Powered joint with wireless transfer

A powered articulated mechanical joint comprising:

• a first articulated mechanical joint component mechanically coupled to a second articulated mechanical joint component in which the first articulated mechanical joint component has multiple degrees of rotational freedom with respect to the second articulated mechanical joint component;
• a plurality of power transmission coils associated with the first articulated mechanical component;
• one or more power receiving coils associated with the second articulated mechanical component;
• a sensor that determines the orientation of the second articulated mechanical component with respect to the first articulated mechanical component;
• and
• a control circuit for selectively activating one of the plurality of power transmission coils based on information received from the sensor.

An arrangement for powering a device having free spatial movement in two or more dimensions, the arrangement comprising:

• a powered support connected to two or more relatively moveable elements by a powered articulated mechanical joint, the powered articulated mechanical joint having a first articulated mechanical joint component mechanically coupled to a second articulated mechanical joint component, the first articulated mechanical joint component having multiple degrees of rotational freedom with respect to the second articulated mechanical joint component, the powered articulated mechanical joint further comprising:
• a plurality of power transmission coils associated with the first articulated mechanical joint component;
• and
• a plurality of power receiving coils associated with the second articulated mechanical joint component;
• wherein the transmission and receiving coils are spaced apart and are rotatably movable relative to each other.