Abstract: A method of actuating an actuation element to transmit force along an instrument shaft, comprising driving rotational movement of a worm drive of a force transmission mechanism at a proximal end portion of the instrument shaft; converting the rotational movement of the worm drive into linear translational movement of a linkage of the force transmission mechanism, the linkage engaged with the worm drive; and converting the linear translational movement of the linkage to linear translational movement of the actuation element.

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 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: 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: 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 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: 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.