Patent ID: 6904664
Filing Date: 2005-06-14
Classification: B23Q,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of adjustably supporting a workpiece in a stationary position, comprising the steps of: mounting the workpiece on a positioner, the positioner comprising a counterweight, a first arm, a second arm, a first brake assembly and a second brake assembly, wherein said first arm defines a longitudinal first axis and is selectively rotatable about said longitudinal first axis, said second arm defines a longitudinal second axis and is selectively rotatable about said longitudinal second axis, said first brake assembly being associated with said first arm and being operable to prevent said first arm from rotating about said longitudinal first axis, said second brake assembly being associated with said second arm and being operable to prevent said second arm from rotating about said longitudinal second axis, said workpiece being mounted to said positioner so as to be selectively movable with said first and second arms about said longitudinal first and second axes; counterbalancing the workpiece with the counterweight; operating the first brake assembly so as to release said first arm and thereby permitting rotation of said workpiece around said longitudinal first axis; operating said second brake assembly simultaneously with said first brake assembly so as to release said second arm and thereby permitting rotation of said workpiece around the longitudinal second axis; and, when said workpiece has been manually repositioned to a desired orientation corresponding to a desired rotational position of said first and second arms, operating said first and second brake assemblies simultaneously to hold said first and second arms in said desired rotational positions.