Patent ID: 7493191

Claim:
An auxiliary control apparatus for coupling to an input control member of a micro-manipulator of a type which has a manipulator input mechanism that is mechanically coupled to an output follower mechanism and which is used to precisely position relative to a workpiece a tip of a tool mounted on the follower mechanism, by effecting motions of an output member of said follower mechanism to which said tool is mounted in scaled ratios of motions of said input control member of said manipulator input mechanism, said apparatus comprising; a. a motion control mechanism which includes a moveable input control arm and an output connector member, b. a support assembly for supporting said motion control mechanism by a structural support member for a micro-manipulator, and c. a coupler assembly for pivotably coupling said output connector member of said motion control mechanism to an input control member of said micro-manipulator, whereby motions of said input control member of said apparatus effect corresponding motions of said input control member of said micro-manipulator, and thereby effect motions of an output member of said micro-manipulator to which a tool is mountable.