Patent No. EP4039237 (titled "Method Of Winding Up Tampon Material") was filed by Johnson And Johnson on Dec 30, 2016. The application was issued on Jul 3, 2024.
A string application and knotter apparatus for applying a withdrawal string to a tampon comprises a substantially rigid circular ring bearing (10) with a mounted string conveyor (12) defining a circular string path. The apparatus interior (13) remains substantially open to facilitate tampon sliver passage. Key components include a snake (14), a hook (16), a knife, and a clamp (18) configured to hold the string's leading end during conveyor travel. In a broader system for high-speed tampon blank manufacturing, the ring bearing defines a plane perpendicular to a sliver guide and gripper motion, and parallel to a winding mandrel's axis. The system further incorporates a sliver guide with a tapered end section, a reciprocating gripper, a winding mandrel, and multiple winding cups.

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