Abstract:
The present invention is directed towards ball and socket joint connectors which, when interconnected, form a flexible assembly. In some embodiments, the ball and socket joint connectors are designed and constructed such that the interference fit of the ball and socket causes creep in the material resulting in more even frictions in the various ball and socket joints. In some embodiments, the ball and socket joint connectors utilize an over-molded strip around the outside of the connector to facilitate in their use for gripping. In an exemplary embodiment utilizing the aforementioned ball and socket joint connectors, a tripod apparatus uses legs comprising the ball and socket joint connectors for support and for gripping objects.
Abstract:
A device that is capable of being shaped comprising two or more elements that are interconnected in such a manner that the elements form a preferably elongated chain. Each element has a female portion and a male portion, where at least a portion of the elements’ male portion is designed to be received in the elements' female portion. Furthermore, each element is provided with a through-going opening which is preferably centred in the element, with an elongated locking body such as a wire mounted in the elements’ through-going openings through the entire length of the device. The elongated body can be varied between : - a first position where at least one of the elongated locking body’s ends is slackened/not tightened and the elements can be repositioned relative to one another for altering the shape of the device, - a second position where the elongated body is tightened, thereby maintaining the desired shape.
Abstract:
The camera mount of the invention comprises a base clamp (10) capable of being removably attached to almost any desired mounting or support such as a table, the back of a chair, or a bookshelf. Attached to the base clamp is a flexible arm (20). The arm terminates in a camera support member (24). The camera support member further comprises a camera securing surface (26) that allows a webcam or other lightweight digital image capturing device to quickly and easily be removably secured to the camera support member. As the arm of the camera mount is flexible, a webcam mounted thereon may be placed in a wide variety of positions and angles relative to the mounting surface while remaining fixed to the camera support member by the camera securing surface.
Abstract:
The camera mount of the invention comprises a base clamp capable of being removably attached to almost any desired mounting or support such as a table, the back of a chair, or a bookshelf. Attached to the base clamp is a flexible arm. The arm terminates in a camera support member. The camera support member further comprises a camera securing surface that allows a webcam or other lightweight digital image capturing device to quickly and easily be removably secured to the camera support member. As the arm of the camera mount is flexible, a webcam mounted thereon may be placed in a wide variety of positions and angles relative to the mounting surface while remaining fixed to the camera support member by the camera securing surface.
Abstract:
The invention is directed to an attachable timer for hands free activation of a camera or like device. The timer is attachable to a camera or other device generally requiring manual activation. The timer can be used in conjunction with a planar base that holds the camera and with also with a tripod connected to the base or the camera for stabilizing or positioning the timer-plus-camera combination for the best possible remotely activated shots. Many different attachment types can attach the timer to the camera.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a personal computer system in a vehicle, a system for supporting a utility station relative to a base, a flexible support mechanism, a console for retractably supporting a utility station in an automobile, and a method for supporting an object. The flexible support mechanism includes a plurality of links connected together to form a chain of links, a plurality of connectors for connecting the links, and a locking mechanism for selectively locking the links to rigidize the support mechanism. The systems include a flexible support mechanism and a utility station. The flexible support mechanism is connected to the utility station and a base. The base may be provided in a console or housing. A computer may be provided in the utility station. The system may also include a movable connection point where the support mechanism connects to the base. The method of supporting an object includes providing an object at the end of a flexible support mechanism, moving the object to a desired location by moving the flexible support mechanism, and rigidizing the flexible support mechanism such that the support mechanism becomes rigid to firmly position the object at the desired location. A break-away feature is provided where the support mechanism de-rigidizes in the event a vehicle is in an accident. A lock out feature is also provided to deter the driver from using the personal computer while the vehicle is moving. The invention also relates to a support mechanism for supporting objects, such as medical or dental devices, and is, thus, useful in industries such as the medical and dental fields, in addition to the automobile industry, among others.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a flexible stabilizer arm assembly (2) that can be positioned in a desired three-dimensioned attitude and then fixed in place to forceably holding an object against an undulating surface. In one embodiment, the invention assembly (2) comprises a mounting base (4) for attachment of the arm (3) to a stationary fixture, a flexible arm (3) of multiple articulated elongate links (16) rotatably joined to adjacent links (16), a freely rotatable turret joint (50) at the distal end of the arm (3) that is adapted to attach an appendage in freely rotatable fashion to the distal end of the arm (3).
Abstract:
A deployment system for an upper bundle steam generator cleaning/inspection device (90), the deployment system including an elongated body (80) feedable through an access in a steam generator shell proximate the tube sheet (32) of the steam generator (10), the elongated body (80) flexible in one configuration to bend into a position for extension up through flow slots (28, 30) in support plates (12, 14, 16, 18, 22, 24, 26) of the interior of the steam generator (10), and rigid in another configuration for positioning and supporting cleaning/inspection devices (90) up through the steam generator (10) proximate the upper tube bundle (42) of the steam generator (10); and a drive (92, 106) for driving the elongated body (80) up through the support plates (12, 14, 16, 18, 22, 24, 26) and for retracting the elongated body (80) back down through the support plates (12, 14, 16, 18, 22, 24, 26).
Abstract:
A flexible, articulable column (2) having a central cable tensioning member (4) with a series of ball (16) and socket (14) members strung on the cable (4) forming articulable joints. Each socket member (14) has at least one conical opening (18) with internal teeth (22) engageable with a ball (16) which is made of an elastomeric polymer. When the cable (4) is tensioned, the sockets (14) move toward each other and the balls (16) are indented by the teeth (22) of the socket (14). The column (2) thus becomes rigid. Releasing the tension returns the column (2) to the flexible state. An intraluminal stapler (5) comprising the flexible articulable column (2) is also disclosed.