Method and apparatus for improved stiffness in the linkage assembly of a flexible arm
US6860668B2 · kind B2 · utility
23Cited by
6References
79Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 9, 2002 |
| Grant date | Mar 1, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 9, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/32311
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention includes linkage assemblies comprising coupled links with metallic contact surfaces with improved stiffness. The inventors found significant mechanical problems with all previous descriptions of metallic contact links sufficient to preclude their commercial use. These metallic contact links are a significant improvement over existing plastic ball and metal joint, or all plastic beads as found in the prior art. The invention includes methods providing these links and high friction couplings between them, as well as the linkage assemblies and flexible arms resulting from these processes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.