GIMBAL ASSEMBLY FOR TOOL SUPPORT
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A support and orienting system comprising:
- an inner gimbal portion configured to grasp a tool at its center of balance and having a first rotation component;
an outer gimbal portion configured to be disposed around the inner gimbal portion and having a second rotation component complimentary to the first rotation component and interfaced therewith such that the inner gimbal portion rotates within the outer gimbal portion; and
a yoke structure having the outer gimbal portion pivotally attached thereto such that the axis of rotation of the outer gimbal portion with respect to the yoke structure is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the inner gimbal portion with respect to the outer gimbal portion.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A supporting and orienting apparatus that is angularly agile and can balance the weight of tools, and permits quick tool replacement is disclosed. An inner gimbal portion holds the tool at its center of balance and is rotationally disposed within an outer gimbal portion. The gimbal portion combination is rotationally attached to an articulated arm. The tool with one or both gimbal portions attached can be removed and replaced with another tool, also having gimbal portions attached such that the tool is automatically balanced when inserted into the support apparatus.
-
Citations
22 Claims
-
1. A support and orienting system comprising:
-
an inner gimbal portion configured to grasp a tool at its center of balance and having a first rotation component; an outer gimbal portion configured to be disposed around the inner gimbal portion and having a second rotation component complimentary to the first rotation component and interfaced therewith such that the inner gimbal portion rotates within the outer gimbal portion; and a yoke structure having the outer gimbal portion pivotally attached thereto such that the axis of rotation of the outer gimbal portion with respect to the yoke structure is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the inner gimbal portion with respect to the outer gimbal portion. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
-
-
18. A method of using a support and orienting apparatus comprising:
-
securing a tool at its center of balance in an inner gimbal portion; securing the inner gimbal portion to an outer gimbal portion, such that the inner gimbal portion rotates within the outer gimbal portion; wherein the inner and outer gimbal portion combination is either directly or indirectly attached to an articulating arm; and using the tool to accomplish a task. - View Dependent Claims (19)
-
-
20. A support and orienting system comprising:
-
a plurality of tools, each secured in an inner gimbal portion, configured to be inserted into an outer gimbal portion, the inner gimbal portion rotatable within the outer gimbal portion; the outer gimbal portion configured to be connected to a frame; and the frame configured to be connected to an articulating arm. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22)
-
Specification