A holding apparatus, in particular a holding arm and/or tripod, for medical purposes, comprises a proximal end for attaching the holding apparatus to a base and a distal end for receiving an add-on device; at least one first and one second arm segment, where the first arm segment is connected to a first joint and the second arm segment is connected to a second joint, where each joint is releasable and lockable; an operating device for releasing and/or locking the respective joint for putting the holding apparatus into a desired pose; and a first display unit which is arranged on the first joint and a second display unit which is arranged on the second joint. The first and/or second display unit is configured to display at least one status of the holding apparatus and/or of an add-on device that is different from the releasing and/or locking of the respective joint. The invention further relates to a method.

A positionable tool support device is mounted near a work surface for supporting a tool for a user. The tool support device includes a surface mount to secure the tool support device to a support surface. A gravity-balancing articulated arm assembly is coupled to and extends from the surface mount. The gravity-balancing articulated arm assembly is selectively adjustable about both vertical and horizontal axes. A rigid support extension is coupled to the gravity-balancing articulated arm assembly for selective rotation relative to the gravity-balancing articulated arm assembly. A flexible tensile member is coupled to and extends, in a relaxed state, vertically downward from the rigid support extension. The tensile member is coupled to the tool.

A positionable tool support device is mounted near a work surface for supporting a tool for a user. The tool support device includes a surface mount to secure the tool support device to a support surface. A gravity-balancing articulated arm assembly is coupled to and extends from the surface mount. The gravity-balancing articulated arm assembly is selectively adjustable about both vertical and horizontal axes. A rigid support extension is coupled to the gravity-balancing articulated arm assembly for selective rotation relative to the gravity-balancing articulated arm assembly. A flexible tensile member is coupled to and extends, in a relaxed state, vertically downward from the rigid support extension. The tensile member is coupled to the tool.

A system for use in maintaining a turbine assembly includes a plurality of blades and a plurality of vanes. The system includes an insertion apparatus including an insertion end, a steering end opposite the insertion end, and a body extending from the insertion end to the steering end. The insertion end is positionable proximate at least one blade of the plurality of blades using a steering interface. The system also includes a service apparatus for use in maintaining the turbine assembly. The service apparatus includes at least one maintenance device and an anchoring feature. The service apparatus is proximate the insertion end of the insertion apparatus and is positionable in a plurality of orientations via the steering interface. The anchoring feature is configured to releasably couple the service apparatus to at least one blade of the plurality of blades.

A system for use in maintaining a turbine assembly includes a plurality of blades and a plurality of vanes. The system includes an insertion apparatus including an insertion end, a steering end opposite the insertion end, and a body extending from the insertion end to the steering end. The insertion end is positionable proximate at least one blade of the plurality of blades using a steering interface. The system also includes a service apparatus for use in maintaining the turbine assembly. The service apparatus includes at least one maintenance device and an anchoring feature. The service apparatus is proximate the insertion end of the insertion apparatus and is positionable in a plurality of orientations via the steering interface. The anchoring feature is configured to releasably couple the service apparatus to at least one blade of the plurality of blades.

An articulated arm coordinate measuring machine (AACMM) includes one or more heater elements that cooperate with a processor to maintain one or more components in the AACMM within a predetermined temperature range.

An articulated arm coordinate measuring machine (AACMM) includes one or more heater elements that cooperate with a processor to maintain one or more components in the AACMM within a predetermined temperature range.

An apparatus for loading a crossbow includes a first member having a first portion defining a first handle and a second portion defining a first hollow semi-cylinder. A second member has a third portion defining a second handle and a fourth portion defining a second hollow semi-cylinder. The first and second members are rotatable with respect to each other about an axis. The first member is selectively rotatable with respect to the second member about the axis between a first position and a second position. The first hollow semi-cylinder and the second hollow semi-cylinder cooperate to define a hollow cylinder when the first member is in the first position with respect to the second member. The first hollow semi-cylinder and the second hollow semi-cylinder are separated when the first member is in the second position with respect to the second member.

A system and method of providing feedback during manual joint positioning includes a computer-assisted device having an articulated structure including a joint and a control unit coupled to the articulated structure. To provide feedback to a user during manual positioning of the joint by the user, the control unit is configured to provide first haptic feedback indicating that the joint is moving in a correct direction when the joint is moving toward a first target position, provide second haptic feedback indicating that the joint is not moving in the correct direction when the joint is moving away from the first target position, and provide third haptic feedback indicating that motion of the joint should stop when the joint is at the first target position.

A system and method of providing feedback during manual joint positioning includes a computer-assisted device having an articulated structure including a joint and a control unit coupled to the articulated structure. To provide feedback to a user during manual positioning of the joint by the user, the control unit is configured to provide first haptic feedback indicating that the joint is moving in a correct direction when the joint is moving toward a first target position, provide second haptic feedback indicating that the joint is not moving in the correct direction when the joint is moving away from the first target position, and provide third haptic feedback indicating that motion of the joint should stop when the joint is at the first target position.