Patent · US Expired

Universal extremity positioner

US4579324A · kind A · utility

29Cited by
12References
13Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateApr 10, 1984
Grant dateApr 1, 1986
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 10, 2004

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61G13/1245
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A positioning apparatus for use in surgical operating procedures and the like comprising one or more generally vertically extending support arms which are connected at their lower ends to universal positioner mechanisms which may be adjustably positioned along a support bar suspended from and substantially rigidly connected to an operating table or the like. The positioning mechanism includes a ball and socket coupling including spaced apart support block having socket portions for forcibly engaging the ball under the urging of a plurality of springs. A lever actuated cam connected to a foot pedal is operable to release the biasing force on the support blocks whereby the position of the support arm connected at one end to the ball may be finely adjusted over a wide range of positions. The positioning mechanism may also comprise clamping members adjustable about three mutually perpendicular axes to provide universal movement of a support arm.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.