Abstract: An adjustable lifting mechanism for use as or with a seating apparatus. The lifting mechanism has a base to which a pivot of a parallelogram structure is attached. A spring extends from a first link of the parallelogram to an adjustable termination point on a second link of the parallelogram to form a lifting triangle. A lifting power adjustment mechanism adjusts the position of the spring termination point with respect to the main pivot. An extension is in fixed relation to one of the four parallelogram links, and is configured to maintain its angle with respect to the horizontal when angles of the parallelogram are varied upon raising or lowering the lifting mechanism between a sitting mode and a standing mode. The extension thus serves as a base for a rear seat section.

Abstract: A dual-state caster apparatus having a caster head with a state-change pivot configured to change the steering axis of the caster apparatus. A braking system with a brake control cable is incorporated into the caster apparatus wherein the state-change pivot and the braking system are configured to allow a wheel to swivel without interference with the brake control cable.

Abstract: A lifting mechanism has a base to which a pivot of a parallelogram structure. A spring extends from a first link of the parallelogram to an adjustable termination point on a second link of the parallelogram to form a lifting triangle. The spring termination point is displaced from a main pivot of the parallelogram to create an adjustable “lever arm” to vary the lifting force. A lifting power adjustment mechanism adjusts the position of the spring termination point. An extension is in fixed relation to one of the parallelogram links and maintains its angle with respect to the horizontal when angles of the parallelogram are varied upon raising or lowering the lifting mechanism between a sitting mode and a standing mode. The extension serves as a base for a rear seat section. A front seat section is pivotally attached to the rear seat section allowing it to swing downward upon elevation of the lifting mechanism.

Abstract: A payload stabilizer and methods for stabilizing a payload suitable for use with video camera payloads. The support and stabilizing apparatus has a gimbal having two or more mutually perpendicular axes about which motion is generated by at least two of a pan motor, a tilt motor and a roll motor wherein the pan motor is integral to the gimbal handle and surrounds the main post. The stabilizer has a feedback system providing supplemental torques to the payload through a gimbal.

Abstract: A foldable, elevating walker chair is disclosed having a height adjustment mechanism and a height limiter. The elevating walker chair has a unique lifting mechanism that allows the chair to be readily raised and lowered without motors. The weight of the elevating walker chair may be optimized by use of innovative bracing struts. The folding mechanism allows the elevating walker chair to achieve a compact configuration. Innovative components such as a swivel seat, hinges, seatbelt, telescoping wheel mounts, height adjustment devices and safety mechanisms may be included in the elevating walker chair.

Abstract: A payload stabilizer and methods for stabilizing a payload suitable for use with video camera payloads. The stabilizer has a feedback system providing supplemental torques to the payload through a gimbal.

Abstract: A convertible seat and an elevating walker chair having a convertible seat. The chair elevates by a parallelogram mechanism that can be functionally connected to a seat deployment mechanism to allow the seat to transform between a saddle and seat upon changes in saddle/seat elevation.

Abstract: A lifting mechanism has a base to which a pivot of a parallelogram structure. A spring extends from a first link of the parallelogram to an adjustable termination point on a second link of the parallelogram to form a lifting triangle. The spring termination point is displaced from a main pivot of the parallelogram to create an adjustable “lever arm” to vary the lifting force. A lifting power adjustment mechanism adjusts the position of the spring termination point. An extension is in fixed relation to one of the parallelogram links and maintains its angle with respect to the horizontal when angles of the parallelogram are varied upon raising or lowering the lifting mechanism between a sitting mode and a standing mode. The extension serves as a base for a rear seat section. A front seat section is pivotally attached to the rear seat section allowing it to swing downward upon elevation of the liftin mechanism.

Abstract: An elevating walker chair that allows both riding and walking. The chair elevates by a parallelogram power unit. The seat transforms between a saddle and seat upon changes in saddle/seat elevation. Also a lifting parallelogram power unit structure. Disclosed is an elevating walker chair for people with limited mobility resulting from compromised musculature, coordination or balance, or for able bodied individuals that must perform tasks for which assistance is desired.

Abstract: A dual-state caster apparatus having a caster head with a state-change pivot configured to change the steering axis of the caster apparatus. A braking system with a brake control cable is incorporated into the caster apparatus wherein the state-change pivot and the braking system are configured to allow a wheel to swivel without interference with the brake control cable.

Abstract: A payload stabilizer and methods for stabilizing a payload suitable for use with video camera payloads. The stabilizer has a feedback system providing supplemental torques to the payload through a gimbal.

Abstract: A payload stabilizer and methods for stabilizing a payload suitable for use with video camera payloads. The stabilizer has a feedback system providing supplemental torques to the payload through a gimbal.

Abstract: A support arm having a proximate support arm segment, a distal support arm segment, a hinge system; and at least one rotation limit stop secured to the hinge system to limit the extent of angular motion of the proximate support arm segment, the distal support arm segment or both, with respect to the hinge system. The rotation limit stop includes a first stop component and a second stop component slidable with respect to the first stop component. When the second stop component encounters a contact point on one of the support arm segments, the angular motion of the arm segment with respect to the hinge system is at a maximum. The second stop component can be secured in a plurality of positions with respect to the first stop component by an adjustment component.

Abstract: A payload stabilizer and methods for stabilizing a payload suitable for use with video camera payloads. The stabilizer has a feedback system providing supplemental torques to the payload through a gimbal.

Abstract: A tensile parallelogram arm that mimics parallelogram counterbalancing structures and which can be folded into a compact form. The assembly includes a gimbal to which a supported payload is attached.

Abstract: The disclosed balancing support interface provides an interface between a payload stabilizer, such as a motorized camera stabilizer, and a counterbalancing arm or other support apparatus. A balancing support interface to connect a payload stabilizer to a support structure and provide degrees of freedom to supplement any degrees of freedom provided by the payload stabilizer.

Abstract: A payload stabilizer and methods for stabilizing a payload suitable for use with video camera payloads. The stabilizer has a feedback system providing supplemental torques to the payload through a gimbal.

Abstract: A support vest configured to conform to a wearer's natural movements, allowing forces to be applied to selected areas, and permitting varying attachment points for a supported load. The support vest has a waistband, ventral and dorsal spar systems extending upward therefrom, the ventral and dorsal spar systems attached to a ventral and dorsal plate, respectively and connected to one another via should straps. Pivot systems are provided at the superior and inferior ends of the spar systems.

Abstract: An elevating walker chair that allows both riding and walking. The chair elevates by a parallelogram power unit. The seat transforms between a saddle and seat upon changes in saddle/seat elevation. Also a lifting parallelogram power unit structure. Disclosed is an elevating walker chair for people with limited mobility resulting from compromised musculature, coordination or balance, or for able bodied individuals that must perform tasks for which assistance is desired.

Abstract: A payload stabilizer and methods for stabilizing a payload suitable for use with video camera payloads. The stabilizer has a feedback system providing supplemental torques to the payload through a gimbal.