The lifetime of sliding contact surface(s) of a precious metal or a precious metal alloy can be enhanced by embedding at least one nano-particle in the layer forming the sliding contact surface(s).

The lifetime of sliding contact surface(s) of a precious metal or a precious metal alloy can be enhanced by embedding at least one nano-particle in the layer forming the sliding contact surface(s).

An insertion device includes an insertion section extending along a longitudinal axis, a rotor provided in the insertion section rotating around the longitudinal axis, and an assistance tool attached to the insertion section in a state to cover the rotor from an outer peripheral side. The assistance tool rotates around the longitudinal axis together with the rotor when press force is applied from a first projection of the rotor to a second projection of the assistance tool by a rotation of the rotor. An angular position of the second projection around the longitudinal axis can be recognized from an outside of the assistance tool.

A transmission shaft set including a plurality of transmission shaft structures is disclosed. Each transmission shaft structure includes a metal pin connecting shaft and a base. The metal pin connecting shaft includes an arc part, a fastening block, a plurality of electrically connecting parts and a plurality of electrically connecting metal pins. The plurality of electrically connecting parts are located on the arc part. The plurality of electrically connecting metal pins are located in the fastening block and electrically connected to the plurality of electrically connecting parts. The base is fastened to the metal pin connecting shaft and includes a fastening groove, at least one fastening part and at least one column. The fastening groove is used for fastening the fastening block. The fastening part is located near the fastening groove. The column is located near the fastening groove and the fastening part.

A transmission shaft set including a plurality of transmission shaft structures is disclosed. Each transmission shaft structure includes a metal pin connecting shaft and a base. The metal pin connecting shaft includes an arc part, a fastening block, a plurality of electrically connecting parts and a plurality of electrically connecting metal pins. The plurality of electrically connecting parts are located on the arc part. The plurality of electrically connecting metal pins are located in the fastening block and electrically connected to the plurality of electrically connecting parts. The base is fastened to the metal pin connecting shaft and includes a fastening groove, at least one fastening part and at least one column. The fastening groove is used for fastening the fastening block. The fastening part is located near the fastening groove. The column is located near the fastening groove and the fastening part.

An interchangeable shaft assembly for a surgical instrument that includes first and second drive systems. The interchangeable shaft assembly is configured for removable attachment to a housing of the surgical instrument. Various embodiments include a latch system that enables the interchangeable shaft assembly to be detached from the housing when the first drive system is unactuated but prevents the interchangeable shaft assembly from being detached from the housing when the first drive system is in an actuated position.

A slip ring assembly includes a stationary element, a rotatable element rotatable relative to the stationary element, and a liquid metal contact electrically coupling the rotatable element to the stationary element. The liquid metal contact includes a metallic material having a melting temperature that is less than zero degrees Celsius and a boiling temperature that is greater than four-hundred degrees Celsius to electrically couple an electrical device fixed relative to the rotatable element to an electrical device fixed relative to the stationary element through the liquid metal contact.

A technique facilitates mechanical and electrical connection between components. The components may be coupled mechanically by a threaded engagement and electrically by first and second electrical couplers. The first and second electrical couplers may each have a plurality of electrical contacts oriented for linear engagement. The electrical contacts of the second electrical coupler are mounted on a first portion of the second electrical coupler which is rotatably received by a second portion to enable linear engagement of the electrical contacts while rotating the components relative to each other to form the mechanical connection.

A technique facilitates mechanical and electrical connection between components. The components may be coupled mechanically by a threaded engagement and electrically by first and second electrical couplers. The first and second electrical couplers may each have a plurality of electrical contacts oriented for linear engagement. The electrical contacts of the second electrical coupler are mounted on a first portion of the second electrical coupler which is rotatably received by a second portion to enable linear engagement of the electrical contacts while rotating the components relative to each other to form the mechanical connection.

Systems and methods providing an electrical interface between a male plug (1002) and a female receptacle (100, 500, 1000, 1600). The methods comprise: receiving a conductive pin (402, 800, 1006, 1602) of the male plug in a socket opening (112, 900, 1012, 1612) of the female receptacle; providing (a) first spring loaded floating contact points (460) between an elongate body (422) of the conductive pin and an electrical contact (106A-106B) of the female receptacle and (b) at least one second spring loaded floating contact point (462) between a tip (420) of the conductive pin and the electrical contact (110) of the female receptacle, when the conductive pin is fully inserted into the female receptacle; and maintaining at least two of the spring loaded floating contact points when the pin moves within the socket opening as a result of an external force applied to the male plug or female receptacle.