Abstract: A bipod operable for attachment to a bipod mounting plate having at least one transverse slot on a lower surface thereof, the upper surface of the bipod mounting plate including attachment means operable for attaching the mounting plate to a firearm or optical device. The bipod includes a bipod mounting bracket operable for rigidly and adjustably attaching the bipod to the bipod mounting plate. The bipod further includes a pair of telescopically extendable legs pivotally attached to the mounting bracket. The pivotal attachment means is operable for manually adjusting the angle of orientation of the legs with respect to the mounting bracket between zero degrees and a preset angle of less than 180 degrees and most preferably about 90 degrees. The pivotal attachment means further includes beveled detents that enable the silent locking of the legs into the desired angular orientation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable information sign device. In one embodiment of the invention, a top plate comprises a foundation and three plate coupling ports. A center arm comprises an arm rod axially coupled to the top plate foundation. A sliding plate is slideably coupled to the arm rod and comprises a sliding plate foundation and three sliding plate coupling ports. A spring encircling the arm rod is connected on a first end to the sliding plate foundation and on a second end to a stop coupled to the distal end of the arm rod. Three guide arms are connected to the coupling ports of the sliding plate foundation. Three legs are connected on one end to the coupling ports in the top plate and on the leg end to coupling ports on the guide arms.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present exemplary embodiment, set forth is a welding system including a plurality of adjustable welding support structures positioned in relationship to each other to permit welding of a workpiece held by a plurality of adjustable welding support structures, each of the support structures having a movable platform. The control system individually controls the position of the movable platform for each of the adjustable welding structures. In another embodiment of the present application, provided is a method for increasing the accuracy at which an adjustable support structure control system positions at least one adjustable support structure. Included in the process is the generation of a model of the adjustable support structure having an initial set of parameters, including structural position parameters and corresponding control element position parameters.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present application, provided is a welding support structure arrangement to support an elongated assembled weldment preparatory to positional welding. The arrangement includes at least one support structure having a support base and a movable platform connected to the support base by spaced-apart 2-bar linkages with center pintels and a series of length adjusting members between the pintels and the support base. A length adjusting member is located between the movable platform and the support base, wherein the lengths of the length adjusting members set the orientation of the movable platform. In accordance with another embodiment of the present application, welding support structures are arranged in a linear array, wherein each of the welding support structures include a movable platform. At least some of the movable platforms of the plurality of support structures are moved to predetermined orientations.

Abstract: A supporting arm for a monitor screen is disclosed. The supporting arm comprises a clipping seat, a securing seat, a support seat, a suspension arm and a cross-shaped joint formed into an integrated unit, and a cross-shaped linking frame of the cross-shaped joint, characterized in that the lateral sides of the vertical connector end of the linking frame is mounted with a plurality of pads, a load ratchet wheel, a clutch ratchet wheel, a mounting tube, a wave-shaped spring, a lateral seat and a circular rim by a screw bolt and a blocking nut, forming into an up-down joint mechanism for up and down adjustment of the monitor screen, the external face of the clutch ratchet wheel is provided with a plurality of protruded pegs, and the protruded peg is in engagement with a slot formed at the lateral seat, and the clutch ratchet wheel is in engagement with the load ratchet wheel such that after a prolong period of use, the clutch ratchet wheel will not move eccentrically or move downward.

Abstract: A motorized table apparatus comprises: a support unit for supporting a movement table so as to allow it to move in a single axis direction relative to a stationary unit which is fixed to the movement table; a slide member which is equipped on the movement table and which has a length equivalent to, or more than, a moving range of the movement table; an ultrasonic oscillators which is equipped on the stationary unit, which moves the movement table, and which comprises a single piezoelectric body and two drive elements; and a pressure application unit for supporting so that the two drive elements of the ultrasonic oscillator and the slide member are pressed by a constant force, wherein a plurality of the ultrasonic oscillators are equipped.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for holding a laptop computer or other portable devices. The laptop is placed on a support having a generally planar surface. A pair of adjustable arm members is pivotally connected to the support. The user may adjust one or both of the arm members to accommodate portable devices of different sizes. Clips or other connectors are used to secure the laptop to the holding device. The clips connect to the arm members and to the support. The clips may have one or more components, and may be configured to slide along the arm members and the support. The support may include a number of projections that can be arranged in an X-shaped configuration. A release plate or other connector couples the holding device to an extension assembly. The release plate provides a quick release from a tilting device of the extension assembly.

Abstract: A tripod head includes a cylindrical housing 1 having connection member at one end for a tripod, a ball joint (2) rotatably and pivotally arranged in the housing (1), a bearing element (4) for the ball joint (2), having a sliding surface (7) contacting the circumference of the ball joint (2) and arranged so as to be axially displaceable and rotatable in the housing (1), and a device (5) for fixing the ball joint (2) and having a support (6) for the bearing element 4 and an adjusting device (25) in operative connection with the support (6) in order to displace the bearing element against the ball joint to achieve the clamping action.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a platform (84) relative to a base (82), has first, second, and third flexible shaft couplings (80). Each flexible shaft coupling (80) is mechanically coupled between the platform (84) and the base (82). Each flexible shaft coupling (80) has a rigid intermediate member (12) and a platform coupling (104) with a plurality of folded sheet flexures (20). Each folded sheet flexure (20) is coupled to the rigid intermediate member (12) on one side of a fold (36) and coupled to the platform (84) on the opposite side of the fold (36). Each flexible shaft coupling (80) also has a base coupling (102) with a plurality of folded sheet flexures (20) wherein each folded sheet flexure (20) is coupled to the rigid intermediate member (12) on one side of a fold (36) and coupled to the base (82) on the opposite side of the fold (36).

Abstract: A display apparatus including a display main body having a display part to display an image, a control part to control the display part and a power supplying part to supply power; a stand part to support the display main body and to accommodate a cable unit transmitting a signal from the power supplying part and the control part; a driving part electrically connected to the cable unit to perform a swivel mechanism of the stand part; and a base part to support the stand part and the driving part, the power supplying part supplying power to the driving part, and the control part controlling the driving part to perform the swivel mechanism.

Abstract: An adjustable stand includes a leg, a first member secured to the leg, a second member adjustably secured to said first member, and a support member for holding items on the stand, the support member is secured to the second member. A first adjustment mechanism is coupled between the first member and the second member. Movement of the first adjustment mechanism shifts the position of said second member relative to said first member thereby raising or lowering said support member. A retention member is secured between the first member and the second member, the retention member securing the first member to the second member, while allowing at least limited relative movement relative to the first member. A first adjustment mechanism includes a nut threaded on a shaft, bearing against the first tubular member and an anti-rotation lock secured to the shaft and coupled to the first tubular member.

Abstract: A support arm for use in a respiratory circuit is provided. The support arm includes a plurality of arm segments that are movably connected with one another such that the arm segments are adjustable with respect to another. At least one inflatable bladder is provided. The bladder is operably disposed at a point of connection between at least two of the arm segments. The arm segments are locked into position with respect to one another upon inflation of the bladder. The arm segments are released and positionable with respect to one another upon deflation of the bladder. Also, a respiratory support member is attached to one of the arm segments. The respiratory support member is configured for engaging the respiratory circuit to support the respiratory circuit.

Abstract: A tool for lifting, relocating, rotating, and holding a commercially available flat-panel display/TV screen and other associated operating components within any computer operator's or TV viewer's optimal viewing and reaching positions, as are necessary to suit the requirements of an operator who chooses to work in any upright or neck supported reclined type chair/bed bodily position.

Abstract: An easily adjustable scope mounting head and stand. The stand includes a stabilized base with a vertical rod extending upward. The scope mounting head is attached to the vertical rod. A ball and socket joint is located on one end of the mounting head and an adjusting knob is located on the opposite end. The ball is equipped with accessible mounting mens for attaching a spotting scope or similar article. When the user slackens the adjusting knob, the ball and socket joint is free to move in roll, pitch, and yaw. In addition, the entire mounting head can rotate about the vertical rod and slide up and down the vertical rod. When the user tightens the adjusting knob, all degrees of freedom are locked. Thus, the single adjusting knob provides all needed adjustment for the height and orientation of the spotting scope.

Abstract: A holder for attaching a remote control to a piece of furniture. A bracket attaches to the piece of furniture and a platform is pivotally attached to the bracket and holds the remote control. The bracket includes a mounting plate, a stationary arm, and a movable arm. The platform has a lowermost surface which is concave allowing the platform to be used with remote controls having either flat or convex lower surfaces by merely inverting the platform accordingly, and a first portion of hook and loop fasteners screwed to the platform. A second portion of hook and loop fasteners is attached to the remote control and releasably engages with the first portion of hook and loop fasteners so as to releasably engage the remote control with the platform. A joint pivotally attaches the platform to the bracket and includes a pair of plates and a post with a second ball bearing and a screw boss.

Abstract: A support structure includes a support stand operable with a supported article. The support stand has a pair of side pieces. Each side piece includes a main beam, wherein a length of the main beam is optionally adjustable, and an angle beam joined to the main beam at an outward joining angle of from about 20 to about 60 degrees thereto. The main beams of the two side pieces are spaced apart and are parallel to each other. The support stand further includes two or more cross beams. The cross beams are spaced apart from each other and are each affixed to the two side pieces to form a top frame. A support base extends downwardly from the top frame and includes a pair of leading columns, wherein one of the leading columns is affixed to each of the main beams, and a pair of trailing columns, wherein one of the trailing columns is affixed to each of the angle beams. Desirably, a length of each of the leading columns and a length of each of the trailing columns is adjustable.

Abstract: Precision alignment of auxiliary equipment on an aircraft is accomplished by a locating tool for the aircraft inertial reference unit (IRU) attached to the auxiliary equipment mount. Aircraft attitude and heading are obtained using the IRU. The IRU is removed from its avionics tray in the aircraft and installed on the locating tool. The locating tool is connected for remote operation of the IRU and the IRU is operated to obtain attitude and heading. This attitude and heading is then compared to the IRU reading for the attitude and heading of the aircraft.

Abstract: An adjusting mechanism of a tripod includes an X-axis adjusting mechanism having an X-axis shaft, a Y-axis adjusting mechanism having a Y-axis shaft, a Z-axis adjusting mechanism having a Z-axis shad and a leg adjusting mechanism. The X-axis adjusting mechanism is connected to the Y-axis adjusting mechanism which is connected to the Z-axis adjusting mechanism. The X-axis shaft, the Y-axis shaft and the Z-axis shaft all intersect at one point. The leg adjusting mechanism has a base and three positioning members are located at equiangular positions around the base. Each positioning member has a first stepped portion and a second stepped portion that are located at different height and distance from the center of the base. Each positioning member is connected to a leg joint and an adjusting knob is connected to each leg joint.

Abstract: An adjustable firearm support system for adjustably and accurately supporting a firearm. The adjustable firearm support system includes a base and a support unit pivotally attached to the base. The support unit pivots upon the base to adjustably support the firearm along a horizontal plane. The support unit also allows for coarse vertical adjustment of the firearm. The base includes a plurality of support members adjustably attached to the base for adjusting the vertical position of the base.

Abstract: An adjusting apparatus for a light engine includes a base, a sliding seat, a carrier and at least one tilt-adjustig screw. The sliding seat includes at least a supporter, on which the sliding seat is instilled with an arc-shaped stand. The arc-shaped stand has a round surface and includes a slot installed on the round surface, and at least a fixing slot installed at a position adjacent to an end of the arc-shaped stand. The carrier includes a round surface corresponding to the round surface of the arc-shaped stand, a block passing through the slot and at least a fixing screw passing through the slot.

Abstract: A multiple ball joint gimbal mount apparatus which includes a mount platform structure, and a plurality of linear motor actuators arranged in a housing assembly. Each actuator includes an actuator shaft and an actuator connector at a distal end of the shaft. The platform structure includes a plurality of platform connectors each for coupling to a corresponding actuator connector to form a pivoting connection between the actuator shaft and the platform structure. A controller selectively actuates the plurality of linear motor actuators to selectively position the plurality of actuator shafts along respective shaft axes and position the mount platform structure at a selected position within a gimbal range of motion. The gimbal structure can optionally include a mechanism to selectively lock the mount structure in any respective position within the gimbal range of motion.

Abstract: A camera mount intended for an essentially permanent fixing to the ground at a chosen site such as at a scenic view or theme park to facilitate self-photography has a base member for bolting to the ground, such as to a concrete plinth. A column upstands from the base and carries at its upper end a camera platform having an upper camera mounting surface. A rotatable standard camera mount screw projects from the camera mounting surface whereby a camera may be secured thereto. The camera mounting surface may be adjustable at least about a horizontal axis to permit framing when taking a photograph.

Abstract: A multiple ball joint gimbal mount apparatus is disclosed, which includes a mount platform structure, and a plurality of linear motor actuators arranged in a housing assembly. Each actuator includes an actuator shaft and an actuator connector at a distal end of the shaft. The platform structure includes a plurality of platform connectors each for coupling to a corresponding actuator connector to form a pivoting connection between the actuator shaft and the platform structure. A controller selectively actuates the plurality of linear motor actuators to selectively position the plurality of actuator shafts along respective shaft axes and position the mount platform structure at a selected position within a gimbal range of motion. The gimbal structure can optionally include a mechanism to selectively lock the mount structure in any respective position within the gimbal range of motion.

Abstract: An optical workstation comprising an optical breadboard supported by a frame, the frame comprising a plurality of upstanding legs interconnected by laterally extending cross-beams, the cross-beams defining a space into which the optical breadboard is received and laterally enclosed. By laterally enclosing the optical breadboard with the cross-beam frame elements, side protection for the optical breadboard is provided, thus protecting it from lateral impacts against which conventional damping mounts are not effective. In addition, since the cross-beams are part of the frame structure, they provide a stable and rigid platform for mounting optical and other components at the very edge of the workstation outside the optical breadboard area. Anchor points in the cross-beams are provided for this purpose.

Abstract: A panhead (11) has a rotational body (21), which can be adjustably rotated around a horizontal rotation center axis (X), and a camera mount (41) adapted to revolve, as an integral body with the rotational body (21), around the rotation center axis (X) of the rotational body (21). When the camera mount (41) is set at a first position by rotating the rotational body (21) in one direction, at least a part of the camera mount (41) is located higher than the upper end portion of the rotational body (21). When the camera mount (41) is set at a second position by rotating the rotational body (21) in the other direction, the entire camera mount (41) is located lower than the upper end portion of the rotational body (21).

Abstract: A platform for securely mounting a wafer cassette holder thereon is provided which includes a wafer cassette holder that has a flat bottom surface and four sidewall panels, a platform that has a flat top surface larger than and for mating to the flat bottom surface of the wafer cassette holder, and a securing means mounted in the flat top surface of the platform juxtaposed to each side of the four sidewalls of the wafer cassette holder for preventing the holder from accidentally slipping off the platform. The securing means may include either a plurality of engagement pins that slidingly engages the wafer cassette holder for securely holding the holder on the platform, or a plurality of side panels mounted along the peripheral edge of the platform for preventing the holder from slipping off the platform.

Abstract: A calculation system for calculating the control signals which are designed to perform a frequency-dependent weighting of the angular velocity signals and the angular position signals. The angular velocity indicators are preferably used for stabilization in a high frequency band while the angular position indicators are suitable for stabilization in a low frequency band. A further calculation system which is designed to perform the frequency-dependent weighting such that the control signals for frequencies below a certain frequency are substantially determined by the angular position signals and the control signals for higher frequencies are substantially determined by the angular velocity signals.

Abstract: The mounting assembly includes a shaft having a mounting member mounted on a top end of the shaft. The mounting member is preferably mounted so it pivots with respect to the shaft. The shaft is insertable in a hollow cylinder on a motor vehicle. In the case of a motorcycle, a portion of the shaft is inserted in a steering stem of a steering head. A plurality of o-rings, attached to the portion of the shaft inserted in the cylinder, secure the mounting assembly in place. A Velcro™ piece, fixed to a top surface of the mounting member, clasps to a corresponding Velcro™ piece of an electronic device placed on the mounting assembly.

Abstract: An assembly to selectively hold, position and provide a stable platform for a light source has malleable legs. The assembly has a pair of clamp members attached to a base. The legs attach to the base and are formed of electrical cable with an elastomeric insulation coating. An extension tube can interconnect the clamp member to the malleable, bendable leg portion to further increase the range of the flexible leg stand.

Abstract: The tripod attachment for attaching a pair of binoculars to a tripod has a friction force producing member providing friction force to hold the pair of binoculars at any desired position with respect to an attachment body when fastening a screw member to the pivot of the pair of binoculars and at the same time to allow the entire pair of binoculars to rotate around the screw member only when certain external force is applied to the pair of binoculars. Therefore, the horizontal correction of the pair of binoculars can be performed only by rotating the pair of binoculars; thus, the tripod attachment can be easily handled. When performing the horizontal correction of the pair of binoculars with the tripod attachment, external rotating force is applied to the pair of binoculars so that the entire pair of binoculars rotates around the screw member against the friction force.

Abstract: A music stand has a tripod stand, a shaft disposed on the tripod stand, a rod connected to the shaft, a tube disposed on the rod, a mount disposed on the tube, an adjustment frame, a first hollow gasket plate, a second hollow gasket plate, an adjustment button, a screw rod, a bolt, a hollow nut, and a music rest. The mount has an upper block, a through hole, and two opposite grooves to receive the first hollow gasket plate and the second hollow gasket plate. The adjustment button has a threaded hole. The music rest has a rear socket. The adjustment frame has an insertion end inserted in the rear socket, a threaded aperture, a first lug and a second lug. The mount is disposed between the first lug and the second lug. The bolt fastens the rear socket, the adjustment frame, and the hollow nut together. The screw rod fastens the adjustment frame, the mount, and the adjustment button together.

Abstract: A gimbal is rotatably supported about a Z axis by one pair of support columns fixed to a mounting surface. A motor and angle detector are provided on the gimbal to control a rotation of an image pickup section about a Y axis. By a coil unit formed on the mounting surface, a magnet mounted on the gimbal is driven to rotate the gimbal about a Z axis. The rotation angle of the gimbal is detected by a relative positional relation between a sensor head fixed to the gimbal and rod bent in an arc-like configuration to follow a rotation focus of the gimbal.

Abstract: A system for performing a variable function such as a variable spring resistance comprises a plurality of selectively operable spring devices and movable actuator means for selecting/deselecting devices over a range of movement of the actuator means. The actuator means includes stepped drives for selecting/deselecting at least one of the spring devices at a predetermined ratio with respect to another of the devices whereby spring devices can be selected to operate individually or in combination by movement of the actuator means to provide multiple levels of spring resistance.

Abstract: An adjustable mounting apparatus includes a mounting post having a ball at one end. Opposed clamping members clamp the ball from opposite sides of the mounting post. The clamping members engage the ball with line contact. The clamping members are at a fixed distance apart from each other on a first side of the ball. An adjustable locking member secures the clamping members together on a second side of the ball for loosening and tightening the clamping members about the ball. This allows the clamping members to be rotated about the ball and tightened thereon. A mounting fixture is secured to the clamping members to allow devices to be mounted thereon.

Abstract: A circular-plate holder is disposed at an end of a cylindrical portion arranged in a tripod head. A pair of arc lever tumblers, which is capable of contacting the inner surface of the cylindrical portion, is rotatably supported on the holder around a rotation axis. The ends of the arc lever tumblers are close to each other. A rotator, which has a gear portion at a tip end, is rotatably supported on the holder around a rotation axis disposed between the other ends of the lever tumblers. Each of the tumblers is connected to the rotator by a pair of linkage means. The gear portion of the rotator engages a gear portion of a torque-adjusting shaft, which extends through a central portion of the holder and rotates according to rotational operation of an adjusting knob.

Abstract: The ZWJ-ANGLE-ADJUSTMENT (Z-A-A) is a new device that is used to adjust inclination angle or rotation angle for instruments and machines. Adjustment in the two phases can be brought about individually or simultaneously by two adjust-screws of the device. Adjustment can be achieved accurately, conveniently and smoothly. Some of common angle-adjustments, for example, the sphere-joint-angle-adjustment and camera-platform, are difficult to achieve high accuracy. The others such as worm gearing can work accurately, but they are complicated and expensive. The characteristic of the presented invention is, the angle in two phases (inclination and rotation) can be adjusted accurately in one sphere-head-shaft, adjusting in each phase (goes up and down) by one screw only. So presented invention provides a small-size device of simple structure. Also, its low production cost makes mass production possible so that potential marketing benefit is considerable.

Abstract: A camera support for allowing stationary and stabilized mobile use of a video camera, comprising a base which is capable of free-standing upon a horizontal surface, a camera mount, and a vertical support extending between the base and camera mount. A gimbal bearing assembly is located on the vertical support, having an outer sleeve which is biaxially movable with respect to the vertical support, so that the entire camera support can be supported by the user holding the outer sleeve, allowing the user to move while the vertical support remains stabilized in an upright position. The base has a tripartite construction which is adjustable to balance the camera weight and has retractable legs to which dolly wheels may be removably mounted for an additional mode of mobile operation.

Abstract: The mounting assembly includes a shaft having a planar member mounted on a top end of the shaft. The planar member is preferably mounted so it pivots with respect to the shaft. The shaft is insertable in a hollow cylinder on a motor vehicle. In the case of a motorcycle, a portion of the shaft is inserted in a steering stem of a steeing head. A plurality of o-rings, attached to a portion of the shaft inserted in the cylinder, secure the mounting assembly in place. A Velcro™ piece, fixed to a top surface of the planar member, clasps to a corresponding Velcro™ piece of an electronic device placed on the mounting assembly.

Abstract: A gimbal is rotatably supported about a Z axis by one pair of support columns fixed to a mounting surface. A motor and angle detector are provided on the gimbal to control a rotation of an image pickup section about a Y axis. By a coil unit formed on the mounting surface, a magnet mounted on the gimbal is driven to rotate the gimbal about a Z axis. The rotation angle of the gimbal is detected by a relative positional relation between a sensor head fixed to the gimbal and rod bent in an arc-like configuration to follow a rotation focus of the gimbal.

Abstract: A calculation system for calculating the control signals which are designed to perform a frequency-dependent weighting of the angular velocity signals and the angular position signals. The angular velocity indicators are preferably used for stabilization in a high frequency band while the angular position indicators are suitable for stabilization in a low frequency band. A further calculation system which is designed to perform the frequency-dependent weighting such that the control signals for frequencies below a certain frequency are substantially determined by the angular position signals and the control signals for higher frequencies are substantially determined by the angular velocity signals.

Abstract: To provide a compact support device, the operation of which is smooth and easy, the fixation of which can be positively conducted, for supporting an electronic device tiltably and pivotally, there is provided a support device comprising: an upper member; a base member; a convex engagement surface provided on one of the upper member and the base member; a concave engagement surface provided on the other of the upper member and the base member, the profile of the concave engagement surface agreeing with the convex engagement surface; a drive mechanism for transferring a state of engagement of the convex engagement surface with the concave engagement surface from a frictional engagement state to a disengagement state; a perpendicular shaft penetrating both engagement surfaces; and a horizontal shaft arranged in an upper portion of the perpendicular shaft, wherein the upper member and the base member can be relatively rotated round an axis of the perpendicular shaft, the upper member and the perpendicular shaft c

Abstract: A keyboard support system attaches to an edge of a work surface. The work surface includes a working surface and an underside. The keyboard support system includes a keyboard platform configured for supporting a keyboard. A U-shaped mounting bracket includes a top wall having a lower surface, a monolithic bottom wall and a middle wall interconnecting the top wall and the bottom wall. The bottom wall has an upper surface and a lower surface with a pair of integral, opposing guide rails projecting therefrom. Each guide rail has a length oriented substantially parallel to the bottom wall. The middle wall is configured to both resiliently bias the lower surface of the top wall against the working surface of the work surface and resiliently bias the upper surface of the bottom wall against the underside of the work surface, thereby clamping the work surface between the top wall and the bottom wall.

Abstract: A keyboard data input device includes a one-hand module having a finger section with groups of keys each of which fixedly assigned to a finger of the operator. The keyboard has a cover part which includes a palm rest section and grooves. A group of keys is sequentially arranged at the ground of said grooves to be reached by the outstretched or bent fingers when the operator's hand is in contact with the palm rest section. A thumb section located adjacent to the forefinger groove comprises a flat area which includes groups of command keys, and comprises further keys at an upright wall adjacent to the forefinger groove. The keyboard may be used for two-hand operation by providing two separate one-hand modules. The keyboard comprises a graphical multipurpose display visualize control information and characters typed in. The keyboard may further include a bar code scanner.

Abstract: An apparatus that can return a payload to a known orientation after unknown motion, without requiring external power or complex mechanical systems. The apparatus comprises a faceted cage that causes the system to rest in a stable position and orientation after arbitrary motion. A gimbal is mounted with the faceted cage and holds the payload, allowing the payload to move relative to the stable faceted cage. The payload is thereby placed in a known orientation by the interaction of gravity with the geometry of the faceted cage, the mass of the system, and the motion of the payload and gimbal. No additional energy, control, or mechanical actuation is required. The apparatus is suitable for use in applications requiring positioning of a payload to a known orientation after arbitrary or uncontrolled motion, including remote sensing and mobile robot applications.

Abstract: A support apparatus for portable computers utilizes a plurality of legs removably coupled to a pedestal that incorporates a storage compartment within which the plurality of removable legs may be stored when not in use. By incorporation of a storage compartment within the pedestal, the overall bulk of the support apparatus is reduced, and furthermore, the removable legs are retained in such a manner that all components of the support apparatus can be transported as a unit.

Abstract: A method of fabricating support members for wafer processing fixtures is disclosed. In the first step of the method, an elongate support member basic form is provided. The basic form has a substantially wedge-shaped cross-section and angular edges. Next, the edges of the support member basic form are machined to replace the angular edges with substantially arcuate edges. A plurality of wafer-retaining slots are cut along one side of the support member basic form. The support member basic form can include a front surface and a rear surface, with at least one angular edge occurring on each of the surfaces. The step of machining the edges of the support member basic form can be performed as machining the edges on the respective surfaces to radii of between 0.25″ and 5.25″. In an embodiment, the at least one angular edge occurring on the rear surface can be machined to a radius of approximately 1.