Abstract: An applicator for a feminine hygiene device. The applicator includes an insertion member that can have an outer surface, an insertion end, a withdrawal end opposite the insertion end, and a barrel region adapted to house the feminine hygiene device. In addition, the insertion member can have an indentation region extending inwardly from the outer surface and disposed between the barrel region and withdrawal end, and a shoulder region disposed between the barrel region and the indentation region. In certain embodiments, the indentation region can include one or more gripping formations protruding from the indentation region, the one or more gripping formations extending from the indentation region over at least a portion of the shoulder region.

Abstract: An array of tampons having one or more benefit indicators. The array includes a first tampon having a first tampon body having an insertion end, a withdrawal end, and an outer surface. The first tampon further includes a first visually perceptible benefit indicator. The array also includes a second tampon having a second tampon body having an insertion end, a withdrawal end, and an outer surface. The second tampon also includes a second visually perceptible benefit indicator.

Abstract: A tampon having one or more benefit indicators is provided. The tampon can include a tampon body having an insertion end, a withdrawal end, and an outer surface. The tampon can have one or more visually perceptible benefit indicators that are visible pre-use, wherein the one or more benefit indicators communicate one or more benefits of the tampon to a user. In addition, or alternatively, the tampon can include one or more visually perceptible benefit indicators that are at least partially visible post-use.

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 to 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.

Abstract: Non-absorbent articles are disclosed. The non-absorbent articles include an effective amount of an aromatic inhibitory compound to substantially inhibit the production of exotoxins by Gram positive bacteria. The aromatic inhibitory compounds of the present invention have the general formula: wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of H, —OR5, —R6C(O)H, —R6COOH, —OR6COOH, —C(O)NH2, and NH2 and salts thereof; R5 is a monovalent saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbyl moiety; R6 is a divalent saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbyl moiety; R7 is a trivalent saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbyl moiety; R8 is a monovalent substituted or unsubstituted saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbyl moiety which may or may not be interrupted with hetero atoms; R2, R3, and R4 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, OH, COOH, and —C(O)R9; R9 is hydrogen or a monovalent saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbyl moiety.

Abstract: A tampon applicator barrel including a cardboard tube having a first end and a second end and at least one gripping structure defined from the cardboard tube proximate the second end is provided. The cardboard tube has a wall thickness of between about 0.015 and about 0.020 inches, while the gripping structure has a height of up to about 0.035 inches.

Abstract: A medical apparatus and method of use for implanting a percutaneous catheter in a patient's body which catheter can be easily positioned, repositioned, and replaced. The apparatus includes an elongate sleeve comprising a wall surrounding an interior elongate passageway. The passageway extends from a sleeve proximal end to a sleeve distal end. The sleeve is intended to be percutaneously implanted through an incision in the patient's skin so that the sleeve distal end resides subcutaneously. The sleeve outer peripheral surface carries a layer of porous material intended to be placed just under the patient's outer skin layer in contact with the dermis to promote tissue ingrowth for anchoring the sleeve and forming an infection resistant barrier. The sleeve passageway is dimensioned to snugly accommodate the outer surface of catheter while permitting the catheter to slide relative to the sleeve.

Abstract: A tampon applicator barrel includes a wall forming a tube with a center axis therethrough and with a hollow interior volume. The tube has a first barrel end and a second barrel end opposite the first barrel end to form a length therebetween that corresponds to the length of the center axis. The tube increases in diameter along the length of the tube from a first diameter to a second diameter that forms a main body section, and decreases in diameter along the length of the tube from the second diameter to a third diameter that forms a reverse taper section. The center axis is substantially straight throughout the extant of the tube.

Abstract: An intravaginal device has a fluid storage element and at least one fluid transport element in fluid communication with the fluid storage element. The at least one fluid transport element has a first plate and a second plate coupled to the first plate. The second plate is capable of separating from the first plate sufficiently to provide inter-plate capillary action. The at least one fluid transport element is bendable about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fluid storage element. The invention also includes methods and apparatus useful in the production of an intravaginal device.

Abstract: A delivery tube assembly is provided, the delivery tube assembly including a delivery tube including a delivery tube attachment end, an open delivery tube second end opposite the delivery tube attachment end, an outer surface, and an inner surface defining a delivery tube cavity; and a dosage form including a therapeutic agent, wherein the dosage form is positioned within the delivery tube cavity. The assembly may also include an engagement mechanism positioned at the delivery tube attachment end. The assembly may also include a containment seal coupled to the delivery tube second end. The assembly may also include an inner containment seal positioned within the delivery tube cavity to seal the dosage form within the delivery tube cavity.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes an absorbent body in contact with a moisture activatable shrinking yarn in the form of a metering string. The metering string includes a hanging portion that is at least initially visible to a user when the absorbent article is in use. By observing the change in length of the hanging portion, a user wearing the absorbent article can determine how saturated the absorbent article has become. The metering string may be used with absorbent articles such as tampons and diapers.

Abstract: A digital tampon including a finger cover. The tampon can include an absorbent mass having an insertion end and a withdrawal end, a finger cover, and one or more withdrawal cords that can be joined to the finger cover at one or more joints. The finger cover can be at least partially disposed in the withdrawal end of the tampon.

Abstract: A body structure is manipulated by first introducing a bulking material, such as a length of material, into an interior of the body structure in either open or laparoscopic surgical procedures. After the bulking material is introduced, an exterior region of the body structure may be manipulated while the material remains within the interior of the body structure. Typically, manipulation comprises resection of the body structure from surrounding tissue. The resected body structure may then be removed.

Abstract: A method of making a tampon applicator having four separable components includes forming a barrel having a forward end and a rearward end opposite the forward end, forming a fingergrip having a barrel end and a plunger end, where the fingergrip has an axially extending channel between the barrel end and the plunger end and the plunger end has a cross-sectional area that is less than a cross-sectional area of the barrel end, forming an insertion tip having a first end and a second end, forming a plunger having a forward end, connecting the barrel end of the fingergrip with the rearward end of the barrel, where the barrel end of the fingergrip and the rearward end of the barrel create a continuous surface flush with the barrel when connected, connecting the second end of the insertion tip to the forward end of the barrel, and inserting the forward end of the plunger into the channel of the fingergrip.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an ergonomically improved tampon applicator having a plunger and a barrel. The barrel has four distinct sections, namely a finger grip section, a reverse taper section, a main body section, and an insertion tip section. The reverse taper section is tapered towards the fingergrip section and the main body section is tapered in an opposite direction towards the insertion tip section. A maximum diameter is formed where the reverse taper section and main body section meet on the barrel. The maximum diameter provides a sensory means to the user to alert the user when the applicator has been inserted at the proper depth in the vagina.

Abstract: The present invention provides an article designed to deliver the active ingredients to the various body cavities such vaginal, oral, nasal and rectal, further the article is designed in such a manner that it can be easily arranged and configured to fit into vaginal, oral, nasal, and rectal cavities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tampon (1) having an insertion end (11), a withdrawal end (14) and a tampon body in between whereby said tampon body essentially consists of liquid absorbing material and has an outer circumferential surface which is provided with longitudinal grooves (4, 4?) that are separated from each other by longitudinal ribs (3, 3?), wherein at least one tampon groove (4) is defined an outer longitudinal path (2) on the surface of the tampon that diverges from the longitudinal path of the groove below the surface of the tampon. It also relates to a press, press jaw and process for its manufacture.

Abstract: A cover assembly is provided for use with an applicator assembly, the cover assembly including a dosage form cap including a therapeutic agent and a cap inner surface defining a cap cavity, wherein the attachment end of the dosage form cap includes an engagement mechanism. The cover assembly also includes a cover having a cover inner surface defining a cover cavity, the cover inner surface generally conforming to the cap outer surface of the dosage form cap. Also included is a method for providing a delivery device, the method including providing a sealed cover assembly to a consumer, wherein the cover assembly includes a dosage form cap and a cover having a cover inner surface defining a cover cavity, wherein the dosage form cap is disposed within the cover cavity. The method also includes instructing the consumer to combine the cover assembly with a tampon assembly obtained by the consumer.

Abstract: A method of forming a barrel for a tampon applicator assembly including molding a barrel then forming a rearward taper region in an area of the barrel is provided. The method includes molding a first portion of the barrel in a first mold part and a second portion of the barrel in a second mold part, the first and second mold parts meeting at a maximum outer dimension of the first portion, ejecting the barrel from the first and second mold parts, and forming a flared region in an area of the second portion.

Abstract: A biodegradable applicator for a feminine hygiene product. The applicator has an outer member having an insertion end, a withdrawal end and a viewing surface. The viewing surface can have a delta hue greater than about three degrees at a reflectance angle less than about 25 degrees, a flop index greater than about 5, and/or a luminosity greater than about 1600.

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.

Abstract: An array of disposable absorbent articles having a first article and a second article. The first article has an outer surface wherein the outer surface has an outer surface area and a first identifier having a first surface area. The first identifier is disposed on the first article and corresponds to a first performance characteristic. The second article has an outer surface wherein the outer surface has an outer surface area and a second identifier having a second surface area. The second identifier is disposed on the second article and corresponds to a second performance characteristic. The first article is a different article than said second article.

Abstract: A cylindrical absorbent nasal pack that has a rounded tip for a patient's self application in controlling epistaxis. It is comprised of compressed absorbent cotton to prevent sticking to nasal wall and absorption of blood. The bottom section has a plastic coating or plastic sleeve to help grip the nose pack, conceal the site of blood, prevent blood leakage, and prevent contact of blood when disposing of the nose pack. The nose pack is simply inserted into the nasal cavity while applying gentle pushing force until pack is snug. The pressure that is applied from the pack into the nostril wall assists in the coagulation process, which helps stop the nosebleed. The nose pack is sized to be placed within the nasal cavity upon occurrence of a nosebleed. When the nosebleed is ended, the nose pack may be removed by applying pulling force to the bottom of the nose pack. When removing the pack, blood clot(s) that collected during the coagulation stage will also naturally be released.

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.

Abstract: A system for facilitating hemostasis of a puncture site in a blood vessel injects an absorbable sponge pledget in a hydrated state to a position at an exterior of the blood vessel puncture to facilitate hemostasis. The system includes a tract dilator for locating the puncture, an introducer, and a pusher. The introducer includes a staging chamber for receiving the absorbent sponge pledget and a delivery chamber having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the staging chamber into which a hydrated pledget passes. The pledget is hydrated and compressed within the introducer and then ejected with the pusher to the delivery site to facilitate hemostasis of the blood vessel puncture. The system delivers the absorbable sponge pledget over a guidewire to ensure the proper positioning of the pledget over the puncture. The implanted absorbable sponge once delivered expands rapidly to fill the target site and is absorbed by the body over time.

Abstract: A tampon having an auxiliary patch. The tampon can include a compressed absorbent member having an insertion end, a withdrawal end, a longitudinal axis, and a body disposed between the insertion end and the withdrawal end. The compressed absorbent member can have an exterior surface. In addition, the tampon can include an auxiliary patch that can partially cover the exterior surface of the compressed absorbent member. The tampon can also include an overwrap.

Abstract: The present invention provides applicators for inserting feminine hygiene articles, such as and pessaries into a user's body.

Abstract: A tampon comprising an absorbent core and a partially impermeable layer, where said absorbent core have a mantle area, an insertion end area, and a withdrawal end area is disclosed. The tampon further comprises an active layer, and said partially impermeable layer is arranged on at least a part of said mantle area, and said active layer is arranged on at least a part of said partially impermeable layer. The tampon will sustain a moistured surface layer, while at the same time excess fluid is distributed to the core of the tampon for storage.

Abstract: An equine medicinal delivery system includes a dental roll impregnated with a medicinal solution for placement in an equine hoof. Another embodiment of an equine medicinal delivery system includes a pledget impregnated with a medicinal solution for placement in an equine hoof. A method of manufacturing an equine medicinal delivery system includes providing copper sulfate powder, combining water with the copper sulfate power to form a solution, and impregnating an applicator device with the solution. A method of manufacturing an equine medicinal delivery system includes providing an applicator device impregnated with a medicinal solution for placement in an equine hoof.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sanitary product for use by women for the absorption of menstrual fluid and such like. The product comprises a plug and a pad joined by a sheath. The plug is substantially cylindrical so that is fits comfortably in a vaginal cavity. The pad remains outside the vaginal cavity, but has an absorbent layer on an inward side proximal to the plug and a liquid impermeable layer on an outward side. In use, a wearer can insert a finger into the sheath from the outward side of the pad assist with insertion of the plug into the vaginal cavity. A string is provided that extends inside the sheath from the outward end of the plug to aid removal of the product. A line of weakness extends along the major axis of the pad, about which the pad is disposed to fold in use. This encourages the pad to fold around the plug to accommodate the plug during removal of the product, thus improving hygiene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interlabial pad can be sealed and attached to the female labia, which has a structure in capable of easily achieving a sealing attachment into the female labia. A sheet body (2) is provided on an opposite side to a body side of the interlabial pad (1) to form a pair of the fingertip insert openings (3,4) on both side portions, the wearer inserts two finger into the fingertip insert opening (3,4) and catches the sheet body 2 by the two finger, thereby the interlabial pad (1) can be folded in substantially mountain folded shape along the vertically axial center line and can be attached to the labia (9) in keeping a condition of forming a raised area (5) on the body side surface of the pad.

Abstract: A delivery device is provided including a first member having an interior surface, a receiving end, and an insertion end, wherein the insertion end is open; a tampon body positioned within the first member, wherein the tampon body has a proximal tampon body end and a distal tampon body end; and a second member slidably coupled to the interior surface of the first member at the receiving end. The device also includes a dosage form, wherein the dosage form is coupled to the distal tampon body end; and a protective tube including an open attachment end, an open protective tube second end opposite the attachment end, and a protective tube inner surface including an engagement mechanism enabling the protective tube to be coupled to the receiving end of the first member at the attachment end of the protective tube.

Abstract: A composition and methods for the treatment of symptoms due to disorders, disease or trauma that impairs normal function of die Eustachian tube and alters vital structures or tissues of the middle ear. This includes diseases and disorders of the Eustachian tube altered by tubal incompetence, inflammatory phenomenon as rhinitis, nasal allergies, infections by microorganisms, tympanic membrane rupture or trauma and variants. The composition is comprised of solution including L-Ascorbic acid and a pharmaceutically acceptable liquid carrier and delivery system. The administration of which is applied topically in appropriate composition and dosage for intranasal or trans tympanic route in the form of drops, spray, aerosol, rinse, douche, gel, or devices.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for treating inflammation and/or infection within a synovial joint. The invention is comprised of a depot, tether and cap. The depot is comprised of a biodegradable polymer which is impregnated with a biological agent targeted to treat the inflammation and/or infection. The depot is inserted into the synovial joint through an incision or hole in the synovial membrane. A tether that extends from the depot is then thread back through the incision or hole and coupled to a cap such that the depot is coupled to the synovial membrane on an interior side of the synovial joint capsule and the cap is secured to the membrane on an exterior side of the synovial joint capsule. Once secured, the depot degrades and gradually releases the biological agent over a sustained time period. The biological agent then treats the targeted inflammation and/or infection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for intracorporeal application of auxiliary medical material, in particular for bio-materials and wound applications, having a hollow application tube for inserting the auxiliary medical material into the surgical area. To create a device for intracorporeal application of auxiliary medical material that ensures simple handling and a secure application of the auxiliary medical material in the surgical area, the invention is characterized by a winding insert that can be inserted into the hollow application tube and can be slid in the longitudinal direction of the application tube and on which it is possible to wind the auxiliary medical material that is to be applied.

Abstract: A composition and methods for the treatment of symptoms due to disorders, disease or trauma that impairs normal function of die Eustachian tube and alters vital structures or tissues of the middle ear. This includes diseases and disorders of the Eustachian tube altered by tubal incompetence, inflammatory phenomenon as rhinitis, nasal allergies, infections by microorganisms, tympanic membrane rupture or trauma and variants. The composition is comprised of solution including L-Ascorbic acid and a pharmaceutically acceptable liquid carrier and delivery system. The administration of which is applied topically in appropriate composition and dosage for intranasal or trans tympanic route in the form of drops, spray, aerosol, rinse, douche, gel, or devices.

Abstract: A pre-fill vaginal applicator comprising a tubular barrel having an open end and a dispensing end provided with at least one dispensing opening formed therein. A selectively removable closure, such as a snap cap or threaded cap, closes the dispensing end of the barrel. A resilient piston is selectively slidably positioned in the barrel and has an outer surface which is in sealing contact with the inner surface of the barrel to define a medication reservoir between the piston and dispensing end of the barrel. An elongated plunger is adapted to be inserted into the open end of the barrel so that the inner end thereof may be detachably connected to the piston. After the plunger has been connected to the piston, inward movement of the plunger causes the piston to force medication from the medication reservoir outwardly through the dispensing opening. Outward movement of the plunger with respect to the piston causes the plunger to disconnect from the piston.

Abstract: An applicator having an enhanced grip portion. The applicator can include a barrel portion having an insertion end, a withdrawal end, and a barrel exterior surface, the barrel exterior surface being a barrel color, a grip portion positioned opposite the insertion end having a grip exterior surface, and a plunger having a plunger exterior surface. The applicator can further include gripping indicia disposed substantially on the grip exterior surface. The gripping indicia can include visual indicia and/or tactile indicia.

Abstract: An intravaginal device has a fluid storage element having a longitudinal axis and is in fluid communication with at least one flexible panel.

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.

Abstract: A tampon having an improved aspect ratio is provided. The tampon includes a self-sustaining, fluid-expanding, compressed absorbent pledget having one or more absorbent materials. The tampon has a width, a thickness, and a length. The width can be greater than the thickness and an aspect ratio of the width to the thickness can be from greater than about 1.4:1 to less than about 2.0:1. Also provided is a method of positioning a tampon within a vagina of a woman.

Abstract: A suppository for use in an anal canal includes a shaft having a first end and a second end. The shaft has a size to provide sufficient friction against the evacuative pressure of the anal canal. A retaining ring is attached on the shaft between the first end and the second end.

Abstract: A tampon applicator which includes an ejector tube, an outer tube dimensioned to fit closely and telescopically over said ejector tube and having a distal discharge end, and a restraining means between said tubes for preventing the disassembly of said ejector tube from said outer tube in the proximal direction is disclosed. The restraining means includes a circumferentially-extending raised means and a set of at least three adjacent circumferentially-extending raised rings.

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.

Abstract: A package has plurality of pouches that are separable by the line of weakness, one pouch contains unused feminine hygiene article and other pouch is capable of receiving used feminine hygiene article.

Abstract: A fibrous, preferably crosslinked, graft material is pre-packaged in a sterile, water tight package to permit a surgeon with easy access to a safe, durable fill material that can significantly reduce the appearance of wrinkles on the skin surface. After performing a subcutaneous dissection under a wrinkle region to release the connections between the region and underlying planes of subcutaneous fat, muscle and the fibrotic bed, the surgeon fills a portion of the wrinkle region with the fibrous graft material to eliminate or reduce the appearance of wrinkles, folds and scars. The fibrous graft material may be housed in a tube that can be inserted under the skin, where the fibrous graft material is detachable and extrudable from the tube in situ at the wrinkle region.

Abstract: There is provided a tampon applicator assembly having a barrel with an improved fingergrip. The improved fingergrip has one or more flared portions and/or one or more rib-like or ring-like gripping structures. As a result of these features, the tampon assembly provides a user with improved control, which results in proper pledget placement and thus comfort to the user.

Abstract: Applicator for inserting an object such as a tampon into a natural orifice of the human body, comprising the said object inserted in a tubular outer and a plunger intended to expel the said object such as a tampon from the tubular outer. The applicator comprises a flexible sleeve fixed concentrically to the outer, folded initially between the distal end of this outer and the object such as a tampon, the length of the deployed sleeve corresponding substantially to that of the object. The flexible sleeve deploys around the object such as a tampon when the latter leaves the outer under the effect of the plunger.

Abstract: A system for placing an implant in the body includes an elongated member having at least one inner lumen extending from a proximal end portion of the member to an opening in a distal end portion of the member. At least one compressible implant is in the inner lumen of the member. The implant optionally includes anchor members projecting from its outer surface to limit migration of the implant in the body. Structure is provided to push the implant through the opening in the distal end portion of the member. The implant is placed between layers of body tissue to bulk the tissue. In one of the disclosed methods, the system is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by placing the implant between layers of body tissue at or near the gastro-esophageal junction.