Patent ID: 6938365

Claim:
A support structure for a tool comprising a boom or arm for supporting the tool, a first pivoted link supporting the tool from the boom, and enabling it to swing in a first plane, a second pivoted link on a second plane at right angles to the first plane, wherein at least one of said pivoted links includes a pendulum pivot supporting the tool with respect to the boom or arm in a manner which allows the tool to pendulate, and a self monitoring and operating dampening means for controlling the pendulation of the tool on the pendulum pivot with respect to the boom or arm, wherein the dampening means includes a ram having a cylinder chamber, a piston within the cylinder chamber associated with a piston rod, a by-pass providing communication to the interiors of the cylinder chamber on both sides of the piston within the chamber, and control means associated with the by-pass, and control means being adjustable to control the interchange of fluids to and from the interiors of the cylinder to maintain substantially equal pressure on each side of the piston.