Abstract: A monitor support comprises: a static arm (16) configured to mount rotatably to a monitor support arm (10) at a lower end and a support arm junction (30) at an upper end; a moving arm (34) pivotally attached to the static arm (16) at the support arm junction (30) with a first pair of one-way freewheel friction hubs (36a, 36b) that includes first and second one-way cam assemblies (70a, 70b, 72a, 72b) and friction disc assemblies coaxially mounted to the support arm junction (30). The moving arm (34) includes monitor mounting structure and preferably includes a second pair of one-way freewheel friction hubs (44a, 44b) coupled to a VESA mounting plate (46) with a quick disconnect assembly. The monitor support and the monitor support arm (10) permit free movement in elevating a mounted monitor and require the application of force exceeding that of the monitor weight to lower a mounted monitor.

Abstract: A medical system including a support structure including a proximal link and a distal link, and a base joint coupling the proximal link of the support structure to a base, wherein the proximal link is configured to rotate about a first axis associated with the base joint. The system also includes a linkage mechanism coupling the proximal link to the distal link. The system also includes an instrument support coupled to the distal link, wherein the instrument support has an orientation relative to the base in a first configuration of the support structure, and wherein the linkage mechanism maintains the orientation of the instrument support relative to the base as the support structure is moved into a second configuration in which the support structure is rotated relative to the base about the first axis and the distal link is extended from the proximal link.

Abstract: A securing system for a luminaire can include a first cable that is configured to be disposed at least partially within a cavity of the luminaire. The securing system can also include a first securing mechanism that receives a first portion of the first cable, where the first securing mechanism is coupled to a first component of the luminaire, where the first securing mechanism has a motile setting and a non-motile setting. The securing system can further include a second securing mechanism that receives a second portion of the first cable, where the second securing mechanism is coupled to a second component of the luminaire. The first securing mechanism, when in the non-motile setting, can secure the first component and the second component in a fixed position relative to each other using the first cable.

Abstract: A medical supply unit is disclosed. The medical supply unit has a mobile housing, a manual control mechanism for controlling location-movement or location-locking of the mobile housing, and a horizontal arm. The medical supply unit also has a vertical arm, an elbow joint part that connects the horizontal arm and the vertical arm, and a rotary shaft for movable connection of the vertical arm, in which the rotary shaft movably connects to one end of the elbow joint part via the vertical arm, wherein another end of the elbow joint part connects to the mobile housing via the horizontal arm, and a first end of the mobile housing is attached to the manual control mechanism. The mobile housing can provide electrical and gas supply connections for convenient use during medical procedures.

Abstract: A suspension device making it possible to suspend items of equipment (7, 7?) under a support structure comprises an anchor bracket (2) designed to be anchored axially to the support structure, two distribution arms (9, 10, 9?, 10?) that are adjustable up and down and that are designed to carry the items of equipment (7, 7?), and that are connected to the anchor bracket (2) via pivot articulations (11, 11?), each of which is offset from the anchor bracket (2) via a stationary offsetting arm (8, 8?; 8?).

Abstract: A special connection structure for a gimbal head, comprising an adapter platform provided at an upper end with an adapter platform suitable for mounting and fixing a photographic apparatus and at the other end with a turn knob, an oblique column and a base. A screw for connecting a tripod pedestal is provided in a lower middle portion of the base. A positioning switch protrudes from a side face of the special connection structure. The positioning switch is opened to pitch the oblique column from 0° to 45°, 90° or 180°, and the oblique column is rotated by 180° to allow the oblique column to stand upside down between two legs of a tripod, without disassembling a gimbal head from the tripod, so that the application value of the gimbal head is improved.

Abstract: A luminaire includes a light housing containing a light emitter. A first rail housing is connected to the light housing. A second rail housing is connected to the light housing. A driver is positioned in the first rail housing. A male connector extends from a first end of the first rail housing and a female connector extends from a second end of the first rail housing.

Abstract: A gimbal includes a first support frame, a second support frame, a third support frame, and a center of gravity adjusting unit. The first support frame includes two first pillars and a guiding post connected between the two first pillars and approximately perpendicular to the two first pillars. The guiding post is configured to carry an imaging device. The second support frame includes two second pillars hinged with the two first pillars, respectively. The third support frame includes a third pillar and a connecting plate. One end of the third pillar is connected to the two second pillars. The connecting plate is connected to another end of the third pillar. The center of gravity adjusting unit is provided in one of the two first pillars, the guiding post, or the connecting plate, and configured to adjust a center of gravity of the gimbal.

Abstract: A system for treating objects transported by at least one transport carriage and immersed into at least one treatment container, in which a treatment medium can be applied. The transport carriage comprises at least one swivel arm connected to the chassis in an articulated manner, on which swivel arm the object can be fastened. A hydraulically operating piston-cylinder unit having a first working chamber to drive the swivel arm and provide weight balancing. The first working chamber is made smaller during the downward motion of the swivel arm and is connected to a first pressure accumulator. The second working chamber of the piston-cylinder unit, made larger during the downward motion of the swivel arm, is connected to a source for pressurized hydraulic fluid and can be drained during the downward motion of the swivel arm. The pressure of the fluid in the accumulator swivels the swivel arm and object upward if the pressure in the second working chamber is sufficiently low.

Abstract: A device comprising a harness, an arm, and an extendable string. The arm may include a first portion being fixed in relation to the harness and a second portion for supporting of the string. The string may include a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of the string being arranged for fastening of an optical instrument. The device may include an adjustable counter force device, and the second portion of the string may be attached to the adjustable counter force device for providing a counter force on the string. The adjustable counter force device may include a spring, a lever arm, and a support. The counter force exerted by the counter force device on the string may be adjustable.

Abstract: A television mount assembly suitable for mounting a television to a wall, especially over fireplaces and other obstacles. The mount assembly secures a television (TV) to a wall via two arms and a spring mechanism thereby allowing it to extend away from the wall while at the same time allowing the television to swivel. It includes a mechanism to straighten the television as it is positioned close to the wall. The spring mechanism is calibrated by means of a calibration screw, spring block, and locking screws. A handle enables a user to grasp the mount assembly for changing the position of the television. A temperature gauge on the handle displays ambient temperature proximate to the television to warn users if the temperature is too high for the television to safely operate. A means of setting a maximum extension prevents the television from extending beyond a point set by the user.

Abstract: An arbor apparatus for use in a counterweight rigging system includes a support structure for supporting counterweight bricks in stacked arrangement. The arbor apparatus can be front-loading with left side, back and right side supports. The arbor apparatus can include a plurality of shelf members spaced apart in a longitudinal direction between the top and bottom ends. The arbor apparatus can also include a gate mechanism. The arbor apparatus can be implemented as a retrofit to existing manual counterweight rigging systems.

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: A dish lifting device configured to secure to an object and support a communication dish. The dish lifting device can deploy a communication dish connected with a pivoting planar segment. The dish lifting device can stow the communication dish for transport.

Abstract: A safety device for a cantilevered beam pivotally mounted adjacent one end thereof to a support surface is adapted to bridge the beam and the support surface and is structured so that when coupled to the beam and support surface, the safety device maintains the beam in a substantially fixed cantilevered condition until a downward force exceeding a threshold is applied to the beam and thereafter controls downward pivoting of the beam.

Abstract: A pneumatic load balancing device having an inflatable reservoir establishing via an amplifier a pressure within a lift chamber that is sufficient to balance the weight of an object being lifted. The reservoir is inflated and deflated by inflation and deflation valves that may be operated from an operator control center proximal an end effector of the device. The valves may be actuated via pushbuttons or in a mutually exclusively fashion via a neutrally biased reciprocating actuator. The device allows loads of different weights to be lifted in a semi-automatic fashion with operator involvement to select the load balancing pressure. The device may have an air release system that closes a blocking valve in the event of release of the object and optionally in the event of a loss of air supply. The pressure within the lift chamber is thereby preserved and can be vented at different rates.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the invention is directed to a manipulator that is relatively compact and has a relatively large range of motion. The manipulator includes a linkage that folds back on itself, which reduces the footprint of the linkage. In a particular embodiment, the manipulator includes a linkage and a load balancing device. The linkage includes a first link, a second link, a third link and a fourth link. The first link and second links are rotatably connected to a base about first and second connection axes. The third and fourth links are connected to the first and second links respectively about third and fourth connection axes respectively. The third and fourth links are rotatably connected to a lift arm about fifth and sixth connection axes respectively, wherein the fifth and sixth connection axes are horizontally displaced from the third and fourth connection axes in the direction of the first and second connection axes.

Abstract: In a support for holding and positioning a utility load in space having a base (10) and an elongated supporting arm (12) which between its longitudinal ends is swingably supported on the base (10) for swinging moment about a vertical first axis (24) and about a horizontal second axis (30) which intersects the vertical first axis (24), the supporting arm (12) carrying on one side of the second axis the utility load and on the other side of the second axis carrying a counterweight compensating for the utility load, the utility load being arranged on a first connector arm (14) which is pivotally supported at one end of the supporting arm (12) for moment about a third axis (36), the counterweight (18) being arranged on a second connector arm which is swingably supported on the other end of the supporting arm (12) for movement about a fourth axis (38), the third and fourth axis being parallel to one another, the spacing (Ln) between the engagement point (N) of the utility load and the first connector arm (14) and

Abstract: A counterbalance mechanism counterbalances an eccentric mass on a rotating shaft supported by a frame. A first pulley is coupled to and concentric with the shaft. An arm is coupled to the shaft to rotatably support a second at a first distance from the first pulley. A third pulley is fixedly coupled to the frame at a second distance from the first pulley. A fourth pulley is rotatably coupled to and concentric with the third pulley. A spring is fixed at a first end to the frame and has a second end that is coupled to the fourth pulley such that the spring provides a restoring force as the fourth pulley is rotated. A first cable has a first end that is coupled to the fourth pulley and a second end that is coupled to the frame through the third pulley after passing over the first and second pulleys.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a lever arm that couples to a pivot point on one end and a display on the other end. The lever arm rotates around the pivot point through a lever arm range of motion, and the weight of the display produces a display torque around the pivot point that varies as the lever arm rotates through the lever arm range of motion. The apparatus also includes a spring that couples to the lever arm using a cable. The spring produces, through the lever arm, a spring torque around the pivot point that is equally opposite of the display torque throughout the lever arm range of motion.

Abstract: A mount for attaching a projection device to an overhead structure includes a device interface operably attachable to the projection device and a device orientation adjustment structure operably coupled with the device interface. The device orientation adjustment structure has structure defining up to three independent axes for adjustment of projector pitch, roll, and yaw. A single selectively adjustable friction element may be provided to enable projector position to be fixed about for any one or all of the independent axes. A gear adjustment mechanism may be provided to enable fine adjustment of projector position. Moreover, any one or all of the independent axes may pass through the projector device, preferably proximate its center of gravity so that it is self balanced on the mount to ease adjustment.

Abstract: A combined extendable pole and counterbalance system for washing the windows of a building includes an elongated pole including a handle portion adjacent the lower end thereof and a window cleaning utensil adjacent the upper end. The handle portion is adapted to be grasped by a workman while standing on the ground. An elongated flexible line is suspended from the roof or some other an upper part of the building above the windows to be washed. The line extends downwardly toward the ground and is connected to the pole. A spring driven drum biases the line upwardly thereby lifting part of the weight of the pole. The line is preferably connected to the pole adjacent the handle portion thereof but passes around and is guided by a pulley located adjacent the upper end of the pole so as to stabilize the upper end of the pole to prevent it from falling from side to side.

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

Abstract: A height-adjustable carrying device with a parallelogram cranking mechanism has a self-locking pneumatic spring (6), with a valve for abolishing the blocking function. A release element (22), with which the valve (24) is actuated, is arranged according to the present invention at a handle (20) for swiveling the carrying device in one assembly unit.

Abstract: A wall mount to mount a display apparatus proximate a wall is disclosed. The wall mount may include a base to be attached to the wall; a supporting bracket supported by the base; a rotating bracket tiltably coupled with the supporting bracket, and on which the display apparatus is mounted; an elastic member coupled with the supporting bracket; and a supporting wire connected to the electric member and the rotating member. The elastic member may expand or contract relative to a movement of the rotating bracket. Thus the present invention provides simplifies the assembly and enhances the usability of the wall mount as well as provides an easily adjustable tilt angle of the wall mount.

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

Abstract: A carrying device for medical devices provides simple adjustment operation. The carrying device has a height-adjustable bracket (1) designed in the form of a parallelogram cranking mechanism with a self-locking pneumatic spring (13). A supply unit (21) for medical devices is arranged at one end of the bracket (1). A handle (22) with an electric release element (23) is arranged at the supply unit (21). A valve, which releases the blocking function, is opened within the pneumatic spring (13) during the actuation of the release element (23).

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

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

Abstract: A joint (52) for connecting arm portions (40, 42) of a ceiling or wall mounted support system includes housing members (60,62) with an annular bearing (64) interposed between opposed surfaces (82,84) thereof. The housing members are clamped together on an axle (98) such that a braking force generated between the bearing and the housing member surfaces opposes rotation of one arm portion relative to the other. A variable braking force is generated between the bearing and surfaces (206) of the housing members which are generally perpendicular to the opposed surfaces (82,84). The variable braking force is generated by a spring (182) and is greatest when the arm supporting a piece of equipment (24, 26, 28, 56) is at its lowest point, relative to the horizontal. This overcomes the increased forces in the spring which otherwise tend to cause the arm portion (42) to drift upward.

Abstract: An endoscope device is provided which includes a manipulation portion and an inserted portion connected thereto, and an endoscope holder is provided at an elevated position, for example, on a ceiling. The endoscope device is rotatably suspended from the endoscope holder with its inserted portion extending downward. The endoscope holder has an endoscope manipulation unit for operating the endoscope device and peripheral equipment.

Abstract: A cable suspension system for linear lighting fixtures simplifies installation procedures by providing a simple leveling adjustment compensation for weight imbalance about a longitudinal axis of the lighting fixture. A suspension cable is fixed in a bore of a cable fitting, with the cable fitting being mounted to a bracket which pivots relative to the fixture. The pivot axis is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fixture. The angle of the bracket is adjusted relative to the fixture is adjusted such that the fixture as a whole hangs horizontally level.

Abstract: A support arm has a support structure and an arm structure connected to the support structure through a pivotal connection for pivoting about a horizontal axis. A device is provided for adjusting the elevation of the arm structure by pivoting it about the horizontal axis. A support base is connected to the arm structure through a pivotal connection for pivoting relative to the arm structure about an axis that is parallel to the horizontal axis. A support member is connected to the support base through a pivotal connection for pivoting about a vertical pivot axis, and auxiliary structure such as an air extraction arm may be connected to the support member. A linkage between the support base and the support structure maintains the pivot axis of the support base parallel to a vertical axis as the elevation of the arm structure is adjusted, and avoids the auxiliary structure from swinging under the influence of gravity to a neutral position different from that desired by an operator.

Abstract: An arm assembly for supporting a surgical lighthead of a surgical light apparatus includes a first arm and a first clevis appended to the first arm and having a first stop surface and a second stop surface. The arm assembly also includes a second arm formed to include an interior region and a second clevis appended to the second arm and having a third stop surface and a fourth stop surface. The surigcal lighthead is supported by the second arm.

Abstract: Stabilization apparatus for aiming an instrument such as a camera at a target object. Rotational rate sensors mounted on the camera platform detect rotation of the platform from an initial position about roll, tilt and pan axes. The sensor output signals are applied to torque motors for rotating the platform back to its initial position. A hub assembly supports the camera platform for rotation about roll and tilt axes, and a yoke supports the hub assembly for rotation about a pan axis. The yoke is adapted for suspension from a support vehicle such as a helicopter, and it supports the platform for unimpaired rotation within windowed outer and inner domes. The outer dome is rotatable about a pan axis and the inner dome is rotatable about an inclined tilt axis. The arrangement reduces the size of the window opening from the camera to the exterior, which correspondingly reduces wind loads acting against the interior of the domes.

Abstract: A suspension system having a four bar linkage system including an angled arm for adjustable and positionable vertical and horizontal support of a video monitor or the like. A weight counterbalance adjustment mechanism adjustably compensates for various weights of a load held by the angled arm. Gas springs provide for vertical support of the angled arm. Configured slots in which the upper ends of the gas springs position provide for minimal manual positioning effort and a linear counterbalance throughout the entire range of vertical adjustment. An arm bent at an angle of 120.degree. overcomes the traditional interference of the load with movement of the arm beyond 45.degree..

Abstract: A device for balancing forces acting on an arm pulled by a load includes a body on which is pivotally mounted an arm pulled by a load. The body is suspended from a point of support by an adjustable, triangular support connected at two fixing points on the body, which allows adjustment of the center of gravity of the device, in order that it is in substantial vertical alignment with the point of support when the arm is in an intermediate, substantially horizontal position. The arm may support a tool, such as a welding tool.

Abstract: A hanging device includes a wall mount and an adjustable weight device for hanging pictures. The adjustable weight being slidably adjusted on the wall mount for properly positioning a picture in a desired position. The hanging device can also be used to mount other items on a wall.

Abstract: A load balancing arm is shown and described as having improved control including a programmable control element and electronic air regulation to provide precise and controllable lifting force on a load. The disclosed load balancing arm responds to slight operator applied force to aid in movement of the load in overcoming system hysteresis, friction and load inertia without requiring the operator to apply a sufficiently large magnitude force to overcome such counteracting forces in the system. The disclosed load balancing arm further includes automatic load weight detection sensors for accommodating variation in load weights while applying a lifting force to the load which substantially equals the weight of the load. This allows the operator to move the load freely throughout a work space.

Abstract: A device (2) for supporting and positioning a microscope, the device comprising a support suitable for being tied to a fixed frame of reference, and a plate suitable for supporting a microscope (17), an intermediate moving element (7) being connected firstly to said support (2) via a first series of motor-driven hinged members (6) of parallel type structure having three Cartesian XYZ degrees of freedom and to said plate via a second series of motor-driven members (9) gimbal-type structure providing three degrees of freedom in rotation, the device including control means generating control signals that are used by a computer for servo-controlling the displacement of the microscope (17).

Abstract: A counterbalanced arm for a lighthead has an upper arm portion, a lower arm portion adapted at one end to be connected to the lighthead and at the other end for articulation about the upper arm portion, and a pivot assembly connecting the upper arm portion to the lower arm portion. The pivot assembly defines a pivot axis about which the lower arm portion pivots with respect to the upper arm portion. A lever mechanism is positioned so that a first end is positioned on one side of the pivot axis and a second end is positioned on the opposite side of the pivot axis, with the first end being pivotally secured to either the upper arm portion or the lower arm portion. A pull rod is positioned within either the upper arm portion or the lower arm portion and is pivotally attached to the second end of lever mechanism.

Abstract: A counterbalancing device includes a base and a main arm pivotally mounted to the base. The main arm resists a force acting thereon at a location remote from the axis, by virtue of a crank arm fixed to the main arm and supporting a cam follower, the latter located such that a hypothetical line from the axis to the follower is perpendicular to the direction of the main arm. A carriage moves with respect to the base and has a cam wall against which the follower bears, and a constant force spring provision is made to urge the cam wall against the follower in a direction which places a torque on the main arm so as to counterbalance the force. In a variant, a main arm has two ends and is pivotally mounted at a location between its ends to the base. First and second auxiliary arms are mounted respectively to the ends of the main arm, and the device is constructed such that the angle between the auxiliary arm directions is maintained constant.

Abstract: A plural substrate CVD apparatus for diamond crystal production utilizes spaced apart vertical, parallel, planar substrate panels with an electrical (direct current, D.C.) resistance filament heater therebetween. A hydrogen-hydrocarbon gas mixture flows between panels to come into contact with the heater and the panels to cause diamond crystal nucleation and growth on the substrate panels. The apparatus includes means for maintaining the spaced relationship of the heater from the substrate surfaces, comprising a rod member attached to one end of the heater and tensioned by a cable passing over a pulley member and attached to a weight.

Abstract: A support for a punching bag having a generally horizontally disposed beam supported from an overhead support for rotation about a vertical axis with a heavy punching bag supported at one end of the beam and an adjustable caster wheel at the other end of the beam for rolling engagement with an overhead support to enable the heavy punching bag to move in a circle having a center defined by the rotational axis of the beam with the heavy punching bag being capable of movement in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The caster wheel is vertically adjustable to vary the rotational movement of the punching bag and the use of the punching bag and support of this invention enables a person to practice various aspects of boxing without a sparring partner and also enables a regimen of various exercises to be practiced.

Abstract: A stand mechanism for medical optical equipment wherein the focus of the optical equipment remains upon an extension of a straight line connecting the two base ends of a parallel linkage, and the focus of the medical optical equipment remains fixed at a fixed position when the parallel linkage is transformed. Accordingly, the medical optical equipment does not need to be focused even whe the parallel linkage is moved and therefore, the operating time can be remarkably reduced. Furthermore, since the observation angle can be changed with the focus upon the fixed point, the diseased region can be observed from an optimum observation angle, and hence the operation can be carried out more exactly and more rapidly.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a remotely-operable positioning and carrier aratus for remote-handling equipment for use in large-area cells containing process components. The apparatus is mounted on a lifting device of an overhead bridge crane. The apparatus achieves good positioning of the particular remote-handling equipment even at locations which are poorly accessible. The apparatus includes a horizontal beam which is fixed at an eccentric position thereon to the bottom sheave unit of the lifting device so that the horizontal beam defines a long lever arm and a short lever arm. A receiving lever is pivotally connected to the end of the longer lever arm. The receiving lever has an equipment receiving device at its free end. A displaceable counterweight is arranged on the short lever arm for altering the position of the center of gravity of the apparatus. This apparatus makes it possible also to operate in spaces beneath components present in a rack.

Abstract: Apparatus for suspending an article for movement in a gravitational field incorporates a fixed hanger with one or more axle members stacked below the hanger and connected thereto. For each axle there is a rotor mounted on the axle, with a housing connected to the rotor and defining a horizontal passageway offset with respect to the rotational axis of the rotor. In each passageway there is a slide arm, and a guiding mechanism for guiding the slide arm. In a preferred form, the slide arm defines a horizontal axis about which a swing arm is pivoted, the swing arm supporting an article at the other end. A constant force is generated within the apparatus, and the force is applied to the swing arm in such a way as to consistently counterbalance the weight of the article.

Abstract: A robot installation in a production line includes at least one robot (1) of pendulum type, the arm system (10, 14) of which is pivotable about at least one axis (12). The secondary arm (14) of the robot and a counterweight (16) are so displaceably arranged on the primary arm (10) of the robot that the centre of gravity of the arm system lies on or in immediate proximity to the pivot axis (12) independently of the position of the secondary arm (14) on the primary arm (10). To this end, the counterweight (16) and the secondary arm (14) are movably interconnected by means of a rope (18) running around rope wheels (20) at the ends of the primary arm (10). When mounting several robots of this kind on a stand (34, 35) positioned across the production line (31), the robots are mounted symmetrically in pairs on opposed side walls of the overhead stand part (35).

Abstract: In a pantograph load handling device having work arms formed of a parallelogram linkage, an improved load cylinder arrangement is provided comprising a flexible diaphragm disposed in a loose support arrangement to afford vertical movement of the load in a more accurate and inexpensive operation than heretofore known.

Abstract: A skin tanning fixture which may be in the form of a couch with an adjustable cover makes use of a battery of light emitting tubes on the lower side over which is a translucent body supporting sheet. A comparable battery of light emitting tubes are arcuately disposed beneath a reflector on the underside of the cover and also protected by a translucent sheet. There is a greater number of tubes used on the cover than on the lower side and tubes on both sides are arranged in a compact relationship sufficient to generate an energy density of ultraviolet A light rays sufficient to build up a tanning effect in the skin in substantially greater proportion than the proportionate increase in the amount of energy density present due to an increase in the number of tubes.