Patent ID: 7695238
Filing Date: 2010-04-13
Classification: B66F

Abstract:
1. A lift mechanism of the type used to move an object relative to a reference surface, wherein the object has a center-of-mass, the lift mechanism comprising: an arm structure rotateably attached to a base, said arm structure configured to laterally move with respect to the reference surface, wherein the arm structure comprises a first portion extending from a second portion at a substantially oblique angle, the second portion rotateably attached to the base; a balance structure configured to hold the object, wherein the balance structure is rotateably connected to the arm structure at a single pivot point on said balance structure, and said pivot point is substantially coincident with the center-of-mass of the object wherein said balance structure comprises one or more selectively removable weights, wherein adding or subtracting one or more weights to the balance structure aligns the center-of-mass of the object together with the balance structure to be substantially coincident with said pivot point; and wherein said balance structure is rotatable with respect to said arm structure to orient said object from a first angle of orientation to a second angle of orientation with respect to said reference surface wherein said rotation of the balance structure with respect to the arm structure occurs around an axis passing through said center-of-mass and wherein said arm structure and said balance structure are disposed within said base such that said balance structure is rotatable with respect to said arm such that said center-of-mass does not extend outside said base.