Leveling device especially adapted for use in apparatus for performing light beam guided biopsies and the like

摘要

A leveling device capable of adjusting the inclination of a member, such as a vertical support post of a laser beam guidance apparatus for use in performing biopsies, in orthogonal first and second planes. The device has a fixed base plate upon which an intermediate tilt plate is rotatably supported so as to allow rotation of the intermediate tilt plate in the first plane. An upper tilt plate is rotatably supported on the intermediate tilt plate so as to allow rotation of the upper tilt plate in the second plane. A first adjusting screw provides adjustment of the rotation of the intermediate tilt plate in the first plane by imparting a force that counterbalances a spring force that also acts on the intermediate tilt plate. A second adjusting screw provides adjustment of the rotation of the upper tilt plate in the second plane by imparting a force that counterbalances a spring force that also acts on the upper tilt plate. The spring forces and the counterbalancing adjusting screw forces maintain the leveling device in the desired orientation.