Abstract: The present invention pertains to extension arm apparatuses that are adapted to support user devices throughout a range of positions. A given apparatus may include one or more arms that position the user device remotely from a support position. An extension and retraction device such as a gas cylinder is received within each arm, and provides a force to support the user device as the arm is placed into a given position. A variable force clevis is connected to the extension/retraction device within the arm. The variable force clevis is connected to a pair of locations in the arm as well. As the arm moves, for instance up or down, the variable force clevis rotates within the arm and dynamically adjusts the force provided by the extension/retraction device. Thus, the arm may be positioned as desired, as such force adjustment stabilizes the arm.

Abstract: A water blast gun support apparatus and methods for enabling the operator to direct the gun by a joystick attached to a pneumatic sinusoidal biasing control unit. Depending upon the direction the joystick is pointed by the operator, a controlled flow of air is delivered to pneumatic motion producing actuators which move the water blast gun to the desired position and maintain this position when the operator moves the joystick to its neutral position. The support apparatus absorbs the thrust of the water so that the operator is relieved from having to physically counter the force of the water.

Abstract: An operating microscope includes a base set on a floor surface, a post held for rotation around a vertical rotation axis with respect to the base, a horizontal motion arm held for rotation around a first horizontal rotation axis with respect to the post, a vertical motion arm held for rotation around a second horizontal rotation axis with respect to the horizontal motion arm, a lens barrel portion supported by the vertical motion arm, an elastic member which is provided between the post and the horizontal motion arm and cancels an angular moment around the horizontal motion arm, a fulcrum which is provided on the horizontal motion arm and receives a force from the elastic member, and a fulcrum moving mechanism configured to shift the position of the fulcrum in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the horizontal motion arm.

Abstract: An exemplary supporting structure is provided for supporting a flat panel display. The supporting structure includes a brace and a base. The brace includes a chassis and a number of arms movably connected to the chassis. The chassis includes a supporting portion surface, an opposite grasp portion surface, and a side surface connecting the supporting portion surface and the grasp portion surface. The supporting portion surface is positioned against the back surface of the flat panel display. The chassis defines a number of side openings on the side surface from the grasp portion surface and along a direction parallel to the axis of the chassis. The base includes a casing sleeved on the chassis therein. The casing defines a number of cutouts corresponding to the side openings and cooperates with the side openings to define a number of sliding grooves for the arms sliding therein respectively.

Abstract: The system for suspending a valve exerciser from a support comprises a base element for mounting on the support, a first support element pivotally mounted on the base element, a second support element pivotally mounted on the first support element, a linking element pivotally mounted on the first support element, a first stabilizing element linking the base element and the linking element, a mounting element pivotally mounted on the second support element, a second stabilizing element linking the linking element and the mounting element, and a multiple stage assistance assembly for applying multiple degrees of assistance to movement of the first support element with respect to the base element.

Abstract: An improved stand for a display device that allows reliable and multi-faceted adjusting of the display device is provided. The stand includes a base, a slide housing, a hinge, a fixing unit, and a hinge unit. The slide housing is fixed to the base at an end thereof and extends upward from the base. The hinge connecting unit is guided to move along an extending direction of the slide housing. The fixing unit connects an upper end of the hinge connecting unit to a display device. The hinge unit is disposed below the hinge connecting unit to allow the hinge connecting unit and the display device to pivot.

Abstract: A gravity compensation device partially or completely compensates a force exerted by a basic mass (10) on a balancing device (12) at a first distance from an axis of rotation (13) by using a force generating device, such as spring (14), exerting a counterforce on the balancing device at a second distance from the axis of rotation. The first distance, the second distance, or both are selectable for providing the desired gravity compensation. One or more pulleys with an angle-variable radius may be used. The gravity compensation device does not add substantial mass to the basic mass, and is simple in design.

Abstract: A support, which may be a ceiling support, is designed to receive an operation microscope, and particularly may support a medical operation microscope. This support has a support column, movable around a rotation axis, with a first carrier arm and a second carrier arm which, with respect to the first carrier arm, can be moved around a first pivot axis and a second pivot axis. A cable connection is provided for producing a restoring force for the second carrier arm, and couples the second carrier arm to a counterweight for producing a restoring force around the second pivot axis. The counterweight is arranged in the region of the support column, to minimize inertial action accompanying a movement of the support around the rotation axis. A freewheel rotary joint is provided in the cable connection to suppress a feedback to the counterweight of a movement of the second carrier arm around the first pivot axis.

Abstract: A stand assembly for a monitor is provided. The stand assembly includes a base and a stand having an upper end rotatably coupled to a monitor body, and a lower end rotatably coupled to the base. The stand assembly also includes torque correcting means for generating a torque which varies non-linearly with rotation of the stand, thus allowing a tilt angle of a monitor body coupled to the stand assembly to be easily adjusted throughout a large range of motion.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for at least partially compensating a torque caused by gravitational forces acting on a mass body (2), which is rotatably supported on an axis of rotation (3). The arrangement includes a gas pressure spring (5) for providing a linear force. This linear force is transformed into a torque by means of a converter unit (7). The mass body (2) and the converter unit (7) can be coupled to each other in a way which allows for adjusting the amplitude and the phase of a compensating torque.

Abstract: A height-adjustable support includes a stand unit, a friction-providing assembly including a stationary member disposed stationarily on the stand unit and a movable member movable relative to and in frictional contact with the stationary member, a link assembly coupled to the movable member such that pivoting movement of the link assembly results in movement of the movable member relative to the stationary member, a mounting seat disposed on a distal end portion of the link assembly and adapted to support a load, and a biasing assembly coupled to the movable member and to the stand unit. A biasing force exerted by the biasing assembly on the movable member and a frictional force generated between the stationary member and the movable member cooperate to balance the weight of the load and position the link assembly to sustain the load at an arbitrary height.

Abstract: An operating microscope includes a base set on a floor surface, a post held for rotation around a vertical rotation axis with respect to the base, a horizontal motion arm held for rotation around a first horizontal rotation axis with respect to the post, a vertical motion arm held for rotation around a second horizontal rotation axis with respect to the horizontal motion arm, a lens barrel portion supported by the vertical motion arm, an elastic member which is provided between the post and the horizontal motion arm and cancels an angular moment around the horizontal motion arm, a fulcrum which is provided on the horizontal motion arm and receives a force from the elastic member, and a fulcrum moving mechanism configured to shift the position of the fulcrum in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the horizontal motion arm.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a medical instrument includes an arm, which has a support portion to support a medical instrument at one end, and an intermediate portion of which is supported by a base portion via a support column. The arm moves the support portion horizontally and vertically. The apparatus also includes a rotary connecting member, which is provided at a second end of the arm and moves to a position corresponding to a position to which the support portion has been moved. The apparatus further includes a counterweight, which is connected to the support column to be immovable in the horizontal directions and movable in the vertical directions, and generates vertically downward force. The rotary connecting member is connected to the counterweight so as to be movable in the horizontal directions relative to the counterweight and movable in the vertical directions together with the counterweight.

Abstract: A support having a transmission mechanism using a thin connecting piece includes a support base body, a transmission plate, a supporting plate and at least one thin connecting piece. The support base body has a base and brackets extending upwardly from the base. The distal end of the bracket is provided with a fixing sleeve. One end of the transmission plate is pivotally connected to the bracket. The supporting plate connected to the other end of the transmission plate. The supporting plate is provided with pivoting sleeves. The thin connecting piece is disposed on the transmission plate. Via this arrangement, the supporting plate can be kept vertical in synchronization with the swinging of the transmission plate. Thereby saving the space greatly and reducing the whole volume occupied by the support and peripheral elements. In this way, the assembling process is simplified, the productivity is increased, and the cost is reduced.

Abstract: A device suitable for supporting a component, such as a flat display screen, which device comprises a first arm, which can be connected to a wall with a first end thereof, being pivotable about a first pivot axis, and which is connected to a first end of a second arm with a second end thereof, being pivotable about a second pivot axis, which second arm can be connected to the component that is to be supported with a second end thereof, being pivotable about a third pivot axis. The device is furthermore provided with a third arm, which can be connected to the wall with a first end, being pivotable about a fourth pivot axis, and which is connected to a first end of a fourth arm with a second end, being pivotable about a fifth pivot axis, which fourth arm can be connected to the component to be supported with a second end, being pivotable about a sixth pivot axis.

Abstract: Embodiments of a stand are provided with continuous adjustability within a range of travel. In one embodiment, a stand includes a movement mechanism adapted to allow a tray to move along a range of travel relative to a stand base. The movement mechanism is in some embodiments further adapted to position the tray at an infinite number of locations along the range of travel.

Abstract: The present invention is a boom device or support stand designed to provide an all-in-one mobile presentation station, accommodating an interactive board or viewing screen, a computer, and a projector. In one embodiment, the stand includes a base, two sets of upright support members, one set to support the board and the second set to support the projector through attachment to an intermediary boom arm. A weight can also be attached to the boom arm to counterbalance the projector about the second set of uprights or to minimize energy transferred to the projector through movement or vibration of the boom device, usually via operator interaction with the board. A dampening device can be positioned between the first and second uprights to further absorb this energy. The boom device can also include a shelf to house a computer and other presentation devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tripod head, in particular a camera tripod head, whereby the return moment for balancing the tipping moment generated by the tipping moment exerted by the camera may be generated as near as possible to a sine sine curve with a compact construction. Essentially stationary return springs (17) are used for the above. The tilting movement of an arrangement (5) supporting the camera is transmitted over a carrier (26) by a cable (9), whereupon the pressure springs (17) are compressed and generate the necessary return moment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a stationary medical boom that can be easily installed on the floor of an existing operating room and that has one or more articulated arms used to position audio, video and medical equipment over an operating table in an operating room. The boom includes a stationary base configured to be attached to the floor of the operating room. One or more articulated boom arms are supported by the stationary base and extend out over the operating table. Articulated appendage arms, extending from the boom arms, are configured to support the audio, video and other medical equipment used in the operating room in the vicinity of the operating table. Both the articulated boom arm and the articulated appendage arm can be moved in either the X and/or Y directions. Consequently, the equipment supported by the appendage arm can be moved in virtually any position around the operating table.

Abstract: A monitor apparatus including a monitor and a base to support the monitor. The monitor apparatus further includes a first link provided between the monitor and the base; a second link provided between the monitor and the base adjacent to the first link; a base bracket combined to the base having first and second lower supporting parts to rotatably support lower parts of the first and second links, respectively; a connecting bracket rotatably combined to the monitor having first and second upper supporters to rotatably support upper parts of the first and second links, respectively.

Abstract: A mount for an image display apparatus allows a viewing angle, height, and aspect ratio of the image display apparatus to be adjusted. The mount includes a base, a support member disposed vertically with respect to the base, and an elevator which moves up and down within the support member. An upper bracket is engaged with the elevator, and a pivot bracket is engaged with a rear surface of the image display apparatus and rotates about a pivot shaft of the upper bracket. Rotation of the bracket causes an activation bar to move up and down, for forcing a holder into a fixed position or a released position the holder from. The holder prevents rotation of the display if the display is not already positioned at its upper position. The holder also prevents downward movement of the display if the display has been rotated.

Abstract: A medical instrument mounting and positioning device is disclosed, comprising a platform with bilateral clamps to hold a camera or other instrument, said platform being movable via a swivel ball-and-socket joint and connected to a spring-tensioned articulated arm having a flexible coil and three longitudinal members connected by pivot screw joints. Another swivel ball joint is located at the non-instrument end of the articulated arm, to connect the arm to a support member that is anchorable to a surgical table or other surface.

Abstract: A stand arrangement (100) for a medical-optical instrument includes a first link (104) which is pivotally journalled on a holding unit (101) with a first rotational joint. The stand arrangement further includes a second link (107) which is rotatably connected to the first link (104) via a second rotational joint (106). In a forward section (108) of the second link (106), a take-up unit (110) for medical-optical equipment (111) is held with a third rotational joint (109). The take-up unit (110) includes a front link (112) which is coupled to a device for force transmission (115). This device is rotatably journalled on the second rotational joint (106). In the stand arrangement (100), a device is provided for coupling the holding unit and the device for force transmission. This device for coupling includes a flexible force transmitting element (133) which can be loaded in tension.

Abstract: A tray support arm assembly provides for the positioning of a tray and an attached movable arm in a substantially horizontal orientation with respect to the console portion of a machine for use and a substantially vertical orientation with respect to the console portion of a machine for storage. The tray support arm assembly includes a lockable tray rotation joint, a lockable wrist joint, a lower arm assembly, a lockable elbow joint, an upper assembly and a lockable shoulder joint.

Abstract: A mechanism mounted on a stationary exercise bicycle including a frame, a rear seat, a front drive mechanism having a pedal at either side, and a numeric display is disclosed. In one embodiment, the mechanism includes a mounting assembly fixedly mounted at one side of the frame and including upper and lower mounting lugs; and an arm including an upper section secured to the display and a lower section having a distal end releasably secured to the upper section and a proximal end pivotably fastened between the mounting lugs. The display is adapted to dispose in a first position in front of the seat, in a second position at one side of the frame or in a position between the first position and the second position by pivoting about the mounting assembly.

Abstract: A system for counterbalancing the gravitation moment on a link when the link is supported at a point. A first spring mechanism balances the link about all axes that pass through the support point. The link can be balanced throughout a large range of motion.

Abstract: An adjustable support for holding an article such as a notebook computer. The support has a base; an article holding platform; and a single, adjustable, articulated, link connected at one end to the base and at its other end to the platform. The link has two spaced-apart lockable pivots, the pivots dividing the link into a base link member connected to the base, an intermediate link member, and a platform link member connected to the platform. The pivots are of the type having a locking member movable toward the pivot to unlock the pivot. The pivots are normally locked to hold the platform is a desired working position for a user of the notebook. The support has an unlocking mechanism, operable by one hand, for unlocking the pivots simultaneously. While the pivots are unlocked, the platform can be manipulating by the one hand on the unlocking mechanism to adjust the platform to a new working position and then locked in the new position.

Abstract: A microscope system includes an adjustable arm attached at one end to a support mount. A suspension member is configured at an opposite end of the adjustable arm and supports a scope assembly. The scope assembly includes a head harness and a microscope adjustably connected to the harness such that the microscope is disposed along an operator's line of site upon the operator donning the head harness. A weight compensator device is configured on the arm to compensate for the weight of the scope assembly hanging on the suspension member.

Abstract: A support is designed to receive an operation microscope. This support has a support column, movable around a rotation axis, with a first carrier arm and a second carrier arm which, with respect to the first carrier arm, can be moved around a first pivot axis and a second pivot axis. A cable connection is provided for producing a restoring force for the second carrier arm, and couples the second carrier arm to a counterweight for producing a restoring force around the second pivot axis. The counterweight is arranged in the region of the support column, to minimize inertial action accompanying a movement of the support around the rotation axis. A freewheel rotary joint is provided in the cable connection to suppress a feedback to the counterweight of a movement of the second carrier arm around the first pivot axis.

Abstract: A flat panel display stand has a base, a post, a resilient assembly and a holding bracket. The post is securely mounted perpendicularly on the base and has a channel defined inside the post and two guide slots formed through the post opposite to each other. The resilient assembly is mounted slidably in the channel of the post and has two friction feet and a coil spring. The friction feet are mounted respectively in the guide slots and generate adequate friction to hold the resilient assembly in place. The coil spring has an end secured in the channel and provides a resilient force to hold the resilient assembly in position. The holding bracket is connected to a flat panel display and is attached to the resilient assembly through the guide slots. The flat panel display stand is compact and facilitates adjustment of the position of the flat panel display.

Abstract: A height adjusting structure is adapted to support objects and adjust height of the objects, including a supporting body having at least one receiving portion, and at least one side of the receiving portion having a sliding groove with height difference; a shaft tube disposed in the receiving portion and having spiral trails on a surface thereof; a sliding base disposed in the receiving portion and sleeved on the shaft tube, a spiral connecting portion formed in an inner edge of the sliding base and corresponded to the spiral trails; and a torque unit sleeved on the shaft tube and two ends of the torque unit are separately fixed in the axis block and the shaft tube. Whereby the sliding base supports objects and the sliding base is slid along the sliding groove in the receiving portion to adjust height of the objects.

Abstract: A desk or table assembly includes a support member such as a worksurface, and an upright member, which may be in the form of a privacy screen, adjacent an edge of the worksurface. The upright member is interconnected with the support member using a mounting arrangement including a spring to apply a constant upward biasing force on the upright member. The spring resists downward forces applied to the upright member, and assist upward forces applied to the upright member. The spring counterbalances the weight of the upright member so that the upright member is retained at a desired position when moved to the desired position thereto by either a downward or upward external force applied to the upright member.

Abstract: A directional support structure for use with solar panels, flat satellite antennas, and the like items that are directed toward a point in space. The support structure includes a mounting plate with an extension tube extending outwardly therefrom, pivotally secured to a mounting bracket permitting rotational azimuth alignment of the mounting plate. At least one locking turnbuckle is attached between the extension tube and the mounting bracket to provide locking and vertical adjustable alignment of the mounting plate. The base member includes an attached first flange positioned along an upper end of the base member, an attached flaring positioned on the lower end of the mounting bracket, and an unattached second flange positioned over the flaring, securable to the first flange with fasteners.

Abstract: An adjusting assembly for adjustably connecting a monitor (50) to a base (60), includes a first rotate assembly (10) connected with the base, a second rotate assembly (20) connected with the monitor, a support arm (30) connected with the first rotate assembly and the second rotate assembly, and a pair of transmission straps (80). The transmission straps alter the rotation of the first rotate assembly in one direction to the rotation of the second assembly in an opposite direction. The first rotate assembly generates a first torsional moment. The monitor generates a first gravity moment opposite to the first torsional moment. When the monitor rotates relative to the support arm, the first rotate assembly generates a second torsional moment to counteract a second gravity moment of the monitor relative to the support arm.

Abstract: Provided are a supporting apparatus for display devices and a display device having the same, which make it possible to simplify construction, compared to the conventional ones, to provide easier production and to reduce production costs, as well as to maintain uniform motion of a main body of the display device when adjusting a viewing angle of a display screen of the main body. The supporting apparatus for display devices includes a supporting bracket provided to a main body of the display device, a base supporting the main body, a stand coupled to the base at a lower portion thereof and to the supporting bracket at an upper portion thereof, and a joint rotatably connecting the upper portion of the stand and the supporting bracket.

Abstract: A breakaway basketball goal system is provided for absorbing shocks during playing conditions. In embodiments of the invention, the basketball goal system includes a base, a neck movably coupled to the base, a backboard attached to a distal end of the neck, and a shock-absorbing mechanism that permits a neck, backboard and rim to move downward to absorb severe shocks, and that may automatically return them to their playing position. The shock-absorbing mechanism can include a housing disposed on a rearward side of a mounting post, a shock absorber, a guide attached to a movable end of the shock absorber, and a cable connecting the guide to the neck. In embodiments of the invention, the backboard extends a horizontal distance from the base to provide a safe playing area.

Abstract: There is provided a surgical microscope having a horizontal movement arm portion which moves a microscope portion in a substantially horizontal direction, and a vertical movement arm portion which moves the microscope portion in a substantially vertical direction. A first elastic force generation mechanism connected with a base bottom portion and the horizontal movement arm portion generates an elastic force which offsets a rotation moment around a first horizontal rotation axis produced when the horizontal movement arm portion revolves around the first horizontal rotation axis arranged in the base bottom portion. Further, a second elastic force generation mechanism connected with the base bottom portion and the vertical movement arm portion generates an elastic force which offsets a rotation moment around a second horizontal rotation axis produced when the vertical movement arm portion revolves around the second horizontal rotation axis arranged in the horizontal movement arm portion.

Abstract: The invention concerns a stand arrangement having an energy storage element (7) and a displacement apparatus (18b) for rotating and/or shifting the proximal articulation point (9a) of the energy storage element (7), and an optimized balancing procedure.

Abstract: A serving utensil, used for serving food on a salad bar, is attached to a retractable tether device. The retractable tether device is coupled to the under surface of a sneeze shield extending over the food on a salad bar, effectively elevating the retractable tether device and the serving utensil above and/or over food on the salad bar.

Abstract: A carrier system (10) for a medical apparatus (11) is disclosed. The carrier system includes rotation joints (17, 18, 20). A supply line harness runs in the carrier system (10) and is run so that it is covered. The rotation joint (18) includes a tube-shaped holding member on which fingers are formed which hold a rotation joint. A joint element, which is rotatably journalled in a joint receptacle, is provided in the rotation joint (20). The joint element has a wave-shaped section which is connected via a connecting section to an annularly-shaped section functioning to accommodate a connecting arm.

Abstract: A stand assembly for a monitor is provided. The stand assembly includes a base and a stand having an upper end rotatably coupled to a monitor body, and a lower end rotatably coupled to the base. The stand assembly also includes torque correcting means for generating a torque which varies non-linearly with rotation of the stand, thus allowing a tilt angle of a monitor body coupled to the stand assembly to be easily adjusted throughout a large range of motion.

Abstract: A counterweight assembly is especially adapted for mounting to a spinner tool allowing a workpiece to be balanced when rotated during welding or other operations. The counterweight assembly has an adjustable counterweight to provide a necessary amount of counterbalance force depending upon the particular size and configuration of the workpiece. The spinner tool is adapted to secure various diameters of pipe as well as pipe flanges. The spinner tool can be mounted within a portable vise that can be used directly at a work site.

Abstract: A display panel supporting device with cushion mechanism comprising a fixed supporting column, a sliding column fitted into the supporting column and arranged to move in sliding manner relative to the fixed supporting column for adjusting the height of the display panel and a cushion mechanism installed between the fixed supporting column and the sliding column and arranged to move synchronously with the sliding column, and the cushion mechanism has the effect of increasing the friction force between the supporting column and the sliding column, and the friction force can remain unchanged even after a long period of use that can improve the function of height adjusting, and prolong the service life of the display panel supporting device.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining an optical viewing device, for example a microscope (8), on a stand having a parallelogram carrier arm (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d), comprises an adjustable-length strut (6) acting through a pivot point of the carrier arm and an opposite link of the carrier arm. The strut (6) provides, in different variants, inclination adjustment, and/or vibration damping of the carriers arm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hand-grip with a grip part which can be detachably fastened on a microscope housing, the mounting and dismounting being possible with a single-handed movement with the gripping hand. The hand-grip is fashioned and positioned such that it permits operation of the microscope in all directions with only one hand.

Abstract: A comfort enhancer for supporting a CPAP mask and hose is designed to be portable and deployed on any standard bed. The support has a bi-pod base placed between the mattress and the inner spring of the bed. An upright pole, removably attached to the base and adjustable in height, carries hose clamps. A bracket attached to the top of the pole has a cantilever arm pivotally attached by a spring loaded pulley. The cantilever arm also carries hose clamps. The comfort enhancer supports the air hose at a distance from the bed and above the head of the user allowing the hose descend vertically to the user. The cantilever arm pivots to compensate for the movement of the mask and the spring loaded pulley absorbs the shock to the line.

Abstract: A display strut adjusting structure is located on a base seat of a display, comprises an altitude adjusting device and an angle adjusting device. An arc-shaped suppressing plate is located on a sliding plate of the altitude adjusting device, which can push the torsion member of an outer frame component with stability thus enhance the smoothness of the altitude adjusting operation. A braking bar at the end of the outer frame component restricts rotation, and allows strengthening of the stability of the adjusted angle between the display strut adjusting structure and the base seat. A concave ring is designed on the braking bar, when depressed the braking bar causes the concave ring to align with the pivot end, the outer frame component will rotate through the concave ring in relation to the pivot end, thus, adjusting the angle of the display strut adjusting structure and the base seat.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stand having a pivotable support arm (2) and a balance weight (AG), in which the balance weight (AG) acts via a cable pull (24) for the weight compensation of the load (G), the balance weight (AG) being arranged in the area of the vertical upright column (21) of the stand.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing an adjustable balancing force are provided. This mechanism can be used as a lifting force, a counter balancing mechanism or as a horizontal or other force mechanism. A stand in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a first component that is slidingly coupled to a second component. A spring mechanism provides a balancing force between the first component and the second component. In some advantageous embodiments of the present invention, the magnitude of the balancing force is substantially equal to a first load. In some advantageous embodiments, a friction force is provided for resisting relative movement between the first component and the second component.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for high speed phase modulation of optical beam with reduced optical loss. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first region of an optical waveguide disposed in semiconductor material. The first region has a first conductivity type. The apparatus also includes a second region of the optical waveguide disposed in the semiconductor material. The second region has a second conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type. A first contact is included in the apparatus and is coupled to the optical waveguide at a first location in the first region outside an optical path of an optical beam to be directed through the optical waveguide. The apparatus also includes a first higher doped region included in the first region and coupled to the first contact at the first location to improve an electrical coupling between the first contact and the optical waveguide. The first higher doped region has a higher doping concentration than a doping concentration within the optical path.