Abstract: The invention is directed to a folding image-device stabilizer comprising a three-axis gimbal assembly adapted to be mounted as close to the image device payload to minimize the overall deployed size. The gimbal assembly includes mechanisms to adjustably position an image device so that the stabilizer is in balance fore and aft around the ‘tilt’ axis repeatedly when the stabilizer is folded and unfolded.

Abstract: A payload stabilizer suitable for use with video camera payloads. The stabilizer has a feedback system providing supplemental torques to the payload through a gimbal while remaining responsive to direct operator control.

Abstract: A payload stabilizer suitable for use with video camera payloads. The stabilizer has a feedback system providing supplemental torques to the payload through a gimbal while remaining responsive to direct operator control.

Abstract: A lifting extension mount assembly for attaching an equipoising arm to an object. The lifting extension mount assembly has an extension mount component rigidly fixed to an object. A lifting segment is attached to the extension mount component. The lifting segment is pivotable with respect to the extension mount component at the attachment point in a vertical plane only. An angle-adjustment assembly is including.

Abstract: A payload stabilizer suitable for use with video camera payloads. The stabilizer has a feedback system providing supplemental torques to the payload through a gimbal while remaining responsive to direct operator control.

Abstract: A supporting and orienting apparatus for balancing tools. An inner gimbal portion holds and balances a tool and is rotationally disposed within an outer gimbal portion. An outer gimbal portion is rotationally attached to a yoke. The yoke is rotationally attached, either directly or indirectly to an additional apparatus component to provide at least three degrees of freedom.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a folding image-device stabilizer comprising a three-axis gimbal assembly adapted to be mounted as close to the image device payload to minimize the overall deployed size. The gimbal assembly includes mechanisms to adjustably position an image device so that the stabilizer is in balance fore and aft around the ‘tilt’ axis repeatedly when the stabilizer is folded and unfolded.

Abstract: An upper body appendage support apparatus having an articulating parallelogram support structure connected to an articulating upper body appendage support structure, the latter accommodating a user's forearm, wrist, and/or heel-of-hand. The apparatus analogously jointed to the human arm and moving synchronously therewith.

Abstract: A supporting and orienting apparatus that is angularly agile and can balance the weight of tools, and permits quick tool replacement is disclosed. An inner gimbal portion holds the tool at its center of balance and is rotationally disposed within an outer gimbal portion. The gimbal portion combination is rotationally attached to an articulated arm. The tool with one or both gimbal portions attached can be removed and replaced with another tool, also having gimbal portions attached such that the tool is automatically balanced when inserted into the support apparatus.

Abstract: An exoskeleton assembly having an upper body support assembly pivotally connected to a lower body support assembly. A caliper assembly is connected to the lower and upper body support assemblies and includes a load arm attached to a differential strut. The caliper assembly has links pivotally attached to the upper and lower body assemblies. Pistons attached to the load arm substantially maintain a mounting component in an upright position.

Abstract: A lifting extension mount assembly for attaching an equipoising arm to an object. The lifting extension mount assembly has an extension mount component rigidly fixed to an object. A lifting segment is attached to the extension mount component. The lifting segment is pivotable with respect to the extension mount component at the attachment point in a vertical plane only. An angle-adjustment assembly is including.

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 exoskeleton assembly having an upper body support assembly pivotally connected to a lower body support assembly. A caliper assembly is connected to the lower and upper body support assemblies and includes a load arm attached to a differential strut. The caliper assembly has links pivotally attached to the upper and lower body assemblies. Pistons attached to the load arm substantially maintain a mounting component in an upright position.

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 stabilizing controller to balance, support and orient a device. The stabilizing controller includes a gimbal assembly positioned at the center of balance of the stabilizing controller with the device attached, A handle is disposed around the gimbal assembly. A center post is coincident with at least a portion of the centerline of the gimbal apparatus and has a longitudinal balancing axis Z. Motion about at least one of the mutually perpendicular X-axis, Y-axis, and the Z-axis is isolated from the motion of the other axes via one or more assemblies comprising resilient components.

Abstract: A payload stabilizer suitable for use with video camera payloads. The stabilizer has a feedback system providing supplemental torques to the payload through a gimbal while remaining responsive to direct operator control.

Abstract: A tool support system is disclose having a yoke; a plurality of concentric rings having at least one ring pivotally connected to the yoke; a tool fastening mechanism to secure a tool in the support system; and one or more rotation components to permit the tool to rotate within a ring of the support structure. One or more of the concentric rings can be added to the system or can replace one or more concentric rings to accommodate tools of different sizes. The invention includes a method of configuring a support apparatus and a support apparatus kit with various interchangeable parts, and parts that can be built out to varying degrees to permit the support structure to be used on numerous types of tools.

Abstract: A support arm having a proximate support arm segment, a distal support arm segment, and a hinge system having a proximate end pivotally connected to the proximate support arm segment at a proximate pivot, and a distal end pivotally connected to the distal support arm segment at a distal pivot. A tensile member having a first end and a second end, has the first end extending into and secured at a termination point on or beyond either the proximate support arm segment or the distal support arm segment, and the second end extending into and secured at a termination point on or beyond either the proximate support arm segment or the distal support arm segment. The tensile member thereby biases one or both of the proximate support arm segment and the distal support arm segment with respect to the hinge system.

Abstract: A stabilizing controller to balance, support and orient a device. The stabilizing controller includes a gimbal assembly positioned at the center of balance of the stabilizing controller with the device attached, A handle is disposed around the gimbal assembly. A center post is coincident with at least a portion of the centerline of the gimbal apparatus and has a longitudinal balancing axis Z. Motion about at least one of the mutually perpendicular X-axis, Y-axis, and the Z-axis is isolated from the motion of the other axes via one or more assemblies comprising resilient components.

Abstract: A stabilizing controller to balance, support and orient a device. The stabilizing controller includes a gimbal assembly positioned at the center of balance of the stabilizing controller with the device attached, A handle is disposed around the gimbal assembly. A center post is coincident with at least a portion of the centerline of the gimbal apparatus and has a longitudinal balancing axis Z. Motion about at least one of the mutually perpendicular X-axis, Y-axis, and the Z-axis is isolated from the motion of the other axes via one or more assemblies comprising resilient components.