Abstract: A method and apparatus for adding ink receptive areas to or removing ink receptive areas from printing plates in which a consumable stylus, such as a graphite pencil "lead," or a non-consumable stylus, such as a copper wire, is brought into contact with the printing plate.

Abstract: The base of a clip or forceps for application of high-frequency electricity for coagulation of living tissues provides mechanical securing of the electrodes to each other by means of a dovetail tongue and groove engagement with an intervening insulation layer of material hardened after injection between the jaws or branches of the clip. A contact socket can simply be applied over the surface of the base of the clip, so that the device is easily handled by the surgeon, while at the same time the security of the mechanical fastening at the base of the clip is not subject to impairment by repeated sterilization at 134.degree. C.

Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps comprising two blades which are electrically connected to an electrosurgical frequency generator so that electrosurgical radio frequencies can be transmitted from the generator to the blades. The blades are separated by a spacer member formed with a middle section defining inwardly inclined surfaces which hold the wires in a secured position against the forceps blades away from each other. The wire ends are bent down in channels formed in the spacer element and an elastomeric tubing is shrink fit around the ends of the blades to secure the spacer element and non-insulated wire ends in a fixed position.

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: Method and apparatus employing induction heating for positively mounting a grip ring on a thermoplastic support shaft of a counter wheel subassembly for retaining a bank of counter wheels on the support shaft with a preselected axial end play.

Abstract: This vas cautery apparatus includes a bipolar needle electrode, a pencil hand control, and a cautery electronic circuit. The bipolar needle electrode comprises a unitary center conductor and tip and the center conductor may be effectively insulated from an outer conductor by an insulating tubing. A relatively easily manipulated electrical connector joins the bipolar needle electrode to the pencil hand control. An output waveform from the cautery electronic circuit has an alternating potential characteristic during periods of the waveform.

Abstract: A generally flat insulator chuck is arranged to retain surgical electrodes so that the working area of the electrodes extends externally on one end and an electrical circuit accomodating prong is contained within a recessed chamber at the other end. The recessed chamber is dimensioned so as to effect continuous contouring relative to a receiving control handle apparatus in such a manner that the physical stress is translated between the insulator sidewalls of the chuck and the insulator of an extended plug on the handle. The electrical connection extension prong within the recess slidingly engages an electrical connector embedded within the handle extension so as to provide electrical contact free of physical stress from usage. Locking and guiding arrangements cooperate between the handle and the chuck to further insure firm attachment.