Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument comprising a support member; at least one electrode mounted on the support, the electrode consisting essentially of a material having a figure of merit of at least 0.15 at room temperature where the figure of merit is the product of the thermal conductivity, the heat capacity and the density of the material in the metric system; and a heat sink in thermal contact with the electrode for removal of heat therefrom. A carbon coating for the electrode is also disclosed where the coating may be formed by different techniques including thermal decomposition of certain carbohydrate containing materials, the latter method providing a porous carbon coating particularly suited for expediting the starting of the instrument. Also disclosed are a number of heat sinks for effecting removal of heat from the electrode. Further disclosed is a monolithic blade made from carbon.

Abstract: An electrosurgical method and apparatus for coagulating by fulguration where the electrical discharge is established through a formation of flowing inert gas where the formation may either be a diffuse blanket of the flowing gas or a well defined column thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for initiating an electrical discharge in a formation of flowing inert gas disposed adjacent the end of an electrode by generating charged particles in the vicinity of said inert gas formation. The charged particles may be generated by various means such as an electron emissive filament, a radioactive material or an auxiliary electrical discharge located adjacent to the electrode but removed from the end thereof. The auxiliary electrical discharge may be in electrical series with the electrode and it may be located inside or outside the flow of inert gas needed to establish the gas formation at the end of the electrode.RELATED APPLICATIONSThis application is related to a first U.S. patent application Ser. No. 649,725 filed on Jan. 16, 1976 by Charles F. Morrison, Jr., Frank W. Harris, and Michael C. Patzer, entitled "Electrosurgical Method and Apparatus for Establishing an Electrical Discharge in an Inert Gas Flow" and a second U.S. patent application Ser. No. 649,682 filed on Jan.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device adapted for connection to an electrical generator having active and return output terminals, the device being used to cut, coagulate, or otherwise treat organic tissue or the like, the device comprising: an insulative support connectors; an active electrode responsive to the active output terminal and a return electrode responsive to the return output terminal, the electrodes being supported by the electrode support connectors, the return electrode being symmetrically disposed completely about the active electrode, the active electrode extending as far as or beyond the distal end of the return electrode, both the electrodes being adapted for electrical connection to the tissue, the ratio of the return electrode area adapted to electrically connect to the tissue to the active electrode area adapted to electrically connect to the tissue being in the range of approximately 2 to 200; and connectors for connecting the active electrode to the active output terminal and the return electrode

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.

Abstract: A vapor injector for use with a fuel combustion system which system has an air intake assembly and a combustion area. The vaporizer includes a platform floating on a reservoir of water. A vacuum chamber is defined by the platform and the surface of the reservoir. The volume of the chamber remains constant regardless of the level of the reservoir. The vaporizer is connected to the air intake assembly. A negative pressure is applied to the chamber and a saturated air stream flows from the chamber and into the combustion area.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device connected to an electrical generator having active and return output terminals, the device being used to cut, coagulate, or otherwise treat human tissue or the like, the device comprising: an electrode support; an active electrode responsive to the active output terminal and a return electrode responsive to the return output terminal, the electrodes being supported by the electrode support, both the electrodes being adapted for electrical connection to the tissue, the ratio of the return electrode area adapted to electrically connect to the tissue to the active electrode area adapted to ohmically or arc-wise connect to the tissue being in the range of approximately 2 to 200. Arrangements are also provided for separating the active electrode from the tissue when the device is placed in contact with the tissue to insure that a current arc is established between the active electrode and the tissue. Various electrode configurations are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device connected to an electrical generator having active and return output terminals, the device being used to cut, coagulate, or otherwise treat human tissue or the like, the device comprising: an insulative electrode support; an active electrode responsive to the active output terminal and a return electrode responsive to the return output terminal, the electrodes being supported by the electrode support, both the electrodes being adapted for electrical connection to the tissue, the ratio of the return electrode area adapted to electrically connect to the tissue to the active electrode area adapted to ohmically or arc-wise connect to the tissue being in the range of approximately 2 to 200. Apparatus is also provided for separating the active electrode from the tissue when the device is placed in contact with the tissue to insure that a current arc is established between the active electrode and the tissue. Various electrode configurations are also disclosed.