Smiths Industries Public Limited Company

John A Gardner

Keith Hannant

Kevin A Hebborn

Geoffrey P Taylor

Razi Adelinia

Electrosurgery apparatus has a processor that generates a data stream output representing the characteristics of the electrosurgery pulses to be generated. The data stream output comprises digitally-represented values indicative respectively of the width of each pulse, the duration of a first period during which pulses are to be generated, the duration of a second period during which pulses are not to be generated, the duration of a third period during which pulses are to be generated and the duration of a fourth period during which pulses are not to be generated. The data stream also includes digital instructions as to whether or not the electrosurgery output is to be cut only and whether it is to include spray coagulation. Three switch control units receive the data stream and provide outputs to three switching circuits, which provide two monopolar and one bipolar output. Each switching circuit includes a transformer connected to receive the outputs from the switch control units.

Electrosurgery apparatus

An operating table used with electrosurgery equipment has a high impedance static discharge resistor connected between the table and ground. A monitor is connected across the resistor and is responsive to a change in resistance between the table and ground which is indicative of bypassing or failure of the resistor and which is independent of operation of the electrosurgery equipment. The monitor provides an output to an alarm and also disables the electrosurgery equipment in response to such a change in resistance.

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Steyning, United Kingdom

John A Gardner