Abstract:
A telescopically moveable support member has a work element connected to a first end thereof. A rail and slotted collar arrangement is associated with the support member and bumpers are connected to the work element to prevent damage to both the work element and vehicle to which connected during movement from the extended position to the retracted position.
Abstract:
A coupling apparatus for adjustably mounting modular tooling members having a base member releasably connectable to a slide mount wherein the base member is adjustably located along a predetermined linear path of travel defined by the slide mount. The base member is rotatably adjustable with respect to a midportion via a pair of matingly engaging contoured surfaces. The contoured surfaces are substantially circular having V-shaped teeth extending radially outward. The V-shaped teeth of the contoured surfaces matingly engage and are secured by fasteners to prevent any radial movement of the midportion with respect to the end member. The midportion may also be rotatably adjustable with respect to an end member along a second centerline axis. The midportion and the end member may be adjustably rotated through a pair of contoured surfaces substantially similar to that provided between the midportion and the base member. The end member provides an aperture for releasably connecting a boom rod to the end member.
Abstract:
A stabilized platform system for isolating a payload from angular motions of a supporting structure has a base assembly securable to a supporting structure, and a payload stabilizing assembly carried by the base assembly and mounted for angular movement relative thereto about two or more separate axes. At least one of the axes is non-orthogonal with respect to another of the axes and mounted for limited angular movement relative to the base assembly, and the axes have extensions which meet at a common point.
Abstract:
A computer support for use in a vehicle interior includes a base having a pivotally secured riser bracket coupled thereto. The base is attached to a convenient vehicle surface such as the transmission hump or the like. A pair of telescoping risers are supported by the riser bracket and provide vertical movement of an arm carrier mechanism. The arm carrier in turn supports a pair of pivotally coupled arms which in turn support a platform bracket. A computer platform suitable for receiving and supporting a portable computer is received upon the platform bracket and includes a lock mechanism for securing the computer against unauthorized removal. Adjustments are provided for the vertical heights and horizontal position as well as angular tilt and horizontal angular position of the computer platform. Each adjustment of each position and angle includes apparatus for securing and maintaining a selected position.
Abstract:
A precision device which can precisely actuate three degrees of freedom of an optic mount, commonly referred to as tip, tilt, and piston. The device consists of three identical flexure mechanisms, an optic mount to be supported and positioned, a structure that supports the flexure mechanisms, and three commercially available linear actuators. The advantages of the precision device is in the arrangement of the constraints offered by the flexure mechanism and not in the particular design of the flexure mechanisms, as other types of mechanisms could be substituted. Each flexure mechanism constrains two degrees of freedom in the plane of the mechanisms and one direction is actuated. All other degrees of freedom are free to move within the range of flexure mechanisms. Typically, three flexure mechanisms are equally spaced in angle about to optic mount and arranged so that each actuated degree of freedom is perpendicular to the plane formed by the optic mount. This arrangement exactly constrains the optic mount and allows arbitrary actuated movement of the plane within the range of the flexure mechanisms. Each flexure mechanism provides a mechanical advantage, typically on the order of 5:1, between the commercially available actuator and the functional point on the optic mount. This improves resolution by the same ratio and stiffness by the square of the ratio.
Abstract:
A two-axis adjustable instrument mount having a fixed base plate, an intediate plate and an instrument mount plate. The intermediate plate is attached to the base plate by a three-point mount in the shape of an isosceles triangle. The two mounting points corresponding to the base of the triangle include hinge flex plates fixed to the base plate by means of rigid stand-offs. The flex plates are also fixed to the edge of the intermediate plate. The third mounting point corresponding to the apex of the triangle has a resilient block between the intermediate plate and the base plate. A threaded fastener passes through the resilient block and secures the intermediate plate to the base plate. Tightening or loosening the threaded fastener causes the resilient block to compress or expand thus allowing adjustment of the angle of the intermediate plate about the axis of the hinge plates with respect to the base plate. The instrument mount plate is similarly attached to the intermediate plate with the axis of the isosceles triangle formed by the three-point mount of the instrument mount plate being rotated 90 degrees from that of the intermediate plate.
Abstract:
A woven wire structural unit comprising multi-wire bundles. The bundles are connected at respective ends, and thereafter rigidly fixed. A variety of configurations may be formed, including but not limited to linear arrays, planar arrays, columnar or cylindrical configurations, spherical and hemispherical configurations, cubic configurations, and other polyhedronal configurations.
Abstract:
A tiltable mounting bracket for adjustably securing a speaker or other appliance on a wall or ceiling which has two similar plates, one for securing the bracket to the wall or ceiling and the other for securing the speaker or other appliance to the bracket, and a U-shaped member adjustably connecting the plates, each of the plates having a track for adjustably securing the U-shaped member thereon, and means associated with each track for adjustably securing the plates in an adjusted position relative to one another. The invention also includes parallel sets of arcuate and straight portions of the U-shaped member for reinforced adjustable securement of the plates relative to one another, and exit means through the plates permitting wires to pass therethrough.
Abstract:
A universal joint which permits global positioning of an object and a locking mechanism for securely and positively locking the universal joint in any position to which it can moved. The universal joint of the present invention may be used in series or singly to provide a mechanism for positioning and locking an object such as, for example, a headrest or a lamp, in any position within a spherical range.
Abstract:
A high intensity flood light fixture is provided consisting of a ballast housing and a reflector housing which are rotatably mounted with respect to each other. Indexing means are provided about the joint between the housings and also about an opening in the ballast housing adapted to receive a mounting tenon. A unique strain relief is provided for the power cord to the fixture which also serves as a water tight seal for the power cord.