Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps including a switching member disposed on only one tine thereof where the switching member may be disposed on the outside of the tine to permit operation thereof independent of the closing of the forceps or where the switching member is disposed on the inside of the tine such that the electrical contacts thereof are provided with an electrically insulative covering. There are also provided unique circuit paths on the tines whereby the forceps may be operated in either a monopolar mode with or without switching or a bipolar mode with or without switching. Also disclosed is a spacer for separating the tines and a removable sleeve which snaps over the spacer to hold the tines in place. Further, there is disclosed a double molding method for constructing an electrosurgical forceps or the like.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for initiating an electrical discharge in a formation of flowing inert gas disposed adjacent the end of an active electrode by generating charged particles in the vicinity of said inert gas formation. The charged particles are generated by an auxiliary electrical discharge produced between the active electrode and a surrounding tube, which is not connected to any external source of biasing potential. Electrostatic charge is generated on the tube as the inert gas flows thereby. This charge bleeds off the tube through inwardly pointed tips on the tube, which act as discharge points. The charge then passes to the active electrode via the auxiliary discharge through the gas.