Abstract: A compound rotational interface and stepper assembly, the assembly including: a stepper supporting linear, rotational or both linear and rotational motion on a longitudinal axis; a compound rotational interface including a compound pinned parallelogram in a scissor arm arrangement bound by a first end coupled to a base and a second end coupled to a first rotational joint, the first rotational joint coupled to the stepper; the compound pinned parallelogram moveable from a first linear position to a second linear position and the first rotational joint moveable from a first angular position to a second angular position; and a linear direction defined by the compound pinned parallelogram substantially perpendicular to an axis of rotation defined by the first rotational joint.

Abstract: Disclosed is a counterbalance system for moving a payload and a method for counterbalancing the payload. The system and method comprise a resilient member that is in communication with the payload to be moved and two resilient members that are in communication with either end of the first resilient member. An actuator is in communication with the first and third resilient members and a payload arm, attached to the payload, is in communication with the first and second resilient members. The resilient members may be compressed and relaxed during movement of the actuator and the payload arm so that energy may be transferred between the system and the payload to counterbalance the weight of the payload.

Abstract: A counterbalance apparatus for supporting a load includes a base, a load bearing arm, a toggle linkage, and first and second resilient members for applying a force to the load bearing arm. The load bearing arm has pivot points forming a parallelogram linkage, and is adapted to support the load at a distal end. The toggle linkage can include an adjustment member positioned to define a distance relative to the attachment point. The first resilient member is adapted to apply a force to the load bearing arm and may have a first end connected to a first portion of the parallelogram linkage and a second end connected to the adjustment member. Movement of the toggle linkage to the load bearing position engages the forces of the resilient members and movement of the adjustment member varies the distance to adjust a support vector adapted to counterbalance the load vector.

Abstract: A compound rotational interface and stepper assembly, the assembly including: a stepper supporting linear, rotational or both linear and rotational motion on a longitudinal axis; a compound rotational interface including a compound pinned parallelogram in a scissor arm arrangement bound by a first end coupled to a base and a second end coupled to a first rotational joint, the first rotational joint coupled to the stepper; the compound pinned parallelogram moveable from a first linear position to a second linear position and the first rotational joint moveable from a first angular position to a second angular position; and a linear direction defined by the compound pinned parallelogram substantially perpendicular to an axis of rotation defined by the first rotational joint.

Abstract: There is provided a guide apparatus for orienting a medical tool relative to and through a remote fulcrum or remote center of motion. The guide apparatus may comprise: at least one crank arm comprising at least a portion of a first hinged coupling for hinged coupling to a stabilizer; at least one link arm comprising at least a portion of a second hinged coupling for hinged coupling to the crank arm at a location spaced from the first hinged coupling; a tool holder for supporting a medical tool on the link arm at a location spaced from the first hinged coupling; wherein the rotational axes of the first and second hinged couplings intersect to define a remote fulcrum. The guide apparatus may be configured to be an open-loop spherical chain or a closed-loop spherical chain.

Abstract: Disclosed is a counterbalance system for moving a payload and a method for counterbalancing the payload. The system and method comprise a resilient member that is in communication with the payload to be moved and two resilient members that are in communication with either end of the first resilient member. An actuator is in communication with the first and third resilient members and a payload arm, attached to the payload, is in communication with the first and second resilient members. The resilient members may be compressed and relaxed during movement of the actuator and the payload arm so that energy may be transferred between the system and the payload to counterbalance the weight of the payload.

Abstract: A self-locking brake mechanism, which utilises a cantilever to engage a brake drum to prevent the brake drum from rotating, thereby resulting in braking behaviour. Further, locking mechanisms are provided that are useful for applications involving multiple brakes. The locking mechanism, through suitable use of indexing via Geneva mechanisms, allows multiple brakes to be engaged and/or disengaged from a single point of adjustment. The multiple brakes may be engaged or disengaged in a variety of combinations to achieve a particular desired braking configuration. The user can turn a single knob to engage or disengage varying combinations of brakes so as to achieve the desired braking configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed is a counterbalance apparatus, and a method for counterbalancing using an apparatus, having a center of motion that is internal or external to the apparatus. The apparatus and method are adapted to support a payload, having a load vector applied in a direction of the vector or gravity, that is positioned distal to the center of motion. The apparatus includes a gimbal adapted to support the payload and allow for its rotational movement about the center of motion generating a load torque therefrom, and a resilient member adapted to engage the gimbal and supply a support torque to counterbalance the load torque. The method includes a step of supporting the payload with a gimbal adapted to allow rotational movement of the payload about the center of motion to generate a load torque therefrom, and a step of configuring a resilient member to engage the gimbal and supply a support torque to counterbalance the load torque.

Abstract: A counterbalance apparatus for supporting a load includes a base, a load bearing arm, a toggle linkage, and first and second resilient members for applying a force to the load bearing arm. The load bearing arm has pivot points forming a parallelogram linkage, and is adapted to support the load at a distal end. The toggle linkage can include an adjustment member positioned to define a distance relative to the attachment point. The first resilient member is adapted to apply a force to the load bearing arm and may have a first end connected to a first portion of the parallelogram linkage and a second end connected to the adjustment member. Movement of the toggle linkage to the load bearing position engages the forces of the resilient members and movement of the adjustment member varies the distance to adjust a support vector adapted to counterbalance the load vector.

Abstract: A mechanical tracking system comprises a first set of linkage arms, a second set of linkage arms, a pair of shafts connected at a first end to one arm of the first set of linkage arms and at a second end to one arm of said second set of the linkage arms, wherein each arm of the second set of linkage arms is oriented out of phase with a respective arm of the first set of linkage arms, an attachment shaft positioned adjacent to the first set of linkage arms to accommodate a tool, and a sensor arrangement configured to sense the orientation and position of the attachment shaft.

Abstract: A mechanical tracking system comprises a first set of linkage arms, a second set of linkage arms, a pair of shafts connected at a first end to one arm of the first set of linkage antis and at a second end to one arm of said second set of the linkage arms, wherein each arm of the second set of linkage arms is oriented out of phase with a respective arm of the first set of linkage arms, an attachment shaft positioned adjacent to the first set of linkage arms to accommodate a tool, and a sensor arrangement configured to sense the orientation and position of the attachment shaft.

Abstract: A mechanical arm assembly comprises an arm rotatable about a pivot, a first force generating device for maintaining the arm at a datum, and a second force generating device for compensating for the first generating device to maintain the arm in positions other than the datum.

Abstract: A device guiding apparatus comprises support framework, a counterbalance supported by the support framework at a position above a surface on which the support framework rests, and a manipulation assembly supported by the counterbalance. The manipulation assembly comprises at least one support assembly for supporting a medical device at a position intermediate the counterbalance and the surface such that a user has a direct line-of-site of the at least one support assembly.

Abstract: There is provided a guide apparatus for orienting a medical tool relative to and through a remote fulcrum or remote center of motion. The guide apparatus may comprise: at least one crank arm comprising at least a portion of a first hinged coupling for hinged coupling to a stabilizer; at least one link arm comprising at least a portion of a second hinged coupling for hinged coupling to the crank arm at a location spaced from the first hinged coupling; a tool holder for supporting a medical tool on the link arm at a location spaced from the first hinged coupling; wherein the rotational axes of the first and second hinged couplings intersect to define a remote fulcrum. The guide apparatus may be configured to be an open-loop spherical chain or a closed-loop spherical chain.

Abstract: There is provided a mechanical arm assembly comprising: an arm rotatable about a pivot, a first force generating device for maintaining the arm at a datum, a second force generating device for compensating for the first generating device to maintain the arm in positions other than the datum.

Abstract: There is provided a guide apparatus for orienting a medical tool relative to and through a remote fulcrum or remote center of motion. The guide apparatus may comprise: at least one crank arm comprising at least a portion of a first hinged coupling for hinged coupling to a stabilizer; at least one link arm comprising at least a portion of a second hinged coupling for hinged coupling to the crank arm at a location spaced from the first hinged coupling; a tool holder for supporting a medical tool on the link arm at a location spaced from the first hinged coupling; wherein the rotational axes of the first and second hinged couplings intersect to define a remote fulcrum. The guide apparatus may be configured to be an open-loop spherical chain or a closed-loop spherical chain.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the insertion of a medical tool, for example a needle, within the human body. The apparatus and method are particularly useful in prostate brachytherapy and in prostate biopsy. The apparatus comprises a telescoping guide universally coupled to a first and second positioning means that are used to automatically and/or manually position the guide at a desired needle insertion trajectory. Automatic positioning of the guide is accomplished with reference to three-dimensional transrectal ultrasound images that can also be used to show needle insertion in real-time. The apparatus may be manually positioned in the approximate insertion trajectory and then a computer interconnected with the apparatus may be used to achieve the final trajectory based upon the ultrasound images. The apparatus is particularly useful in cases where multiple needles are to be inserted into a small target area and in cases where pubic arch interference prevents direct access to the target area.