Abstract: A camera mount for controlled rolling movement includes a base and a camera platform pivotally connected to the base at its aft end. The pivotal connection includes a hollow shaft to accommodate passage of power and video cables to the camera. The forward end of the camera platform is movably supported by a pair of overlapping arc-shaped rails. This forward support steadies the camera and prevents any up-and-down bouncing motion. The aft pivotal connection, arc-shaped rails, and optical axis of the camera are all preferably coaxial. A plurality of gears transmit the motion of a drive motor into the camera platform. A plurality of bearings provide tight but smoothly operating connections between the moving parts of the camera mount. The camera mount provides a 180-degree range of rolling motion. The camera mount further includes an adjustably positioned counterbalance weight for varying the center of gravity of the pivoting platform and camera.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 5, 1997
Date of Patent:
June 16, 1998
Assignee:
Roy Isaia
Inventors:
Michael Sidney Skipp, Michael Stephen Skipp