Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a solid-state series switch positioned between a transmitter's high-voltage, direct current (DC) bus and a high-voltage DC power source, wherein the series switch is configured to establish an open circuit between the transmitter and the power source upon receiving a first trip signal; a solid-state shunt switch operatively coupled in shunt between the transmitter high voltage DC bus and a ground, wherein the shunt switch is configured to provide a short-circuit path from the transmitter to ground upon receiving a second trip signal; and a controller electrically coupled to the series and shunt switches, wherein the controller is configured to generate the first and second trip signals in the event that the controller receives a trouble signal from the transmitter, and wherein the first trip signal is sent to the series switch before the second trip signal is sent to the shunt switch.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a solid-state series switch positioned between a transmitter's high-voltage, direct current (DC) bus and a high-voltage DC power source, wherein the series switch is configured to establish an open circuit between the transmitter and the power source upon receiving a first trip signal; a solid-state shunt switch operatively coupled in shunt between the transmitter high voltage DC bus and a ground, wherein the shunt switch is configured to provide a short-circuit path from the transmitter to ground upon receiving a second trip signal; and a controller electrically coupled to the series and shunt switches, wherein the controller is configured to generate the first and second trip signals in the event that the controller receives a trouble signal from the transmitter, and wherein the first trip signal is sent to the series switch before the second trip signal is sent to the shunt switch.

Abstract: A slide and snap clamp provides a first clamping member with first and second clamping sections. The first clamping section is located adjacent the hinge while the second clamping section and the hinge on opposite sides of the first clamping section. An actuator is used to transition the first clamping member from an unlocked or locked configuration with a rail in one of the first and second clamping sections. The first and second clamping sections are configured to receive the rail A at a predetermined cross sectional perimeter in either of the first and second clamping sections. The operator selects which of the two clamping sections be utilized the actuator can be transitioned and locked position thereby securing the rail to the first clamping member.

Abstract: A surgical retractor having laterally extending rack with a first arm connected to the rack spaced from the second arm. A retractor clamp has a slot which engages one of the arms. Extending from the clamp is a leg with a mount which receives a connector head of a retractor blade. One or more retractor clamps may be advantageously positioned on either of the arms at a desired location. In the preferred embodiment, the mount is rotatable relative to a member housing the slot such that a retractor blade connected to the mount may be pivoted into and out of an incision. Furthermore the housing member is configured so that a hand held gripper may be connected to the connector head of a retractor blade as it extends through the mount.

Abstract: A slide and snap clamp provides a first clamping member with first and second clamping sections. The first clamping section is located adjacent the hinge while the second clamping section and the hinge on opposite sides of the first clamping section. An actuator is used to transition the first clamping member from an unlocked or locked configuration with a rail in one of the first and second clamping sections. The first and second clamping sections are configured to receive the rail A at a predetermined cross sectional perimeter in either of the first and second clamping sections. The operator selects which of the two clamping sections be utilized the actuator can be transitioned and locked position thereby securing the rail to the first clamping member.

Abstract: A retractor clamp assembly includes a clamp positionable about a support ring. A retractor shaft extends from the clamp and has a connector at the end with a retractor blade connected thereto by a stem. The connector is preferably equipped with a first slot limiting the side to side angular range of motion of the retractor blade stem relative to the retractor shaft, and a second slot limiting the top to bottom range of motion of the retractor blade stem relative to the retractor shaft. This allows the retractor blade to be maintained and/or positioned in an optimum position relative to retracted tissue while allowing the retractor shaft to be selectively positioned by a user.

Abstract: A surgical retractor comprising a laterally extending rack having a first arm connected to the rack spaced from a movable second arm connected to the rack. In the preferred embodiment, the first and second arms have first segments connected to the rack connected to intermediate segments which are connect to third segments at the end of the arms. The intermediate segments are angled toward one another which allow the ends of the arms to be closer than the stationary segments connected to the rack. Additionally, the arms are preferably rotatable along longitudinal axes relative to the rack and can be locked in a fixed angular position.

Abstract: A surgical retractor having a lateral rack with two longitudinal arms extending therefrom. At least one of the arms has a curved segment. It is preferable that the curved segment extend at least one third the length of the arm and be concavely oriented toward the opposing arm.

Abstract: A slide and snap clamp provides a first clamping member with first and second clamping sections. The first clamping section is located adjacent the hinge while the second clamping section and the hinge on opposite sides of the first clamping section. An actuator is used to transition the first clamping member from an unlocked or locked configuration with a rail in one of the first and second clamping sections. The first and second clamping sections are configured to receive the rail A at a predetermined cross sectional perimeter in either of the first and second clamping sections. The operator selects which of the two clamping sections be utilized the actuator can be transitioned and locked position thereby securing the rail to the first clamping member.

Abstract: A surgical retractor has a body and a socket laterally receiving a connector head. The socket cavity is offset from a loading axis extending to the mouth of the slot. The slot laterally receives the connector head as directed towards the socket cavity where it is retained in a locked configuration. The socket cavity is offset from the loading axis.

Abstract: A connector head for a retractor blade provides connector head adapted to cooperate with a first and a second side loading socket. The connector head includes a first and a second loading portion, the second loading portion located above the first loading portion. A cap is preferably located between the first and second loading portions to separate the first and second loading portions from one another. The first loading portion includes a base which rests on a ledge surface of the retractor blade. The base and the cap may have sloped edges to assist in locating a socket between shoulders of the cap and base. The first loading portion has a diameter which is less than the diameter of the base an cap to define a first channel. The second loading portion has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the cap and top to provide a second channel. Two sockets from separate retractor instruments may connect to the connector head at the same time.

Abstract: Surgical retractor apparatus is shown having at least two independently operable clamping locations for receiving pivot balls therein. These two clamping locations lock and unlock their respective pivot balls independent of locking of the other pivot ball. Furthermore, the locking mechanisms utilized to lock the pivot balls also utilize the lock the angular position of the extension rod relative to the clamp. An adjuster intermediate the clamping positions allows for the movement of the clamping location relative to each other.

Abstract: A surgical retractor comprising a laterally extending rack having a first arm connected to the rack spaced from a movable second arm connected to the rack. In the preferred embodiment, the first and second arms have first segments connected to the rack connected to intermediate segments which are connect to third segments at the end of the arms. The intermediate segments are angled toward one another which allow the ends of the arms to be closer than the stationary segments connected to the rack. Additionally, the arms are preferably rotatable along longitudinal axes relative to the rack and can be locked in a fixed angular position.

Abstract: Surgical retractor apparatus is shown having at least two independently operable clamping locations for receiving pivot balls therein. These two clamping locations lock and unlock their respective pivot balls independent of locking of the other pivot ball. Furthermore, the locking mechanisms utilized to lock the pivot balls also utilize the lock the angular position of the extension rod relative to the clamp. An adjuster intermediate the clamping positions allows for the movement of the clamping location relative to each other.

Abstract: A surgical retractor has a body and a socket laterally receiving a connector head. The socket cavity is offset from a loading axis extending to the mouth of the slot. The slot laterally receives the connector head as directed towards the socket cavity where it is retained in a locked configuration. The socket cavity is offset from the loading axis.

Abstract: A connector head for a retractor blade provides connector head adapted to cooperate with a first and a second side loading socket. The connector head includes a first and a second loading portion, the second loading portion located above the first loading portion. A cap is preferably located between the first and second loading portions to separate the first and second loading portions from one another. The first loading portion includes a base which rests on a ledge surface of the retractor blade. The base and the cap may have sloped edges to assist in locating a socket between shoulders of the cap and base. The first loading portion has a diameter which is less than the diameter of the base an cap to define a first channel. The second loading portion has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the cap and top to provide a second channel. Two sockets from separate retractor instruments may connect to the connector head at the same time.