IP Library Granted Patent US 8,617,154
Granted Patent B2
US 8,617,154 · App. 12/823,703 · Granted Dec 31, 2013

Current-fed push-pull converter with passive voltage clamp

Inventor: Mark A. Johnston (Boulder, CO)
Assignee: Covidien LP
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,617,154
App. No.
12/823,703
Granted
Dec 31, 2013
Kind
B2
Abstract

An electrosurgical generator configured to output radio frequency (RF) energy having a current-source type behavior is provided. The generator has a buck converter having a voltage source, at least one switch and an inductor. The generator also has an RF stage configured to output the RF energy. A sensor circuit configured to measure at least one parameter of the RF energy and a controller configured to receive the measured parameter from the sensor circuit and control the output of the electrosurgical generator based on the measured parameter may also be provided in the electrosurgical generator.

Claims (24)

1. An electrosurgical generator configured to output radio frequency (RF) energy having a current-source type behavior, the generator comprising:

a buck converter having a voltage source, at least one switch and an inductor;

an RF stage configured to output the RF energy, the RF stage including a transformer having at least one primary winding and a secondary winding;

a sensor circuit configured to measure at least one parameter of the RF energy; and

a controller configured to receive the measured parameter from the sensor circuit and control the output of the electrosurgical generator based on the measured parameter; and

an active element coupled between the voltage source and a center tap of the primary winding.

2. The electrosurgical generator of claim 1 , wherein the active element is a diode.

3. The electrosurgical generator of claim 1 , wherein the active element is a Zener diode.

4. The electrosurgical generator of claim 1 , wherein the active element is a field effect transistor.

5. An electrosurgical generator configured to output radio frequency (RF) energy having a current-source type behavior, the generator comprising:

a buck converter having a voltage source, at least one switch and an inductor;

an RF stage configured to output the RF energy, the RF stage including a transformer having at least one primary winding and a secondary winding; and

an active element coupled between the voltage source and a center tap of the primary winding.

6. The electrosurgical generator of claim 5 , wherein the active element is a diode.

7. The electrosurgical generator of claim 5 , wherein the active element is a Zener diode.

8. The electrosurgical generator of claim 5 , wherein the active element is a field effect transistor.

9. The electrosurgical generator of claim 5 further comprising:

a sensor circuit configured to measure at least one parameter of the RF energy; and

a controller configured to receive the measured parameter from the sensor circuit and control the output of the electrosurgical generator based on the measured parameter.

10. An electrosurgical generator configured to output radio frequency (RF) energy having a current-source type behavior, the generator comprising:

a buck converter having a voltage source, at least one switch and an inductor;

a transformer having at least one primary winding, a secondary winding and at least one tertiary winding;

a sensor circuit configured to measure at least one parameter of the RF energy; and

a controller configured to receive the measured parameter from the sensor circuit and control the output of the electrosurgical generator based on the measured parameter.

Assignments (2)
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Oct 2, 2012
From: TYCO HEALTHCARE GROUP LP
To: COVIDIEN LP
Reel/Frame 029065/0403 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jun 25, 2010
From: JOHNSTON, MARK A.
To: TYCO HEALTHCARE GROUP LP
Reel/Frame 024596/0020 →
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20110319881A1 · Dec 29, 2011