Patent ID: 6857609
Filing Date: 2005-02-22
Classification: A61B,F16M

Abstract:
1. A positioning arm for positioning and holding a device within a desired workspace, said arm comprising: a free-end link having a centerline and a distal end face and an adjoining end face, said adjoining end face being substantially planar and forming a specified angle with said link centerline, said distal end face adapted to allow for the connection of said device to said distal end face, a plurality of intermediate links, each link having a centerline and two end faces, each of said end faces being substantially planar and forming a specified angle with said link centerline, each of said intermediate links having a channel connecting said end faces, a base link having a centerline and a base end face and an adjoining end face, said adjoining end face being substantially planar and forming a specified angle with said link centerline, said base end face adapted to allow for the interfacing of said arm with a supporting surface, a cable having two ends, said cable being passed through said channels so that one end attaches to said free-end link and one end attaches at said base link, and a locking mechanism that attaches to said cable and applies tension to said cable so as to pull adjoining end faces into contact so as to lock by frictional contact said links into a desired orientation, said locking mechanism being attached to one of said links.