Adjustable joint for a positionable arm
US6379073B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 3, 2000 |
| Grant date | Apr 30, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 3, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/32311
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A positionable arm composed of multiple member segments connected by an adjustable joint which may be fixedly positioned and repeatedly repositioned. The first member includes an end portion defining a first connector opening and an inner surface defining a chamber. A slideable piston provided in the first member includes a first end and a second end, the first end being adjacent the chamber and creating a seal along the inner surface of the first member. A rotatable connector is received in the first member between the second end of said piston and the end portion of the first member, and a second member is attached to the rotatable connector. To position the arm, a pressurized fluid source supplies compressed air to the chamber, which presses the piston against the rotatable connector, fixedly clamping the connector between the piston and the end portion of the first chamber.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.