Electrostatic shield for diathermy treatment head

Abstract

This invention deals with an improved electrostatic shield which is adapted to be mounted on the applicator of a conventional diathermy apparatus between the radiating electrode thereof and the patient receiving treatment. The shield is comprised of a first and a second plurality of electrically conductive strips which form the body portion of the shield and which encircle the current carrying coil of the radiating electrode. The strips likewise form the face portion of the shield and define a plane which is generally parallel to the plane formed by the current carrying coil. Each strip of the face portion is preferably coupled with one of the strips of the body portion. However, the face portion strips of the shield extend generally radially inward from the outer periphery of the surface defined by the face of the shield. These strips then terminate within the inner portion of the area defined by the shield such that the terminating end of the strips are electrically insulated from each other. A loop is provided to surround and electrically couple each of the strips of the body portion of the shield. In this configuration, the strips comprise an electrostatic shield which will impede electrostatic field radiated by the current carrying coil located within the applicator head. The shield, however, allows passage of the radiated electromagnetic field in a relatively unimpeded fashion.