Multiplanar Platform Adjustment At One Point Patents (Class 248/179.1)
  • Patent number: 11448287
    Abstract: A crossbar assembly for facilitating isolation of a sensor assembly from vibration of a payload mounting system on a vehicle comprises an outer crossbar segment, an inner crossbar segment, and an isolator. The outer crossbar segment comprises a payload mount interface operable to mount to a payload mount, and an outer isolator interface operable to mount to an isolator. The inner crossbar segment comprises a structure interface to mount to a structure, and an inner isolator interface operable to mount to the isolator. The isolator can be supported by the outer and inner crossbar segments. The isolator comprises an elastomeric component operable to elastically deform in response to relative movement between the outer and inner crossbar segments. The isolator operates to partially decouple the outer crossbar segment from the inner crossbar segment and dampen vibrations propagating between the outer and inner crossbar segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Kirk A. Miller, Sean G. Thomas
  • Patent number: 11206470
    Abstract: An electronic speaker can include: a device housing that defines an interior housing cavity; an audio driver disposed within the interior housing cavity; and a foot assembly coupled to the device housing and operable to support the electronic speaker. The foot assembly can include: a foot assembly sidewall having an outer sidewall perimeter extending outwardly away from a central neck; a planar foot having an outer foot perimeter proximate the outer sidewall perimeter where an upper surface of the planar foot cooperates with an interior surface of the foot assembly sidewall to create an internal cavity within the foot assembly; a suspension system disposed within the foot assembly internal cavity and coupling the planar foot to the foot assembly sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Alexander R. Gould, Jason C. Della Rosa, Glenn K. Trainer, Craig M. Stanley, Junyi Yang, Yin Yuan, Yanchu Xu
  • Patent number: 11196902
    Abstract: There is described an apparatus including a camera defining an azimuth axis. A swing supports the camera. The camera is rotatable relative to the swing about the azimuth axis. A yoke is rotatably coupled to the swing about a tilt axis. The swing is rotatable relative to the yoke about the tilt axis. A locking member attached to the swing is movable between a first position and a second position in which the locking member contacts the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher James Cullington Okrainetz, Nigel Geoffrey Taylor, Andrew Luk Po Wu
  • Patent number: 11106116
    Abstract: A universal tripod clamp system is provided having a base member having a top side and a bottom side. The top side includes a plate receiving area configured to accept a mounting plate in conjunction with camera equipment. The bottom side includes an adapter receiving port having a first shape. A clamp is provided, wherein the clamp is configured to alter the plate receiving area. A universal adapter is provided, wherein the universal adapter is removably positioned in the adapter receiving port. The adapter is configured to receive a portion of a tripod head, such as a ball head. The adapter includes an opening having a second shape (pattern) configured to conform to the portion of the tripod head having the same shape (pattern).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Inventors: David Graham Clark, Nathan Kanner, Robert Borgen, Gregory Lundeen
  • Patent number: 11101553
    Abstract: A hybrid antenna having an active array on a tracking pedestal is configured to facilitate simultaneous multibeam operation with first and second satellites. The hybrid antenna system includes a pedestal having a base and a support pivotally mounted with respect to the base about a first axis, a one-dimensional active electronically scanned array (AESA) configured to scan along a scanning plane and rotatably mounted on the support about a skew axis, and a skew positioner configured to rotate the AESA about the skew axis for aligning the scanning plane with the first and second satellites to facilitate the simultaneous multibeam operation with the first and second satellites. A method of using the hybrid antenna having an active array on a tracking pedestal is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Sea Tel, Inc.
    Inventors: Rami Adada, Wei-Jung Guan
  • Patent number: 11036116
    Abstract: A panoramic device includes a base member and a clamp member rotatably interconnected within a single plane of rotation with the base that includes a first rotatable knob to selectively inhibit the rotation of the clamp member with respect to the base. The upper surface includes a central region that is at a different elevation than another portion of the upper surface. The clamp includes a pair of opposed surfaces suitable to detachably secure a camera thereto. The one of the opposed surfaces is maintained in a fixed relationship with respect to the clamp member. The other one of the opposed surfaces is in a movable relationship with respect to the clamp member using a second rotatable knob. The first knob and the second knob are rotatably connected with respect to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Really Right Stuff, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph M. Johnson, Sr.
  • Patent number: 10995897
    Abstract: A composite stand stud includes a body portion, a screw and a tubular member. The body portion includes a support platform, a support body, and a connecting portion. A diameter of the support platform is larger than a diameter of the support body, and two ends of the support body are respectively connected to the support platform and the connecting portion. A diameter of the screw is smaller than a diameter of the support body, and one end of the screw is defined as an embedded end disposed in the connecting portion of the body portion, and the other end thereof is defined as a penetrating end penetrating from a center of the support platform to an outside of the body portion. The screw and the support platform are perpendicular to each other. The tubular member is wrapped around an outer edge of the support body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Inventor: Chien-Ting Lin
  • Patent number: 10965002
    Abstract: An antenna with a radiation emitter/receiver, a base and a mount system capable of rotating the radiation emitter/receiver in relation to the base around at least three axes, where a controller may ensure that the emitter/receiver is directed in a first direction in relation to the base while portions of the mount system rotate so as to prevent bearings of the mount system to deteriorate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: THRANE & THRANE A/S
    Inventors: Ulrich Vesterager Gothelf, Kim Woelders
  • Patent number: 10906636
    Abstract: A vibration control assembly for an aircraft including a housing operatively coupled to the aircraft. Also included is a cage disposed within an interior region of the housing, the cage rotatable within the housing about a first axis. Further included is a gyroscope wheel disposed within the cage and rotatable about a second axis other than the first axis, wherein a controllable moment is imposed on the aircraft upon rotation of the gyroscope wheel to counter vibratory moments produced by the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: William A. Welsh, Yuriy Gmirya
  • Patent number: 10775683
    Abstract: A view camera system that uses an adjustable adapter assembly to attach a relatively-inexpensive film camera body or digital camera sensor to the view camera. The adapter assembly includes a C-shaped support arc and an L-shaped cantilevered camera mount that is removably attached to the arc. The camera mount can be attached to the support arc at three orientations: portrait, 45° tilt, or landscape. A digital camera body can be attached to the camera mount with a thumb screw. The view camera system can have dual, 5-axis movements that allow for tilt, swing, rise and fall, shift, and micro-focus adjustments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Inventor: Richard Hallett
  • Patent number: 10768510
    Abstract: A panoramic device includes a base member and a clamp member rotatably interconnected within a single plane of rotation with the base that includes a first rotatable knob to selectively inhibit the rotation of the clamp member with respect to the base. The upper surface includes a central region that is at a different elevation than another portion of the upper surface. The clamp includes a pair of opposed surfaces suitable to detachably secure a camera thereto. The one of the opposed surfaces is maintained in a fixed relationship with respect to the clamp member. The other one of the opposed surfaces is in a movable relationship with respect to the clamp member using a second rotatable knob. The first knob and the second knob are rotatably connected with respect to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Really Right Stuff, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph M. Johnson, Sr.
  • Patent number: 10578953
    Abstract: A view camera system that uses an adjustable adapter assembly to attach a relatively-inexpensive film camera body or digital camera sensor to the view camera. The adapter assembly includes a C-shaped support arc and an L-shaped cantilevered camera mount that is removably attached to the arc. The camera mount can be attached to the support arc at three orientations: portrait, 45° tilt, or landscape. A digital camera body can be attached to the camera mount with a thumb screw. The view camera system can have dual, 5-axis movements that allow for tilt, swing, rise and fall, shift, and micro-focus adjustments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Inventor: Richard Hallett
  • Patent number: 10564527
    Abstract: A mounting head, a system incorporating the mounting head and a support such as a monopod, and a system including the mounting head, the monopod, and a camera enable a photographer to tilt a monopod or other camera support while maintaining a substantially level horizon of an image. An upper head assembly and a lower head assembly are connectable to the camera and the monopod respectively. The assemblies are interconnected by a universal joint which allows the upper assembly to remain level as roll and pitch vary. A resilient member dampens relative motion of the head assemblies. As a photographer moves the camera to capture a scene, force is transmitted from the photographer's hands via the mounting head through the monopod. The photographer maintains a level horizon as the monopod tilts. A test apparatus enables design of a resilient member for desired interaction with selected classes of equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Inventors: Francis Kenny, Dennis Emer, Jarred Land, Sallyanne Massimini, Robert Stone
  • Patent number: 10539858
    Abstract: A camera mount is configured to securely couple a camera to an object. The camera mount includes a rail mount component and a sliding mount component which can be securely coupled, resulting in a low profile, easy to use camera mount. The rail mount component includes a rail base and two rail wings. The sliding mount component is configured to be inserted into the rail mount component. The sliding amount component further includes two levers and a sliding base with a plurality of protrusions for coupling to a reciprocal mount component. Each lever of the sliding mount component includes a pin and wedge that abut the inside of the rail base to secure the sliding mount component to the rail mount component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Aaron Clearman
  • Patent number: 10509302
    Abstract: A projector mount with controls enabling quick selection between course alignment of the projector by hand about any of three positioning axes—pitch, yaw, and roll—and precision adjustment of projector position about any one or more of the axes, once the course alignment has been completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Legrand AV Inc.
    Inventor: Mathew Schuh
  • Patent number: 10473257
    Abstract: An electronic device support stand is a support stand for electronic devices that enables rotating the supported electronic device in a confined space with substantially no force while holding the electronic device securely. The electronic device support stand has a holding unit configured to hold an electronic device; and a base unit that supports the holding unit. The holding unit includes a pivot mechanism enabling rotating the supported electronic device with substantially no load around an axis parallel to the surface on which the base unit is placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Shinsuke Tomomatsu, Yoshiki Kinoshita, Takaaki Inui, Hideki Furihata
  • Patent number: 10365544
    Abstract: A support for an imaging device includes a first rotatable assembly supportable by a support that rotates in a generally horizontal plane and a horizontal locking member. The imaging device includes a second rotatable assembly that rotates in a generally vertical plane imaging device includes an interconnection structure that interconnects the first rotatable assembly to the second rotatable assembly such that the second rotatable assembly is rotatable around the first rotatable assembly at an elevation higher than the first rotatable assembly and offset laterally from the first rotatable assembly. imaging device includes the first rotatable assembly including a panning structure that rotates the support in the generally horizontal plane and a leveling base that is rotatable in a non-coplanar manner relative to the panning structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Really Right Stuff, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph M. Johnson, Verent Chan
  • Patent number: 10209606
    Abstract: A selfie stand apparatus enables a fixture to be permanently installed in a location where taking pictures of one's self is common. The stand accommodates holding cameras, phones or the like of many configurations. The camera is placed on the stand and a timer or remote activator can be used to take a picture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Inventor: Joseph Andrews
  • Patent number: 10111549
    Abstract: A stand may be provided. The stand may include a base portion. The base portion may be a hollow cylinder with an open top, capable of retaining liquid. The base portion may also have support legs extending therefrom. There may be brace members situated within the base portion that may form a socket for receiving a securing portion. The securing portion may be able to rotate and tilt within the socket formed by the brace members. The securing portion may be a hollow sphere with receiving aperture defined by an open ended cylinder extending therefrom. There may be locking members for locking the securing portion in a desired orientation and there may be fastening members for securing an object within the securing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Inventor: Larry L. Nally
  • Patent number: 10012743
    Abstract: A hand-held portable radiation detection device, such as a radiation isotopic identification device (RIID), is integrated with a personal digital assistant device (PDA), such as a smart phone, to provide improved data processing capability and user interface. The hand-held portable radiation detection device includes a mounting unit for holding the PDA, in which at least one function of the PDA may be controlled by a plurality of buttons provided on an outer casing of the radiation detection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: NUCARE, INC.
    Inventor: Jinhun Joung
  • Patent number: 10012890
    Abstract: A support for an imaging device includes a first rotatable assembly supportable by a support that rotates in a generally horizontal plane and a horizontal locking member. The imaging device includes a second rotatable assembly that rotates in a generally vertical plane. Imaging device includes an interconnection structure that interconnects the first rotatable assembly to the second rotatable assembly such that the second rotatable assembly is rotatable around the first rotatable assembly at an elevation higher than the first rotatable assembly and offset laterally from the first rotatable assembly. Imaging device includes the first rotatable assembly including a panning structure that rotates the support in the generally horizontal plane and a leveling base that is rotatable in a non-coplanar manner relative to the panning structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Really Right Stuff, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph M. Johnson, Sr., Verent Chan
  • Patent number: 9855898
    Abstract: A plug-in system for holding at least one object in place in the interior of a motor vehicle includes a holding element for holding the object in place and a receiving element for mounting the holding element. The holding element can be connected with the receiving element by way of a releasable connection. In order to make available such a plug-in system, which is not susceptible to damage caused by overload or careless handling, an overload protection system is provided having a spherical element provided on the receiving element, a plate element that interacts with the spherical element, and a receiver for the spherical element of the deflectable receiving element, which receiver is configured on the plate element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ralf Kuhn, Eva-Maria Schemm, Carlos Chibante
  • Patent number: 9803800
    Abstract: A displacement mechanism includes a base, three rails, three arm assemblies, a moving platform, and three parallel linkage assemblies. The rails stand on the base. Each of the arm assemblies has a first end and a second end. The first ends are slidably connected to the rails, respectively. Each of the arm assemblies is configured to swing in a space among the rails. The moving platform is parallel to the base. Two ends of each of the parallel linkage assemblies are connected to the second end of the corresponding arm assembly and the moving platform in a multidirectional rotating way, respectively. Each of the arm assemblies substantially extends away from the base from the corresponding rail, and each of the parallel linkage assemblies substantially extends toward the base from the second end of the corresponding arm assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: NATIONAL TAIPEI UNIVERSITY of TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Hsiu-Ying Hwang, Hang-Kuang Hsu, Chien-Te Lee, Yu-Chih Chu
  • Patent number: 9690172
    Abstract: An omnidirectional user configurable multi-camera housing includes a top plate including one or more electronic circuit boards thereon; a track plate secured to the top plate by a plurality of first fasteners, wherein the track plate is rotationally movable with respect to the top plate via a respective curve-shaped opening that accommodates movement of a respective first fastener within the respective curve-shaped opening; a plurality of camera assemblies secured to the track plate by a plurality of magnetic devices, each of the camera assemblies including a camera and a bracket, movably installed on the track, wherein each of the camera is rotatable on a respective bracket in a plane perpendicular to the track plate, and wherein each of the bracket are rotatable in a plane including the track plate; and a transparent cover for covering the plurality of camera assemblies installed on the track plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: ARECONT VISION, LLC
    Inventor: Brad J. Donaldson
  • Patent number: 9606617
    Abstract: A display apparatus and/or the method using the same which provide user interaction are provided. The display apparatus includes: a display body including an image display surface; and a photographing unit including a camera module to photograph a user to sense a user's gesture, and placed in a first position in which the photographing unit is accommodated in the display body when the photographing unit does not photograph, and placed in a second position in which the photographing unit protrudes out of the display body when the photographing unit photographs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Go-hyun Kim, Hak-young Kim
  • Patent number: 9529441
    Abstract: A display apparatus that provides user interactions is provided, which includes a display main body configured to have an image display surface; and a photographing unit configured to include a camera module that photographs a user to sense a user's gesture, the photographing unit being arranged at a first position where the photographing unit is accommodated in the display main body during non-photographing and being arranged at a second position where the photographing unit projects out of the display main body during photographing, where the camera module is arranged closer to the image display surface if the photographing unit is at the second position rather than at the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hak-young Kim, Go-hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 9447899
    Abstract: A tube support structure for an aircraft includes: a parallel movement mechanism configured to support the tube movably in parallel; and an angle adjustment mechanism configured to support the tube angle-adjustably. The parallel movement mechanism includes: an eccentric sleeve, through which the tube passes, configured to adjust a position of the tube in a Z direction perpendicular to the X direction, and a Y direction adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a position of the eccentric sleeve in a Y direction perpendicular to the X direction and the Z direction. The angle adjustment mechanism includes: a first member configured to have a first curved surface and support the tube, and a second member configured to have a second curved surface with a shape corresponding to the first curved surface, have contact slidably with the first curved surface at the second curved surface, and support the first member by the second curved surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Keisuke Minami
  • Patent number: 9372383
    Abstract: A plate provides clearance between a camera and a quick-release receiver securing the camera to a support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Really Right Stuff, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph M. Johnson, Sr., Matthew L. Burk
  • Patent number: 8659886
    Abstract: A portable computer apparatus includes a display module, a host module, at least one shaft mechanism, and an antenna. The display module has a first pivot side and includes first and second upper-cover members and a display device contained in the first and second upper-cover members. The host module has a second pivot side and includes first and second lower-cover members and a host device contained in the first and second lower-cover members. The host device is electrically connected to the display device and the antenna. The shaft mechanism is pivotally connected to at least one of the first and second upper-cover members corresponding to the first pivot side and at least one of the first and second lower-cover members corresponding to the second pivot side. The antenna is integrally formed with the shaft mechanism or on one of the first and second pivot sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Wistron NeWeb Corporation
    Inventors: Kuan-Hsueh Tseng, Yu-Yu Chiang, Kuo-Lun Huang, Shang-Ching Tseng, Sheng-Chih Sun, Chi Ho
  • Patent number: 8628258
    Abstract: A holder for an optical device for changing the orientation of the optical device, such as for photographic, video or film cameras, having a first component having a first pivot axis for connecting to a tripod and a second component having a second pivot axis for connecting to the optical device, wherein the two pivot axes extend transversely with respect to each other and can each be adjusted in a mutually independent manner, wherein the first pivot axis is arranged in the first component and the second pivot axis is likewise arranged in the first component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Inventor: Philippe Vogt
  • Patent number: 8418973
    Abstract: A tripod head comprises a tripod mounting component, an angle adjusting component, and a camera mounting component. The angle adjusting component is configured to allow adjustment and locking of the angle between the tripod mounting component and the camera mounting component about first and second perpendicular axes. The camera mounting component is rotatably mounted to the angle adjusting component to allow the camera mounting component to be rotated and locked with respect to the angle adjusting component about a third axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Mamiya America Corporation
    Inventors: Hao Liu, Robert M. Rose
  • Patent number: 8366063
    Abstract: A method of locking of and a directionally adjustable mount including a first plate arranged to stabilize an anisotropic device, a second plate arranged to engage the first plate and provide a support, a second supporting member arranged to engage the second plate and to rollably support the first plate so as to define a local spacing between the plates, and a first supporting member arranged to have a first axis of symmetry and to contact the first plate and engage the second supporting member. In a locked position, the supporting members are arranged coaxially regarding the axis of symmetry, such that a sum of a positioning force applied by the first supporting member and a locking force applied by the second supporting member upon the first plate substantially vanishes, so that a resulting local moment of force oriented to deform the at least one first plate also substantially vanishes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Sigma Space Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan Christopher Cargo, Wayne Dennis Eklund
  • Patent number: 8267361
    Abstract: An attachment for a photographic instrument including a camera, comprising a transverse rotatable member having a top arcuate vertical support. A first top arcuate member is comprised of a gap and a second top arcuate member has an arcuate recess, wherein the top arcuate vertical support is connected to the respective first and second top arcuate member, which forms a seat as a housing of a universal joint. The universal joint is affixed to a shaft having a concentric bearing, which is further affixed to the camera mount, so that the camera mount can be rotated. A pin is affixed to the universal joint opposite to where the shaft is affixed. When the shaft having the bearing is downwardly and rotatably positioned inside of the recess, the pin is also upwardly positioned inside of the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Acratech, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott D. Dordick
  • Patent number: 8182242
    Abstract: A compressor vibration isolation mount for isolating the vibrations of a compressor from the rest of a structure includes at least one frame; and at least one gimbal coupling the compressor to the at least one frame for partial rotation about at least one primary axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Chart SeQual Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Harrington, Bruce K. Bridges, Carl E. Tedesco, Douglas D. Gaylord
  • Patent number: 8141452
    Abstract: A single rotational axis motion generation and positioning apparatus having a work load support connected to a housing by a pivot joint. Rotation of an axial cam supported by the housing, creates a displacement which is transmitted to the work load support by at least one axial cam follower. The axial cam follower displacement is transformed into a rotational torque on the work load support about the pivot joint, which results in rotation of the work load support about the rotational axis of the pivot joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventor: Barry Lynn Wood
  • Patent number: 7878465
    Abstract: Tripod head for pivotably receiving a device, in particular a film or television camera, comprising a housing (10), a shaft (15) which is rotatably mounted in the housing (10), a receptacle (16, 17), which is connected to the shaft (15), for the device, at least two separate energy accumulators (21-25) which are respectively disposed between the shaft (15) and the housing (10), and a compensating comprising a respective interlocking (31-35) for the energy accumulators in order to switch the energy accumulators (21-25), in each case in operative connection between the housing (10) and shaft (15), so that a restoring moment is exerted on the receptacle (16, 17) via the shaft (15) in accordance with the torque of the device, and a common actuating element (46) in order to switch the energy accumulators (21-25) via the interlocking (31-35) individually or in combination, as desired, characterised in that the actuating element (46) is configured as a rotary disc and comprises on the side facing the housing a cam c
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Camera Dynamics GmbH
    Inventors: Leonhard Jaumann, Berthold Mollenhauer
  • Patent number: 7857268
    Abstract: A suction-type mounting bracket device for use with a portable electronic device includes a crossbar, an adjustable mount, at least two support posts, at least two suction cups, and a control lever. The adjustable mount is slidably provided on the crossbar for the portable electronic device to connect thereto. The support posts each have a first end connected to connecting sections provided on the crossbar and a second end connected to the suction cups. The control lever is connected to the suction cups for controlling the suction cups to attach to or release from a smooth surface. With these arrangements, the portable electronic device may be stably and firmly mounted in a car via the suction-type mounting bracket device and may be adjusted to different angular positions for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventor: Yan-Jie Chiu
  • Publication number: 20100282926
    Abstract: A continuously angle-adjustable multifunction tripod is provided. The continuously angle-adjustable multifunction tripod includes a connecting base, at least three legs, an adjusting cap, and a supporter. The adjusting cap and the supporter are disposed on and under the connecting base, respectively. Each of the legs is peripherally distributed around the supporter. Upper ends of the legs are movably connected to the connecting base. Distances between the adjusting cap, the connecting base and the supporter are adjustable along a vertical direction, and can be relatively fixed at anywhere therebetween. Meanwhile, a bottom of the adjusting cap and the supporter clamp and fix the legs, so that an angle of each of the legs relative to the horizontal plane can be arbitrarily adjusted in a range from 0° to 90° in accordance with variations of relative positions of the adjusting cap, the connecting base, and the supporter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: Suzhou Synta Optical Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dar Tson Shen
  • Patent number: 7703824
    Abstract: The interior of a truck cab (29) has a cabinet (28) that houses a refrigerator (20). The refrigerator is inserted into the interior of the cabinet by sliding it through a frontal opening in the cabinet. A mounting system that includes several parts (36, 38, 40, 42) locates and secures the refrigerator in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Robert C. Kittelson, Stan Tarala
  • Publication number: 20090256035
    Abstract: A head for mounting a camera or other instrument on a tripod or jib, which includes an elongated base plate mountable on a tripod or a jib for a panning motion, a support column extending vertically from the top surface of the base plate, a carrier arm having a longitudinal axis extending between its first and second ends and being pivotably mounted at its first end to the top of the support column, an instrument platform movably mounted on the carrier arm, and a tilt mechanism operatively connected to the instrument platform for both gross and fine control of the tilt of the instrument platform. The tilt mechanism includes a conventional pan and tilt handle attached to a rotatable tilt shaft and a belt-driven, fine control mechanism mounted to the support column and operatively connected to the tilt shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas McKay
  • Publication number: 20090189032
    Abstract: A monitor attitude adjustment apparatus used in an electronic apparatus comprises a mount base; an attitude adjusting mechanism consisting of a plurality of actuating devices, each actuating device comprising a driver and a displacement mechanism, the driver being the force source for driving the movement of corresponding displacement mechanism, and each displacement mechanism having a constrained degree of freedom for mechanical motion; and a suspension mount with one end mechanically connected to the attitude adjusting mechanism and the other end securing the electronic apparatus; wherein the actuating devices in the attitude adjusting mechanism constitute an integrated mechanical state and the position or orientation of the electronic apparatus corresponds to the integrated mechanical state of the attitude adjusting mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: EVER CASE TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventor: Yi Chung Su
  • Publication number: 20090090822
    Abstract: A mounting device including a base, a movable body, a supporting mechanism disposed therebetween, and a controller for controlling the mechanism. The mechanism applies supporting force to the movable body from a plurality of positions of the base to support the movable body on the base and determines a center of oscillation of the movable body with respect to the center of oscillation which is higher than the center of gravity of the movable body. The controller controls the mechanism to shift the center of oscillation, by changing directions support forces, at least in a horizontal direction according to a change of the center of the oscillation so that a change in an inclination of the mounting device due to a load transfer to the movable body can be decreased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: Teruo Maeda
  • Publication number: 20090026329
    Abstract: There is disclosed a tripod head for mounting a device to be held (such as an illumination device) to a support base at an adjustable angle of depression or elevation. The tripod head is designed to avoid increase in size of a mounting member that supports the device to be held. Furthermore, hand fingers are prevented from entering an arc-shaped groove formed in a disk used to adjust the angle of the held device; otherwise, the fingers would be injured. The tripod head permits a mounting member 3, which is used to hold the device 10 to be held, to be mounted on a support base 2 such that the angle of depression or elevation of the device can be adjusted. The mounting member 3 has a mounting shaft 32 mounted to the support base 2. The mounting shaft 32 extends horizontally through the support base and is rotatably pivoted to it. The mounting shaft has a front-end portion extending through the support base. A disk 33 is mounted to the front-end portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: Shashin Denki Kogyo
    Inventor: Yutaka TERASHITA
  • Patent number: 7349202
    Abstract: A data processing device is described, having on its front a large display device, in which the tilt angle of the display device is adjustable whether the main unit of the data processing device is positioned either vertically or horizontally. A display device mounting unit 70 rendered at the front top part of the main unit 20 has a curved recessed portion 71 which when seen in section curves at an angle from the front to the inside of the main unit 20. A mounting member 50 having a curved surface 51 that is convex in section is attached so that the mounting member 50 can slide along the arc of the curved recessed portion 71. The mounting member 50 is also fastened to the top or bottom end of the back of the display device 30. Sliding the mounting member 50 along the arc of the display device mounting unit 70 when the display device 30 is installed to the main unit 20 enables adjusting the tilt angle of the display device 30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Tomohisa Kano, Toshiya Matsuse
  • Patent number: 7300028
    Abstract: A tripod head includes a cylindrical housing 1 having connection member at one end for a tripod, a ball joint (2) rotatably and pivotally arranged in the housing (1), a bearing element (4) for the ball joint (2), having a sliding surface (7) contacting the circumference of the ball joint (2) and arranged so as to be axially displaceable and rotatable in the housing (1), and a device (5) for fixing the ball joint (2) and having a support (6) for the bearing element 4 and an adjusting device (25) in operative connection with the support (6) in order to displace the bearing element against the ball joint to achieve the clamping action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: Philippe Vogt
  • Patent number: 7281693
    Abstract: A ball head assembly has a holding base, a clamping collar, a ball, a holder and an anti-escape mechanism. The anti-escape mechanism is mounted on the holding base, is connected to the ball and has a supporting rod, a supporting block, a dragging member and a nut. The supporting rod extends through the bottom of the holding base and has a spherical end rotatably connected to the ball and a threaded end. The supporting block is mounted around the supporting rod and rotatably mates with the bottom of the holding base. The dragging member is mounted around the supporting rod and has a first end abutting against the supporting block and a second end. The nut is screwed onto the threaded end of the supporting rod and abuts against the second end of the dragging member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Ta-Ching Chou
  • Publication number: 20020179786
    Abstract: The ZWJ-ANGLE-ADJUSTMENT (Z-A-A) is a new device that is used to adjust inclination angle or rotation angle for instruments and machines. Adjustment in the two phases can be brought about individually or simultaneously by two adjust-screws of the device. Adjustment can be achieved accurately, conveniently and smoothly. Some of common angle-adjustments, for example, the sphere-joint-angle-adjustment and camera-platform, are difficult to achieve high accuracy. The others such as worm gearing can work accurately, but they are complicated and expensive. The characteristic of the presented invention is, the angle in two phases (inclination and rotation) can be adjusted accurately in one sphere-head-shaft, adjusting in each phase (goes up and down) by one screw only. So presented invention provides a small-size device of simple structure. Also, its low production cost makes mass production possible so that potential marketing benefit is considerable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: Wei Jie Zheng
  • Patent number: 6347773
    Abstract: A shop support stand for slidingly supporting a generally horizontally moving workpiece, such a length of wood, at a preselected height as a work operation, such as sawing, routing, milling or planing, is performed on the workpiece. The shop support stand can receive a moving dropped end of the workpiece and ramp the dropped end to the preselected height. The shop support stand includes a base and a ramp having a convex surface. The ramp mounts with the base, and the convex surface includes an upper portion for slidingly supporting the workpiece at the preselected height and a lower portion for slidingly ramping the dropped end of the workpiece to the upper portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Inventors: Raymond N. Gross, Thomas F. Laprade
  • Patent number: RE46564
    Abstract: An optical mount is used for mounting an optical element, such as a beam splitter or a mirror, to a housing. The optical mount includes a pair of optical element retainer clamps that secure a first side of the optical element at respective first securement points on one of the major surfaces of the optical element, and also engage a first edge. A whiffletree retainer clamp secures a second side of the optical element at a second securement point on the one of its major surfaces. The whiffletree retainer clamp couples a whiffletree retainer to the housing, with the whiffletree retainer engaging a second edge along the second side of the device. The whiffletree retainer is positionally adjustable, for example able to pivot. Pivot pads may be used in at least some of the engagements to secure the optical element. The pivot pads may be segments of ball bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Lyale F. Marr, Emmanuel Fierro, Robert K. Bratton, Kelvin L. Keels