Patent ID: 6030348
Filing Date: 2000-02-29
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
An apparatus for orienting a guidance device with respect to a patient's body, comprising:a) a support structure for supporting said guidance device, said support structure having an angular position;b) means for permitting said support structure to rotate within a range of angular motion in first and second orthogonal planes so as to vary said angular position thereof, said rotation permitting means comprising (i) a first member, (ii) a second member rotatably mounted on said first member for rotation within said first plane, (iii) a third member rotatably mounted on said second member for rotation within said second plane, said support structure coupled to said third member;c) first position adjusting means for setting an angular position of said second member by rotating said second member in a first direction within said first plane; andd) first force generating means for maintaining said angular position of said second member by generating a force tending to rotate said second member within said first plane in a direction opposite to said first direction, said first force generating means generating said force in response to said rotation of said second member in said first direction,whereby said angular position of said support structure may be accurately adjusted and maintained at any angular position within said range of angular motion permitted by said rotation permitting means.