Abstract An electrosurgical instrument for providing an interface between an electrosurgical electrode and an electrosurgical generator and for selectively providing electrical energy to the electrode for cutting, coagulation and the like, is provided. A hollow handle removably supports an electrode in one end and receives a three wire cable through an opening in its other end. The wires of the cable are supported and positioned on a substantially flat insert which has three flat-headed contact pins forced therein to penetrate the outer insulation of the wires and establish electrical contact with the wires. A conductor plate overlies the insert and is equipped with four conductor strips for contacting the electrode and the three contact pins, respectively. Switch buttons have stems that extend through apertures in the wall of the handle for selectively activating the conductor strips. Snap dome springs between the stems and the conductor strips provide tactile and audible sensations for the operator, and protuberances on the upper surfaces of the conductor strips prevent the domes from inverting while they apply sufficient force to the conductor strips. The proximal end of the cable is secured to a connector having a base and cover providing a housing for the three wires. Contact pins provide electrical communication between the wires and three spring contacts having generally rounded contact ends.
An electrosurgical instrument for providing an interface between an electrosurgical electrode and an electrosurgical generator and for selectively providing electrical energy to said electrode for cutting, coagulation and the like, comprising: an elongated hollow handle forming a housing having a first opening in its distal end for receiving said electrode and a second opening in its proximal end for receiving a cable; means in said first opening for forming a watertight seal when said electrode is inserted in said first opening; a cable having first, second and third wires extending through said second opening into said housing, said cable forming a watertight seal with inwardly directed flanges surrounding said second opening; insert means in said housing for supporting and positioning said wires; a contact pin in electrical communication with each of said wires; a conductor plate overlying said insert means, said plate having a first conductor strip positioned to contact said electrode, a second conductor strip contacting a first contact pin, a third conductor strip overlying a second contact pin and a fourth conductor strip overlying a third contact pin, said third and fourth strips being adapted to be depressed into contact with their respective contact pins; a first switch button mounted for communication with said third conductor strip through an aperture in said housing; a second switch button mounted for communication with said fourth conductor strip through a second aperture in said housing; snap dome springs mounted between said switch buttons and said third and fourth conductor strips for providing tactile and audible sensations when said switch buttons are depressed; protuberances formed on the surfaces of said third and fourth conductor strips under said snap dome springs for assuring activation of said strips and for preventing said springs from becoming inverted; and diaphragm seals around said switch buttons to prevent moisture from entering said housing thereby providing, in combination with the seals at said first and second openings, a watertight compartment within said housing.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
325 words
An electrosurgical instrument for providing an interface between an electrosurgical electrode and an electrosurgical generator and for selectively providing electrical energy to said electrode for cutting, coagulation and the like, comprising: an elongated hollow handle forming a housing having a first opening in its distal end for receiving said electrode and a second opening in its proximal end for receiving a cable; means in said first opening for forming a watertight seal when said electrode is inserted in said first opening; a cable having first, second and third wires extending through said second opening into said housing, said cable forming a watertight seal with inwardly directed flanges surrounding said second opening; insert means in said housing for supporting and positioning said wires; a contact pin in electrical communication with each of said wires; a conductor plate overlying said insert means, said plate having a first conductor strip positioned to contact said electrode, a second conductor strip contacting a first contact pin, a third conductor strip overlying a second contact pin and a fourth conductor strip overlying a third contact pin, said third and fourth strips being adapted to be depressed into contact with their respective contact pins; a first switch button mounted for communication with said third conductor strip through an aperture in said housing; a second switch button mounted for communication with said fourth conductor strip through a second aperture in said housing; snap dome springs mounted between said switch buttons and said third and fourth conductor strips for providing tactile and audible sensations when said switch buttons are depressed; protuberances formed on the surfaces of said third and fourth conductor strips under said snap dome springs for assuring activation of said strips and for preventing said springs from becoming inverted; and diaphragm seals around said switch buttons to prevent moisture from entering said housing thereby providing, in combination with the seals at said first and second openings, a watertight compartment within said housing.