Abstract: The present invention is directed to improvements in the method and apparatus for processing elastic articles, such as condoms. The invention is directed more specifically to an automated apparatus which is effective, to select single condoms or like articles from a bulk storage area to which they are delivered after manufacture, the articles being typically partially or entirely covered with a powdered lubricant, such as talc; advancing the articles to a mounting station, the articles being substantially cleaned of talc in the course of such advancing movement; the articles being thereafter automatically fed to an apparatus which distends the articles in such manner that the same may be mounted on test mandrels of a diameter larger than the diameter of the distended condoms.