Condom testing apparatus

Abstract

A condom testing apparatus having comprising a plurality of electrically conductive mandrels having condoms loaded thereon, a first set of condom-contacting electrode members, a second set of condom-contacting electrode members, and a gapped electrical circuit between each of the mandrels and the first set of condom-contacting electrode members and between each of the mandrels and the second set of condom-contacting electrode members during testing, wherein defects within a condom being tested are detected by passage of current between the mandrels and the first and second sets of condom-contacting electrode members, wherein the first set of condom-contacting electrode members contacts less than 100 percent of the circumference of each of the condoms and the second set of condom-contacting electrode members contacts less than 100 percent of the circumference of each of the condoms, such that two condoms can be tested at once.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates generally to the field of machines, equipment or apparatuses used to test condoms for holes, excessively thin walls or other imperfections prior to packaging and distribution. More particularly, the invention relates to such machines, equipment or apparatuses that utilize electrical current to determine the presence of such imperfections. [0002] Minute holes, tears, or excessively thin wall areas subject to failure during use are unacceptable and render a condom defective. By virtue of their intended use, it is absolutely essential that condoms provide a complete and impermeable barrier. Minute holes undetectable under visual inspection and excessively thin spots in the condom wall likely to fail in use must be discovered. Because the manufacturing process produces huge numbers of condoms at a high rate and because the material of construction, typically a latex or similar plastic, is purposely very thin and elastic, there is...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] In order to minimize spacing of the test mandrels for the purpose of increasing the testing rate, at least two sets of condom-contacting electrode members are provided, wherein each individual set of condom-contacting electrode members tests less than the full 360 degree circumference of the condom mounted on the mandrel. Each condom is passed through a testing zone containing the at least two sets of condom-contacting electrode members, and the mandrel is rotated as it passes through the testing zone. In an embodiment wherein there are two sets of condom-contacting electrode members, each set tests between 360 and 180 degrees of the condom circumference, and the sets are spaced along the mandrel travel direction such that sufficient rotation of the mandrel occurs during travel from the first set to the second set to insure that the tested portions of the condom circumference overlap. Because the sets of condom-contacting electrode members are spaced, a second condom loaded mandrel is tested on the first set of condom-contacting electrode members simultaneously with a first condom loaded mandrel being tested on the second set of condom-contacting electrode members, thereby allowing the mandrels to be more closely spaced.

Problems solved by technology

If the electrical circuit containing any one of the condom-contacting electrode members and the conductive mandrel is closed due to the arcing of current through a defect, this state is detected and the condom is deemed defective and is subsequently discarded.

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