Abstract: An electrohydraulic probe for impacting object is shown. The electrohydraulic probe comprises a first electrode, and a second electrode which positioned at a preselected space from the first electrode defining a uniformly spaced controlled discharge path therebetween. An insulating means is disposed between and encloses the space between the first electrode and second electrode. The insulating means comprises a relatively mechanically rigid dielectric material that structurally maintains the predetermined space between the first electrode and second electrode while preventing a controlled discharge through the insulating means to cause an electrical discharge shock to occur only across the uniformly spaced controlled discharge path which electrical discharge shock generates and applies a hydraulic shock wave through a fluid to the object to impact the same.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electrohydraulic probe for use with a lithotriptic instrument is shown. The probe comprises a first electrode, a second electrode and a relatively rigid spacer means therebetween to maintain a relatively constant equidistant space between the first and second electrodes during the entire work life of the probe. The method comprises the steps of connecting a distal end spacer member with a first electrode wherein the spacer member has a central aperture therein with a relatively constant thickness between its central aperture and an outer perimeter of the space member at the distal tip of the probe and wherein the spacer member comprises a relatively mechanically rigid dielectric material; and connecting a second electrode with the spacer member wherein the central aperture such that said second electrode is spaced equidistantly from the first electrode at the distal tip of the probe.

Abstract: A gas pressure neutralizing device for use with a working channel of an inspection instrument. The device comprises means for providing a first gas pressure buffer, a second gas pressure buffer, a chamber formed therebetween and means for reducing the pressure in the chamber whereby gases are substantially prevented from exiting the instrument through a working inlet of the device at an elevated pressure or high velocity.