Abstract: A tripod includes a platform, a connecting element, a leg element, and an operation element. The platform includes a bottom surface, and a first bevel gear extending downward from the bottom surface. The connecting element includes an upper end, a lower end opposite to the upper end, and a side surface connected between the upper end and the lower end. The connecting element is connected to a center of the platform, and defines a spherical cavity on the side surface. The leg element is connected to the lower end of the connecting element. The operation element includes a spherical body, a second bevel gear, and an adjustable leg. The spherical body and the adjustable leg respectively connected to two opposite ends of the second bevel gear. The spherical body is rotatably received in the spherical cavity, and the second bevel gear engages with the first bevel gear.

Abstract: An antenna apparatus is provided which has a centroid close to a vibration isolation structure and which is hard to vibrate like a pendulum motion when vibration is applied. The antenna apparatus includes a first base plate, an antenna unit disposed at a side of the first base plate and supported by the first base plate, and a counter weight unit disposed at another side of the first base plate opposite to the antenna unit and supported by the first base plate. The antenna apparatus further includes a vibration isolation structure having one end fixed to the first base plate to suppress a vibration of the first base plate, and a second base plate to which other end of the vibration isolation structure is fixed and which is fixed to a moving object or a structural object.

Abstract: A spring reaction force converting apparatus has first and second members arranged to be in parallel with and opposed to each other and to be capable of being moved toward and apart from each other, a spring element arranged to be extended between the first and second members in parallel thereto, a link mechanism holding the spring element between the first and second members such that the spring element is capable of being expanded and contracted, the link mechanism being connected to the first and second members; a stopper member maintaining the spring element held by the link mechanism in a condition in which the spring element is compressed by a predetermined amount in an initial condition, and an arrangement thereof in which a reaction force of the spring element is converted to a different type of force transmitted to the first and second members through the link mechanism.

Abstract: A mechanism which achieves positional flexibility of a heavy operator console in the horizontal plane, improving ergonomics while avoiding mechanical and safety-related problems arising from moving the operator console relative to a main unit of a scanner. The mechanism comprises four links and two bosses and is installed between the main unit of the ultrasound system and the operator panel, hidden below the latter. Seen from above, the four links resemble the back legs of a frog. The “frog-leg” configuration allows the operator to bring the operator panel up close by pulling it with one hand. The mechanism also allows a heavy CRT monitor to be mounted onto the operator panel and thus follow the latter's movement. When the system is to be moved, the operator panel is pushed back and locks into a compact “parked” position, allowing the handles on the operator panel to be used for moving the entire system.

Abstract: An improved support boom is disclosed for supporting instrumentation on extraterrestrial vehicles. The support boom includes first and second support legs which are each pivotably mountable at corresponding first ends to a support structure and which are interconnected at second ends to define a support boom structure. In one embodiment, flexure members are interposed in each of the support legs so as to pivot the support boom structure from a stowed position to a deployed, cantilevered position. The flexure members may be elongated with an arcuate cross-sectional configuration when straight (e.g., of carpenter's tape construction). Preferably, three support legs are included to define a tripod support arrangement, wherein each of the support legs includes at least one flexure member.

Abstract: Mechanism for movably supporting a load, comprises a fixed frame, a pendulum lever pivotally connected at one end to the frame, and a link pivotally connected at one end to the other end of the pendulum lever. The other end of the link is connected to a vertically movable load support. A gas spring is pivotally interconnected between the frame and the link at points spaced from the points of articulation of the link and pendulum lever to the frame and to each other. Provision is made for adjusting the position of the pivotal connection between the link and the gas spring lengthwise of the link, and for adjusting the position of the pivotal connection of the gas spring to the frame in a direction toward or away from the point of articulation of the pendulum lever to the frame. Guides for the load are provided, comprising rollers mounted on the frame in between which a vertical member slides vertically.

Abstract: A seat assembly for an all-purpose vehicle such as a lorry or tractor comprises a frame carrying the seat. The frame is movably connected to a base secured to the vehicle.