Abstract: A camera crane mobile base has a drive motor assembly at each corner of a chassis. The drive motor assemblies may have an electric motor linked to an axle via gearing, and one or more wheels attached to the axle. The electric motors may be separately controlled to propel and steer the mobile base. A column is pivotally attached to the chassis and pivotal in lateral and longitudinal directions via actuators. The drive motor assemblies may be removed from the chassis for storage or transport. With the drive motor assemblies installed, the mobile base is highly stable and maneuverable. With the drive motor assemblies removed, the chassis is narrow enough to fit through a typical doorway. Steering systems may be linked to the drive motor assemblies at the front and/or rear of the chassis, to allow steering control of the mobile base in corrective, crab and/or round steering modes. The chassis may optionally have an upward curvature from either end towards the center location.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing a camera platform includes generating a first signal from a platform sensor, such as a gyro sensor, on the camera platform indicative of a change in angular position of the camera platform. The first signal is added to a control signal provided from a camera platform position controller, typically operated by the camera operator. A first correction value based on the sum of the first signal and the control signal is calculated. A second correction value is calculated based on a signal from an encoder associated with a motor linked to the camera platform. Adding the first correction value and the second correction value provides a motor control signal which is amplified and used to control the motor.

Abstract: A shock and vibration isolator for a movie or video camera has a vertical axis system including a base, an arm pivotably attached to the base, and at least one spring connected to the base and to the arm. One or more dampeners are connected to the base and to the arm. A horizontal axis system is supported by the vertical axis system. A leveling linkage connects the vertical and horizontal axis systems. The leveling linkage has adjustment features that allow for compensation of camera lens angulation caused by movement of the camera supported on a vehicle rolling over rough or uneven ground.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing a camera platform includes generating a first signal from a platform sensor, such as a gyro sensor, on the camera platform indicative of a change in angular position of the camera platform. The first signal is added to a control signal provided from a camera platform position controller, typically operated by the camera operator. A first correction value based on the sum of the first signal and the control signal is calculated. A second correction value is calculated based on a signal from an encoder associated with a motor linked to the camera platform. Adding the first correction value and the second correction value provides a motor control signal which is amplified and used to control the motor.

Abstract: A camera support or head has a pan frame pivotably attached to a support hub. The support hub is attached to a camera crane or similar apparatus. The pan frame has first and second spaced apart and parallel adjustable length pan arms. A pan motor is attached to the pan frame and adapted to pivot the pan frame about a pan axis relative to the support hub. A tilt frame is pivotably attached to the pan frame. The tilt frame may include first and second spaced apart and parallel adjustable length tilt arms attached to opposite ends of a camera mounting plate. A tilt motor is attached to the tilt frame and to the pan frame and is adapted to pivot the tilt frame about a tilt axis perpendicular to the pan axis. The adjustable length tilt arms allow the camera head to extended to accommodate cameras requiring more vertical clearance. The adjustable length tilt arms allow the camera platform to be moved to better locate the center of gravity of the camera on the tilt axis, for more balanced loading.

Abstract: A camera crane includes an arm having a back section, a middle section telescopically extendible into and out of the back section, and a front section telescopically extendible into and out of the middle section. A camera platform is pivotally attached at or near the front end of the front section. A counterweight is movable along the back section. An arm support can support the back section at two or more positions. Consequently the pivot axis of the arm can be shifted to the front or rear, to change rear clearance requirements, counterweight requirements, and the reach of the arm. An electronic controller is linked to a motor and a sensor on a camera head, with the motor acting to keep the head level.

Abstract: A camera crane includes an arm having a back section, a middle section telescopically extendible into and out of the back section, and a front section telescopically extendible into and out of the middle section. A camera platform is pivotally attached at or near the front end of the front section. A counterweight is movable along the back section. An arm support can support the back section at two or more positions. Consequently the pivot axis of the arm can be shifted to the front or rear, to change rear clearance requirements, counterweight requirements, and the reach of the arm. An electronic controller is linked to a motor and a sensor on a camera head, with the motor acting to keep the head level.

Abstract: A camera platform may be stabilized by reducing or avoiding oscillating movement, when active stabilization systems are not used. A passive dampener resists the back driving of the motors used in the active stabilization system. This dampening or resistance to back driving the motors in turn dampens movement of the camera platform. Oscillations are reduced or avoided and the camera platform may return more quickly and smoothly to a level position. The dampener may be provided as an add-on or temporarily electrically switched in accessory. The dampener may include a circuit that connects the first and second motors of the active stabilization system in series, and connects the series output of the two motors to a variable resistor through a rectifier. A transistor may be with the variable resistor to provide for more linear adjusting and a more compact variable resistor.

Abstract: An adapter for a steering handle of a camera dolly includes a first part and a second part attached to the first part in a way that allows for angular adjustment between them. This allows the steering handle to be aligned or squared up relative to the dolly chassis. The first part may be an adapter base and the second part may be a riser. The adapter base may have a flange with slotted holes alignable with holes in the riser. Fasteners, such as cap screws, extending through the slots and holes, may be loosened to allow angular movement between the adapter base and the riser. Once properly aligned, the fasteners are tightened. Grooves, openings, pins, or similar engagement features may be provided at the top end of the adapter base, to allow a steering handle to attach to, and to rotate with, the adapter base. A bore may extend through the adapter base and the riser, with a fitting on the riser adapted to engage with a steering system in the camera dolly.

Abstract: A telescopically extendible camera crane arm includes a second section telescopically movable within a first section. A first actuator extends the second section and a second actuator retracts the second section. A control valve has first and second ports connected to provide pressurized fluid to the first and second actuators. An inlet port of the control valve is connected to a pressurized fluid source, such as a pump or accumulator of a hydraulic system. The control valve has extend, off, and retract positions. The control valve provides a threshold amount of fluid pressure to the first and second actuators when in the off position, and provides a greater than the threshold amount of fluid pressure to the first and second actuators, when in the extend or retract positions.

Abstract: A camera crane has a telescopically extendible arm with a camera platform supported at the front end of the arm. A mechanical leveling system is linked to the camera platform to keep the camera platform in a substantially horizontal or level position, regardless of the elevation angle of the arm. A counter weight moves along the arm as the arm extends and retracts, to help keep the arm balanced. A stabilizing system provides instantaneous corrective movements to the camera platform, to keep the camera platform level. The stabilizing system includes a sensor for sensing the angular position of the camera platform. An electronic controller provides a positive preload to a first motor, and a negative preload to the second motor, driving the camera platform, to avoid backlash. Upon sensing an out of level position, the controller provides a corrective signal to the motors, causing both motors to drive the camera platform back towards level.

Abstract: A shock and vibration isolator for a movie or video camera has a vertical axis system including a base, an arm pivotably attached to the base, and at least one spring connected to the base and to the arm. One or more dampeners are connected to the base and to the arm. A horizontal axis system is supported by the vertical axis system. A leveling linkage connects the vertical and horizontal axis systems. The leveling linkage has adjustment features that allow for compensation of camera lens angulation caused by movement of the camera supported on a vehicle rolling over rough or uneven ground.

Abstract: A flashlight includes a first or top section attached to a second or base section. The top section has one or more elements that are axially moveable relative to the base section, for focusing light. This movement may be achieved, for example, by having the top and base sections joined via screw threads, and by rotating one section relative to the other. One or more lenses are supported in the top section. An LED or other light source is supported on a base or heat sink on the base section. As the sections move relative to each other, a switch is actuated turning the LED on, and the lens moves relative to the LED, focusing light from the LED. The base section has a housing forming a battery compartment. Electronic components are encapsulated in a potting compound, such as thermally conductive epoxy, to improve heat transfer from the components, and to better resist environmental affects.

Abstract: A camera crane includes an improved balancing system having a weight bar attached to the crane arm, and balance weights moveable along the weight bar. Substantially each balance weight can have upper rollers resting on the upper surface of the weight bar, to support the balance weight on the weight bar and allowing the balance weight to roll along the weight bar. A brake may be provided on the balance weights to lock the balance weight into a selected position on the weight bar. If used, the brake may have a moveable brake pad and a brake stop. The weight bar can be attached to the crane arm via mounting bars, and with the balance weights each including a slot to allow the balance weight to move over or past the mounting bars.

Abstract: A shock and vibration isolator for a movie or video camera has a vertical axis system including a base, an arm pivotably attached to the base, and at least one spring connected to the base and to the arm. One or more dampeners are connected to the base and to the arm. A horizontal axis system is supported by the vertical axis system. A leveling linkage connects the vertical and horizontal axis systems. The leveling linkage has adjustment features that allow for compensation of camera lens angulation caused by movement of the camera supported on a vehicle rolling over rough or uneven ground.

Abstract: A flashlight includes a first or top section attached to a second or base section. The top section has one or more elements that are axially moveable relative to the base section, for focusing light. This movement may be achieved, for example, by having the top and base sections joined via screw threads, and by rotating one section relative to the other. One or more lenses are supported in the top section. An LED or other light source is supported on the base section. As the sections move relative to each other, the lens moves relative to the LED, focusing light from the LED. The base section has a housing forming a battery compartment for holding at least one battery. Contacts may be provided on the base section for charging the battery, without removing the battery from the flashlight.

Abstract: A telescoping camera crane has mechanical drive and camera platform leveling systems, allowing for water resistant or submerged operation. Telescoping sections of the crane arm are driven by a hydraulic system, for smooth and near silent extension and retraction movement. The telescoping sections of the crane arm have a slight upward curvature, to compensate for deflection the arm, thereby improving performance. Electronic and mechanical stopping systems allow the camera platform to be smoothly, accurately, and reliably positioned. Camera platform levelling and stabilizing systems keep the camera level.

Abstract: A camera riser has a centering ring that engages an inner surface or diameter of the raised ring on a camera head. As a result, camera riser can automatically and securely center most camera heads. This saves time in setting up the camera. Even if the castle ring holding the camera head onto the camera riser becomes loose, the camera head remains centered on the head. The centering ring may also be used to center two or more risers joined together.