Conmed Corporation

Robert Uhl

John S Gentelia

Sharyn E Longo

William C Wheatley

A simple and reliable electrosurgical instrument includes a cable having a main contact wire and first second insulated switch wires all provided with a short insulated or bare portion. The cable is received in a main member having a first holding mechanism for holding the switch wires adjacent uninsulated portions thereof on one lateral side and spaced from one another as well as a second holding mechanism for holding the switch wires adjacent the uninsulated portions thereof on the other lateral side so that the uninsulated portions span between the first and second holding mechanisms and are spaced longitudinally from one another. A blade receiver receives an electrode blade and is then electrically connected to the contact wire. A switch device selectively connects one of the uninsulated portions of the switch wires to the contact wire during operation. The first and second holding mechanisms preferably include channels and a cover includes projections which hold the wires in place. The switch device also preferably includes a contact strip which is attached to the distal end to the blade receiver and at a proximal end to the contact wire. This contact strip extends longitudinally and above but immediately adjacent the uninsulated portions of the switch wires. Two respective switches mounted in the cover are then selectively depressed to push the contact strip into engagement with an associated bared switch wire therebeneath. This contact strip includes a U-shaped portion which is resiliently held in contact with the uninsulated portion of the contact wire.

Growing community of inventors

Manlius, NY, United States of America

Robert Uhl