Abstract: A surgical instrument may comprise a chassis, a shaft coupled to the chassis at the proximal end of the shaft, an end effector coupled to the shaft at the distal end of the shaft, a force transmission mechanism coupled to the chassis, and an actuation element connected between a lever arm of the force transmission mechanism and the end effector. The force transmission mechanism includes a worm drive, and the lever arm comprising a first end and a follower member at the first end of the lever arm, wherein the follower member is engaged with the worm drive and is configured to be driven by the worm drive. Rotational movement of the worm drive imparts translational movement to the actuation element via the lever arm, and the lever arm slides along a generally linear direction relative to the chassis to impart the translational movement to the actuation element.

Abstract: A force transmission mechanism for a surgical instrument includes a worm drive, a lever arm, and an actuation element. The lever arm may include a follower member at a first end of the lever arm. The follower member engages the worm drive and is configured to be driven by the worm drive. The actuation element is connected the lever arm. The actuation element is configured to transmit force to actuate an end effector of the surgical instrument. Rotational movement of the worm drive imparts translational movement to the actuation element via the lever arm.

Abstract: A force transmission mechanism for a surgical instrument includes a worm drive, a lever arm, and an actuation element. The lever arm may include a follower member at a first end of the lever arm. The follower member engages the worm drive and is configured to be driven by the worm drive. The actuation element is connected the lever arm. The actuation element is configured to transmit force to actuate an end effector of the surgical instrument. Rotational movement of the worm drive imparts translational movement to the actuation element via the lever arm.

Abstract: A surgery table utilizing first and second hinged supports that form a frame supporting a patient. First and second connectors hold the first and second supports to first and second piers. Each pier is formed with a base with a linked positioning mechanism for each connector and support member. Each positioning mechanism utilizes a column and a first arm having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The first arm proximal portion is axially rotatable relative to the first column. The second arm possesses a proximal portion and a distal portion such that the second arm proximal portion is axially rotatable relative to the distal portion of the first arm. The second arm distal portion links to the frame connector. A controller determines the axial rotation of the proximal portions of the first and second arms to determine an overall configuration of the frame.

Abstract: A surgery table utilizing first and second hinged supports that form a frame supporting a patient. First and second connectors hold the first and second supports to first and second piers. Each pier is formed with a base with a linked positioning mechanism for each connector and support member. Each positioning mechanism utilizes a column and a first arm having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The first arm proximal portion is axially rotatable relative to the first column. The second arm possesses a proximal portion and a distal portion such that the second arm proximal portion is axially rotatable relative to the distal portion of the first arm. The second arm distal portion links to the frame connector. A controller determines the axial rotation of the proximal portions of the first and second arms to determine an overall configuration of the frame.

Abstract: A handheld radiation delivery system is disclosed that includes a two-part delivery module comprising a reusable portion that contains a radioactive source wire and a disposable portion that includes a drive assembly for moving the radioactive source wire between storage and treatment positions. A disposable applicator tip is provided that includes a cannula for receiving the radioactive source wire when in the treatment position and a mechanism for limiting the number of uses of the device. A handheld cable actuator is operatively connected to the disposable portion of the handpiece to impart motion to the source wire.

Abstract: A surgery table utilizing first and second hinged supports that form a frame supporting a patient. First and second connectors hold the first and second supports to first and second piers. Each pier is formed with a base with a linked positioning mechanism for each connector and support member. Each positioning mechanism utilizes a column and a first arm having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The first arm proximal portion is axially rotatable relative to the first column. The second arm possesses a proximal portion and a distal portion such that the second arm proximal portion is axially rotatable relative to the distal portion of the first arm. The second arm distal portion links to the frame connector. A controller determines the axial rotation of the proximal portions of the first and second arms to determine an overall configuration of the frame.

Abstract: A handheld radiation delivery system is disclosed that includes a two-part delivery module comprising a reusable portion that contains a radioactive source wire and a disposable portion that includes a drive assembly for moving the radioactive source wire between storage and treatment positions. A disposable applicator tip is provided that includes a cannula for receiving the radioactive source wire when in the treatment position and a mechanism for limiting the number of uses of the device. A handheld cable actuator is operatively connected to the disposable portion of the handpiece to impart motion to the source wire.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an enclosure that protects an operational data storage device (preferably a common disk data storage devices with an IDE interface) from fire, flood or other hazards. The preferred embodiment comprises an enclosure which is water resistant and heat transfer protected to preserve the disk data storage device in the event of disaster involving flood or fire. Insulation, including phase change materials, are used to maintain internal temperature during normal operation and during fire conditions, so as to meet the thermal test portion of UL 72, Class 125, one hour, and the disk data storage device temperature does not exceed 125° C. The enclosure of the preferred embodiment manages humidity to an internal RH at 80% or below.

Abstract: An alignment device provides one or more references, such as laser lines and planes in horizontal and vertical orientations. One version of the alignment device includes an optics mounting assembly situated in a pivot socket on a frame to provide an output beam. A spring system and one or more alignment assemblies align and secure the optics mounting assembly in the socket. As a result, the output beam has a desired orientation with respect to true level. The spring system holds the optics mounting assembly in communication with the alignment assemblies to reduce system backlash. One implementation of the pivot socket has a surface in the form of a sphere's interior surface. A set of support members on the optics mounting assembly rest on the pivot socket's spherical surface—causing the output reference beam to extend from the center of a sphere including the socket's spherical surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for fixing the position of an optical sensor within a range of motion in relation to an optical apparatus. The fixing apparatus provides permits a range of motion through five degrees of freedom (DOF) during the securing process. The apparatus includes a housing for the optical assembly, a middle bracket, with the middle bracket secured to the optical apparatus. The range of motion is provided by a gimbal design in the housing and middle bracket which creates the five DOF. There are no screws involved in the fixing process to impart torques or forces to the parts being aligned and secured in position. An ultraviolet (UV) activated adhesive is used to secure the sensor housing to the middle bracket and the middle bracket to the optical scanner housing. The middle bracket is formed of a material transparent to UV light, and a high percentage of the UV light can pass through it to cure the adhesive applied between the parts. A vertical hole runs through tabs of both the housing and the middle bracket.

Abstract: An ultra-slim disk storage unit includes a frame and a cover for engaging the frame to create first and second enclosed spaces therein. In one of the enclosed spaces a disk drive assembly is housed which provides readable and writable information storage on a disk medium. Electronics for controlling the operation of the disk drive assembly is housed on a board contained within the second enclosed space. A connector provides coupling to the disk drive assembly electronics for external electrical connection to the disk storage unit. The connector is disposed along a peripheral side of the frame in accordance with PCMCIA standards.

Abstract: Apparatus for fixing the position of an optical sensor within a range of motion in relation to an optical apparatus. The fixing apparatus provides permits a range of motion through five degrees of freedom (DOF) during the securing process. The apparatus includes a housing for the optical assembly, a middle bracket, with the middle bracket secured to the optical apparatus. The range of motion is provided by a gimbal design in the housing and middle bracket which creates the five DOF. There are no screws involved in the fixing process to impart torques or forces to the parts being aligned and secured in position. An ultraviolet (UV) activated adhesive is used to secure the sensor housing to the middle bracket and the middle bracket to the optical scanner housing. The middle bracket is formed of a material transparent to UV light, and a high percentage of the UV light can pass through it to cure the adhesive applied between the parts. A vertical hole runs through tabs of both the housing and the middle bracket.

Abstract: An in-spindle axial-field motor assembly for a disk storage system includes a stationary baseplate and a cover plate secured to the base to form a housing. Disposed about the cover are cylindrical coils which form a motor stator. The motor assembly includes a rotor having inner and outer hubs disposed within the housing. The inner hub is rotatably mounted and supported by a bearing assembly. The outer hub supports an annular, rigid disk which provides a recording medium for storage of information. An axially-magnetized magnet is disposed between the inner and outer hub with the rotor being positioned between the cover and baseplate such that the net axial force acting on the rotor is minimized during motor operation. Ferromagnetic poles are positioned in the center of each coil to enhance the motor's torque generation capability while implementing an axially force-balanced design.

Abstract: A hard disk drive assembly which is small enough to meet the PCMCIA type I or type II formats and which has an outer layer of elastomer material which seals the assembly and absorbs external shock or vibrational loads applied to the drive unit. The disk drive unit includes a housing which encapsulates a magnetic disk and accompanying hardware required to read and write information onto the disk. The housing typically contains a cover plate and a base plate which are attached to a frame. Connected to the outer edges of the plates and frame is a layer of elastomer material. The elastomer seals the covers to the frame and absorbs external loads that are applied to the edges of the housing.

Abstract: A flexural bearing for an actuator assembly of a magnetic-disk drive includes a first and a second resilient member (10 and 12) and a third resilient member (14). The resilient members are attached to a base plate (40) of the disk drive and pivotally support an actuator body (16). The third resilient member includes an tensioning spring (18). The first and second resilient members are coupled to the base plate at two distinct locations and share a common anchor point on the actuator body.

Abstract: A hard disk drive frame which has a plurality of spring shaped contacts that electrically couple a printed circuit board to the flexible circuit board of an actuator arm assembly. The spring shaped contacts are mounted to the frame and extend from the frame in opposite directions into the printed circuit board area and held-disk assembly area. The spring shaped contacts are biased to engage and remain in contact with conductive pads formed on the flexible circuit board and printed circuit board when each are assembled within the hard disk drive.

Abstract: An ultra-slim disk storage unit includes a frame and a cover for engaging the frame to create first and second enclosed spaces therein. In one of the enclosed spaces a disk drive assembly is housed which provides readable and writeable information storage on a disk medium. Electronics for controlling the operation of the disk drive assembly is housed on a board contained within the second enclosed space. A connector provides coupling to the disk drive assembly electronics for external electrical connection to the disk storage unit. The connector is disposed along a peripheral side of the frame in accordance with PCMCIA standards.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing assembly for a disk storage unit includes a hub having a longitudinal axis disposed in a cavity formed between a base and a cover. A pair of balls is disposed within a pair of corresponding sockets with each being aligned opposite one another along a longitudinal axis of the hub. The pair of sockets are affixed to the base and cover plates, respectively, while the pair of balls are affixed to the hub. The clearance space between each ball and socket is filled with a liquid lubricant held in place by a surface tension seal. At least one of the sockets or balls is threadably attached so as to allow adjustment of the clearance space.

Abstract: Apparatus for fixing the position of an optical sensor within a range of motion in relation to an optical apparatus. The fixing apparatus provides permits a range of motion through five degrees of freedom (DOF) during the securing process. The apparatus includes a housing for the optical assembly, a middle bracket, with the middle bracket secured to the optical apparatus. The range of motion is provided by a gimbal design in the housing and middle bracket which creates the five DOF. There are no screws involved in the fixing process to impart torques or forces to the parts being aligned and secured in position. An ultraviolet (UV) activated adhesive is used to secure the sensor housing to the middle bracket and the middle bracket to the optical scanner housing. The middle bracket is formed of a material transparent to UV light, and a high percentage of the UV light can pass through it to cure the adhesive applied between the parts. A vertical hole runs through tabs of both the housing and the middle bracket.