US3842394A

US3842394A - Electrical connector for plate electrode

Info

Publication number: US3842394A
Application number: US00338455A
Authority: US
Inventors: L Bolduc
Original assignee: Medical Plastics Inc
Current assignee: Medical Plastics Inc
Priority date: 1973-03-06
Filing date: 1973-03-06
Publication date: 1974-10-15
Anticipated expiration: 1991-10-15
Also published as: GB1435424A; NL7407352A; DE2430613A1

Abstract

A ground plate electrode having an electrically conductive skin connected to an electrosurgical unit with an elongated cord and clamp assembly. The clamp assembly has a pair of separated jaws carrying electrical contact plates positionable in surface contact with the skin of the electrode. Releasable lock structure acting on the jaws move the jaws together to firmly clamp the plates on the electrode. A separate arm having a projection is used to pierce the electrode to hold the clamp assembly in assembled relation with the electrode.

Description

Umted States Patent 11 1 1111 3,842,394

Bolduc Oct. 15, 1974 [54] ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR PLATE 3,416,973 l2/l968 Bcnzingcr 339/75 R ELECTRODE 3,622,941 ll/l97l Wctmore 3,624,590 ll/l97l Bolduc 339/255 P [75] Inventor: Lee R. Bolduc, Mmneapohs, Minn. 73 Assignee: Medical Plastics, Inc., Minnetonka, Primary Examinerloseph McGlyhh Minn. 22 Filed: Mar. 6, 1973 [57] ABSTRA CT 1 A ground plate electrode having an electncally con- PP NOJ 338,455 ductive skin connected to an electrosurgical unit with an elongated cord and clamp assembly. The clamp as 52 us. c1 339/75 R, 24/258, 128/DIG. 4, sembly has a P Of separated j carrying electrical 33 55 p 339/274 contact plates positionable in surface contact with the 511 Int. Cl 110111 11/22 Skin of the electrode Releasable 190k Structure acting [58] Field of Search 339/75, 255, 260, 261, Oh the j move the j together to firmly l p 339 74; 2 25 R 5 131 4 the plates on the electrode. A separate arm havmg a projection is used to pierce the electrode to hold the 5 References Cited clamp assembly in assembled relation with the elec- UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,113,852 4/1938 Meade 339/274 51 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR PLATE ELECTRODE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The functioning and safety of electrosurgical machines depends upon an unimpaired return circuit for current via the ground or indifferent electrode and its cable. If this circuit fails, the current will choose the next best route, which will means a short circuit to ground with a consequent risk of diathermy burn. This hazard can be substantially reduced by having a substantial surface contact between the patient and the ground electrode, a good electrical connection between the electrical connector and the ground electrode, and a connector that will not accidentally separate from the ground electrode.

Bolduc in U. S. Pat. Nos. 3,543,760 and 3,699,968 describes disposable ground plate electrodes and connectors usable in electrosurgical units for electrosurgical procedures. The ground plate electrodes have electrically conductive aluminum skins secured to electrically insulative and flexible bases. The connectors are clamps having surface electrical conductors located in surface engagement with the aluminum skins to insure an effective electrical connection between the clamp and the skins. The plate electrode is provided with a turned flange which cooperates with a portion of the connector to prevent accidental separation of theconnector from the electrode. Alternatively, the plate electrode is provided with one or more holes which cooperate with fingers on the connector to prevent accidental removal of the plate electrode when the connector is attached to the plate electrode.

Frankel in U. S. Pat. Nos. 775,284 and 1,221,524 discloses an electrical testing clip having a pair of pivotally related members that are biased with a spring to a closed position. One of the members has a pointed pin to pierce insulation paint or oxidation on the part to which the testing instrument is to be applied. Eads in U. S. Pat. No. 3,221,288 discloses a printed circuit connector having pivoted members that are actuated by inserting the printed circuit into the connector to hold leads in operative engagement with the connector.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An electrical connector attachable to a plate electrode, as a ground plate electrode or an EKG'electrode, provides an electrical connection with the electrical conductive skin of the electrode and prevents accidental separation of the connector from the electrode. The connector has electrical conductor means positionable in substantial surface engagement with the skin of the electrode. The conductor means is mounted on spaced jaws located on opposite sides of the electrode. Releasable lock means is selectively operable. to apply a clamping force to and move the jaws together to firmly hold the conductor means in surface engagement with I the skin and to release the clamping force from the jaws whereby the electrode can be removed from the connector. In one form of connector, an arm having a projection is movable to pierce the electrode to hold the electrode in assembled relation with the connector.

IN THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a foreshortened plan view of a ground plate electrode connected to an electrosurgical unit with a cord and electrical connector of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1 showing the clamp assembly in locking relation with the ground plate electrode;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 2 showing the clamp assembly in release position;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a first modification of the clamp assembly of the invention attached to a ground plate electrode;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line 55 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a second modification of the clamp assembly of the invention attached to a ground plate electrode;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a third modification of a clamp assembly of the invention attached to a ground plate electrode;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line 9- -9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a fourth modification of the clamp assembly of the invention attached to a ground plate electrode; and

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along the line ll--1l of FIG. 10.

Referring to the drawings, there: is shown in FIGS. 1 through 3 a ground plate electrode or indifferent electrode indicated generally at 10 for use with an electrosurgical machine in cautery, fulguration, electrocoagulation and like operating procedures. Electrode 10 can be used as an EKG electrode. The electrode 10 has a flexible electrically insulative base 11 of paper, carb oard, sheet plastic, foam plastic or like materials and an electrically conductive skin or coating 12. Skin 12 can be metal foil, as aluminum foil, metal films, copper, tin, silver, electrically conductive plastics, zinc, electrically conductive inks and cloth, or the like. Both sides of the base can be covered with electrically conductive skins or coatings. The skin 11 is of a size to cover the entire side of the base 12. Bonding material as an adhesive secures the entire inner side of the skin 11 to the adjacent side of the base 11. The electrode 10 does not have a folded flange nor a hole. The edges of the skin 11 extend over the edges of the base to eliminate sharp edges. The corners of the electrode 10 are round or arcuate to eliminate points which may injure the patient or operating personnel. Skin 11 has a substantial external surface area to make a large surface engagement -is connected to an electrosurgical machine 13 with a cable 14. An electrical plug 16 at one end of cable 14 connects the cable to the electrosurgical machine 13. The opposite end of the cable 14 is connected to clamp or connector assembly, indicated generally at 17, attached to the ground plate electrode 10.

I Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, clamp assembly or electrical connector 17 has a pair of jaws or members 18 and 19. Members 18 and 19 have angularly converging outer portions that are secured to each other with a weld or similar manner at 21. Members 18 and 19 can be formed from a single piece of material bent into a generally U-shape. Line 22 of cable 14 is attached to both members 18 and 19. The forward portions of members 18 and 19 converge toward each other and terminate in rearwardly directed

contact plates

23 and 24 respectively. The

plates

23 and 24 extend the full width of the clamp assembly, as shown in FIG. 1, whereby the plate 23 is in substantial surface contact with the electrically conductive skin 11. The plate 24 is in surface contact with base 12 of the plate electrode and is directly opposite plate 23. Plate 24 is turned back on member 19 and reinforces the outerportion of the member 19. Plate 23 is angularly disposed from the plane of the forward portion of the member 18 leaving a space 25 between plate 23 and member 18. This space allows plate 23 to have a slight spring action. In other words, plate 23 is yieldable to conform to the flat surface of the ground plate electrode 10. The result is that plate 23 is always in substantial surface contact with the electrically conductive skin 11 of the electrode. The member 18 is convered with a coating 26 of electrically insulative material as plastic, rubber and the like. A similar insulative coating 27 covers the external portions of the member 19.

A' lock mechanism, indicated generally at 28, cooperates with members 18 and 19 to selectively clamp the plate electrode between

plates

23 and 24 or release the

plates

23 and 24 from the electrode. Lock mechanism 28 comprises an upwardly directed bolt 29 extended through a hole 31 in the member 19. The bolt can be secured to member 19 so that it does not rotate. The head of bolt 29 is covered with the electrically insulative coat 27. Threaded onto bolt 29 is a sleeve or cylindrical member 32. The cylindrical member 32 projects through a hole 33 in member 18. A pair of cam members '34 are located on opposite sides of the upper end of sleeve member 32. The cam members 34 have a generally elliptical shaped face and are secured to a handle or arm 36. Handle 36 has an upwardly and outwardly directed tab or tail 37 which can be used as a grip to move the handle. The cam'members 34 and handle 36, along with tail 37, may be formed from a single member wherein the cam members 34 are integral with the sides of the handle forming a generally U-shaped member.

A transverse pivot member or pin 38 connects the cams 34 with the upper end of cylindrical member 32. The pivot member 38 extends through the ends .of the cams 34 adjacent handle 36, locating the outer peripheral edges or face of earns 34 in engagement with thetop portion of body member 18. As shown in FIG. 2, when lever 36 is in the down rearward position, the cams 34 contact the top of member 18 at points 39 offcenter from the vertical axis of the sleeve 34. This places the contact points 39 in an over-center position whereby the handle 36 will maintain the members 18 and 19 in their closed locked position. When the lever is moved to its open position, as shown in FIG. 3, coil spring 41 located concentrically about sleeve 32 biases the members 18 and 19 away from each other. This moves plate 23 from the ground plate 10. j

The holding force of

plates

23 and 24 on ground plate can be adjusted by adjusting the lock mechanism. The handle 36 can be rotated to rotate sleeve 32. This will shorten the open space 42 between

plates

23 and 24, as shown in FIG. 3. The space42 is smaller than the closingdistance of cams 34 whereby the lock mechanism will provide a strong holding force on plate 23. The plate 23, being resilinet, will move to a flat surface engagement with the skin 11 of the electrode 10 whereby a substantial electrical connection is made between the clamp 17 and ground plate electrode 10. The locking mechanism produces a tight friction grip between the

plates

23 and 24 and the electrode 10 so that clamp 17 cannot be accidentally removed from the electrode.

Referring to FIGS.. 4 and 5, there is shown a first modification of the clamp assembly or electrical connector indicated generally at 43 connected to a ground plate electrode 44. Electrode 44 has an electrically insulative base 46 of cardboard, plastic or the like, carrying an electrically conductive skin 47, as aluminum foil, metal foil, copper, tin or the like. Electrode 44 is identical to electrode 10 shown in FIGS. 1 through 3.

Clamp assembly 43 has a one-piece body 48. Body 48 is of yieldable plastic material and is electrically insulative. The body 48 has a generally U-shaped base portion 49. The ends of the base portion are integral with generally transverse jaws or flanges 51 and 52. Located in engagement with the inside surface of the body portion 48 is a conductor 53. The conductor has a first contact plate 54 along the inside of flange 51 and a second contact plate 56 along the inside of flange 52. Each contact plate has an outwardly inclined nose 58 terminating in an inwardly directed lip 59. Lip 59 is located in transverse grooves 60 on the front edges of the flanges 51 and 52.

The conductor 53 is held in assembled relation with the body 49 with a bolt 61. The bolt 61 extends through a hole in the bottom of base 49 and is secured to the base with a nut 62. A cable 63 having an electrically conductive line 64 is connected to the outer end of bolt 61. The cable 63 is used to connect the clamp assembly to an electrosurgical unit. 1

A releasable lock assembly indicated generally at 66 is mounted on body 49 to clamp the contact plates 54 and 56 on the plate electrode 44. Lock assembly 66 comprises a bolt 67 extended through a hole 68 in the lower portion of body 49, as shown in FIG. 5. A sleeve 69 projects downwardly through hole 70 in the upper portion of body 49 and is threaded onto the bolt 67. The upper end of sleeve 69 has an enlarged head carrying a laterally directed arm 71. The arm 71 has an upwardly directed tail 72 used to grip the arm, enabling the arm to be rotated in the direction of arrows 73. The arm 71 is rotatable to provide a squeezing or clamping force on the flanges 51 and 52 and thereby force the contact plate 54 in flat surface engagement with the electrically conductive skin 47 and the contact plate 56 into engagement with base 46. Plate 56 has upwardly projected ribs or teeth 57 which bite into base 46 to aid in preventing separation of the clamp assembly 43from the electrode 44.

The top of base 49 has two pairs of upwardly directed projections or ears 74. Each pair of ears 74 is spaced from the other a distance to accommodate the outer end of arm 71. The ears 74 hold arm 71 in its adjusted.

position by preventing the arm from accidentally rotating and thereby releasing the grip of the clamp assembly on the plate electrode. The base 49 can have a series of projections or ears to hold the arm in a number of selected arcuate positions.

In use, the arm 71 is rotated in one direction to release or turn sleeve 69 off bolt 67. This releases the clamping action ofthe jaws 51 and 52 on the plate electrode 44. With the clamp in the released position, electrode 44 can be inserted between the contact plates 54 and 56, as shown in FIG. 5. The angular shape of the noses 58 of the contact plates aids in insertion of ground plate electrode 44 between contact plates 54 and 56. The lock assembly 66 is actuated to clamp the plates 54 and 56 onto the plate electrode 44. The arm 71 is rotated, as indicated by arrow 73, to tighten or turn sleeve 69 onto bolt 67. This produces a clamping action on body 49, forcing the contact plate 54 into firm surface engagement with electrical contact skin 47 of the ground plate electrode 44. The pressure is increased until the arm 71 is placed between ears 74, as shown in FIG. 4, to hold the arm in the selected position. The clamp assembly is now in a firm and positive electrical surface relationship with plate electrode 44.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, there is shown a second modification of the clamp assembly, indicated generally at 80, in assembled relation with a ground plate electrode 81. Plate electrode 81 has a flexible insulative base 82 carrying an electrically conductive skin 83. Electrode 81 is identical to electrode shown in FIGS. 1 through 3.

Clamp assembly 80 has a one-piece electrically insulative body 84. Body 84 is made of yieldable plastic or rubber material. Body 84 has a transverse base 86 integral with forwardly directed flanges or

jaws

87 and 88. The

jaws

87 and 88 are laterally spaced from each other a distance to accommodate a generally U-shaped electrical conductor member 89. Conductor member 89 has a first contact plate 91 in engagement with jaws 87 and a second contact plate 92 in engagement with jaw 88. Each contact plate has an outwardly inclined transverse nose 93 terminating in a rearwardly directed lip 91. Lip 91 is located in a transverse groove 96 in the forward end of

jaws

87 and 88. A bolt 97'extended through base 86 holds the conductor member 89 on the base 86. A nut 98 threaded on the bolt holds the bolt 97 on the base 86. A nut or similar threaded member can be retained in the base of the conductor 91 to receive the bolt 97 from an opposite direction. A cable 99 is attached to the outer end of bolt 97 to connect electrical conductor line 101 to the bolt 97 and thereby provide an electrical connection to the

contact plates

91 and 92.

A releasable lock assembly indicated generally at 102 acts on jaws'87 and 88 to hold the

contact plates

91 and 92 in firm surface contact with opposite sides of the ground plate electrode 81. Lock assembly 102 has an upwardly directed bolt I03 extended through hole 104 injaw 88. A sleeve or cylindrical member 106 extended through hole 107 in jaw 87 is threaded onto bolt 103. The sleeve 106 extends above the jaw 87 and is attached to a pair of overcenter cams 108. Cams 108 are connected to a lever or arm 109 terminating in an upwardly directed gripping tail 111. A transverse pivot pin 112 extends through cams 108 and the upper end of sleeve 106 to pivotally connect the cams to the sleeve. The cams 108 have an elliptical shaped face whereby when the cam is located in the closed position, as shown in FIG. 7, the pressure points 113 are in an over-center relationship with respect to the vertical or upright axis of the-bolt 103 thereby holding the cams in their locked positions. The cams 108 are released by moving arm 109 to an upward broken line position.

This moves the cam surface over-center and released the clamping forces on the

jaws

87 and 88. The amount of clamping force applied to

jaws

87 and 88 can be adjusted by rotating the sleeve 106 relative to bolt 103. This is accomplished by rotating the arm 109 about the upright axis of bolt 103.

In use, the plate electrode 81 is inserted between the

contact plates

91 and 92 with the lever arm 109 in the upright broken line position shown in FIG. 7. The electrode 91 is in substantial surface engagement with the electrically conductive skin 82 of the electrode. The lock mechanism clamps the

contact plates

91 and 92 into engagement with opposite sides of the plate electrode 82 by moving arm 109 to the forward or down position, as shown in FIG. 7. When arm 109 is in this position, the contact points 113 of cams 108 are in over-center positions whereby the resilient force of

jaws

87 and 88 will hold the lock assembly in its locked position.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, there is shown a third modification of the clamp assembly indicated generally at 115 operatively connected to a ground plate electrode 116. Plate electrode 116 has a flexible base 117 carrying an electrically conductive skin 118. Electrode 116 is the same construction as electrode 10 shown in FIGS. 1 through 3.

Clamp assembly 115 has a one-piece body 119 of resilient, electrically insulative material as plastic, rubger and the like. Body 119 has a transverse base integral with forwardly directed flanges or

jaws

122 and 123.

Jaws

122 and 123 are spaced from each other with a transverse slit 124. Located in space 124 is a generally U-shaped conductor 126 having a first contact plate 127 in engagement with jaw 122 and a second contact plate 128 in engagement with jaw 123. The lateral space between contact plates 127 and 128 is smaller than the thickness of the plate electrpde 116 whereby the electrode is located between the plates 127 and 128 with a tight fit. The biasing force of

jaws

122 and 123 hold the plates 127 and 128 in firm surface engagement with opposite sides of the electrode 116. Each contact plate 127 and 128 has a forwardly and outwardly directed nose 129 terminating in a rearwardly directed lip 131. Lip 131 extends transversely across the jaws and is located in a groove 132 in the front part of jaw 123. Jaw 123 has a similar groove for lip 131 of plate 127. Conductor 126 is held on the body 119 with a bolt 133. A nut 134 threaded on bolt 133 clamps the conductor 126 to body 119. A cable 136 having a conductor wire 137 is attached to the outer end of bolt 133.

and has a length that extends through a hole 143 in jaw 122 and into a hole 144 in jaw 123. The arm 138 is a yieldable springmember normally in engagement with the top of jaw 122. The arm 138 can be flexed and raised from the jaw 122, as shown in broken lines in FIG. 9, to move the point 142 up into the opening 143 of jaw 122. When the arm 138 is in the raised position,

the electrode 116 can be inserted into the space 124. The space 124 is slightly smaller than the thickness of g the electrode, whereby the contact plate 127 is in firm and surface engagement with electrically conductive skin 118. When the holding force on arm 138 is released, the projection 141 will puncture a hole 145 through the plate electrode 116 thereby providing a holding member to prevent accidental separation of the clamp assembly 115 from the plate electride 116. The plate electrode 116 is released from clamp assembly 115 by raising the arm 138 to release projection 141. The electrode 116 is then separated from the clamp assembly by pulling the electrode 116 from the clamp assembly 115.

Referring to FIGS. and 11, there is shown a fourth modification of the clamp assembly indicated generally at 150 attached to a ground plate electrode 151. Plate electrode 151 has a base 152 and electrically conductive skin 153. Plate electrode 151 is of a construction corresponding to the structure of plate electrode 10 shown in FIGS. 1 through 3.

Clamp assembly 150 has a one-piece body 154 of a generally flat rectangular shape of electrically insulative and resilient material, as plastic, rubber or the like. Body 154 has a base 156 integrally joined with forwardly directed fiat flanges or

jaws

157 and 158. The

jaws

157 and 158 are laterally spaced from each other by slot or space 159. Located within space 159 is a generally, U-shaped electrical conductor 160. Conductor 160 has a first contact plate 161 in engagement with the jaw 157 and a'second contact plate 162 in engagement with jaw 158. Each contact plate has a forwardly and outwardly directed nose 163 terminating in a rearwardly directed lip 164. The lip is located in a transverse groove 166.

A bolt 167 extended through the back of base 156 and the conductor 160 holds the conductor in assembled relation with base 154. A nut 168 threaded on bolt 167 secures the bolt 167 to the base 156. A cable 169 having an electrical lead 171 is attached to the outer end of bolt 167.

A releasable lock assembly indicated generally at 172 cooperates with

jaws

157 and 158 to clamp the contact plates 161 and 162 into engagement with opposite sides of plate electrode 151. Lock assembly 172 comprises a bolt 173 projected through a hole 174 in jaw 158. A sleeve 176 projected through a hole 177 in jaw 157 is threaded onto bolt 173. The upper end of sleeve 176 projects above jaw 157 and is pivotally connected to a pair of cams 178. Cams 178 are attached to an elongated arm 179 terminating in an upwardly directed tail 181. A transverse pivot pin 182 pivotally connects the cams 178 to the upper end of sleeve 176. Cams 178 have generally elliptical shaped faces so that when arm 179 is down, as shown in FIG. 11, the cams 178 are in an over-center position, thereby holding the

jaws

157 and 158 in a clamped together position.

Secured to and projected downwardly from the outer end of arm 179 is a finger or projection 183. The end of projection 183 is inclined and has a point 184. When the arm 179 is in the down position, projection 183 projects through a hole 186 in jaw 157 and into a hole 187 in the jaw 158.

In use, when plate electrode 151 is located between the contact plates 161 and 162, the contact plate 161 has substantial surface engagement with electrically conductive skin 153. The projection 183 is moved downwardly with movement of lever 179 to pierce the electrode 151 locating projection through a hole 180 in the electrode 151. The movement of arm 179 to the down position also produces a clamping action on

jaws

157 and 158. The plate electrode 151 is released from clamp assembly 150 by raising arm 179 in the direction of arrow 188. This withdraws the projection 183 from the electrode 151 and releases the clamping action of

jaws

157 and 158. The plate electrode can then be readily removed from the clamp assembly. The clamping action of lock assembly 172 can be adjusted by rotating the arm 178 about the generally upright axis of bolt 173.

While there have been shown and described preferred embodiments of the clamp assembly and attachment to a ground plate electrode, it is to be understood that various changes, substitutions, and deletions may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the

ground plate electrodes

10, 44, 84, 116 and 151 may have an electrically conductive skin on both sides of the bases. The plate conductors of each clamp assembly can have pairs of electrical contacts as disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,699,968. The invention is defined in the following claims.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A plate electrode for engaging the surface of a body and an electrical connector comprising: a plate electrode having an electrically conductive means, said electrically conductive means having a substantial surface area for surface engagement with the surface of the body to make a large surface electrical contact between the electrically conductive means and the body, and an electrical connector releasably attached to said plate electrode, said electrical connector having electrical conductor means located in substantial surface engagement with the electrically conductive means, first jaw means located on one side of said plate electrode, and second jaw means located on the opposite side of said plate electrode, said electrical connector means being attached to at least one of said jaw means, and releasable lock means operable to a first position to move the first and second jaw means together to thereby clamp the electrical conductor means in surface engagement with the electrically conductive means and movable to a second position to release the first and second jaw means to thereby release the clamp of the electrical conductor means from the electrically conductive means, said releasable lock means including first means mounted on the first jaw means and projected through holes in the first and second jaw means, said first means including a first member and a second member adjustably connected to the first member, cam

means pivotally connected to said first means and engageable with the second jaw means, and second means secured to the cam means operable to move the cam means to a first position to locate the first and second jaw means in a clamped position whereby the electrical conductor means is held in surface engagement with the electrically conductive means, said cam means being movable to a second position to release the first and second jaw means whereby the plate electrode can be separated from the electrical connector.

2. The structure of claim 1 wherein: the cam means has an elliptical shaped face engageable with the second jaw means.

3. The structure of claim 1 including: biasing means to move the first jaw means away from the second jaw means.

4. The structure of claim -1 wherein: said electrical conductor means is a generally U-shaped member located within the space between the first jaw means and the second jaw means and attached to said first and second jaw means.

5. The structure of claim 1 including: arm means secured to the cam means operable to move the cam means.

6. The structure of claim 5 wherein: the first jaw means and the second jaw means have aligned holes, said arm means having a projection adapted to move through the hole in the first jaw means and into the hole in the second jaw means when the cam means is in the first position.

7. The structure of claim 1 wherein: the first jaw means and second jaw means are part of a one piece generally U-shaped member.

8. The structure of claim 7 wherein: said one piece member is a yieldable plastic material.

9. An electrical connector attachable to a plate electrode having an electrically conductive means, said electrically conductive means having a substantial surface area for surface engagement with the surface of a body to make a large surface electrical contact between the electrically conductive means and the body, the improvement of: said electrical conductor having plate electrical conductor means positionable in substantial surface engagement with the electrically conductive means, a first jaw, a second jaw laterally spaced from the first jaw, said conductor means located between said first jaw and said second jaw and mounted on one of said jaws, and releasable lock means operable to a first position to apply a clamping force to and move the first jaw and second jaw together and movable to a second position to release the clamping force from said first and second jaws, said releasable lock means including first means mounted on the firstjaws and pro jected through holes in the first and second jaws, said first means including a first member and a second member adjustably connected to the first member, cam means pivotally connected to said first means and engageable with the second jaws, and second means secured to the cam means operable to move the cam means to a first position to locate the first and second jaws in a clamped position whereby the electrical conductor means is held in surface engagement with the electrically conductive means, said cam means being movable to a second position to release the first and second jaws whereby the plate electrode can be separated from the electrical connector.

10. The structure of claim 9 wherein: the cam means has an elliptical shaped face engageable with the second jaw.

11. The structure of claim 9 including: biasing means to move the first jaw away from the second jaw.

12. The structure of claim 9 including: arm means secured to the cam means operable to move the cam means.

13. The structure of claim 12 wherein: the first jaw and the second jaw have aligned holes, said arm means having a projection adapted to move through the hole in the first jaw and into the hole in the second jaw when the cam means is in the first position.

14. An electrical connector attachable to a plate electrode having an electrically conductive means, said electrically conductive means having a substantial surface area for surface engagement with the surface of a body to make a large surface electrical contact between the electrically conductive means and the body, the improvement of: said electrical conductor having plate electrical conductor means positionable in substantial surface engagement with the electrically conductive means, a first jaw, a second jaw laterally spaced from the first jaw, said conductor means located between said first jaw and said second jaw and mounted on one of said jaws, and releasable lock means operable to a first position to apply a clamping force to and move the first jaw and second jaw together and movable to a second position to release the clamping force from said first and second jaws, said releasable lock means including a first threaded member projected through a hole in the second jaw, said second threaded member being threaded to the first threaded member, cam means pivotally connected to the second threaded member, said cam means having an eccentric face engageable with the second jaw and arm means secured to the cam means operable to move the cam means to I a first position to locate the first and second jaws in a 17. An electrical connector attachable to a ground plate electrode having a base and electrically conductive skin means attached to the base comprising: a body having a first jaw and a second jaw, said first jaw being laterally spaced from the second jaw, and conductor means mounted on said body for making an electrical connection with the skin means, said conductor means having a contact plate member with a surface adapted to be located in surface engagement with the skin means, an arm operable connected to the body, means mounting the arm on said body for selective movement of the arm toward andaway from one of said jaws and projection means secured to said arm, said first jaw having a hole for accommodating said projection means, said projection means having a length to project through said hole and through a plate electrode located between the first jaw and second jaw whereby said projection means holds the connector in assembled relation with a plate electrode.

18. The connector of claim 17 wherein: said second jaw has a hole generally aligned with the hole in the first jaw, said projection means having a length to ex tend into the hole in the second jaw.

19. The connector of claim 17 wherein: said means cooperating with said arm is a releasable lock means operable to a first position to apply a clamping force to and move the first jaw and second jaw toward each other and movable to a second position to release the clamping force from said first and second jaws.

20. The connector of claim 19 wherein: the releasable lock means includes first means mounted on the first jaw and projected through holes in the first and second jaws, cam means pivotally connected to said first means and engageable with the second jaw, and second means secured to the cam means operable to move the cam means to a first position to locate the first and second jaws in a clamped position whereby the electrical conductor means is held in surface engagement with the skin means, said cam means being movable to a second position to release the first and second jaws whereby the plate electrode can be separated from the electrical connector.

21. The connector of claim 17 wherein: the body is a generally U-shaped, one piece yieldable plastic member.

22. The connector of claim 21 wherein: said electrical conductor means is a generally U-shaped member located within the space between the first jaw and the second jaw and attached to said first and second jaws.

23. A plate electrode for engaing the surface of a body and an electrical connector comprising: a plate electrode having an electrically conductive means, said electrically conductive means having a substantial surface for surface engagement with the surface of a body to make a large surface electrical contact between the electrically conductive means and the body, and an electrical connector releasably attached to said plate electrode, said electrical connector having electrical conductor means located in substantial surface engagement with the electrically conductive means, first jaw means located on one side of said plate electrode and second jaw means located on the opposite side of said plate electrode, said electrical conductor means being attached to at least one of said jaw means, releasable lock means operable to a first position to move the first and second jaw means together to thereby clamp the electrical conductor means in surface engagement with the electrically conductive means and movable to a second position to release the first and second jaw means to thereby release the clamp of the electrical.

conductor means from the electrically conductive means, said releasable lock means including first means mounted on the first jaw means and projected through holes in the first and secondjaw means, cam means pivotally connected to said first means and engageable with the second jaw means. and second means secured to the cam means operable to move the cam means to a first position to locate the first and second jaw means in a clamped position whereby the electrical conductor means is held in surface engagement with the electrically conductive means, said cam means being movable to a second position to release the first and second jaw means whereby the plate electrode can be separated from the electrical connector, and arm means secured to the cam means operable to move the cam means, said first jaw means and second jaw means having aligned holes, said arm means having a projection adapted to move through the hole in the first jaw means and into the hole in the second jaw means when the cam means is in the first position.

24. The structure of claim 23 wherein: the cam means has an elliptical-shaped face engageable with the second jaw means.

25. The structure of claim 23 including: biasing means to move the first jaw means away from the second jaw means.

26. The structure of claim 23 wherein: said electrical conductor means is a generally U-shaped member located within the space between the first jaw means and the second jaw means and attached to said first and second jaw means.

27. The structure of claim 23 wherein: the first jaw means and second jaw means are part of a one-piece generally U-shaped member.

28. The structure of claim 27 wherein: said one-piece member is a yieldable plastic material.

29. A plate electrode for engaging the surface of a body and an electrical connector comprising: a plate electrode having an electrically conductive means, said electrically conductive means having a substantial surface area for surface engagement with the surface of a body to make a large surface electrical contact between the electrically conductive means and the body, and an electrical connector releasably attached to said plate electrode, said electrical connector having electrical conductor means located in substantial surface engagement with the electrically conductive means, first jaw means located on one side of said plate electrode, said electrical connector means being attached to at least one of said jaw means, and releasable lock means operable to a first position to move the first and second jaw means together to thereby clamp the electrical conductor means in surface engagement with the electrically conductive means and movable to a second position to release the first and second jaw means to thereby release the clamp of the electrical conductor means from the electrically conductive means, said releasable lock means including a first threaded member mounted on the first jaw means, a second threaded member projected through a hole in the second jaw means, said second threaded member being threaded to the first threaded member, and arm means connected to the second threaded member and movable to rotate the second threaded member in one direction to apply a clamping force on the first and second jaw means whereby the electrical conductor means is held in surface engagement with the electrically conductive means and movable in an opposite direction to release the clamping force on the jaw means whereby the plate electrode can be removed from the electrical connector.

30. The structure of claim 29 wherein: the cam means has an elliptical-shaped face engageable with the second jaw means.

31. The structure of claim 29 including: biasing means to move the first jaw means away from the second jaw means.

32. The structure of claim 29 wherein: said electrical conductor means is a generally U-shaped member located within the space between the first jaw means and the second jaw means and attached to said first and second jaw means.

33. The structure of claim 29 wherein: the first jaw means and second jaw means are part of a one-piece generally U-shaped member.

34. The structure of claim 33 wherein: said one-piece member is a yieldable plastic material.

35. A plate electrode for engaging the surface of a body and an electrical connector comprising: a plate electrode having an electrically conductive means, said electrically conductive means having a substantial surface area for surface engagement with the surface of a body to make a large surface electrical contact between the electrically conductive means and the body, and an electrical connector releasably attached to said plate electrode, said electrical connector having electrical conductor means located in substantial surface engagement with the electrically conductive means, first jaw means located on one side of said plate electrode, said electrical connector means being attached to at least one of said jaw means, and releasable lock means operable to a first position to move the first and second jaw means together to thereby clamp the electrical conductor means in surface engagement with the electrically conductive means and movable to a second position to release the first and second jaw means to thereby release the clamp of the electrical conductor means from the electrically conductive means, said releasable lock means including a first threaded member mounted on the first jaw means, a second threaded member projected through a hole in the second jaw means, said second threaded member being threaded to the first threaded member, cam means pivotally connected to the second threaded member, said cam means having an eccentric face engageable with the second jaw means and arm means secured. to the cam means operable to move the cam means to a first position to locate the first and second jaw means in a clamped position whereby the electrical conductor means is held in surface engagement with the electrically conductive means and movable to a second position to release the first and second jaw means.

36. The structure of claim 35 including: biasing means to move the first jaw means away from the second jaw means.

37. The structure of claim 35 wherein: said electrical conductor means is a generally U-shaped member located within the space between the first jaw means and the second jaw means and attached to said first and second jaw means.

38. The structure of claim 35 wherein: the first jaw means and second jaw means are part of a one-piece generally U-shaped member.

39. The structure of claim 38 wherein: said one-piece member is a yieldable plastic material.

40. An electrical connector attachable to a plate electrode having an electrically conductive means, said electrically conductive means having a substantial surface area for surface engagement with the surface of a body to make a large surface electrical contact between the electrically conductive means and the body, the improvement of: said electrical connector having electrical conductor plate means positionable in substantial surface engagement with the electrically conductive means, a first jaw, a second jaw laterally spaced from the first jaw, said conductor means located between said first jaw and said second jaw and mounted on one of said jaws, releasable lock means operable to a first position to apply a clamping force to and move the first jaw and second jaw together and movable to a second position to release the clamping force from the first and second jaws, and arm means secured to the cam means operable to move the cam means, said first jaw and second jaw having aligned holes, said arm means having a projection adapted to move through the hole in the first jaw and into the hole in the second jaw when the cam means is in the first position.

41. The structure of claim 40 wherein: the cam means has an elliptical-shaped face engageable with the second jaw means.

42. The structure of claim 40 including: biasing means to move the first jaw means away from the second jaw means.

43. The structure of claim 40 wherein: said electrical conductor means is a generally U-shaped member located within the space between the first jaw means and the second jaw-means and attached to said first and second jaw means.

44. The structure of claim 40 wherein: the first jaw means and second jaw means are: part of a one-piece generally U-shaped member.

45. The structure of claim 44 wherein: said one-piece member is a yieldable plastic material.

46. An electrical connector attachable to a plate electrode having an electrically conductive means, said electrically conductive means having a substantial surface area for surface engagement with the surface of a body to make a large surface electrical contact be-, tween the electrically conductive means and the body, the improvement of: said electrical conductor having plate electrical conductor means positionable in substantial surface engagement with the electrically conductive means, a first jaw, a second jaw laterally spaced from the first jaw, said conductor means located between said first jaw and said second jaw and mounted on one of said jaws, and releasable lock means operable to a first position to apply a clamping force to and move the first jaw and second jaw together and movable to a second position to release the clamping force from said first and second jaws, said releasable lock means including a first threaded member mounted on the first jaw, a second threaded member projected through a hole in the second jaw, said second threaded member being threaded to the first threaded member, and arm means connected to the second threaded member and movable to rotate the second threaded member in one direction to apply a clamping force on the first and second jaws whereby the electrical conductor means is held in surface engagement with the electrically conductive means and movable in an opposite direction to release the clamping force on the jaws whereby the plate electrode can be removed from the electrical connector.

47. The structure of claim 46 wherein: the cam means has an elliptical-shaped face engageable with the second jaw means.

48. The structure of claim 46 including: biasing means to move the first jaw means away from the second jaw means.

49. The structure of claim 46 wherein: said electrical conductor means is a generally U-shaped member located within the space between the first jaw means and the second jaw means and attached to said first and second jaw means.

50. The structure of claim 46 wherein: the first jaw means and second jaw means are part of a one-piece generally U-shaped member.

51. The structure of claim 50 wherein: said one-piece member is a yeildable plastic material.

* =l l l 222 3 T UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE l CERTIFICATE OF- CORRECTION PatentN o. 3,842,394 Dated OctoberlS, 1974 Inventor(s) Lee Bolduc It is certified that error appears in the above identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 1, line 10, "means" should be -mean-.

Column 3, line 21, "convered" should be -covered.

Column '4, line 2', "resilinet" shouldbe "resilient".

Column 6, line 29, "rubger" should be "rubber-- Column 6, line 37, "electrpde" should be -electrode-- Column 10, line '48, "operable" should be -operably.

Column 14 last line, "yeildable" should be -yieldable- Signed end sealed this 17th day of December 1974..

fa -A Attefit:

25:60; 21. GlBSoN JR. C. l-lARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer T Commissioner of Patents

Claims

1. A plate electrode for engaging the surface of a body and an electrical connector comprising: a plate electrode having an electrically conductive means, said electrically conductive means having a substantial surface area for surface engagement with the surface of the body to make a large surface electrical contact between the electrically conductive means and the body, and an electrical connector releasably attached to said plate electrode, said electrical connector having electrical conductor means located in substantial surface engagement with the electrically conductive means, first jaw means located on one side of said plate electrode, and second jaw means located on the opposite side of said plate electrode, said electrical connector means being attached to at least one of said jaw means, and releasable lock means operable to a first position to move the first and second jaw means together to thereby clamp the electrical conductor means in surface engagement with the electrically conductive means and movable to a second position to release the first and second jaw means to thereby release the clamp of the electrical conductor means from the electrically conductive means, said releasable lock means including first means mounted on the first jaw means and projected through holes in the first and second jaw means, said first means including a first member and a second member adjustably connected to the first member, cam means pivotally connected to said first means and engageable with the second jaw means, and second means secured to the cam means operable to move the cam means to a first position to locate the first and second jaw means in a clamped position whereby the electrical conductor means is held in surface engagement with the electrically conductive means, said cam means being movable to a second position to release the first and second jaw meanS whereby the plate electrode can be separated from the electrical connector.

4. The structure of claim 1 wherein: said electrical conductor means is a generally U-shaped member located within the space between the first jaw means and the second jaw means and attached to said first and second jaw means.

9. An electrical connector attachable to a plate electrode having an electrically conductive means, said electrically conductive means having a substantial surface area for surface engagement with the surface of a body to make a large surface electrical contact between the electrically conductive means and the body, the improvement of: said electrical conductor having plate electrical conductor means positionable in substantial surface engagement with the electrically conductive means, a first jaw, a second jaw laterally spaced from the first jaw, said conductor means located between said first jaw and said second jaw and mounted on one of said jaws, and releasable lock means operable to a first position to apply a clamping force to and move the first jaw and second jaw together and movable to a second position to release the clamping force from said first and second jaws, said releasable lock means including first means mounted on the first jaws and projected through holes in the first and second jaws, said first means including a first member and a second member adjustably connected to the first member, cam means pivotally connected to said first means and engageable with the second jaws, and second means secured to the cam means operable to move the cam means to a first position to locate the first and second jaws in a clamped position whereby the electrical conductor means is held in surface engagement with the electrically conductive means, said cam means being movable to a second position to release the first and second jaws whereby the plate electrode can be separated from the electrical connector.

14. An electrical connector attachable to a plate electrode having an electrically conductive means, said electrically conductive means having a substantial surface area for surface engagement with the surface of a body to make a large surface electrical contact between the electrically conductive means and the body, the improvement of: said electrical conductor having plate electrical conductor means positionable in substantial surface engagement with the electrically conductive means, a first jaw, a second jaw laterally spaced from the first jaw, said conductor means located between said first jaw and said secoNd jaw and mounted on one of said jaws, and releasable lock means operable to a first position to apply a clamping force to and move the first jaw and second jaw together and movable to a second position to release the clamping force from said first and second jaws, said releasable lock means including a first threaded member projected through a hole in the second jaw, said second threaded member being threaded to the first threaded member, cam means pivotally connected to the second threaded member, said cam means having an eccentric face engageable with the second jaw and arm means secured to the cam means operable to move the cam means to a first position to locate the first and second jaws in a clamp position whereby the electrical conductor means is held in surface engagement with the electrically conductive means and movable to a second position to release the first and second jaws.

15. The structure of claim 14 wherein: the first jaw and second jaw are part of a one piece generally U-shaped member.

16. The structure of claim 14 wherein: said electrical conductor means is a generally U-shaped member located within the space between the first jaw and the second jaw and attached to said first and second jaws.

17. An electrical connector attachable to a ground plate electrode having a base and electrically conductive skin means attached to the base comprising: a body having a first jaw and a second jaw, said first jaw being laterally spaced from the second jaw, and conductor means mounted on said body for making an electrical connection with the skin means, said conductor means having a contact plate member with a surface adapted to be located in surface engagement with the skin means, an arm operable connected to the body, means mounting the arm on said body for selective movement of the arm toward and away from one of said jaws and projection means secured to said arm, said first jaw having a hole for accommodating said projection means, said projection means having a length to project through said hole and through a plate electrode located between the first jaw and second jaw whereby said projection means holds the connector in assembled relation with a plate electrode.

18. The connector of claim 17 wherein: said second jaw has a hole generally aligned with the hole in the first jaw, said projection means having a length to extend into the hole in the second jaw.

23. A plate electrode for engaing the surface of a body and an electrical connector comprising: a plate electrode having an electrically conductive means, said electrically conductive means having a substantial surface for surface engagement with the surface of a body to make a laRge surface electrical contact between the electrically conductive means and the body, and an electrical connector releasably attached to said plate electrode, said electrical connector having electrical conductor means located in substantial surface engagement with the electrically conductive means, first jaw means located on one side of said plate electrode and second jaw means located on the opposite side of said plate electrode, said electrical conductor means being attached to at least one of said jaw means, releasable lock means operable to a first position to move the first and second jaw means together to thereby clamp the electrical conductor means in surface engagement with the electrically conductive means and movable to a second position to release the first and second jaw means to thereby release the clamp of the electrical conductor means from the electrically conductive means, said releasable lock means including first means mounted on the first jaw means and projected through holes in the first and second jaw means, cam means pivotally connected to said first means and engageable with the second jaw means, and second means secured to the cam means operable to move the cam means to a first position to locate the first and second jaw means in a clamped position whereby the electrical conductor means is held in surface engagement with the electrically conductive means, said cam means being movable to a second position to release the first and second jaw means whereby the plate electrode can be separated from the electrical connector, and arm means secured to the cam means operable to move the cam means, said first jaw means and second jaw means having aligned holes, said arm means having a projection adapted to move through the hole in the first jaw means and into the hole in the second jaw means when the cam means is in the first position.

35. A plate electrode for engaging the surface of a body and an electrical connector comprising: a plate electrode having an electrically conductive means, said electrically conductive means having a substantial surface area for surface engagement with the surface of a body to make a large surface electrical contact between the electrically conductive means and the body, and an electrical connector releasably attached to said plate electrode, said electrical connector having electrical conductor means located in substantial surface engagement with the electrically conductive means, first jaw means located on one side of said plate electrode, said electrical connector means being attached to at least one of said jaw means, and releasable lock means operable to a first position to move the first and second jaw means together to thereby clamp the electrical conductor means in surface engagement with the electrically conductive means and movable to a second position to release the first and second jaw means to thereby release the clamp of the electrical conductor means from the electrically conductive means, said releasable lock means including a first threaded member mounted on the first jaw means, a second threaded member projected through a hole in the second jaw means, said second threaded member being threaded to the first threaded member, cam means pivotally connected to the second threaded member, said cam means having an eccentric face engageable with the second jaw means and arm means secured to the cam means operable to move the cam means to a first position to locate the first and second jaw means in a clamped position whereby the electrical conductor means is held in surface engagement with the electrically conductive means and movable to a second position to release the first and second jaw means.

44. The structure of claim 40 wherein: the first jaw means and second jaw means are part of a one-piece generally U-shaped member.

46. An electrical connector attachable to a plate electrode having an electrically conductive means, said electrically conductive means having a substantial surface area for surface engagement with the surface of a body to make a large surface electrical contact between the electrically conductive means and the body, the improvement of: said electrical conductor having plate electrical conductor means positionable in substantial surface engagement with the electrically conductive means, a first jaw, a second jaw laterally spaced from the first jaw, said conductor means located between said first jaw and said second jaw and mounted on one of said jaws, and releasable lock means operable to a first position to apply a clamping force to and move the first jaw and second jaw together and movable to a second position to release the clamping force from said first and second jaws, said releasable lock means including a first threaded member mounted on the first jaw, a second threaded member projected through a hole in the second jaw, said second threaded member being threaded to the first threaded member, and arm means connected to the second threaded member and movable to rotate the second threaded member in one direction to apply a clamping force on the first and second jaws whereby the electrical conductor means is held in surface engagement with the electrically conductive means and movable in an opposite direction to release the clamping force on the jaws whereby the plate electrode can be removed from the electrical connector.