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: A visual presenter includes a base having a pivot shaft unit including a shaft support bracket, a support column mounted on the pivot shaft unit so as to be pivotable between a standing position and a forwardly-inclined position, a pivot shaft supported on the bracket, a wave washer inserted through the shaft to be tightened against the bracket by a nut in threading engagement with the shaft, and a return spring attached to the shaft so as to apply a biasing force to the shaft. The braking force and the biasing force counteract a pivotal movement of the support column, and the base includes a counterweight disposed in the base so that the base is prevented from being moved during an operation of pivoting the support column.

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: 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 camera crane includes an improved balancing system having a weight bar attached to the crane arm, and balance weights moveable along the weight bar. Substantially each balance weight can have upper rollers resting on the upper surface of the weight bar, to support the balance weight on the weight bar and allowing the balance weight to roll along the weight bar. A brake may be provided on the balance weights to lock the balance weight into a selected position on the weight bar. If used, the brake may have a moveable brake pad and a brake stop. The weight bar can be attached to the crane arm via mounting bars, and with the balance weights each including a slot to allow the balance weight to move over or past the mounting bars.

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: A first switch for performing both a weight balancing operation for a main parallel linkage and a weight balancing operation for a supplemental parallel linkage is provided separately from a second switch for only performing a weight balancing operation for the supplemental parallel linkage. An operator can press the second switch during surgery to only correct a slightly unbalanced state of the supplemental parallel linkage in a short period of time, resulting in increased operability of the operation microscope. While the first switch is provided on an operating panel at a stand body, the second switch is provided at a lower part of a distal link located above an operating space for the operation microscope. It is thus easy for an operator to press the second switch during surgery.

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: An apparatus and method is disclosed for automatically maintaining the viewing angle of a first display, mounted to a second display, regardless of the viewing angle of the second display. In one embodiment, such an apparatus includes a first display and a pivot mechanism to connect the first display to a second display. The pivot mechanism enables the first display to pivot relative to the second display. An angle retention mechanism is provided to automatically maintain the viewing angle of the first display regardless of the viewing angle of the second display.

Abstract: There is provided a display device stand used with a long table used in a TV conference, the display device stand allowing each of attendees seated along the long table to accurately see the contents displayed on the display screen of the display device. A display device stand 1 for supporting a display device 30 includes a base 2, a column 12 standing on the base 2, and a supporting member 20 provided at the column 12 and supporting the display device 30. The column 12 stands at a position on the opposite side of the center of the base 2 from the display screen of the supported display device 30. A weight 10 is removably attached to the base 2. The mass of the weight 10 added to the base 2 enhances the stability of the base 2, so that the display device 30 can be supported in a stable manner.

Abstract: A telescoping camera crane has mechanical drive and camera platform leveling systems, allowing for water resistant or submerged operation. Telescoping sections of the crane arm are driven by a hydraulic system, for smooth and near silent extension and retraction movement. The telescoping sections of the crane arm have a slight upward curvature, to compensate for deflection the arm, thereby improving performance. Electronic and mechanical stopping systems allow the camera platform to be smoothly, accurately, and reliably positioned. Camera platform levelling and stabilizing systems keep the camera level.

Abstract: A telescoping camera crane has mechanical drive and camera platform leveling systems, allowing for water resistant or submerged operation. Telescoping sections of the crane arm are driven by a hydraulic system, for smooth and near silent extension and retraction movement. The telescoping sections of the crane arm have a slight upward curvature, to compensate for deflection the arm, thereby improving performance. Electronic and mechanical stopping systems allow the camera platform to be smoothly, accurately, and reliably positioned. Camera platform levelling and stabilizing systems keep the camera level.

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 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 telescoping camera crane has mechanical drive and camera platform leveling systems, allowing for water resistant or submerged operation. Telescoping sections of the crane arm are driven by a hydraulic system, for smooth and near silent extension and retraction movement. The telescoping sections of the crane arm have a slight upward curvature, to compensate for deflection the arm, thereby improving performance. Electronic and mechanical stopping systems allow the camera platform to be smoothly, accurately, and reliably positioned. Camera platform levelling and stabilizing systems keep the camera level.

Abstract: A telescoping camera crane has mechanical drive and camera platform leveling systems, allowing for water resistant or submerged operation. Telescoping sections of the crane arm are driven by a hydraulic system, for smooth and near silent extension and retraction movement. The telescoping sections of the crane arm have a slight upward curvature, to compensate for deflection the arm, thereby improving performance. A riser section on the arm increases the effective length or reach of the arm. The extender section may also be pivotably mounted on the arm, so that it can quickly be moved into upright, inverted, or side positions.

Abstract: A stand-supported light source includes a combination of collapsing, telescopic and flexible joint couplings. For storage and shipping, a plurality of legs are collapsible to become longitudinally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base. A telescopic arm coupled to the stand may also be pivoted into a longitudinally parallel axis and then telescopically retracted, which results in a very compact configuration. In use, the telescopic arm may be extended through a range of positions, and may pivot out of parallel with the stand base longitudinal axis, permitting the light source to be located through a wide and precisely controlled range of motion. The legs are pivoted and self locking at a limited range of motion, simplifying set-up. A special clamp accepts a standard trouble light, without inhibiting access to or use of the various electrical switches and outlets that might typically be found on the trouble light. Different embodiments detail the pivot, clamp and various combinations.

Abstract: A camera crane has a boom arm pivotably connected to a post assembly. A track section is pivotably attached to the front end of the boom arm, and is leveled via leveling rods. The boom arm has a joggled section to provide clearance for a camera operator. A camera frame carrying a camera is linearly moveable along the track section. Pivot joints provide for adjustable drag on pivoting movement, without backlash or slip/stick movement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stand arrangement (100) for a medical-optical instrument. The stand arrangement includes a first link (104) which is pivotally supported on a holding unit (101) by a first rotational joint. The stand arrangement (100) further includes a second link (106) which is rotatably connected to the first link (104) via a second rotational joint (105). A take-up unit (109) for medical-optical equipment is held in a forward section (107, 108) of the second link (106) by a third rotational joint. The take-up unit (109) includes a front link (111) which, in turn, is connected via a third link (112) and a fourth link (113) to the second rotational joint (105). The holding unit (101) and the fourth link (113) are coupled with the aid of a toothed gear unit (118) in such a manner that the orientation of the front link (111) does not change with the movement of the first link (104).

Abstract: An improved structure (stand) for providing flexibility for holding and mounting components, such as microscopes and cameras, in order to eliminate disruptions from undesirable vibrations and tilting of the mounted component. The stand uses a vertical stand member, and a horizontal arm member movably positioned in both vertical and horizontal orientations relative to the stand member. Adjustable brackets and associated clamps are utilized.

Abstract: A camera crane having a carriage, a crane post which is arranged above the carriage, and a boom which is attached in such a manner that the boom can be tilted about a crane pivot axis, with sections of the boom extending on either side of the crane pivot axis. At an end of one section of the boom, a camera can be attached, and on the other section, a moment compensating counterweight can be attached. The section of the boom which carries the counterweight has a smaller length than the length of the crane post between carriage and crane pivot axis, and the boom has a pivot range about the crane pivot axis of more than 180°.

Abstract: A manipulator for a test head comprises a base and a tower having vertical tracks. The tower is mounted on the base. A vertical shaft is mounted on the base adjacent to the tower. An outer carriage is in engagement with the vertical tracks. The outer carriage is movable relative to the tower along a vertical axis of the vertical tracks. The inner carriage is in engagement with the vertical shaft. The inner carriage is moveable relative to the tower along a vertical axis of the vertical shaft. A spring is disposed between the inner carriage and the outer carriage. The spring supports the outer carriage. An arm is coupled to the outer carriage. The arm is adapted for supporting the test head.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stand having a support arm (2) and a balance weight (AG), which, via at least one cable pull (24d,f), ensures the weight compensation of the load (G), at least a second cable pull (24f) and/or at least a safety cable (324) and possibly at least one braking device (39; 42; 45; 57) being provided as a safety measure against breakage of the working cable (24d).

Abstract: The invention relates to a stand having a parallelogram carrier (2b) and a balancing device, in which, between a support arm (60) that runs substantially horizontally and a basic part (62) that can be braked with respect to a basic body (12), there is arranged at least one measuring unit (64) to measure and absorb the imbalance forces and moments which arise.

Abstract: A camera crane has a boom arm pivotably connected to a post assembly. The boom arm is extendible via an extension accessory kit. A track section is pivotably attached to the front end of the boom arm, and is leveled via leveling rods. The boom arm has a joggled section to provide clearance for a camera operator. A camera frame carrying a camera is linearly moveable along the track section. Pivot joints provide for adjustable drag on pivoting movement, without backlash or slip/stick movement. The track section is provided with a track frame and a slide head, so that the track section can be used apart from the crane.

Abstract: The invention concerns a stand for a microscope (6), having an X-Y displacement unit (5), a stand beam (3), a stand column (2), and a stand foot (1), the X-Y displacement unit (5) being no longer arranged, as before, in the region of microscope (6), but rather removed therefrom in the direction of the stand column (2). The X-Y displacement unit thus carries at least a part of the stand beam (3). The location of the center of gravity on the stand is thereby favorably influenced. Both the stand beam (3) and the stand foot (1) can be small.

Abstract: A camera crane has a boom arm pivotably connected to a post assembly. A track section is pivotably attached to the front end of the boom arm, and is leveled via leveling rods. The boom arm has a joggled section to provide clearance for a camera operator. A camera frame carrying a camera is linearly moveable along the track section. Pivot joints provide for adjustable drag on pivoting movement, without backlash or slip/stick movement.

Abstract: A camera crane has a spring balancing system for better maintaining the crane arm in balance as the crane arm is raised and lowered a spring link is pivotally attached to a support frame on a pivot access. Spring posts are attached to the crane arm section. Springs extend from the spring link to the spring posts. As the crane arm is raised, the springs exert a counterbalancing force. The spring balancing system can be disengaged by removing a pin extending through the spring link into the support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for supporting a heavier hand-held tool, particularly a spot welding gun, comprising a tool stand provided with a support arm arrangement mounted thereon, and a constant force spring having a first end and a second end, said first end of the constant force spring being attached to said support arm arrangement, and said hand-held tool being hung from said second end of the constant force spring, wherein the constant force of the spring is such that a user of the hand-held tool is relieved from at least a substantial portion of the weight of the tool, and the drawn-out length of the spring is long enough to enable the tool to be hung in a plurality of different operation heights. Preferably, the constant force of the spring is such that the tool is hung in a weight-balanced state. A line element may be connected between the constant force spring and the tool.

Abstract: In a holding device for a surgical instrument comprising a holder for the instrument, in order to enable pivotal movement of the instrument while avoiding simultaneous translational movement, it is proposed that the holder be held by at least two guide rods on a frame, the guide rods being rotably connected to the frame and to the holder, the bearing points of the guide rods on the holder being arranged in spaced relation to one another, and the spacing of the bearing points on the frame being greater than the spacing of the bearing points on the holder.

Abstract: A computer workstation mounting device is provided which permits devices to be accessed by operators in a variety of positions including sitting, standing, or from a wheelchair. The invention permits said devices to be moved in a wide variety of vertical, horizontal, and rotational ranges of motion, and permits the devices to be moved clear of the work area while performing other tasks, or safely moved to a position near the ceiling for security or additional workspace conservation. The invention uses a simple, low maintenance counterweight principle for its vertical travel. It also possesses a simple tilt and swivel mechanism, swivel bracket (32), and dual parallelogram arm assembly for its horizontal and rotational ranges of motion. The invention also incorporates the counterweight principle for maintaining the data cables (14) in an organized, aesthetically pleasing manner without loops or kinks through all ranges of motion.

Abstract: According to the invention, a latch 17 provided at a distal end of a lever 16 is urged to engage with a gear 13 fixed at a joint fulcrum 2 jointing a vertical arm 1 and a horizontal arm 3, for effecting angular displacement, thereby actuating a switch 20a,20b for a detecting mechanism. Because the mechanism is compact, it is easily applicable to existing balancing stands in which for example a parallel linkage mechanism formed with a combination of a plurality of vertical arms and horizontal arms is supported at a predetermined fulcrum.