Compacting device.

专利摘要:
The invention relates to a device for compressing a plurality of pledgets or pessaries. The apparatus includes a press unit support structure (202) for supporting a plurality of individual press units rotatable about a fixed axis (204). An axial direction press unit and a second press unit (206) are supported on the press unit support structure (202) to undergo a complete compression cycle during a single revolution of the press unit support structure (202) about the fixed axis (204). Here, the second press unit is one of an axial direction press unit, a non-linear direction press unit, or a press unit that has a compression area that decreases with the compression movement.
公开号:CH711911B1
申请号:CH00530/17
申请日:2014-09-30
公开日:2019-07-15
发明作者:Alex Hilt Ronald；Philip Rooyakkers Jon；Craig Gehling Steven
申请人:Kimberly Clark Co；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

description
Background A variety of products may undergo a densification step during a manufacturing process of the product. Compression of the product can alter the dimensions of the product from its original initial dimensions, yielding a product of ultimately smaller dimensions. Examples of personal care products that may undergo a densification step in a manufacturing process may include tampons and pessaries.
Tampons and pessaries undergo a densification step during the manufacturing process to bring the product into a size and dimension that is more suitable for insertion into the body of the user. The densification of a tampon pledget or uncompressed pessary can result in a tampon that can be digitally inserted through the user's fingers or through the use of an applicator. A tampon is generally made by folding, rolling or stacking an absorbent structure made of loosely bonded absorbent material into a pledget. The pledget can then be compressed into a tampon of the desired size and shape. A pessary may similarly be made of an absorbent material, or may be made of a non-absorbent material, and may ultimately be compacted to a size suitable for insertion into the vaginal cavity.
[0003] In current manufacturing processes, pledgets or pessaries generally compact one at a time. A device that can compact only one tampon pledget or pessary at a time can result in production efficiency limitations for manufactured tampons and pessaries. A limitation may be the reduction in production time and an increase in unproductive time during the densification step of a manufacturing process. Productive time can be the time when the pledget or uncompressed pessary is transformed into a definitive tampon or compacted pessary. For example, non-productive time may be the time the pledget or uncompensated pessary is waiting for an action to be performed on it itself, such as a pessary. Time spent waiting for the pledget or uncompressed pessary to enter the compactor. Another example of a constraint may be the volume of synchronous operations versus asynchronous operations. In synchronous operations, productive and non-productive operations can occur concurrently with one or more productive or non-productive operations. For asynchronous operations, productive and non-productive operations can occur sequentially with other productive or non-productive operations. A larger volume of asynchronous operations, especially non-productive operations, can reduce the efficiency of tampon and pessary production. An attempt to address these limitations in connection with the densification step of the manufacturing process has been to accelerate the revolution time of the compacting apparatus. However, increasing the rotational speed of the device did not change the overall efficiency of the device because only one pledget or pessary is compressed within the single revolution of the compacting device. There is a need for a device that can compress more than a single tampon pledget or pessary on one revolution of the device.
Summary A first aspect of the invention relates to an apparatus for compacting multiple pledgets or pessaries. The apparatus comprises: a press unit support structure for supporting a plurality of individual press units rotatable about a fixed axis; an axial direction press unit for compacting a first pledget or pessary in an axial direction along a longitudinal direction and / or lateral direction of the pledget or pessary, the axial direction press unit being supported on the press unit support structure and adapted to move during a single revolution of the press unit. Carrier structure to go through the solid axis a complete compression cycle; and a second press unit for compacting a second pledget or pessary, the second press unit supported on the press unit support structure and configured to undergo a full compression cycle during a single revolution of the press unit support structure about the fixed axis, and wherein the second pressing unit is one of an axial direction pressing unit for compressing in an axial direction along a longitudinal direction and / or lateral direction of the pledget or pessary, a non-linear direction pressing unit for compacting in a non-linear direction or a pressing unit having a compression area decreases with the compression movement. In various embodiments, at a first time point of one turn of the press unit support structure about the axis, the axial direction press unit is in a configuration that is one of a fully open configuration, a partially closed configuration, a partially open configuration, or a fully closed configuration , and the second press unit is in a configuration that is one of a fully open configuration, a partially closed configuration, a fully closed configuration, or a partially open configuration. In various embodiments, the configuration of the axial direction press unit is the same as the configuration of the second press unit. In various embodiments, the configuration of the axial direction press unit differs from the configuration of the second press unit. In various embodiments, the axial direction press unit is in a fixed spatial relationship on the press unit support structure relative to the second press unit. In various embodiments, the press unit support structure is a carousel. In various embodiments, the press unit support structure is a turret plate. In various embodiments, compression of a material within one of the axial press unit or second press unit begins after the axial press unit or second press unit rotates from a zero degree position and continues to rotate to at least about a 90 degree position. In various embodiments, the device may further comprise a control system.
A second aspect of the invention relates to a device for compressing multiple pledgets or pessaries. The apparatus comprises: a press unit support structure for supporting a plurality of individual press units rotatable about a fixed axis; a non-linear direction press unit for compacting a first pledget or pessary in a non-linear direction, the non-linear direction press unit carried on the press unit support structure and configured to rotate about the fixed axis during a single revolution of the press unit support structure to go through the complete compaction cycle; a second press unit for compacting a second pledget or pessary, the second press unit being supported on the press unit support structure and configured to undergo a complete compaction cycle during a single revolution of the press unit support structure about the fixed axis, and wherein the second press unit comprises of a non-linear-direction pressing unit for compacting in a non-linear direction, or a pressing unit having a compacting area decreasing with the compaction movement. In various embodiments, at a time of one revolution of the press unit support structure about the axis, the non-linear direction press unit is in a configuration that is one of a fully open configuration, a partially closed configuration, a fully closed configuration, or a partially open configuration and the second press unit is in a configuration that is one of a fully open configuration, a partially closed configuration, a fully closed configuration, or a partially open configuration. In various embodiments, the configuration of the non-linear direction press unit is the same as the configuration of the second press unit. In various embodiments, the configuration of the non-linear direction press unit differs from the configuration of the second press unit. In various embodiments, the non-linear direction pressing unit is in a fixed spatial relationship to the press unit support structure relative to the second press unit. In various embodiments, the press unit support structure is a carousel. In various embodiments, the press unit support structure is a turret plate. In various embodiments, compression of a material within one of the non-linear direction press unit or second press unit begins after the non-linear direction press unit or second press unit rotates from a zero degree position and with rotation up to at least about one 90 degree position continues. In various embodiments, the device may further comprise a control system.
A third aspect of the invention relates to a device having a press unit support structure for supporting a plurality of individual press units which is rotatable about a fixed axis; a first press unit for compacting a first pledget or pessary having a compression area decreasing with the compression movement, the first press unit carried on the press unit support structure and configured to move about the fixed axis during a single revolution of the press unit support structure to go through the complete compaction cycle; and a second press unit for compacting a second pledget or pessary, the second press unit carried on the press unit support structure and configured to undergo a complete compaction cycle during a single revolution of the press unit support structure about the fixed axis, and wherein the second press unit is a press unit having a compression area which decreases with the compression movement. In various embodiments, at a time of one revolution of the press unit support structure about the axis, the first press unit is in a configuration that is one of a fully open configuration, a partially closed configuration, a fully closed configuration, or a partially open configuration. and the second press unit is in a configuration that is one of a fully open configuration, a partially closed configuration, a closed configuration, or a partially open configuration. In various embodiments, the configuration of the first press unit is the same as the configuration of the second press unit. In various embodiments, the configuration of the first press unit differs from the configuration of the second press unit. In various embodiments, the first press unit on the press unit support structure is in a fixed spatial relationship relative to the second press unit. In various embodiments, the press unit support structure is a carousel. In various embodiments, the press unit support structure is a turret plate. In various embodiments, compression of a material within one of a first or second press unit or second press unit begins after the first or second press unit rotates from a zero degree position and with rotation to at least about a 90 degree position continues. In various embodiments, the device further comprises a control system.
Brief Description of the Drawings [0008]
FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an absorbent structure. FIG.
FIG. 1B is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of an absorbent structure. FIG.
FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views of exemplary embodiments of pledgets.
FIGS. 3A-3D are side views of exemplary embodiments of tampons.
FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a pessary. FIG.
FIG. 4B is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the pessary of FIG. 4A. FIG.
FIG. 4C is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the compacted core of FIG
Pessary of Fig. 4A.
FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a pessary. FIG.
FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the pessary of FIG. 5A. FIG.
FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a pessary. FIG.
Fig. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the pessary of Fig. 6A.
FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a device. FIG.
Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of a compression cycle of a press unit during one revolution of the press unit about a fixed axis.
Fig. 9 is a schematic representation of a movement profile of the gearbox of a pressing unit during a rotation of the pressing unit about a fixed axis.
10 is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a device.
11A-11E are schematic illustrations of an exemplary embodiment of axial compression in the longitudinal direction.
FIGS. 12A-12C are schematic illustrations of an exemplary embodiment of axial compression in the lateral direction.
FIG. 13 is an exemplary embodiment of a non-linear direction press unit. FIG.
FIG. 14A is an exemplary embodiment of the press unit of FIG. 13 in an open configuration. FIG.
Fig. 14B is an exemplary embodiment of the press unit of Fig. 13 in a partially closed configuration.
FIG. 14C is an exemplary embodiment of the press unit of FIG. 13 in a closed confi guration.
FIG. 15 is a schematic illustration of a non-linear direction press unit in an open position. FIG
Phase.
FIG. 16 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a non-linear direction press unit in a closed phase. FIG.
FIG. 17 illustrates a broad side view of an exemplary indent press claw. FIG.
Fig. 17A illustrates an enlarged view of detail of Fig. 17.
FIG. 18 illustrates a broad side view of an exemplary indent press claw. FIG.
Fig. 18A illustrates an enlarged view of detail of Fig. 18.
FIG. 19 illustrates a broad side view of an exemplary indent press claw. FIG.
Fig. 19A illustrates an enlarged view of detail A of Fig. 19.
FIG. 20 illustrates a broad side view of an exemplary indent press claw. FIG.
FIGS. 20A and 20B are enlarged views of details A and B of FIG. 20, respectively.
20B
Fig. 21 illustrates a broad side view of an exemplary indent press claw.
FIG. 21A illustrates an enlarged view of detail A of FIG. 21. FIG.
FIG. 22 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a press unit having a compression area that decreases during a compression movement in an open phase. FIG.
FIG. 23 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a press unit having a compression area that decreases during a compression movement in a closed phase. FIG.
FIG. 24 illustrates a lever and a claw used in the press unit of FIGS. 22 and 23.
Detailed Description The present disclosure generally relates to a device that can be used in the densification step of a tampon or pessary manufacturing process. The present disclosure also generally relates to a method of compacting a material, such as e.g. a pledget or a pessary.
Definitions: The term "introducer" herein refers to a device that facilitates the insertion of a tampon or pessary into the vaginal cavity of a woman. Non-limiting examples thereof include any known hygienically designed introducer capable of receiving a tampon or pessary, including so-called collapsible barrels and plungers, and compact applicators. The term "attached" herein refers to configurations in which a first member is attached to a second member by connecting the first member to the second member. Connecting the first element to the second element may occur by connecting the first element directly to the second element, e.g. by connecting the first member to an intermediate member (s), which in turn can be connected to the second member, and in configurations where the first member is integral with the second member (ie, the first member is substantially part of the second member ). Attachment may be by any method that is believed suitable, including, but not limited to, adhesives, ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, compression bonding, mechanical bonding, hydroentangling, microwave bonding, or any other conventional technique. The attachment may extend continuously along the length of the attachment, or it may be applied intermittently at discrete intervals.
As used herein, the term "bicomponent fiber" refers to fibers formed from at least two polymer sources extruded from separate extruders but spun together to form a fiber. Bicomponent fibers are sometimes referred to as conjugate fibers or multicomponent fibers. The polymers are disposed in substantially endlessly positioned, separated zones across the cross-section of the bicomponent fiber and extend continuously along the length of the bicomponent fiber. The configuration of such a bicomponent fiber may be e.g. a sheath / core arrangement in which one polymer is surrounded by another, or it may be a side-by-side arrangement, a pie arrangement, or an "islanding" arrangement.
As used herein, the term "compaction" refers to the process of squeezing, squeezing, compacting, or otherwise manipulating the size, shape, and / or volume of a material to obtain an insertable tampon or pessary. For example, a pledget may undergo densification to obtain a tampon having a vaginally insertable shape. The term "compacted" refers herein to the status of the material (s) after densification.
Conversely, the term "uncompressed" herein refers to the status of the material (s) prior to compaction. The term "compressible" is the ability of material to undergo condensation. As used herein, the term "cross-section" refers to a plane of the tampon or pessary that extends laterally through the tampon or pessary and that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the tampon or pessary or that is transverse or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
As used herein, the term "digital tampon" refers to a tampon intended to be inserted into the vaginal cavity with the user's finger rather than an applicator. Therefore, digital tampons are typically visible to the user rather than being housed in an applicator.
As used herein, the term "folded" refers to the configuration of a pledget that may occur accidentally upon lateral densification of the absorbent structure of the pledget or in a targeted manner prior to a densification step. Such a configuration may e.g. easily recognizable when the absorbent material of the absorbent structure abruptly changes direction so that one part of the absorbent structure bends or overlies another part of the absorbent structure.
As used herein, the term "generally cylindrical" refers to the ordinary form of tampons, as is well known in the art, but also includes flattened or partially flattened cylinders, curved cylinders, and shapes that have varying cross-sectional areas (eg, bottle-shaped). along the longitudinal axis.
As used herein, the term "longitudinal axis" refers to the axis that extends in the direction of the longest linear dimension of the tampon or pessary. For example, the longitudinal axis of a tampon is the axis that extends from the insertion end to the withdrawal end. As another example, the longitudinal axis of a pessary is the axis that extends from the anchoring element to the support member. As used herein, the term "outer surface" refers to the visible area of the (compacted and / or formed) tampon or pessary prior to use and / or expansion. At least a part of the outer surface may be smooth or alternatively have topographical features, such as e.g. Ribs, spiral ribs, grooves, mesh pattern or other topographical features. The term "pessary" as used herein refers to a device used to treat urinary incontinence. A pessary may include an anchoring element, a support element and a retraction element.
The term "pledget" herein refers to a construction of an absorbent structure prior to compaction and / or forming the absorbent structure in a tampon. The absorbent structure may be rolled, folded or otherwise manipulated into a pledget prior to compacting the pledget. Pledgets are sometimes referred to as blanks or softwinds, and the term "pledget" is meant to include those terms as well. In general, "tampon" is used to refer to a finished tampon after the compaction and / or molding process. The term "radial axis" as used herein refers to the axis that is at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the tampon or pessary.
As used herein, the term "relatively smooth" refers to an area that is relatively free of irregularities, roughness, or projections greater than about 1 mm in height or depth, as measured from the area.
The term "rolled" refers to a configuration of the pledget after winding the absorbent structure around itself.
As used herein, the term "tampon" refers to an absorbent structure that is introduced into the vaginal cavity to absorb fluid therefrom or to deliver active materials, such as medicines. A pledget may have been compressed in the non-linear direction, an axial direction along the longitudinal and / or lateral axis, or in both the nonlinear and axial directions, to form a substantially cylindrical tampon. Although the tampon may have a substantially cylindrical configuration, other shapes are possible. These other shapes may include, but are not limited to, having a cross-section that may be described as rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal, semi-circular, hourglass, serpentine, or any other suitable shape. Tampons have an insertion end, a withdrawal end, a retraction member, a length, a width, a longitudinal axis, a radial axis, and an outer surface. The length of the tampon can be measured from the insertion end to the withdrawal end along the longitudinal axis. A typical tampon may have a length of about 30 mm to about 60 mm. A tampon may have a linear or non-linear shape, e.g. curved along the longitudinal axis. A typical tampon may have a width of about 2 mm to about 30 mm. The width of the tampon, if otherwise stated, corresponds to the length across the widest cross-section along the length of the tampon.
As used herein, the term "vaginal cavity" refers to the internal genitalia of female mammals in the pudendal region of the body. The term refers to a space that is positioned between the vaginal Introidus (sometimes referred to as the vaginal sphincter or the hymen ring) and the cervix. The term does not include the interlabial space, the floor of the vestibule, or the externally visible genitals. As noted above, health care products that undergo a densification step during the manufacturing process may include, but are not limited to, tampons and pessaries.
Tampon: A tampon may result from densification of a pledget. The pledget, in turn, may be formed of an absorbent structure made of an absorbent material. 1A illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an absorbent structure 10, generally in the shape of a square, and a retraction member 14 having a knot 16 connected to the absorbent structure 10. FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an absorbent structure 10 having a generally angular shape and a retraction member 14 having a node 16 connected to the absorbent structure 10. It should be understood that these two shapes, square and angular, are illustrative and the absorbent structure 10 may have any shape, size and thickness which may ultimately be compressed into a tampon, such as a tampon. Tampon 24 in Fig. 3A-3D. Non-limiting examples of the shape of an absorbent structure 10 may include, but are not limited to, oval, round, angular, square, rectangular, and the like. The absorbent structure 10 may comprise a single layer of absorbent material 12, or the absorbent structure 10 may comprise a laminar structure that may include individual separate layers of absorbent material 12. In an embodiment in which the absorbent structure 10 has a laminar structure, the layers may be formed from a single absorbent material and / or from their absorbent materials. In one embodiment, the absorbent structure 10 may have a length dimension 18 along the longitudinal axis of the absorbent structure 10 of from about 20, 30, or 40 mm to about 50, 60, 75, 100, 200, 250, or 300 mm. In one embodiment, the absorbent structure 10 may have a width dimension 20 lateral to the longitudinal axis of the absorbent structure 10 of from about 40 mm to about 80 mm. In one embodiment, the basis weight of the absorbent structure 10 may be from about 15, 20, 25, 50, 75, 90, 100, 110, 120, 135 or 150 g / m2 to about 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400 or 1500 g / m2.
The absorbent material 12 of the absorbent structure 10 may be absorbent fibrous material. This absorbent material 12 may include, but is not limited to, natural fibers and synthetic fibers such as e.g. Polyester, acetate, nylon, cellulosic fibers, e.g. Wood pulp, cotton, viscose, rayon, LYOCELL®, e.g. from Lenzing in Austria, or mixtures thereof, or other cellulosic fibers. Natural fibers may include, but are not limited to, wool, cotton, flax, hemp, and wood pulp. Wood pulps may include, but are not limited to, standard softwood flake quality, such as e.g. CR-1654 (US Alliance Pulp Mills, Coosa, Alabama). Pulp may be modified to improve the inherent characteristics of the fibers and their processability, such as e.g. by crimping, curling and / or stiffening. The absorbent material 12 may include any suitable blend of fibers.
In one embodiment, the absorbent structure 10 may include fibers such as fibers. Binder fibers. In one embodiment, the binder fibers may include a fiber component that joins or fuses with other fibers in the absorbent structure 10. Binder fibers may be natural fibers or synthetic fibers. Synthetic fibers include, but are not limited to, those made from polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters, viscose staple, acrylic, viscose, superabsorbents, regenerated LYOCELL® cellulose, and other suitable synthetic fibers known to those skilled in the art. The fibers may be treated by conventional compositions and / or processes to facilitate or enhance wettability. In various embodiments, the absorbent structure 10 may have any suitable combination and ratio of fibers. In one embodiment, the absorbent structure 10 may include from about 70 to about 95 weight percent absorbent fibers and from about 5 to about 30 weight percent binder fibers.
In various embodiments, a cover may be provided as known to those of ordinary skill in the art. As used herein, the term "cover" refers to materials that are associated with and cover or enclose surfaces, such as those shown in US Pat. an outer surface of the tampon 24, and reducing the ability of portions (e.g., fibers and the like) to be separated from the tampon 24, and remaining after removal of the tampon 24 from the vaginal cavity of the woman.
In various embodiments, the cover may be formed of nonwoven materials or apertured films. The cover may be made of any number of suitable techniques, such as e.g. fleece-spun, carded, water-entangled, thermobonded and resin-bound. In one embodiment, the cover may be a smooth calendered 12 g / m 2 material consisting of two components, polyester sheath and polyethylene core, e.g. Sawabond 4189, available from Sandler AG, Germany.
In various embodiments, the absorbent structure 10 may be attached from a retraction member 14. The retraction member 14 may be attached to the absorbent structure 10 in any suitable manner as known to those of ordinary skill in the art. A knot 16 may be formed near the free ends on the retraction member 14 to ensure that the retraction member 14 does not separate from the absorbent structure 10. The knot 16 may also serve to prevent the fraying of the retraction member 14 and to provide a location or point at which a woman may grasp the retraction member 14 when ready to remove the tampon 24 from her vaginal cavity.
The absorbent structure 10 may be rolled, folded or otherwise manipulated into a pledget 22 prior to compacting the pledget 22 into a tampon 24. FIG. 2A is an illustration of a perspective view of an example of a rolled pledget 22, such as a pledget; Figure 2B is an illustration of a perspective view of one example of a folded pledget 22. It is understood that radially wound and folded configurations are illustrative and additional configurations of Pledget 22 are possible. For example, suitable menstrual tampons may include "cupped" pledgets such as those disclosed in US Publication No. 2008/0287902 to Edgett and US 2,330,257 to Bailey; "Accordion" or "W-folded" pledgets, such as those disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,837,882 to Agyapong; "Radially wound" pledgets, such as those disclosed in US 6,310,269 to Friese; "Sausage" type or "bausch" peanuts such as those disclosed in US 2,464,310 to Harwood; "M-folded" tampon pledgets such as those disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,039,716 to Jessup; "Stacked" tampon pledgets include those disclosed in US 2008/0 132 868 to Jorgensen; or "bag-shaped" tampon pledgets, such as those disclosed in US 3,815,601 to Schaefer.
A suitable method for making "radially wound" pledgets is disclosed in US 4,816,100 to Friese. Suitable methods for making "W-folded" pledgets are disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,740,070 to Agyapong; US 7,677,189 to Kondo; and US 2010/0114 054 to Mueller. A suitable method of making "cup-shaped" pledgets and "stacked" pledgets is disclosed in US 2008/0132868 to Jorgensen.
In various embodiments, the pledget 22 may be compressed into a tampon 24. Additional details regarding an apparatus and method for compaction are provided herein later. The pledge 22 may be compressed by any suitable amount. For example, the pledget 22 may be compressed at least about 25%, 50%, or 75% of the initial dimensions. For example, a pledget 22 may be reduced in diameter to about% of the original diameter. The transverse configuration of the resulting tampon 24 may be circular, ovular, elliptical, rectangular, hexagonal, or any other suitable shape.
FIG. 3A provides an illustration of one embodiment of a side view of an exemplary tampon 24 having a relatively smooth outer surface. FIG. Fig. 3B is an illustration of one embodiment of a side view of an exemplary tampon 24 having topographical features, e.g. Grooves 32 and ribs 34 has. Fig. 3C illustrates an illustration of one embodiment of a side view of an exemplary tampon 24 having topographical features such as e.g. Grooves 32 and notches 400 has. Fig. 3D illustrates an illustration of one embodiment of a side view of an exemplary tampon 24 that has topographical features, such as a tampon. Grooves 32, notches 400 and raised rings 402 has. The tampon 24 may include an insertion end 26 and a withdrawal end 28. The tampon 24 may have a length 36, the length 36 being the gauge of the tampon 24 along the longitudinal axis 30 beginning at one end (insertion or withdrawal) of the tampon 24 and at the opposite end (insertion or withdrawal) of the tampon 24 ends. In various embodiments, the tampon 24 may have a length 36 of about 30 mm to about 60 mm. The tampon 24 may have a compressed width 38 which, if otherwise described herein, may correspond to the largest cross-sectional dimension along the longitudinal axis 30 of the tampon 24. In some embodiments, prior to use, the tampon 24 may have a compressed width 38 of from about 2, 5, or 8 mm to about 10, 12, 14, 16, 20, or 30 mm. The tampon 24 may be in a linear or non-linear form, such as e.g. curved along the longitudinal axis 30.
In various embodiments, the tampon 24 may be positioned in an applicator. In various embodiments, the tampon 24 may also include one or more additional features. For example, the tampon 24 may include a "protection" feature as exemplified by US Pat. No. 6,840,927 to Hasse, US 2004/0 019 317 to Takagi, US Pat. No. 2,123,750 to Schulz, and the like. In some embodiments, the tampon 24 may include an "anatomical" shape, such as exemplified by US Pat. No. 5,370,633 to Villaita, including an "expansion" feature, as exemplified by US Pat. No. 7,387,622 to Pauley, an "Acquisition". Feature, as exemplified by US 2005/0256484 to Chase, include an "introducer" feature, as exemplified by US Pat. No. 2,121,021 to Harris, incorporating a "positioning" feature, such as that provided by the US No. 3,037,506 to Penska, or include a "removal" feature as exemplified by US Pat. No. 6,142,984 to Brown.
Pessary: A pessary may be used by a woman in the treatment of urinary incontinence. In various embodiments, the pessary may be adapted to be used once, worn only for a relatively short period of time, and then discarded and replaced with a new pessary (if needed). Alternatively, the pessary may be recycled for use by sterilizing it between uses. The pessary may be easy to use and may optionally be introduced in the same user-friendly manner in which a tampon is inserted into the vaginal cavity during menstruation, e.g. either digitally or using an applicator. In one embodiment, the pessary can be inserted in any orientation since the pessary can naturally migrate to a correct treatment position as a result of pessargeometry. Like insertion, the removal may be carried out in a similar manner to a tampon, e.g. by pulling on a retraction element.
A pessary may be provided in many configurations, each of which may be compacted into a size and dimension that is more suitable for insertion into the body either digitally by the user's fingers or by use of an applicator in the body. FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a pessary 40 that includes a core 42, a cover 44, and a retraction member 46. FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a pessary 70 having a fold 84. FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a pessary 90 having a strut 106. An example of one embodiment of a pessary 40 having a core 42, a cover 44, and a retraction member 46 can be seen in FIG. 4A. Referring to FIG. 4B, a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a core 42 for the pessary 40 is illustrated. For ease of description, the core 42 may be disposed about a longitudinal axis 54 and divided into three base elements. An upper region 48 within the dashed panel may be provided which may serve as the "anchoring element" for stabilizing the pessary 40 within the vagina. A lower portion 50 within the dashed box may be provided which may serve as the «support member» for generating support. In different embodiments, support may be generated at a suburethral site, e.g. middle urethra. In various embodiments, the roles of anchoring 48 and support member 50 may be changed or shared. In one embodiment, the anchoring 48 and support member 50 of the core 42 may serve as an inner support structure for a cover 44. In one embodiment, a central portion may be provided that may act as a "node" 52 and that may connect the anchoring 48 and support member 50. The node 52 of core 42 may have a length that may be a small portion of the overall length of the core 42. In various embodiments, the length of the knot 52 may be less than about 15, 20, or 30% of the total length of the core 42.
In an exemplary embodiment, the anchoring element 48 and the carrier element 50 each have four arms, 56 and 58, respectively. In such an exemplary embodiment, two arms 56 and 58 of each of the anchoring 48 and the carrier member 50 may exert generally pressure toward the front vaginal wall, and two arms 56 and 58 of each of the anchoring 48 and the Carrier members 50 may generally apply pressure toward the posterior vaginal wall adjacent to the intestine. The distal part of the urethra extends into the vagina, forming a gap between the urethral wall and the vaginal wall. The arms 56 and / or 58, which exert pressure at the front, can fit into these natural recesses on each side of the urethra. In various embodiments, the anchoring element 48 and the support member 50 may each comprise more or fewer arms 56 and 58. For example, the anchoring element 48 could include more anchoring arms 56 when there is concern about undesired movement of the pessary 40. Referring to FIG. 4B, the anchoring element 56 may include tips 60 and the support arms 58 may have tips 62. In various embodiments, the tips 60 of the anchoring arms 56 may be rounded or spherical in nature to form smooth surfaces (i.e., without corners or peaks) for roofing the vaginal wall. In various embodiments, the tips 62 of the support arms 58 and / or corners of the core 42 may be truncated by a bevelled edge along the anchoring arms 56 and the support arms 58 and at the tips 62, as shown in FIG. 4B. In one embodiment, the chamfered edge of the support arms 58 may reduce the overall circumference of the core 42 relative to a fully spherical cross-section when in a compacted mode for packaging within an applicator. An example of an internally compressed core 42 can be seen in FIG. 4C. In various embodiments, the core 42 may be made in a variety of sizes and / or for having specific performance characteristics, such as those shown in FIG. radial extent of the support arms 58. In various embodiments, the diameter of a radially expanded anchoring element 48 may range from about 30 to about 33 mm. In various embodiments, the diameter of a radially expanded support member 50 may be in the range of about 34 to about 52 mm. In various embodiments, the core 42 may also be made of different materials and / or materials having different performance characteristics, such as, for example. Hardness. In various embodiments, the core 42 may be constructed of a material or materials that can exhibit a Shore A hardness of 30-80. In various embodiments, the core 42 may be fabricated in multiple Shore A hardnesses, including, but not limited to, 40, 50, and 70. In various embodiments, the core 42 may be a single piece (monoblock). In various embodiments, the core 42 may include an anchoring 48 and a support member 50 that may be provided as separate parts (bipolar) that may be attached to form the core 42. In various embodiments, each element, whether carrier 50 or anchoring element 48, may be constructed of two or more parts. In various embodiments, the core 42 may be constructed by injection molding from liquid silicone (LSR). It is possible to use other materials, e.g. TPE, non-liquid silicone and others, for a core 42 of the same size. In one embodiment, materials exhibiting varying degrees of Shore A hardness may be used to make softer or more rigid cores 42.
With reference to FIG. 4A, a perspective view of a core 42 enclosed within a cover 44 provided with a retraction member 46 is illustrated in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the pessary 40. The cover 44 may optionally be any of the covers disclosed in PCT / IL2004 / 000 433; PCT / IL2005 / 000304; PCT / IL2005 / 000303; PCT / IL2006 / 000346; PCT / IL2007 / 000893; PCT / IL2008 / 001 292 are described. In various embodiments, the cover 44 and the retraction member 46 may be constructed from the same unitary piece of material and / or simultaneously and / or in the same process. In various embodiments, the cover 44 and the retraction member 46 may be constructed of separate pieces of material.
In various embodiments, the retraction member 46 may be constructed of a cotton material, but may also be constructed of other materials, e.g. those known to ordinary persons skilled in the art. In various embodiments, the retraction member 46 in the pessary 40 may be from about 14 cm to about 16 cm in length, although the length may be varied in different configurations of the pessary 40. In one embodiment, the retraction member 46 may be secured to the cover 44 in a position whereby traction in the direction of the vaginal introitus may be substantially uniformly distributed over the cover 44 as it collapses the support arms 58 of the core 42 within the vagina. In one embodiment, this position may be in the center of the cover 44 in the region of the support member 50, such as e.g. illustrated in Fig. 4A.
Referring to Figures 5A and 5B, an illustrative example of another embodiment of a pessary 70 is shown. The pessary 70 includes a support member 72, an anchoring member 74, a retraction member 76 and at least one fluid passageway 78 extending through the pessary 70. The pessary 70 has a distal end 80 and a proximal end 82. The distal end 80 refers to the portion of the pessary 70 that is first inserted into the vagina. The pessary 70 may have a length of about 10, 30 or 50 mm to about 70, 90 or 120 mm without the withdrawal element 76.
The pessary 70 may have a different configuration depending on whether the pessary 70 is inserted, in use, or removed. When the pessary 70 is in use, the support member 72 of the pessary 70 may have a generally conical shape (as illustrated, for example, in Fig. 5A). The support member 72 may expand from a compressed configuration and into the conical shape as the pessary 70 is inserted into the vaginal cavity. Although the support member 72 will be described as being conical, it may also be in the form of a pear, a teardrop, a conical or similar shape. Accordingly, the term "conical shape" is intended to include a shape as shown in Fig. 5A, as well as a pear shape, a teardrop shape, obconian or like shape. Typically, the proximal end 82 of the pessary 70 will have a largest outer circumference with an in-use diameter D2 greater than any other point on the support member 72. In one embodiment, the in-use diameter D2 may range from about 20 or 40 mm to about 50 or 60 mm. The pessary 70 may include a plurality of folds 84 extending from the distal end 80 to the proximal end 82. In one embodiment, the number of folds 84 extending from the distal end 80 to the proximal end 82 may be from 2 or 4 to 6. Figures 5A and 5B illustrate a pessary 70 having 5 folds 84. Prior to insertion, the pessary 70 may be in a compressed configuration and the folds 84 may be compressed or folded inwardly. When the plurality of folds 84 are compressed and folded inwardly, the largest outer circumference of the pessary 70 may have an insertion diameter that facilitates easier insertion into the vagina. The insertion diameter may be smaller than the in-use diameter D2. In one embodiment, the insertion diameter may range from about 10 or 15 mm to about 20 or 25 mm. The pessary 70 may include a fluid passage 78 that may serve at least one of two functions. First, the fluid passage 78 may provide the space necessary in the pessary 70 to allow the folds 84 to be compressed inwardly to provide the pessary 70 with its insertion diameter. Second, the fluid passage 78 may facilitate the natural movement of vaginal fluids entering the pessary 70. In one embodiment, a fluid passage 78 may be present for each fold 84.
As discussed above, an anchoring element 74 may be positioned at the distal end 80 of the pessary 70. The anchoring element 74 may prevent the pessary 70 from moving unintentionally, thereby stabilizing the pessary 70 within the vaginal cavity. In one embodiment, the anchoring element 74 may have a diameter that ranges from about 10 or 15 mm to about 20 or 25 mm.
An illustrative example of another embodiment of a pessary 90 is shown with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B. The pessary 90 includes a support member 92, an anchoring member 94, a retraction member 96, and at least one fluid passageway 98 extending through the pessary 90. The pessary 90 has a distal end 100, a proximal end 102, and a hollow inner portion 104. The distal end 100 refers to the portion of the pessary 90 that is first inserted into the vagina. The pessary 90 may have a length of about 10, 30 or 50 mm to about 70, 90 or 120 mm without the withdrawal element 96.
The pessary 90 may have a different configuration depending on whether the pessary 90 is inserted in use or removed. When the pessary 90 is in use, the pessary 90 may have a generally conical shape (such as illustrated in Figure 6A). The support member 92 can expand from a compressed configuration and into the convex shape as the pessary 90 is inserted into the vaginal cavity. The convex shape of the support member 92 can provide the necessary support for the vaginal walls by contacting a front vaginal wall and a posterior vaginal wall. Although the support member 92 is described as being convex, it may also be in the shape of a pear, a teardrop, a conical or similar shape. Accordingly, the term "convex shape" is intended to include a shape as shown in FIG. 6A, as well as a pear shape, a teardrop shape, a conical or similar shape. In one embodiment, the support member 92 may have an in-use diameter D2 that ranges from about 20 or 40 mm to about 50 or 60 mm.
The support member 92 may include a plurality of struts 106 that extend from the distal end 100 to the proximal end 102. In one embodiment, the number of struts 106 that extend from the distal end 100 to the proximal end 102 may be from 2,3 or 4 to 5 or 6. Figures 6A and 6B illustrate a pessary 90 having four struts 106. Prior to insertion, the pessary 90 may be in a compressed configuration and the struts 106 may be twisted or compacted together. As a result of twisting and compressing the struts 106, the pessary 90 may lengthen. When the struts 106 are twisted together, a largest circumference of the support member 92 may have an insertion diameter that allows for easier insertion into the vagina. The insertion diameter also allows insertion and storage within an applicator. The insertion diameter may be smaller than the in-use diameter D2 and may be in the range of about 10 or 15 mm to about 20 or 25 mm. The pessary 90 may include a hollow inner portion 104 that may serve at least one of two functions. First, the hollow inner portion 104 may provide the space necessary in the pessary 90 for the struts 106 to twist, nest, and compress together to provide the pessary 90 with its insertion diameter. Second, the hollow inner portion 104 may provide a fluid passage 98 to facilitate the transport of fluids entering the pessary 90.
As discussed above, an anchoring element 94 may be positioned at the distal end 100 of the pessary 90. The anchoring element 94 can prevent the pessary 90 from moving unintentionally, thereby stabilizing the pessary 90 within the vaginal cavity. In an exemplary embodiment, the anchoring element 94 does not apply significant pressure to the wearer's vagina and / or urethra, thereby increasing comfort. In one embodiment, the anchoring element may have a diameter that ranges from about 10 or 15 mm to about 20 or 25 mm.
In addition, the pessaries 70 and 90 may each include a retraction member 76 and 96 secured to the pessary 70 and 90, respectively. The retraction member 76 and 96 may be a separate part or may be formed integrally with the pessary 70 or 90, respectively. Pulling on the retraction member 76 or 96 may cause the support member 72 or 92 to collapse inwardly upon itself to reduce the greatest amount of bulk to the cross-sectional area of the support member 72 or 92 of the pessary 70 or 90 for ease of removal.
The pessary 70 or 90 may comprise a resilient elastic material. As used herein, the term "compliant" material and variants thereof refer to materials that can be formed into an initial shape, with the initial shape subsequently formed with mechanical deformation, such as, e.g. Bending, compacting or twisting the material, can be shaped into a stable second shape. The compliant material then returns substantially to its initial shape when the mechanical deformation ends. The pessary 70 or 90 may initially be formed into the in-use configuration as described above. The pessary 70 or 90 may then be compacted for insertion or storage within an applicator. After the pessary 70 or 90 is inserted, the pessary 70 or 90 may transition from the compressed configuration to the in-use configuration due to the ability of the elastic material to relax or spring back to its original shape.
The pessary 70 or 90 may also be covered with a suitable biocompatible cover material as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The pessary 70 or 90 may be enclosed in a cover which may reduce friction during use, assist in controlling the pessary 70 or 90 during insertion and removal, which may assist pessary 70 or 90 to keep it in position remains and / or can create more contact surface for applying pressure to the vaginal walls.
Device: The present invention relates to a device that is used in the densification step of a manufacturing process of a tampon (such as the tampon 24 illustrated in Figures 3A-3D) or a pessary (such as the pessary 40, 70 or 90 each illustrated in Figs. 4A-4C, 5A, 5B, 6A and 6B) may be used. The apparatus comprises a press unit support structure capable of supporting a plurality of individual press units. Each individual pressing unit may use a material, such as a pledget or an uncompressed pessary, compact. Since the device has a plurality of individual pressing units, the device can compact more than one material at a time.
The press unit support structure of the device is rotatable about a fixed axis. In various embodiments, this rotation of the press unit support structure about the fixed axis may occur continuously. In various embodiments, this rotation of the press unit support structure may occur intermittently about the fixed axis. As the press unit support structure rotates about a fixed axis, each of the individual press units carried by the press unit support structure can also rotate about the same fixed axis.
In various embodiments, the press unit support structure may carry at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 press units. In various embodiments, the press unit support structure may carry at least 2, 3, 4 or 5 press units to 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 press units. Each press unit may be releasably attached to the press unit support structure. Since each press unit may be releasably attached to the press unit support structure, operation of the apparatus may be stopped if a press unit is to malfunction, the press unit may be removed from the press unit support structure by disengaging releasable fasteners (such as screws or pins), and the malfunctioning press unit can be replaced with a functioning press unit.
A single press unit may be supported on the press unit support structure in a fixed spatial relationship relative to each other individual press unit carried on the same press unit support structure. For example, in various embodiments, the apparatus may include a press unit support structure that may be in the configuration of a carousel that can rotate about a fixed axis. The carousel may carry a plurality of individual press units. Each individual press unit may be positioned on the carousel so that a single press unit may be spaced from a second single press unit at any distance considered appropriate to require the efficient operation of the apparatus. When the carousel rotates around the fixed axis, the spatial relationship between the individual press units does not change. As another example, in various embodiments, the apparatus may include a press unit support structure that may be in the configuration of a turret plate connected to a turret. The turret plate may be capable of rotating about a fixed axis. The turret plate may have turret plate extensions extending from a central portion of the turret plate, and each turret plate extension may carry a single press unit. Each individual press unit may be positioned on the turret plate extension at a location distal to the central region of the turret plate. When the turret rotates about the fixed axis, the spatial relationship between the individual press units does not change.
During a single revolution of a press unit support structure about a fixed axis, each individual press unit positioned on the press unit support structure may undergo a complete compaction cycle to compact a material positioned within the chamber of the press unit. The compaction cycle may begin with loading an unconsolidated material into a single press unit, which may be in a fully open configuration. The fully open configuration of the press unit can provide a chamber into which the material can be loaded. After loading a material into the chamber of the press unit, the press unit may begin to transition from the fully open configuration to a fully closed configuration via a partially closed configuration. The densification of the material within the chamber may begin during the transition from the fully open configuration of the press unit to the fully closed configuration of the press unit as the volume of the chamber decreases during this transition. Once the press unit has reached the fully closed configuration, the press unit may remain in the fully closed configuration for as long as is considered appropriate for the single revolution of the press unit support structure about the fixed axis. The residence time may affect the ability of the densified material to maintain a compacted configuration after removal of the compaction pressure. When the material in the chamber has been compressed to the desired level of compaction, the press unit may begin transitioning from the fully closed configuration to a fully open configuration via a partially open configuration. As the press unit transitions from the fully closed configuration to a fully open configuration, the volume of the chamber may increase. As the material in the chamber recently undergoes compression, the material may start to rebound from compression and expand as the compaction pressure decreases. In order to minimize the expansion of the material to its original initial dimensions, the material in various embodiments may be unloaded from the chamber while the press unit is in a partially open configuration. In different configurations wherein the compacted material is stably in the compacted configuration, unloading of the material from the chamber may occur when the press unit has reached the fully open configuration. After unloading the compacted material from the chamber of the press unit, the press unit may repeat the compaction cycle in a new revolution of the press unit support structure about the fixed axis. During a compaction cycle and a single revolution of the press unit support structure about a fixed axis, the press unit may transition from a fully open configuration through a partially closed configuration to a fully closed configuration and from the fully closed configuration through a partially open configuration to the fully open configuration pass.
The length of time that the press unit remains in any configuration (eg, fully open, partially closed, fully closed, partially open) may be any length of time during the single rotation about the fixed axis that is suitable for compacting the material onto the desired size dimensions and the desired compaction stability is considered. The residence time of the material in a press unit in a fully closed configuration during the compaction cycle can therefore be any length of time considered suitable for compacting the material to the desired size dimensions and densification stability. In various embodiments, in a single revolution of the press unit support structure about a fixed axis, a material to be compacted may be loaded into a press unit in a fully open configuration, the material may be compressed, and the compacted material may be unloaded from the press unit after the press unit Press unit has completed about 90, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240, 270, 300, 330 or 360 degrees of rotation ± 10 ° about the fixed axis, around which the press unit support structure rotates. The densification of a material within a press unit may begin at any point after the material is loaded into the press unit, and may continue until the press unit reaches at least about 90, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240, 270, 300, or 330 degrees of rotation ± 10 ° around the fixed axis of the press unit support structure has rotated. For example, a press unit may have a press unit support structure that can support four press units. A material may be loaded into a press unit, undergo compaction, and unloaded from the press unit at about 90, 180, 270, or 360 degrees of rotation ± 10 degrees about the fixed axis of the press unit support structure. It is understood that more or less press units may change the position of the degree of rotation at which a material may be unloaded from a press unit.
In a first aspect of the invention, a device supports a press unit that can compact a material in an axial direction. In a second aspect of the invention, an apparatus supports a press unit that can compact a material in a non-linear direction, such as a press assembly. Compression in an arcuate motion predominantly in a radial direction. In a third aspect of the invention, a device carries a press unit which has a compression surface that can be reduced with the compression movement. In various embodiments, a device may carry a press unit that may have the ability to densify a material using two types of compaction (i.e., axial direction compaction, non-linear direction compaction, and / or with a decreasing compaction surface). As a non-limiting example, a device may support a press unit that can compact a material in an axial direction and also compress the same material in a non-linear direction. In such an embodiment, the axial direction compression may occur before or after the non-linear direction seal.
In various embodiments, a press unit support structure may carry at least two axial direction press units. In various embodiments, a press unit support structure may carry at least two non-linear direction press units. In various embodiments, a press unit support structure may carry at least two press units, each having a compression area that may decrease with the compression movement. In various embodiments, a press unit support structure may carry at least two press units, each of which may have an ability to provide two types of compaction for a material. In various embodiments, a press unit support structure may carry at least two press units, each of which may have a type of compaction other than the other press unit. In one embodiment, a press unit support structure may carry at least two press units, wherein one press unit may provide compression in one axial direction and another press unit may provide compression in a non-linear direction or may have a compression area that may decrease with the compression movement. In one embodiment, a press unit support structure may carry at least two press units, wherein one press unit may provide compression in a non-linear direction and another press unit may provide compression in an axial direction or may have a compression area that may decrease with the compression movement. In one embodiment, a press unit support structure may carry at least two press units, wherein one press unit may have a compression area that may decrease with the compression movement, and another press unit may provide compression in an axial direction or in a non-linear direction.
In various embodiments, the densification step may be performed without any application of heat to the material, such as e.g. a pledget or pessary, occur. In other words, the material can be compacted without external heat being applied to the device or material. In various embodiments, the densification step may include applying heat to the material. In other words, the material can be densified, with external heat applied to the device or material. In various embodiments, the densification step may be integrated or may be followed by one or more additional stabilization steps. This secondary stabilization can serve to maintain the compacted shape of the tampon or pessary.
Referring to Figure 7, a schematic example of one embodiment of a device 200 is illustrated. The device 200 may include a cam plate 208 and a press unit support structure 202. The device 200 may be connected in any manner to a frame 216 known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The cam plate 208 may be stationary, while the press unit support structure 202 may be of the form such as that shown in FIG. a carousel, which is rotatable about a fixed axis 204. The rotation of the press unit support structure 202 about the fixed axis may be controlled by a control system (not shown), such as a control unit. mechanical and / or electrical control systems. Some examples of control systems may include but are not limited to motors, cam gears, servomotors, computers, and any other control system known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The control system may actuate the press unit support structure 202 to rotate about the fixed axis 204. In various embodiments, the rotation of the press unit support structure and the operation of the individual press units may be controlled by the same control system. In various embodiments, the rotation of the press unit support structure and the operation of the individual press units may be controlled by separate control systems. A control system for operating a press unit that is separate from the control system that actuates press unit support structure 202 may be a mechanical and / or electrical control system. Some examples of control systems may include, but are not limited to, motors, cam gears, servomotors, computers, and any other control system known to those of ordinary skill in the art and considered appropriate. A control system for operating a press unit may control the progression of the press unit through the compression cycle. A control system may coordinate the operation of a press unit through a compression cycle with rotation of the press unit support structure 202 about the fixed axis. The control system may control the changes in the configuration of a press unit as the press unit support structure rotates in a single revolution about the fixed axis. In various embodiments, the same control system may control the rotation of the press unit support structure 202 and the operation of the press units. In various embodiments, a control system may control the rotation of the press unit support structure 202, and a separate control system may control the operation of each press unit. In various embodiments, each press unit may be operated by its own control system. In various embodiments, the type of control system that controls the press unit support structure 202 may be the same as the type of control system that controls the press units. In various embodiments, the type of control system that controls the press unit support structure 202 may be different than the type of control system that controls each of the press units.
The press unit support structure 202 carries a plurality of press units and, as illustrated in Fig. 7, the press unit support structure 202 may carry, for example, three press units 206a, 206b and 206c. Each press unit 206a, 206b, and 206c may be spaced from the other press units 206a, 206b, and 206c at any distance that is considered appropriate to promote efficient operation of the apparatus 200. As the press unit support structure 202 rotates about the fixed axis 204, each press unit 206a, 206b and 206c may also rotate about the fixed axis 204. As the press unit support structure 202 rotates about the fixed axis, each press unit 206a, 206b, and 206c may remain in fixed spatial relationship with each other press unit 206a, 206b, and 206c. Although the individual press units 206a, 206b, and 206c are supported by the press unit support structure 202 and can rotate about the fixed axis 204 of the press unit support structure 202, when the press unit support structure 202 makes a complete revolution about the fixed axis 204 Not each of the individual press units 206a, 206b and 206c necessarily has its own single axis. It is contemplated, however, that the individual press units 206a, 206b, and 206c may rotate about their own single axis, if desired. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the apparatus 200 may include a press unit support structure 202 supporting three press units 206a, 206b, and 206c. In various embodiments, the press units 206a, 206b and 206c may transition in a single rotation of the press unit support structure 202 in a synchronous manner through a compression cycle. In these embodiments, each press unit 206a, 206b and 206c may be in the same configuration at a given time. In various embodiments, each press unit 206a, 206b and 206c may transition in a single revolution of a press unit support structure 202 in an asynchronous manner through a compression cycle. In these embodiments, each press unit 206a, 206b and 206c may be in other configurations at a given time. Each of the press units 206a, 206b, and 206c illustrated in FIG. 7 is illustrated in another configuration of the compaction cycle. The press unit 206a is shown with a chamber in a fully open configuration 210. A fully open configuration 210 may allow loading of a material to be compacted into the chamber of the press unit 206a. The pressing unit 206a may therefore be in a configuration at the beginning of the compression cycle. The press unit 206a is shown with a chamber in a fully closed configuration 212. A press unit 206b may dwell in a fully closed configuration 212 for any length of time, as desired, to densify a material to the desired compacted dimension and compacting stability. The pressing unit 206a may therefore be in a configuration in the middle of the compression cycle. The press unit 206a is shown with a chamber in partially open configuration 214. A material that has been compacted may be unloaded by the press unit 206c when the press unit 206c is in a partially open configuration 214. The pressing unit 206a may therefore be in a configuration at the end of the compression cycle.
Fig. 8 provides a schematic view of an exemplary illustration of one embodiment of a seal cycle profile of a press unit, such as a press assembly. of each of the press units 206a, 206b and / or 206c illustrated in FIG. 7 when the press unit completes one revolution about the fixed axis 204 of a press unit support structure 202. The embodiment illustrated in Figure 8 is exemplary and alternative compaction cycle profiles are possible for a press unit depending on such elements as e.g. on the size of the device and the total number of press units carried on the press unit support structure.
As illustrated in Fig. 8, the degree of rotation at which a material can be loaded into a pressing unit can be regarded as the zero-degree position. During loading of the material into the chamber of the press unit, the press unit may be in a fully open configuration. As the press unit rotates in a single revolution about the fixed axis of the press unit support structure, the press unit may transition from a fully open configuration through a partially closed configuration to a fully closed configuration and from a partially open configuration to a fully open configuration. The transitions of the press unit between the configurations (fully open, partially closed, fully closed, partially open) may occur at any degree of rotation of the press unit about the fixed axis of the press unit support structure, as considered appropriate to the tampon or compacted Pessary with the desired dimensions and the desired compaction stability.
In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the material may be loaded into the press unit, which is considered to be the zero degree position of the rotation of the press unit about the first axis of the press unit support structure. At about 45 degrees of rotation of the press unit about the fixed axis of the press unit support structure, the press unit may begin to transition from the fully open configuration to a partially closed configuration. As illustrated in Figure 8, at about 60 degrees of rotation about the fixed axis of the press unit support structure, the press unit may begin to slow its rotational speed about the fixed axis and the closing of the press unit may begin with the material positioned within the chamber of the press unit to condense. The press unit may achieve a fully closed configuration at about 75 degrees of rotation of the press unit about the fixed axis of the press unit support structure. The fully closed configuration in the illustrated example of FIG. 8 may be maintained at about 145 degrees of rotation of the press unit about the fixed axis of the press unit support structure, starting at about 75 degrees of rotation and ending at about 220 degrees of rotation. At about 220 degrees of rotation of the press unit about the fixed axis of the press unit support structure, the press unit may then begin to transition from the fully closed configuration to a partially open configuration. At about 240 degrees of rotation of the press unit about the fixed axis of the press unit support structure, the volume of the press unit chamber may be about one-half of the total available chamber volume, such as, for example. when the press unit is in a fully open configuration. In various embodiments, the material may be unloaded from the press unit beginning therewith, when the chamber of the press unit has reached half of its total available volume. The press unit support structure may begin to slow down the rotational speed when the press unit reaches approximately 300 degrees of rotation about the fixed axis of the press unit support structure. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the press unit may be in a fully open configuration beginning at about 335 degrees of rotation.
FIG. 9 provides an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the acceleration-to-acceleration, position and velocity compression profiles of the motion profile of the transmission of press units of a device. FIG. The exemplary embodiment of the profile illustrated in Fig. 9 may be suitable for a device having a press unit support structure capable of supporting three press units 206a, 206b and 206c, such as e.g. in Fig. 7, when the press unit support structure completes one revolution about the fixed axis. The embodiment illustrated in Figure 9 is exemplary and alternative profiles are possible for a press unit depending on such elements as e.g. the size of the device and the total number of press units carried by the press unit support structure. A single revolution of the press unit carrier structure 204 is illustrated in FIG. Segment «A» represents the first 120 degrees of rotation, segment «B» represents the second 120 degrees of rotation and segment «C» represents the third 120 degrees of rotation for a total of 360 degrees of rotation. As illustrated in Figure 9, at time 0 (position "0" in Figure 9), a material may be loaded into a press unit, such as a press assembly. Pressing unit 206a of Fig. 7. The initial loading of a material at time 0 (position "0" in Fig. 9) may also indicate the position of zero degrees of rotation of the press unit support structure in the single revolution and therefore the zero degree of rotation of Press unit 206a. The press unit carrier structure 202, and therefore the press unit 206a, may rotate about the fixed axis 204 of the press unit support structure 202. At about 45 degrees of rotation (position "1" of Fig. 9) of the press unit 206a about the fixed axis 204, the press unit 206a may begin to transition from the fully open configuration to a partially closed configuration. At about 60 degrees of rotation (position "2" in Fig. 9) of the press unit 206a about the fixed axis 204, the press unit support structure 202 may begin to slow the rotational speed. As indicated with respect to FIG. 8, compression of the material positioned within the press unit 206a may begin as the press unit support structure begins to slow the rotational speed. The press unit 206a can achieve the fully-closed configuration at about 75 degrees of rotation (position "3" of FIG. 9). The press unit 206 may remain in the fully closed configuration for about 145 degrees of rotation of the press unit 206a about the fixed axis. When the press unit 206a has rotated about 220 degrees of rotation (position "4" of FIG. 9), the press unit 206a may begin to transition from the fully closed configuration to a partially open configuration. At about 240 degrees of rotation (position "5" of FIG. 9), the volume of the chamber of the press unit 206a may be about one-half of the total available chamber volume, such as, for example. when the press unit 206a is in a fully open configuration. In this configuration, the press unit 206a may unload the material that has been compressed in the press unit 206a. The press unit 206a may continue to rotate about the fixed axis of the press unit support structure, and at about 330 degrees of rotation (position "6" of FIG. 9), the press unit 206a may be in a fully open configuration. A new material to be compacted may be loaded into the press unit 206a when the press unit 206a reaches 360 degrees of rotation (position "7" of FIG. 9) and may restart the compression cycle.
In an apparatus having a press unit support structure 202 supporting three press units 206a, 206b and 206c, such as e.g. illustrated in Fig. 7, when the press unit 206a has completed about 60 degrees of rotation about a fixed axis 204 of the press unit support structure, the press unit 206b may have completed about 180 degrees of rotation (and may be in a fully closed configuration). and the press unit 206c may have completed about 300 degrees of rotation (and may have discharged a compacted material at about 240 degrees of rotation). The press unit support structure 202 may continue to rotate about the fixed axis 204. As the press unit 206c rotates through the 360 degree / 0 degree position in the revolution of the press unit support structure 202, a material within the chamber of the press unit 206c may be positioned for compression. The press unit support structure 202 may accelerate to continue the rotation of the press unit support structure 202 until the press unit 206c has completed approximately 60 degrees of rotation, wherein the press unit support structure 202 may begin to slow its rotational speed and start the press unit 206c, to compact the material within their chamber. At this time, the press unit 206b may have completed about 300 degrees of rotation (and may have discharged its compacted material at about 240 degrees of rotation), and the press unit 206a may have completed about 180 degrees of rotation (and may be in a fully closed position) Configuration are located). The press unit support structure 202 may continue to rotate about the fixed axis 204 and the press unit 206b may load a material into its chamber as it passes the 360 degree / 0 degree position thereby continuing the illustrated compaction cycle.
Figures 7-9 provide an illustration of a device 200 having a press unit support structure 202 supporting three individual press units 206a, 206b, and 206c, and rotating profiles in a single revolution about the fixed axis 204 of the press unit. Carrier structure 202 of the press units 206a, 206b and 206c. As illustrated, the press unit support structure 202 may slow to accept the loading of a material into one of the press units and may accelerate its rotational speed about the fixed axis 204 after loading the material into the press unit. As the press unit begins to densify the material positioned within its chamber, the press unit support structure 202 is at a constant rotational speed about the fixed axis 204. The pattern of acceleration / deceleration may be throughout the entire revolution of the press unit supports
Continue structure 202 as each press unit cycles through a load / unload configuration. Such a pattern of acceleration and deceleration may illustrate an intermittent (or indexing) rotation of a press unit support structure 202 about a fixed axis. As illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, rotation of the press unit support structure slows down and therefore to zero acceleration as work is being performed on the material (e.g., when the material is being compacted). Without being bound by theory, it is believed that this may provide optimum performance to the device. In the acceleration / deceleration pattern, the different forces applied by the device 200, the press unit support structure 202, the press unit (s), the material positioned within a chamber of the press unit (s) and the rotation of the press unit may be determined Carrier structure 202 provided about a fixed axis 204 can be used. Depending on the requirements of the apparatus 200, the bends illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 may be adjusted so that work on the material to be compacted during slow speed and / or slow speed periods of the press unit support structure may be completed to provide regenerative braking support. The acceleration / deceleration pattern may be determined by overall system inertia, driveability, system inertia compensation, and reflected inertia in the system to provide smoother transient support, minimizing horsepower required for operation. whereby the life of the device 200 is increased. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figs. 7-9, movement of the jaws or energy transferred to the material to be compacted may occur during periods when the drive of the press unit support structure is at a constant speed can have. In various embodiments, it may be desirable to perform work on the material during slow down periods of the press unit support structure to assist with reflected inertial effects. It will be appreciated that the apparatus may also operate so that rotation of the press unit support structure may be continuous rather than intermittent. In a continuous motion system, a splined transmission wheel may be provided so that at certain times the material to be compacted moves at the same speed between two splined transmission points and thus zero speed transmission would occur. As illustrated in FIGS. 7-9, each press unit carried by a press unit support structure may be in a different configuration of the compaction cycle than other press units supported by the press unit support structure. In such embodiments, each press unit may undergo a different configuration of the compaction cycle at any time during the rotation of the press unit support structure about the fixed axis. For example, upon rotation of the press unit support structure about a fixed axis at an initial time, a material may be loaded into a first press unit. The press unit support structure may continue to rotate about a fixed axis and the press unit may transition from a fully open configuration through a partially closed configuration to a fully closed configuration to compact the material loaded into the first press unit. As the first press unit passes through the transition from the fully open configuration to the fully closed configuration, a second material may be loaded into a second press unit for compression. It is understood that the second material can be loaded into the second press unit, although the first press unit is in one of the configurations of the compression cycle. Since the press units may be in different configurations during the rotation about the fixed axis, in different embodiments it may be possible to load the material for compacting into a press unit substantially the same time as that in which one compacted material from another Press unit is unloaded. In various embodiments, during one revolution of the press unit support structure about a fixed axis, each press unit may be operated and actuated independently of any other press unit carried by the press unit support structure as the press unit support structure rotates about the fixed axis. In other words, each press unit may be out of phase with every other press unit. If the press units are out of phase with each other, they can go through a different configuration of the compaction cycle at any time.
In various embodiments, during one rotation of the press unit support structure about a fixed axis, each press unit may be operated and actuated substantially synchronously with each other press unit carried by the press unit support structure when the press unit support structure turns around the fixed axis. In other words, each press unit may be in phase with each other press unit. When the press units are in phase with each other, they can each go through the densification cycle configurations substantially synchronously with each other press unit. For example, with one revolution of the press unit support structure about a fixed axis in each press unit, a material may be loaded into the press unit at substantially the same time when the press units are in the fully open configuration of the compression cycle. The press unit support structure may continue to rotate about the fixed axis and each press unit may transition from the fully open configuration to the fully closed configuration substantially at the same time. The press unit support structure may continue to rotate about the axis, and after compacting the material in each press unit, the press unit may transition from the fully closed configuration to the fully open configuration. As described above, the compacted material can be removed from the press units during the transition from the fully closed configuration to the fully open configuration, i. into the partially open configuration, or when the press units have reached the fully open configuration. In various embodiments, at least two press units may be in a fully open configuration at a time during rotation of the press unit support structure about a fixed axis. In various embodiments, at a time during the rotation of the press unit carrier
Structure are located about a fixed axis at least two press units in a partially closed configuration. In various embodiments, at least two press units may be in a fully closed configuration at a time during the rotation of the press unit support structure about a fixed axis. In various embodiments, at least two press units may be in a partially open configuration at a time during the rotation of the press unit support structure about a fixed axis.
[0070] In various embodiments, at a time of one revolution of the press unit support structure about a fixed axis, a first press unit may be in one of a fully open configuration, a partially closed configuration, a fully closed configuration, or a partially open configuration. and a second press unit of the apparatus may be in one of a fully open configuration, a partially closed configuration, a closed configuration, or a partially open configuration. In such a configuration, the configuration of the first press unit of the apparatus may be the same as or different than the configuration of the second press unit of the apparatus. In various embodiments, additional press unit (s) may be carried by the apparatus. In these various embodiments, at one point in time during one revolution of the press unit support structure about an axis, the additional press unit (s) of the apparatus may be in a configuration (fully open, partially closed, fully closed or partially open), the same or may be different than at least one other press unit carried by the device.
Referring to Figure 10, a schematic example of one embodiment of a device 220 is illustrated. The device 220 may comprise a press unit support structure, such as e.g. a turret with a turret plate 222 which is rotatable about an axis 226. The turret plate 222 may carry a plurality of press units 230, each of which may be carried on a plate extension 228. Each press unit 230 may be releasably attached to the panel extension 228. The press units 230 may be positioned at the distal end of the plate extensions 228 positioned opposite the central portion 232 of the turret plate 222. The turret plate 222 may include as many plate extensions 228 as are considered suitable for the efficient operation of the device 200. Each pressing unit 230 and plate extension 228 may be spaced from another pressing unit 230 and plate unit 228 at any distance that is considered suitable to promote efficient operation of the device 220. As the turret plate 222 rotates about the axis 226, each press unit 230 may also rotate about the axis 226. As the turret plate 222 rotates about the axis 226, each press unit 230 may remain in fixed spatial relationship with each other press unit 230. The device 220 may be provided with any other suitable number of press units 230. Referring to FIG. 10, the apparatus 220 is illustrated as carrying six press units 230. In one embodiment, the turret plate 222 may be mounted on a shaft 224. The shaft 224 may provide the axis 226 about which the turret plate 222 can rotate. In various embodiments, the shaft 224 may be horizontal or vertical. The turret plate 222 may be of any suitable type, such as a turret. a motor (not shown) to rotate the turret axis 226.
As described above, a device (e.g., device 200, 220, or similar device) may carry a plurality of press units (e.g., 206 or 230) to hold a material such as a pad. a pledget or an uncompressed pessary to condense. As described above, a pressing unit (e.g., 206 or 230) may provide compression in the axial direction, in a non-linear direction, may have a compression area that decreases with the compression movement, or may provide a combination of these types of compression. The press unit (e.g., 206 or 230) may therefore be in the form of an axial direction press unit, a non-linear direction press unit, a press unit with decreasing compacting area, or a combination thereof. For the sake of clarity of description, the disclosure herein may refer only to the densification of a pledget. It is understood, however, that the described compaction can be applied to a pessary. The densification in the axial direction can be a material such as e.g. a pledget or pessary, compress in the longitudinal direction, the lateral direction or in the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction. Referring to FIGS. 11A-11E, a schematic illustration of densification of a material in the longitudinal direction by use of an axial direction press unit 300 is presented. A pledget 22 may be inserted into a compression chamber 302 of the axial direction pressing unit 300 (as shown in Fig. 11A, for example). The pledget 22 may be urged into the chamber 302 by a reciprocating push rod 306. The pledget 22 may be forced into the chamber until it reaches the end of the chamber 302, which may correspond to the area of a reciprocating piston 308 (as shown, for example, in Fig. 11B). After the pledget 22 is pushed into the chamber 302, the chamber 302 can be closed. The closing of the chamber 302 may be affected by the push rod 306 and piston 308 remaining at least partially within the chamber 302, thereby closing all openings to the chamber 302. It will be appreciated that alternative means may close the chamber 302, for example providing separate closure means. After the pledget 22 is fully inserted into the chamber 302, the pledget 22 can be compressed in the longitudinal direction by using the plunger 308 to apply a force against the end of the pledget 22 (as shown, for example, in Fig. 11C). Once the pledget 22 has been compressed to the desired longitudinal direction length, the compression force can be released by retracting the piston 308 from the chamber 302 (as shown, for example, in Fig. 11D). A tampon 24 may be displaced from the chamber 302. In one embodiment (such as shown in Fig. 11E), the push rod 306 may push the tampon 24 out of the chamber 302.
Referring to Figs. 12A-12C, a schematic illustration of a densification of a material in the lateral direction by using an axial direction pressing unit 320 is presented. A pledget 22 may be inserted into a compression chamber 322 of the axial direction pressing unit 320. The pledget 22 may be urged into the chamber 322 by a reciprocating push rod 324. The pledget 22 may be urged into the chamber 322 until it reaches the end of the chamber 322 (as shown, for example, in Fig. 12A). After the pledget 22 is fully inserted into the chamber 322, the pledget 22 can be compressed in the lateral direction by using the push rod 324 to apply a force against the pledget 22 (as shown, for example, in Fig. 12B). Once the desired width has been achieved, a tampon 24 may be displaced from the chamber 322 by using a plunger 326 to push the tampon 24 out of the chamber 322 (as shown, for example, in Fig. 12C). Although only one push rod 324 is illustrated in FIGS. 12A-12C, it is understood that more than one push rod may be used in an axial direction press unit that compresses a material in a lateral direction. For example, a plurality of push rods may radially around a material, such. a pledget or unconsolidated pessary, which can apply compaction in the lateral direction against the material during compaction. An exemplary apparatus having a plurality of push rods radially positioned about a material and capable of compressing laterally during compression against the material is disclosed in US Pat. No. 2,798,260 to Niepmann, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference integrated in their entirety. Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14A-14C, a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a non-linear direction press unit 330 is illustrated. The non-linear direction press unit 330 may include, for example, eight levers 332 each supported on an adjustment ring 334 and rotatable within certain limits about a journal 336. At its radially outer end, each lever 332 may be pivotally connected by a coupling pin 338 to a clutch lever 340, the other end of which is pivotally supported by a pin 342 on a stationary ring bearing 344. The pins 342 and the bearing pins 336 may each be positioned on a circle, the spacing of these pins from each other may be a result of the division specified by the number of levers 332 on the respective circle.
The levers 332, which may be designed as bellcranks, and which may be provided with a protruding portion 346 between their bearing location by the bearing pin 336 on the adjusting ring 334 and with their articulation by a coupling pin 338 on the clutch lever 340, further comprise a lever arm 348 which may be positioned radially inwardly and which carries at its end positioned radially inwardly a tool carrier 350 to which a pressing tool 352 may be attached. Each pressing tool 352 may be provided with a pressing edge 354. By rotating the adjustment ring 334, which may be concentric with respect to the stationary ring carrier 344, pivoting of the lever 332 may be caused. When turning the adjusting ring 334 counterclockwise, these levers 332 can be moved with their pressing tools 352 radially inward. Thus, the levers 332 pivot about the bearing pins 336 which may be disposed on the adjustment ring 334, the coupling pins 338 connected to the stationary ring bearing 344 via the clutch levers 340 providing the pivotal movement, which is a radially inward movement of the dies 352 has the result. Therefore, a "closing" of the pressing tools 352 is performed. When the adjusting ring 334 is rotated clockwise, an "opening" of the pressing tools 352 is performed.
Fig. 14A illustrates that in the open initial position, the press edges 354 are oriented not toward the center of the non-linear direction press unit 330, but tangentially toward a circular cylinder 356 surrounding the longitudinal center axis. Therefore, it is achieved that the pressing forces which are applied by the pressing tools 352, not centrally, but are aligned tangentially in the direction of a circle surrounding the longitudinal center axis of the tampon 24 to be produced. The eccentric orientation of the dies 352 toward the center of the non-linear direction press unit 330 can be adjusted to any desired position by respectively positioning the bearing pin 336 and providing a corresponding construction of the levers 332 and the clutch levers 340.
In the open starting position of the non-linear direction pressing unit 330, a pledget 22 may be inserted into the opening between the pressing tools 352 (as illustrated, for example, in Fig. 14A). By turning the adjusting ring 334 counterclockwise relative to the stationary ring bearing 344, the pressing tools 352 are first brought into a partially closed position (as illustrated in Fig. 14B). With this pivoting movement, the levers 332 are moved with the adjusting ring 334, and pivoted about the bearing pins 336 of the rotary adjusting ring 334 by the clutch lever 340, which are articulated to the stationary ring bearing 344, so that the pressing tools 352 perform a movement consisting of a Combination of a tangential and a radial component exists. During this moment, the deformation forces applied by the dies 352 and their press edges 354 result in a volume reduction of the pledget 22 that is uniform around the circumference and converts the pledget 22 into a tampon 24 that has a core and ribs as well Has grooves surrounding the core (as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 14C). Referring to FIG. 3B, a tampon 24 having ribs 34 and grooves 32 is illustrated. In various embodiments, it may be desirable to make a tampon 24 having ribs, grooves, and indentations. FIG. 3C provides an illustration of a tampon 24 having ribs 34, grooves 32 and notches 400. In various embodiments, it may be desirable to make a tampon 24 having ribs 34, grooves 32, notches 400, and a raised ring 402. FIG. 3D provides an illustration of a tampon 24 having ribs 34, grooves 32, notches 400, and two raised rings 402. In various embodiments, a press unit may be used to provide ribs, grooves, indentations, and / or raised rings for a tampon. Although the following disclosure is provided with respect to, for example, ribs, grooves, notches, and raised rings relative to a non-linear direction press unit, it will be understood that other press units, such as e.g. the above-described axial direction press units and a press unit having a decreasing compression area, which will be described later, can also provide such ribs, grooves, indentations and / or a raised ring using the disclosure, as compared with a non-contact Linear direction pressing unit provided, and applied in the direction of an axial direction of pressing unit or a pressing unit having a compression area, which decreases with the compression movement.
Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, schematic illustrations of the end view of a non-Li-directional press unit 370 that may provide grooves 32 and notches 400 are illustrated. Generally, in the non-linear direction press unit 370, one or more dies may be used that can reciprocate relative to each other to form a mold cavity 378 therebetween. If a material, such as Pledget 22 is positioned within mold cavity 378, the dies may be actuated to move toward one another and densify the material.
Turning now to FIG. 15, an end view of an exemplary pledget 22 in an exemplary non-linear direction press unit 370 is illustrated. The non-linear direction press unit 370 may include any suitable number of indent press jaws 372. For example, the non-linear direction press unit 370 may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or at least 10 notch press jaws 372. In the embodiment of FIG. 15, there are illustrated eight notching presser jaws 372 that are uniformly spaced in the circumferential direction 374 of the pledget 22. In various embodiments, the non-linear direction press unit 370 may also include any suitable number of slot press dogs 372. For example, the non-linear direction press unit 370 may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or at least 10 keyway dies 376. Notching presser jaws 372 and groove presser jaws 376 (if present) together define a mold cavity 378. In the embodiment of FIG. 15, eight groove presser jaws 376 are shown spaced evenly in the circumferential direction 374 of the pledget 22. In addition, FIG. 15 representatively illustrates the eight score presser dogs 372, which are alternately and uniformly spaced with the eight key presser tabs 376 in the circumferential direction 374 of the pledget 22. Together, the eight score presser claws 372 and the eight keypressure claws 376 define the mold cavity 378.
Fig. 15 representatively illustrates the pledget 22 provided for the mold cavity 378 of the non-linear direction press unit 370 in an uncompressed configuration. Referring to Fig. 16, the non-linear direction pressing unit 370 of Fig. 15 is illustrated at the peak of compression in the vertical direction 380 (i.e., in a compressed configuration). In FIG. 16, the eight notching presser jaws 372 and the eight notching presseraws 376 have moved in the direction 380 that is perpendicular to and / or radially inward toward the longitudinal centerline 382 to compress the pledget 22. The indentation presser jaws 372 include one or more discrete projections 384. The discrete projections 384 penetrate into the pledget 22 during the compaction step to form discrete indentations 400. 17, 17A, 18, 18A, 19, 19A, 20, 20A, 20B, 21 and 21A illustrate different broad side views of exemplary notching presser jaws 372 having profiling surfaces 386 and discrete projections 384 extending therefrom. The profiling surfaces 386 are adapted to compress the pledget 22 and provide a shape to a portion of the outer surface of the resulting tampon 24. Similarly, the discrete projections 384 are adapted to compress the pledget 22 and then penetrate into the pledge 22 to form the discrete indentations 400 that are believed to integrate the absorbent layers or structure near the penetration point , The penetration point has a notch 400 to the result.
In various embodiments, the discrete projections 384 may have any suitable shape, dimensions, and / or volume. In various embodiments, the discrete projections 384 may be in the shape of a pyramid, a cone, a cylinder, a cube, an obelisk, or the like, or any combination thereof. The discrete projections 384 may have a cross-section that is bulbous, rectilinear, trapezoidal, polygonal, triangular, any other suitable shape, or any combination thereof. The discrete projections 384 may be in the form of a pin having one of a cylindrical, conical, elliptical, and any other suitable shape. The discrete projections 384 need not be circumferentially symmetric. The discrete projections 384 may be elongated and extend partially or completely across the region of the profiling surface 386. The discrete projections 384 may be in a waveform that extends partially or completely across the area of the profiling surface 386. In various embodiments, the discrete projections 384 may have an orientation with respect to the longitudinal axis 30 of a resulting tampon 24 that is substantially parallel, perpendicular, angled, or a combination thereof. In various embodiments, the discrete projections 384 may be a cavity in the profiling surface 386 or a curved surface on the profiling surface 386. In various embodiments, the discrete projections 384 may be in the form of a pyramid, such as a pyramid. those illustrated in Figs. 17 and 17A. In various embodiments, the discrete projections 384 may be in the form of a cone having a rounded apex, such as a cone. the one illustrated in Figs. 18 and 18A. In various embodiments, the discrete projections 384 may have a rectangular shape on the apex with at least one curved side, such as apex. which illustrated in Figs. 19, 19A, 20 and 20B. In various embodiments, the discrete projections 384 may be in the shape of a cone having a relatively rounded apex, such as a cone. the one illustrated in Figs. 21 and 21A.
In various embodiments, the indentation presser jaws 372 may include discrete projections 384 in the form of a discrete relief 388, such as a dashed line. which illustrated in Figs. 20 and 20B. The discrete relief 388 may extend into the indentation presser claw 372 and may have any suitable shape. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 20, the discrete relief 388 may have a curved shape. In such embodiments, when a plurality of indentation presser jaws 372 compress the pledget 22 into the tampon 24, a circumferentially raised ring 402 is formed, as illustrated in FIG. 14B.
In various embodiments, one or more indentation presser jaws 372 may include a first discrete projection 392 having a first shape 394 and a second discrete projection 396 having a second shape 398 that is different from the first shape 394 , For example, FIG. 20 representatively illustrates a first discrete projection 392 having a first shape 394 with the first shape 394 being a cone (FIG. 20A). FIG. 20 also representatively illustrates a second discrete projection 396 having a second shape 398 with the second shape 398 being cubic.
In various embodiments, a non-linear press unit 370 may include a first indenting press jaw 372 having a first discrete projection 392 having a first shape 394 and a second indenting press jaw 372 having a second discrete projection 396 having a second shape 398. In various embodiments, the first mold 394 and the second mold 398 may be the same or different. For example, in various embodiments, the first indent press claw 372 may include first discrete projections 392 having the shape of cones, and the second indent press claw 372 may include second discrete projections 396 having a pyramid shape.
In various embodiments, the discrete projections 384 may extend beyond any suitable distance from the profiling surface 386. For example, referring now to FIGS. 17A, 18A, 19A, and 20A, the discrete projections 384 may have an extension dimension 406 of at least 0.5.1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, or 3 mm. In various embodiments, the indentation presser jaws 372 may include discrete projections 384, where two or more of the discrete projections 384 may have the same extension dimension 406, such as, e.g. which illustrated in Figs. 17 and 18. In various embodiments, one or more indentation presser jaws 372 may have two or more discrete projections 384, which may have different extension dimensions 406, such as, but not limited to. those illustrated in FIG. 21. 21 illustrates a score press claw 372 having a contouring surface 386 with a first discrete projection 384 having a first extension dimension 407 (FIG. 21A) and a second discrete projection 384 having a second extension dimension 408 (FIG. 21A). As illustrated, the second extension dimension 408 is greater than the first extension dimension 407.
In various embodiments, a non-linear direction press unit 370 may include a first indent press claw 372 having a first discrete projection 392 having a first extension dimension 407. Similarly, the non-linear direction press unit 370 may include a second indent press claw 372 having a second discrete projection 396 having a second extension dimension 408. In various embodiments, the first extension dimension 407 and the second extension dimension 408 may be the same or may be different. For example, in various embodiments, the first indent press claw 372 may include discrete projections 384 that have an extension dimension 406 that is less than the extension dimension 406 of the discrete projections 384 of the second indent press claw 372.
Because the profiling surfaces 386 of the indenting presser jaws 372 define the compacted diameter of the tampon 24, the extension dimension 406 is equal to the depth of penetration of the discrete projection 384 into the pledget 22 during compaction. The penetration depth may be defined as a percentage of the compacted diameter of the resulting tampon 24. For example, in various embodiments, the discrete projections 384 may have a penetration depth of at least about 20%, 30%, 40%, or 50% of the compressed diameter of the tampon 24. For example, in other embodiments, the compressed diameter may be about 6.6 mm, and the extension dimension 406 may be about 2.55 mm, so that the penetration depth is 39% of the compressed diameter.
In various embodiments, the discrete projections 384 may have a volume of at least about 3, 4 or 5 cubic millimeters. In specific embodiments, the discrete projections 384 may be truncated cones having a base diameter of about 2.523 mm and a height of about 2.546 mm at a volume of about 5.045 cubic millimeters. In various embodiments, the volume and / or shape of the discrete projections 384 may be selected to provide the desired layer integration. In various aspects, at least about 80%, 90%, 95%, or 100% of the volume of the discrete projections 384 may enter the densified tampon 24. Thus, in these embodiments, the displaced volume of absorbent material that initially forms the discrete indentations 400 is at least about 80%, 90%, 95%, or 100% of the volume of the discrete projections 384.
The tampon 24 may include a first half, which may include an insertion end 26, and a second half, which may have a withdrawal end 28. In various embodiments, discrete projections 384 may penetrate into the pledget 22 such that there are more discrete indentations 400 formed in the first half than in the second half of the resulting tampon 24. It is believed that this is advantageous because the withdrawal element 14 is often anchored in the first half of the tampon 24 as it extends from the withdrawal end 28 of the second half. As such, the withdrawal forces are first directed to the first half. Therefore, it is believed that greater layer integration across the discrete notches 400 in the first half opposes the retraction forces and helps to maintain the integrity of the tampon 24. In various embodiments, the first half has at least 25%, 50% or 75% more discrete indentations 400 than the second half. In various embodiments, all of the discrete indentations 400 may be in the first half. In various embodiments, at least 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of the discrete notches 400 may be in the first half.
In various embodiments, one or more raised circumferential rings 402 may be formed about the tampon 24 as illustrated in FIG. 3D. In various embodiments, a second circumferentially raised ring 402 may be formed about the tampon 24, as illustrated in FIG. 3D. In various embodiments, the first circumferentially raised ring 402 and the second circumferentially raised ring 402 may be separated by a circumferential groove 404. In various embodiments, the resulting tampon 24 may include one or more longitudinal rows of discrete indentations 400. In various embodiments, a first series of discrete indentations 400 may be aligned in the circumferential direction with a second series of discrete indentations 400. In various embodiments, a first series of discrete indentations 400 may be stepped in the circumferential direction with a second series of discrete indentations 400. In various embodiments, the first and second series of discrete indentations 400 may be adjacent rows. In various embodiments, the longitudinal rows of discrete indentations 400 may extend around the circumferential direction of the tampon 24, and may be stepped so that adjacent rows of discrete indentations 400 are not aligned.
In various embodiments, one or more grooves 32 may be formed in the tampon 24. Similarly, a plurality of grooves 32 providing a plurality of rows of discrete indentations 400, wherein the grooves 32 and the rows of discrete information 400 are alternated in the circumferential direction of the tampon 24, may be formed. The grooves 32 may be linear, non-linear, helical, continuous, discontinuous, wide, narrow, any other suitable shape, size, orientation, or any combination thereof. Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, there is illustrated a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a press unit 410 that may have a compression area that decreases during the compression movement. The press unit 410 may include compaction surfaces and a compression mechanism to move the compaction surfaces in a non-linear motion when compacting the material. As the press unit 410 compresses, the compression area decreases and the circumferential gap formation is maintained near zero over the relevant area of the press unit 410. The operating area of the press unit 410 is defined as the area between the maximum compacting diameter and the minimum compacting diameter. The ratio between the initial compression diameter and the final compression diameter, or the compression ratio that can be achieved with this compression unit 410, is greater than 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15 or 20 The initial compaction diameter is the effective diameter of the material before compaction, which is essentially the minimum diameter to which the crimping unit 410 must be opened to receive the material. The diameter in the previous determinations is the diameter of the hypothetical cylinder 442 defined below. The final compaction diameter is the desired diameter of the material after compaction. By maintaining circumferential gap formation over the relevant area of the pressing unit 410 near zero, the compression jaws can reinforce each other to improve the stability of the device.
A press unit 410 for manufacturing an exemplary tampon 24 is illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23. The press unit 410 used as an example herein includes eight levers 412 (see FIGS. 22-24), although any suitable number of levers 412 may be included. The center of the press unit 410 defines a central longitudinal axis 414 that is at the point where the claws 416 meet when the levers 412 and jaws 416 are at their innermost rate of motion. Each lever 412 is connected at a fixed ring 418 to a pivot 420 and is pivotable about the pivot 420 within certain limits. Each lever 412 has an outer lever end 422 connected by a first and second coupling pin 424, 426 to adjacent chain links 428 as part of the mechanical drive (not shown). The first and second coupling pins 424, 426 and the pivot pins 420 may each be positioned in a generally circular arrangement or in any other suitable arrangement. The spacing between adjacent coupling pins 424, 426 and between adjacent pivots 420 is determined by the number of levers 412 that must be included within the circle.
The levers 412 are constructed as an angle lever and each include a lever arm 430 positioned radially inward. Each lever 412 has a lever longitudinal axis 432 extending from the outer lever end 422 through the pivot 420 to a radially inner end portion 434 of each lever arm 430. The radially inner end portion 434 includes a claw 416 used in the compression. The claw 416 may be formed integrally with the lever arm 430 and therefore be a portion of the lever 412 itself. The claw 416 may be attached to the lever arm 430 on a tool carrier 436 on the radial side inner end portion 434 of the lever arm 430 may be attached or the claw 416 may be connected to the lever 412 in any suitable manner. In various embodiments, the number of levers 412 and jaws 416 may be 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, or any other suitable number.
Each claw 416 includes a compression surface 438 and a claw edge 440. The compression surface 438 defines a plane that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lever 432. Each jaw 416 projects toward an adjacent jaw 416 with the adjacent jaw 416 positioned in a clockwise direction from the first jaw 416. The claw edge 440 of a claw 416 is located near the compression surface 438 of the clockwise adjacent claw 416. The topography of a given jaw edge 440 substantially matches the topography of the compression surface 438 of an adjacent jaw 416. The press unit 410 is arranged so that a plane defined by the compression surface 438 of each jaw 416 is tangent to the central one at all points in the compression cycle Longitudinal axis 414 is located. In addition, each compression surface 438 defines an area exposed to the material to be compacted. This area generally lies between the jaw edge 440 of a particular jaw 416 and a line or point projected on the jaw 416 by the plane of the compression face 438 of an adjacent jaw 416 or that through or adjacent the jaw edge 440 of an adjacent jaw 416 is touched. For example, a press unit 410 cooperates with eight jaws 416 to form a generally octagonal compaction cavity. One side of the octagon defines the area of a compression surface 438 which is exposed to the material to be compacted. As the claws 416 move inward, the octagon and area of each side shrink, and therefore, each compression area 438 decreases. The compression surfaces 438 define a hypothetical cylinder 442, i. in a radial direction, a hypothetical maximum diameter circle that may be described within compression surfaces 438. In the example described in this paragraph, the circle is a circle of maximum diameter described within the octagon defined by the compression surfaces 438. As a result, the claws 416 move inward, and the hypothetical cylinder 442 also shrinks in diameter.
Activating the drive mechanism and rotating the chain link 428 causes the lever 412 to pivot about the pivot 420. The lever 412 pivots so that the radially inner end portion 434 of the lever arm 430 moves radially inwardly when the chain link 428 in a Direction is rotated clockwise in this example. Each compression surface 438 moves radially inwardly with the end portion 434 to which it is attached. Therefore, the press unit 410 closes when the chain link 428 is rotated in a clockwise direction in this example, and the press unit 410 opens when the chain link 428 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction in this example. It will be appreciated that the jaws 416, and more particularly a point on a jaw 416, may be configured to move in a non-linear or curved fashion, depending on the arrangement of levers, pins, fixed rings, and chain links.
The press unit 410 may theoretically move inwardly until the jaw edge 440 of each jaw 416 meets the others on the central longitudinal axis 414 of the press unit 410. In other words, the claws 416 may move inwardly until the hypothetical cylinder 442 defined by the compression surfaces 438 reaches a zero diameter. 22 illustrates that the jaw edges 440 of the jaws 416 are oriented not in the direction of the central longitudinal axis 414 of the press unit 410 but in the longitudinal direction in the direction of the hypothetical cylinder 442, which surrounds the central longitudinal axis 414 at a selected distance. Therefore, it is achieved that the compression forces are not centered by the claws 416, but are aligned tangentially in the direction of a circle surrounding the material to be produced at a selected distance. In the open starting position of the pressing unit 410 according to FIG. 22, a pledget 22 is introduced into the opening between the compacting surfaces 438. By rotating the links 428 clockwise relative to the fixed ring 418, the compression surfaces 438 are first brought to an intermediate position and finally to the end position illustrated in FIG. 23. With this pivotal movement, the levers 412 are pivoted about the pivots 420. A comparison of FIG. 23 with FIG. 22 shows that during this movement, the deformation forces applied by the compression surfaces 438 result in a volume reduction of the pledget 22 that is uniform around the circumference and the pledget 22 into a tampon 24 convert. After opening the claws slightly, the tampon 24 is removed from the press unit 410.
The press unit 410 includes a plurality of compaction claws 416 that cooperate with each other such that the play between adjacent claws 416 defines a gap 444 at some points in the compaction cycle. The gap 444 defines a splitting centerline that connects the series of centers of the gap between adjacent claws 416. A line including the splitting centerline of the gap 444 between a first jaw 416 and an adjacent second jaw 416 is sometimes parallel to the compression surface 438 of the adjacent second jaw 416. As a result, a line including the splitting centerline becomes generally parallel to a tangent to the hypothetical cylinder 442 and will not intersect the central longitudinal axis 414. In the press unit 410, the alignment of the column 444 helps to prevent material from entering the gap 444. In other words, the gap 444 between adjacent jaws 416 provides a substantially reduced clearance profile in the direction of compression between adjacent jaws 416 throughout the compression cycle, thereby substantially reducing the gaps 444 in which material can be received. In addition, the geometric analysis of the structure of the press unit 410 shows that the gap 444 changes over the compression cycle and is minimized at the minimum and maximum compression diameters. In one aspect, the substantially reduced clearance between adjacent claws 416 approaches zero, so there is virtually no gap 444 present at minimum compaction so that the migration of material around the contact surfaces is substantially limited. The attachment of the claw 416 to the tool carrier 436 may include a biasing mechanism 446 configured to urge the claw 416 in a direction away from the pivot 420 and toward a clockwise adjacent claw 416. In other words, the biasing mechanism 446 pushes the claw 416 toward a clockwise adjacent jaw 416, while this clockwise adjacent jaw 416 resists the thrust. In this way, any gap that might otherwise be present between adjacent jaws 416 is closed by contact between adjacent jaws 416. The biasing mechanism 446 may be any suitable mechanism, component, force, or combination thereof that is capable of biasing a claw 416 toward an adjacent jaw 416. The biasing mechanism 446 may be disposed on one or more of a lever 412, a claw 416, and any other member of the press unit 410. The biasing mechanism 446 may be disposed between a lever 412 and a claw 416, particularly on, in or near a tool carrier 436. Suitable biasing mechanisms 446 include, but are not limited to, beveled, tension and compression springs; pneumatic and / or hydraulic components including cylinders or bellows; Elastomer components such as e.g. an elastomeric block or an elastomeric tape; a mechanical transmission such as e.g. a rack and a pinion or a non-circular gear; a cam mechanism including a ram or a contoured wedge mechanism; electrical components including a solenoid; magnetic forces; Vacuum; mechanical fasteners, such as e.g. a T-slot pin type mechanism; an additional linkage connected between two or more claws 416 and any combination thereof. The biasing mechanism 446 may be disposed directly on or near the jaws 416, or may be external components that directly affect the jaws 416.
The pressing unit 410 may be used to produce a tampon 24 having increased layer or structural integration. The addition of one or more forming elements 448 to the press unit 410 may be used to insert indentations, grooves, bulges, and any other suitable topographic elements into the material. FIG. 24 illustrates a perspective view of a claw 416 having a forming member 448. As illustrated above, grooves, ridges, indentations, and raised rings can be provided to a tampon 24 using a press unit 410 having a decreasing compacting area in a manner similar to that used to integrate grooves, ribs, indentations and raised rings in a tampon 24 using a non-linear direction press unit. The forming member 448 may be modified in a manner similar to the notching press claw 372 described above.
As described herein, a press unit may provide compression in the axial direction, non-linear direction, or may have a compression area that decreases during the compression movement. In addition, as described herein, the material may be compacted into a tampon or pessary and may be provided with different grooves, ribs, indentations, raised rings, and so on. The grooves, ribs, notches, raised rings, etc., may be provided in any pattern that is considered appropriate. In various embodiments, each of the press units supported by a device may produce a plurality of identical tampons or pessaries. In various embodiments, a device may carry at least two press units that may produce at least two tampons or pessaries that are not identical.
Compaction Method: The device disclosed herein may be used in the manufacturing process of a tampon or pessary. The device may be used to compact the pledget or uncompressed pessary into a tampon or compacted pessary having a size and dimension that is more suitable for insertion into the vaginal cavity either digitally or through the use of an appliance.
In various embodiments of a compaction method not claimed herein, the process of using a device as described herein may include providing the device. The apparatus includes a press unit support structure which is rotatable about a fixed axis and at least two press units connected to the press unit support structure. The press units may be any of those described herein, such as e.g. an axial press unit, a non-linear direction press unit, a press unit having a compression area that can decrease, or a combination of the described press units. During one revolution of a press unit support structure about a fixed axis, a material that has been loaded into one of the press units may undergo a complete compaction cycle of a press unit. During the compaction cycle, the press unit may transition from the fully open configuration through a partially closed configuration to a fully closed configuration and from the fully closed configuration to a fully open configuration via a partially open configuration. The press unit may begin to densify the material in the partially closed configuration, and the compacted material may remain in the fully closed configuration for the desired length of time during the rotation of the press unit about the fixed axis. After the desired dwell time, the press unit may transition from the partially open configuration to the fully open configuration.
[0101] A material, such as e.g. a pledget or uncompressed pessary may be loaded into one of the press units carried by the press unit support structure. The initial positioning of the material within the press unit may be referred to as the zero degree position of the press unit support structure. During loading of the material into a press unit, the press unit may be in a fully open configuration, and the material to be compacted may be loaded into the open press unit. Once the material to be compacted is loaded into the open press unit, the press unit may begin to transition from the fully open configuration to a fully closed configuration via a partially closed configuration. It should be understood that as the press unit transitions from a fully open to a fully closed configuration, the press unit transitions over a partially closed configuration, during which time the volume of the chamber containing the material to be compacted will decrease in volume until the press unit reaches the fully closed configuration. In other words, it is possible to begin compacting the material positioned within the press unit when the press unit is in a partially closed configuration. As the press unit continues to cycle through the compaction cycle, the press unit support structure may rotate about the fixed axis. When the press unit is in a fully closed configuration, the material within the press unit may be at the desired level of compression under full compression. The compaction of the material positioned in a press unit may be varied from the zero degree position during rotation of the press unit support structure to at least about 90, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240, 270, 300 or 330 degree position ± 10 °. When the material in the chamber has been compacted to the desired level of compaction, the press unit may begin to transition from a fully closed configuration to a partially open configuration, and back to a fully open configuration to allow for discharge of the material. As the press unit transitions to the partially open configuration, the chamber into which the material is loaded may begin to increase in volume. As described above, in some embodiments, it may be desirable to unload the material while the press unit is in a partially open configuration. In addition, as described above, in some embodiments, it may be desirable to unload the material when the press unit has reached the fully open configuration. After unloading the material, whether during the partially open configuration or the fully open configuration of the press unit, the press unit may return to a fully open configuration for loading a different material to begin the compaction cycle.
As noted above, an apparatus supports a plurality of individual press units on a single press unit support structure. In one embodiment, during one revolution of the press unit support structure about a fixed axis, each press unit may be operated and operated in synchronism with each other press unit carried by the press unit support structure as the press unit support structure rotates about the fixed axis. In other words, each press unit may be in phase with each other press unit. When the press units are in phase with each other, they can each cycle through the densification cycle configurations synchronously with each other press unit. In one embodiment, during one revolution of the press unit support structure about a fixed axis, each press unit may be operated and actuated independently of any other press unit carried by the press unit support structure as the press unit support structure rotates about the fixed axis. In other words, each press unit may be out of phase with every other press unit. If the press units are out of phase with each other, they can go through a different configuration of the compaction cycle at any time.
In various embodiments, each press unit carried by a press unit support structure may be in phase with each other press unit carried by the press unit support structure. In such embodiments, each press unit may undergo each configuration of the compaction cycle at substantially the same time. For example, with one revolution of the press unit support structure about a fixed axis in each press unit, a material may be loaded into the press unit during the compaction cycle at substantially the same time. The press unit support structure may continue to rotate about a fixed axis and each press unit may transition from the fully open configuration to the fully closed configuration substantially at the same time. The press unit support structure may continue to rotate about the fixed axis, and after compacting the material in each press unit, the press unit may transition from the fully closed configuration to the fully open configuration. As described above, the compacted material can be removed from the press units during the transition from the fully closed configuration to the fully open configuration, i. into the partially open configuration, or when the press units have reached the fully open configuration. In various embodiments, at least two press units may be in a fully open configuration at a time during the rotation of the press unit support structure about a fixed axis. In various embodiments, at least two press units may be in a partially closed configuration about a fixed axis during the rotation of the press unit support structure. In various embodiments, at least two press units may be in a fully closed configuration at a time during the rotation of the press unit support structure about a fixed axis. In various embodiments, at least two press units may be in a partially open configuration at a time during the rotation of the press unit support structure.
In various embodiments, each press unit carried by a press unit support structure may be out of phase with any other press unit carried by the press unit support structure. In such embodiments, each press unit may undergo a different configuration of the compaction cycle at any time during the rotation of the press unit support structure about a fixed axis. For example, upon rotation of the press unit support structure about a fixed axis at an initial time, a material may be loaded into a first press unit. The press unit support structure may continue to rotate about the axis and the press unit may transition from the fully open configuration to the fully closed configuration to compact the material loaded into the first press unit. As the first press unit passes through the transition from the fully open configuration to the fully closed configuration, a second material may be loaded into a second press unit for compression. It is understood that the second material can be loaded into the second press unit while the first press unit in each of the configurations can be of a partially closed configuration, a fully closed configuration, a partially open configuration, or a fully open configuration. Since the press units may be out of phase, in various embodiments it is possible to load a material for compacting into a press unit substantially at the same time as that in which a compacted material is unloaded from another press unit. In various embodiments, at least two press units may be in a fully open configuration at a time during the rotation of the press unit support structure about a fixed axis. In various embodiments, at least two press units may be in a partially closed configuration about a fixed axis during the rotation of the press unit support structure. In various embodiments, at least two press units may be in a fully closed configuration at a time during the rotation of the press unit support structure about a fixed axis. In various embodiments, at a time of one revolution of the press unit support structure about a fixed axis, at least one first press unit may be in one of a fully open configuration, a partially closed configuration, a fully closed configuration, or a partially open configuration, and at least one press unit may be in a fully open configuration, a partially closed configuration, a fully closed configuration, or a partially open configuration. In these embodiments, the two press units may either each be in the same configuration, or each may be in a different configuration.
For brevity and conciseness, all ranges of values described in this disclosure contemplate all values within the scope and are to be construed as support for claims carrying any sub-ranges with endpoints that are integer values in the indicated range in question. As a hypothetical example, consider disclosing a range of 1 to 5 in support of claims for any of the following ranges: 1 to 5; 1 to 4; 1 to 3; 1 to 2; 2 to 5; 2 to 4; 2 to 3; 3 to 5; 3 to 4 and 4 to 5.

权利要求:
Claims (27)
[1]
Device (200, 220) for compacting a plurality of pledgets (22) or pessaries, characterized in that it comprises: a. a press unit support structure (202) for supporting a plurality of individual press units rotatable about a fixed axis (204, 226); b. an axial direction pressing unit (300, 320) for compacting a first pledget or pessary in an axial direction along a longitudinal direction and / or lateral direction of the pledget or pessary carried on the press unit support structure (202) and formed during a single one Rotating the press unit support structure (202) about the fixed axis (204, 226) through a complete compaction cycle; and c. a second press unit (206, 230) for compacting a second pledget or pessary supported on the press unit support structure (202) and configured to rotate about the fixed axis (204, 226) during a single revolution of the press unit support structure (202) ) to undergo a complete compaction cycle, the second crimping unit (206, 230) comprising an axial direction crimping unit (300, 320) for compressing in an axial direction along a longitudinal direction and / or lateral direction of the pledget or pessary, a non-linear Pressing unit (330, 370) for compacting in a non-linear direction or a pressing unit (410) having a compression area that decreases with a compression movement.
[2]
The apparatus (200, 220) of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that, at a time of one revolution of the press unit support structure (202) about the axis (204, 226), the axial direction press unit (300, 320) is in a configuration having one of a fully open configuration (210) for loading the first pledget or pessary into the press unit, a fully closed configuration (212) for compacting the first pledget or pessary to a desired level of compaction, a partially closed configuration in FIG Transition from the fully open configuration to the fully closed configuration or a partially open configuration (214) in the transition from the fully closed configuration to the fully open configuration, and the second press unit (206, 230) is in a configuration having a from a fully open configuration (210) to load the second one pledgets or pessars into the press unit, a fully closed configuration (212) for compressing the second pledget or pessary to a desired compression level, a partially closed configuration in transition from the fully open configuration to the fully closed configuration, or a partially open configuration (214 ) is in transition from the fully closed configuration to the fully open configuration.
[3]
The apparatus (200, 220) according to claim 2, wherein at said time, the configuration of the axial direction pressing unit (300, 320) is the same as the configuration of the second pressing unit (206, 230).
[4]
4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein at the said time, the configuration of the axial direction pressing unit (300, 320) is different from the configuration of the second pressing unit (206, 230).
[5]
The apparatus (200, 220) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the axial direction press unit (300, 320) and the second press unit (206, 230) are supported on the press unit support structure (202) in a fixed spatial relationship relative to each other ,
[6]
The apparatus (200, 220) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the press unit support structure (202) is a carousel.
[7]
The apparatus (200, 220) of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the press unit support structure (202) is a turret plate (222).
[8]
8. Device (200, 220) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is designed such that the compaction of a pledget or pessary within one of the axial direction pressing unit (300, 320) or second pressing unit (206, 230), while the axial direction pressing unit (300, 320) or second pressing unit (206, 230) rotates with respect to the axis (204, 226) from a zero degree position to at least a 90 degree position.
[9]
9. Device (200, 220) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a control system.
[10]
Device (200, 220) for compacting a plurality of pledgets (22) or pessaries, characterized in that it comprises: a. a press unit support structure (202) for supporting a plurality of individual press units rotatable about a fixed axis (204, 226); b. a non-linear direction press unit (330, 370) for compacting a first pledget or pessary in a non-linear direction supported on and formed on the press unit support structure (202) during a single revolution of the press unit support structure (202); to traverse the solid axis (204, 226) for a full compression cycle; c. a second press unit (206, 230) for compacting a second pledget or pessary supported on the press unit support structure (202) and configured to rotate about the fixed axis (204, 226) during a single revolution of the press unit support structure (202) ) through a complete compaction cycle, wherein the second press unit (206, 230) is one of a non-linear direction press unit (330, 370) for compacting in a non-linear direction or a press unit (410) having a compaction area decreases with a compression movement.
[11]
The apparatus (200, 220) of claim 10, wherein the apparatus is configured such that at a time of one rotation of the press unit support structure (202) about the axis (204, 226), the non-linear direction press unit (12). 330, 370) is in a configuration having one of a fully open configuration (210) for loading the first pledget or pessary into the press unit, a fully closed configuration (212) for compacting the first pledget or pessary to a desired level of compaction partially closed configuration in transition from the fully open configuration to the fully closed configuration or a partially open configuration (214) in the transition from the fully closed configuration to the fully open configuration, and the second press unit (206, 230) in a configuration one of a fully open configuration (210) for loading of the second pledget or pessary into the press unit, a fully closed configuration (212) for compacting the second pledget or pessary to a desired level of compaction, a partially closed configuration in transition from the fully open configuration to the fully closed configuration, or a partially open configuration (FIG. 214) is in transition from the fully closed configuration to the fully open configuration.
[12]
The apparatus (200, 220) according to claim 11, wherein at said time, the configuration of the non-linear direction pressing unit (330, 370) is the same as the configuration of the second pressing unit (206, 230).
[13]
The apparatus (200, 220) according to claim 11, wherein at the said time, the configuration of the non-linear-direction pressing unit (330, 370) is different from the configuration of the second pressing unit (206, 230).
[14]
The apparatus (200, 220) of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the non-linear direction press unit (330, 370) and the second press unit (206, 230) on the press unit support structure (202) are in fixed spatial relationship are worn relative to each other.
[15]
The apparatus (200, 220) of any of claims 10 to 14, wherein the press unit support structure (202) is a carousel.
[16]
The apparatus (200, 220) of any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the press unit support structure (202) is a turret plate (222).
[17]
17. Device (200, 220) according to one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the device is designed such that the compression of a pledget or pessary within one of the non-linear-direction pressing unit (330, 370) or second pressing unit (206, 230) while the non-linear direction press unit (330, 370) or second press unit (206, 230) rotates with respect to the axis (204, 226) from a zero degree position to at least a 90 degree position ,
[18]
The apparatus (200, 220) of any one of claims 10 to 17, further comprising a control system.
[19]
19. A device (200, 220) for compacting a plurality of pledgets (22) or pessaries, comprising: a. a press unit support structure (202) for supporting a plurality of individual press units rotatable about a fixed axis (204, 226); b. a first press unit (410) for compacting a first pledget or pest having a compression area that decreases with the compression movement, the first press unit (410) carried on and configured to receive the press unit support structure (202) single revolution of the press unit support structure (202) about the fixed axis (204, 226) to go through a complete compression cycle; and c. a second press unit (206, 230) for compacting a second pledget or pessary supported on the press unit support structure (202) and configured to rotate about the fixed axis (204, 226) during a single revolution of the press unit support structure (202) ) to go through a complete compaction cycle, wherein the second press unit (206, 230) is a press unit (410) having a compression area that decreases with a compaction movement.
[20]
The apparatus (200, 220) of claim 19, wherein the apparatus is configured such that at a time of one revolution of the press unit support structure (202) about the axis (204, 226), the first press unit (410) in a configuration which is one of a fully open configuration (210) for loading the first pledget or pessary into the press unit, a fully closed configuration (212) for compacting the first pledget or pessary to a desired level of compaction, a partially closed configuration in transition from the first fully open configuration into the fully closed configuration or a partially open configuration (214) in the transition from the fully closed configuration to the fully open configuration, and the second press unit (206, 230) is in a configuration that is one of a complete open configuration (210) for loading the second pledget or pessary into the press unit, a fully closed configuration (212) for compressing the second pledget or pessure to a desired level of compaction, a partially closed configuration in transition from the fully open configuration to the fully closed configuration, or a partially open configuration (214) in FIG Transition from the fully closed configuration to the fully open configuration.
[21]
The apparatus (200, 220) of claim 20, wherein at said time the configuration of the first press unit (410) is the same as the configuration of the second press unit (206, 230).
[22]
The apparatus (200, 220) of claim 20, wherein at said time the configuration of the first press unit (410) differs from the configuration of the second press unit (206, 230).
[23]
23. Device (200, 220) according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the first pressing unit (410) with the press unit support structure (202) and the second pressing unit (206, 230) on the press unit support structure (202) in a fixed spatial relationship relative to each other.
[24]
The apparatus (200, 220) of any of claims 19 to 23, wherein the press unit support structure (202) is a carousel.
[25]
The apparatus (200, 220) of any of claims 19 to 23, wherein the press unit support structure (202) is a turret plate (222).
[26]
26. Device (200, 220) according to one of claims 19 to 25, wherein the device is designed such that the compaction of a pledget or pessary within one of the first or second pressing unit (206, 230, 410) takes place while the first or second press unit (206, 230, 410) rotates with respect to the axis (204, 226) from a zero degree position to at least a 90 degree position.
[27]
The apparatus (200, 220) of any one of claims 19 to 26, further comprising a control system.

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DE212004000065U1|2006-07-27|tampon

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DE212004000070U1|2006-07-27|Tampon with raised sections with several widths

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HUE028054T2|2016-11-28|Tampon with extended groove forms

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EP2298259B1|2013-01-23|Device for manufacturing of a tampon

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RU2619426C2|2017-05-15|Lockable pressing unit of compression with forming elements

---

CH711911B1|2019-07-15|Compacting device.

---

CN104661807B|2016-10-12|Shutter with movable claw suppresses compressor

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US7992270B2|2011-08-09|Single stage tampon molding

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CH711912B1|2020-01-31|Densification process.

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CH711919B1|2020-01-31|Densification process.

---

CH711918B1|2020-01-31|Compacting device.

同族专利:

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公开号 | 公开日

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MX355023B|2018-04-02|

---

KR20170038083A|2017-04-05|

---

CN106604705A|2017-04-26|

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KR101796730B1|2017-11-10|

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US20170216102A1|2017-08-03|

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MX2017002449A|2017-05-23|

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BR112017004327A2|2017-12-05|

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WO2016053270A1|2016-04-07|

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CN105050748B|2013-03-15|2017-12-15|斯多里机械有限责任公司|Conversion press|US20180177647A1|2016-12-28|2018-06-28|La Rena Gonzales|Feminine Hygiene Apparatus|

法律状态:
2017-05-15| PK| Correction|Free format text: DAS RICHTIGE DATUM 'EINTRITT NATIONALE PHASE' IST DER 23.03.2017 |

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2021-04-30| PL| Patent ceased|

优先权:

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申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

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PCT/US2014/058191|WO2016053270A1|2014-09-30|2014-09-30|Apparatus and method of compression|

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