CA2000706A1 - Method and apparatus for detecting leaks in rubber gloves and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract Method and apparatus for detecting leaks in a rubber glove or the like. The wearer of rubber gloves connects a clip to his ear and places each glove-covered hand individually into electrolyte liqid in all electrically conductive receptacle. A
circuit including a buzzer or beeper sounds if there is a leak in the glove. The circuit includes a clip connected to the wearer's ear as well as the beeper, the electrolyte, a battery and the receptacle. An alternative embodiment includes a removable disposable electrically non-conductive receptacle for the electrolyte liquid with the circuit including an electrical conductor cemented to the inside of the receptacle and in the circuit.
In an alternative embodiment, an apparatus for detecting a leak in a rubber or other protective glove includes an electrically conductive vessel containing an electrically conductive disposable and replaceable liner containing an electrolyte and includes an electrical circuit having a head post adapted to engage with a portion of the body of a person wearing a glove, the circuit also being connected to the vessel. Upon touching the forehead to the head post, by dipping the gloved hand to the vessel and electrolyte, a signal is actuated upon closure of the electrical circuit between the person and the electrolyte through a leak in the glove to signify existence of the leak.

Description

~. 2~ 706 1--4()r~fiO
!!!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 -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.

~' ~'~' ' ............. .
~','` ~ ,~ '''' . ' , 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.

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 ,; ~ ~- , .
,, , L.. ' :: :

.`j ~ .

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 Z~070~i 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 C, ' ' . ~, , .

~-` 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.

. .. " ..
~ - :, . .

Claims (15)

1. A method for detecting leaks in rubber gloves during a single medical procedure, comprising the steps of:
putting the glove on the hand of a person;
connecting an electrical circuit to the body of the person with the electrical circuit including an electrical conductor, wherein said electrical conductor is in electrical communication with a solution of electrolyte contained in a vessel with a removable and replaceable liner interposed between said solution of electrolyte and said vessel;
dipping the gloved hand of the person in 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;
providing a plurality of sterile removable and replaceable liners; and, removing and replacing said liner and said solution with a sterile liner and a new solution of electrolyte upon actuation of the signal.

2. An apparatus for detecting a leak in a protective glove worn by a subject, comprising:
a vessel;
a disposable liner removably inserted within said vessel, said liner containing an electrolyte;
detecting means for electrically detecting a leak in the glove worn by the subject and placed in said electrolyte, said detecting means being electrically connected to said electrolyte and including circuit means for detecting closure of an electrical circuit between the subject and said electrolyte through the leak;
wherein said detecting means includes an electrical conductor removably connected to a wire lead which leads to said circuit means, wherein said electrical conductor is affixed to said liner and disposable with said liner, and wherein, after disposal of said liner and conductor, a new disposable liner and conductor may be provided with said electrical conductor being removably connected to said lead.

3. The method for detecting leaks in rubber gloves during a single medical procedure of claim 1 wherein said connecting step includes said electrical circuit including a wire lead and wherein said conductor is fixedly connected at one end to said liner and removably connectable at an opposite end to said wire lead.

4. A method for detecting leaks in protective gloves during a single medical procedure, comprising the steps of:
putting a glove on the hand of a person;
providing an electrical circuit connectable to the body of the person and in electrical communication with a solution of electrolyte contained in a vessel, a removable and replaceable liner being interposed between said solution of electrolyte and said vessel;
providing circuit contact means for connecting the electrical circuit to the body of the person;
touching a portion of the body of the person to said circuit contact means, said portion of the body being located away from the glove; and, dipping the gloved hand of the person in the vessel and electrolyte to actuate a signal in response to closure of the electrical circuit between the person and the electrolyte through the leak.

5. The method for detecting leaks in protective gloves of claim 4 further including the steps of:
providing a plurality of removable and replaceable liners, and removing and replacing said liner and said solution with a new removable and replaceable liner and a new solution of electrolyte upon actuation of the signal.

6. The method for detecting leaks in rubber gloves of claim 4 wherein said providing circuit contact means step includes said circuit contact means having a head post adapted to engage with the forehead of the person, the head post being electrically connected to the electrical circuit.

7. The method for detecting leaks in rubber gloves of claim 4 wherein said providing an electrical circuit step includes both the vessel and the replaceable liner being made of an electrically conductive material.

8. The method for detecting leaks in rubber gloves of claim 7 wherein the replaceable liner is made of an electrically conductive plastic.

9. An apparatus for detecting a leak in a protective glove worn by a subject, comprising:
a electrically conductive vessel;
an electrically conductive disposable liner removably inserted within said vessel, said liner containing an electrolyte;

detecting means for electrically detecting a leak in the glove worn by the subject and placed in said electrolyte, said detecting means being electrically connected to said electrolyte and including circuit means for detecting closure of an electrical circuit between the subject and said electrolyte through the leak; and, wherein said detecting means includes a wire lead connecting said circuit means with said vessel, and includes circuit contact means for connecting said circuit means with a electrically conductive portion of the body of the subject away from the glove, and wherein, after detection of a leak in the glove, said liner and electrolyte may be disposed and a new liner and electrolyte may be movably placed within said vessel.

10. An apparatus for detecting a leak in a protective glove worn by a person, comprising:
a vessel containing a replacable and disposable liner and a solution of electrolyte contained within the liner;
detecting means for electrically detecting a leak in a glove worn by a person and placed in said electrolyte, said detecting means being electrically connected to the electrolyte and including circuit means for detecting closure of an electrical circuit between the person and the electrolyte through the leak; and, circuit contact means, electrically connected with said detecting means, for momentarily connecting said detecting means to the body of the person, away from the gloved hand, and adapted to be positioned in close proximity to said vessel so that the person can dip the gloved hand in the vessel simultaneously while touching said circuit contact means.

11. The apparatus for detecting a leaks in a protective glove of claim 10 wherein said circuit contact means includes a head post adapted to engage with the forehead of the subject, the head post being electrically connected to said circuit means.

12. The apparatus for detecting a leak in a protective glove of claim 10 wherein the apparatus is adapted so that, after detection of a leak in the glove, the liner and electrolyte may be discarded and a new replaceable and disposable liner and electrolyte may be removeably placed within said vessel.

13. The apparatus for detecting a leak in a protective glove of claim 12 wherein both said vessel and said replaceable and disposable liner is made of an electrically conductive material.

14. The apparatus for detecting a leak in a protective glove of claim 13 wherein said replaceable and disposable liner is made of and electrically conductive plastic.

15. The apparatus of claim 10 further including signal means for audibly signalling detection of a leak.