Abstract: A holding and moving device includes a support foot, a bearing arm secured pivotably onto the support foot to form a useful load side section and a weight-side section, a first pivot arm connected to the useful load side section of the bearing arm for attachment of a useful load and/or holding device for a useful load, and a second pivot arm connected to the weight-side section of the bearing arm for attachment of a balance weight. The bearing arm and the first and second pivot arms are connected to one another such that the alignment of the first and second pivot arms are essentially parallel to one another in each position. The second pivot arm and/or the weight-side section are designed such that the weight of the first pivot arm and/or of the useful load side section is balanced in each position of the holding and moving device.

Abstract: A light fixture for a security lighting system includes an elongated pipe having a lower pipe section, an upper pipe section, and an articulating joint coupling a lower end of the upper pipe section with an upper end of the lower pipe section for enabling the upper and lower pipe sections to articulate relative to one another. A clamping element is coupled with the lower end of the lower pipe section. A glare shroud is secured to the upper end of the upper pipe section. One or more LEDs are secured to an underside of the glare shroud. Each LED has an optical lens that is configured to pass light from the underside of the glare shroud at a predetermined beam angle of 137-156 degrees.

Abstract: Disclosed in the present invention are a rope climbing robot capable of surmounting an obstacle and an obstacle surmounting method thereof. The rope climbing robot includes a robot body. The robot body includes a shell, a drive module and a guide module. The shell is longitudinally cut into an even number of shell segments, and is laterally cut into a corresponding drive housing segment and a corresponding guide housing segment according to mounting positions of the drive module and the guide module in the shell. There is at least one guide module and at least one guide housing segment, and a shell opening mechanism is further mounted in the shell. The shell opening mechanism includes a first shell opening mechanism configured to open/close the guide housing segment and a second shell opening mechanism configured to open/close the drive housing segment.

Abstract: A portable gantry crane formed of composite members includes a composite material I-beam. Two or more support members are formed of a composite material and each support member supports the I-beam when the portable gantry crane is in an upright position. Two or more end housings are included, each end housing enclosing a top end of one of the two or more support members and coupled thereto using adhesive. A plurality of latch structures are coupled with the I-beam, each latch structure including a latch, and each end housing having a latch receiver, each latch in combination with a latch receiver allowing one of the latch structures to be releasably fixedly coupled with an end housing. In implementations a plurality of latch structures are coupled with the I-beam, each latch structure having a latch structure enclosure and each latch structure enclosure at least partially enclosing one of the end housings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable trajectory guide having a guide portion adapted to hold or provide a guiding for a medical instrument along a defined trajectory, and at least one adjustment section comprising: at least one elongated flexible beam member connected at its first end to the guide portion, and having at its second end a first engagement interface adapted to provide a connection to a support structure holding the trajectory guide; at least one second engagement interface which is movable relative to the at least one beam member and which is adapted to provide a connection to an actuator, at least one coupling member coupling the first end of the beam member to the second engagement interface, wherein the coupling member is capable of transmitting force and/or torque from the second engagement interface to the first end of the beam member.

Abstract: Unmanned aerial vehicle-based systems and related methods for aerial vehicle-based systems and methods for generating landscape models are disclosed herein. An example unmanned aerial vehicle includes a communicator to receive an instruction for the unmanned aerial vehicle to fly over an area of interest. The example unmanned aerial vehicle includes a camera to generate sensor data for the area of interest. The example unmanned aerial vehicle includes data generator to generate a three-dimensional model of the area of interest based on the sensor data. The communicator is to communicate the three-dimensional model to a vehicle.

Abstract: Various operator supported camera positioning systems are disclosed. The camera positioning systems can allow translational and rotational movement of different camera types on a camera mount. An operator interface, such as a handle bar or elongated beam, can operatively support the camera mount through a series of rotational linkages, allowing for relative rotation of the camera mount about one, two or three axes. The rotation about some or all of these axes can be controlled by drives, and control signals for these drives can be generated by one or more inertial transducers to stabilize the surface mount and associated camera orientation and pointing by reducing deviations from the inertially fixed orientation of the camera mount in response to rotational movements of the system about the one or more controlled axes of rotation.

Abstract: A holder is provided. The holder includes a base, a platform, a first leg, and a second leg. The platform includes a fastener for attaching an object to the platform. The first leg is hingeably coupled to the base and the platform. The second leg is also hingeably coupled to the platform. Each of the first leg and the second leg has a first section and a second section that are hingeably coupled to each other.

Abstract: The Lopsided Payload Carriage Gimbal in al its embodiments allow Aerial Vehicles and Water-borne vehicles to carry payloads far from the vehicle Geometric Center without significant travel of the vehicle's overall Center of Gravity. Large travel of the CG limits vehicle's performance or renders it inoperable. The embodiments rely on the interaction of the payload and the counter balancing weight through the payload link 18, balancing link 10 main link 14 and battery pylon 8 to substantially reduce the torque generated by the payload in a lopsided position. The embodiments also allow the vehicle carrying the payload to change thrust direction agilely. Finally, the embodiment acts as a mechanical stabilization device for the payload as well. This invention is adaptable to all forms of hover-capable aerial vehicles as well as water-borne vehicles.

Abstract: The present utility model relates to a transverse tube and a photographic equipment support. The purpose of the utility model is to provide a transverse tube that can be used with a common photographic equipment to allow a centre shaft transverse, and provide a photographic equipment containing the transverse tube.

Abstract: A medical observation apparatus includes: an imaging unit; a support unit including arms, a first joint that connects two of the arms and relatively rotates the two arms about a first rotation axis in accordance with given power, a second joint that connects two of the arms and relatively rotates the two arms about a second rotation axis in accordance with given power, a first motor that gives the power to the first joint, and a second motor that gives the power to the second joint; and a controller configured to control a rotational speed of the first motor in accordance with a first speed profile until the rotational speed reaches a predetermined operational speed, and control, until the rotational speed reaches the predetermined operational speed, a rotational speed of the second motor in accordance with a second speed profile that is different from the first speed profile.

Abstract: A manipulator may include a base portion, an upright portion connected to the base portion, a test head attachment incorporated into the upright portion, and an upright quick connect assembly incorporated into the test head attachment. In some cases, the manipulator includes an automatic weight transfer mechanism, a mobile base portion with casters and/or steerable casters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stand equipped with a counterbalance unit, i.e., a stand consisting of links, joints, a front link, and a counterbalance unit. Therefore, even when various medical apparatuses including such as a microscope, etc. are used, a stable counterbalance can be maintained and the degree of freedom of movements of the medical apparatus can be easily adjusted according to the purpose of users.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for manipulating items of luggage. The device comprises a base member, an arm which is pivotable about a vertical pivot axis relative to the base member, and a carrying element having a supporting surface for supporting an item of luggage. The arm is designed to move the carrying element away from the vertical pivot axis and toward the vertical pivot axis. The device further comprises moving means for moving the arm in vertical direction, resistance means which, in an operative state thereof, offer resistance against movement of the carrying element both in vertical direction and in horizontal direction relative to the base member, and operating means to be operated by a person, which operating means are provided with an operating element to be operated with a hand of said person for controlling at least the resistance means.

Abstract: A surgical system for control of a surgical mechanical arm, which system comprises: at least one input arm comprising: a plurality of sections; a plurality of joints sequentially coupling said plurality of sections; at least one sensor configured to measure movement of one or more of said sections; and a weight attached to one of said plurality of sections which biases said one of said plurality of sections to a null configuration, by movement under gravity of said one of said plurality of sections about one or more of said joints; and circuitry configured to receive a measurement signal from said at least one sensor and to generate a control signal, based on said measurement signal for control of movement of said surgical mechanical arm.

Abstract: The installation space is made compact, the conveying speed of a workpiece is increased, and interference with peripheral devices is readily avoided. Provided is a conveying robot including: a pedestal; a rotating base provided in a rotatable manner about a first axis, which is substantially horizontal, relative to the pedestal; a first arm provided on the rotating base in a swivelable manner about a second axis that is orthogonal to an axis parallel to the first axis; and a second arm that is provided on the first arm in a movable manner in a longitudinal direction of the first arm and whose distal end supports a wrist unit, which is capable of holding a workpiece to be conveyed.

Abstract: A crane apparatus for shooting is provided that achieves good operability and does not catch the hand. According to the crane apparatus for shooting of the present invention, the sub jibs are configured to be built in the main jib or a gap between the main jib and the sub jib is configured not to expose to the outside, and the hand of a cameraman is not caught between the main jib and the sub jib.

Abstract: A bicycle rack system has wheel trays spaced apart along a first edge of a roof of a vehicle, a support arm extensible and retractable in length, supported by a pivot mechanism near a second edge of the roof of the vehicle, the support arm extensible to a maximum length substantially greater than the width of the roof, and a specific length substantially less than the width of the roof, and a capture mechanism on a free end of the support arm, adapted to capture a part of the bicycle to be carried in the bike rack.

Abstract: A retractable suspension system for use with an amphibious vehicle is provided and includes three rotation points disposed on the vehicle body of the vehicle, three integration points disposed on an integration element of a tire, an actuating device and a damping component, so as to render the retractable suspension system structurally simple and multifunctional.

Abstract: An adjustable stand having a first spindle, a second spindle and a flange for connection to and positioning of an optical observation instrument. Positioning of the instrument relative to the stand is maintained by a torque compensation device respectively arranged with at least one of the spindles to compensate against torque caused by the mass and positioning of the instrument and spindles. Each torque compensation device includes a brake for securing the spindle, a spring, a motor for adjusting the spring tension, and a motor controller which includes a transmission device with a transmission ratio deviating from 1:1 and which is positioned between the spring and the spindle. The motor controller controls the spring tension by selectively rotating the motor based on instructions from a control unit, which receives signals from a spindle-position sensor and a spring-tension sensor and automatically provides counter-torque rotational movement instructions to the motor controller.

Abstract: A low-cost, reliable and easy to use kit for neutralizing surface exposed landmine and unexploded ordnance for humanitarian demining is based on a liquid fuel and a solid/soluble fuel. Both fuels are premeasured in separate, sealed containers. The addition of a small quantity of solid/soluble fuel into the liquid creates an explosive. The resulting mixture is capable of detonating with a standard No. 8 blasting cap. The solid/soluble fuel can be in the form of a powder, tablet, or its saturated solution in water. The solid/soluble fuel is hexamethylenetetramine. The liquid fuel, nitromethane, is provided in premeasured quantities. User is provided instructions for choosing the appropriate quantity of liquid fuel, the corresponding solid/soluble fuel required, the method of mixing, placement and detonation of the kits. Also disclosed is a simple wooden stand to hold the bottle of explosive in place. A special fuel, liquid 2-ethylhexylnitrate, is provided to desensitize the mixed and sensitized explosive.

Abstract: A position-adjustable support assembly comprises at least one surface mount, an actuator affixed thereto, and a body coupled to and supported on the actuator free of the at least one surface mount. The body is moveable relative to the at least one surface mount in response to a motive force applied by the actuator. The actuator may be affixed to the at least one surface mount inboard of an outer perimeter defined by a frame portion of the body so as to be accommodated interstitially between the at least one surface mount and the body. In some embodiments, the support assembly may further comprise a strain gauge, coupled to the body at a terminal region thereof, which may be configured to detect a strain force acting on the body in the terminal region and control movement of the body based on the strain force detected by the strain gauge.

Abstract: A lightweight compact collapsible camera crane may comprise a tubular boom having segments arranged in a telescopic configuration such that the boom is transformable between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration. A boom-end bracket may be removably and hingedly connected to a distal end of the boom. The boom-end bracket may include a camera seat configured to support a camera. A tower may be removably and hingedly connected to an intermediate position along the boom such that during use a downward motion of a proximal end of the boom results in an upward motion of the distal end of the boom and an upward motion of the proximal end of the boom results in a downward motion of the distal end of the boom. A removable actuator cable may mechanically couple the tower and the boom-end bracket to maintain an orientation of the camera seat.

Abstract: A ceramic cooker support frame and transport device for holding, loading and unloading a ceramic cooker, smoker, or grill having a egg, cylindrical or spherical shape which includes a cooker holding pivotal frame with a freely swinging cooker basket and a detachable hand truck in order to maintain the cooker in an upright position during the loading and storage positions. The hand truck includes a frame with wheels and a locking handle to maintain the desired spacing between the support surface and the cooker supported by the elevated platform. The truck or dolly frame and locking handle are detachable from the cooker holding frame. The cooker frame and hand truck assembly are configured to be easily moved onto an elevated platform, for example, the bed of a truck or an elevated floor such as a raised patio or deck floor. The transport device facilitates cooking food for transport to a serving area.

Abstract: A supporting apparatus used for medical treatment includes a support arm in which a leading end side is coupled to a supporting unit supporting an endoscope, and a moving arm that is coupled to a base end side of the support arm, the moving arm moving the supporting unit and supporting the supporting unit in a moved position of the supporting unit. The support arm includes a leading-end-side coupling unit that is turnably coupled to the supporting unit, a base-end-side coupling unit that is disposed in coaxial with the leading-end-side coupling unit and turnably coupled to the moving arm, and an offset unit laterally offset with respect to an axis line R passing through the leading-end-side and the base-end-side coupling units. The offset unit is freely rotatable about the axis line R with respect to the supporting unit and the moving arm.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a platform with a center area and a platform support structure rotatively supporting said platform from outside a safe area adjacent to a plane through said platform's rotational axis whereby an image capture device may be positioned longitudinally throughout a range of angles within the safe area about a subject placed on said platform's center area such that the platform support structure will not substantially interfere visually with the imaging of the subject by appearing in said image capture device's field of view in front of or behind the subject.

Abstract: A holding mechanism of a display device includes a first arm, a second arm and a damper. The first arm and the second arm hold the display device in such a manner that the display device is capable of being displaced between a first disposition in which a lower edge portion of the display device is away from a placing face with a display screen facing to a front and a. second disposition in which the lower edge portion is in contact with the placing face with the display screen facing more upward than in the first disposition. The damper applies, to the first arm, a force that buffers a force by which the display device is liable to displacement from the first disposition to the second disposition due to self-weight.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a stabilizing apparatus for a camera. The apparatus may comprise a mount supporting a camera; a support coupled to said mount with a movable joint; and a counterweight system extending outwardly from said mount. One or more counterweights of said counterweight system may be positioned on an opposite side of said movable joint to said mount. The counterweight system may be configured to surround a space occupied by the movable joint. The counterweight system may comprise one or more movable counterweights which can move reciprocally relative to said counterweight system in response to movement of the support relative to the mount making it possible to gently steer the direction of shooting without losing the stability of the video camera caused by rapid oscillations of the support.

Abstract: A mounting base for a computer display device is disclosed having a counterweight that is coupled with one or more articulating arms configured to both maintain a center of mass of the base assembly with the display device to minimize a likelihood of toppling when the display device is pivoted outward about the base and to apply a counter torque to balance the display device when the display device is pivoted about the base.

Abstract: An articulated jib for moving a load is supported on a base and comprises a first jib arm pivotably connected to the base. The first jib arm functions as a bascule and is pivotable about a first axis. There is a first counterweight disposed on the first jib arm. A second jib arm is pivotably connected to the first jib arm and is pivotable about a second axis. A linking rod connects the second jib arm to a lever arm which is also pivotably connected to the base. There is a second counterweight disposed on the lever arm.

Abstract: In one aspect, a cradle system for supporting a load, the cradle system comprising a first arm with a first carriage assembly axially adjustable therealong and a second arm, opposite the first arm, with a second carriage assembly axially adjustable therealong. An actuator is associated with the first and second carriage assemblies and configured such that actuation of the actuator causes the first and second carriage assemblies to move axially in opposite directions. In another aspect, a cable support system comprising a support column and one or more tethers supported by the support column and configurable so that at least one tether is configured to move its supported cable in the same or opposite direction as the test head moves at a rate that is a constant multiplied by the test heads rate of motion where the constant may be greater than, equal to, or less than one.

Abstract: An articulated jib for moving a load is supported on a base and comprises a first jib arm pivotably connected to a base. The first jib arm functions as a bascule and is pivotable about a first axis. There is a first counterweight disposed on the first jib arm. A second jib arm is pivotably connected to the first jib arm and is pivotable about a second axis. A linking rod connects the second jib arm to a lever arm which is also pivotably connected to the base. There is a second counterweight disposed on the lever arm.

Abstract: A display stand comprises a mounting element couplable to a display element and a first support member coupled to the mounting element to enable angular movement of the display element relative to the first support member. The display stand also comprises a second support member rotatably coupled to the first support member to enable elevational movement of the display element relative to the second support member.

Abstract: An antenna device includes a base, an adjusting pole, an installing apparatus, a supporting pole, an antenna installed to a first end of the supporting pole, and a balance apparatus installed to a second end of the supporting pole. The installing apparatus defines an installing hole along the horizontal direction. A first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor are respectively installed in two opposite ends of the installing hole. The supporting pole is slidably received in the installing hole to abut against both of the first and second pressure sensors. The balance apparatus includes a controller electrically connected to the first and second pressure sensors and a motor. The controller controls the rotation direction of the motor according to pressures applied on the first sensor and the second pressure sensor, so that the balance apparatus moves along the supporting pole, until the pressures are the same.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards a support structure for electronic displays with a counterweight that is directed towards maintaining a center of gravity for the support structure, display, and counterweight over the support structure. Embodiments further disclose mechanisms for indirectly coupling the display and providing for counterweight rotations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable stand having a first arm (104) that is rotatable about a first rotation axis (102a), and a second arm (106) that is attached articulatedly at one end of the first arm (104), a mounting apparatus (110) being provided at the distal end of the second arm (106), further having a compensation mass (120, 130) operatively connected to the first arm (104), the compensation mass (120, 130) being provided at least partly displaceably back and forth along an axis (200) that is directed toward the first rotation axis (102a).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable stand having a first arm (104) and a second arm (106), the second arm (106) being articulatedly connected to the first arm (104), a first compensation weight (120) having a first mass being provided on the first arm (104), and a second compensation weight (130) having a second mass being provided on the second arm (106), the first and the second compensation weight (120, 130) each being provided with modifiable masses, an increase or decrease in the mass of the first compensation weight (120) being accompanied by a corresponding respective decrease or increase in the mass of the second compensation weight (130).

Abstract: A stand (10, 100) for holding a medical device (W1, W2, W3) includes a stand foot (9) and a carrier unit (1) connected to the stand foot rotatably about an axis (S), the medical device being mountable on the carrier unit. The stand also includes a counterweight (W4) to compensate for the torque about the axis produced by the medical device and the carrier unit, a first receiving unit (6, 102) at a first location for receiving at least a portion of the counterweight, and a second receiving unit (7, 104) at a second location for receiving at least another portion of the counterweight. Upon a change in torque about the axis, a proportion of the counterweight received by the first receiving unit is increasable by a compensation value, and that proportion of the counterweight which is received by the second receiving unit is reducible by that compensation value.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards a support structure for electronic displays with a counterweight that is directed towards maintaining a center of gravity for the support structure, display, and counterweight over the support structure. Embodiments further disclose mechanisms for indirectly coupling the display and providing for counterweight rotations.

Abstract: The purpose of this invention pertains to monitor mounting device that allow more flexibility and support for large-format, thin, flat, touchscreen monitors. This mount offers the solution to use these monitors as the computer interface, along with a standard keyboard and mouse platform mounted below for more traditional input options. The flexible height and tilt controls combined with the constantly-level keyboard tray provide an improved, comfortable balance between large-format, touch computing and traditional work station configurations. This invention is optimized to improve human comfort and the computing experience.

Abstract: A stand, in particular a floor stand, having an arm for holding an object, in particular an imaging device in the form of an ultrasound transducer, said arm being mounted on a vertical column and movable vertically via a vertical guide, wherein a counterweight balancing the weight of the arm is provided on or in the vertical column, a device (24) being provided for moving the counterweight (21) counter to the weight force (FG) for at least partially overriding the counterbalance.

Abstract: Device for fine adjustment of the counterweight of a telescopic filming crane, such as the type of crane with telescopic mechanisms wherein unfolding and retraction thereof is compensated for by means of the displacement of counterweights with the aim of maintaining its equilibrium, comprising electronic means which control a movement transmission means (3) on a secondary counterweight platform (2) which regulate the position of the crane counterweight (1), ensuring more precise adjustment of the position of the crane counterweight (1) and its equilibrium in relation to the fulcrum thereof.

Abstract: A stand for a surgical microscope is suggested that is provided with vertical and horizontal supports; articulation units; and a displacement unit that is attached to one of the articulation units. At least one pivot support is provided and encompassed by the displacement unit. A displacer is provided at the pivot support. The pivot support has a pivotable parallelogram support that is provided with a spring or a gas damper as energy storing device that interconnects and supports movement of the movable parts in the interior of the parallelogram support assisting with a stored force in a displacement movement. A holding arm is attached to the pivotable parallelogram support and simultaneously serves for displacing the optics carrier in the X direction.

Abstract: A stand for a surgical microscope is suggested that is provided with vertical and horizontal supports, articulation units and a displacer for displacing the optics carrier in an X direction extending horizontally and transversely to an oblique pivot axis. A balancing apparatus is provided for balancing an optics carrier held by a pivot support of the displacer. The optics carrier is rotatable around a first rotational axis in relation to the pivot support. The balancing compensates for the use with and without a microscope holder and with and without add-on units. The balancing apparatus is provided with Y and Z displacement units comprising respective slides. The weight of a second slide of the Z displacement unit compensates the weight of the optics carrier with and without the microscope holder and with and without the add-on units via the first rotational axis.

Abstract: A multi-mount apparatus for devices such as camera heads or lights on the end of a crane arm is disclosed. The multi-mount can include two substantially parallel side plates connected together with internal support members. A top mounting plate can be rotatably attached to the multi-mount at a top pivot point on the side plates. The multi-mount contains a leveling head, which can include a motor that drives a worm gear engaged with a moon gear. A bottom mounting plate can be attached to the moon gear, which is rotatably attached to the multi-mount at a bottom pivot point on the side plates. A motor drives a moon gear to rotate and maintain the bottom mounting plate at a desired orientation. In some embodiments, one or more push/pull rods rotatably attached to the bottom and top mounting plates also cause the top mounting plate to be maintained at the same orientation as the bottom mounting plate.

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: The media player holder apparatus is easily, adjustably, and removably clamped onto an existing object. The clamp provides for adjustable gap without full separation of the two clamp halves. A stalk connects the clamp to a ball joint with selectively retained positioning via the clamp screw. The telescopic arm connected to the ball joint provides distance selectivity of the upper ball joint from the ball joint. The frictionally positioned upper ball joint positions the platform. The removable tray is positioned atop the platform with the multi-plane adjustment providing optimal positioning of a media player. The tray is hingedly lidded and further comprises a frictional surface within, with half straps for retaining a media player or other such device.

Abstract: An exemplary flat panel display (2) includes a housing (251 and 255) with a pair of joint members (256 and 257), a display panel (253) accommodating in the housing, a base (21) with a supporting member (210), and a pivot mechanism (23) connecting the supporting member and the joint members. The joint members are integrally formed with the housing, whereby the display panel is pivotable relative to the base. With this configuration, the integrated joint members provide the flat panel display with a simple structure, relatively easy assembly, and reduced cost.

Abstract: A device comprising a monitor and a monitor support stand. The monitor support is configured to hold the monitor in a plurality of fixed locations. The monitor support includes a spring, a spring counterweight balance, and a cam. The spring is configured to support a weight of the monitor. The spring counterweight balance is coupled to the spring, and is configured reduce a force required to adjust a tension of the spring. The cam is coupled to the spring counterweight balance, and has a plurality of positions, wherein each of the plurality of positions is configured to adjust a weight range of the monitor that the spring can support.

Abstract: A big game support device for supporting and posing big game animals on a surface is provided. The big game animals having a first antler and a second antler. The big game support device comprises a clamping mechanism for directly and releasably clamping both the first antler and the second antler and an elevating mechanism for elevating the clamping means above the surface.