Abstract: An apparatus for generating shock waves, especially for medical application, creates a spark discharge between two electrodes in a liquid medium. At least one of the electrodes is moveable between a first limit position that corresponds to the smallest possible distance between the two electrodes, and a second limit position that corresponds to the largest possible distance between the electrodes.

Abstract: The invention is for an apparatus for the generation of shock waves, especially for medical application, by means of a spark discharge between two electrodes (6, 7) within a liquid medium with appliances for the movement (216) of at least one of the electrodes (6, 7) along a specified direction of movement, for an electrode unit for the generation of shock waves with two electrodes (6, 7) positioned within a liquid medium and to which a high voltage can be applied for the generation of an electrical disruptive discharge, for a procedure for the calibration of distances for a pair of electrodes (1; 201) for the generation of shock waves by means of an under water spark discharge and for a procedure for the generation of shock waves by means of an under water spark discharge between two electrodes (6, 7).

Abstract: A medical device is described, which comprises a basic device and at least one replaceable component connected therewith, said component having an item belonging to the device that is subjected to high wear or consumption. A storage medium is connected to the component, which stores component-specific data and can be read independently of the basic device.

Abstract: A device for producing electrical discharges in an aqueous medium which comprises a first electrode and a second electrode comprised of a superalloy having a cobalt content of greater than 8% by weight or optionally a nickel content of greater than 8% by weight. A high electrical voltage is applied to the electrodes to produce a voltage discharge into the medium that creates a pressure wave in the medium. The electrodes of the device exhibit high thermal shock resistance during discharge thereby reducing tip burnout.

Abstract: A medical device is described, which comprises a basic device and at least one replaceable component connected therewith, said component having an item belonging to the device that is subjected to high wear or consumption. A storage medium is connected to the component, which stores component-specific data and can be read independently of the basic device.

Abstract: A device for producing electrical discharges in an aqueous medium which comprises a first electrode and a second electrode comprised of a superalloy having a cobalt content of greater than 8% by weight or optionally a nickel content of greater than 8% by weight. A high electrical voltage is applied to the electrodes to produce a voltage discharge into the medium that creates a pressure wave in the medium. The electrodes of the device exhibit high thermal shock resistance during discharge thereby reducing tip burnout.