Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
~. 2~ 706
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!!!I~.HQ12. A~.lD...l~PP~R~ .QR....D,~ ES~ .l_hE.~,K8'
lN RU~RE~ )VES ~Nt) T~IE LIKE
Ref.ere~ e . t o Kela.te~ Al~E)l i.cati.ons.
Tl~is applicatioll is a continlla~Lol~ -part of ~plicr~tio
Serial No. 379,721 filed July 14, 1989 which was a continuation
of Application Serial No. 126,001 filed November 27, 1987, now
abandoned.
Backqround of the Inventio
Th~s invention refers to leak detectors for detectincJ le~ks
;n rubber gloves and the like. ~;~
Many persons are employed in ~OSitiOrlS where tlle h~lld.;
could ~e at risk for infections and contamination by hazardous
biological or chemical products. To prevent contact with such -
hazardous materials, manufacturers have developed rubber o~
plastic gloves impermeable to such materials. However,
imperfection.s in the manufacturing process or heavy use and
wear and tear oftell leads to the developmellt of both visi~le
nd non-visible leaks il~ sllcll-Jlove~s. Visible inspection o
SUCII g]oves can be botll in.lccura~e fllld tilne conslltnillg,
particularly where the leak is small or non-vlsible, or in a
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Z~1~070~
~-.
relatively inacce.qsible locatioll. C:0l~3eqllerltly, there is a need
for a fast, accurate methocl alld means for detecting leakr; in
O V C ~ .
Various devices for sensillg leaJcs or continuity are known
in the art. Thus the Reynold.s U.S. ~atent 3,935,567 discloses
a device for detecting leaks in a gasoline dispensing
operation. The device includes a pressure sensitive switch, a
timing circuit and an indicator means. The Kidd Patent
4,110,739 discloses a means for detecting leakage in the inner
lining of tanks and piping. The means includes a probe, an
alarm and a power source. When the leak occurs, a circuit is
made sounding the alarm. The Rollason et al. Patent 4,047,924
relates to apparatus for non-destructive leak testing of
primary electrochemical cells. The apparatus includes
containers which receive the cells in de-ionized water. A
prohe and a meter are provided to measure conductivity of the
water after the cell has been in the water a predetermined
period of time.
A device for testing the continuity of a circuit is
disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,558,309 to Antonevich. The device
includes a grounding of tlle human body to prevent static build
up. An alarm is sounded Whell arl opt'n c;rt,~uit is detected
between the human body alld groulld. 'l`he U.Si. Patent to Pinsak
4,6q2,748 discloses a glove apparatus for deterring
thumbsucking wherein an electrical circuit is made through the
"~
~noo706
humall body when the glove on the thumb is placed in the mouth.
The Dvorak Patent 4,205,fi72 discloses a conductivity sensing
device for diapers. When the sensing device is connected, the
diaper is a part of a clrcuit whic~ll incluc1es an LED. The LEn
blinks when the diaper is wet and the circuit is closed.
2C~ 706
s~!-m-m~ly ~ he,,Inv,er~,~ign
One embodiment of the present invention includes an
apparatus for detecting a 1eak in a rubber glove or the like
worn by a subject wherein a vessel is prov;ded containing an
e1ectrolyte. Also plovi(led is meallsi Lol e1ectrica1ly detectin(J
a leak in the g10ve worll ~y the subjec~ a~ld placed in tlle
electrolyte. The dete~-:tirl(tlneans inc:ludes c;rcuit mearlr; for
detecting closure of an electrical circuit between the subject
alld tlle ele~tro1y~e througll Lhe leclk.
One embodiment of the method for detecting a leak in a
rubber glove of the present invention might include putting the
glove on the hand of a person and then connecting an electrical
- circuit to the body of the person with the electrical circuit
including a vessel containing electrolyte. Next, the gloved
hand of the person is dipped into the vessel and electrolyte to
actuate a signal in response to closure of an electrical
circuit between the person and the electrolyte through the leak.
It is an object of this invention to provide a leak
detector for rubber gloves. i,
Another object of the present invention is to provide
apparatus operable to detect both visible and non-visible leaks
in gloves constructed of rubber or plastic or some other
membrane material.
Further objects o~ the inventioll will appear as the
description proceeds.
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2C30(1706
Brief ve~L~tion of the Drawings
FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of an alternative embodiment
of the invention.
Fl(;. 3 is a sc~llelllal.ie ~lc;lwin(J oL ~n al~erna~ive eln~o(lilllellt
o~ the present invention.
706
Des~e~on o.f..t~ ef.Q~.red Emb~im~n~
For the E~urposes of promotin~ an understanding of the
principles of the inventioll, reference will now be made to the
embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings and
specific language will be used to describe the same. It will
nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of
the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further
modifications in the illllstrated device, and such further
applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated
thereill being contemplated as would normally occur to one
skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
Referring now more particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown a
battery 11 electrically connected by an insulated electrical
wire lead 12 to a buzzer or beeper 15, which is electrically
connected by insulated wire lead 16 to the emitter 17 of a
switching transistor 20. The collector 21 of the switching
transistor is electrically connected to electrical ground 22.
The switching transistor 20 is designed such that in order for
electrical current to flow from the emitter side of the
transistor to the collector side, its base must be brought to
electrical ground. The base 25 of the switching transistor is
electrically conrlected by ;.115Ulal:ed electrical wire lead 26 to
a vessel 27 constructed of e].ectrically conductive material,
such as a large, stainless steel bowl. The base is also
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COllll(:!Cl.e.`~ ILOII~JII l.~`'; i ';~..OI: i!'J l.o ~I S~.I I C~! I)C n+ vo~ ge wl~ icl~
in this case is the positive terminal of the battery. The
vesse] 27 contain.s a VOlllllle ~1 elecl:lolyt~ 35, .sucll as a 0.~1
s~l i ne solution. In one eml~odilllent oE the invention, the
switching transistor 20 is a 'rexas Instruments 2N3962, the
battery 11 is an Eveready 21G 9-volt battery, and tlle buzzer 15
is, in fact, a beeper, Murata brand, of the type found in a
WatCIl ~L ill a 3~ersollcl1 belL-carried L~ h~ si~llc311ill-J
devlce. An electrically conductive clip 30, constructed such
connected by insulatecl electrical wire lead 31 to electrical
ground 22. Such a clip is commercially available from the
Grass Instrument Company. --
In order to use the testing device, the person who is going
to use the rubber gloves puts them on. He then dips his
glove-covered hands, one at a time, into the electrolyte. When
a leak exists in a glove 32 to be tested for leaks, the
electrolyte 35 comes into contact with the human body 36 - -~
through the leak, and an electrica~ circuit is completed from
the base 25 of the switchin~ transistor 20 through the
insul.3ted electrical wire lead 26, Ihrollgh the electrically
conductive vessel 27, throllgh the electrolyte 35, tllrougl3 the
body 36, through the electlically conductive cliy 30, through -
the insulated electrica] wire lead 31, to electrical ground 22,
thus brinying the base of the switching transistor 20 to
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electrical grouncl. Whell the base o~ the switching transistor
~0 is bronght to grollîld, tîallsistor ~0 clo.ses the circllit and
permits electrical current from battery l:l to ~low through
beeper 15, activating the same, and informing the individual
that the glove has a lealc.
Referring to FIG. 2, an alternative embodimellt of the
invention includes USill(J a relnovAble non-electrically
conductive liner 50 inside of the vessel 27' with an electrical
conductor 51 cemented to the liner. The lead 26' is connected
to the electrical conductor in use. The advantage of using the
removable liner is that it can be disposed of after the sterile
electrolyte 35' becomes contaminated. Tl1;S, of course, occurs
or may occur when a leak is discovered in a glove or even may
occur when a test is performed showing no leak, if the exterllal
surface of the glove has been contaminated prior to the test.
After such contamination, the electrolyte and removable liner
may be disposed of and replaced. The embodiment of FIG. 2 is
otherwise identical to that of FIG. 1.
One specific example of the use of the disposable removable
liner might be in the surgical operating room. The surgeon
scrubs and puts on the sterlle gown and gloves. As soon as the
gloves are on, he uses the present apparatus to test for
leaks. If there is a leak, the gloves can be discarded and the
electrolyte and removable liner disposed of. Also during the
surgical procedure, at appropriate breaks in the surgical
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~-` ZC~ 06
procedure, the c~loves ~ar~ be rechecked alld th0 gloves and
remnvable liner arlcl e].,~ctr.--lyte (~i.sp~ed o~ and rept~ced, if
necessary.
It should be urlderst~ocl that tlle above-deæcribed embodiment
can be varied in various ways wltllin the scope of the
invention. For example, it is reqllired by AAMI standards that
only a certain amount of cllrrent should flow through l:he hlllna
body. ~t is presently believed this alno~lllt is ~n the order o~
10~. The above-described circuit may be modified to provide
additional resistance in seri.es with the lead 26 or 26'if
necessary to meet such stanaards.
Referring to FIG. 3, anotller embodiment of the present
invention is shown wherein vessel 27 is constructed of
e]ectr:i.cally condllct;.ve Ina~:er~ alld may l)e, ~or exampJ.e, a
large, stainless steel bowl. Vessel 27 is electrically
connected by insulated electrical wire 26 to base 25 of
sw;tching l:ralle;;stor 2(). ~; witl- the embocliment shown in FIG. ,~:~
2, a liner G0 is provide(l to be received withirl vessel 27. ,~-
Liner 60 is made of an electrically conductive plastic. Liner
60 then contains a volume of electrolyte 35.
A head post 62 is supported by a stand 64. The end 66 of
head post 62 is electrically connected to ground 22 via head '~
post 62, stand 64 and electrically condllctive wire lead 31.
To test a rubber glove 32, the wearer dips his
glove-covered hand into the batll of electrolyte 35 and touches
., - .. . . .
2~ 706
Il i.s ( orel~ead fi~ l.o l.lle end fi(i o~ llead ~-ost 62. When a leak
exisls in c.11Ove 32, elect~nlyte ~5 come3 ill contact Witll hurnan
body 3fi througll the leak, alld an electrical circuit is
completed from base 25 of switching transistor 20 throutJh
insulated electrical wire lead 26, electrically conductive
vessel 27, electrically conductive liner 60, electrolyte 35,
body 36, head post 62, insulated electrical wire lead 31, and
to electrical ground 22. This brings the base of switching
transistor 20 to electrical ground, activating beeper 15 and
informing the individual that the ylove has a leak. Upon
d;scovery of a leak as indicated by activation of beeper 15,
either before or during a surgical procedure, the imperfect
glove 32, replaceable liner 60 and electrolyte 35 may be
discarded and replaced with a new glove 32, liner 60 and
electrolyte 35, as described above.
While the invention has been illustrated and described in
detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is
to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in
character, it being understood that only the preferred
embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes
all(1 mo(liflca~iolls Ihat collle wil:hill tlle spirit Of I:IIQ inVelll;iOII
are desired to be protected.
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