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.

According to at least one embodiment, a gravity assist system comprises a plurality links and a means for holding at least one tool, wherein the plurality links are configured to permit a user to reposition the at least one tool within a work envelope.

According to at least one embodiment, a gravity assist system comprises a plurality links and a means for holding at least one tool, wherein the plurality links are configured to permit a user to reposition the at least one tool within a work envelope.

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, wherein the first arm segment is connected to a first joint and the second arm segment is connected to a second joint, wherein 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 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, wherein the first arm segment is connected to a first joint and the second arm segment is connected to a second joint, wherein 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 cargo retrieval assembly includes a handle that has a length of at least 1.2 meters and the handle may be extended into a bed of a pickup. A member is slidably positioned in the handle such that the handle and the member combine to have a telescopically adjustable length, and the member has a length of at least 1.2 meters. A rocker is pivotally coupled to the handle and the rocker engages the member when the rocker is in a locking position to retain the handle and the member at a selected length. The rocker disengages the member when the rocker is manipulated for adjusting the telescopic length of the handle and the member. A grapple is removably coupled to the member has the grapple is oriented perpendicular to the member for engaging, and thusly retrieving, cargo when the member is extended into the bed of the pickup.

A lifting device includes a framework (2) and a manipulator arm (8) pivotally connected to the framework. The manipulator arm includes a first end portion (19) and a second end portion (13) adapted to carry a tool (20). A balancing arrangement (7; 30, 39) includes a first part (7a; 30a; 39a) connected to the framework and a second part (7b; 30b; 39b) adapted to interact with the first end portion. At least one of the manipulator arm and the balancing arrangement includes a first balancing device (11; 31; 34), which is extendable to ensure that interaction between the second part and the first end portion is maintained. The first balancing device is adapted to generate a first balancing force which maintains a moment balance about the first joint. The manipulator arm has at least two rotational degrees of freedom in a first spherical coordinate system (17).

A lifting device includes a framework (2) and a manipulator arm (8) pivotally connected to the framework. The manipulator arm includes a first end portion (19) and a second end portion (13) adapted to carry a tool (20). A balancing arrangement (7; 30, 39) includes a first part (7a; 30a; 39a) connected to the framework and a second part (7b; 30b; 39b) adapted to interact with the first end portion. At least one of the manipulator arm and the balancing arrangement includes a first balancing device (11; 31; 34), which is extendable to ensure that interaction between the second part and the first end portion is maintained. The first balancing device is adapted to generate a first balancing force which maintains a moment balance about the first joint. The manipulator arm has at least two rotational degrees of freedom in a first spherical coordinate system (17).

Minimally invasive instrument for robotic surgery including a functional element, a force, torque and/or pressure transmission device for transmitting force, torque and/or pressure from a drive to the functional element, a coupling device for coupling the instrument to a medical robot such that the functional element can be actuated by the drive, wherein an operating element for manually operating the functional element in a state in which the instrument is uncoupled from the medical robot.