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 force exerting device having a force exerting structure including a load arm as a first side, pivotable about a load pivot, a resilient member attached to the load arm and to a termination point and forming a second side of the force exerting structure. The third side of the structure is formed by a line from the termination point to the load pivot. A first adjustment mechanism moves the termination point to change the length of the third side of the structure. A second adjustment mechanism moves the termination point in a direction different than the first adjustment direction so the termination point location can cross a substantially plumb line passing through the load pivot. A force modification device may be included to dynamically adjust the resilient member termination point position in response to motion of the load arm.

Abstract: An improved equipment stabilizing support apparatus having an upper spar associated with the equipment and a lower spar connected by a double-acting type hinge that provides angular displacement between the upper and lower spars to adjustably balance equipment, and angular displacement around a second axis to allow folding of the lower spar toward the upper spar to an optimum closed configuration regardless of the adjusted balancing position.

Abstract: A force exerting device having a force exerting structure including a load arm as a first side, pivotable about a load pivot, a resilient member attached to the load arm and to a termination point and forming a second side of the force exerting structure. The third side of the structure is formed by a line from the termination point to the load pivot. A first adjustment mechanism moves the termination point to change the length of the third side of the structure. A second adjustment mechanism moves the termination point in a direction different than the first adjustment direction so the termination point location can cross a substantially plumb line passing through the load pivot. A force modification device may be included to dynamically adjust the resilient member termination point position in response to motion of the load arm.

Abstract: An optical device in the form of reading glasses is made to be discreet and easily transported. The device comprises a lens; a nosepiece; a weighted counterbalance; and a supporting bar interconnecting said nosepiece between said lens and said counter balance. At least one of the lens, the nosepiece, and the counterbalance is adjustably displaceable about and along said supporting bar for maintaining balance.

Abstract: An optical device in the form of reading glasses is made to be discreet and easily transported. The device comprises a lens; a nosepiece; a weighted counterbalance; and a supporting bar interconnecting said nosepiece between said lens and said counter balance. At least one of the lens, the nosepiece, and the counterbalance is adjustably displaceable about and along said supporting bar for maintaining balance.

Abstract: A lightweight, remote-controlled, self-propelled equipment support and transport system is stabilized against unwanted angular deviation in each of three perpendicular axes and adapted for motion at high speed along a simple tubular monorail. The system can be quickly and efficiently ground-mounted on stands, suspended horizontally from brackets or from a variety of overhead supports, or vertically mounted alongside a mast or wall. The system includes an elongated drive car running on and partly surrounding a rail, and an equipment support associated with the drive car and configured so that the supported equipment is transversely and longitudinally spaced and balanced about a point just below the center of the rail. The equipment support is mounted in angular isolation relative to the drive car by a system of damped pivots about pitch and yaw axes.

Abstract: A camera stabilizing support apparatus includes motorized "x-y translation" of one or more components of the camera equipment, such that no mechanical forces are imparted to the overall system which would adversely affect the angular position of the gimbaled mass, synchronous control of the motion of lower masses of the camera stabilizing support apparatus so that both dynamic and static balance is preserved throughout the range of motion, and an adjustable gimbal mechanism which serves to isolate the system's equipment support from the support arm extending from the operator's body harness which provides both coarse and fine location adjustment, and provides positive self-centering for these gimbal locking elements so that no clamp distortion occurs.

Abstract: The support arm of a camera stabilizing device is provided with a tensioning assembly which is mated to the support arm in a fashion which permits continuous adjustment of the geometric relationship between the end points of the tensioning assembly and the remaining structures which comprise the support arm. This can include adjustment of the frame of the support arm, or adjustment of an end point of the tensioning assembly relative to the frame of the support arm using a cable and drum arrangement coupled with a spring of appropriate size and tension.

Abstract: The support arm of a camera stabilizing device is provided with a tensioning assembly which is mated to the support arm in a fashion which permits continuous adjustment of the geometric relationship between the end points of the tensioning assembly and the remaining structures which comprise the support arm. This can include adjustment of the frame of the support arm, or adjustment of an end point of the tensioning assembly relative to the frame of the support arm using a cable and drum arrangement coupled with a spring of appropriate size and tension.

Abstract: A stabilized equipment support which is both small and light-weight in construction, for receiving equipment (e.g., a camera) with which it is to be used upon an expanded support network which complements the supported equipment in a manner which not only alters the position of the center of gravity for effective support of the resulting assembly, but which further ensures that the equipment support can be folded into a compact arrangement which does not significantly increase the profile, or overall size of the assembled combination, yet which is easily deployed to assume an expanded balanced arrangement which is appropriate for stabilized operations of the resulting assembly in simple and straightforward fashion, while minimizing the potential for precession during such use.

Abstract: An ultralight cable car for use in conjunction with a "Steadicam.RTM." support apparatus. The cable car generally takes the form of a trolley adapted for traversal along a cable suspended between two fixed end points, and a shaft and concentric sleeve suspended from the trolley. The shaft suspended from the trolley is fixed against rotation, and has a steering surface fixed to its terminating end. The outer sleeve incorporates a mounting for receiving a conventional "Steadicam.RTM." support apparatus, and an opposing seat for the camera operator. Rotation of the outer sleeve relative to the inner shaft is accomplished by the camera operator, by pressing against the steering surface fixed to the base of the inner shaft, in conjunction with desired operations of the "Steadicam.RTM." support apparatus. A brake mechanism is provided to give the camera operator additional control in regulating movements of the trolley, and the apparatus, along the suspended cable which supports it.

Abstract: A stabilized support which is both small and light-weight in construction, and which receives the equipment with which it is used upon an expanded support network which deploys (positions) the supported equipment in a manner which alters the position of its center of gravity so that the resulting unit can be effectively supported at its center of gravity by an interrupted handle which includes a major portion which can be engaged for overall support and transport of the unit, and a minor portion which includes a control surface which is accessible by the operator's hand to achieve controlled orientation of the equipment support, separated by an appropriate device for providing mutual angular isolation between the two portions of the compound handle. The handle for the equipment support therefore provides all of the functions which are necessary for appropriate operation of the equipment which it supports, such as a portable video camera or the like.

Abstract: A stabilized support which is both small and light-weight in construction, and which receives the equipment with which it is used upon an expanded support network which deploys (positions) the supported equipment in a manner which alters the position of its center of gravity so that the resulting unit can be effectively supported at its center of gravity by an interrupted handle which includes a major portion which can be engaged for overall support and transport of the unit, and a minor portion which includes a control surface which is accessible by the operator's hand to achieve controlled orientation of the equipment support, separated by an appropriated device for providing mutual angular isolation between the two portions of the compound handle. The handle for the equipment support therefore provides all of the functions which are necessary for appropriate operation of the equipment which it supports, such as a portable video camera or the like.

Abstract: A suspension system for supporting and conveying equipment, such as a camera assembly, includes at least three flexible members, spaced-apart mounting drums for extendably and retractably supporting the flexible members and an equipment support member including an inner section to which the equipment is attached and an outer section connected to the flexible members. The inner and outer sections of the equipment support member are rotatable relative to each other about at least two separate axis of rotation. Preferably the mounting drums for the flexible members are operated by a computer-controlled drive to permit an operator to selectively extend and/or retract one or more of the flexible members to achieve the desired movement of the supported equipment.

Abstract: An improved suspension system for supporting and conveying equipment, such as a camera assembly, which equipment is capable of being panned and tilted. The system comprises of a first elongated support means positioned in the direction of the panning axis of the equipment; a second support means arranged concentric with the panning axis of the equipment and which is rotatable about said axis with respect to said first support means; and suitably arranged attaching means for said equipment and drive means to cause rotation between the support means about the axis and controllable to maintain a pre-selected rate of rotation.The equipment is capable of taking pictures and views in situations where the traditional camera system are inadequate.

Abstract: The camera support includes an upright tubular body to which a gimbal and a plurality of auxiliary pieces of camera equipment such as a video monitor, an electronics package, a battery or a recorder can be vertically adjustably mounted in an expanded balanced arrangement. Some of these components are also circularly adjustable about the vertical body in response to various clearance requirements and the necessities of certain types of shooting. Certain components can be mounted to the tubular body in an inverted position to facilitate "low mode" operation in which the camera body is the lowest component of the camera equipment, and is adapted to be dependent from the camera mounting plate.

Abstract: Equipment for use with hand-held motion picture and video cameras comprises a pair of interconnected spring loaded arms, one end of which is pivotally supported by a carrying brace worn by a cameraman and the other end of which is connected to a handle positioned to mount the camera equipment at approximately the center of the moment of inertia. The camera and its associated equipment are mounted in exploded, balanced relation about the handle. The weight of the camera equipment is substantially counterbalanced by the action of the spring loaded arms without employing counterweights. A camera viewer is provided, to facilitate viewing from a position remote from the camera itself and not necessarily governed by the camera orientation.