing impurities, such as nitrates. In one or more implementations, the impurity-removing device includes a cylindrically shaped housing that is open on both ends and defining an inner cavity. A cap is disposed at one opening at one end of the housing, the cap having multiple openings placed through the cap and being sized and shaped to fit the opening at the end of the housing. The impurity-removing device also includes a collection strip on an outer surface of the housing that is colored, sized and shaped to collect heat or energy from the environment, and an impurity-removing medium contained within the inner cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Inventors: Alexander B. Howe, Jonathan Chin, Ethan Donovan, Matthew Harris, Michael Jiashu Yin
  • Patent number: 10010457
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an intravaginal tampon for feminine hygiene. In particular, it relates to methods for producing such a tampon having relatively deep, penetrating grooves in which adjacent penetrating jaws pass through the same tampon press space during manufacture and to an apparatus useful in making such a tampon as well as the tampons made therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson GmbH
    Inventors: David L. Kimball, Tony C. Ng, Tara Zedayko
  • Patent number: 9925093
    Abstract: A method of delivering a withdrawal cord to a transfer member, wherein the method includes providing a supply path fluidly connected to a metered cord supply. The supply path comprises a pressure source, a transfer member, and a cutting apparatus. The transfer member comprises a first surface, a second surface, and a plurality of orifices on the first surface. The method also comprises moving a deployed cord supply towards the transfer member through the supply path by a fluid flow generated by the pressure source. The method further comprises moving a portion of the deployed cord supply into an orifice of the transfer member, moving the deployed cord supply to an attachment system, connecting the deployed cord supply to a substrate, and cutting the deployed cord supply to create a withdrawal cord comprising a first end and a second end; wherein a portion of the withdrawal cord is in the orifice to the transfer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Kevin Charles Strong, Evan Joseph Durling
  • Patent number: 9782244
    Abstract: A method of manufacture for a vaginal insert. The vaginal insert may have a core, a cover, and a removal element. In various embodiments, the cover can be conformed to the vaginal insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt G. Krupka, Jesse J. Pasterski, Chadwick I. Romzek, Scott A. Ainsworth, Jeffrey Louis Heinen
  • Patent number: 9360799
    Abstract: A toner filling apparatus includes a storing portion and a nozzle. The storing portion includes a storing chamber configured to store toner therein and a pressing member configured to press the toner stored in the storing chamber. The nozzle ejects the toner pressed by the pressing member outside from the storing chamber. The storing portion has an air outlet for releasing air outside from the storing chamber when the pressing member presses the toner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Nao Itabashi
  • Patent number: 8961485
    Abstract: A method for fastening a thread (24) to a tampon (10), in particular a veterinary tampon, comprising the steps of passing the thread through the tampon by means of a needle (12, 14), and knotting the loose ends of the thread, wherein that the step of passing the thread through the tampon comprises: -piercing the tampon (10) with two hollow needles (12, 14), -inserting the distal ends of the needles into a mould (20) that forms a passage (16) interconnecting the open ends of the hollow needles, feeding the thread (24) to the proximal end of one (12) of the two needles, -applying a suction pressure to the proximal end of the other (14) of the two needles, -opening the mould (20), and -withdrawing the needles (12, 14) from the tampon (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Intervet International B.V.
    Inventors: Hans Almer Middelbeek, Jozefus A. C. Smit
  • Publication number: 20140367404
    Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a discrete cord having a supply path comprising a fluid flow, a deployed cord supply, a transfer member having a first surface comprising one or more orifices capable of receiving the deployed cord supply, and a cutting apparatus comprising a cutting implement enabled to sever the deployed cord supply to form a discrete cord. The fluid flow directs the deployed cord supply towards the transfer member first surface. The transfer member first surface abuts the cutting apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Kevin Charles Strong, Evan Joseph Durling, Jason Matthew Orndorff
  • Publication number: 20130298361
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for making knots in flexible element attached to a medical device and methods using said apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: ODYSSEA PHARMA S.A.
    Inventor: Pierre Pasteels
  • Patent number: 8568381
    Abstract: A tampon is proposed, with an insertion end and a rear end, made from a pressed absorbent strip (2) and a withdrawal string (3) running out of the rear end. In order to achieve short production times during manufacture of the tampon, the withdrawal string (3) is placed around the strip (2) in the shape of a loop 4, and the strip (2) is provided with a fold (16, 17) at each side of the loop (4). In terms of a method suitable for producing a tampon, the following steps are proposed: a) cutting the absorbent strip (2) to size, b) placing a withdrawal string (3) around the strip (2) in the shape of a loop (4), c) pressing the strip (2) between jaws (7) which can be moved towards one another forming a fold (16, 17) in the strip (2) on each side of the loop (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Ruggli Projects AG
    Inventors: Peter Mueller, Kilian Rolli
  • Publication number: 20130160259
    Abstract: A pledget for a tampon having improved leakage prevention of bodily fluid after the tampon is inserted in the vagina. A method of manufacturing the pledget can include a step of bringing a contact member into communication with a fibrous material. The method can include a step of compressing the fibrous material into a pledget for a tampon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventors: Mary Lou McDaniel, John David Amundson, Steven Craig Gehling
  • Patent number: 8353890
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tampon for feminine hygiene, with a tapered introductory end, a withdrawal end provided with a withdrawal means and a longitudinal axis, comprising a longitudinally extending absorbent body made from compressed fiber material, the absorbent body being densified more intensely in the region of the longitudinal axis and forming a fiber column, from which longitudinal ribs extend radially outward and flank longitudinal ribs in pairs. The tapered introductory end being formed by the fiber column, the longitudinal grooves and longitudinal ribs is provided with collecting grooves and collecting ribs to collect menstrual secretions, wherein the collecting grooves are open axially to the front and radially outward and wherein the collecting ribs flank the collecting grooves in pairs. The invention provides for an increased absorption capacity of the tampon in relation to the weight of the fiber material per tampon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Werner Schoelling
  • Publication number: 20120109095
    Abstract: A method for fastening a thread (24) to a tampon (10), in particular a veterinary tampon, comprising the steps of passing the thread through the tampon by means of a needle (12, 14), and knotting the loose ends of the thread, wherein that the step of passing the thread through the tampon comprises: -piercing the tampon (10) with two hollow needles (12, 14), -inserting the distal ends of the needles into a mould (20) that forms a passage (16) interconnecting the open ends of the hollow needles, feeding the thread (24) to the proximal end of one (12) of the two needles, -applying a suction pressure to the proximal end of the other (14) of the two needles, -opening the mould (20), and -withdrawing the needles (12, 14) from the tampon (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Hans Almer Middelbeek, Jozefus A.C. Smit
  • Publication number: 20110184331
    Abstract: Feminine hygiene devices having a withdrawal string comprising one or more scoured synthetic fibers are provided. The feminine hygiene device can include a body having an insertion end, a withdrawal end, a longitudinal axis, and a withdrawal string extending from the withdrawal end. The withdrawal string can comprise one or more scoured synthetic fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventors: Ryo Minoguchi, Kelyn Anne Arora, William Patton Peace, Timothy Ian Mullane, Sally Sujin Yoon
  • Publication number: 20110184332
    Abstract: Feminine hygiene devices having a withdrawal string comprising one or more fluorocarbon compounds are provided. The feminine hygiene device can include a body having an insertion end, a withdrawal end, a longitudinal axis, and a withdrawal string extending from the withdrawal end. The withdrawal string can comprise one or more fluorocarbon compounds. Also provided is a feminine hygiene device having a withdrawal string that comprises one or more scoured fibers that include one or more fluorocarbon compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventors: Ryo Minoguchi, Kelyn Anne Arora, William Patton Peace
  • Publication number: 20100299897
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tampon for feminine hygiene, with a tapered introductory end, a withdrawal end provided with a withdrawal means and a longitudinal axis, comprising a longitudinally extending absorbent body made from compressed fiber material, the absorbent body being densified more intensely in the region of the longitudinal axis and forming a fiber column, from which longitudinal ribs extend radially outward and flank longitudinal ribs in pairs. The tapered introductory end being formed by the fiber column, the longitudinal grooves and longitudinal ribs is provided with collecting grooves and collecting ribs to collect menstrual secretions, wherein the collecting grooves are open axially to the front and radially outward and wherein the collecting ribs flank the collecting grooves in pairs. The invention provides for an increased absorption capacity of the tampon in relation to the weight of the fiber material per tampon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Hans-Werner Schoelling
  • Publication number: 20100205792
    Abstract: A tampon for feminine hygiene, having an insertion end, a recovery end, a recovery tape, and a longitudinal axis. The tampon is made of compressed fibrous material and has an outer surface that is at least partially provided with spirally shaped, pressed longitudinal grooves. The grooves define spirally shaped longitudinal ribs. Also disclosed is a method for producing the tampon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Hans Werner Schoelling
  • Publication number: 20100174262
    Abstract: It is intended to provide a tampon wherein a string-shaped member is bonded to a cylindrical absorbent in the state of not being exposed on the absorbent surface. A tampon comprising an absorbent (2), which is obtained by molding a sheet member into a cylindrical shape, and a string-shaped member (4) which is bonded to the absorbent (2) and extends from one end of the absorbent (2). The string-shaped member (4) has a first string part which is bonded along the first direction of one face of the sheet member constituting the absorbent (2) and a second string part which extends from the sheet member. A first folding part is formed in one side of the second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction of the first string member, while a second folding part is formed in the other side of the second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: UNI-CHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hitoshi Watanabe, Hideki Kondo
  • Publication number: 20100114054
    Abstract: A tampon is proposed, with an insertion end and a rear end, made from a pressed absorbent strip (2) and a withdrawal string (3) running out of the rear end. In order to achieve short production times during manufacture of the tampon, the withdrawal string (3) is placed around the strip (2) in the shape of a loop 4, and the strip (2) is provided with a fold (16, 17) at each side of the loop (4). In terms of a method suitable for producing a tampon, the following steps are proposed: a) cutting the absorbent strip (2) to size, b) placing a withdrawal string (3) around the strip (2) in the shape of a loop (4), c) pressing the strip (2) between jaws (7) which can be moved towards one another forming a fold (16, 17) in the strip (2) on each side of the loop (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: RUGGLI PROJECTS AG
    Inventors: Peter Mueller, Kilian Rolli
  • Patent number: 7677189
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a manufacturing system and a method for manufacturing sheet-like structures. The manufacturing system of sheet-like structures contains a loosened portion forming apparatus by which plural loosened portions, which are substantially U-shaped, are formed on a cord member, and plural linear portions, which connect each of the plural loosened portions, are formed substantially linearly; and a sewing apparatus by which each of the plural absorbing members and each of the plural linear portions are sewn with a thread member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Kondo, Masashi Hosokawa
  • Patent number: 7673573
    Abstract: To provide a manufacturing system and a method for manufacturing sheet-like structures. The manufacturing system of sheet-like structures comprises a loosened portion forming apparatus which forms plural loosened portions, which are substantially U-shaped on a cord member, an arranging apparatus which inserts each of the plural loosened portions into each of the plural openings formed on a belt-like member and form plural linear portions in substantial linear form which connect each of the plural loosened portions respectively, a sewing apparatus which sews a belt-like member and each of the plural linear portions together with a thread member, and a belt-like member cutting apparatus which cuts a belt-like member in prescribed forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Kondo, Masashi Hosokawa
  • Publication number: 20100056981
    Abstract: A tampon having an improved finger pocket. The finger pocket can have a width that can be calculated by the equation DF=DT?(L1+L2), where DF is the width of the finger pocket, DT is the diameter of the tampon, L1 is the thickness of the steering lip on a first side and L2 is the thickness of a steering lip on a second side, and/or a ratio of the indentation width to the base diameter from about 1:1.1 to about 1:1.5. In certain embodiments, the base can have at least one steering lip adjacent the indention that can have a thickness of at least about 0.5 mm. A method for making a tampon having an improved finger pocket that can include forming a compressed pledget having an insertion end and a base, and compressing the base of the pledget with a heated compression member to form an improved finger pocket in the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: Nancy Karapasha, Matthew Howard Wasson, Amaranta Ramirez-Almaraz, Holger Wendt
  • Patent number: 7666160
    Abstract: An applicator for introducing a therapeutic substance into a body cavity of a subject in need of the therapeutic substance is provided. The applicator has the look and feel of a conventional tampon applicator but delivers a therapeutic substance. Generally, the applicator has a first outer member having a shape suitable for insertion into a body cavity of a mammal and has a dispensing end and a second end distal to the dispensing end. A second inner member is coaxially and slidably housed within the first member such that one end of the second inner member is within the first member. The applicator of the present invention also has at least one aperture located in a side wall of the outer member. The aperture is located on the side wall of the outer member between the dispensing end and the second end of the outer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Rajala, Daniel James Heuer, Steven Craig Gehling
  • Patent number: 7628114
    Abstract: A production method for producing sanitary tampons implements a cord placement step of placing at least two continuous string-like cords in parallel on surfaces of at least two cotton pad pieces sequentially placed along a sewing line in a sewing direction of a sewing machine, a first cord sewing step of sewing the cord to one of two cotton pad pieces placed in an adjacent manner, a second cord sewing step of sewing the cord to the other of the two cotton pad pieces, and a cord switching step of switching the cords to be sewn to the cotton pad piece between the first cord sewing step and the second cord sewing step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Hallys Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Aoyama, Ryoichi Nishigawa, Norihiko Sugimoto
  • Publication number: 20090281474
    Abstract: A feminine hygiene product is presented. The feminine hygiene product includes a body having a mass of compressed fibrous material, an insertion end and a withdrawal end. The body has an overall length L. The insertion end has a diameter A and the withdrawal end has a diameter B. In an initial state, diameter B is at least about equal to up to about ten percent greater than the diameter A. When exposed to a fluid, diameter B radially expands such that a ratio of diameter B to the diameter A is about 1.25 to 1. In one embodiment, the feminine hygiene product is a vaginal tampon and when exposed to a fluid, diameter B expands more rapidly than diameter A to substantially seal a bottom portion of a vaginal cavity and prevent bypass leakage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: PLAYTEX PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Eugene Dougherty, JR., Keith Edgett, Robert Jorgensen
  • Publication number: 20090082712
    Abstract: A tampon including a compressed pledget of absorbent material. The tampon has a body portion and a longitudinal axis, wherein the tampon includes at least one patterned impression with one or more design elements oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, wherein at least one design element is formed by contact with at least one corresponding pattern including at least one lead in portion. A method and apparatus for making the tampon are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Margaret Henderson Hasse, Daniel Raymond Wiegele, Robert Clark Avery, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090024103
    Abstract: A tampon suitable for feminine hygiene and/or medical purposes is disclosed having a longitudinal body provided with a dome-shaped insertion end and a withdrawal end, from which withdrawal end a withdrawal cord extends. The tampon has compressed absorbent fibrous material and has an outer circumferential surface which is at least partially provided with longitudinal grooves that are separated from each other by longitudinal ribs. The path of the grooves and ribs of the tampon in the longitudinal direction are inclined and correspond to a continuous curved line that has only one point of inflection defining one convex part and one concave part that preferably does not show a maximum or a minimum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: Ontex Hygieneartikel Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Van Ingelgem, Annick De Poorter, Steven Smet
  • Publication number: 20080221502
    Abstract: A tampon has a generally uniform fiber distribution along its length, an insertion end, a withdrawal end, and a longitudinal axis. A finger recess having a depth of at least about 5 mm is formed into the withdrawal end. Nonetheless, a column strength of at least about 10 Newtons (N) can still be achieved. The tampon can be formed by winding an absorbent fibrous web around a winding mandrel; transferring the blank into a press; inserting a forming mandrel into one end of a tampon blank while the tampon blank is positioned in the press; moving a plurality of press jaws toward a central longitudinal press axis to compress the tampon blank and to form a compressed tampon having a finger recess formed into the one end of the tampon; and ejecting the compressed tampon from the press.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Curt Binner, Melinda Cettina, Gina J. Marcus, George Quirk
  • Publication number: 20080200892
    Abstract: A tampon suitable for feminine hygiene and/or medical purposes having a longitudinal body provided with a dome-shaped insertion end and a withdrawal end, from which a withdrawal cord extends is disclosed. The tampon is made of compressed absorbent fibrous material and has an outer circumferential surface which is at least partially provided with longitudinal grooves that are separated from each other by longitudinal ribs. The path of the grooves and the ribs in the longitudinal direction of the tampon correspond to a continuous curved line that has only one point of inflection defining one convex part and one concave part, and that preferably does not show a maximum and/or a minimum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: ONTEX HYGIENEARTIKEL DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Werner Van Ingelgem, Annick De Poorter, Steven Smet
  • Publication number: 20080154174
    Abstract: A novel absorbent tampon suitable for insertion into a body cavity has a substantially elongate, compressed primary absorbent structure having a first end, a second end disposed opposite thereof, and a density of at least about 0.3 g/cm3. The tampon also includes a secondary absorbent structure secured to and extending from the first end of the primary absorbent structure and extending toward the second end of the primary absorbent structure. Preferably, the secondary absorbent structure is disposed about the primary absorbent structure and forms the outer circumferential surface of the tampon. The secondary absorbent structure is capable of extending outwardly from the primary absorbent structure upon the absorption of fluid into the tampon to increase the cross-sectional area of the tampon in the body cavity. In a preferred embodiment, the tampon has sufficient column strength for digital insertion (insertion without an applicator) into a vaginal canal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: ROGERIO COSTA
  • Publication number: 20080154222
    Abstract: In a tampon having a body of an absorbent material, the body has at least one zone in which expansion and/or absorption by the body of the tampon is limited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: Bernard Chaffringeon
  • Publication number: 20040261237
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for attaching a cord to a piece of material. The material has a first side and a second side. The apparatus has a frame, a punch pin, a spear, and a comber. The comber is movably mounted to the frame. The comber is adapted to create slack in the cord. The punch pin is movably mounted to the frame. The punch pin is adapted to receive the cord and penetrate the material. The punch pin pulls the cord from the first side of the material through to the second side of the material. The punch pin is adapted to form an open loop on the second side of the material and the spear draws the cord through the open loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Raymond Albert Sargent, Robert Paul Cassoni, David Stuart Howell, Lucy Margaret Davey
  • Patent number: 6654992
    Abstract: Method of and apparatus for applying withdrawal strings to tampon pledgets wherein string is pneumatically looped around a pledget, the ends of the loop are knotted, and the knotted loop is driven through a hole in the pledget.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Rajala, Brandon S. May, Troy L. Tipton, Edwin L. Cutright
  • Publication number: 20030131456
    Abstract: Method of and apparatus for applying withdrawal strings to tampon pledgets wherein string is pneumatically looped around a pledget, the ends of the loop are knotted, and the knotted loop is driven through a hole in the pledget.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Rajala, Brandon S. May, Troy L. Tipton, Edwin L. Cutright
  • Publication number: 20030131455
    Abstract: Method of and apparatus for applying withdrawal strings to tampon pledgets wherein string is pneumatically looped around a pledget, the ends of the loop are knotted, and the knotted loop is driven through a hole in the pledget.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: Gregory J. Rajala, Brandon S. May, Troy L. Tipton, Karl V. Fredrick, Thomas Bohlmann, Edwin L. Cutright
  • Publication number: 20030120227
    Abstract: There is provided a tampon that comprises an absorbent pledget and a removal string having a menstrual fluid indicator associated therewith. The absorbent pledget has a proximal end that is placed near the cervical bone and a distal end opposite the proximal end. The indicator is formed on or in the removal string. Preferably, the indicator is formed over the entire length and circumference of the removal string. The indicator provides a sensory signal to the user when the capacity of the absorbent pledget of the tampon is exhausted, or when by-pass leakage is about to commence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: Playtex Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Karla E. Williams
  • Publication number: 20020143305
    Abstract: An apertured film cover for an absorbent article is disclosed. The cover has an additive combination comprising a hydrophilic agent and a lyophilic agent applied thereto. The additive combination provides surprisingly improved fluid transfer across the cover. It can also provide a benefit by reducing frictional forces during the manufacture of a tampon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: Ching-Yun Morris Yang, Dietmar Van Loyen, Anthony DiSalvo
  • Patent number: 6283952
    Abstract: The invention provides an improved tampon, particularly suited for use as a digital tampon, having a portion of fibers at a withdrawal end of the tampon displaced towards an insertion end, causing a fiber density in the vicinity of the withdrawal end to be lower than an average fiber density of the tampon. The tampon also includes an indentation in the withdrawal end. In combination, the lower fiber density of the withdrawal end and the indentation in the withdrawal end cause the withdrawal end to be soft and readily flareable. When the tampon is provided with an overwrap the indentation also allows excess overwrap at the withdrawal end to be tucked into the tampon, improving the aesthetic qualities of the tampon and facilitating digital insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Tambrands, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Child, Warren Tarr
  • Patent number: 6183436
    Abstract: An article for packing body cavities comprises a protective sheath of supple, smooth, polymeric film, containing an absorbent sponge or like tampon component. The sheath facilitates insertion and removal of the article by minimizing tissue attachment, adherence, abrasion, and desiccation of the tampon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Ultracell Medical Technologies of Connecticut, Inc
    Inventors: Wayne Korteweg, George P. Korteweg
  • Patent number: 5873971
    Abstract: A method is disclosed of forming a tampon is which can be comfortably withdrawn from a body cavity. The method includes the steps of cutting an individual absorbent member from an absorbent strip. Each absorbent member is then shaped to form an elongated absorbent having an outer periphery. A liquid-permeable cover is secured to the outer periphery of the elongated absorbent to form a softwind. The softwind has a first end and a second end and is folded on itself such that the first and second ends are aligned adjacent to one another. The softwind contains two folds therebetween which divide the softwind into first, second and third portions. A withdrawal string is secured to the second portion of the softwind and then the softwind is compressed into a cylindrically shaped pledget. The pledget has an insertion end and a trailing end and the insertion end located adjacent to the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Kimberly Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Tammy Jo Balzar
  • Patent number: 5813102
    Abstract: A digital tampon (20) for feminine hygiene, having a round dome (33) and a recovery tape (24), consists of a blank which is shaped by winding up a length of continuous random fiber web and which is pressed to produce a preform having a fiber core, longitudinal ribs and longitudinal grooves. The longitudinal ribs are pressed weakly to the final shape of the tampon (20; 28). The preform, before being pressed to the final shape of the tampon (20), is shaped as a result of the separate, but simultaneous radial pressing of directly adjacent sectors of its entire circumferential surface to form a longitudinal groove and a longitudinal rib respectively on each sector of the circumferential surface. The longitudinal groove and longitudinal rib assigned to each sector of the circumferential surface (182) are arranged respectively in succession in the same order in the circumferential direction of the preform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Leutwyler, Hans Werner Schoelling
  • Patent number: 5659934
    Abstract: A method of forming a tampon is disclosed wherein the tampon is useful in preventing premature leakage of body fluid from a woman's vagina, especially during her menstrual period. The method includes the steps of cutting individual absorbent members from an absorbent strip. Each absorbent member is then shaped to form an elongated absorbent having an outer periphery. A liquid-permeable cover is secured to the outer periphery of the elongated absorbent to form a softwind. The softwind has a first end and a second end. The softwind is then folded on itself such that the first and second ends are aligned adjacent to one another and the softwind contains at least two folds therebetween. The softwind is then compressed into a pledger and a withdrawal string is secured thereto to form a tampon. Alternatively, the withdrawal string can be attached to the softwind before it is compressed. The withdrawal string facilitates removal of the tampon from a woman's vagina.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: James Lyle Jessup, Donald Henry Paalman
  • Patent number: 5566435
    Abstract: An improved knot for attachment of withdrawal cords to tampons is provided. The knot comprises at least two closed loops around a portion of a length of absorbent material. The standing parts of the cord cross at least twice, to form a crossed portion at the base of the loops; a loop portion overlies the crossed portion when the knot is in place around the absorbent material, applying pressure to the crossed portion when the knot is tightened. The invention also features a process for forming the knot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Tambrands Inc.
    Inventor: Robert W. Brown, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5153971
    Abstract: A method of forming a catamential tampon is disclosed which is capable of absorbing menstrual fluids. The method includes the steps of starting with an absorbent having a cross-sectional area of varying thickness. The thickest portion has a greater volume of fibers than the thinnest portion. The absorbent can be optionally enclosed with a cover. An opening is formed through the absorbent and/or cover and a withdrawal string is secured thereto. The absorbent is formed into a generally elongated, cylindrically shaped blank and then is compressed into a pledget having a zone of high density fibers and a zone of low density fibers. After compression, the zone of low density fibers will expand faster and/or to a greater extent than the zone of high density fibers, thereby forming a curved tampon. The curved tampon is rigid and self sustaining and can be used as either a digital tampon or with an applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas P. Van Iten
  • Patent number: 5084038
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for forming tampons is disclosed, as well as the tampon itself. The apparatus includes a mechanism and the method includes the step of advancing and cutting a cover strip and an absorbent ribbon into predetermined lengths. A portion of the absorbent ribbon is then overlapped by the cover strip and both are radially wound into a cylinder having a length equal to at least two tampons. The cylinder is then compressed and cut into two or more single length pledgets. The single length pledgets are heat set before a withdrawal string is attached to form a finished tampon. The tampon itself can be made with tucked or untucked ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Donald A. Sheldon, Paul G. Franke, Raymond Brown
  • Patent number: 4836587
    Abstract: One end of a drawstring which is connected to a catamenial tampon at the other end is pulled downwardly by suction while an intermediate portion of the drawstring is convoluted around a hollow mandrel to form a closed loop. The one end of the drawstring is then drawn into the mandrel by suction to convert the loop into a relatively loose knot which is or can be tightened by exerting a pull by suction upon the one end while and after the convoluted portion of the drawstring is stripped off the mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Assignee: Hauni Richmond, Inc.
    Inventor: Alfred Hinzmann
  • Patent number: 4490894
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for attaching a withdrawal tape to a catamenial tampon. The apparatus is designed so that the withdrawal cord is frictionally wound up upon a centering mandrel in a controlled manner and then pressed against the withdrawal end of a tampon to provide a spiral of withdrawal cord in the same uniform shape and quality while manufacturing such tampons at high speed. The withdrawal cord is picked up by a driver and wound up in an annular chamber between a centering mandrel and the driver. The driver comprises two cylindrical driver shelves arranged concentrically to one another at a radial distance and each having a driver tooth. The cooperation between the driver teeth and the two driver shelves makes it possible to perfectly guide the withdrawal cord during the course of winding the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1985
    Assignee: Dr. Carl Hahn, G.m.b.H.
    Inventor: Axel Friese
  • Patent number: 4318407
    Abstract: A tampon having a pledget consisting of two rectangular layers of absorbent material which have been overlaid along an edge of each of the layers and then folded along a line bisecting the angle formed by the juncture between the layers. The pledget thus produced has both inner and outer absorptive layers and a containment pocket formed of absorptive material in the fold area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1982
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventor: Lin-Sun Woon