Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for measuring the total energy delivered to a patient during an electrosurgical procedure. An electrosurgical target (the patient) is positioned atop a dispersive plate constituting a first electrode. The patient is included in the circuit comprising an electrosurgical generator, the plate electrode and a surgical instrument constituting a second electrode. A mathematical relationship between the current in the circuit and the load impedance is established for selected power settings of said generator. Current in the circuit is measured during electrosurgery by suitable means such as a current transformer. A computing device such as a microprocessor determines the impedence according to the relationship between current and impedence for the particular generator power setting being used. The microprocessor then computes the power delivered to the patient from the current and impedance values.

Abstract: A bioplar electrosurgical forceps carries a thermocouple junction at the distal end of each of two mutually opposed prongs. The junctions are formed by welding a constantan wire directly to the ferrous metal prongs, thereby avoiding the need for electrical isolation.

Abstract: An electrosurgical generator for use with a living being. The electrosurgical generator is provided with a circuit for determining real power output being delivered to a handpiece. A switching mechanism is also provided to allow alternate selection of the desired power to the desired output port.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device having a generator for producing a radio frequency current. The device senses an RF current leakage and thereby reduces the output of the RF generator so as to limit the amount of RF leakage to levels below a predetermined value.

Abstract: An X-ray detector for converting X-ray energy into electrical energy which contains a X-ray sensitive fluorescent screen optically coupled to a photovoltaic energy conversion cell. An electrostatic shield is provided at the input of said fluorescent screen to shield the detector from both background electrical noise and ambient light. Mechanical configurations and electrical flexibility make the detector particularly well suited for the control of panoramic X-ray machines.