GIMBAL ASSEMBLY FOR TOOL SUPPORT

摘要

A supporting and orienting apparatus for balancing tools. An inner gimbal portion holds and balances a tool and is rotationally disposed within an outer gimbal portion. An outer gimbal portion is rotationally attached to a yoke. The yoke is rotationally attached, either directly or indirectly to an additional apparatus component to provide at least three degrees of freedom.

主权项

1. A support and orienting apparatus comprising:
an inner gimbal ring having a tool grasping device adapted to selectively secure tools of different shapes and sizes by being adapted to grasp tools at different locations to balance them; the inner gimbal ring having a circumferential peripheral track; an outer gimbal ring disposed concentrically with and outside of the inner gimbal ring; the outer gimbal ring having at least three roller wheels operatively and complementary fit to the track and adjustably engageable therewith such that the inner gimbal portion rotates within the outer gimbal portion about a first axis; the roller wheels having axes of rotation parallel to the first axis; the outer gimbal ring comprising segments connected by a hinge having an axle, the hinge axle being parallel to the first axis; the outer gimbal ring connected to a yoke structure, the yoke structure having a yoke rotatable with the outer gimbal about a second axis; and the yoke rotatably connected about a third axis to one of either a yoke support or articulating arm; wherein the first axis, second axis and third axis are approximately mutually perpendicular.