Patent ID: 9266704
Filing Date: 2016-02-23
CPC Classification: B66F

Claim Text:
1. A mechanical linkage for performing a motion that occurs parallel to an imaginary xy plane of an imaginary Cartesian xyz coordinate system having an imaginary x axis, an imaginary y axis, and an imaginary z axis that define the xy plane as well as an imaginary xz plane and an imaginary yz plane, the linkage comprising a. a base-bar B b. a first lower V bar B c. a first upper V bar B d. a top bar B e. a second upper V bar B f. a second lower V bar B g. a first X bar B h. a second X bar B i. a first joint J j. a second joint J k. a third joint J l. a fourth joint J m. a fifth joint J n. a sixth joint J o. a seventh joint J p. an eighth joint J q. a ninth joint J r. a tenth joint J s. an eleventh joint J t. actuation means having a first end that is pivotally attached at joint J whereby, by varying the knee-to-knee distance using the actuation means, a distance H measured parallel to the y axis between bars B 1 and B 4 is caused to undergo a modulation in which the distance H is increased or decreased despite externally applied, oppositely directed forces of a magnitude P that act upon bars B 1 and B 4 to oppose the modulation, the modulation of distance H being thereby accomplished with a number of advantages: first, the linkage has only one degree of freedom, allowing modulation of the distance H, and consequently the linkage avoids unwanted, extraneous degrees of freedom; second, such extraneous degrees of freedom are prevented in a manner that does not limit the size of the top footprint; third, the linkage has a relatively high mechanical advantage, defined as a ratio P/F, thereby allowing the modulation of distance H to occur, for a given value of the applied force P, with a relatively small value of the actuation force F; fourth, the slidable joints J 9 and J 10 transmit forces in typical operation of the linkage that are relatively small compared to the applied force P, thereby minimizing wear at these joints; and fifth, the top bar B 4 is substantially fully supported across the top footprint, avoiding substantial cantilevered portions thereof.