Device for positioning an object in all directions
US8047518B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 6, 2007 |
| Grant date | Nov 1, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 25, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01Q3/02
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The positioning device can position a spherical object. This object is placed and held by gravity on three points of support (P, P′, P″) of the positioning device. The center of gravity of the object in any position is within the triangle formed by the three points of support. The positioning device includes means for driving the object in rotation. The drive means includes a drive member including wheel whose contact with the external surface of the object forms one of the support points (P) of the positioning device. This drive member can impose a rotation on the object, via the wheel, in all directions. The other two points of support (P′, P″) are made using two ball and socket joints, wherein the ball is held on an air cushion in a housing of the ball and socket joint.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.