EP0242237A1 - Device for advancing an electrode carrier in a shock-wave generator - Google Patents

Device for advancing an electrode carrier in a shock-wave generator Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0242237A1
EP0242237A1 EP87400153A EP87400153A EP0242237A1 EP 0242237 A1 EP0242237 A1 EP 0242237A1 EP 87400153 A EP87400153 A EP 87400153A EP 87400153 A EP87400153 A EP 87400153A EP 0242237 A1 EP0242237 A1 EP 0242237A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
wheel
electrode
insulating support
carrying element
electrode holder
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP87400153A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0242237B1 (en
Inventor
Bernard Lacruche
Jean-Louis Mestas
Dominique Cathignol
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Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale INSERM
Technomed International SA
Original Assignee
Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale INSERM
Technomed International SA
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Priority claimed from FR8601380A external-priority patent/FR2593382B1/en
Application filed by Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale INSERM, Technomed International SA filed Critical Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale INSERM
Priority to AT87400153T priority Critical patent/ATE69519T1/en
Publication of EP0242237A1 publication Critical patent/EP0242237A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0242237B1 publication Critical patent/EP0242237B1/en
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10K—SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICES; METHODS OR DEVICES FOR PROTECTING AGAINST, OR FOR DAMPING, NOISE OR OTHER ACOUSTIC WAVES IN GENERAL; ACOUSTICS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G10K15/00—Acoustics not otherwise provided for
    • G10K15/04—Sound-producing devices
    • G10K15/06—Sound-producing devices using electric discharge

Definitions

  • the invention essentially relates to a device for advancing an electrode-carrying element: comprising a wheel controlled by pistons, and its use in an apparatus generating pulses for the destruction of targets such as tissues, concretions, in particular lithiases renal, biliary.
  • US Pat. No. 2,559,227 discloses a high frequency shock wave generator apparatus comprising a truncated ellipsoidal reflector 80 for reflecting shock waves, comprising a cavity 81 constituting a chamber for reflecting said shock waves. shock of the same truncated ellipsoidal shape, one of the two focal points of the ellipsoid is disposed in said chamber opposite the truncated part, said chamber being filled with a liquid for transmitting shock waves 83, for example an oil; a shock wave generating device, usually comprising two electrodes 12, 13, is arranged at least partially inside said chamber 81, with said two electrodes arranged to generate a discharge or electric arc at said focal point located in said chamber opposite the truncated part, and means 10, 11 are provided for selectively instantaneously supplying an electrical voltage to said two electrodes 12, 13 causing said discharge or electric arc between said electrodes, thereby generating said shock waves in said contained liquid in said chamber (see FIG. 3 and column 7, line 51 to column 9,
  • the electrodes 12 and 13 are made of highly conductive material such as copper or brass and are mounted on an insulator 26 which is pivotally supported by means of a device 11a, 11b, so as to adjust the spacing between them (see column 4, lines 42 to 53 and column 8, lines 40 to 47).
  • Document FR-A-2 247 195 also describes a similar device in which the liquid consists of water (page 3, lines 23-24).
  • the production of the support and advancement structure of the electrodes is relatively complicated and of high cost.
  • the element 56 is welded to the flared part 50 forming the electrode holder of the electrode 36. This assembly is therefore not removable.
  • the electrodes are controlled simultaneously, which is a drawback in practice due to the different wear of each electrode.
  • the present invention therefore aims to solve the new technical problem of providing a solution for advancing electrodes with very high accuracy, thereby concomitantly increasing the efficiency of destruction of targets.
  • the invention must also allow independent control of each electrode.
  • This new technical problem is solved for the first time by the present invention by providing a solution of a relatively low cost while increasing the number of destroyed targets such as tissues, concretions, such as kidney stones, gallstones, etc. by improving positioning accuracy.
  • the present invention provides a device for advancing an electrode-carrying element in particular in an apparatus for generating pulses or shock waves comprising a reflector, in particular an ellipsoidal reflector comprising a cavity for reflecting said pulses or shock waves.
  • said electrode-carrying element being mounted displaceable in an insulating support fixed to the wall of the reflector, in particular ellipsoidal, and being formed by a rod disposed in a cylindrical cavity of the insulating support, by being displaceable in translation axial;
  • said advancement device comprising a radially projecting element integral with an intermediate or rear part of the electrode-carrying element, forming a type of wheel provided at its periphery with means for rotating, said wheel being controlled in rotation by a control member acting on said means for rotating said wheel, characterized in that said wheel comprises a central coaxial through hole through which the electrode-carrying element passes, said electrode-carrying element being integral in rotation but movable in translation relative to said wheel which is in
  • the through hole of the wheel has a non-circular section, preferably polygonal, the electrode-carrying element also comprising a part of corresponding external section at the level of said wheel.
  • the electrode-carrying element comprises a threaded part cooperating with a corresponding threaded part of the insulating support, thus forming a screw-nut system, the screw part of which advantageously is defined by the threaded part of the rod.
  • the aforementioned wheel is disposed inside a cavity provided in the support insulating, the wheel is mounted on an intermediate part of the electrode holder element.
  • the aforementioned means for rotating the wheel are constituted by teeth;
  • the control member comprises at least one piston displaceable in translation in a plane perpendicular to the axis of translation of the electrode-holder element and passing through the plane of said teeth of the wheel in order to come to act on a tooth.
  • the control member comprises two pistons mounted symmetrically on either side of the wheel to control the wheel in both directions of rotation, that is to say either to advance the electrode, or to move back the electrode, the wheel then comprising two teeth advantageously arranged over the entire circumference of the wheel.
  • the threaded part of the electrode-holder element is located at the rear end of the electrode-holder element
  • the insulating support is produced in two removable parts, a first part constituting the part main of the insulating support and comprising in particular the cavity in which the aforementioned wheel is disposed, and a second part serving to close the cavity comprising a threaded orifice in which the threaded part of the rear end of the electrode holder element is screwed .
  • the wheel comprises at the front a cylindrical shoulder which is received in a countersink of the insulating support, and at the rear said wheel comprises a means for holding in a fixed axial position, such as a system of circlips or key.
  • the electrode is advantageously fixed to an intermediate electrode-carrying element which comes to fit by a nesting system such as a dovetail on the electrode-carrying element.
  • the invention also includes devices generating pulses or shock waves for the destruction of targets such as tissues, concretions, in particular renal and biliary lithiasis, comprising such a device for advancing the carrier element. -electrode.
  • a advancement device identified by the general reference number 100, is here incorporated in an apparatus for generating high frequency shock waves of the type generally described by RIEBER in the US Patent No. 2,559,227, in particular with reference to Figures 1 to 3.
  • this device comprises a truncated ellipsoidal reflector 101 arranged vertically, comprising a cavity 102 constituting a shock wave reflection chamber, of the same truncated ellipsoidal shape.
  • the advancement device 100 is used for advancing an electrode-carrying element 109 supporting the actual electrode 108.
  • the electrode-carrying element 109 is mounted to be displaceable in an insulating support 112 fixed to the wall of the ellipsoidal reflector 101 by suitable fixing means 113, in a removable manner.
  • the electrode-carrying element 109 is formed by a rod arranged in a cavity of substantially cylindrical shape 113 of the insulating support 112, preferably coaxial of the insulating support, by being displaceable in axial translation.
  • the insulating support 112 therefore also has a front part 112c also having the shape of a rod which was originally solid and in which a hole has been made defining the cavity 113.
  • the front part of the rod forming the insulating support 112 has also been drilled and has an orifice 115 of diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the electrode 108, so as to serve as a guide and for holding the electrode.
  • the electrode 108 can be secured by brazing or equivalent means in a housing 118 of an intermediate electrode-carrying element also constituted by a rod 119 projecting from this housing 118.
  • This intermediate element 119 is in turn detachably secured to the electrode-carrying element 109.
  • the intermediate electrode-carrying element 119 is made of an electrically conductive material.
  • the electrode-carrying element 109 and the intermediate electrode-carrying element 119 are made of brass.
  • the electrodes can be made of metals or alloys with a high melting point, advantageously tungsten, preferably thoriated tungsten, the content of thorium oxide of which is advantageously of the order of 4%.
  • the advancement device 100 of the electrode-carrying element 109 comprises a radially projecting element 124 secured to the rear part 109b of the electrode-carrying element 109, and a control member thereof which can be seen. well in figure 3.
  • the radially projecting element 124 is formed by a wheel 160 provided at its periphery with means 162 for rotating, said wheel 160 being controlled in rotation by the control member 134 acting on the setting means rotation 162.
  • the wheel 160 is made removable with respect to the electrode-carrying element 109.
  • the wheel 160 thus comprises a central coaxial through hole 164 through which the electrode-carrying element 109 passes, as is clearly visible in the figures.
  • the electrode-carrying element 109 is integral in rotation with the wheel 160 but displaceable in translation relative to the wheel 160 which is in fixed axial position relative to the insulating support 112.
  • the through hole 164 of the wheel 160 has a non-circular section, advantageously polygonal, for example square as shown in the figures, the electrode-carrying element 109 also comprising a part 109c of corresponding external section, therefore here square, at the level of the wheel 160, so as to allow the connection in rotation but the displacement in translation of the electrode-carrying element 109.
  • the electrode-carrying element 109 also comprises a threaded part 109d cooperating with a corresponding threaded part 170 of the insulating support 112, by forming a screw-nut system.
  • the wheel 160 is disposed inside a second cavity 172 provided in the insulating support 112.
  • the wheel 160 is mounted on an intermediate portion 109c of the electrode-carrying element.
  • the threaded part 109d of the electrode-holder element is located at the rear end of said electrode-holder element, the insulating support 112 is produced in two removable parts respectively 112a, 112b.
  • the first part 112a constitutes the main part of the insulating support and comprises in particular the cavity 172 in which the wheel 160 is arranged, and the second part 112b serves to close off the cavity 172 and comprises a threaded orifice 174 in which the threaded part is screwed 109d from the rear end of the electrode-carrying element 109 and which constitutes a screw.
  • the wheel 160 comprises at the front a cylindrical shoulder 176, here shown of reduced section, coming to be housed in a counterbore 178 of the insulating support 112; and at the rear of the means 180 for holding the fixed axial position of the wheel 160, for example a system of circlips, as shown, or of a key, clipping into an annular notch 182 of the wall of the insulating support 112 defining the cavity 172.
  • the means 162 for rotating the wheel consist of teeth.
  • control member 134 comprises at least one piston 184 displaceable in translation in a plane perpendicular to the axis of translation of the electrode-carrying element and passing through the plane of said teeth 162 of the wheel 160 in order to be able to come and act on a tooth, as shown on the right side of Figure 3.
  • the control member 134 comprises two pistons 184, 184 'mounted symmetrically on either side of the wheel 160 to control the wheel 160 in both directions of rotation, that is to say either to achieve a movement of advancement of the electrode-carrying element and therefore of the electrode, that is to make a withdrawal.
  • the wheel 160 comprises two teeth 160a, 160b arranged over the entire circumference of the wheel 160, in an opposite direction, for example each over a half thickness. It is also possible to provide for the teeth to be axially offset and then the pistons will be mounted offset on either side of the wheel 160.
  • pistons 184, 184 ' are also arranged in suitable housings 186, 186' of the insulating support. These pistons can be controlled by hydraulic control, the piston tending to be pushed against the pressure applied by the hydraulic fluid by the presence of a spring 188, 188 'or the like.
  • the piston 184, 184 ' comprises anti-rotation means constituted by a groove 196, 196' cooperating with a guide pin 198, 198 '.
  • the electrode 108 is fixed to an intermediate electrode-carrying element 119 coming from fit by a dovetail fitting system 200 on the electrode-carrying element 109. This allows very easy disassembly of the electrode 108 with its intermediate electrode-carrying element 119.
  • the electrode 108 When the electrode 108 is mounted on an ellipsoidal reflector, or another device generating pulses or shock waves, naturally at least two electrodes are present as described in RIEBER US 2,559,227, RF-2,247,195 or EP -124,682.
  • each of the two electrodes is identical, the electrodes being arranged in the extension of one another and being concurrent with the internal focus of the ellipsoidal reflector.
  • the control of each electrode is carried out using the advancement device according to the present invention, is therefore independent and can be adjusted with great precision.
  • the arrival of electric current from the current source is carried out by a conductor 202 leading to an electrically conductive element 204 in permanent sliding contact on the electrode-carrying element 109 also electrically conductive, to provide a sliding electrical contact.
  • a ball brake or blocking system can be provided to block the rod 109, and therefore the electrode, in a given position, as safety.
  • This blocking or brake can be carried out on an axial portion or extension of the wheel 160.
  • orifices 200 slightly flared (for example in a 120 ° cone) in the axial portion of the wheel 160 located between the teeth.

Abstract

This invention relates to a device for advancing an electrode-holder element in particular mounted on a pulse generating apparatus of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,559,227 to Rieber. This advance device comprises a radially projecting element fast with the rear part of the electrode-holder element and member for controlling same, the radially projecting element being formed by a toothed wheel of fixed axial position with respect to the insulating support and controlled in rotation by two pistons mounted symmetrically on either side of the wheel to control a rotation in both directions. This device allows a greater precision of the advance of the electrodes and an increase in the efficiency of destruction of the targets.

Description

L'invention concerne essentiellement un dispositif d'avancement d'un élément porte-électrode:comportant une roue commandée par pistons, et son utilisation dans un appareil générateur d'impulsions pour la destruction de cibles telles que des tissus, concrétions, notamment des lithiases rénales, biliaires.The invention essentially relates to a device for advancing an electrode-carrying element: comprising a wheel controlled by pistons, and its use in an apparatus generating pulses for the destruction of targets such as tissues, concretions, in particular lithiases renal, biliary.

Il est connu par le brevet US RIEBER n° 2 559 227 un appareil générateur d'ondes de choc de fréquence élevée, comprenant un réflecteur ellipsoïdal tronqué 80 de réflexion des ondes de choc, comportant une cavité 81 constituant une chambre de réflexion desdites ondes de choc de même forme ellipsoïdale tronquée, un des deux foyers de l'ellipsoïde est disposé dans ladite chambre à l'opposé de la partie tronquée, ladite chambre étant remplie d'un liquide de transmission des ondes de choc 83, par exemple une huile ; un dispositif générateur d'ondes de choc, comprenant habituellement deux électrodes 12, 13, est disposé au moins en partie à l'intérieur de ladite chambre 81, avec lesdites deux électrodes agencées pour générer une décharge ou arc électrique audit foyer situé dans ladite chambre à l'opposé de la partie tronquée, et des moyens 10, 11 sont prévus pour délivrer sélectivement instantanément une tension électrique auxdites deux électrodes 12, 13 provoquant ladite décharge ou arc électrique entre lesdites électrodes en générant ainsi lesdites ondes de choc dans ledit liquide contenu dans ladite chambre (voir figure 3 et colonne 7, ligne 51 à colonne 9, ligne 30).US Pat. No. 2,559,227 discloses a high frequency shock wave generator apparatus comprising a truncated ellipsoidal reflector 80 for reflecting shock waves, comprising a cavity 81 constituting a chamber for reflecting said shock waves. shock of the same truncated ellipsoidal shape, one of the two focal points of the ellipsoid is disposed in said chamber opposite the truncated part, said chamber being filled with a liquid for transmitting shock waves 83, for example an oil; a shock wave generating device, usually comprising two electrodes 12, 13, is arranged at least partially inside said chamber 81, with said two electrodes arranged to generate a discharge or electric arc at said focal point located in said chamber opposite the truncated part, and means 10, 11 are provided for selectively instantaneously supplying an electrical voltage to said two electrodes 12, 13 causing said discharge or electric arc between said electrodes, thereby generating said shock waves in said contained liquid in said chamber (see FIG. 3 and column 7, line 51 to column 9, line 30).

Les électrodes 12 et 13 sont réalisées en matériau hautement conducteur tel que du cuivre ou du laiton et sont montées sur un isolateur 26 qui est supporté de manière pivotante à l'aide d'un dispositif 11a, 11b, de manière à régler l'espacement entre celles-ci (voir colonne 4, lignes 42 à 53 et colonne 8, lignes 40 à 47).The electrodes 12 and 13 are made of highly conductive material such as copper or brass and are mounted on an insulator 26 which is pivotally supported by means of a device 11a, 11b, so as to adjust the spacing between them (see column 4, lines 42 to 53 and column 8, lines 40 to 47).

Le document FR-A-2 247 195 décrit également un appareil similaire dans lequel le liquide est constitué par de l'eau (page 3, lignes 23-24).Document FR-A-2 247 195 also describes a similar device in which the liquid consists of water (page 3, lines 23-24).

Lors de l'emploi de l'appareil RIEBER ou appareil similaire, il a pu être constaté que la décharge au niveau des électrodes s'accompagne d'un arrachement de métal dû à l'obtention d'un arc électrique provoqué par un potentiel élevé brusquement appliqué entre les deux électrodes, ainsi qu'aux forces associées. Cet arrachement de métal conduit à une usure rapide des électrodes qui doivent être changées toutes les sept cents impulsions environ, ce qui constitue un inconvénient majeur augmentant radicalement le coût d'utilisation de l'appareil.When using the RIEBER device or similar device, it has been observed that the discharge at the electrodes is accompanied by metal tearing due to the production of an electric arc caused by a high potential. abruptly applied between the two electrodes, as well as associated forces. This tearing of metal leads to rapid wear of the electrodes which must be changed every approximately seven hundred pulses, which constitutes a major drawback radically increasing the cost of using the device.

On a déjà proposé dans le document EP-A-124 686 (=US 4 608 983) un dispositif d'avencement des électrodes 36, 38, figure 3 comprenant un organe de commande 48, d'un élément radialement saillant 56 formant un type de roue, et commandant simultanément un mouvement de rapprochement ou d'éloignement des électrodes par rotation dans un sens ou en sens inverse (voir page 9, ligne 11 à page 10 ligne 11).Document EP-A-124 686 (= US 4 608 983) has already proposed a device for arranging the electrodes 36, 38, FIG. 3 comprising a control member 48, of a radially projecting element 56 forming a type wheel, and simultaneously controlling a movement of approaching or moving away from the electrodes by rotation in one direction or in opposite direction (see page 9, line 11 to page 10 line 11).

La réalisation de la structure de support et d'avancement des électrodes est relativement compliquée et d'un coût élevé. En outre, pour un fonctionnement correct, l'élément 56 est soudé à la partie évasée 50 formant porte-électrode de l'électrode 36. Cet ensemble n'est donc pas démontable. Les électrodes sont commandées simultanément,ce qui est un inconvénient en pratique en raison d'une usure différente de chaque électrode.The production of the support and advancement structure of the electrodes is relatively complicated and of high cost. In addition, for correct operation, the element 56 is welded to the flared part 50 forming the electrode holder of the electrode 36. This assembly is therefore not removable. The electrodes are controlled simultaneously, which is a drawback in practice due to the different wear of each electrode.

D'autre part, il est souhaitable et même nécessaire d'accroître de manière radicale la précision de l'avancement des électrodes tout en permettant une commande indépendante de chaque électrode.On the other hand, it is desirable and even necessary to radically increase the precision of the advancement of the electrodes while allowing independent control of each electrode.

La présente invention a donc pour but de résoudre le nouveau problème technique consistant en la fourniture d'une solution permettant l'avancement d'électrodes avec une très grande précision, en augmentant ainsi de manière concomitante l'efficacité de destruction des cibles.The present invention therefore aims to solve the new technical problem of providing a solution for advancing electrodes with very high accuracy, thereby concomitantly increasing the efficiency of destruction of targets.

L'invention doit aussi permettre une commande indépendante de chaque électrode.The invention must also allow independent control of each electrode.

Ce nouveau problème technique est résolu pour la première fois par la présente invention par la fourniture d'une solution d'un coût relativement faible tout en augmentant le nombre de cibles détruites telles que des tissus, concrétions, comme des calculs rénaux, biliaires, etc. par l'amélioration de la précision de positionnement.This new technical problem is solved for the first time by the present invention by providing a solution of a relatively low cost while increasing the number of destroyed targets such as tissues, concretions, such as kidney stones, gallstones, etc. by improving positioning accuracy.

Ainsi, la présente invention fournit un dispositif d'avancement d'un élément porte-électrode notamment dans un appareil générateur d'impulsions ou d'ondes de choc comprenant un réflecteur, en particulier ellipsoïdal comportant une cavité de réflexion desdites impulsions ou ondes de choc en direction d'une cible, ledit élément porte-électrode étant monté déplaçable dans un support isolant fixé sur la paroi du réflecteur,en particulier ellipsoïdal, et étant formé par une tige disposée dans une cavité cylindrique du support isolant, en étant déplaçable en translation axiale ; ledit dispositif d'avancement comprenant un élément radialement saillant solidaire d'une partie intermédiaire ou arrière de l'élément porte-électrode, formant un type de roue pourvue à sa périphérie de moyens de mise en rotation, ladite roue étant commandée en rotation par un organe de commande agissant sur ledit moyen de mise en rotation de ladite roue caractérisé en ce que ladite roue comprend un orifice traversant central coaxial au travers duquel passe l'élément porte-électrode, ledit élément porte-électrode étant solidaire en rotation mais déplaçable en translation par rapport à ladite roue qui est de position axiale fixe par rapport au support isolant, ladite roue étant ainsi avantageusement réalisée démontable par rapport à l'élément porte-électrode.Thus, the present invention provides a device for advancing an electrode-carrying element in particular in an apparatus for generating pulses or shock waves comprising a reflector, in particular an ellipsoidal reflector comprising a cavity for reflecting said pulses or shock waves. in the direction of a target, said electrode-carrying element being mounted displaceable in an insulating support fixed to the wall of the reflector, in particular ellipsoidal, and being formed by a rod disposed in a cylindrical cavity of the insulating support, by being displaceable in translation axial; said advancement device comprising a radially projecting element integral with an intermediate or rear part of the electrode-carrying element, forming a type of wheel provided at its periphery with means for rotating, said wheel being controlled in rotation by a control member acting on said means for rotating said wheel, characterized in that said wheel comprises a central coaxial through hole through which the electrode-carrying element passes, said electrode-carrying element being integral in rotation but movable in translation relative to said wheel which is in a fixed axial position relative to the insulating support, said wheel thus being advantageously made removable with respect to the electrode-carrying element.

Avantageusement, l'orifice traversant de la roue présente une section non circulaire, de préférence polygonale, l'élément porte-électrode comprenant également une partie de section externe correspondante au niveau de ladite roue. De préférence, l'élément porte-électrode comprend une partie filetée coopérant avec une partie filetée correspondante du support isolant en formant ainsi un système vis-écrou dont avantageusement la partie vis est définie par la partie filetée de la tige.Advantageously, the through hole of the wheel has a non-circular section, preferably polygonal, the electrode-carrying element also comprising a part of corresponding external section at the level of said wheel. Preferably, the electrode-carrying element comprises a threaded part cooperating with a corresponding threaded part of the insulating support, thus forming a screw-nut system, the screw part of which advantageously is defined by the threaded part of the rod.

Selon un mode de réalisation particulier, la roue précitée est disposée à l'intérieur d'une cavité prévue dans le support isolant, la roue est montée sur une partie intermédiaire de l'élément porte-électrode.According to a particular embodiment, the aforementioned wheel is disposed inside a cavity provided in the support insulating, the wheel is mounted on an intermediate part of the electrode holder element.

Selon un mode de réalisation actuellement préféré, les moyens de mise en rotation précités de la roue sont constitués par des dents,; l'organe de commande comprend au moins un piston déplaçable en translation dans un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe de trans- lation de l'élément porte-électrode et passant par le plan desdites dents de la roue pour pouvoir venir agir sur une dent. De préférence, l'organe de commande comprend deux pistons montés symétriques de part et d'autre de la roue pour commander la roue dans les deux sens de rotation, c'est-à-dire soit pour avancer l'électrode, soit pour reculer l'électrode, la roue comprenant alors deux dentures disposées avantageusement sur la totalité de la circonférence de la roue.According to a currently preferred embodiment, the aforementioned means for rotating the wheel are constituted by teeth; the control member comprises at least one piston displaceable in translation in a plane perpendicular to the axis of translation of the electrode-holder element and passing through the plane of said teeth of the wheel in order to come to act on a tooth. Preferably, the control member comprises two pistons mounted symmetrically on either side of the wheel to control the wheel in both directions of rotation, that is to say either to advance the electrode, or to move back the electrode, the wheel then comprising two teeth advantageously arranged over the entire circumference of the wheel.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation particulier, la partie filetée de l'élément porte-électrode-est située à l'extrémité arrière de l'élément porte-électrode, le support isolant est réalisé en deux parties démontables, une première partie constituant la partie principale du support isolant et comportant notamment la cavité dans laquelle est disposée la roue précitée, et une deuxième partie servant à obturer la cavité comportant un orifice fileté dans lequel vient se visser la partie filetée de l'extrémité arrière de l'élément porte-électrode.According to another particular embodiment, the threaded part of the electrode-holder element is located at the rear end of the electrode-holder element, the insulating support is produced in two removable parts, a first part constituting the part main of the insulating support and comprising in particular the cavity in which the aforementioned wheel is disposed, and a second part serving to close the cavity comprising a threaded orifice in which the threaded part of the rear end of the electrode holder element is screwed .

Avantageusement, la roue comporte à l'avant un épaulement cylindrique venant se loger dans un lamage du support isolant, et à l'arrière ladite roue comporte un moyen de maintien en position axiale fixe, comme un système de circlips ou de clavette.Advantageously, the wheel comprises at the front a cylindrical shoulder which is received in a countersink of the insulating support, and at the rear said wheel comprises a means for holding in a fixed axial position, such as a system of circlips or key.

Enfin, l'électrode est avantageusement fixée sur un élément porte-électrode intermédiaire venant s'emboîter par un système d'emboîtement tel qu'à queue d'aronde sur l'élément porte-électrode.Finally, the electrode is advantageously fixed to an intermediate electrode-carrying element which comes to fit by a nesting system such as a dovetail on the electrode-carrying element.

Naturellement, l'invention inclut également les appareils générateurs d'impulsions ou d'ondes de choc pour la destruction de cibles telles que des tissus, concrétions, notamment des lithiases rénales, biliaires, comportant un tel dispositif d'avancement de l'élément porte-électrode.Naturally, the invention also includes devices generating pulses or shock waves for the destruction of targets such as tissues, concretions, in particular renal and biliary lithiasis, comprising such a device for advancing the carrier element. -electrode.

D'autres buts, caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront clairement à la lumière de la description explicative qui va suivre faite en référence aux dessins annexés représentant un mode de réalisation actuellement préféré du dispositif d'avancement selon l'invention donné simplement à titre d'illustration et qui ne saurait donc en aucune façon limiter la portée de l'invention. Dans les dessins :

  • - la figure 1 représente une vue en coupe axiale, agrandie,du dispositif d'avancement d'un élément porte-électrode selon l'invention monté latéralement sur un réflecteur ellipsoîdal du type décrit par RIEBER US 2 559 227, l'élément porte-électrode et l'électrode étant représentés dans la position la plus en retrait ou reculée relativement au réflecteur ellipsoïdal dans lequel le dispositif d'avancement est incorporé selon l'utilisation préférée de celui-ci ;
  • - la figure 2 représente une position très avancée de l'élément porte-électrode et de l'électrode de la figure 1 ;
  • - la figure 3 représente une vue en coupe selon la ligne de trace III-III de la figure 1, en demi-coupe axiale pour montrer les dentures.
Other objects, characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear clearly in the light of the explanatory description which will follow made with reference to the appended drawings representing a currently preferred embodiment of the advancement device according to the invention given simply by way of illustrative and which therefore cannot in any way limit the scope of the invention. In the drawings:
  • - Figure 1 shows an enlarged axial sectional view of the advancement device of an electrode holder element according to the invention mounted laterally on an ellipsoidal reflector of the type described by RIEBER US 2,559,227, the holder element electrode and the electrode being shown in the most recessed or retracted position relative to the ellipsoidal reflector in which the advancement device is incorporated according to the preferred use thereof;
  • - Figure 2 shows a very advanced position of the electrode holder element and the electrode of Figure 1;
  • - Figure 3 shows a sectional view along the trace line III-III of Figure 1, in axial half-section to show the teeth.

En référence aux figures 1 à 3, un dispositif d'avancement selon l'invention, repéré par le numéro de référence général 100, est ici incorporé dans un appareil générateur d'ondes de choc de fréquence élevée du type généralement décrit par RIEBER dans le brevet US n° 2 559 227, notamment en référence aux figures 1 à 3. Ainsi, cet appareil comprend un réflecteur ellipsoïdal tronqué 101 disposé verticalement, comportant une cavité 102 constituant une chambre de réflexion des ondes de choc, de même forme ellipsoïdale tronquée.With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, a advancement device according to the invention, identified by the general reference number 100, is here incorporated in an apparatus for generating high frequency shock waves of the type generally described by RIEBER in the US Patent No. 2,559,227, in particular with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Thus, this device comprises a truncated ellipsoidal reflector 101 arranged vertically, comprising a cavity 102 constituting a shock wave reflection chamber, of the same truncated ellipsoidal shape.

Pour la description détaillée du réflecteur ellipsoïdal, on peut se reporter au brevet US 2 559 227 RIEBER.For the detailed description of the ellipsoidal reflector, reference can be made to US Pat. No. 2,559,227 RIEBER.

Le dispositif d'avancement 100 sert à l'avancement d'un élément porte-électrode 109 supportant l'électrode proprement dite 108.The advancement device 100 is used for advancing an electrode-carrying element 109 supporting the actual electrode 108.

L'élément porte-électrode 109 est monté déplaçable dans un support isolant 112 fixé sur la paroi du réflecteur ellipsoïdal 101 par des moyens de fixation appropriés 113, de manière démontable.The electrode-carrying element 109 is mounted to be displaceable in an insulating support 112 fixed to the wall of the ellipsoidal reflector 101 by suitable fixing means 113, in a removable manner.

L'élément porte-électrode 109 est formé par une tige disposée dans une cavité de forme sensiblement cylindrique 113 du support isolant 112, de préférence coaxiale du support isolant, en étant déplaçable en translation axiale.The electrode-carrying element 109 is formed by a rod arranged in a cavity of substantially cylindrical shape 113 of the insulating support 112, preferably coaxial of the insulating support, by being displaceable in axial translation.

En pratique, le support isolant 112 présente donc également une partie avant 112c ayant aussi la forme d'une tige qui était pleine à l'origine et dans laquelle a été réalisé un perçage définissant la cavité 113. La partie avant de la tige formant le support isolant 112 a été également percée et présente un orifice 115 de diamètre sensiblement égal au diamètre de l'électrode 108, de manière à servir de guidage et de maintien de l'électrode.In practice, the insulating support 112 therefore also has a front part 112c also having the shape of a rod which was originally solid and in which a hole has been made defining the cavity 113. The front part of the rod forming the insulating support 112 has also been drilled and has an orifice 115 of diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the electrode 108, so as to serve as a guide and for holding the electrode.

L'électrode 108 peut être solidarisée par brasage ou moyen équivalent dans un logement 118 d'un élément porte-électrode intermédiaire constitué aussi par une tige 119 en faisant saillie hors de ce logement 118.The electrode 108 can be secured by brazing or equivalent means in a housing 118 of an intermediate electrode-carrying element also constituted by a rod 119 projecting from this housing 118.

Cet élément intermédiaire 119 est à son tour solidarisé de manière démontable à l'élément porte-électrode 109.This intermediate element 119 is in turn detachably secured to the electrode-carrying element 109.

Naturellement, l'élément porte-électrode intermédiaire 119 est réalisé en un matériau électriquement conducteur. Dans certains cas, l'élément porte-électrode 109 et l'élément intermédiaire porte-électrode 119 sont réalisés en laiton. Les électrodes peuvent être réalisées en métaux ou alliages à température de fusion élevée avantageusement en tungstène, de préférence en tungstène thorié, dont la teneur en oxyde de thorium est avantageusement de l'ordre de 4 Z.Naturally, the intermediate electrode-carrying element 119 is made of an electrically conductive material. In certain cases, the electrode-carrying element 109 and the intermediate electrode-carrying element 119 are made of brass. The electrodes can be made of metals or alloys with a high melting point, advantageously tungsten, preferably thoriated tungsten, the content of thorium oxide of which is advantageously of the order of 4%.

Le dispositif d'avancement 100 de l'élément porte-électrode 109 comprend un élément radialement saillant 124 solidaire de la partie arrière 109b de l'élément porte-électrode 109, et un organe de commande de celui-ci 134 que l'on voit bien à la figure 3.The advancement device 100 of the electrode-carrying element 109 comprises a radially projecting element 124 secured to the rear part 109b of the electrode-carrying element 109, and a control member thereof which can be seen. well in figure 3.

Selon la présente invention, l'élément radialement saillant 124 est formé par une roue 160 pourvue à sa périphérie de moyens 162 de mise en rotation, ladite roue 160 étant commandée en rotation par l'organe de commande 134 agissant sur les moyens de mise en rotation 162. De préférence, la roue 160 est réalisée démontable par rapport à l'élément porte-électrode 109.According to the present invention, the radially projecting element 124 is formed by a wheel 160 provided at its periphery with means 162 for rotating, said wheel 160 being controlled in rotation by the control member 134 acting on the setting means rotation 162. Preferably, the wheel 160 is made removable with respect to the electrode-carrying element 109.

Avantageusement, la roue 160 comprend ainsi un orifice traversant 164 central coaxial au travers duquel passe l'élément porte-électrode 109 comme cela est clairement visible aux figures.Advantageously, the wheel 160 thus comprises a central coaxial through hole 164 through which the electrode-carrying element 109 passes, as is clearly visible in the figures.

L'élément porte-électrode 109 est solidaire en rotation de la roue 160 mais déplaçable en translation par rapport à la roue 160 qui est de position axiale fixe par rapport au support isolant 112.The electrode-carrying element 109 is integral in rotation with the wheel 160 but displaceable in translation relative to the wheel 160 which is in fixed axial position relative to the insulating support 112.

Ainsi, de préférence, l'orifice traversant 164 de la roue 160 présenté une section non circulaire, avantageusement polygonale, par exemple carrée comme représenté aux figures, l'élément porte-électrode 109 comportant également une partie 109c de section externe correspondante, donc ici carrée, au niveau de la roue 160, de manière à permettre la solidarisation en rotation mais le déplacement en translation de l'élément porte-électrode 109.Thus, preferably, the through hole 164 of the wheel 160 has a non-circular section, advantageously polygonal, for example square as shown in the figures, the electrode-carrying element 109 also comprising a part 109c of corresponding external section, therefore here square, at the level of the wheel 160, so as to allow the connection in rotation but the displacement in translation of the electrode-carrying element 109.

Selon le mode de réalisation préféré représenté, l'élément porte-électrode 109 comprend encore une partie filetée 109d coopérant avec une partie filetée correspondante 170 du support isolant 112, en formant un système vis-écrou.According to the preferred embodiment shown, the electrode-carrying element 109 also comprises a threaded part 109d cooperating with a corresponding threaded part 170 of the insulating support 112, by forming a screw-nut system.

Selon le mode de réalisation représenté, la roue 160 est disposée à l'intérieur d'une deuxième cavité 172 prévue dans le support isolant 112. La roue 160 est montée sur une partie intermédiaire 109c de l'élément porte-électrode.According to the embodiment shown, the wheel 160 is disposed inside a second cavity 172 provided in the insulating support 112. The wheel 160 is mounted on an intermediate portion 109c of the electrode-carrying element.

Dans l'exemple représenté, la partie filetée 109d de l'élément porte-électrode est située à l'extrémité arrière dudit élément porte-électrode, le support isolant 112 est réalisé en deux parties démontables respectivement 112a, 112b. La première partie 112a constitue la partie principale du support isolant et comporte notamment la cavité 172 dans laquelle est disposée la roue 160, et la deuxième partie 112b sert à obturer la cavité 172 et comporte un orifice fileté 174 dans lequel vient se visser la partie filetée 109d de l'extrémité arrière de l'élément porte-électrode 109 et qui constitue une vis.In the example shown, the threaded part 109d of the electrode-holder element is located at the rear end of said electrode-holder element, the insulating support 112 is produced in two removable parts respectively 112a, 112b. The first part 112a constitutes the main part of the insulating support and comprises in particular the cavity 172 in which the wheel 160 is arranged, and the second part 112b serves to close off the cavity 172 and comprises a threaded orifice 174 in which the threaded part is screwed 109d from the rear end of the electrode-carrying element 109 and which constitutes a screw.

La roue 160 comporte à l'avant un épaulement cylindrique 176, ici représenté de section réduite, venant se loger dans un lamage 178 du support isolant 112 ; et à l'arrière des moyens 180 de maintien en position axiale fixe de la roue 160, par exemple un système de circlips, comme représenté, ou de clavette, venant se clipser dans une encoche annulaire 182 de la paroi du support isolant 112 définissant la cavité 172.The wheel 160 comprises at the front a cylindrical shoulder 176, here shown of reduced section, coming to be housed in a counterbore 178 of the insulating support 112; and at the rear of the means 180 for holding the fixed axial position of the wheel 160, for example a system of circlips, as shown, or of a key, clipping into an annular notch 182 of the wall of the insulating support 112 defining the cavity 172.

Selon le mode de réalisation préféré représenté, les moyens 162 de mise en rotation de la roue sont constitués par des dents.According to the preferred embodiment shown, the means 162 for rotating the wheel consist of teeth.

En outre, l'organe de commande 134 comprend au moins un piston 184 déplaçable en translation dans un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe de'translation de l'élément porte-électrode et passant par le plan desdites dents 162 de la roue 160 pour pouvoir venir agir sur une dent, comme représenté à la partie droite de la figure 3.In addition, the control member 134 comprises at least one piston 184 displaceable in translation in a plane perpendicular to the axis of translation of the electrode-carrying element and passing through the plane of said teeth 162 of the wheel 160 in order to be able to come and act on a tooth, as shown on the right side of Figure 3.

De préférence, l'organe de commande 134 comprend deux pistons 184, 184' montés symétriques de part et d'autre de la roue 160 pour commander la roue 160 dans les deux sens de rotation, c'est-à-dire soit pour réaliser un mouvement d'avancement de l'élément porte-électrode et donc de l'électrode, soit pour réaliser un retrait. Dans ce cas, la roue 160 comprend deux dentures 160a, 160b disposées sur la totalité de la circonférence de la roue 160, selon un sens opposé, par exemple chacune sur une demi-épaisseur. On peut aussi prévoir que les dentures soient axialement décalées et alors les pistons seront montés décalés de part et d'autre de la roue 160.Preferably, the control member 134 comprises two pistons 184, 184 'mounted symmetrically on either side of the wheel 160 to control the wheel 160 in both directions of rotation, that is to say either to achieve a movement of advancement of the electrode-carrying element and therefore of the electrode, that is to make a withdrawal. In this case, the wheel 160 comprises two teeth 160a, 160b arranged over the entire circumference of the wheel 160, in an opposite direction, for example each over a half thickness. It is also possible to provide for the teeth to be axially offset and then the pistons will be mounted offset on either side of the wheel 160.

On observera que les pistons 184, 184' sont également disposés dans des logements appropriés 186, 186' du support isolant. Ces pistons peuvent être commandés par commande hydraulique, le piston ayant tendance à être repoussé contre la pression appliquée par le fluide hydraulique par la présence d'un ressort 188, 188' ou similaire.It will be observed that the pistons 184, 184 'are also arranged in suitable housings 186, 186' of the insulating support. These pistons can be controlled by hydraulic control, the piston tending to be pushed against the pressure applied by the hydraulic fluid by the presence of a spring 188, 188 'or the like.

0n observera que l'extrémité avant 184a, 184'a du piston 184, 184' est pourvue d'un élément 190, 190' formant cliquet monté en rotation selon un axe 192, 192' parallèle à l'axe de translation de l'élément porte-électrode 109.We will observe that the front end 184a, 184'a of the piston 184, 184 'is provided with an element 190, 190' forming a pawl mounted in rotation about an axis 192, 192 'parallel to the axis of translation of the electrode holder 109.

En outre, le mouvement d'avancement du piston est limité par un épaulement 194 du support isolant 112a. Enfin, le piston 184, 184' comporte des moyens anti-rotation constitués par une saignée 196, 196' coopérant avec un téton de guidage 198, 198'.In addition, the forward movement of the piston is limited by a shoulder 194 of the insulating support 112a. Finally, the piston 184, 184 'comprises anti-rotation means constituted by a groove 196, 196' cooperating with a guide pin 198, 198 '.

0n observera encore que,selon l'invention, l'électrode 108 est fixée sur un élément porte-électrode intermédiaire 119 venant s'emboîter par un système d'emboîtement à queue d'aronde 200 sur l'élément porte-électrode 109. Ceci permet un démontage très aisé de l'électrode 108 avec son élément porte-électrode intermédiaire 119.It will also be observed that, according to the invention, the electrode 108 is fixed to an intermediate electrode-carrying element 119 coming from fit by a dovetail fitting system 200 on the electrode-carrying element 109. This allows very easy disassembly of the electrode 108 with its intermediate electrode-carrying element 119.

Lorsque l'électrode 108 est montée sur un réflecteur ellipsoidal, ou un autre appareil générateur d'impulsions ou d'ondes de choc, naturellement au moins deux électrodes sont présentes comme décrit dans RIEBER US 2 559 227, RF-2 247 195 ou EP-124 682.When the electrode 108 is mounted on an ellipsoidal reflector, or another device generating pulses or shock waves, naturally at least two electrodes are present as described in RIEBER US 2,559,227, RF-2,247,195 or EP -124,682.

Selon l'invention, la structure de chacune des deux électrodes est identique, les électrodes étant disposées dans le prolongement l'une de l'autre et étant concourantesau foyer interne du réflecteur ellipsoïdal. La commande de chaque électrode est réalisée à l'aide du dispositif d'avancement selon la présente invention, est donc indépendante et peut être réglée avec une très grande précision.According to the invention, the structure of each of the two electrodes is identical, the electrodes being arranged in the extension of one another and being concurrent with the internal focus of the ellipsoidal reflector. The control of each electrode is carried out using the advancement device according to the present invention, is therefore independent and can be adjusted with great precision.

L'arrivée du courant électrique depuis la source de courant est réalisée par un conducteur 202 aboutissant à un élément électriquement conducteur 204 en appui glissant permanent sur l'élément porte-électrode 109 également électriquement conducteur, pour fournir un contact électrique glissant.The arrival of electric current from the current source is carried out by a conductor 202 leading to an electrically conductive element 204 in permanent sliding contact on the electrode-carrying element 109 also electrically conductive, to provide a sliding electrical contact.

On conçoit ainsi que lors d'une commande hydraulique de l'un des deux pistons, par exemple le piston 184', celui-ci vient par son cliquet associé 190' actionner une dent 162 de la roue 160 d'un angle de rotation très faible en provoquant ainsi l'avancement de l'élément porte-électrode 109 et donc de l'électrode 108 d'une distance très faible.It is thus understood that during a hydraulic control of one of the two pistons, for example the piston 184 ', the latter comes by its associated pawl 190' to actuate a tooth 162 of the wheel 160 with a very rotational angle low thereby causing the advancement of the electrode-carrying element 109 and therefore of the electrode 108 by a very small distance.

On obtient ainsi une précision du mouvement de translation axial de l'électrode 108 qui est très élevée et qui est très fiable. La commande des pistons peut être automatisée sans difficulté. On peut prévoir un système de frein ou de blocage par bille, pour bloquer la tige 109,et donc l'électrode, dans une position donnée, comme sécurité. Ce blocage ou frein peut être réalisé sur une partie ou prolongation axiale de la roue 160. Par exemple, on peut prévoir des orifices 200 légèrement évasés (par exemple en cône de 120°) dans la partie axiale de la roue 160 située entre les dentures décalées axialement 162a, 162b, dans lesquels vient pénétrer un doigt 202 monté dans un logement 204 du support isolant maintenu par un élément de maintien 206 sur lequel prend appui un élément de rappel élastique 208 disposé à l'état comprimé entre cet élément 206 et une butée 210 pour bloquer le doigt 202 en position à volonté. On obtient ainsi un système de cliquet tout à fait simple.This gives a precision of the axial translational movement of the electrode 108 which is very high and which is very reliable. The control of the pistons can be automated without difficulty. A ball brake or blocking system can be provided to block the rod 109, and therefore the electrode, in a given position, as safety. This blocking or brake can be carried out on an axial portion or extension of the wheel 160. For example, it is possible to provide orifices 200 slightly flared (for example in a 120 ° cone) in the axial portion of the wheel 160 located between the teeth. axially offset 162a, 162b, into which it penetrates a finger 202 mounted in a housing 204 of the insulating support held by a holding element 206 on which bears an elastic return element 208 disposed in the compressed state between this element 206 and a stop 210 to block the finger 202 in the position will. This gives a very simple ratchet system.

Claims (11)

1. Dispositif d'avancement (100) d'un élément porte-électrode notamment dans un appareil générateur d'impulsions ou d'ondes de choc comprenant un réflecteur, en particulier ellipsoidal comportant une cavité de réflexion des impulsions ou ondes de choc en direction d'une cible, ledit élément porte-électrode (109) étant monté déplaçable dans un support isolant (112) fixé sur la paroi du réflecteur, en particulier ellipsoïdal (101), et étant formé par une tige disposée dans une cavité cylindrique (113) du support isolant, en étant déplaçable en translation axiale ; ledit dispositif d'avancement (100) comprenant un élément radialement saillant (124) solidaire d'une partie intermédiaire ou arrière de l'élément porte-électrode (109) constituant un type de roue (160) pourvue à sa périphérie de moyens (162, 162') de mise en rotation par un organe de commande (134), ladite roue (160) étant commandée en rotation par ledit organe de commande (134) agissant sur lesdits moyens (162, 162') de mise en rotation, caractérisé en ce que la roue (160) comprend un orifice traversant (164) central coaxial au travers duquel passe l'élément porte-électrode (109), ledit élément porte-électrode étant solidaire en rotation mais déplaçable en translation par rapport à ladite roue (160) qui est de position axiale fixe par rapport au support isolant (112), ladite roue (160) est réalisée démontable par rapport à l'élément porte-électrode (109).1. Device for advancing (100) an electrode-carrying element in particular in an apparatus generating pulses or shock waves comprising a reflector, in particular an ellipsoidal reflector comprising a cavity for reflecting pulses or shock waves in the direction of a target, said electrode-carrying element (109) being movably mounted in an insulating support (112) fixed on the wall of the reflector, in particular ellipsoidal (101), and being formed by a rod arranged in a cylindrical cavity (113 ) of the insulating support, being movable in axial translation; said advancement device (100) comprising a radially projecting element (124) integral with an intermediate or rear part of the electrode-carrying element (109) constituting a type of wheel (160) provided at its periphery with means (162 , 162 ') for rotation by a control member (134), said wheel (160) being controlled for rotation by said control member (134) acting on said means (162, 162') for rotation, characterized in that the wheel (160) comprises a central coaxial through hole (164) through which the electrode-carrying element (109) passes, said electrode-carrying element being integral in rotation but displaceable in translation relative to said wheel ( 160) which is of fixed axial position relative to the insulating support (112), said wheel (160) is made removable with respect to the electrode holder element (109). 2. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que l'orifice traversant (164) de la roue (160) présente une section non circulaire, avantageusement polygonale, l'élément porte-électrode (109) comprenant également une partie (109c) de section externe correspondante au niveau de ladite roue (160), et une partie filetée (109d) coopérant avec une partie filetée (170) correspondante du support isolant (112).2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the through hole (164) of the wheel (160) has a non-circular section, advantageously polygonal, the electrode holder element (109) also comprising a part (109c) of corresponding external section at said wheel (160), and a threaded part (109d) cooperating with a corresponding threaded part (170) of the insulating support (112). 3. Dispositif selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que la roue (160) précitée est disposée à l'intérieur d'une deuxième cavité (172) prévue dans le support isolant (112), la roue (160) étant montée à une partie intermédiaire de l'élément porte-électrode (109).3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the aforementioned wheel (160) is disposed inside a second cavity (172) provided in the insulating support (112), the wheel (160) being mounted to an intermediate part of the electrode holder element (109). 4. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que les moyens (162) de mise en rotation de la roue (160) sont constitués par des dents, l'organe de commande (134) comprend au moins un piston (184, 184') déplaçable en translation dans un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe de translation de l'élément porte-électrode Il09) et passant par le plan desdites dents (162) de la roue (160) pour pouvoir venir agir sur une dent.4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the means (162) for rotating the wheel (160) are constituted by teeth, the control member (134) comprises at least one piston (184, 184 ') displaceable in translation in a plane perpendicular to the axis of translation of the electrode-carrying element Il09) and passing through the plane of said teeth (162) of the wheel (160) in order to be able to act on a tooth. 5. Dispositif selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend deux pistons (184, 184') montés symétriques de part et d'autre de la roue (160) pour commander la roue (160) dans les deux sens de rotation ; la roue (160) comprend avantageusement deux dentures de préférence sur la totalité de la circonférence de la roue.5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises two pistons (184, 184 ') mounted symmetrically on either side of the wheel (160) to control the wheel (160) in both directions of rotation ; the wheel (160) advantageously comprises two teeth preferably on the entire circumference of the wheel. 6. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 2 à 5, caractérisé en ce que la partie filetée (109d) de l'élément porte-électrode (109) est située à l'extrémité arrière de l'élément porte-électrode (109), le support isolant (112) est réalisé en deux parties démontables (112a, 112b) la première partie (112a) constituant la partie principale du support isolant (112) et comprenant notamment la deuxième cavité (172) dans laquelle est disposée la roue précitée (160), et une deuxième partie (112b) servant à obturer la deuxième cavité (172) et comportant un orifice fileté (174) dans lequel vient se visser la partie filetée (109d) de l'extrémité arrière de l'élément porte-électrode (109).6. Device according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the threaded part (109d) of the electrode holder element (109) is located at the rear end of the electrode holder element (109) , the insulating support (112) is produced in two removable parts (112a, 112b) the first part (112a) constituting the main part of the insulating support (112) and comprising in particular the second cavity (172) in which the aforementioned wheel is disposed (160), and a second part (112b) used to close the second cavity (172) and comprising a threaded orifice (174) into which the threaded part (109d) of the rear end of the carrier element is screwed electrode (109). 7. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 1 à 6, caractérisé en ce que la roue (160) comprend à l'avant un épaulement cylindrique (176) venant se loger dans un lamage (178) du support isolant (112) et à l'arrière comprenant des moyens (180) de maintien en position axiale fixe de la roue (160) relativement au support isolant.7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the wheel (160) comprises at the front a cylindrical shoulder (176) which is received in a countersink (178) of the insulating support (112) and at the rear comprising means (180) for holding the fixed axial position of the wheel (160) relative to the insulating support. 8. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 1 à 7, caractérisé en ce que l'électrode (108) est fixée sur un élément porte-électrode intermédiaire (119) venant s'emboîter par un système d'emboîtement (200) tel qu'à queue d'aronde sur l'élément porte-électrode.8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the electrode (108) is fixed to an intermediate electrode-carrying element (119) which comes to be fitted by a fitting system (200) such that 'with dovetail on the electrode holder element. 9. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 4 à 8, caractérisé en ce que l'extrémité avant du piston (184, 184') est pourvue d'un élément formant cliquet (192) monté à rotation selon un axe parallèle à l'axe de translation de l'élément porte-électrode (109).9. Device according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the front end of the piston (184, 184 ') is provided with a pawl member (192) rotatably mounted on an axis parallel to the translation axis of the electrode holder element (109). 10. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 1 à 9, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un élément électriquement conducteur (204) en appui glissant permanent sur l'élément porte-électrode (109) pour fournir un contact électrique glissant.10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises an electrically conductive element (204) in permanent sliding contact on the electrode holder element (109) to provide a sliding electrical contact. 11. Appareil générateur d'impulsions ou d'ondes de choc pour la destruction de cibles telles que des tissus, concrétions, notamment des lithiases rénales, biliaires, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend au moins un dispositif d'avancement d'un élément porte-électrode tel que défini selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 10.11. Apparatus generating pulses or shock waves for the destruction of targets such as tissues, concretions, in particular renal and biliary lithiasis, characterized in that it comprises at least one device for advancing an element electrode holder as defined in any one of claims 1 to 10.
EP87400153A 1986-01-31 1987-01-23 Device for advancing an electrode carrier in a shock-wave generator Expired - Lifetime EP0242237B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT87400153T ATE69519T1 (en) 1986-01-31 1987-01-23 DEVICE FOR PUSHING AN ELECTRODE CARRIER INTO A SHOCK WAVE GENERATOR.

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8601380 1986-01-31
FR8601380A FR2593382B1 (en) 1986-01-31 1986-01-31 HIGH FREQUENCY SHOCK WAVE GENERATING APPARATUS AND ITS USE FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF TARGETS SUCH AS FABRICS, CONCRETIONS, ESPECIALLY RENAL, BILARY CALCULATIONS
FR868606318A FR2598074B2 (en) 1986-01-31 1986-04-30 DEVICE FOR ADVANCING AN ELECTRODE-HOLDING ELEMENT COMPRISING A PISTON-CONTROLLED WHEEL, AND ITS USE IN A PULSE GENERATING APPARATUS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF TARGETS SUCH AS FABRICS, CONCRETIONS, ESPECIALLY RENAL LITHIASES, BILIARIES
FR8606318 1986-04-30

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0242237A1 true EP0242237A1 (en) 1987-10-21
EP0242237B1 EP0242237B1 (en) 1991-11-13

Family

ID=26225001

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP87400153A Expired - Lifetime EP0242237B1 (en) 1986-01-31 1987-01-23 Device for advancing an electrode carrier in a shock-wave generator

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (2) US4730614A (en)
EP (1) EP0242237B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE69519T1 (en)
DE (2) DE3774470D1 (en)
ES (1) ES2028105T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2598074B2 (en)
GR (1) GR3003370T3 (en)

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WO1991019459A1 (en) * 1990-06-20 1991-12-26 Technomed International Method for monitoring the effectiveness of pressure waves from a pressure wave generator

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FR2610454B1 (en) * 1987-01-29 1989-06-09 Technomed Int Sa DEVICE PROVIDING IMPROVED ELECTRICAL CONTACT BETWEEN AN ELECTRICAL CONDUCTOR AND AN ELECTRODE OR AN ELECTRODE-HOLDING ELEMENT; USE OF THIS DEVICE IN ANY DEVICE FOR ADVANCING AN ELECTRODE OR AN ELECTRODE-HOLDING ELEMENT
FR2612345A1 (en) * 1987-03-09 1988-09-16 Technomed Int Sa METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETECTING AND CORRECTING THE POSITION OF ELECTRODES ESPECIALLY USED IN IMPACT WAVE GENERATING APPARATUSES USING A FOCAL POINT FIXED PROBE FINGER PARTICULARLY CONSISTING OF A CABLE ROD
FR2623080A1 (en) * 1987-11-16 1989-05-19 Technomed Int Sa METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING INDOLOR SHOCKWAVE GENERATING DEVICE AND DEVICE AND APPARATUS THUS MANUFACTURED
US4905674A (en) * 1988-12-01 1990-03-06 Northgate Research, Inc. Electrode construction for replacement of worn electrodes in a lithotripter
US4934353A (en) * 1989-10-02 1990-06-19 Christopher Nowacki Lithotripter having rotatable valve for removal of electrode structure
US5032717A (en) * 1989-10-04 1991-07-16 The United States Of America As Represented By The United States Department Of Energy Remote control for anode-cathode adjustment
EP0911804B1 (en) 1997-10-24 2007-05-09 MTS Europe GmbH Method for the automatic adjustment of the distance between the electrodes of a spark gap in electrohydraulic shock wave generators
US20040097996A1 (en) 1999-10-05 2004-05-20 Omnisonics Medical Technologies, Inc. Apparatus and method of removing occlusions using an ultrasonic medical device operating in a transverse mode
US6520663B1 (en) 2000-03-23 2003-02-18 Henkel Loctite Corporation UV curing lamp assembly
US7794414B2 (en) 2004-02-09 2010-09-14 Emigrant Bank, N.A. Apparatus and method for an ultrasonic medical device operating in torsional and transverse modes
US7008429B2 (en) * 2004-06-23 2006-03-07 Golobek Donald D Bio-absorbable bone tie with convex head
US8900166B2 (en) * 2008-04-14 2014-12-02 Avner Spector Automatic adjustable voltage to stabilize pressure for shockwave medical therapy device
EP3117784B1 (en) 2009-07-08 2018-12-26 Sanuwave, Inc. Usage of intracorporeal pressure shock waves in medicine
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US3725729A (en) * 1971-10-29 1973-04-03 Us Army Electrical crowbar system with novel triggered spark gap devices
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EP0124686A2 (en) * 1983-05-07 1984-11-14 DORNIER SYSTEM GmbH Spark gap for the generation of shock waves for the non-contact disintegration of concrements in living bodies

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US2559227A (en) * 1947-05-24 1951-07-03 Interval Instr Inc Shock wave generator
GB719296A (en) * 1950-02-09 1954-12-01 Fruengel Frank Stroboscopic light source
US3725729A (en) * 1971-10-29 1973-04-03 Us Army Electrical crowbar system with novel triggered spark gap devices
FR2247195A1 (en) * 1973-10-12 1975-05-09 Dornier System Gmbh
EP0124686A2 (en) * 1983-05-07 1984-11-14 DORNIER SYSTEM GmbH Spark gap for the generation of shock waves for the non-contact disintegration of concrements in living bodies

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WO1991019459A1 (en) * 1990-06-20 1991-12-26 Technomed International Method for monitoring the effectiveness of pressure waves from a pressure wave generator
FR2663531A1 (en) * 1990-06-20 1991-12-27 Technomed Int Sa METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE EFFICIENCY OF PRESSURE WAVES EMITTED BY A PRESSURE WAVE GENERATOR, METHODS OF ADJUSTING THE SAME, AS WELL AS A APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING THE EFFICIENCY OF PRESSURE WAVES, FOR ITS IMPLEMENTATION WORK.

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE3774470D1 (en) 1991-12-19
US4866330A (en) 1989-09-12
US4730614A (en) 1988-03-15
FR2598074B2 (en) 1989-10-13
DE242237T1 (en) 1988-02-25
ES2028105T3 (en) 1992-07-01
EP0242237B1 (en) 1991-11-13
GR3003370T3 (en) 1993-02-17
ATE69519T1 (en) 1991-11-15
FR2598074A2 (en) 1987-11-06

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