Abstract: Apparatus is provided for the extracorporeal destruction of kidney stones, and includes an ellipsoidal reflector. The reflector has a first focus point, and a second focus point, the reflector being truncated and the second focus point being disposed beyond the resulting open end of the reflector for coincidence with a kidney stone or the like. An extension from the apex of the reflector has a cavity with a spark gap therein. The cavity opens into the reflector, and the cavity and reflector are filled with liquid such as water. A spark produced across the spark gap produces a shock wave which moves to the first focus point of the reflector and is reflected to the second focus point.

Abstract: A lithotripter is provided with an x-ray aiming system. The lithotripter includes an upwardly opening ellipsoidal reflector having a vertical axis. This reflector is supported from a pedestal, and an arm rigid with the pedestal supports a radio opaque disc which is disposed below overhead x-ray apparatus. A patient with a kidney stone is disposed on a table above the reflector and below the x-ray apparatus. If the vertical axis of the reflector is perfectly aligned with the kidney stone in the patient, then the radio opaque disc will shadow the kidney stone, and provide positive evidence of alignment. If there is misalignment, then simple examination of the x-ray picture will show in what direction the reflector support, and hence the radio opaque disc, need be moved to effect proper alignment.

Abstract: A device is provided for removal of kidney stones. The device includes a stone trapping device on the end of a flexible and axially movable wire. The wire moves through a tubing. An electrode is provided in the form of a cylinder at the outer end of the tubing. The stone is drawn into close proximity to the electrode, and electrical sparks jump between the wire and the electrode to generate a shock wave in close proximity to the stone. Stones which are small as they occur or which are reduced in size by shock wave treatment then may be withdrawn from the body in the stone trapping device.

Abstract: An electrode construction is provided for electrohydraulic shock wave generation such as for extracorporeal kidney stone destruction. The construction includes a reflector adapted to be filled with liquid such as water for coupling to a human body. The reflector has a focus point. An insulated base supports a plurality of pairs of electrodes, and is movable relative to the reflector. The insulating base is moved to bring successive pairs of electrodes into substantial coincidence with the focus point of the reflector. Upon such movement electrical connection is automatically made to extensions of the pair of electrodes having their spark gap substantially coincident with said focus point.

Abstract: A venturi device is provided for sensing air flow. The device includes a body having first and second substantially cylindrical end portions interconnected by a wasp-waisted intermediate portion. The end portions are provided with bores which may be of different internal diameter. The intermediate portion is provided with axially aligned counterbores. These counterbores are connected by four bores of relatively small diameter. A radially inwardly extending wall in the through-bore comprises a flow restriction, and lateral bores are provided on opposite sides of the wall extending radially outwardly from the through-bore.

Abstract: A kidney stone disintegrating system includes a computer-controlled aiming system. The disintegrating system includes a reflector containing water through which the reflector is coupled to a living body having a kidney stone. The reflector is a portion of an ellipsoid and a spark gap generator is located at one focus of the ellipsoid. An electrical energy source is connected to the spark gap generator for generating a spark which in turn generates a shock wave in the fluid. Three motors are connected to the reflector for moving it in respectively X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis directions to locate the reflector so that the kidney stone lies at the second focus point thereof. A pair of ultrasound transducers are carried by an articulated support comprising a plurality of pivotally interconnected arms. Precision potentiometers are provided between the arms to indicate the relative positions thereof, and electrical potentials from the potentiometers are connected to a computer.