Abstract: A joint (52) for connecting arm portions (40, 42) of a ceiling or wall mounted support system includes housing members (60,62) with an annular bearing (64) interposed between opposed surfaces (82,84) thereof. The housing members are clamped together on an axle (98) such that a braking force generated between the bearing and the housing member surfaces opposes rotation of one arm portion relative to the other. A variable braking force is generated between the bearing and surfaces (206) of the housing members which are generally perpendicular to the opposed surfaces (82,84). The variable braking force is generated by a spring (182) and is greatest when the arm supporting a piece of equipment (24, 26, 28, 56) is at its lowest point, relative to the horizontal. This overcomes the increased forces in the spring which otherwise tend to cause the arm portion (42) to drift upward.

Abstract: A suspension system is disclosed for suspending lightheads, monitors, cameras, or other medical apparatus from an overhead structure at a selectable height. A drop tube has a selected portion thereof surroundingly encompassed by a receiving element that has a variable inside diameter substantially conforming to a frustum of a cone. A mounting plate rigidly connects with the overhead structure and with the receiving element. The mounting plate has an opening through which an end of the drop tube passes. A wedge-shaped element has a variable outer diameter substantially conforming to a frustum of a cone. The wedge-shaped element compressively inserts into the receiving element and surroundingly encompasses the selected portion of the drop tube to effectuate a compressive clamping of the selected portion of the drop tube inside the receiving element.