Patent ID: 7896822

Claim:
A universal spark gap electrode for use with a variety of lithotripsy machines, said spark gap electrode comprising: an inner conductor formed as an elongate rod defined by a receptacle at one end; an insulative sheath formed as a tubular covering for said inner conductor, inserted lengthwise there over, and covering a major portion thereof to said receptacle, said insulative sheath having a length of uniformly-reduced diameter proximate said receptacle and external screw-threads around said reduced diameter length, and at least one O-ring encircling said reduced diameter length; a first electrode tip formed with a conical point at one end and a stem at another end, said stem being inserted into the receptacle of said inner conductor; an annular base having a removable spark gap cage protruding from one end thereof, said spark gap cage further comprising opposing prongs converging to support an inwardly-directed second electrode, said annular base also being formed with an internally and externally-threaded collar at another end thereof, the internal threads of said collar coupling onto the screw-threads of said insulative sheath; an annular adapter body having internal screw-threads coupled to the externally-threaded collar of said annular base; and a first adapter removably attached as a collar to said adapter body and further comprising an interlocking clip configured for releasably engaging a connecting receptacle of a first lithotripsy machine, said first adapter being removable and replaceable by a second adapter to mate with a second lithotripsy machine.