Method and apparatus for testing bag-like means
First Claim
1. An apparatus for simultaneously detecting leaks in a plurality of flexible, collapsible bag-like means comprising:
- at least one platen having a plurality of apertures for supporting and receiving bag-like means;
first pressurizing means for pressurizing said bag-like means in said platen with a pressurizing medium;
pressure sensor means for detecting a failure to hold a selected pressure in each of said pressurized bag-like means;
identification means for identifying bag-like means exhibiting said failure to hold said selected pressure;
evacuation means for evacuating said bag-like means;
second pressurizing means for pressurizing said bag-like means with a leak detection medium, where the second pressurizing means is to be applied only to each of said pressurized bag-like means that are able to withstand without failure said selected pressure of said first pressurizing means; and
detection means for detecting any said leak detection medium leaking from said bag-like means.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus for simultaneously detecting leaks in a plurality of flexible, collapsible bag-like devices is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a platen having a plurality of openings for receiving bag-like devices or contraceptive devices such as a female condom made of latex, polyurethane, or other polymer material. The apparatus has a first pressurizing device for pressuring the bag-like device in the platen with a medium such as air. A pressure sensor is used for detecting a failure to hold a selected pressure in each of the pressurized bag-like devices. The apparatus has an identification device for identifying bag-like devices exhibiting a failure to hold the selected pressure. An evacuation device for evacuating the bag-like device is used. The apparatus has a second pressurizing device for pressurizing the bag-like device with a leak detection medium and a detector for detecting any leak detection medium leaking from the bag-like device. A method for testing bag-like devices or contraceptive devices is, also, disclosed.
57 Citations
21 Claims
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1. An apparatus for simultaneously detecting leaks in a plurality of flexible, collapsible bag-like means comprising:
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at least one platen having a plurality of apertures for supporting and receiving bag-like means; first pressurizing means for pressurizing said bag-like means in said platen with a pressurizing medium; pressure sensor means for detecting a failure to hold a selected pressure in each of said pressurized bag-like means; identification means for identifying bag-like means exhibiting said failure to hold said selected pressure; evacuation means for evacuating said bag-like means; second pressurizing means for pressurizing said bag-like means with a leak detection medium, where the second pressurizing means is to be applied only to each of said pressurized bag-like means that are able to withstand without failure said selected pressure of said first pressurizing means; and detection means for detecting any said leak detection medium leaking from said bag-like means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for simultaneously detecting leaks in a plurality of flexible, collapsible bag-like means comprising the steps of:
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positioning a plurality of said bag-like means on a platen, said platen having a plurality of apertures, each aperture being adapted to receive and retain one of said bag-like means; pressurizing each of said bag-like means to a selected pressure with a pressurizing medium; detecting any failure to hold said selected pressure in each of said bag-like means and identifying any bag-like means exhibiting said failure to hold said selected pressure; evacuating each bag-like means; charging each bag-like means with a leak detection medium, where the charging is only performed on each of said bag-like means that are able to withstand without failure said selected pressure of said pressurizing; and detecting any leak of said leak detection medium from said bag-like means. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification