Abstract:
Disclosed is a modular base link for use in a counterbalancing arm. The base link includes two base plates and four connection points. Two stabilizing members are connected to and extend between the base plates. Two resilient members, one of which is hingeably connected to and in communication with the two connection points, the other resilient member is hingeably connected to and in communication with the other connection points. The connection points are eccentrically and orthogonally disposed relative to each other. The resilient members are sufficiently resilient to permit movement of the base plates relative to each other so as to counterbalance the arm when a load is applied to either base plate.
Abstract:
A self-locking brake mechanism, which utilises a cantilever to engage a brake drum to prevent the brake drum from rotating, thereby resulting in braking behaviour. Further, locking mechanisms are provided that are useful for applications involving multiple brakes. The locking mechanism, through suitable use of indexing via Geneva mechanisms, allows multiple brakes to be engaged and/or disengaged from a single point of adjustment. The multiple brakes may be engaged or disengaged in a variety of combinations to achieve a particular desired braking configuration. The user can turn a single knob to engage or disengage varying combinations of brakes so as to achieve the desired braking configuration.
Abstract:
A counterbalance apparatus for supporting a load includes a base, a load bearing arm, a toggle linkage, and first and second resilient members for applying a force to the load bearing arm. The load bearing arm has pivot points forming a parallelogram linkage, and is adapted to support the load at a distal end. The toggle linkage can include an adjustment member positioned to define a distance relative to the attachment point. The first resilient member is adapted to apply a force to the load bearing arm and may have a first end connected to a first portion of the parallelogram linkage and a second end connected to the adjustment member. Movement of the toggle linkage to the load bearing position engages the forces of the resilient members and movement of the adjustment member varies the distance to adjust a support vector adapted to counterbalance the load vector.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a modular base link for use in a counterbalancing arm. The base link includes two base plates and four connection points. Two stabilizing members are connected to and extend between the base plates. Two resilient members, one of which is hingeably connected to and in communication with the two connection points, the other resilient member is hingeably connected to and in communication with the other connection points. The connection points are eccentrically and orthogonally disposed relative to each other. The resilient members are sufficiently resilient to permit movement of the base plates relative to each other so as to counterbalance the arm when a load is applied to either base plate.
Abstract:
A mechanical tracking system comprises a first set of linkage arms, a second set of linkage arms, a pair of shafts connected at first end to one arm of the first set of linkage arms and at a second end to one arms of said second set of the linkage arms, wherein each arm of the second set of linkage arms is oriented out of phase with a respective arm of the first set of linkage arms, an attachment shaft positioned adjacent to the first set of linkage arms to accommodate a tool, and a sensor arrangement configured lo sense the orientation and position of the attachment shaft.