A method and apparatus are provided for implementing an ultra-high stability stage with combined degrees of freedom for multiple axes of motion. The ultra-high stability stage includes a base, a driving wedge supported by the base and a following wedge supported by the driving wedge. The base and each wedge are formed of a selected stable material having predefined rigidity and low thermal expansion coefficient. Integrated air bearings, respective driving mechanics associated with each of the wedges and guiding components having selected degrees of freedom enable movement about multiple axes of motion, such as X, Y, Z translation axes, and rotation X and rotation Y axes. Another ultra-high stability stage with combined degrees of freedom for multiple axes of motion includes an intermediate wedge between the driving wedge and the following wedge to enable additional movement about a rotation X axis.

A locking system securing an image scanning device to a container includes a first and second compressible material. A first securing plate is disposed between the first and second compressible materials, while a second securing plate is adjacent to the second compressible material on a surface opposite a surface of the second compressible material that is adjacent to the first securing plate. A ball is disposed within curved edges of the first and second securing plates, where the curved edges each curve away from the second compressible material. A shaft extends from the ball to the image scanning device. A fastener is secured through the first and second securing plates, and into the securing surface to lock the ball, and subsequently the shaft and image scanning device, in place. The locking system can be secured to a pitched surface to naturally position the image scanning device perpendicular to level ground.

A mechanical hard stop for a sensor system includes a base for fixation to a gimbal or static structure, a movable stop member for engagement with a fixed stop member, and an actuator. The movable stop member has a disengaged position, proximate the base, and an engaged position, spaced apart from the base. The actuator is operably connected to the movable stop member to displace the movable stop member between the disengaged position and the engaged position according to a sensor selection received by the sensor system. Sensor systems and imaging methods are also described.

An electronic device includes a first body, a second body, a connection device, and a bearing mechanism. The first body includes a support plane. The connection device is arranged at the support plane and is configured to connect the first body and the second body. The bearing mechanism is arranged at the first body. The connection device includes a plurality of connection members between the first body and the second body, and the second body rotates on the support plane through movements and rotations of the connection members in a plurality of slideways located on the support plane. The bearing mechanism is connected with the connection members and drives the connection members to move on the support plane to bear gravity of the second body.

A method and apparatus are provided for implementing an ultra-high stability stage with combined degrees of freedom for multiple axes of motion. The ultra-high stability stage includes a base, a driving wedge supported by the base and a following wedge supported by the driving wedge. The base and each wedge are formed of a selected stable material having predefined rigidity and low thermal expansion coefficient. Integrated air bearings, respective driving mechanics associated with each of the wedges and guiding components having selected degrees of freedom enable movement about multiple axes of motion, such as X, Y, Z translation axes, and rotation X and rotation Y axes. Another ultra-high stability stage with combined degrees of freedom for multiple axes of motion includes an intermediate wedge between the driving wedge and the following wedge to enable additional movement about a rotation X axis.

A bracket and mount apparatus connects to a fixed touchscreen display of a Tesla vehicle allowing the same to rotate and/or tilt for placement where desired for viewing by either or both of a driver and a passenger thereof. Methods of using the same are further provided.

In some examples, an apparatus can include an arm, a cam connected to the arm, a first spring located around a first strut, where the first spring is oriented at a first angle relative to a base of the apparatus and the first strut is connected to the cam, a second spring located around a second strut, where the second spring is oriented at a second angle relative to the base of the apparatus and the second strut is connected to the cam, where the first spring and the second spring linearly compress in response to rotation of the arm from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation relative to the base of the apparatus.

An apparatus for supporting a payload includes a payload mount configured to be coupled to the payload to secure the payload, a first support member coupled to the payload mount, a second support member coupled to the first support member, and a single flexible member. The first support member includes a first actuation unit configured to rotate the payload mount around a first rotational axis relative to the first support member. The second support member includes a second actuation unit configured to rotate the first support member around a second rotational axis relative to the second support member. The single flexible member includes a branched configuration and is configured to be electrically coupled to the payload mount, the first actuation unit, and the second actuation unit. The first support member or the second support member includes a winding portion configured to engage the single flexible member.

A support arm arrangement for a local gas extractor arrangement and a local gas extractor arrangement including such a support arm arrangement. The support arm arrangement includes a first support arm and at least one second support arm being pivotally coupled to each other by of friction joint arrangements. The support arm arrangement receives a tube device coupled to an extractor hood an exterior pump device and the support arms. The extractor hood is arranged at an outermost second support arm by of a linkage arm arrangement including a first link arm, pivotally coupled to the outermost second support arm by a first friction joint pivotable about a first pivoting axis, and a second link arm fixedly attached to the extractor hood and pivotally coupled to the first link arm by a second friction joint pivotable about a second pivoting axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the first pivoting axis.

A mounting member for a sponge including a mounting assembly, a cutting assembly, a cap assembly, a sponge assembly and a sink assembly in disclosed. The mounting assembly includes a suction cup that includes a base opening for receiving the cutting assembly therein. The cutting assembly includes a shaft having a threaded portion around the perimeter of the shaft. Importantly, at a distal end of the shaft is a cutting blade capable of cutting a sponge opening on a sponge. The sponge can be mounted to the cutting assembly or the cap assembly. The cap assembly conceals the shaft and the cutting blade to reduce risk of accidental injury. The mounting assembly is mounted to a basin of the sink assembly to allow for the effective drainage of water absorbed by the sponge onto a basin floor and through a basin drain.