Abstract: A continuous flow endoscope comprising a working element and an outer sheath assembly. The working element comprises a frame including a telescope guide tube and a fluid passage through the frame and into the telescope guide tube. The outer sheath assembly is connected to the frame. The outer sheath assembly comprises an outer tube located around a portion of the telescope guide tube. The outer tube and the telescope guide tube form a fluid outflow conduit therebetween along a majority of the length of the outer tube.

Abstract: A grooved slider forming part of an electrode for use with a resectoscope is shown. The electrode includes an electrode lead member having an elongated conductor member. The elongated conductor member has a first end and a second end with an insulative cover extended therebetween. The first end has a protruding electrode adapted to be electrically connected to an electrosurgical generator and the second end terminates in an active member. An electrode support member is operatively connected to the active member. The electrode support member has an elongated semi-rigid bifurcated arm terminating in a conductive core spaced a predetermined distance from the active member. The bifurcated arm is covered with an insulative material except at the distal end where the grooved slider is located.

Abstract: A shaped conductive core electrode member having an elongated curved sharp leading cutting edge forming part thereof for use with a resectoscope is shown. The electrode includes an electrode lead member having an elongated conductor member having a first end and a second end with an insulative cover extended therebetween. The first end has a protruding electrode adapted to be electrically connected to an electrosurgical generator. The second end terminates in an electrode support member which is operatively connected to or forms an integral part of the shaped electrode as an active member. The electrode support member has an elongated semi-rigid bifurcated arm terminating in a conductive core. The bifurcated arm is covered with an insulative material except at the distal end where the shaped electrode is located.

Abstract: A grooved roller forming part of an electrode for use with a resectoscope is shown. The electrode includes an electrode lead member having an elongated conductor member. The elongated conductor member has a first end and a second end with an insulative cover extended therebetween. The first end has a protruding electrode adapted to be electrically connected to an electrosurgical generator and the second end terminates in an active member. An electrode support member is operatively connected to the active member. The electrode support member has an elongated semi-rigid bifurcated arm terminating in a conductive core spaced a predetermined distance from the active member. The bifurcated arm is covered with an insulative material except at the distal end where the grooved roller is located. The electrode support member has a grooved roller having a central opening extending therethrough for rotatably mounting the grooved roller on the conductive core of the support member.

Abstract: A grooved slider forming part of an electrode for use with a resectoscope is shown. The electrode includes an electrode lead member having an elongated conductor member. The elongated conductor member has a first end and a second end with an insulative cover extended therebetween. The first end has a protruding electrode adapted to be electrically connected to an electrosurgical generator and the second end terminates in an active member. An electrode support member is operatively connected to the active member. The electrode support member has an elongated semi-rigid bifurcated arm terminating in a conductive core spaced a predetermined distance from the active member. The bifurcated arm is covered with an insulative material except at the distal end where the grooved slider is located. The electrode support member has a grooved slider having a central opening extending therethrough for fixedly mounting the grooved slider on the conductive core of the support member.

Abstract: A continuous flow hysteroscope is shown. The hysteroscope includes an outer sheath having an outer surface, an inner surface and a hollowed-out central area extending along a central axis which extends therethrough. The outer sheath has a proximal section and a distal section. The distal end includes a plurality of openings communicating between the outer surface and inner surface. The openings have a predetermined shape and pass fluid exterior to the distal section therethrough and into the hollowed-out central area. The proximal section of the outer sheath includes an outlet and an inlet. An inner member is positioned within the hollowed-out central area and includes a first channel which is adapted to receive a telescope. A second channel, which is substantially parallel to the first channel is utilized for passing a working tool. The first and second channel are operatively coupled to an inlet for passing fluid therethrough and out of the distal end outer sheath.

Abstract: A sheath is provided having a tube and a latch receptacle for removably connecting the sheath with a cooperating working element. The latch receptacle is static and has means for receiving at least a portion of a movable latch of the working element such that the latch receptacle can be disconnected from the working element without touching the sheath. A continuous flow resectoscope sheath assembly may also be provided with both an inlet post and an outlet post on the outer sheath portion.

Abstract: A method for moving an object in the larynx and trachea region of a patient for use with a laryngoscope having a working channel. A device device has an elongate shaft adapted for movement within the working channel of the laryngoscope. Located at a distal region of the shaft are grasping jaws. The placement device grasps an object, moves the object relative to the laryngoscope and releases the object from the placement device at a desired position.

Abstract: A system for reducing drag in a resectoscope working element. A hole is provided at a proximal end of a substantially enclosed electrode sheath for exiting fluids and substantially preventing pressure from being generated in the sheath. A working element has a guide block with a guide bar channel having a first cross-sectional shape and a guide bar with a second cross-sectional shape such that there are spaces between the guide bar and the guide bar channel and the bearing surfaces therebetween are relatively small.

Abstract: A sheath is provided having a tube and a latch receptacle for removably connecting the sheath with a cooperating working element. The latch receptacle is static and has means for receiving at least a portion of a movable latch of the working element such that the latch receptacle can be disconnected from the working element without touching the sheath. A continuous flow resectoscope sheath assembly may also be provided with both an inlet post and an outlet post on the outer sheath portion.

Abstract: A disconnectable electrical plug for use with a urological endscope comprising a housing; a conductor; a connector; and an extension block keyed for insertion into a guide block of the endoscope. The extension blocks extends from the housing at a substantially right angle to the entry of the conductor into the housing and is insertable into the guide block in either a first or second position. A urological endoscope is provided comprising a guide block with an electrical plug channel with a first entry on a first lateral side and a second entry on a second lateral side such that an electrical plug can be connected directly to an electrode by mounting the plug in the channel in either the first or second side of the guide block.

Abstract: An electrode for use with a urological endoscope and a method for making the same. The electrode comprises an electrode lead, an electrode end and an electrode stabilizer. The stabilizer can stabilize the electrode proximate a distal region of a telescope and is made of a resilient material for resiliently mounting the electrode to the telescope. The electrode lead and electrode end can be made from a single conductor.

Abstract: A disconnectable electrical plug for use with a urological endoscope comprising a housing; a conductor; a connector; and an extension block keyed for insertion into a guide block of the endoscope. The extension block extends from the housing at a substantially right angle to the entry of the condutor into the housing and is insertable into the guide block in either a first or second position. A urological endoscope is provided comprising a guide block with an electrical plug channel with a first entry on a first lateral side and a second entry on a second lateral side such that an electrical plug can be connected directly to an electrode by mounting the plug in the channel in either the first or second side of the guide block.

Abstract: A flexible, expandable alarm control system in which varying combinations of functional circuit blocks or modules can be selected and connected in positions on a control panel by the customer or user of the system. Thus, the system can be modified to satisfy changing functional requirements by substitution of modules; furthermore, it can be expanded by adding functional modules to a given control panel or by extending the system to auxiliary control cabinets in which more circuitry can be mounted.

Abstract: An economical guide, holding and support means for a printed circuit board is disclosed. The holding or support means may be fabricated of spring steel and may be supported at one end by the same fastening means that fastens the printed circuit board connector to its mounting surface. The holding means includes a groove or a perforation for providing three directional edge support of the printed circuit board. A notch may be provided on the printed circuit board whereby the holding means may serve as a releasable lock for retaining the printed circuit board. The openness of the holding and support means provides for improved air circulation and, therefore, a reduced chance of component overheating. The support means may also be used to provide a ground connection to the supported printed circuit board and/or to complete a test or continuity circuit by switch actuation or circuit completion.