Cam-wedge locking mechanism
First Claim
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1. A positioning device comprising:
- a cam rotatable in a first direction and a second direction;
a wedge engageable with the cam to be rotatable in the first direction only; and
a lever attached to the wedge, the lever engageable with the cam to urge the wedge away from the cam, thereby permitting rotatable travel of the cam in the second direction.
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Abstract
The present invention is a mechanism for releasing a positioning device from a locked position. The positioning device has a moveable wedge urged against a rotatable cammed member which permits rotatable travel of the cammed member in only one direction. The releasing mechanism comprises a lever attached to the wedge and engageable with the cammed member. Engaging the lever with the cammed member urges the wedge away from the cammed member to permit rotation of the cammed member in either direction.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A positioning device comprising:
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a cam rotatable in a first direction and a second direction; a wedge engageable with the cam to be rotatable in the first direction only; and a lever attached to the wedge, the lever engageable with the cam to urge the wedge away from the cam, thereby permitting rotatable travel of the cam in the second direction. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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- 8. In combination a positioning device and mechanism for releasing the positioning device from a locked position, the positioning device having a moveable wedge urged against a rotatable cammed member permitting rotatable travel of the cammed member in only one direction while in the locked position, the mechanism comprising a lever attached to the wedge and engageable with the cammed member, wherein engaging the lever with the cammed member urges the wedge away from the cammed member to permit rotation of the cammed member in either direction.
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15. A positioning mechanism for securing a retractor in a selected position, the positioning mechanism comprising:
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a pivotable member having a cammed surface; a moveable wedge having an inclined surface engageable against he cammed surface, and a lever attached to the wedge and engageable against the pivotable member, whereupon urging the inclined surface of the wedge against the cammed surface of the pivotable member retains the retractor in the selected position, wherein engaging the lever against the pivotable member urges the wedge away from the pivotable member to permit rotation of the pivotable member. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification