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Electrosurgical method and apparatus for initiating an electrical discharge in an inert gas flow

  • US 4,040,426 A
  • Filed: 01/16/1976
  • Issued: 08/09/1977
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/16/1976
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. Apparatus for establishing an electrical discharge to an object comprisinga support;

  • a source of electrical energy;

    an active electrode connected to said source of electrical energy and being supported by said support and outwardly extending therefrom;

    a source of inert gas;

    gas flow directing means connected to said source of inert gas for directing the gas past said electrode to thereby facilitate the establishment of a primary electrical discharge in the gas disposed adjacent the end of the electrode and extending outwardly therefrom;

    discharge initiating means disposed adjacent to said electrode for initiating said electrical discharge in said gas formed adjacent the end of the electrode, said discharge initiating means including said active electrode and a second electrode having a small gap therebetween, across which an auxiliary discharge initiates said primary electrical discharge;

    said second electrode being electrically isolated from any source of biasing potential and being so disposed in the gas flow established by said gas flow directing means that said gas generates electrostatic charge on said second electrode, which is discharged through said gas to said active electrode to thereby establish said auxiliary electrical discharge; and

    means for returning said electrical energy from said object to said source of electrical energy.

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