Abstract: A medical device and method for treating nose bleeds are provided. The device includes packing material interconnected to a flange member. The packing material is insertable into a nasal cavity, for absorbing blood and other body fluids. The flange member prevents the packing material from being inhaled or otherwise moving in an anterior direction. In addition, the flange member obscures a view of the interior of the user's nasal cavity, and therefore of blood within the cavity, or of blood that has been absorbed by the packing member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sanitary tampon including: an applicator composed of an outer tube having a front nose and a rear opening and a pusher inserted into the outer tube through the rear opening; and a tampon body contained in the outer tube and allowed to come out of the front nose when pushed by the pusher. The outer tube is provided with marks which serve as a measure of insertion distance of the outer tube into the vaginal cavity of a user. The marks are spaced away from the front nose of the outer tube.

Abstract: A multiple-layered tampon applicator that has at least one modification to one or more inner layers that form the applicator. As a result, enhanced aesthetics, enhanced functionality, or both are achieved in the applicator.

Abstract: An intravaginal device having an overwrap containing an enclosed material, and a withdrawal string passing through a portion of the overwrap formed into a loop, the withdrawal string enabling a user to remove the intravaginal device after use.

Abstract: A device for introducing an object into a vagina includes finger mounting means whereby the device is mountable on a user's finger, and a holder which protrudes from the finger mounting means and which is insertable into a user's vagina, the holder being configured to hold an object whilst being inserted into the user's vagina and then release the object once positioned inside the vagina.

Abstract: An array of disposable absorbent articles which have a first absorbent article and a second absorbent article. The first absorbent article has i.) an outer surface wherein the outer surface has an outer surface area and ii.) a first identifier having a first surface area. The first identifier is disposed on the first absorbent article and corresponds to a first absorbency. The second absorbent article has i.) an outer surface wherein the outer surface has an outer surface area and ii.) a second identifier having a second surface area. The second identifier is disposed on the second absorbent article and corresponds to a second absorbency. The first surface area of the first absorbent article is different than the second surface area of the second absorbent article.

Abstract: A device (100) for depositing a non-flowable object or a non-flowable medicament in a body cavity includes an elongate body (12) which includes an elongate barrel (14) with a passage (18), configured to receive a non-flowable object or medicament, extending through the body (12). The passage (18) has an outlet (22) at a free end of the barrel (14), a portion of the passage (18) being curved. The device (10) also includes an ejector or plunger (30) which can be displaced along the passage (18) to push a non-flowable object or medicament received in the passage (18) out of the passage (18) through the outlet (22) thereof.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for in vitro testing of catamenial tampon-and-applicator systems are disclosed. The apparatus comprises an in vitro receptacle for accepting tampons deployed during the testing procedure. The in vitro receptacle comprises a sleeve with a tampon-deflecting zone, representing an in vivo vaginal channel with a frontal area of a cervix.

Abstract: An array of disposable tampon applicators which have a first tampon applicator and a second tampon applicator. The first tampon applicator has i.) an outer surface wherein the outer surface has an outer surface area and ii.) a first identifier having a first surface area. The first identifier is disposed on the first tampon applicator and corresponds to a first absorbency. The second tampon applicator has i.) an outer surface wherein the outer surface has an outer surface area and ii.) a second identifier having a second surface area. The second identifier is disposed on the second tampon applicator and corresponds to a second absorbency. The first surface area of the first tampon applicator is different than the second surface area of the second tampon applicator.

Abstract: A dispenser for delivering a suppository within a body cavity. The dispenser has two main components: a barrel and a plunger. The barrel includes a head, a foot, and a body having a length and extending between the head and the foot. The barrel further defines an axial passage disposed along substantially the entire length of the body beginning at the foot and ending proximate the head, and includes a side aperture providing external access through the body of the barrel to the axial passage at the head of the barrel. The plunger includes a nose, a tail, and a frame extending between the nose and the tail. The plunger is sized to travel within the axial passage of the barrel between a relaxed position and a compressed position, in which a suppository is ejected from the side aperture, upon actuation.

Abstract: Environmentally degradable molded or extruded articles comprising a blend of polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer and an environmentally degradable thermoplastic polymer or copolymer are disclosed. Such compositions provide annealing cycle times to form molded or extruded articles that are less than annealing cycle times to form a molded or extruded article lacking the environmentally degradable thermoplastic polymer or copolymer.

Abstract: A tampon applicator including an insertion member adapted to house an absorbent tampon and receive a plunger. The insertion member has an outer surface and a fingergrip region disposed about the outer surface. The fingergrip region includes an indention region having a depth dimension X. The indention region includes raised portions has a height dimension Y, the height dimension Y being less than or equal to the depth dimension X.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interlabial product and an individual wrapping body provided with a form for securing a finger, and a manufacturing method therefor, and provides an interlabial pad individual wrapping container which can be used as a suitable operation member when fixing or unfixing the interlabial pad. Two left hand fingers are inserted in the finger insertion openings (13A, 13B) formed by the belt body (12) attached to the wrapping container (1), to separate the wrapping container (1) into the sections (1A) and (1B) along the separation part (15) by opening these fingers to the left and right, and in this state as it is, the insertion work is carried out for fixing the interlabial pad (2) held on a right hand fingertip between labia.

Abstract: A plunger having a first end, a second end, and a main body is provided. The first end of the plunger is about 10% to about 15% larger than the main body and the second end is more than about 50% larger than the main body.

Abstract: An array of disposable absorbent articles. The array has a first absorbent article and a second absorbent article. The first absorbent article is enclosed in a first tampon applicator having i.) an outer surface wherein the outer surface has an outer surface area and ii.) a first identifier having a first surface area. The first identifier is disposed on the first absorbent article and corresponds to a first absorbency. The first identifier is disposed on the first absorbent article. A second absorbent article is enclosed in a second tampon applicator having i.) an outer surface wherein the outer surface has an outer surface area and ii.) a second identifier having a second surface area. The second identifier is disposed on the second absorbent article and corresponds to a second absorbency. The first surface area is different than the second surface area.

Abstract: The present invention relates an arrangement and a process for making the arrangement that comprises a tampon, an applicator unit, and a uniformly shaped film cap. The tampon has a withdrawal end opposed to an insertion end, the insertion end having a top portion. The applicator unit contains at least a portion of a tampon and has a bottom side opposed to a topside. The film cap is uniformly shaped and covers at least a portion of the top portion of the tampon and attaches to at least a portion of the applicator unit. The arrangement is obtainable by a process comprising the steps of attaching the planar film to the applicator and shaping and or stretching the planar film to create a film cap.

Abstract: The invention features a biologically pure culture of a newly identified single-celled organism Spiky Rotating Cells (SPR), methods to diagnose an SPR infection in a human patient, an instrument for collecting and detecting an SPR infection, and methods for treating an SPR infection.

Abstract: A combination tampon/panty shield that is inserted and removed without the need for the user's hands or fingers contacting the vagina. The combination tampon/panty shield includes a panty shield portion including the moisture proof outer layer provided with two exterior pockets and a centrally located finger insertion cavity extending inward through an in inner absorbent layer adhesively bonded to a backside of the moisture proof outer layer and a tampon extending upward from the inner absorbent layer and having a portion of the finger insertion cavity extending into a bottom tampon portion thereof.

Abstract: The present invention includes an intra-bronchial device, system, and method for providing a therapeutic agent to a patient. A device includes a flow control member for placement in an air passageway communicating with a lung portion, and when deployed in the air passageway inhibits a therapeutic agent distal of the control member from moving proximal of the control member, and includes the therapeutic agent associated with the flow control member. The control member may inhibit movement of the therapeutic agent by limiting airflow, and may include a one-way valve limiting exhalation of air from the lung portion. The control member may include a flexible membrane impervious to air flow, or a separator arranged to inhibit the movement of the therapeutic agent. The control member may include at least one anchor, and the anchor may be releasable from the air passageway for removal of the intra-bronchial device.

Abstract: A tampon adapted to deliver a therapeutic agent includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end. The body includes an absorbency zone adjacent the distal end, wherein the absorbency zone includes absorbent material; an application zone adjacent the proximal end and spaced apart from the distal end; and a therapeutic agent positioned substantially within the application zone. A method produces a device for delivering a therapeutic agent. The method includes manufacturing a tampon having a body with a distal end, a proximal end, an absorbency zone adjacent the distal end, and an application zone adjacent the proximal end; and locating a therapeutic agent substantially within the application zone.

Abstract: A sani-supplement device is disclosed, comprising an elongated body having a top portion, a middle portion and a bottom portion. The elongated body comprises an absorbent material. The top and middle portions are sized to be inserted into the crevice of the buttocks. The lower portion is placeable adjacent to the vagina, perhaps separated therefrom by a sanitary napkin. Alternatively, the lower portion may be placed directly against the vagina. In an alternate embodiment, the lower end region has a width larger than the width of the top and middle portions. A method is also disclosed for providing supplemental control over bodily fluids and/or other matter, comprising the steps of inserting the top and middle portion of the device into the crevice of the buttocks while leaving a lower portion of the sani-supplement hanging freely.

Abstract: Provided is an absorbent pad for being used with a sanitary tampon, which includes a pad body having liquid absorbency. The pad body has front and rear faces, and a string receiving portion. The string receiving portion passes through from the front face to the rear face so that a string extending from the tampon can be inserted into the string receiving portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for collecting a DNA sample from the skin and/or from the oral cavity of a subject, the apparatus comprising a handle mounted absorbent layer supported by a resilient layer and bar codes for association of the sample with identification and evidence documents a storage system is provided to allow sample location using a bar code identifier which avoids removal of the device from storage and avoids disturbing the collected sample.

Abstract: The present invention is an applicator barrel with a taped finger grip. The applicator barrel includes a barrel body having an outer surface. A three-dimensional tape is connected to a portion of the outer surface and includes a first surface and a second surface opposite said first surface. The first surface has at least one integrally formed gripping structure extending outwardly from the first surface to provide a gripping surface, and the second surface is adhesive to connect the tape to the barrel.

Abstract: A sealing device for sealing punctures in blood vessel walls including a flange connected to a flexible stem having an expansion portion in it. The flexible stem is adapted to be accommodated inside a delivery tube. The delivery tube further includes a hand-hold for ease of handling. The sealing device may further include a loader and a cutter. The flange and flexible stem are preferably constructed of a biodegradable material that has a tensile strength, rigidity, memory and other physical qualities similar to medical grade silicone. The resilient transverse expansion portion expands when deployed beyond the delivery tube in the tissue tract to create a frictional interface with the interior surface of the tissue tract to resist displacement of the flexible stem from a desired location in the tissue tract. The flexible stem also includes a flange at the distal end of the flexible stem to seal the puncture when the flexible stem is deployed.

Abstract: A device for introducing an object into a vagina includes finger mounting means whereby the device is mountable on a user's finger, and a holder which protrudes from the finger mounting means and which is insertable into a user's vagina, the holder being configured to hold an object whilst being inserted into the user's vagina and then release the object once positioned inside the vagina.

Abstract: Environmentally degradable molded or extruded articles comprising a blend of polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer and an environmentally degradable thermoplastic polymer or copolymer are disclosed. Such compositions provide annealing cycle times to form molded or extruded articles that are less than annealing cycle times to form a molded or extruded article lacking the environmentally degradable thermoplastic polymer or copolymer.

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 plunger having a first end, a second end, and a main body is provided. The first end of the plunger is about 10% to about 15% larger than the main body and the second end is more than about 50% larger than the main body.

Abstract: A tampon applicator assembly having a barrel, a plunger, and a pledget is provided. The barrel has an insertion tip, a main section, and a finger grip. The main section can have a maximum outer dimension located closer to the finger grip than to the insertion tip and/or can have a main section taper ratio of about 1.07 to about 1.15. The insertion tip can have a taper ratio of more than about 0.66 and/or a plurality of petals with a petal length-to-width ratio over about 2 to less than about 3.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of use or treatment are disclosed for creating intrauterine adhesions resulting in amenorrhea. In particular, the apparatus relates to an easily deployed intrauterine implant that readily and consistently reduces or eliminates abnormal intrauterine bleeding. In addition, the apparatus is also used as a uterine marker device for visualizing endometrial tissue thickness and potential changes. The method of the present invention serves as a supplement to or a replacement for conventional hysterectomy or ablation/resection procedures used to treat menorrhagia.

Abstract: A closure device closes an opening in a body cavity. The closure device includes a closure member that has an external, tissue-engaging surface formed with tissue engaging surface irregularities. An elongate member is disconnectably connected to the closure member.

Abstract: A hemostatic insert is provided for closing a puncture site in a blood vessel wall. The insert includes an expandable hemostatic member comprising a biocompatible water soluble gel configured to expand from a compressed state when exposed to body fluid and seal the puncture site in the blood vessel wall. A control layer surrounds the hemostatic member and delays expansion of the hemostatic member.

Abstract: Catamenial tampons having particularly desired expansion force characteristics are shown. The tampons comprise a mass of absorbent material which is fluid expanding. The tampons exert an X Dimension Force of at least about 400 grams, and a Z Dimension Force of less than about 200 grams. Alternatively, the ratio of the X Dimension Force to the Z Dimension Force is from about 10 to about 50.

Abstract: Disclosed are flushable tampon applicators which comprise a combination of thermoplastic materials that readily disintegrate in water such as toilet water for improved disposal and reduced environmetal concerns regarding the destruction of these applicators. The flushable tampon applicators comprise a combination of high molecular weight polyethylene oxides, low molecular weight polyethylene glycols, and biodegradable polymers, wherein this combination of water-dispersible and biodegradable thermoplastic polymers provide flushable tampon applicators that are readily disposed of and that are smooth, soft, flexible, and non-sticky or non-slimy to the touch before and during use.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an absorbent interlabial device. The absorbent interlabial device has a body contacting surface, a garment facing surface opposing the body contacting surface, an interior region, and a periphery region which surrounds the interior region. The body contacting surface is liquid permeable. The absorbent interlabial device comprises an absorbent member disposed between the garment facing surface and the body contacting surface. The absorbent member has a body facing surface and a garment facing surface opposing the body facing surface. The absorbent interlabial device has a convex portion on the body contacting surface in the interior region, and a concave portion on the garment facing surface in the interior region. The convex portion and the concave portion are formed in a face-to-face relationship. The invention is also directed to a method for making such an absorbent interlabial device.

Abstract: There is provided a tampon applicator having a plunger and a barrel with a tapered insertion, which provides enhanced insertion comfort to a user. The taper of the insertion tip is defined by a ratio of the length of the taper projection along a longitudinal axis of the barrel to the length of the taper projection along a radius of the barrel at a base region of the insertion tip. The insertion end of the barrel preferably has two or more petals for enhanced user comfort. Preferably, the petals have a substantially uniform thickness. The barrel may also have a fingergrip for ease of use of the applicator during insertion, expulsion of the pledget, and removal from the vagina.

Abstract: A drug delivery device includes an insert tube and an elongate plunger. The insert tube has a tubular wall that confines a passage and that has drug entrance and release ends. The drug release end has first and second radial parts, and is provided with a flexible grating that includes sets of first and second flexible strips. The first and second flexible strips extend from the first and second radial parts of the drug release end, respectively. The elongate plunger has a drug pushing end and an operating end, is slidably movable in the passage, and has a length sufficient to enable the drug pushing end to push a drug in the passage to move out of the passage and spread apart the first and second flexible strips for delivering the drug into a body cavity.

Abstract: A delivery system for treating or preventing otitis media comprises a casing of a vapour impermeable material containing a volatile substance with therapeutic effect on otitis media, wherein the casing has a vapour-permeable opening.

Abstract: An ear cleaner device for cleaning the wax and dirt from a user's ear. The ear cleaner device includes an elongate flexible support member; and also includes a pair of conical-shaped ear cleaning members being attached to the elongate flexible support member and being adapted to clean a user's ear canal.

Abstract: A leak resistant tampon system for increasing absorbency capacity and reducing leakage about a tampon device. The leak resistant tampon system includes a housing member having a front end and a front opening, a front collecting reservoir fluidly connected to the front opening, and a volume of highly absorbent material throughout but particularly within the housing member fluidly connected to the front collecting reservoir. The absorbent material preferably has a porous fluid permeable central channel within for increasing the overall absorption capabilities and capacity of the absorbent material. A plurality of annular ribs and concave grooves may extend from the outer surface of the housing member for creating a seal increasing absorbency surface area and efficiency when positioned within the vagina.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for controlled delivery of a therapeutic agent to an internal cavity of the ear, particularly to the inner ear. In general, the invention uses a drug delivery unit for inner ear treatment which employs a portion of carrier media material containing one or more therapeutic agents therein. The carrier media material is designed to release the therapeutic agents in a controlled manner over time. The drug delivery unit is shaped and sized for placement of at least a portion thereof in the round window niche of a patient. The released therapeutic agents come in contact with the round window membrane and pass therethrough into the inner ear for treatment purposes. This system provides many benefits ranging from the ability to deliver drugs in a site specific, highly controlled manner to the transfer of such materials with minimal patient discomfort and monitoring requirements.

Abstract: This invention improves upon existing solutions by providing a nasal airway delivery decongestion apparatus in the form of a paddle-shaped tampon supported on an elongated handle, and a topical steroid disposed on the surface of the tampon, enabling the article to be inserted into the nasal passageway adjacent a local inferior turbinate mucosa for a sufficient period of time to facilitate extended relief. In the preferred embodiment, the tampon is sponge-like, enabling it to be impregnated with a topical steroid and solution, then dried and compressed into the paddle-like shape. Following insertion, the sponge expands, releasing the steroid to the local inferior turbinate mucosa. Although other topical steroids may be used, in the preferred embodiment Nasonex, or its equivalent, is the desired choice.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a catamenial tampon, comprising: a primary absorbent member; and a withdrawal cord having a withdrawal portion and an attachment portion. The attachment portion is joined to the primary absorbent member. The withdrawal cord includes a composite yarn which includes a continuous string, and a secondary absorbent member joined to a part of the continuous string. The continuous string which has the secondary absorbent member joined thereto is woven according to a predetermined weaving manner after being provisionally twisted, thereby forming the attachment portion and the withdrawal portion. The present invention is also directed to a composite yarn having thinner portions and thicker portions which are alternatively disposed. The composite yarn comprises: a continuous string; and a plurality of fleeces intermittently joined to the continuous string.

Abstract: A device 560, for administering multiple single doses of a medicated cream, includes a cartridge 562 having a barrel 564 for containing the cream, a plunger 608 for moving the cream from within the cartridge, and a stem 610 for moving the plunger within the cartridge. A carrier 612 is formed with a cartridge-receiving nest 712 for receiving the barrel 564. A plurality of spaced, transaxial grooves 726, 728, 730 and 732 are formed in the carrier 612 for receiving a flange 572 of the cartridge 562 during the dispensing of multiple, successive, single doses of the cream. The carrier 612 is formed with a pair of resilient ears 750 and 752 and a passage 738 for removably retaining the stem 610 with the carrier while allowing axial movement of the stem.

Abstract: A tampon applicator including an elongate insertion member having a length extending from an insertion end to a gripper end opposite thereof. The gripper end has a grip region dimensioned to substantially accept a user's grip. The grip region has a plurality of corrugations, a first transition portion, and a second transition portion. Each corrugation has a trough and a ridge. The first transition portion is substantially adjacent the gripper end and a second transition portion is disposed toward the insertion end.

Abstract: A device 60, for administering medicated cream, includes a cartridge 62 for containing the cream, a plunger head 100 for moving the cream from within the cartridge, and a stem 106 for moving the plunger head within the cartridge. The plunger head 100 includes a tapered receptor opening 148 for reception of a tapered stem structure 114. A rib 156 is formed on the cartridge 62, and a plurality of ribs 164 are formed on the stem 106, cooperate to provide tactile notification to a patient-user that measured doses of the cream have been administered.

Abstract: A system for delivering a flowable substance capable of changing from liquid to solid for use as implants and surgical sealants includes a first reservoir containing a first flowable substance including a bulking agent, a second reservoir containing a second flowable substance including a reacting agent, and a cannula. A method of delivering flowable substance that changes from liquid to solid for use as implants and surgical sealants includes introducing a cannula having first and second lumens into the body, passing a flowable substance including a bulking agent through the first lumen, passing a second flowable substance including a reacting agent through the second lumen, mixing the first and second flowable substances in the cannula so that the bulking agent reacts with the reacting agent to form a flexible elongated fiber in the cannula, and moving the fiber through the opening in the cannula and into the body to form at least one of an implant and surgical seal.

Abstract: This invention provides a bioresorbable foam packing device for post-operative use, especially to separate and prevent adhesions between mucosal surfaces in the nasal cavity, to help control minimal bleeding, and to prevent lateralization of the middle turbinate.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for implanting and forming both a polysaccharide fiber and an implant formed of the fiber. In one system, a liquid including polysaccharide and a liquid including a cross linking agent are mixed in a cannula to form a cross linked polysaccharide fiber in the cannula. In another system, a carrier fluid delivers a previously manufactured fiber through a cannula. A cutter is optionally provided on the cannula to sever the fiber after a sufficient length of fiber is implanted.