Abstract: A substantially biodegradable and water soluble tampon applicator comprising: a plunger and a barrel, said plunger being of a predetermined length, and having a first end and a second end, said second end being a predetermined distance from said first end, said plunger being substantially cylindrical in shape and having a first diameter at said first end and a second diameter at said second end, wherein said first diameter tapers downwards to said second diameter, proximate said first end, said plunger further comprises a first mating portion, said barrel having a first end and a second end, said second end being a predetermined distance from said first end, said barrel being substantially cylindrical in shape and having a diameter greater than the first diameter of said plunger, proximate said first end of said barrel, there is provided a second mating portion to matingly engage said first mating portion of said plunger to maintain said plunger in relation to said barrel in a first position, proximate said f

Abstract: Hygienic tampon (1) consisting of absorbent fibrous material on the basis of natural and/or artificial fibers of each desired structure, which is formed into at least approximately cylindrical blank (10), which is symmetric with regard to a longitudinal axis (100) defining a direction of inserting the tampon (1) into each desired cavity of a human body. Such tampon (1) comprises four pairs of grooves (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18), which are equidistantly arranged in the circumferential direction of the tampon (1). Two pairs of grooves (11, 13, 15, 17) having a pre-determined width (B1) and depth (T1) are pressed in two planes being perpendicular to each other and coincide with the longitudinal axis (100). The other pairs of grooves (12, 14, 16, 18) having a pre-determined width (B2) and depth (T2) are pressed in two planes, which are perpendicular to each other and coincide with the longitudinal axis (100) under 45° with respect to previously mentioned planes.

Abstract: A tampon applicator barrel includes an insertion tip at a forward end of the barrel, a main body section that extends from the insertion tip, and a reverse taper section that is joined to the main body section so that the main body section is between the insertion tip and the reverse taper section. The main body section tapers toward the insertion tip section. The reverse taper section tapers in a direction away from the insertion tip section. A finger grip section extends from the reverse taper section to a plunger receiving end of the barrel opposite the forward end. The barrel is straight from the forward end to the plunger receiving end that receives a plunger.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a hygiene device including an applicator housing a tampon. The tampon can include a primary absorbent member having a leading end, a trailing end opposite the leading end, and an intermediate region. The primary absorbent member can include a first tampon color. The tampon can also include a secondary absorbent member adjacent the primary absorbent member. The secondary absorbent member can include a second tampon color. The tampon can further include a withdrawal member disposed on at least one of the secondary absorbent member and the primary absorbent member. The withdrawal member can include a third tampon color. The applicator can include an insertion portion and a plunger operatively engaged with the insertion portion. The plunger can have a transparent region such that at least one of the secondary absorbent member and the withdrawal member is visually perceptible through the applicator.

Abstract: A tampon applicator assembly has a barrel with a fingergrip. The fingergrip has one or more flared portions and/or one or more rib-like or ring-like gripping structures. A tampon applicator fingergrip includes one or more flared portions having a flare angle between about 139° and about 156° and a curve represented by an equation range of y=16.127x3?1.5061x2+0.0568x+0.0001 to y=6.9136x3?0.5598x2+0.0168x+0.0003, where y is an incremental increase in a height of the curve at a distance along a length of the curve.

Abstract: The invention provides a surgical device for endoscopic surgery having the function of temporarily storing liquid (a first function), the function of keeping a physical space for surgery and a sufficient endoscopic field (a second function), and the function of protecting organs (a third function), and an insertion device for inserting the surgical device into a body. [Solving Means] The surgical device for endoscopic surgery is an inter-organ spacer (10) including liquid holding means (1) formed of a porous soft material having the ability to temporarily store liquid and the ability to retain its shape. The insertion device for inserting the inter-organ spacer into a body includes a tubular holder capable of holding the inter-organ spacer for endoscopic surgery.

Abstract: A pull-activated applicator includes a barrel, a pledget, a finger grip, and a deployment element. The pledget includes a withdrawal string and is located within the barrel. The barrel, the pledget, and the deployment element are configured such that application of a force to the deployment element in a first direction deploys the pledget and withdrawal string from the barrel in a second direction generally opposite the first direction.

Abstract: An applicator having a color gradient. The applicator includes an outer member having a first end, a second end disposed opposite the first end, a longitudinal axis, a length measured along the longitudinal axis, and an exterior surface. The outer member further includes a color gradient extending along at least a portion of the length from a first region to a second region, the color gradient being visible by a user viewing the exterior surface of the outer member.

Abstract: A dual mode absorbent tampon comprising a mass of absorbent material compressed into a generally cylindrical shape, in a first mode of the tampon. The mass of absorbent material comprising a homogeneous mixture of a plurality of fibers which comprise at least a first type of fiber and a second type of fiber, where the first type of fiber is bondable to fibers of the plurality of fibers. At least a portion of the first type of fibers are bonded in a pre-determined pattern to adjacent fibers of the plurality of fibers wherein absorption by the tampon causes at least a portion of the mass of absorbent material to expand into a non-cylindrical shape which is dependent upon the pre-determined pattern, in a second mode of the tampon.

Abstract: A method of assembling a tampon applicator includes providing a barrel with internal ridges that define a guide channel having an effective diameter. The method includes providing a plunger that has a finger flare with a circular shape and a flare diameter that is at least 15% larger than the effective diameter of the guide channel. The method includes assembling the plunger and the barrel by pushing the finger flare into the guide channel and deforming the finger flare into a non-circular shape while moving the finger flare through the guide channel. The method includes moving the finger flare out of the plunger end of the barrel and reestablishing the circular shape of the finger flare.

Abstract: Described are hemostasis devices useful for implantation in biopsy tracts, which device comprise highly compact, dried hemostatic sponge elements. Preferred devices also include compacted sponge matrices exhibiting high density and rigidity in combination with high volumetric expandability when wetted. Also described are methods for making and using such devices.

Abstract: Copper ion treatments and methods of treatment are provided to treat various body conditions affecting the genital and/or rectal areas. The copper ion treatments contain a copper ion-containing solution which, as a result of the copper ions contacting anatomical tissue of the vagina, the rectal canal and/or the external genital or rectal areas, brings about local and systemic therapeutic effects. The copper ion treatments and methods for treating conditions affecting the genital and/or rectal areas involve the use of tampons, suppositories, lotions, creams, gels, foams and solutions, each containing a copper ion-containing solution. The tampon bodies and the copper ion lotions, creams, gels and foams may be delivered into the vagina, and the suppositories can be delivered into the vagina or into the rectal canal. The copper ion lotions, creams, gels, foams and solutions may also be topically applied to the external genital and/or rectal areas.

Abstract: A tampon applicator is provided having a barrel and/or a plunger molded from a pulp-based material. The barrel can be molded such that it includes a molded fingergrip area having a textured surface, at least one gripping structure, or any combination thereof. Petals may be molded on the pledget ejection end of the barrel. In addition, the exterior surface of the barrel is molded such that it is textured, smooth, or any combinations thereof. The molded tampon applicator exhibits superior flushability and compostability characteristics, without compromising the strength of the barrel or plunger.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying agents, including hemostatic agent, to the cervix and accompanying areas.

Abstract: A tampon applicator comprises: an outer tube, in which an absorber stored inside, an aperture is disposed on one side thereof wherethrough the absorber is extruded, and a grip unit is disposed on the other side thereof; an inner tube which extrudes the absorber by moving within the outer tube; an auxiliary grip member. The auxiliary grip member further comprises a cover unit which covers the outer circumference surface of the grip unit, and collar unit which extends radially outwards from the outer circumference surface of the cover unit of the outer tube.

Abstract: A pull-activated applicator includes a barrel, a pledget, a finger grip, and a deployment element. The pledget includes a withdrawal string and is located within the barrel. The barrel, the pledget, and the deployment element are configured such that application of a force to the deployment element in a first direction deploys the pledget and withdrawal string from the barrel in a second direction generally opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A sanitary tampon 10 includes an absorber 11 and a strand member 12 extending out from a tail end of the absorber 11 in a direction of insertion inside the vagina. A hook unit 20 is configured from a member different from the strand member 12 and distended outside from a circumferential surface 12e of the strand member 12 is provided in the strand member 12.

Abstract: A sanitary product for use by women for the absorption of menstrual fluid, having 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 to 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.

Abstract: An tampon applicator includes an outer tube which contains an absorber therein, of which the one side is provided with a push-out aperture by which the absorber is to be pushed out, and of which the other side is provided with a grip tube unit; and an inner tube which is movable towards into the outer tube to push the absorber to the outside through the push-out aperture; and a collar unit extending radially outwards from an outer circumferential surface of the grip tube unit of the outer tube is included, and having a light transmissive means that enables the grip tube unit side to be visually confirmed from the push-out aperture side of the outer tube via the collar unit.

Abstract: A tampon applicator having an outer member adapted to house a tampon and receive an inner member. The outer member includes a fingergrip region having an indentation region that extends inwardly from the outer surface of the outer member. The indentation region has a depth dimension that is measured from the outer surface of the outer member to a lowest point of the indentation region. The indentation region comprises a first raised portion and a second raised portion, each of which having a height dimension that is measured from an individual raised portion's base to an individual raised portion's highest point, wherein the height dimension is less than the depth dimension. The first raised portion is a different size and a different shape as compared to the second raised portion.

Abstract: Dispensing devices and systems for oral transmucosal administration of small volume drug dosage forms to the oral mucosa are provided. The dispensing device may be a single dose applicator (SDA), or an electromechanical device comprising a means for patient identification such as a wrist worn RFID tag and annular bidirectional antenna together with a lock-out feature.

Abstract: A biodegradable injection moldable polymer having the composition a) from 50 to 85% by weight of a starch and or a modified high amylose starch b) from 4 to 13% by weight of a water soluble polymer selected from polyvinylacetate, polyvinyl alcohol and copolymers of ethylene and vinylalcohol which have a melting point compatible with the molten state of the starch components c) from 10 to 35% by weight of a polyol plasticizer d) from 0.5 to 10% of a polyethylene oxide or polyethylene glycol e) from 0 to 1.5% by weight of a C12-22 fatty acid or salt and f) from 0.25% to 3% of a food grade emulsifier. The polymers are suitable for biodegradable, flushable tampon applicators and other medical or industrial products where flushability and bio degradability are desirable.

Abstract: There is provided a multiple-component tampon applicator formed from at least three separate components. A fingergrip having a reduced cross-section as compared to that of the barrel may be formed such that it is a separate component or is integrally formed with a barrel component. The reduced cross-section fingergrip provides exceptional grippability to the user. The multiple components may be formed from materials including, for example, biopolymer including starches and proteins, cardboard, heat shrink plastic, paper slurry, plastic, plastic tubing, pulp slurry, pulp-molded paper, or any combinations thereof. Prior to assembly of the applicator and prior to loading the barrel component with an absorbent pledget, petals may be formed on the insertion end of the barrel using existing processes and equipment. Alternatively, a separate insertion tip component having petals may be formed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a lubricious polymeric composition that includes polymer and one or more lubricants. Articles formed from the lubricious polymeric composition possess enhanced softness, flexibility and lubricity. The present disclosure also provides a method for making an article formed from a lubricious polymeric composition having polymer and one or more lubricants.

Abstract: The present invention extends to a wound treatment system and a method of using the wound treatment system to treat a flesh wound such as from a gunshot, knife, or shrapnel. The wound treatment system comprises an applicator that contains absorbent material, and a plunger. The applicator is configured to be inserted into a flesh wound to inject the absorbent material directly at the source of bleeding. In this manner, the absorbent material is less likely to become contaminated and can apply direct internal pressure to the source of bleeding to mitigate the risk of serious injury or death from blood loss.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and devices for closing and/or sealing an opening in a vessel wall and/or an adjacent tissue tract. In one illustrative embodiment, a device is provided for delivering and deploying an anchor, plug, filament, and locking element adjacent to the opening in the vessel wall and/or tissue tract.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for closing a vascular wound includes a guidewire and/or other surgical implement extending from the wound. A hemostatic material is advanced over the surgical implement and into contact with an area of the blood vessel surrounding the wound. The surgical implement is removed. Blood soaks the hemostatic material, and blood clotting is facilitated by the hemostatic agent within the material. A sealing layer of adhesive can be applied to the hemostatic material, confining the blood flow to the material. Thus, the vascular puncture wound is sealed by natural blood clot formation.

Abstract: A method of assembling a tampon applicator includes providing a barrel with internal ridges that define a guide channel having an effective diameter. The method includes providing a plunger that has a finger flare with a circular shape and a flare diameter that is at least 15% larger than the effective diameter of the guide channel. The method includes assembling the plunger and the barrel by pushing the finger flare into the guide channel and deforming the finger flare into a non-circular shape while moving the finger flare through the guide channel. The method includes moving the finger flare out of the plunger end of the barrel and reestablishing the circular shape of the finger flare.

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 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: 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 system and method of treating urinary incontinence including a catheter and injection guide operatively disposed together. At least one needle is operatively disposed within at least one lumen and at least one channel extending through the catheter and injection guide respectively. The injection guide is transformable from a pre-injection configuration for placement in the bladder to an injection configuration for injection of a pharmaceutical such as botulinum toxin into the bladder tissue. Upon introduction of the pharmaceutical to the bladder tissue, symptoms of incontinence are alleviated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the work required to expel a tampon from a tampon applicator having a barrel containing the tampon and a plunger for expelling the tampon from the barrel. The method includes the steps of selecting and applying an applicator gripping test force to a grip zone on the barrel of the tampon applicator and selecting a tampon expulsion test rate and applying a force to the plunger sufficient to expel the tampon from the barrel of the tampon applicator at the selected tampon expulsion test rate. Further, the method includes the step of calculating the force on the plunger required to expel the tampon from the barrel at the selected tampon expulsion test rate as a function of the distance the tampon travels during expulsion.

Abstract: A tampon applicator barrel includes an insertion tip at a forward end of the barrel, a main body section that extends from the insertion tip, and a reverse taper section that is joined to the main body section so that the main body section is between the insertion tip and the reverse taper section. The main body section tapers toward the insertion tip section. The reverse taper section tapers in a direction away from the insertion tip section. A finger grip section extends from the reverse taper section to a plunger receiving end of the barrel opposite the forward end. The barrel is straight from the forward end to the plunger receiving end that receives a plunger.

Abstract: Assembly having a body (2) of absorbent material and a capsule (3) inserted therein. The capsule (3) has at least one projection (6, 11) that is arranged on its circumference along a helical line. For the manufacture of the assembly, the capsule (3) is screwed into the body (2) by a combined rotary and translational movement.

Abstract: A tampon applicator having an outer member adapted to house a tampon and receive an inner member. The inner member has a first end and a second end. The first end is spaced a first distance from a first longitudinal protrusion. The second end is spaced a second distance from a second longitudinal protrusion.

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 individual package is provided to allow a tampon with an applicator to be handled easily. An individual package includes: a tampon including an applicator having an external cylinder and an internal cylinder, and an absorbent body housed so as to be pushed out from the applicator; and a flat bag formed by a predetermined sheet member in a elongated shape. The flat bag includes an unsealable portion formed on one side of the flat bag so as to enable the tampon to be removed therefrom; and a lid portion which is openable and closable in a longitudinal direction of the flat bag. The lid portion is disposed so as to cover the unsealable portion.

Abstract: A method and device for relieving muscle tension and spasms in a user's head, neck, shoulders and back is provided. The method and device may be used by an individual to apply pressure to specific pressure points on the trapezius muscles of the user's shoulders, sub-occipital area of the user's neck and rhomboid and thoracic paraspinal region of the user's back.

Abstract: An applicator device capable of housing an insertable element includes a plunger member that is slideably engaged with the insertion member and has an insertion end and a gripper end. The gripper end of the plunger member consists of a locking mechanism having a diameter greater than the diameter of the plunger member. The insertion member also includes a locking mechanism that is capable of engaging the locking mechanism of the plunger member that may prevent the plunger member from withdrawal.

Abstract: A dual mode absorbent tampon comprising a mass of absorbent material compressed into a generally cylindrical shape, in a first mode of the tampon. The mass of absorbent material comprising a homogeneous mixture of a plurality of fibers which comprise at least a first type of fiber and a second type of fiber, where the first type of fiber is bondable to fibers of the plurality of fibers. At least a portion of the first type of fibers are bonded in a pre-determined pattern to adjacent fibers of the plurality of fibers wherein absorption by the tampon causes at least a portion of the mass of absorbent material to expand into a non-cylindrical shape which is dependent upon the pre-determined pattern, in a second mode of the tampon.

Abstract: Drug depot storage and delivery devices and methods for delivering a drug depot to a site beneath the skin of a patient are provided. In various embodiments, the drug depot storage and delivery device comprises a retaining member that in an open position allows delivery of the drug depot from the drug cartridge to the target tissue site. In various embodiments, the drug depot storage and delivery device comprises a retaining member that in a closed position reduces or prevents delivery of the drug depot from the drug cartridge to the target tissue site.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bone graft applicator assembly including a specially designed applicator, attached to a reservoir of bone graft material, such that the graft material can be moved into the delivery portion while the tip of the delivery portion is in place. The instantly disclosed device allows for the collapse of the delivery tip so that the tip can be placed between vertebras or alternatively within any bony structure or implant where the placement of bone graft material would be desirable, and then expanded to allow the bone graft material to be placed between the vertebras or the like while maintaining the geometry of the space into which the bone graft material is being placed.

Abstract: A device for delivering a medicated product into a bodily cavity includes a barrel member having a dispensing end, a proximal end, which is positioned opposite the dispensing end, and a bore, which extends through the barrel member. The bore is sized and shaped so as to receive a medicated product therein and includes an opening formed in the dispensing end of the barrel member. The opening is sized and shaped so as to permit a medicated product received in the bore to be dispensed therethrough. The applicator is also provided with a plunger member movably extending through the bore of the barrel member for dispending a medicated product from the bore through the opening. The barrel member includes at least one substantially flexible section located between the dispending end and the proximal end such that the barrel member is bendable about the flexible section.

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: An introducer and method for delivering a prosthetic fabric into a patient. The introducer includes a delivery tube having a distal end adapted to be inserted into the patient and a lumen that receives the prosthetic fabric. A loader may be provided to reconfigure the prosthetic fabric from a first configuration to a collapsed configuration and/or to insert the collapsed fabric into the lumen of the delivery tube. A plunger may be provided to push the prosthetic fabric through the delivery tube and into the patient. The loader and plunger may be combined in a dual-purpose component that is reversible to either load the fabric into the delivery tube or push the fabric through the delivery tube.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a tube, a bioresorbable nonwoven disposed in the tube, and a plunger disposed inside the tube that closes off a first end of the tube. The plunger is movable relative to the tube and slidable inside the tube so as to expel the nonwoven from the tube through actuation of the plunger.

Abstract: A tampon assembly having a barrel, a plunger, and a pledget is provided. The plunger is slidably received in the barrel. The pledget is in the barrel between the insertion tip and the plunger so that a force applied on the plunger can expel the pledget from the barrel. The barrel has a plurality of petals defining an insertion tip, which has a first taper ratio of more than about 0.3 to less than 1.0. The pledget has a shaped tip that is disposed in the insertion tip.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved tampon applicator having a grip area which provides the user better gripping ability. The grip area may be an area between two ridges on the outer tube of the applicator. In the alternative or in addition to the ridges, the grip area may be a raised pattern which is raised by a distance of between about 0.10 mm and about 0.75 mm. The present invention also provides an improved petal design for a tampon applicator. In this embodiment of the present invention, the petals are separated from each other on all sides by a non-linear gap and the gap is not parallel with the longitudinal axis of the tampon applicator.

Abstract: A tampon includes: a tampon main body; an accommodating cylinder that accommodates the tampon main body, the accommodating cylinder having an opening at a leading end; and a pushing member that pushes out the tampon main body outside of the accommodating cylinder from the opening, by moving inside the accommodating cylinder, wherein the accommodating cylinder has on an inner surface thereof ribs along a longitudinal direction of the accommodating cylinder.