Abstract: An apparatus for welding a reinforcing member to a bag-like device or contraceptive device is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one hollow mandrel. The hollow mandrel has an outer surface with an annular groove for holding the reinforcing member. The apparatus has a means for applying a closed end of the bag-like device into the hollow mandrel and an open end of the bag-like device over the hollow mandrel at the outer surface with the annular groove for holding the reinforcing member. The apparatus also includes a welding device for welding the reinforcing member to the bag-like device. A method for welding the reinforcing member to a bag-like device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A thin-walled, condom-like tubular protective device for protection against the transfer of infectious matter during sexual intercourse is disclosed. The condom-like device has an open end a collar-shaped outwardly extending portion with an apparatus for radially stretching the collar and has an inner diameter which is sufficiently large to permit movement of a penis with respect to the protective device during coitus.

Abstract: The device, for use in contraception and in preventing transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, comprises a thin, flexible pouch having an open end in the form of a peripheral flange with a peripheral ribbed rim, and a closed end. An insert is provided within the closed end of the pouch so as to protect the pouch during insertion thereof into the vagina by means of an applicator rod or the like. The insert, which is typically absorbent and of flexible expanded plastics material, and may have dispersed therein a spermicide and/or an antiviral agent, comprises a central portion and four spurs. A continuous coating layer of an adhesive material which can temporarily adhere the barrier device to mucous membrane material in the presence of aqueous body fluids is preferably provided on the vulva-contacting surface of the flange and/or on the vagina-contacting surface of the pouch.

Abstract: An apparatus for welding a reinforcing member to a bag-like device or contraceptive device is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one hollow mandrel. The hollow mandrel has an outer surface with an annular groove for holding the reinforcing member. The apparatus has a means for applying a closed end of the bag-like device into the hollow mandrel and an open end of the bag-like device over the hollow mandrel at the outer surface with the annular groove for welding holding the reinforcing member. The apparatus also includes a welding device for the reinforcing member to the bag-like device. A method for welding the reinforcing member to a bag-like device is also disclosed.

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.

Abstract: The invention is a tubular protective device for protection against transfer of infectious matter during sexual intercourse and for use as a contraceptive. The tubular protective device includes a flexible, thin walled tube having a sufficiently large diameter to permit movement of a penis within the tube during coitus. The flexible thin walled tube also has a closed end and an open end. The open end has a ring-like member integrally connected to the open end. The protective device furthers includes a device for retaining the closed end of the tubular device in a vagina for a user.

Abstract: A thin-walled, condom-like tubular protective device for protection against the transfer of infectious matter during sexual intercourse is disclosed. The condom-like device has an open end a collar-shaped outwardly extending portion with an apparatus for radially stretching the collar and has an inner diameter which is sufficiently large to permit movement of a penis with respect to the protective device during coitus.

Abstract: A thin-walled, condom-like tubular protective device for protection against the transfer of infectious matter during sexual intercourse is disclosed. The condom-like device has an open end a collar-shaped outwardly extending portion with a ring-like member for radially stretching the collar and has an inner diameter which is sufficiently large to permit movement of a penis with respect to the protective device during coitus.