Healthtronics, Inc.

Earnest Pringle

A method of repairing a used electrode device is disclosed wherein a used electrode assembly has an inner conductor with an integral electrode tip; the inner conductor is encapsulated in an insulator body having an outer conductor and an outer electrode tip; and an outer sleeve is attached to the insulator body, the sleeve being filled with a particle suspended fluid and the sleeve being retained by a metal ring at the location of attachment to the insulator body prior to removing the inner conductor from the insulator body; the electrode assembly is placed in a fixture with a collet holding the metal ring in place; the sleeve is pushed upon to release the ring; and the inner conductor is pressed with the integral electrode tip while holding or restraining the insulator body to apply a force sufficient to disengage the inner conductor from the insulator body.

Method for repairing an electrode assembly

A method of repairing a used electrode deviceis disclosed wherein the method has the steps of providing a used electrode assemblyhaving an inner conductorwith an integral electrode tipencapsulated in an insulator bodyhaving an outer conductorand an outer electrode tipC; and pressing the inner conductorwith integral electrode tipwhile holding or restraining the insulator bodyto apply an force sufficient to overcome at least partially the adhesion forces at the mating surfaces of the inner conductorand the insulator body. Thereafter by grasping an endA of the inner conductoropposite the tipwhile holding the insulator bodyand withdrawing the inner conductorfrom the insulator bodythe parts can be separated. Then by measuring the amount the inner electrode tiphas been burnt as compared to a new tapered tip to establish a cut distance &#x394;X; and recutting the tipby machining the burnt portion along the tiptaper surface toward and into a shoulderA of the inner conductorby a distance equal to the cut distance &#x394;X the electrode tip can be reshaped.

Growing community of inventors

Acworth, GA, United States of America

Earnest Pringle