Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/040,836, filed on Mar. 31, 2008, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present disclosure relates generally to electrosurgical instruments and, more particularly, to an electrosurgical pencil having a plurality of hand-accessible variable controls. 
     2. Background of Related Art 
     Electrosurgical instruments have become widely used by surgeons in recent years. Accordingly, a need has developed for equipment and instruments which are easy to handle, are reliable and are safe in an operating environment. By and large, most electrosurgical instruments are hand-held instruments, e.g., an electrosurgical pencil, which transfer radio-frequency (RF) electrical or electrosurgical energy to a tissue site. The electrosurgical energy is returned to the electrosurgical source via a return electrode pad positioned under a patient (i.e., a monopolar system configuration) or a smaller return electrode positionable in bodily contact with or immediately adjacent to the surgical site (i.e., a bipolar system configuration). The waveforms produced by the RF source yield a predetermined electrosurgical effect known generally as electrosurgical cutting and fulguration. 
     As used herein the term “electrosurgical pencil” is intended to include instruments which have a handpiece which is attached to an active electrode and which is used to cauterize, coagulate and/or cut tissue. Typically, the electrosurgical pencil may be operated by a handswitch or a foot switch. The active electrode is an electrically conducting element which is usually elongated and may be in the form of a thin flat blade with a pointed or rounded distal end. Alternatively, the active electrode may include an elongated narrow cylindrical needle which is solid or hollow with a flat, rounded, pointed or slanted distal end. Typically electrodes of this sort are known in the art as “blade”, “loop” or “snare”, “needle” or “ball” electrodes. 
     As mentioned above, the handpiece of the electrosurgical pencil is connected to a suitable electrosurgical energy source (i.e., generator) which produces the radio-frequency electrical energy necessary for the operation of the electrosurgical pencil. In general, when an operation is performed on a patient with an electrosurgical pencil, electrical energy from the electrosurgical generator is conducted through the active electrode to the tissue at the site of the operation and then through the patient to a return electrode. The return electrode is typically placed at a convenient place on the patient&#39;s body and is attached to the generator by a conductive material. Typically, the surgeon activates the controls on the electrosurgical pencil to select the modes/waveforms to achieve a desired surgical effect. 
     The power or energy parameters are typically controlled from outside the sterile field which requires an intermediary like a circulating nurse to make such adjustment. 
     A typical electrosurgical generator has numerous controls for selecting an electrosurgical output. For example, the surgeon can select various surgical “modes” to treat tissue: cut, blend (blend levels 1-3), low cut, desiccate, fulgurate, spray, etc. The surgeon also has the option of selecting a range of power settings typically ranging from 1-300 W. As can be appreciated, this gives the surgeon a great deal of variety when treating tissue. However, so many options also tend to complicate simple surgical procedures and may lead to confusion. Moreover, surgeons typically follow preset control parameters and stay within known modes and power settings. Therefore, there exists a need to allow the surgeon to selectively control and easily select and regulate the various modes and power settings utilizing simple and ergonomically friendly controls associated with the electrosurgical pencil. 
     Existing electrosurgical instrument systems allow the surgeon to change between two pre-configured settings (i.e., coagulation and cutting) via two discrete switches disposed on the electrosurgical pencil itself. Other electrosurgical instrument systems allow the surgeon to increment the power applied when the coagulating or cutting switch of the instrument is depressed by adjusting or closing a switch on the electrosurgical generator. The surgeon then needs to visually verify the change in the power being applied by looking at various displays and/or meters on the electrosurgical generator. In other words, all of the adjustments to the electrosurgical instrument and parameters being monitored during the use of the electrosurgical instrument are typically located on the electrosurgical generator. As such, the surgeon must continually monitor the electrosurgical generator during the surgical procedure. Furthermore, someone outside the sterile field must continually adjust the parameters of the electrical instrument, which prolongs the duration of the procedure. 
     Accordingly, the need exists for electrosurgical instruments which do not require the surgeon to continually monitor the electrosurgical generator during the surgical procedure. Further, a need exists for electrosurgical instruments, which permit the surgeon to accurately self-adjust the electrical parameters of the instrument from within the sterile field. In addition, the need exists for electrosurgical instruments which may be configured such that the power output can be adjusted without the surgeon having to turn his/her vision away from the operating site and toward the electrosurgical generator. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure relates to electrosurgical pencils having a plurality of hand-accessible variable controls. 
     According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an electrosurgical pencil is provided including an elongated housing configured to support an electrocautery electrode extending distally therefrom; at least one voltage divider network supported on the housing, the at least one voltage divider network operable to electrically connect to a source of electrosurgical energy for controlling at least one of an intensity and a mode of electrosurgical energy being delivered to the electrocautery electrode; and an intensity controller slidably supported on the housing. The intensity controller is configured to exert a force on the at least one voltage divider network and to provide a tactile feedback to a user of the electrosurgical pencil as the intensity controller is moved relative to the housing. 
     The intensity controller may include a nub extending from a surface thereof. The nub may be configured to contact the at least one voltage divider network and affect the at least one voltage divider network as the intensity controller is moved relative to the housing. 
     The intensity controller may include a spring plunger assembly configured to operatively engage a tactile feature formed in the housing. The spring plunger assembly may include a stem and a biasing member. The stem may be disposed on a side opposite to the nub and is configured to retain an actuator. 
     The biasing member may be configured to maintain the actuator in contact with the tactile feature formed in the housing. The actuator may be disposed at one of a distal, a proximal and a substantially aligned location with respect to the nub. 
     The intensity controller may include a spring lever assembly configured to operatively engage a tactile feature formed in the housing. The spring lever assembly may include a lever and a biasing member for maintaining the lever in contact with the tactile feature. The lever may be pivotally connected to a body portion of the intensity controller, on a side opposite to the nub. 
     The biasing member may be a spring. 
     A tip of the lever may be disposed at one of a distal, a proximal and a substantially aligned location with respect to the nub. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an electrosurgical device configured for connection to a source of electrosurgical energy is provided. The electrosurgical device includes a housing; an electrical circuit supported within the housing, the electrical circuit being connectable to the source of electrosurgical energy; and a controller slidably supported on the housing, wherein the controller is configured to exert a force on the electrical circuit to affect a change in the electrical circuit and to provide a tactile feedback to a user of the electrosurgical device as the controller is moved relative to the housing. 
     The controller may include a nub extending from a surface thereof and being dimensioned to contact the electrical circuit. The electrical circuit may be a voltage divider network capable of controlling at least one of an intensity and a mode of electrosurgical energy being delivered, and wherein the nub is configured to contact the voltage divider network and affect a change in at least one of the intensity and the mode of electrosurgical energy being delivered as the controller is moved relative to the housing. 
     The controller may include a spring plunger assembly configured to operatively engage a tactile feature formed in the housing. The spring plunger assembly may include a stem and a biasing member. The stem may be disposed on a side opposite to the nub and is configured to retain an actuator. The biasing member may be configured to maintain the actuator in contact with the tactile feature formed in the housing. The actuator may be disposed at one of a distal, a proximal and a substantially aligned location with respect to the nub. 
     The controller may include a spring lever assembly configured to operatively engage a tactile feature formed in the housing. The spring lever assembly may include a lever and a biasing member for maintaining the lever in contact with the tactile feature. The lever may be pivotally connected to a body portion of the intensity controller, on a side opposite to the nub. The biasing member may be a spring. 
     A tip of the lever may be disposed at one of a distal, a proximal and a substantially aligned location with respect to the nub. 
     According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, an electrosurgical pencil is provided including an elongated housing configured to support an electrocautery electrode extending distally therefrom; at least one voltage divider network supported on the housing, the at least one voltage divider network operable to electrically connect to the source of electrosurgical energy for controlling at least one of an intensity and a mode of electrosurgical energy being delivered to the electrocautery electrode; and an intensity controller slidably supported on the housing, wherein the intensity controller is configured to exert a force on the at least one voltage divider network and provide a tactile feedback to a user of the electrosurgical pencil as the intensity controller is moved relative to the housing. 
     The intensity controller may include a lever pivotally connected to a body portion thereof and contactable with the housing and the at least one voltage divider network. The lever may include a first end configured for engagement with a tactile feature formed in the housing. The lever may include a second end configured for engagement with the at least one voltage divider network. 
     The intensity controller may include a biasing member configured to maintain a first end of the lever in contact with the tactile feature formed in the housing. The intensity controller may include a biasing member configured to maintain a second end of the lever in contact with the at least one voltage divider network. The intensity controller may include a biasing member configured to maintain a first end of the lever in contact with the tactile feature formed in the housing and to maintain a second end of the lever in contact with the at least one voltage divider network. 
     The biasing members may be one of a coil spring, a tension spring and a compression spring. The tactile feature may include one or more adjacent detents. In use, movement of the first end of the lever into the one or more adjacent detents may cause the second end of the lever to substantially strike the at least one voltage divider network. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, an electrosurgical device configured for connection to a source of electrosurgical energy is provided. The electrosurgical device includes a housing; an electrical circuit supported within the housing, the electrical circuit being connectable to the source of electrosurgical energy; and a controller slidably supported on the housing, wherein the controller is configured to exert a force on the electrical circuit to affect a change in the electrical circuit and to exert a force on a surface of the housing to provide a tactile feedback to a user of the electrosurgical device as the controller is moved relative to the housing. 
     The electrical circuit may comprise at least one voltage divider network capable of controlling at least one of an intensity and a mode of electrosurgical energy being delivered, and wherein the controller may include a lever pivotally connected to a body portion thereof and contactable with the housing and the at least one voltage divider network. 
     The lever may include a first end configured for engagement with a tactile feature formed in the housing. The lever may include a second end configured for engagement with the at least one voltage divider network. 
     The controller may include a biasing member configured to maintain a first end of the lever in contact with the tactile feature formed in the housing. The controller may include a biasing member configured to maintain a second end of the lever in contact with the at least one voltage divider network. The controller may include a biasing member configured to maintain a first end of the lever in contact with the tactile feature formed in the housing and to maintain a second end of the lever in contact with the at least one voltage divider network. The biasing members may be one of a coil spring, a tension spring and a compression spring. 
     The tactile feature may include one or more adjacent detents. 
     In use, movement of the first end of the lever into the one or more adjacent detents may cause the second end of the lever to substantially strike the at least one voltage divider network. 
     According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, an electrosurgical pencil is provided including an elongated housing configured to support an electrocautery electrode extending distally therefrom; at least one voltage divider network supported on the housing, the at least one voltage divider network operable to electrically connect to the source of electrosurgical energy for controlling at least one of an intensity and a mode of electrosurgical energy being delivered to the electrocautery electrode, wherein the at least one voltage divider network defines a plurality of tactile enhancement features; and an intensity controller slidably supported on the housing, wherein the intensity controller is configured to exert a force on the at least one voltage divider network and engage the tactile enhancement feature and provide a tactile feedback to a user of the electrosurgical pencil as the intensity controller is moved relative to the housing. 
     The electrosurgical pencil may further include a tactile mask overlying at least a portion of the at least one voltage divider network, wherein the tactile mask defines the plurality of tactile enhancement regions. The tactile enhancement features of the tactile mask may include at least one aperture formed therein. 
     The intensity controller may include a tactile feedback transmitting feature configured to project through the at least one aperture formed in the tactile mask to selectively engage the at least one voltage divider network. The tactile feedback transmitting feature may include at least one of an actuator and a nub selectively positionable within the aperture of the tactile mask. 
     At least one of an actuator and a nub may extend from a surface of the intensity controller, in a direction toward the tactile mask. 
     The tactile feedback transmitting feature may further comprise a spring plunger assembly including a biasing member for maintaining the tactile feedback transmitting feature in contact with at least one of the voltage divider network and the tactile mask. 
     The tactile feedback transmitting feature may be configured to selectively strike the at least one voltage divider network. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, an electrosurgical device, configured for connection to a source of electrosurgical energy, is provided. The electrosurgical device comprises a housing; an electrical circuit supported within the housing, the electrical circuit being connectable to the source of electrosurgical energy, wherein the electrical circuit is provided with at least one tactile enhancement feature; and a controller slidably supported on the housing, wherein the controller is configured to exert a force on the electrical circuit to affect a change in the electrical circuit and to exert a force on a surface of the housing to engage the tactile enhancement feature and provide a tactile feedback to a user of the electrosurgical device as the controller is moved relative to the housing. 
     The electrosurgical device may further include a tactile mask overlying at least a portion of electrical circuit, wherein the tactile mask defines the plurality of tactile enhancement regions. 
     The tactile enhancement features of the tactile mask may include at least one aperture formed therein. 
     The controller may include a tactile feedback transmitting feature configured to project through the at least one aperture formed in the tactile mask to selectively engage the electrical circuit. The tactile feedback transmitting feature may include at least one of an actuator and a nub selectively positionable within the aperture of the tactile mask. At least one of an actuator and a nub may extend from a surface of the controller, in a direction toward the tactile mask. 
     The tactile feedback transmitting feature may further include a spring plunger assembly including a biasing member for maintaining the tactile feedback transmitting feature in contact with at least one of the electrical circuit and the tactile mask. 
     The tactile feedback transmitting feature may be configured to selectively strike the electrical circuit. 
     The electrical circuit may include at least one voltage divider network. 
     According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, an electrosurgical pencil is provided including an elongated housing configured to support an electrocautery electrode extending distally therefrom; at least one voltage divider network supported on the housing, the at least one voltage divider network operable to electrically connect to the source of electrosurgical energy for controlling at least one of an intensity and a mode of electrosurgical energy being delivered to the electrocautery electrode; and an intensity controller slidably supported on the housing, wherein the intensity controller is configured to exert a force on each of the housing and the at least one voltage divider network, wherein the intensity controller provides a tactile feedback to a user of the electrosurgical pencil as the intensity controller is moved relative to the housing. 
     The intensity controller may include a torsion spring pivotally supported on a body portion thereof, wherein the torsion spring is in contact with at least one of the housing and the electrical circuit. The torsion spring may include a first leg configured for engagement with a tactile feature formed in the housing. The torsion spring may include a second leg configured for engagement with the at least one voltage divider network. 
     The torsion spring may include a first leg configured for engagement with a tactile feature formed in the housing and a second leg configured for engagement with the at least one voltage divider network. 
     The intensity controller may include a link assembly pivotally supported on a body portion. The link assembly may include a first leg configured for engagement with a tactile feature formed in the housing; and a second leg configured for engagement with the at least one voltage divider network. 
     The link assembly may further include a biasing member interposed between the first leg and the second leg for maintaining the first leg in engagement with the tactile feature formed in the housing and for maintaining the second leg in engagement with the at least one voltage divider network. 
     The biasing member may be configured for maintaining the first leg in engagement with the tactile feature formed in the housing. The biasing member may be configured for maintaining the second leg in engagement with the at least one voltage divider network. 
     According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, an electrosurgical device, configured for connection to a source of electrosurgical energy, is provided. The electrosurgical device comprises a housing; an electrical circuit supported within the housing, the electrical circuit being connectable to the source of electrosurgical energy; and a controller slidably supported on the housing, wherein the controller is configured to exert a force on each of the housing and the electrical circuit to affect a change in the electrical circuit and to provide a tactile feedback to a user of the electrosurgical device as the controller is moved relative to the housing. 
     The controller may include a torsion spring pivotally supported on a body portion thereof, wherein the torsion spring is in contact with at least one of the housing and the electrical circuit. The torsion spring may include a first leg configured for engagement with a tactile feature formed in the housing. The torsion spring may include a second leg configured for engagement with the electrical circuit. The torsion spring may include a first leg configured for engagement with a tactile feature formed in the housing and a second leg configured for engagement with the electrical circuit. 
     The controller may include a link assembly pivotally supported on a body portion. The link assembly may include a first leg configured for engagement with a tactile feature formed in the housing; and a second leg configured for engagement with the electrical circuit. The link assembly may further include a biasing member interposed between the first leg and the second leg for maintaining the first leg in engagement with the tactile feature formed in the housing and for maintaining the second leg in engagement with the electrical circuit. The biasing member may be configured for maintaining the first leg in engagement with the tactile feature formed in the housing. The biasing member may be configured for maintaining the second leg in engagement with the electrical circuit. 
     The electrical circuit may include at least one voltage divider network supported on the housing, the at least one voltage divider network operable to electrically connect to the source of electrosurgical energy for controlling at least one of an intensity and a mode of electrosurgical energy being delivered to the electrocautery electrode. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, and together with a general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a prior art electrosurgical system including an electrosurgical generator and an electrosurgical pencil; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the electrosurgical pencil of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a longitudinal, cross-sectional, side elevational view of the electrosurgical pencil of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of a voltage divider network; 
         FIG. 6A  is a schematic side elevational view of a slider according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, for use in an electrosurgical pencil as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 ; 
         FIG. 6B  is a schematic side elevational view of a slider according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, for use in an electrosurgical pencil as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 ; 
         FIG. 6C  is a schematic side elevational view of a slider according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, for use in an electrosurgical pencil as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 ; 
         FIG. 6D  is a schematic perspective view, with parts separated, of a slider according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, for use in an electrosurgical pencil as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 ; 
         FIG. 7A  is a schematic side elevational view of an alternate slider according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, for use in an electrosurgical pencil as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 ; 
         FIG. 7B  is a schematic side elevational view of the alternate slider according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, for use in an electrosurgical pencil as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 ; 
         FIG. 7C  is a schematic side elevational view of the alternate slider according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, for use in an electrosurgical pencil as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 ; 
         FIG. 8A  is a schematic illustration of a further alternate slider and a tactile mask according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, for use in an electrosurgical pencil as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 ; 
         FIG. 8B  is a schematic illustration of the further alternate slider according and a tactile mask to another embodiment of the present disclosure, for use in an electrosurgical pencil as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 ; 
         FIG. 9A  is a schematic side elevational view of an alternate slider according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, for use in an electrosurgical pencil as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 ; and 
         FIG. 9B  is a schematic side elevational view of a further alternate slider according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, for use in an electrosurgical pencil as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Preferred embodiments of the presently disclosed electrosurgical pencil will now be described in detail with reference to the drawing figures wherein like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements. As used herein, the term “distal” refers to that portion which is further from the user while the term “proximal” refers to that portion which is closer to the user or surgeon. 
       FIG. 1  sets forth a perspective view of an electrosurgical system including an electrosurgical pencil  100  constructed in accordance with a prior art embodiment. While the following description will be directed towards electrosurgical pencils it is envisioned that the features and concepts (or portions thereof) of the present disclosure can be applied to any electrosurgical type instrument, e.g., forceps, suction coagulators, vessel sealers, wands, etc. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 1-5 , electrosurgical pencil  100  includes an elongated housing  102  having a right-half shell section  102   a  and a left-half shell section  102   b . As seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , when right and left-half shell sections  102   a ,  102   b  are connected to one another, a distal opening  103   a  is defined therebetween, through which an electrode  106  extends, and a proximal opening  103   b  (see  FIG. 2 ) is defined therebetween, through which connecting cable  224  (see  FIG. 1 ) extends. As seen in  FIG. 1 , electrosurgical pencil  100  is coupled to an electrosurgical generator “G” via a plug assembly  200  connected to connecting cable  224 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 2 , electrosurgical pencil  100  further includes an electrode receptacle  104  disposed at a distal end of housing  102 , and a replaceable electrode  106  operatively and removably connectable to electrode receptacle  104 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , electrosurgical pencil  100  includes three activation buttons  120   a - 120   c , each of which is reciprocally supported in a carrier  121  (see  FIG. 2 ) of a controller unit which is supported in housing  102 . Each activation button  120   a - 120   c  includes a portion which extends through an upper surface of housing  102 . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , each activation button  120   a - 120   c  is operatively supported on a respective tactile element  122   a - 122   c  formed in a switch plate  124 . 
     Each activation button  120   a - 120   c  controls the transmission of RF electrical energy supplied from generator “G” to electrode  106 . Switch plate  124  is positioned over the top of a voltage divider network  127  (hereinafter “VDN  127 ”) such that tactile elements  122   a - 122   c  are in operative association therewith. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 1-4 , electrosurgical pencil  100  includes an intensity controller  128  slidingly supported in housing  102 . Intensity controller  128  includes a pair of nubs  129   a ,  129   b  which are slidingly supported, one each, in respective guide channels  130   a ,  130   b  (see  FIG. 1 ). 
     As seen in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , intensity controller  128  includes a third nub  129   c  extending from a bottom surface thereof which contacts and presses into or against VDN  127 . As seen in  FIG. 5 , VDN  127  includes electrical contacts  144   a  provided on upper layer  140   a  and resistive element  144   b  on lower layer  140   b . In this manner, as intensity controller  128  is displaced in a distal and proximal direction relative to housing  102 , third nub  129   c  moves along VDN  127 , thereby pressing electrical contact  144   a  from upper layer  140   a  of VDN  127  against resistance element  144   b  of lower layer  140   b  of VDN  127 . In so doing, a resistance value of resistance element  144   b  is changed thereby changing the value of the voltage measured by electrosurgical generator “G”. The electrosurgical generator “G” in turn varies the intensity of the waveform being transmitted to electrode  106 . 
     Slidable manipulation or movement of intensity controller  128  adjusts the power parameters (e.g., voltage, power and/or current intensity) and/or the power verses impedance curve shape to affect the output intensity of the waveform. 
     In order to vary the intensity of the power parameters of electrosurgical pencil  100 , the surgeon displaces intensity controller  128 , by manipulating at least one of nubs  129   a ,  129   b , in either of the directions indicated by double-headed arrow “X” (see  FIG. 3 ). 
     Intensity controller  128  is also operable to provide a degree of tactile feedback by the inter-engagement of resilient finger  128   a  of intensity controller  128  in detents  131  formed along an inner surface of right-half shell section  102   a  (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). 
     As seen in  FIG. 5 , VDN  127  includes a pair of layers  140   a ,  140   b  of resilient material each supporting a plurality of electrical contacts  142   a ,  142   b  thereon. Electrical contacts  142   a  from an upper layer  140   a  of VDN  127  are in juxtaposed electrical relation with respect to electrical contacts  142   b  from a lower layer  140   b  of VDN  127 . The electrical contacts  142   a ,  142   b  of the upper and the lower layers  140   a ,  140   b  of VDN  127  are in juxtaposed relation with respective tactile elements  122   a - 122   c.    
     Upper and lower layers  140   a ,  140   b  of VDN  127  are separated by a dividing layer  140   c . Dividing layer  140   c  includes a first series of apertures  142   c  formed therein which are in vertical registration with electrical contacts  142   a ,  142   b . Dividing layer  140   c  includes a second aperture  144   c  formed therein which is in vertical registration between electrical contacts  144   a  provided on upper layer  140   a  and a variable resistance element  144   d  provided on lower layer  140   b . Upper layer  140   a , lower layer  140   b , and dividing layer  140   c  are supported on a support layer  140   d.    
     In operation, and depending on the particular electrosurgical function desired, the surgeon depresses one of activation buttons  120   a - 120   c , in the direction indicated by arrow “Y” (see  FIG. 3 ) thereby urging and/or deflecting a corresponding tactile element  122   a - 122   c  against VDN  127  and thereby causing the respective electrical contact  142   a  of upper layer  140   a  to electrically engage the respective electrical contact  142   b  of the lower layer  140   b . In so doing, a respective characteristic voltage is generated and measured by electrosurgical generator “G”. In turn, depending on the characteristic voltage generated, generator “G” selects and transmits an appropriate waveform output to electrocautery blade  106 . 
     Reference may be made to U.S. application Ser. No. 11/337,990 filed on Jan. 24, 2006, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference, for a more detailed discussion of the construction and operation of electrosurgical pencil  100 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 6A-6D , a series of sliders or intensity controllers  228  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Sliders  228  are configured to increase a contact force exerted on VDN  127  while maintaining a degree of facility for an end user to move slider  228  relative to housing  102  of electrosurgical pencil  100 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 6A , a slider  228   a  may include a body portion  228   a   1  and at least one arm  228   a   2  extending from body portion  228   a   1  and configured for slidable engagement in guide channels  130   a ,  130   b  (see  FIG. 1 ) of electrosurgical pencil  100 . Slider  228   a  includes a nub  228   a   3  extending or projecting from a bottom surface thereof, such as, for example, from a bottom surface of body portion  228   a   1 . Slider  228   a  further includes a spring plunger assembly having a stem  228   a   4  extending from body portion  228   a   1 , on a side opposite nub  228   a   3 , and defining a recess configured to retain a biasing member  228   a   5  and an actuator  228   a   6  therein. The spring plunger assembly is located distal or proximal of nub  228   a   3 . 
     In use, as slider  228   a  is moved distally and proximally relative to housing  102  of electrosurgical pencil  100 , nub  228   a   3  moves along VDN  127  thereby affecting VDN  127  while actuator  228   a   6  of the spring plunger assembly inter-engages with detents or tactile features  131  formed in housing  102  of electrosurgical pencil  100  to thereby provide a degree of tactile feedback to the user of electrosurgical pencil  100 . Biasing member  228   a   5  functions to maintain nub  228   a   3  in contact with VDN  127  and actuator  228   a   6  of the spring plunger assembly in contact with detents or tactile features  131  formed in housing  102  of electrosurgical pencil  100 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 6B , a slider  228   b  may include a body portion  228   b   1  and at least one arm  228   b   2  extending from body portion  228   b   1  and configured for slidable engagement in guide channels  130   a ,  130   b  (see  FIG. 1 ) of electrosurgical pencil  100 . Slider  228   b  includes a nub  228   b   3  extending or projecting from a bottom surface thereof, such as, for example, from a bottom surface of body portion  228   b   1 . Slider  228   b  further includes a spring lever assembly having a stem  228   b   4  extending from body portion  228   b   1 , on a side opposite nub  228   b   3 , and defining a recess configured to retain a biasing member  228   b   5  therein. The spring lever assembly further includes a lever  228   b   6  pivotally connected to body portion  228   b   1  and having a tip  228   b   7  configured to extend over or overlie biasing member  228   b   5 . The spring lever assembly is configured such that stem  228   b   4  is located distal or proximal of nub  228   b   3  and such that lever  228   b   6  extends away from nub  228   b   3 . 
     In use, as slider  228   b  is moved distally and proximally relative to housing  102  of electrosurgical pencil  100 , nub  228   b   3  moves along VDN  127  thereby affecting VDN  127  while tip  228   b   7  of lever  228   b   6  of the spring lever assembly inter-engages with detents or tactile features  131  formed in housing  102  of electrosurgical pencil  100  to thereby provide a degree of tactile feedback to the user of electrosurgical pencil  100 . Biasing member  228   b   5  functions to maintain nub  228   b   3  in contact with VDN  127  and tip  228   b   7  of lever  228   b   6  of the spring lever assembly in contact with detents or tactile features  131  formed in housing  102  of electrosurgical pencil  100 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 6C , a slider  228   c  may include a body portion  228   c   1  and at least one arm  228   c   2  extending from body portion  228   c   1  and configured for slidable engagement in guide channels  130   a ,  130   b  (see  FIG. 1 ) of electrosurgical pencil  100 . Slider  228   c  includes a nub  228   c   3  extending or projecting from a bottom surface thereof, such as, for example, from a bottom surface of body portion  228   c   1 . Slider  228   c  further includes a spring lever assembly having a biasing member  228   c   5  supported on body portion  228   c   1 , on a side opposite nub  228   c   3 , and a lever  228   c   6  pivotally connected to body portion  228   c   1  and having a tip  228   c   7  configured to extend over or overlie biasing member  228   c   5 . The spring lever assembly is configured such that biasing member  228   c   5  is located distal or proximal of nub  228   c   3  and such that lever  228   c   6  extends away from nub  228   c   3 . 
     In use, as slider  228   c  is moved distally and proximally relative to housing  102  of electrosurgical pencil  100 , nub  228   c   3  moves along VDN  127  thereby affecting VDN  127  while tip  228   c   7  of lever  228   c   6  of the spring lever assembly inter-engages with detents or tactile features  131  formed in housing  102  of electrosurgical pencil  100  to thereby provide a degree of tactile feedback to the user of electrosurgical pencil  100 . Biasing member  228   c   5  functions to maintain nub  228   c   3  in contact with VDN  127  and tip  228   c   7  of lever  228   c   6  of the spring lever assembly in contact with detents or tactile features  131  formed in housing  102  of electrosurgical pencil  100 . 
     In each of sliders  228   a - 228   c  shown in  FIGS. 6A-6C  and described above, it is contemplated that in some embodiments that actuator  228   a   6 , or tips  228   b   7 ,  228   c   7  of levers  228   b   6 ,  228   c   6  may axially overlie respective nubs  228   a   3 - 228   c   3 . In this manner, the force of the biasing member  228   a   5 - 228   c   5  acts directly in line with respective nubs  228   a   3 - 228   c   3 . 
     Although the embodiment in  FIGS. 6B-6C  is shown to a use coil spring as the biasing member, it is contemplated that these slider designs may alternatively incorporate torsion springs of the type shown in  FIG. 6D . As seen in  FIG. 6D , a slider  228   d  may include a body portion  228   d   1  and at least one arm  228   d   2  extending from body portion  228   d   1  and configured for slidable engagement in guide channels  130   a ,  130   b  (see  FIG. 1 ) of electrosurgical pencil  100 . Slider  228   d  includes a nub  228   d   3  extending or projecting from a bottom surface thereof, such as, for example, from a bottom surface of body portion  228   d   1 . Slider  228   d  further includes a torsion spring lever assembly supported on body portion  228   d   1  having a biasing member  228   d   5  and a connector rod  228   d   8  pivotally connecting lever  228   d   6  to body portion  228   d   1  on a side adjacent nub  228   d   3 . Lever  228   d   6  includes a tip  228   d   7  configured such that biasing member  228   d   5  is located distal or proximal of nub  228   d   3 . 
     In use, as slider  228   d  is moved distally and proximally relative to housing  102  of electrosurgical pencil  100 , nub  228   d   3  moves along VDN  127  thereby affecting VDN  127  while tip  228   d   7  of lever  228   d   6  of the spring lever assembly inter-engages with detents or tactile features  131  formed in housing  102  of electrosurgical pencil  100  to thereby provide a degree of tactile feedback to the user of electrosurgical pencil  100 . Biasing member  228   d   5  functions to maintain nub  228   d   3  in contact with VDN  127  and tip  228   d   7  of lever  228   d   6  of the torsion spring lever assembly in contact with detents or tactile features  131  formed in housing  102  of electrosurgical pencil  100 . One advantage to using a torsion spring lever assembly configuration as set forth in  FIG. 6D  is that such a configuration provides greater spring deflections with smaller spring constants, thus making the delivered force less sensitive to dimensional variations in slider  228   d.    
     Turning now to  FIGS. 7A-7C , a series of sliders or intensity controllers  328  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Sliders  328  are configured to increase a contact force excited on VDN  127  while maintaining a degree of facility for an end user to move slider  328  relative to housing  102  of electrosurgical pencil  100 . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 7A-7C , a slider  328   a  may include a body portion  328   a   1  and at least one arm  328   a   2  extending from body portion  328   a   1  and configured for slidable engagement in guide channels  130   a ,  130   b  (see  FIG. 1 ) of electrosurgical pencil  100 . Slider  328   a  includes a lever  328   a   3  pivotally connected to body portion  328   a   1 . Lever  328   a   3  includes a first end  328   a   4  configured to extend above body portion  328   a   1  and a second end  328   a   5  configured to extend below body portion  328   a   1 . First end  328   a   4  of lever  328   a   3  is configured to selectively engage detents or tactile features  131  formed in housing  102  of electrosurgical pencil  100  and second end  328   a   5  of lever  328   a   3  is configured to selectively engage VDN  127 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 7A , slider  328   a  may include a biasing member in the form of a coil or constant force spring  329   a , or as seen in  FIG. 7B  slider  328   a  may include a biasing member in the form of a tensile spring  329   b , or as seen in  FIG. 7C  slider  328   a  may include a biasing member in the form of a compression spring  329   c . Biasing members  329   a - 329   c  are each configured or arranged so as to maintain first end  328   a   4  of lever  328   a   3  in contact with or in engagement with detents or tactile features  131  formed in housing  102  of electrosurgical pencil  100  and to maintain second end  328   a   5  of lever  328   a   3  in engagement with VDN  127 . Biasing members  329   a - 329   c  may be secured to and extend between a suitable location on lever  328   a   3  and a suitable location on body portion  328   a   1 . 
     In use, as slider  328   a  is moved distally and proximally relative to housing  102  of electrosurgical pencil  100 , first end  328   a   4  of lever  328   a   3  inter-engages with detents or tactile features  131  formed in housing  102  of electrosurgical pencil  100  to thereby provide a degree of tactile feedback to the user of electrosurgical pencil  100  while second end  328   a   5  of lever  328   a   3  moves along VDN  127  thereby affecting VDN  127 . In particular, as first end  328   a   4  of lever  328   a   3  moves from one detent or tactile features  131  to an adjacent detent or tactile features  131 , first end  328   a   4  of lever  328   a   3  is moved towards body portion  328   a   1  and second end  328   a   5  of lever  328   a   3  moves off of or reduces a pressure on VDN  127  and also is moved towards body portion  328   a   1 . As first end  328   a   4  of lever  328   a   3  is moved into the adjacent detent or tactile features  131  second end  328   a   5  of lever  328   a   3  substantially strikes down onto, imparts or otherwise increases a pressure on VDN  127 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , a series of sliders or intensity controllers  428  and a tactile mask  429  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. Sliders  428  are configured to increase a contact force exerted on VDN  127  while maintaining a degree of facility for an end user to move slider  428  relative to housing  102  of electrosurgical pencil  100 . Tactile mask  429  is configured to cause slider  428  to impact or strike against VDN  127 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 8A , a slider  428   a  may include a body portion  428   a   1  and at least one arm  428   a   2  extending from body portion  428   a   1  and configured for slidable engagement in guide channels  130   a ,  130   b  (see  FIG. 1 ) of electrosurgical pencil  100 . Slider  428   a  includes a spring plunger assembly having a stem  428   a   4  extending from body portion  428   a   1  and defining a recess configured to retain a biasing member  428   a   5  and a tactile feedback transmitting feature in the form of an actuator  428   a   6  therein. The spring plunger assembly is configured such that actuator  428   a   6  extends from a bottom surface of body portion  428   a   1 , in the direction of VDN  127 . 
     Tactile mask  429  includes an elongate body portion  429   a  configured to overlie VDN  127 . Body portion  429   a  defines a plurality of apertures or windows  429   b  formed therein along a length thereof. Tactile mask  429  is positioned over VDN  127  at a location such that apertures  429   b  may align or register with variable resistance elements  144   d  provided on lower layer  140   b  of VDN  127  (see  FIG. 5 ). 
     In use, as slider  428   a  is moved distally and proximally relative to housing  102  of electrosurgical pencil  100 , actuator  428   a   6  of spring plunger assembly moves over and between apertures  429   b  formed in tactile mask  429 . In so doing, actuator  428   a   6  of spring plunger assembly impacts or strikes against VDN  127 . Additionally, the inter-engagement of actuator  428   a   6  of spring plunger assembly with apertures  429   b  formed in tactile mask  429  provides a degree of tactile feedback to the user of electrosurgical pencil  100 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 8B , a slider  428   b  may include a body portion  428   b   1  and at least one arm  428   b   2  extending from body portion  428   b   1  and configured for slidable engagement in guide channels  130   a ,  130   b  (see  FIG. 1 ) of electrosurgical pencil  100 . Slider  428   b  includes a tactile feedback transmitting feature in the form of a nub  428   b   3  extending or projecting from a bottom surface thereof, such as, for example, from a bottom surface of body portion  428   b   1 . Slider  428   b  further includes a spring lever assembly having a stem  428   b   4  extending from body portion  428   b   1 , on a side opposite nub  428   b   3 , and defining a recess configured to retain a biasing member  428   b   5  therein. The spring lever assembly further includes a lever  428   b   6  pivotally connected to body portion  428   b   1  and having a tip  428   b   7  configured to extend over or overlie biasing member  428   b   5 . The spring lever assembly is configured such that stem  428   b   4  is located distal or proximal of nub  428   b   3  and such that lever  428   b   6  extends away from nub  428   b   3 . 
     In use, as slider  428   b  is moved distally and proximally relative to housing  102  of electrosurgical pencil  100 , nub  428   b   3  of slider  428   b  moves over and between apertures  429   b  formed in tactile mask  429 . In so doing, nub  428   b   3  of slider  428   b  contacts VDN  127 . Additionally, the inter-engagement of nub  428   b   3  of slider  428   b  with apertures  429   b  formed in tactile mask  429  provides a degree of tactile feedback to the user of electrosurgical pencil  100 . Moreover, tip  428   b   7  of lever  428   b   6  rides against an inner surface of housing  102  of pencil  100  and biasing member  428   b   5  act on tip  428   b   7  of lever  428   b   6  to exert a force on body portion  428   b   1  and thereby press nub  428   b   3  of slider  428   b  against tactile mask  429 . 
     Tactile mask  429  may be constructed from a rigid, semi-rigid or non-rigid material, from a resilient or non-resilient material, from a conductive or non-conductive material, from any combination thereof, or from any material suitable for the intended purpose of defining apertures and transmitting forces through said apertures. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , a series of sliders or intensity controllers  528  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Sliders  528  are configured to increase a contact force exerted on VDN  127  while maintaining a degree of facility for an end user to move slider  528  relative to housing  102  of electrosurgical pencil  100 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 9A , a slider  528   a  may include a body portion  528   a   1  and at least one arm  528   a   2  extending from body portion  528   a   1  and configured for slidable engagement in guide channels  130   a ,  130   b  (see  FIG. 1 ) of electrosurgical pencil  100 . Slider  528   a  includes a biasing member, in the form of a torsion spring  528   a   3  pivotally supported on body portion  528   a   1  at pivot point “P”. Torsion spring  528   a   3  includes a first leg  528   a   4  extending from pivot point “P” and configured to engage a surface of housing  102  of electrosurgical pencil  100 , and a second leg  528   a   5  extending from pivot point “P” and configured to engage VDN  127 . As seen in  FIG. 9A , first leg  528   a   4  of torsion spring  528   a   3  extends above body portion  528   a   1  and second leg  528   a   5  of torsion spring  528   a   3  extends below body portion  528   a   1 . 
     In use, as slider  528   a  is moved distally and proximally relative to housing  102  of electrosurgical pencil  100 , second leg  528   a   5  of torsion spring  528   a   3  moves along VDN  127  thereby affecting VDN  127  while first leg  528   a   4  of torsion spring  528   a   3  inter-engages with detents or tactile features  131  formed in housing  102  of electrosurgical pencil  100  to thereby provide a degree of tactile feedback to the user of electrosurgical pencil  100 . As first leg  528   a   4  of torsion spring  528   a   3  is flexed downwardly, in the direction of body portion  528   a   1 , as slider  528   a  is moved distally and proximally relative to housing  102  of electrosurgical pencil  100 , second leg  528   a   5  of torsion spring  528   a   3  is pressed more or less into the surface of VDN  127 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 9B , a slider  528   b  may include a body portion  528   b   1  and at least one arm  528   b   2  extending from body portion  528   b   1  and configured for slidable engagement in guide channels  130   a ,  130   b  (see  FIG. 1 ) of electrosurgical pencil  100 . Slider  528   b  includes a link assembly  528   b   3  pivotally supported on body portion  528   b   1  at pivot point “P”. Link assembly  528   b   3  includes a first leg  528   b   4  extending from pivot point “P” and configured to engage a surface of housing  102  of electrosurgical pencil  100 , a second leg  528   b   5  extending from pivot point “P” and configured to engage VDN  127 , and a biasing member  528   b   6  interposed between first leg  528   b   4  a second leg  528   b   5 . As seen in  FIG. 9B , first leg  528   b   4  of link assembly  528   b   3  is in registration with or extends above second leg  528   b   5  of link assembly  528   b   3 . 
     In use, as slider  528   b  is moved distally and proximally relative to housing  102  of electrosurgical pencil  100 , second leg  528   b   5  of link assembly  528   b   3  moves along VDN  127  thereby affecting VDN  127  while first leg  528   b   4  of link assembly  528   b   3  inter-engages with detents or tactile features  131  formed in housing  102  of electrosurgical pencil  100  to thereby provide a degree of tactile feedback to the user of electrosurgical pencil  100 . As first leg  528   b   4  of link assembly  528   b   3  is moved downwardly, in the direction of body portion  528   b   1 , as slider  528   b  is moved distally and proximally relative to housing  102  of electrosurgical pencil  100 , biasing member  528   b   6  transmits forces to second leg  528   b   5  of link assembly  528   b   3  to press more or less into the surface of VDN  127 . 
     Although the subject apparatus has been described with respect to preferred embodiments, it will be readily apparent, to those having ordinary skill in the art to which it appertains, that changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject apparatus.

Technology Category: 1