Abstract: Apparatus embodying the invention includes an extendable support member with a cap for mounting thereon a camera or any photographic equipment, or the like. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the cap is formed with “threaded holes” for the attachment of selected accessories. To provide a high degree of flexibility the extendable support member may include selected inter-connectable sections for providing a combination of fixed and variable extensions. The selected sections may have different cross sectional areas. In accordance with the invention the cap is formed with different inner regions having different dimensions in order to mate with the different cross-sectional areas of the selected sections.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism embodying the invention may be disposed between a swivel ball and a housing overlying the ball for selectively locking or unlocking the swivel ball relative to the housing. The clamping mechanism includes first and second gears mounted on a compression screw with rotational forces being selectively applied to the first and second gears via respective first and second gear-pawl assemblies. The rotational forces cause vertical (up/down) motion along the screw which increases or decreases the pressure exerted between the housing and the swivel ball which effectively may be used to lock (clamp) or unlock (unclamp) the swivel ball relative to the housing.

Abstract: A base plate for the mounting thereon of photographic equipment includes leveling screw assemblies securely attached to the base plate. Each leveling screw assembly includes a leveling screw and a controlling mechanism for housing and retaining the leveling screw while enabling the leveling screw to: (a) be deployed at various selected angles relative to the base plate to grip an underlying surface; (b) be rotated to enable up-down motion between the leveling screws and the base plate; and (c) be retracted to a predetermine position alongside the base plate for safe storage and ease of reuse.

Abstract: A base plate for the mounting thereon of photographic equipment includes leveling screw assemblies securely attached to the base plate. Each leveling screw assembly includes a leveling screw and a controlling mechanism for housing and retaining the leveling screw while enabling the leveling screw to: (a) be deployed at various selected angles relative to the base plate to grip an underlying surface; (b) be rotated to enable up-down motion between the leveling screws and the base plate; and (c) be retracted to a predetermine position alongside the base plate for safe storage and ease of reuse.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism embodying the invention may be disposed between a swivel ball and a housing overlying the ball for selectively locking or unlocking the swivel ball relative to the housing. The clamping mechanism includes first and second gears mounted on a compression screw with rotational forces being selectively applied to the first and second gears via respective first and second gear-pawl assemblies. The rotational forces cause vertical (up/down) motion along the screw which increases or decreases the pressure exerted between the housing and the swivel ball which effectively may be used to lock (clamp) or unlock (unclamp) the swivel ball relative to the housing.

Abstract: Clamping apparatus for a camera mount includes two clamping jaws slidably coupled to each other so they can move towards or away from each other along a common plane. A rotatable jaw movement controlling mechanism having an eccentric (elliptical or variable contour) shaped inner surface is coupled around a portion of the two clamping jaws for controlling the movement of the two clamping jaws towards or away from each other. A ratcheting mechanism is coupled to the jaw movement controlling mechanism for preventing slippage of the two clamping jaws when the two clamping jaws are moving towards each other. The ratcheting mechanism may include a release button for releasing the ratcheting function and enabling the jaws to move away from each other quickly and without much effort.

Abstract: A swivel ball head mount embodying the invention includes a swivel ball and a housing and a push button operated clamping mechanism coupled between the ball and the housing to control their relative movement. The clamping mechanism may include a gearing arrangement or a spring arrangement producing a mechanical advantage enabling the push button mechanism to operate the clamping mechanism using a single finger. Swivel ball head mount embodying the invention are adapted to have a camera mounted on the housing.

Abstract: Clamping apparatus for a camera mount includes two clamping jaws slidably coupled to each other so they can move towards or away from each other along a common plane. A rotatable jaw movement controlling mechanism having an eccentric (elliptical or variable contour) shaped inner surface is coupled around a portion of the two clamping jaws for controlling the movement of the two clamping jaws towards or away from each other. A ratcheting mechanism is coupled to the jaw movement controlling mechanism for preventing slippage of the two clamping jaws when the two clamping jaws are moving towards each other. The ratcheting mechanism may include a release button for releasing the ratcheting function and enabling the jaws to move away from each other quickly and without much effort.

Abstract: A swivel ball head mount embodying the invention includes a swivel ball and a housing and a push button operated clamping mechanism coupled between the ball and the housing to control their relative movement. The clamping mechanism may include a gearing arrangement or a spring arrangement producing a mechanical advantage enabling the push button mechanism to operate the clamping mechanism using a single finger. Swivel ball head mount embodying the invention are adapted to have a camera mounted on the housing.

Abstract: An automated storage system for storing a plurality of objects in storage locations, the automated storage system comprising a master control computer, a guidance network, a plurality of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) each having an onboard microprocessor for providing a position of each AGV relative to the guidance network to the master control computer and a receiver for receiving control commands from the master control computer, and a plurality of trays for engagement with the plurality of AGVs for transportation and storage of the objects.

Abstract: A drive and steering unit for driving and steering a load support comprises, in one embodiment, a steering assembly including a steering gear attached to a wheel housing and engaged with the steering power system, the steering gear being rotatable about an axis in response to actuation of the steering assembly, a drive assembly connected to the steering gear, and a drive power system coupled to the drive assembly and movable with the steering gear. In an alternate embodiment, the steering assembly is connected to the wheel through a steering gear attached to a slewing ring that supports the drive assembly and is rotatable with the drive assembly.

Abstract: An automated guided vehicle (AGV) adapted to follow a guide wire or the like, the AGV comprising at least one antenna in communication with a master control system and having a programmable microprocessor that enables the AGV to dynamically assume a linear, angular or skewed offset position relative to the guide wire or the like in accordance with instructions provided by the control system.

Abstract: An automated storage system for vehicles or the like is provided with a guidance system that interacts with a remote-controlled transport system that transports a vehicle between an access location, such a drive-up location, and a storage location. More particularly, in one embodiment, an omni-directional, battery-powered, wirelessly-controlled, transport system or so-called automated guided vehicle (“AGV”) is designed to follow magnetic field generating wires and RFID chips on the floors of the parking facility to move forward, backward and side to side underneath cars that are parked on a flat surface. In one embodiment, the AGV automatically contracts and expands its body to slide its arms under the wheelbase of a car, lift the car, and roll with speed and precision in any direction on to a waiting lift, that will then raise and lower the AGV and its automobile payload toward its ultimate destination.

Abstract: An automated storage system for storing a plurality of objects in storage locations, the automated storage system comprising a master control computer, a guidance network, a plurality of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) each having an onboard microprocessor for providing a position of each AGV relative to the guidance network to the master control computer and a receiver for receiving control commands from the master control computer, and a plurality of trays for engagement with the plurality of AGVs for transportation and storage of the objects.

Abstract: A scissor lift comprises a load support, a lift support and at least one scissor assembly defined between the load support and the lift support, the at least one scissor assembly being driven into an open or a closed position by a drive device that enables movement of the load support relative to the lift support with the opening and closing of the at least one scissor assembly, wherein the at least one scissor assembly is further defined by a pair of arms attached at a pivot, and where the pair of arms further comprises a curved outer surface that engages a portion of a drive device for urging the scissor arms apart and for moving the load support relative to the lift support.

Abstract: An automated storage system for storing a plurality of objects in storage locations, the automated storage system comprising a master control computer, a guidance network, a plurality of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) each having an onboard microprocessor and a receiver for receiving control commands from the master control computer, and a plurality of trays for engagement with the plurality of AGVs for transportation and storage of the objects.

Abstract: An automated guided vehicle (AGV) adapted to follow a guide wire or the like, the AGV comprising at least one antenna in communication with a master control system and having a programmable microprocessor that enables the AGV to dynamically assume a linear, angular or skewed offset position relative to the guide wire or the like in accordance with instructions provided by the control system.

Abstract: A Variable Offset Positioning Antenna Array for Enhanced Guidance of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) in automated warehousing or storage systems for automobiles or the like, includes two or more inductor coils producing output as a result of interaction with a guidance wire located in or near the surface of the floor which is energized by a frequency generator, and an on board programmable microprocessor which processes the coil output to determine an exact position of the antenna array relative to the guidance wire. In one embodiment, the antenna array enables an AGV to follow a guidance wire at an offset to the direction of travel in order to allow automated storage and retrieval systems to handle asymmetrical items, such as automobiles, more efficiently and cost effectively by decreasing the building space required for travel aisles, vertical conveyors and storage locations as well as decreasing total individual item processing time.

Abstract: A drive and steering unit for driving and steering a load support comprises, in one embodiment, a steering assembly including a steering gear attached to a wheel housing and engaged with the steering power system, the steering gear being rotatable about an axis in response to actuation of the steering assembly, a drive assembly connected to the steering gear, and a drive power system coupled to the drive assembly and movable with the steering gear. In an alternate embodiment, the steering assembly is connected to the wheel through a steering gear attached to a slewing ring that supports the drive assembly and is rotatable with the drive assembly.

Abstract: A drive and steering unit for driving and steering a load support comprises a steering assembly, a slewing ring engaged with the steering assembly and being rotatable about an axis in response to actuation of the steering assembly, a drive assembly mounted to the slewing ring, and a drive power system coupled to the drive assembly and movable with the slewing ring.