U.S. patent number 3,842,394 [Application Number 05/338,455] was granted by the patent office on 1974-10-15 for electrical connector for plate electrode.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Medical Plastics, Inc.. Invention is credited to Lee R. Bolduc.
United States Patent |
3,842,394 |
Bolduc |
October 15, 1974 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR PLATE ELECTRODE
Abstract
A ground plate electrode having an electrically conductive skin
connected to an electrosurgical unit with an elongated cord and
clamp assembly. The clamp assembly has a pair of separated jaws
carrying electrical contact plates positionable in surface contact
with the skin of the electrode. Releasable lock structure acting on
the jaws move the jaws together to firmly clamp the plates on the
electrode. A separate arm having a projection is used to pierce the
electrode to hold the clamp assembly in assembled relation with the
electrode.
Inventors: |
Bolduc; Lee R. (Minneapolis,
MN) |
Assignee: |
Medical Plastics, Inc.
(Minnetonka, MN)
|
Family
ID: |
23324879 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/338,455 |
Filed: |
March 6, 1973 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
439/261; 600/372;
439/725; 439/727; 439/909; 439/263 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01R
11/22 (20130101); A61B 5/274 (20210101); A61N
1/02 (20130101); A61B 18/16 (20130101); H01R
11/24 (20130101); Y10S 439/909 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61B
18/16 (20060101); A61B 18/14 (20060101); A61B
5/0408 (20060101); A61B 5/0416 (20060101); A61N
1/02 (20060101); H01R 11/11 (20060101); H01R
11/22 (20060101); H01R 11/24 (20060101); H01r
011/22 () |
Field of
Search: |
;339/75,255,260,261,274
;24/25R,258 ;128/DIG.4 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: McGlynn; Joseph H.
Claims
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or
privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. A plate electrode for engaging the surface of a body and an
electrical connector comprising: a plate electrode having an
electrically conductive means, said electrically conductive means
having a substantial surface area for surface engagement with the
surface of the body to make a large surface electrical contact
between the electrically conductive means and the body, and an
electrical connector releasably attached to said plate electrode,
said electrical connector having electrical conductor means located
in substantial surface engagement with the electrically conductive
means, first jaw means located on one side of said plate electrode,
and second jaw means located on the opposite side of said plate
electrode, said electrical connector means being attached to at
least one of said jaw means, and releasable lock means operable to
a first position to move the first and second jaw means together to
thereby clamp the electrical conductor means in surface engagement
with the electrically conductive means and movable to a second
position to release the first and second jaw means to thereby
release the clamp of the electrical conductor means from the
electrically conductive means, said releasable lock means including
first means mounted on the first jaw means and projected through
holes in the first and second jaw means, said first means including
a first member and a second member adjustably connected to the
first member, cam means pivotally connected to said first means and
engageable with the second jaw means, and second means secured to
the cam means operable to move the cam means to a first position to
locate the first and second jaw means in a clamped position whereby
the electrical conductor means is held in surface engagement with
the electrically conductive means, said cam means being movable to
a second position to release the first and second jaw means whereby
the plate electrode can be separated from the electrical
connector.
2. The structure of claim 1 wherein: the cam means has an
elliptical shaped face engageable with the second jaw means.
3. The structure of claim 1 including: biasing means to move the
first jaw means away from the second jaw means.
4. The structure of claim 1 wherein: said electrical conductor
means is a generally U-shaped member located within the space
between the first jaw means and the second jaw means and attached
to said first and second jaw means.
5. The structure of claim 1 including: arm means secured to the cam
means operable to move the cam means.
6. The structure of claim 5 wherein: the first jaw means and the
second jaw means have aligned holes, said arm means having a
projection adapted to move through the hole in the first jaw means
and into the hole in the second jaw means when the cam means is in
the first position.
7. The structure of claim 1 wherein: the first jaw means and second
jaw means are part of a one piece generally U-shaped member.
8. The structure of claim 7 wherein: said one piece member is a
yieldable plastic material.
9. An electrical connector attachable to a plate electrode having
an electrically conductive means, said electrically conductive
means having a substantial surface area for surface engagement with
the surface of a body to make a large surface electrical contact
between the electrically conductive means and the body, the
improvement of: said electrical conductor having plate electrical
conductor means positionable in substantial surface engagement with
the electrically conductive means, a first jaw, a second jaw
laterally spaced from the first jaw, said conductor means located
between said first jaw and said second jaw and mounted on one of
said jaws, and releasable lock means operable to a first position
to apply a clamping force to and move the first jaw and second jaw
together and movable to a second position to release the clamping
force from said first and second jaws, said releasable lock means
including first means mounted on the first jaws and projected
through holes in the first and second jaws, said first means
including a first member and a second member adjustably connected
to the first member, cam means pivotally connected to said first
means and engageable with the second jaws, and second means secured
to the cam means operable to move the cam means to a first position
to locate the first and second jaws in a clamped position whereby
the electrical conductor means is held in surface engagement with
the electrically conductive means, said cam means being movable to
a second position to release the first and second jaws whereby the
plate electrode can be separated from the electrical connector.
10. The structure of claim 9 wherein: the cam means has an
elliptical shaped face engageable with the second jaw.
11. The structure of claim 9 including: biasing means to move the
first jaw away from the second jaw.
12. The structure of claim 9 including: arm means secured to the
cam means operable to move the cam means.
13. The structure of claim 12 wherein: the first jaw and the second
jaw have aligned holes, said arm means having a projection adapted
to move through the hole in the first jaw and into the hole in the
second jaw when the cam means is in the first position.
14. An electrical connector attachable to a plate electrode having
an electrically conductive means, said electrically conductive
means having a substantial surface area for surface engagement with
the surface of a body to make a large surface electrical contact
between the electrically conductive means and the body, the
improvement of: said electrical conductor having plate electrical
conductor means positionable in substantial surface engagement with
the electrically conductive means, a first jaw, a second jaw
laterally spaced from the first jaw, said conductor means located
between said first jaw and said second jaw and mounted on one of
said jaws, and releasable lock means operable to a first position
to apply a clamping force to and move the first jaw and second jaw
together and movable to a second position to release the clamping
force from said first and second jaws, said releasable lock means
including a first threaded member projected through a hole in the
second jaw, said second threaded member being threaded to the first
threaded member, cam means pivotally connected to the second
threaded member, said cam means having an eccentric face engageable
with the second jaw and arm means secured to the cam means operable
to move the cam means to a first position to locate the first and
second jaws in a clamp position whereby the electrical conductor
means is held in surface engagement with the electrically
conductive means and movable to a second position to release the
first and second jaws.
15. The structure of claim 14 wherein: the first jaw and second jaw
are part of a one piece generally U-shaped member.
16. The structure of claim 14 wherein: said electrical conductor
means is a generally U-shaped member located within the space
between the first jaw and the second jaw and attached to said first
and second jaws.
17. An electrical connector attachable to a ground plate electrode
having a base and electrically conductive skin means attached to
the base comprising: a body having a first jaw and a second jaw,
said first jaw being laterally spaced from the second jaw, and
conductor means mounted on said body for making an electrical
connection with the skin means, said conductor means having a
contact plate member with a surface adapted to be located in
surface engagement with the skin means, an arm operable connected
to the body, means mounting the arm on said body for selective
movement of the arm toward and away from one of said jaws and
projection means secured to said arm, said first jaw having a hole
for accommodating said projection means, said projection means
having a length to project through said hole and through a plate
electrode located between the first jaw and second jaw whereby said
projection means holds the connector in assembled relation with a
plate electrode.
18. The connector of claim 17 wherein: said second jaw has a hole
generally aligned with the hole in the first jaw, said projection
means having a length to extend into the hole in the second
jaw.
19. The connector of claim 17 wherein: said means cooperating with
said arm is a releasable lock means operable to a first position to
apply a clamping force to and move the first jaw and second jaw
toward each other and movable to a second position to release the
clamping force from said first and second jaws.
20. The connector of claim 19 wherein: the releasable lock means
includes first means mounted on the first jaw and projected through
holes in the first and second jaws, cam means pivotally connected
to said first means and engageable with the second jaw, and second
means secured to the cam means operable to move the cam means to a
first position to locate the first and second jaws in a clamped
position whereby the electrical conductor means is held in surface
engagement with the skin means, said cam means being movable to a
second position to release the first and second jaws whereby the
plate electrode can be separated from the electrical connector.
21. The connector of claim 17 wherein: the body is a generally
U-shaped, one piece yieldable plastic member.
22. The connector of claim 21 wherein: said electrical conductor
means is a generally U-shaped member located within the space
between the first jaw and the second jaw and attached to said first
and second jaws.
23. A plate electrode for engaing the surface of a body and an
electrical connector comprising: a plate electrode having an
electrically conductive means, said electrically conductive means
having a substantial surface for surface engagement with the
surface of a body to make a large surface electrical contact
between the electrically conductive means and the body, and an
electrical connector releasably attached to said plate electrode,
said electrical connector having electrical conductor means located
in substantial surface engagement with the electrically conductive
means, first jaw means located on one side of said plate electrode
and second jaw means located on the opposite side of said plate
electrode, said electrical conductor means being attached to at
least one of said jaw means, releasable lock means operable to a
first position to move the first and second jaw means together to
thereby clamp the electrical conductor means in surface engagement
with the electrically conductive means and movable to a second
position to release the first and second jaw means to thereby
release the clamp of the electrical conductor means from the
electrically conductive means, said releasable lock means including
first means mounted on the first jaw means and projected through
holes in the first and second jaw means, cam means pivotally
connected to said first means and engageable with the second jaw
means, and second means secured to the cam means operable to move
the cam means to a first position to locate the first and second
jaw means in a clamped position whereby the electrical conductor
means is held in surface engagement with the electrically
conductive means, said cam means being movable to a second position
to release the first and second jaw means whereby the plate
electrode can be separated from the electrical connector, and arm
means secured to the cam means operable to move the cam means, said
first jaw means and second jaw means having aligned holes, said arm
means having a projection adapted to move through the hole in the
first jaw means and into the hole in the second jaw means when the
cam means is in the first position.
24. The structure of claim 23 wherein: the cam means has an
elliptical-shaped face engageable with the second jaw means.
25. The structure of claim 23 including: biasing means to move the
first jaw means away from the second jaw means.
26. The structure of claim 23 wherein: said electrical conductor
means is a generally U-shaped member located within the space
between the first jaw means and the second jaw means and attached
to said first and second jaw means.
27. The structure of claim 23 wherein: the first jaw means and
second jaw means are part of a one-piece generally U-shaped
member.
28. The structure of claim 27 wherein: said one-piece member is a
yieldable plastic material.
29. A plate electrode for engaging the surface of a body and an
electrical connector comprising: a plate electrode having an
electrically conductive means, said electrically conductive means
having a substantial surface area for surface engagement with the
surface of a body to make a large surface electrical contact
between the electrically conductive means and the body, and an
electrical connector releasably attached to said plate electrode,
said electrical connector having electrical conductor means located
in substantial surface engagement with the electrically conductive
means, first jaw means located on one side of said plate electrode,
said electrical connector means being attached to at least one of
said jaw means, and releasable lock means operable to a first
position to move the first and second jaw means together to thereby
clamp the electrical conductor means in surface engagement with the
electrically conductive means and movable to a second position to
release the first and second jaw means to thereby release the clamp
of the electrical conductor means from the electrically conductive
means, said releasable lock means including a first threaded member
mounted on the first jaw means, a second threaded member projected
through a hole in the second jaw means, said second threaded member
being threaded to the first threaded member, and arm means
connected to the second threaded member and movable to rotate the
second threaded member in one direction to apply a clamping force
on the first and second jaw means whereby the electrical conductor
means is held in surface engagement with the electrically
conductive means and movable in an opposite direction to release
the clamping force on the jaw means whereby the plate electrode can
be removed from the electrical connector.
30. The structure of claim 29 wherein: the cam means has an
elliptical-shaped face engageable with the second jaw means.
31. The structure of claim 29 including: biasing means to move the
first jaw means away from the second jaw means.
32. The structure of claim 29 wherein: said electrical conductor
means is a generally U-shaped member located within the space
between the first jaw means and the second jaw means and attached
to said first and second jaw means.
33. The structure of claim 29 wherein: the first jaw means and
second jaw means are part of a one-piece generally U-shaped
member.
34. The structure of claim 33 wherein: said one-piece member is a
yieldable plastic material.
35. A plate electrode for engaging the surface of a body and an
electrical connector comprising: a plate electrode having an
electrically conductive means, said electrically conductive means
having a substantial surface area for surface engagement with the
surface of a body to make a large surface electrical contact
between the electrically conductive means and the body, and an
electrical connector releasably attached to said plate electrode,
said electrical connector having electrical conductor means located
in substantial surface engagement with the electrically conductive
means, first jaw means located on one side of said plate electrode,
said electrical connector means being attached to at least one of
said jaw means, and releasable lock means operable to a first
position to move the first and second jaw means together to thereby
clamp the electrical conductor means in surface engagement with the
electrically conductive means and movable to a second position to
release the first and second jaw means to thereby release the clamp
of the electrical conductor means from the electrically conductive
means, said releasable lock means including a first threaded member
mounted on the first jaw means, a second threaded member projected
through a hole in the second jaw means, said second threaded member
being threaded to the first threaded member, cam means pivotally
connected to the second threaded member, said cam means having an
eccentric face engageable with the second jaw means and arm means
secured to the cam means operable to move the cam means to a first
position to locate the first and second jaw means in a clamped
position whereby the electrical conductor means is held in surface
engagement with the electrically conductive means and movable to a
second position to release the first and second jaw means.
36. The structure of claim 35 including: biasing means to move the
first jaw means away from the second jaw means.
37. The structure of claim 35 wherein: said electrical conductor
means is a generally U-shaped member located within the space
between the first jaw means and the second jaw means and attached
to said first and second jaw means.
38. The structure of claim 35 wherein: the first jaw means and
second jaw means are part of a one-piece generally U-shaped
member.
39. The structure of claim 38 wherein: said one-piece member is a
yieldable plastic material.
40. An electrical connector attachable to a plate electrode having
an electrically conductive means, said electrically conductive
means having a substantial surface area for surface engagement with
the surface of a body to make a large surface electrical contact
between the electrically conductive means and the body, the
improvement of: said electrical connector having electrical
conductor plate means positionable in substantial surface
engagement with the electrically conductive means, a first jaw, a
second jaw laterally spaced from the first jaw, said conductor
means located between said first jaw and said second jaw and
mounted on one of said jaws, releasable lock means operable to a
first position to apply a clamping force to and move the first jaw
and second jaw together and movable to a second position to release
the clamping force from the first and second jaws, and arm means
secured to the cam means operable to move the cam means, said first
jaw and second jaw having aligned holes, said arm means having a
projection adapted to move through the hole in the first jaw and
into the hole in the second jaw when the cam means is in the first
position.
41. The structure of claim 40 wherein: the cam means has an
elliptical-shaped face engageable with the second jaw means.
42. The structure of claim 40 including: biasing means to move the
first jaw means away from the second jaw means.
43. The structure of claim 40 wherein: said electrical conductor
means is a generally U-shaped member located within the space
between the first jaw means and the second jaw-means and attached
to said first and second jaw means.
44. The structure of claim 40 wherein: the first jaw means and
second jaw means are part of a one-piece generally U-shaped
member.
45. The structure of claim 44 wherein: said one-piece member is a
yieldable plastic material.
46. An electrical connector attachable to a plate electrode having
an electrically conductive means, said electrically conductive
means having a substantial surface area for surface engagement with
the surface of a body to make a large surface electrical contact
between the electrically conductive means and the body, the
improvement of: said electrical conductor having plate electrical
conductor means positionable in substantial surface engagement with
the electrically conductive means, a first jaw, a second jaw
laterally spaced from the first jaw, said conductor means located
between said first jaw and said second jaw and mounted on one of
said jaws, and releasable lock means operable to a first position
to apply a clamping force to and move the first jaw and second jaw
together and movable to a second position to release the clamping
force from said first and second jaws, said releasable lock means
including a first threaded member mounted on the first jaw, a
second threaded member projected through a hole in the second jaw,
said second threaded member being threaded to the first threaded
member, and arm means connected to the second threaded member and
movable to rotate the second threaded member in one direction to
apply a clamping force on the first and second jaws whereby the
electrical conductor means is held in surface engagement with the
electrically conductive means and movable in an opposite direction
to release the clamping force on the jaws whereby the plate
electrode can be removed from the electrical connector.
47. The structure of claim 46 wherein: the cam means has an
elliptical-shaped face engageable with the second jaw means.
48. The structure of claim 46 including: biasing means to move the
first jaw means away from the second jaw means.
49. The structure of claim 46 wherein: said electrical conductor
means is a generally U-shaped member located within the space
between the first jaw means and the second jaw means and attached
to said first and second jaw means.
50. The structure of claim 46 wherein: the first jaw means and
second jaw means are part of a one-piece generally U-shaped
member.
51. The structure of claim 50 wherein: said one-piece member is a
yeildable plastic material.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The functioning and safety of electrosurgical machines depends upon
an unimpaired return circuit for current via the ground or
indifferent electrode and its cable. If this circuit fails, the
current will choose the next best route, which will means a short
circuit to ground with a consequent risk of diathermy burn. This
hazard can be substantially reduced by having a substantial surface
contact between the patient and the ground electrode, a good
electrical connection between the electrical connector and the
ground electrode, and a connector that will not accidentally
separate from the ground electrode.
Bolduc in U. S. Pat. Nos. 3,543,760 and 3,699,968 describes
disposable ground plate electrodes and connectors usable in
electrosurgical units for electrosurgical procedures. The ground
plate electrodes have electrically conductive aluminum skins
secured to electrically insulative and flexible bases. The
connectors are clamps having surface electrical conductors located
in surface engagement with the aluminum skins to insure an
effective electrical connection between the clamp and the skins.
The plate electrode is provided with a turned flange which
cooperates with a portion of the connector to prevent accidental
separation of the connector from the electrode. Alternatively, the
plate electrode is provided with one or more holes which cooperate
with fingers on the connector to prevent accidental removal of the
plate electrode when the connector is attached to the plate
electrode.
Frankel in U. S. Pat. Nos. 775,284 and 1,221,524 discloses an
electrical testing clip having a pair of pivotally related members
that are biased with a spring to a closed position. One of the
members has a pointed pin to pierce insulation paint or oxidation
on the part to which the testing instrument is to be applied. Eads
in U. S. Pat. No. 3,221,288 discloses a printed circuit connector
having pivoted members that are actuated by inserting the printed
circuit into the connector to hold leads in operative engagement
with the connector.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An electrical connector attachable to a plate electrode, as a
ground plate electrode or an EKG electrode, provides an electrical
connection with the electrical conductive skin of the electrode and
prevents accidental separation of the connector from the electrode.
The connector has electrical conductor means positionable in
substantial surface engagement with the skin of the electrode. The
conductor means is mounted on spaced jaws located on opposite sides
of the electrode. Releasable lock means is selectively operable to
apply a clamping force to and move the jaws together to firmly hold
the conductor means in surface engagement with the skin and to
release the clamping force from the jaws whereby the electrode can
be removed from the connector. In one form of connector, an arm
having a projection is movable to pierce the electrode to hold the
electrode in assembled relation with the connector.
IN THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a foreshortened plan view of a ground plate electrode
connected to an electrosurgical unit with a cord and electrical
connector of the invention;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line 2--2 of
FIG. 1 showing the clamp assembly in locking relation with the
ground plate electrode;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 2 showing the clamp
assembly in release position;
FIG. 4 is a plan view of a first modification of the clamp assembly
of the invention attached to a ground plate electrode;
FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line 5--5 of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a second modification of the clamp
assembly of the invention attached to a ground plate electrode;
FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line 7--7 of FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a third modification of a clamp assembly of the invention
attached to a ground plate electrode;
FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line 9--9 of FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a fourth modification of the clamp assembly of the
invention attached to a ground plate electrode; and
FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along the line 11--11 of FIG.
10.
Referring to the drawings, there is shown in FIGS. 1 through 3 a
ground plate electrode or indifferent electrode indicated generally
at 10 for use with an electrosurgical machine in cautery,
fulguration, electrocoagulation and like operating procedures.
Electrode 10 can be used as an EKG electrode. The electrode 10 has
a flexible electrically insulative base 11 of paper, carboard,
sheet plastic, foam plastic or like materials and an electrically
conductive skin or coating 12. Skin 12 can be metal foil, as
aluminum foil, metal films, copper, tin, silver, electrically
conductive plastics, zinc, electrically conductive inks and cloth,
or the like. Both sides of the base can be covered with
electrically conductive skins or coatings. The skin 11 is of a size
to cover the entire side of the base 12. Bonding material as an
adhesive secures the entire inner side of the skin 11 to the
adjacent side of the base 11. The electrode 10 does not have a
folded flange nor a hole. The edges of the skin 11 extend over the
edges of the base to eliminate sharp edges. The corners of the
electrode 10 are round or arcuate to eliminate points which may
injure the patient or operating personnel. Skin 11 has a
substantial external surface area to make a large surface
engagement with the surface of a body. For example, skin 11 can
have an external surface area of between 50 to 150 square inches.
Other larger or smaller areas of the external surface of skin 11
can be used. The electrode 10 is connected to an electrosurgical
machine 13 with a cable 14. An electrical plug 16 at one end of
cable 14 connects the cable to the electrosurgical machine 13. The
opposite end of the cable 14 is connected to clamp or connector
assembly, indicated generally at 17, attached to the ground plate
electrode 10.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, clamp assembly or electrical connector
17 has a pair of jaws or members 18 and 19. Members 18 and 19 have
angularly converging outer portions that are secured to each other
with a weld or similar manner at 21. Members 18 and 19 can be
formed from a single piece of material bent into a generally
U-shape. Line 22 of cable 14 is attached to both members 18 and 19.
The forward portions of members 18 and 19 converge toward each
other and terminate in rearwardly directed contact plates 23 and 24
respectively. The plates 23 and 24 extend the full width of the
clamp assembly, as shown in FIG. 1, whereby the plate 23 is in
substantial surface contact with the electrically conductive skin
11. The plate 24 is in surface contact with base 12 of the plate
electrode and is directly opposite plate 23. Plate 24 is turned
back on member 19 and reinforces the outer portion of the member
19. Plate 23 is angularly disposed from the plane of the forward
portion of the member 18 leaving a space 25 between plate 23 and
member 18. This space allows plate 23 to have a slight spring
action. In other words, plate 23 is yieldable to conform to the
flat surface of the ground plate electrode 10. The result is that
plate 23 is always in substantial surface contact with the
electrically conductive skin 11 of the electrode. The member 18 is
convered with a coating 26 of electrically insulative material as
plastic, rubber and the like. A similar insulative coating 27
covers the external portions of the member 19.
A lock mechanism, indicated generally at 28, cooperates with
members 18 and 19 to selectively clamp the plate electrode between
plates 23 and 24 or release the plates 23 and 24 from the
electrode. Lock mechanism 28 comprises an upwardly directed bolt 29
extended through a hole 31 in the member 19. The bolt can be
secured to member 19 so that it does not rotate. The head of bolt
29 is covered with the electrically insulative coat 27. Threaded
onto bolt 29 is a sleeve or cylindrical member 32. The cylindrical
member 32 projects through a hole 33 in member 18. A pair of cam
members 34 are located on opposite sides of the upper end of sleeve
member 32. The cam members 34 have a generally elliptical shaped
face and are secured to a handle or arm 36. Handle 36 has an
upwardly and outwardly directed tab or tail 37 which can be used as
a grip to move the handle. The cam members 34 and handle 36, along
with tail 37, may be formed from a single member wherein the cam
members 34 are integral with the sides of the handle forming a
generally U-shaped member.
A transverse pivot member or pin 38 connects the cams 34 with the
upper end of cylindrical member 32. The pivot member 38 extends
through the ends of the cams 34 adjacent handle 36, locating the
outer peripheral edges or face of cams 34 in engagement with the
top portion of body member 18. As shown in FIG. 2, when lever 36 is
in the down rearward position, the cams 34 contact the top of
member 18 at points 39 off-center from the vertical axis of the
sleeve 34. This places the contact points 39 in an over-center
position whereby the handle 36 will maintain the members 18 and 19
in their closed locked position. When the lever is moved to its
open position, as shown in FIG. 3, coil spring 41 located
concentrically about sleeve 32 biases the members 18 and 19 away
from each other. This moves plate 23 from the ground plate 10.
The holding force of plates 23 and 24 on ground plate 10 can be
adjusted by adjusting the lock mechanism. The handle 36 can be
rotated to rotate sleeve 32. This will shorten the open space 42
between plates 23 and 24, as shown in FIG. 3. The space 42 is
smaller than the closing distance of cams 34 whereby the lock
mechanism will provide a strong holding force on plate 23. The
plate 23, being resilinet, will move to a flat surface engagement
with the skin 11 of the electrode 10 whereby a substantial
electrical connection is made between the clamp 17 and ground plate
electrode 10. The locking mechanism produces a tight friction grip
between the plates 23 and 24 and the electrode 10 so that clamp 17
cannot be accidentally removed from the electrode.
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, there is shown a first modification of
the clamp assembly or electrical connector indicated generally at
43 connected to a ground plate electrode 44. Electrode 44 has an
electrically insulative base 46 of cardboard, plastic or the like,
carrying an electrically conductive skin 47, as aluminum foil,
metal foil, copper, tin or the like. Electrode 44 is identical to
electrode 10 shown in FIGS. 1 through 3.
Clamp assembly 43 has a one-piece body 48. Body 48 is of yieldable
plastic material and is electrically insulative. The body 48 has a
generally U-shaped base portion 49. The ends of the base portion
are integral with generally transverse jaws or flanges 51 and 52.
Located in engagement with the inside surface of the body portion
48 is a conductor 53. The conductor has a first contact plate 54
along the inside of flange 51 and a second contact plate 56 along
the inside of flange 52. Each contact plate has an outwardly
inclined nose 58 terminating in an inwardly directed lip 59. Lip 59
is located in transverse grooves 60 on the front edges of the
flanges 51 and 52.
The conductor 53 is held in assembled relation with the body 49
with a bolt 61. The bolt 61 extends through a hole in the bottom of
base 49 and is secured to the base with a nut 62. A cable 63 having
an electrically conductive line 64 is connected to the outer end of
bolt 61. The cable 63 is used to connect the clamp assembly to an
electrosurgical unit.
A releasable lock assembly indicated generally at 66 is mounted on
body 49 to clamp the contact plates 54 and 56 on the plate
electrode 44. Lock assembly 66 comprises a bolt 67 extended through
a hole 68 in the lower portion of body 49, as shown in FIG. 5. A
sleeve 69 projects downwardly through hole 70 in the upper portion
of body 49 and is threaded onto the bolt 67. The upper end of
sleeve 69 has an enlarged head carrying a laterally directed arm
71. The arm 71 has an upwardly directed tail 72 used to grip the
arm, enabling the arm to be rotated in the direction of arrows 73.
The arm 71 is rotatable to provide a squeezing or clamping force on
the flanges 51 and 52 and thereby force the contact plate 54 in
flat surface engagement with the electrically conductive skin 47
and the contact plate 56 into engagement with base 46. Plate 56 has
upwardly projected ribs or teeth 57 which bite into base 46 to aid
in preventing separation of the clamp assembly 43 from the
electrode 44.
The top of base 49 has two pairs of upwardly directed projections
or ears 74. Each pair of ears 74 is spaced from the other a
distance to accommodate the outer end of arm 71. The ears 74 hold
arm 71 in its adjusted position by preventing the arm from
accidentally rotating and thereby releasing the grip of the clamp
assembly on the plate electrode. The base 49 can have a series of
projections or ears to hold the arm in a number of selected arcuate
positions.
In use, the arm 71 is rotated in one direction to release or turn
sleeve 69 off bolt 67. This releases the clamping action of the
jaws 51 and 52 on the plate electrode 44. With the clamp in the
released position, electrode 44 can be inserted between the contact
plates 54 and 56, as shown in FIG. 5. The angular shape of the
noses 58 of the contact plates aids in insertion of ground plate
electrode 44 between contact plates 54 and 56. The lock assembly 66
is actuated to clamp the plates 54 and 56 onto the plate electrode
44. The arm 71 is rotated, as indicated by arrow 73, to tighten or
turn sleeve 69 onto bolt 67. This produces a clamping action on
body 49, forcing the contact plate 54 into firm surface engagement
with electrical contact skin 47 of the ground plate electrode 44.
The pressure is increased until the arm 71 is placed between ears
74, as shown in FIG. 4, to hold the arm in the selected position.
The clamp assembly is now in a firm and positive electrical surface
relationship with plate electrode 44.
Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, there is shown a second modification of
the clamp assembly, indicated generally at 80, in assembled
relation with a ground plate electrode 81. Plate electrode 81 has a
flexible insulative base 82 carrying an electrically conductive
skin 83. Electrode 81 is identical to electrode 10 shown in FIGS. 1
through 3.
Clamp assembly 80 has a one-piece electrically insulative body 84.
Body 84 is made of yieldable plastic or rubber material. Body 84
has a transverse base 86 integral with forwardly directed flanges
or jaws 87 and 88. The jaws 87 and 88 are laterally spaced from
each other a distance to accommodate a generally U-shaped
electrical conductor member 89. Conductor member 89 has a first
contact plate 91 in engagement with jaws 87 and a second contact
plate 92 in engagement with jaw 88. Each contact plate has an
outwardly inclined transverse nose 93 terminating in a rearwardly
directed lip 91. Lip 91 is located in a transverse groove 96 in the
forward end of jaws 87 and 88. A bolt 97 extended through base 86
holds the conductor member 89 on the base 86. A nut 98 threaded on
the bolt holds the bolt 97 on the base 86. A nut or similar
threaded member can be retained in the base of the conductor 91 to
receive the bolt 97 from an opposite direction. A cable 99 is
attached to the outer end of bolt 97 to connect electrical
conductor line 101 to the bolt 97 and thereby provide an electrical
connection to the contact plates 91 and 92.
A releasable lock assembly indicated generally at 102 acts on jaws
87 and 88 to hold the contact plates 91 and 92 in firm surface
contact with opposite sides of the ground plate electrode 81. Lock
assembly 102 has an upwardly directed bolt 103 extended through
hole 104 in jaw 88. A sleeve or cylindrical member 106 extended
through hole 107 in jaw 87 is threaded onto bolt 103. The sleeve
106 extends above the jaw 87 and is attached to a pair of
over-center cams 108. Cams 108 are connected to a lever or arm 109
terminating in an upwardly directed gripping tail 111. A transverse
pivot pin 112 extends through cams 108 and the upper end of sleeve
106 to pivotally connect the cams to the sleeve. The cams 108 have
an elliptical shaped face whereby when the cam is located in the
closed position, as shown in FIG. 7, the pressure points 113 are in
an over-center relationship with respect to the vertical or upright
axis of the bolt 103 thereby holding the cams in their locked
positions. The cams 108 are released by moving arm 109 to an upward
broken line position. This moves the cam surface over-center and
released the clamping forces on the jaws 87 and 88. The amount of
clamping force applied to jaws 87 and 88 can be adjusted by
rotating the sleeve 106 relative to bolt 103. This is accomplished
by rotating the arm 109 about the upright axis of bolt 103.
In use, the plate electrode 81 is inserted between the contact
plates 91 and 92 with the lever arm 109 in the upright broken line
position shown in FIG. 7. The electrode 91 is in substantial
surface engagement with the electrically conductive skin 82 of the
electrode. The lock mechanism clamps the contact plates 91 and 92
into engagement with opposite sides of the plate electrode 82 by
moving arm 109 to the forward or down position, as shown in FIG. 7.
When arm 109 is in this position, the contact points 113 of cams
108 are in over-center positions whereby the resilient force of
jaws 87 and 88 will hold the lock assembly in its locked
position.
Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, there is shown a third modification of
the clamp assembly indicated generally at 115 operatively connected
to a ground plate electrode 116. Plate electrode 116 has a flexible
base 117 carrying an electrically conductive skin 118. Electrode
116 is the same construction as electrode 10 shown in FIGS. 1
through 3.
Clamp assembly 115 has a one-piece body 119 of resilient,
electrically insulative material as plastic, rubger and the like.
Body 119 has a transverse base integral with forwardly directed
flanges or jaws 122 and 123. Jaws 122 and 123 are spaced from each
other with a transverse slit 124. Located in space 124 is a
generally U-shaped conductor 126 having a first contact plate 127
in engagement with jaw 122 and a second contact plate 128 in
engagement with jaw 123. The lateral space between contact plates
127 and 128 is smaller than the thickness of the plate electrpde
116 whereby the electrode is located between the plates 127 and 128
with a tight fit. The biasing force of jaws 122 and 123 hold the
plates 127 and 128 in firm surface engagement with opposite sides
of the electrode 116. Each contact plate 127 and 128 has a
forwardly and outwardly directed nose 129 terminating in a
rearwardly directed lip 131. Lip 131 extends transversely across
the jaws and is located in a groove 132 in the front part of jaw
123. Jaw 123 has a similar groove for lip 131 of plate 127.
Conductor 126 is held on the body 119 with a bolt 133. A nut 134
threaded on bolt 133 clamps the conductor 126 to body 119. A cable
136 having a conductor wire 137 is attached to the outer end of
bolt 133.
Located on the top of jaw 122 is a longitudinal arm 138 having a
tail or end 139 projected forwardly of jaw 122. The opposite end of
arm 138 is attached with fasteners 140 to base 121. A downwardly
directed finger or projection 141 is secured to the arm 138
adjacent the tail 139. Projection 141 terminates in a point 142 and
has a length that extends through a hole 143 in jaw 122 and into a
hole 144 in jaw 123. The arm 138 is a yieldable spring member
normally in engagement with the top of jaw 122. The arm 138 can be
flexed and raised from the jaw 122, as shown in broken lines in
FIG. 9, to move the point 142 up into the opening 143 of jaw 122.
When the arm 138 is in the raised position, the electrode 116 can
be inserted into the space 124. The space 124 is slightly smaller
than the thickness of the electrode, whereby the contact plate 127
is in firm and surface engagement with electrically conductive skin
118. When the holding force on arm 138 is released, the projection
141 will puncture a hole 145 through the plate electrode 116
thereby providing a holding member to prevent accidental separation
of the clamp assembly 115 from the plate electride 116. The plate
electrode 116 is released from clamp assembly 115 by raising the
arm 138 to release projection 141. The electrode 116 is then
separated from the clamp assembly by pulling the electrode 116 from
the clamp assembly 115.
Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, there is shown a fourth modification
of the clamp assembly indicated generally at 150 attached to a
ground plate electrode 151. Plate electrode 151 has a base 152 and
electrically conductive skin 153. Plate electrode 151 is of a
construction corresponding to the structure of plate electrode 10
shown in FIGS. 1 through 3.
Clamp assembly 150 has a one-piece body 154 of a generally flat
rectangular shape of electrically insulative and resilient
material, as plastic, rubber or the like. Body 154 has a base 156
integrally joined with forwardly directed flat flanges or jaws 157
and 158. The jaws 157 and 158 are laterally spaced from each other
by slot or space 159. Located within space 159 is a generally
U-shaped electrical conductor 160. Conductor 160 has a first
contact plate 161 in engagement with the jaw 157 and a second
contact plate 162 in engagement with jaw 158. Each contact plate
has a forwardly and outwardly directed nose 163 terminating in a
rearwardly directed lip 164. The lip is located in a transverse
groove 166.
A bolt 167 extended through the back of base 156 and the conductor
160 holds the conductor in assembled relation with base 154. A nut
168 threaded on bolt 167 secures the bolt 167 to the base 156. A
cable 169 having an electrical lead 171 is attached to the outer
end of bolt 167.
A releasable lock assembly indicated generally at 172 cooperates
with jaws 157 and 158 to clamp the contact plates 161 and 162 into
engagement with opposite sides of plate electrode 151. Lock
assembly 172 comprises a bolt 173 projected through a hole 174 in
jaw 158. A sleeve 176 projected through a hole 177 in jaw 157 is
threaded onto bolt 173. The upper end of sleeve 176 projects above
jaw 157 and is pivotally connected to a pair of cams 178. Cams 178
are attached to an elongated arm 179 terminating in an upwardly
directed tail 181. A transverse pivot pin 182 pivotally connects
the cams 178 to the upper end of sleeve 176. Cams 178 have
generally elliptical shaped faces so that when arm 179 is down, as
shown in FIG. 11, the cams 178 are in an over-center position,
thereby holding the jaws 157 and 158 in a clamped together
position.
Secured to and projected downwardly from the outer end of arm 179
is a finger or projection 183. The end of projection 183 is
inclined and has a point 184. When the arm 179 is in the down
position, projection 183 projects through a hole 186 in jaw 157 and
into a hole 187 in the jaw 158.
In use, when plate electrode 151 is located between the contact
plates 161 and 162, the contact plate 161 has substantial surface
engagement with electrically conductive skin 153. The projection
183 is moved downwardly with movement of lever 179 to pierce the
electrode 151 locating projection through a hole 180 in the
electrode 151. The movement of arm 179 to the down position also
produces a clamping action on jaws 157 and 158. The plate electrode
151 is released from clamp assembly 150 by raising arm 179 in the
direction of arrow 188. This withdraws the projection 183 from the
electrode 151 and releases the clamping action of jaws 157 and 158.
The plate electrode can then be readily removed from the clamp
assembly. The clamping action of lock assembly 172 can be adjusted
by rotating the arm 178 about the generally upright axis of bolt
173.
While there have been shown and described preferred embodiments of
the clamp assembly and attachment to a ground plate electrode, it
is to be understood that various changes, substitutions, and
deletions may be made by those skilled in the art without departing
from the spirit of the invention. For example, the ground plate
electrodes 10, 44, 84, 116 and 151 may have an electrically
conductive skin on both sides of the bases. The plate conductors of
each clamp assembly can have pairs of electrical contacts as
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,699,968. The invention is defined in
the following claims.
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