#$%^&*AU2008202075B220130530.pdf#####TEMPERATURE MONITORING RETURN ELECTRODE ABSTRACT s An electrosurgical return electrode (6) is disclosed. The return electrode includes a first flexible conductive material layer (72), a second flexible conductive material layer (74) and a material layer (70) disposed between the first flexible conductive material layer (72) and the second flexible conductive material layer (74). The material layer (70) is transitionable between a solid state and a non-solid state and is configured to io melt upon an increase in temperature beyond a predetermined threshold, thereby increasing conductivity between the first flexible conductive material layer (72) and the second flexible conductive material layer (74). -7-1/7 20-2 ELECTROSURGICAL /-~ 8'6 FIG. 1 120 24-2>;282 CONTROLLER HVPS RF O-PT 25-1 MICROPROCESSOR 26-- 22 MEMORY E FIG. 2