Abstract: A system for performing a variable function such as a variable spring resistance comprises a plurality of selectively operable spring devices and movable actuator means for selecting/deselecting devices over a range of movement of the actuator means. The actuator means includes stepped drives for selecting/deselecting at least one of the spring devices at a predetermined ratio with respect to another of the devices whereby spring devices can be selected to operate individually or in combination by movement of the actuator means to provide multiple levels of spring resistance.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a tiltable mounting for a TV camera or the like comprising a base (11), a camera support (16) mounted on the base to tilt about a first horizontal axis to either side of a neutral, upright position, and a counterbalancing mechanism (12) for holding the support with a payload upright or in any rotational position to which it is moved from said upright position. The counterbalancing mechanism comprising an elongate guideway (29) having one end coupled to the support at an eccentric location (23) to said first horizontal axis. A guide (27) with which the guideway (29) is slidably engaged is pivotally mounted on the base about a further horizontal axis spaced from said first axis such that tilting movement of the mounting about the first axis from the neutral position causes the guideway to slide with respect to the guide.

Abstract: The disclosure related to a rotary counterbalancing mechanism comprising a rotatable input (19, 22), a pair of aligned linearly movable outputs (24, 25), means (23) to convert rotation of said input into sinusoidal oscillation of said outputs between minimum and maximum displacement positions and 90° out of phase with each other and spring means (29) for resisting said oscillating movement of the outputs away from said minimum positions. The means to convert rotary motion of the input into linear movement of said two outputs comprise a rotatable cam (23) mounted to rotate about a fixed axis and the outputs comprise two cam followers (30) engaging the cam on opposite sides thereof and mounted for linear movement along a common line of action with each other which passes through the axis or rotation of the cam, said spring means (29) acting on the respective followers biasing the followers towards the cam to resist rotation of the cam.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a rotary drag device having relatively rotatable members one (4) of which has a stack (5) of closely spaced, thin-walled flexible annular plates (20) peripherally mounted thereon to provide annular running faces and a viscous fluid filling the spaces between the plates, and the other (6) of which members has a stack (8) of segmental plates (33) having part-annular running faces interleaved with the annular plates to slide between the plates with relative rotation of the members. Slits (26, 27) in the annular plates permit release of viscous fluid from between the plates as fluid pressure rises ahead of the segmental plates with increasing relative speed between the members.

Abstract: An extendable leg for a stand or similar appliance having elongate members (13,14,15) interconnected to extend and retract with respect to each other includes a first member (13), intermediate member (14) and a final member (15). The intermediate and final members have releasable locking devices (16,17,18) adjacent to one end of the leg engagable with the first and intermediate members respectively. Remote release devices (19) are provided for releasing the locking devices from the other end of the leg to permit when released, the first member to the extended with respect to the intermediate member and the intermediate member to be extended with respect to the final member.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a camera pedestal comprising a rolling base (10), a vertically extending column (11) mounted on the base and having a camera mounting (12) at its upper end. The base comprises a chassis (16) having steerable wheel units (17) on which the chassis runs, a body (18) on which the column is mounted, screw-jack (25) supporting the body for vertical adjustment on the chassis, and a skirt (14) depending from the periphery of the body and encircling the chassis to sweep cables and other such obstructions from the path of the pedestal. The gap between the lower periphery of the skirt and the ground is minimised by adjustment of the body vertically with respect to the chassis by means of the screw-jacks.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a viscous damper of the labyrinth ring type for incorporation in a mounting for a TV or video camera for damping pan or tilt movement of the camera. The damper has a stator (10) having a multiplicity of upstanding concentric annular fins (12) and a rotor (17) having a corresponding multiplicity of concentric annular fins (32) projecting downwardly which interleaf with clearance with the upstanding flanges of the stator, the space between the fins being filled with a viscous fluid to provide a resistance to relative movement between the rotor and stator. The rotor is adjusted with respect to the stator by a motor driven lead screw. A speed sensor measures speed of the rotor with respect to the stator and torque applied to the camera by the hand control to pan or tilt the camera is measured by a strain gauge associated with the hand control. A control system is provided for the motor embodying a microprocessor preprogrammed with one or more algorithms coordinating torque and speed.

Abstract: A tiltable mounting for a payload includes a base (10), a support member (15) for supporting the payload thereon, the support member being tiltable about a horizontal axis (14) on the base for tilting about each side of a top dead center position about said horizontal axis, and a torque generating mechanism (17) mounted on the base and acting on the tiltable support to generate a torque in response to tilting of the support equal and opposite to the out of balance moment of the support with its payload to hold the support balanced in any position of movement about said axis. A plurality of torque generating units (20, 21) are provided each generating a torque which varies sinusoidaly with displacement, and a mechanism (22, 23, 31, 32, 35, 36, 37) provided for adjusting the phase angle between the torque generating means to vary the collective amplitude of the torque generating mechanism to suit the weight of the payload on the support member.