Patent ID: 7218510
Filing Date: 2007-05-15
Classification: F16M,G06F

Abstract:
1. A computer controlled display device, comprising: a flat panel display having an input for receiving display data; a moveable assembly coupled to said display, said moveable assembly providing at least three degrees of freedom of movement for said flat panel display device and having a cross-sectional area which is substantially less than a cross-sectional area of a display structure of said flat panel display, wherein said moveable assembly comprises a plurality of stacked ball-and-socket assemblies, wherein a ball-and-socket assembly includes a substantially spherical socket, said socket having a cavity defining an inner surface of said socket, and a substantially spherical ball within said cavity; and a brake device within said ball-and-socket assembly, said brake device comprising a bladder within said ball and coupled to an actuation device to provide a pressure to said bladder, said bladder being expandable, said bladder to suspend movement of said ball within said cavity when said bladder is in an expanded state, wherein said actuation device suspending movement of said moveable assembly when a pressure is applied within said actuation device and permitting said movement when said pressure is lessened, wherein said actuation device includes flexible tubing within said ball-and-socket assembly, said flexible tubing coupled to said bladder, and wherein said brake device comprises a structural member disposed within said bladder, said structural member to provide support for said bladder.