IE40401B1 - Device and method for forming tampon - Google Patents

Abstract

1483089 Tampon forming device PROCTER & GAMBLE CO 18 Sept 1974 [25 Sept 1973] 40718/74 Heading A5R Apparatus for forming a re-entrant shaped tampon, comprises a cylindrical holding chamber 16 with a closed bottom 22, and a vacuum connection 20, a tubular plunger 28 extending axially upwardly through the chamber bottom and moveable axially relative to the chamber, a vacuum or compressed air connection, via fitting 31 and valve 32, to the plunger interior, and actuating means effecting relative movement between plunger 28 and chamber 16, from a first position, shown in Fig. 1, to a second position, Fig. 2 (not shown) where the upper end of the plunger is close to the chamber bottom, and to a third position, Fig. 3 (not shown) where said upper end projects upwardly beyond the chambers open top. Fitting 31, the compressed air and an ejector rod 33 within plunger 28 constitute ejecting means and an extending means using compressed air and which also includes a spring 36 to return rod 33 from its extended position which is established by a pin 35 extending through a slot (34), Fig. 2 (not shown) to engage plunger 28. The actuating means includes a first mechanism for moving the plunger from its first to its second position, and reversible to move it back to the first position, and a second mechanism completing movement from the second to the third position, and reversible to return it to the first position. The first mechanism comprises a fluid cylinder 40 having a piston rod 41, both extending between and being connected to a first actuating bracket 38 slidably mounted on plunger 28, and a fixed support 15, movement of piston rod 41 effecting movement of the plunger between its first and second positions. The first actuating bracket is connected, via a second fluid cylinder 43 having a piston rod 44 secured to a second actuating bracket 46, to this second bracket. Valves 51, 56 introduce pressurised fluid to the cylinders to move the piston rods and thus plunger 28, and a starting switch 62 actuates first cylinder 40 to move plunger 28 to its second position. Limit switches are located for actuation as the plunger reaches the second position, switch 47, and its third position, switch 52, respectively, both being operatively connected to valve 56 and respectively assisting in moving the plunger toward its third and first positions. Switch 47 is also connected to valve 51 to reverse the movement of piston rod 41 of first cylinder 40 to partly move the plunger to the third position. The chamber 16 includes an inner sleeve 21 whose lower portion is perforated, at 26, surrounded by an outer sleeve 18 with a closed annular space 23 between the sleeves, with which the vacuum connection communicates. A sizing sleeve 25 fits in the upper portion of sleeve 21. Valve 32, operated by the actuating means, draws vacuum on the chamber upon initiation of movement from first to second plunger positions and shuts off the vacuum upon movement to the third position. A method of forming a re-entrant shaped tampon comprises expanding the tubular body radially outwardly by drawing a vacuum on its external surface and deflecting an end of the body inwardly along its longitudinal axis for half of its length. The particulate material enclosed by the body is displaced outwardly by the vacuum suction. The body is expanded after its partial insertion into cylindrical chamber 27 the vacuum drawing it completely into the chamber. The deflection of the body and its subsequent ejection from the chamber is effected by movement of plunger 28 when compressed air is applied through the hollow plunger. [GB1483089A]