Abstract: A display apparatus for portable electronic device including a base, a plurality of mounting sleeves, a plurality of mounting posts, a plurality of mounting brackets, and a power supply unit. The base has a lockable panel that conceals an interior space at least partially defined by the base. The mounting sleeves are coupled to the base. The mounting posts are lockingly engaged with the mounting sleeves in the interior space at least partially defined by the base. The mounting brackets are secured to the mounting posts, each of the mounting brackets fixedly retaining a respective portable electronic device of a plurality of portable electronic devices so that the respective portable electronic device is rigidly secured relative to the base. The power supply unit is concealed and has a plurality of power ports shaped to receive automotive accessory power plugs from the portable electronic devices fixedly retained in the mounting brackets.

Abstract: A GPS device comprises a GPS unit, a visor, and an optional attachment means to attach the visor to the GPS unit to improve the viewing of the visual display screen under bright light and/or to eliminate the reflection of the lighted display screen of the GPS unit from a vehicle's windshield during nighttime driving; a visor set comprising said visor and said attachment means; said visor or visor set optionally comprising a GPS antenna for stronger reception and/or a faster acquisition of satellite GPS signals; a method for improving the viewing of the display screen under bright light, for eliminating reflection of the display screen from the vehicle's windshield, and for providing improved satellite GPS signals by using the GPS device or the visor set hereinabove; and an article of manufacture comprising the GPS device or the visor set hereinabove, in association with instructions for use.

Abstract: A support system used to orient and utilize equipment remotely positioned from an operator and supported in a stabilized manner. The support system includes a balance pole with a master end and a slave end attached to a master sled and slave sled, respectively. The system includes a mechanism to replicate the motion at the master sled at the slave sled. The replication mechanism includes a series of pulleys and arced components coordinated with lines that pass through an inner ring of a central gimbal.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus having a protection ring which protects a supporting device coupling section such that it is difficult for a user to touch the supporting device coupling section is provided. A supporting device can be coupled to a camera body, and the camera body includes a supporting device coupling section and a protection ring. The supporting device coupling section has a screw hole to which the supporting device can be coupled, and a supporting device coupling surface which is formed and exposed around the entrance of the screw hole. The protection ring includes a return spring which restricts the position of the protection ring, a return spring stopper which supports the return spring, and a supporting device contact surface which protrudes outward of the exposed surface formed around the entrance of the screw hole of the supporting device coupling section, in a direction toward a housing outside.

Abstract: An accessory for use on a camera crane has a first plate attachable to an end of the camera crane arm. A second plate is pivotally attached to the first plate and moveable into a first position and into a second position perpendicular to the first position. First and second latches secure the second plate into the first and second positions, respectively. The accessory allows a camera head on a camera crane arm to be quickly and easily reoriented.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing products are provided. Each of a pair of elongate retaining members is pivotally secured at a first end of a base. Each of a pair of carriages is movable along a corresponding one of the retaining members and fixable to the corresponding one of the retaining members at a plurality of locations. Each carriage has a clip for capturing a projecting portion of the product. A stop member engages a portion of the product spaced apart from the projecting portions captured by the clips. The stop member is movable toward the clips in a single degree of freedom and is fixable to the base at a plurality of locations along the degree of freedom. Methods of securing a product using the apparatus are provided.

Abstract: One or more data signal interconnects arranged on a substrate of a dense array reduce overall size of a device incorporating the dense array, such as a touch sensor or display. The data signal interconnects on the substrate carry signals from printed circuits coupled to the array to a controller via interconnect tabs.

Abstract: A tripod head comprises a tripod mounting component, an angle adjusting component, and a camera mounting component. The angle adjusting component is configured to allow adjustment and locking of the angle between the tripod mounting component and the camera mounting component about first and second perpendicular axes. The camera mounting component is rotatably mounted to the angle adjusting component to allow the camera mounting component to be rotated and locked with respect to the angle adjusting component about a third axis.

Abstract: A camera platform locking device, including a housing, for preventing the components from exiting; in the housing from the top down are configured: a sphere, for providing a support to the camera; a locking mechanism, arranged underneath the sphere, for working with the housing to lock the sphere inside the housing; a platform base, arranged underneath the locking mechanism, and fixedly connected to the housing, for providing a support to the locking mechanism. A camera platform locking device of this invention may allow two regulating assemblies to gain distinguished moving distances for achieving different regulation purposes when rotating each knob of the regulating assemblies with the same angle so as to improve the regulation performance of the locking device.

Abstract: A tripod head comprises a mount and an angle adjustment mechanism for adjusting and locking the angle of the mount with respect to a tripod. The mechanism comprises an elongated handle. The handle is adapted to rotate around its longitudinal axis to lock the angle of the mechanism when rotated in one direction and unlock the angle of the mechanism when rotated in the other direction. The handle comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion is attached at a pivot point whereby the distal portion can pivot between an operative position in line with the proximal portion and a storage position generally perpendicular to the proximal portion. The handle further comprises a locking device for releasably locking the distal portion in the operative position.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a product display apparatus may provide consumers with access to samples of portable electronic devices while maintaining the security of the sample devices. The display apparatus can present the sample devices in a manner that encourages consumers to view and operate the user interface of the samples even though each sample unit cannot be physically moved from the display apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mounting arrangement for optical devices having a mounting plate forming an undercut guide for receiving a clamping plate, the mounting plate comprising a side bar in which an undercut profile groove is formed, and having a strip located opposite the bar movably connected to the mounting plate via a clamping mechanism and a second undercut profile groove forming the undercut guide together with the first undercut profile groove, the strip being able to be tightened against the mounting plate by the clamping mechanism to fix the clamping plate, whereby the spacing distance between the undercut profile grooves is reduced. A second undercut guide is formed by additional undercut profile grooves in the same side bar of the mounting plate and the same strip, wherein the guides are both disposed on one side of the plane (X) spanned by the mounting plate.

Abstract: The All-in-one Tripod/Monopod is single-shaft assembly with a base section located at the bottom and telescoping sections that form both a tripod and a monopod of unlimited height. The base is a section with three legs individually hinged at the bottom of the section. The legs can be pivoted independently. All legs pivoted downward form a tripod. All legs pivoted upward form a monopod. Minimum length and portability are provided when all sections are retracted and all legs are pivoted upward. Modularity allows sections to be individually added and removed so that they can be used in whole or in part. Modularity is provided for through a three position latch assembly. Both the top section of the shaft, and the tripod/monopod handle have a threaded screw for mounting a camera or other device. Individual sections, when detached, make special purpose monopods, chest pods, belt pods and extendable poles.

Abstract: Stand, in particular camera stand, comprising: a receptacle for mounting an apparatus, in particular a camera; and at least one leg which is connected to the receptacle and comprises at least two telescopic units (T1, T2), of which a first telescopic unit (T1) is connected to the receptacle and a second telescopic unit (T2) is displaceable relative to the first telescopic unit and can be locked in a desired position in relation to the first telescopic unit (T1), characterized in that two locking points set apart in the longitudinal direction of the leg are provided between the second telescopic unit (T2) and the first telescopic unit (T1) for locking the telescopic units (T1, T2).

Abstract: A weighted mounting arrangement stably supports a motion-sensitive, image capture device incorporated in a cellular telephone. The arrangement includes a handheld equipoising structure having a platform and a handle connected to the platform at a handle connection, a mount on the platform for holding the device during image capture, and a ballast weight mounted on the mount with the held device as an assembly. The assembly and the equipoising structure together have a combined center of gravity positioned in close adjacent proximity below the handle connection for balancing the arrangement during image capture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tripod head having an inclination apparatus (2) having universal joint (5) and having a holding apparatus (100), which can be secured on the universal joint, for holding a camera, a pair of binoculars, a spotting scope or such an optical instrument with a removable disk (101).

Abstract: A tripod-connecting adapter for connecting a pair of binoculars to a tripod comprising: a base portion that has a width in which a left and a right lens barrels of the pair of binoculars to be placed thereon come into contact therewith, and restricts rotation of the pair of binoculars around a joint shaft that connects the pair of lens barrels of the pair of binoculars; and a holding device that is provided on the base portion and is connected to the joint shaft to support the pair of lens barrels so that said pair of lens barrels may be placed on an upper surface of the base portion to come in contact therewith, and restricts movement of the pair of binoculars in an optical axis direction of the pair of binoculars.

Abstract: A panoramic device includes a base member and a clamp member rotatably interconnected within a single plane of rotation with the base that includes a first rotatable knob to selectively inhibit the rotation of the clamp member with respect to the base. The upper surface includes a central region that is at a different elevation than another portion of the upper surface. The clamp includes a pair of opposed surfaces suitable to detachably secure a camera thereto. The one of the opposed surfaces is maintained in a fixed relationship with respect to the clamp member. The other one of the opposed surfaces is in a movable relationship with respect to the clamp member using a second rotatable knob. The first knob and the second knob are rotatably connected with respect to one another.

Abstract: A support head (1) for video-photographic apparatuses (7) comprises a base (3) which can be fastened to a support structure (4) of said head (1), a platform (2, 2a) fixed rotatably to said base (3) about an axis of rotation (X), a slide (5) provided with attaching means (6) for attaching said apparatus (7) removably associable with said platform (2, 2a) so as to slide along a positioning direction (Y), a locking device (9, 10, 11, 12) for locking said slide (5) on said platform (2) in a desired position (P), and a positioning system (20) for positioning said slide (5) on said platform (2, 2a) provided with generating means (22) for generating a signal which is variable along said positioning direction (Y) and is correlated with said position (P), (and?) detector means (21) positioned on said platform (2, 2a) and capable of detecting said signal, said generating means (22) for generating a variable signal being provided on said slide (5) and configured in such a way that a specific value of said detected signa

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for acquiring stereoscopic images. A first camera may be mounted to a first convergence plate, the first convergence plate coupled to a first plate via a first XY slide and a first pivot displaced from the first XY slide. A distance between the first plate and a second plate may be adjusted to set an interocular distance between the first camera and a second camera. The first convergence plate may be rotated about the first pivot to set, at least in part, an angle of convergence between the first camera and the second camera.

Abstract: The invention relates to a monopod device for use with a camera, which uses one or more constant force helical springs to counterbalance the weight of a camera and lens, as well as a camera tilt mechanism, the combination of which effectively provides weight compensation that significantly reduces the lifting force required by a user to move the camera and provides stable image capture, camera control, and a reduced footprint when compared to existing tripods.

Abstract: A cap 1 attached to housings 2 and 3 can be opened and closed. The cap 1 includes a tongue portion 1a protruding from a cap body 1d; and claw portions engaging with the housing (second outer housing) 3. An elongated hole 1b is formed on the tongue portion 1a. The housing 3 includes: a notched hole 3b for accepting the tongue portion 1a; a stopper 3c that is unremovably inserted into the elongated hole 1b so as to permit relative movement; and engaged portions engaged with the claw portions of the cap 1 to fix the cap 1. When the cap 1 is closed, the stopper 3c is fixed on the elongated hole 1b on the side of the cap body 1d by protrusions 1c provided in the elongated hole 1b.

Abstract: A stabilized camera system has a roll frame formed as a parallelogram linkage and pivotably attached to a pan frame. A tilt frame is pivotably attached to the roll frame. Control circuits are provided to compensate for drift, to allow manual aiming of the camera during stabilized camera operation, and for providing rapid leveling. The stabilized camera system is compact with low moments of inertia to allow rapid movements.

Abstract: A panoramic device includes a base member having a flat lower surface suitable to be supported by a tripod. A clamp member has a flat upper surface rotatably interconnected within a single plane of rotation with the base that includes a first rotatable knob to selectively inhibit the rotation of the clamp member with respect to the base. The flat upper surface includes a central region that is at a different elevation than another portion of the flat upper surface. The clamp includes a pair of opposed surfaces suitable to detachably secure a camera thereto. The one of the opposed surfaces is maintained in a fixed relationship with respect to the clamp member. The other one of the opposed surfaces is in a movable relationship with respect to the clamp member using a second rotatable knob. The first knob and the second knob are rotatably connected with respect to one another. The panoramic device includes a level bubble visible on an upper surface at a location exterior to the central region of the clamp.

Abstract: Optical equipment mounting devices and systems are provided. In an embodiment of the present invention an optical mounting system can generally comprise a mounting assembly to carry an optical device and a support coupled to the mounting assembly. The mounting assembly can include a generally horizontal platform and can define a vertical axis passing substantially orthogonal to said horizontal platform. The support can be adapted to hold an optical device below the generally horizontal platform of the mounting assembly and to one side of the vertical axis. An optical mounting system can also comprise an adjustment mechanism capable of precisely adjusting the position of the optical device in small increments. Other embodiments are also claimed and described.

Abstract: A mounting head includes a first pivot assembly and a second pivot assembly. The first pivot assembly may be configured to pivot a platform of the mounting head about a first axis, and the second pivot assembly may be configured to pivot the platform about a second axis. A pivot assembly may comprise a threaded shaft having an attachment element configured to move linearly along the axial length of the threaded shaft as the threaded shaft is rotated. The linear movement of the attachment element may drive pivotal movement of the platform. The mounting head may further include position indicators, configured for indicating, in linear coordinates, the position of the platform. Methods of using and adjusting a mounting head are disclosed.

Abstract: A holder for a loudspeaker box onto which the loudspeaker box can be slipped. The holder includes a control handle and a clamping device actuatable without tools via the control handle.

Abstract: A continuously angle-adjustable multifunction tripod is provided. The continuously angle-adjustable multifunction tripod includes a connecting base, at least three legs, an adjusting cap, and a supporter. The adjusting cap and the supporter are disposed on and under the connecting base, respectively. Each of the legs is peripherally distributed around the supporter. Upper ends of the legs are movably connected to the connecting base. Distances between the adjusting cap, the connecting base and the supporter are adjustable along a vertical direction, and can be relatively fixed at anywhere therebetween. Meanwhile, a bottom of the adjusting cap and the supporter clamp and fix the legs, so that an angle of each of the legs relative to the horizontal plane can be arbitrarily adjusted in a range from 0° to 90° in accordance with variations of relative positions of the adjusting cap, the connecting base, and the supporter.

Abstract: A monopod support especially for video filming comprises a rod at the longitudinally opposite ends of which are provided a base and an attachment for a video-photographic apparatus, respectively. The rod is rotatable with respect to the base about a substantially longitudinal axis of the rod and at least one shock-absorbing element of the type having a viscous coupling is interposed between the base and the rod in order to damp the vibrations resulting from the rotational movement of the rod with respect to the base about the axis of the rod.

Abstract: An adjustable support head (1) for optical or video/photographic equipment, comprising a joint (5) including a first (3) and a second joint element (18), a body (3) defining the said first joint element, a connection plate (4) for the optical or video/photographic equipment, connected to the said second joint element, so as to enable the said connection plate to be freely adjustable in relation to the said body, locking means (25) mounted on the said body and including a clamping element (26) that can be selectively moved between a first non-operating position in which the clamping element is distanced from the second joint element and a second operating position in which the clamping element is in contact with the second joint element so as to lock the said second joint element in a desired position in relation to the first joint element.

Abstract: A method for quickly and precisely on-field locating and relocating a measurement instrument arrangement, characterized in that said method comprises the steps of: assembling, in a laboratory, said instrument arrangement to an intermediate system thereby providing an instrument arrangement—intermediate system assembly; transporting said instrument arrangement—intermediate system assembly to an installation site; coupling said instrument arrangement—intermediate system assembly to a pedestal by firmly connecting said intermediate system to said pedestal; disconnecting, after use, said instrument arrangement from said intermediate system while leaving said intermediate system coupled to said pedestal; and on-field using again said instrument arrangement by removably reconnecting said instrument arrangement to said intermediate system.

Abstract: A lower portion has a lower end and an upper end. The lower end is enlarged for positioning on a floor. An upper portion is movable to any of a plurality of positions. The interior end of the upper portion is coupled to the upper end of the lower portion. Electrical components are coupled to one of the portions. A web camera is operatively coupled to the exterior end of the upper portion. An electrical cable supplies power and data.

Abstract: A surveillance apparatus, comprising: a holder; a first adjusting member disposed on the holder, the first adjusting member comprising a first annular plate and two extending portions each defining a second through hole; a second adjusting member comprising a second annular plate and a third annular plate; an image pick-up device sleeved on the third annular plate; a third adjusting member comprising a fourth annular plate, a pair of handles, and two fasteners, the handles each defining a fifth through hole corresponding to the second through holes, the fourth annular plate rotatably sleeves on the third annular plate; the first adjusting member and the third adjusting member is assembled together.

Abstract: A step is cut into a stationary or movable flange in a two-flange engagement. As the two flanges are brought closer to one another by tightening a nut or knob attached to a central shaft, contact is established along the edge of the step. Contact along this line does not create a point contact about which the flanges will pivot. Therefore, consistent friction is obtained when tension is applied by tightening the nut and the flanges are brought into contact.

Abstract: A camera support comprises a baseplate on which first and second engaging means are formed for releasably engaging first and second portions of a camera body displaced along the baseplate in an engaging direction. The first engaging means defines an abutment position for the first portion of the camera body, and the second engaging means defines a space between two sidewalls for slidably receiving a web of second portion of the camera body, and wherein one of said sidewalls is displaceable towards the other and is coupled to a trigger of the first engaging means so as to clamp the web between the sidewalls when the trigger is operated by the first portion reaching the abutment position. A camera support of this kind can be used advantageously for a respective camera assembly, for example a superexpander.

Abstract: A universal clamp allows a camera to be positioned at a variety of angles and then secured for a steady shot. A docking member supports the camera through its universal docking port. A positioning member is connected to the docking member at 90°. The position member engages an attachment member that is used to affix the clamp to an environmental support. A securing member locks all parts once the camera is in position.

Abstract: A walking staff apparatus having a tripod assembly that is releasably fastened to a main shaft. The tripod assembly may be released from the shaft to achieve a compact arrangement for transport or storage. The shaft may also be telescoping to achieve a compact size. The release joint may include a mechanism for centering the shaft and tripod assembly. A magnetic-based mechanism for releasable attachment of an article may be coupled to the shaft. The magnetic-based attachment mechanism may include an anti-rotation device to achieve secure positioning of an article releasable attached to the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards ball and socket joint connectors which, when interconnected, form a flexible assembly. In some embodiments, the ball and socket joint connectors are designed and constructed such that the interference fit of the ball and socket causes creep in the material resulting in more even frictions in the various ball and socket joints. In some embodiments, the ball and socket joint connectors utilize an over-molded strip around the outside of the connector to facilitate in their use for gripping. In an exemplary embodiment utilizing the aforementioned ball and socket joint connectors, a tripod apparatus uses legs comprising the ball and socket joint connectors for support and for gripping objects.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a winding tripod, which includes a cradle head and three legs. Each of the legs is connected at one end with the cradle head via a universal joint, and used at the other end for supporting. At least one of the legs therein includes multiple first movable joints and multiple second movable joints, which are connected together alternately and hinged via a locking coupling device. The first and the second movable joints are provided with a hoverball hole. Between the first and the second movable joints are positioned a spring and a hoverball. The hoverball is clipped into the hoverball hole when the first and the second movable joints are pivotally turned to a predetermined angle.

Abstract: A tripod head comprises a tripod mounting component, an angle adjusting component, and a camera mounting component. The angle adjusting component is configured to allow adjustment and locking of the angle between the tripod mounting component and the camera mounting component about first and second perpendicular axes. The camera mounting component is rotatably mounted to the angle adjusting component to allow the camera mounting component to be rotated and locked with respect to the angle adjusting component about a third axis.

Abstract: A portable mast capable of supporting a payload that can be fastened to and detached from an unsteady, inclined or irregular surface of attachment. The improvements include a tensioning cable which exerts pressure on the base of the mast in opposition to the surface of attachment, a guide protecting the cable from abrasion, means for adjusting and retaining tension in the cable when the mast is fastened to the surface of attachment, a base capable of housing the fastener to protect the fastener from corrosion and tampering, a base allowing attachment to and pass-through of existing cords crossing the surface of attachment, and a base having resilient compression to conform to an irregular surface of attachment while maintaining pressure between the base and surface of attachment created by tensioning of the cable. Also disclosed is a mast with mechanical means for increasing cable tension in order to secure its tripod base to a surface of attachment.

Abstract: A camera system includes a video camera having a first mating mechanism defined on a bottom, planar surface of the video camera. A battery assembly contains an energy cell and a first surface of the battery assembly is releasably engageable with the mounting mechanism such that the battery assembly is suspended beneath the video camera, with the bottom, planar surface of the video camera in substantial contact with the first surface. A support apparatus having a second mating mechanism is also provided, the second mating mechanism releasably engaging a second surface of the battery assembly.

Abstract: A positioning device for motion picture camera equipment. The positioning device includes a plurality of modular longitudinal rails, a camera mounting plate, means for slidably positioning said plate along said rails, means for joining said rails to form a suitable platform for positioning said plate.

Abstract: A device for connecting a camera to a supporting device as provided. The device has a locking plate which includes a wedge-shaped recess with a dovetail guide which is insertable into a wedge-shaped plate with another dovetail guide. The wedge-shaped plate is connectible to the camera. The device also has a front clamping mechanism for bracing the wedge-shaped plate in the wedge-shaped recess, and in a rear region, has a rear clamp mechanism with a securing pin for engaging a guide shoe connectible to the camera. The device also includes a setting device for adjusting the front clamping mechanism along a longitudinal axis of the locking plate.

Abstract: A quick-fit device for video and photographic equipment comprises a first attachment member in the form of a plate which can be fixed to the equipment and a second attachment member including a seat for the plate which can be fixed to a supporting head; a safety device comprising a spring-loaded arm bearing a stop tooth acting on a presser designed to removably lock the plate in the seat is provided in the seat. The tooth has a ramp with an inclined plane from the part facing the seat and a stop shoulder on the opposite part; the presser has an appendage which is capable of riding over the tooth passing from a position against the ramp to a position against the shoulder in passing from a position in which the plate is released to a position in which the same is locked in the seat.

Abstract: A free-standing assembly maintains an optical device at a location spaced from a stand assembly supporting surface. The stand assembly comprises an elongated rail member having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of sides, leg support members each including a transverse centerline and two outer distal end sections each having an angled planar surface for mounting a leg member. A novel mechanism fixes each leg support member to a side of the elongated rail member and in a direction transverse to the rail member longitudinal axis. A plurality of leg members each has one end thereof mounted to the angled planar surface for projecting outwardly from an outer distal end of the leg support members. Another novel mechanism supports the optical device at a selected location on another side of the rail member and includes a mechanism for movably mounting the optical device along the elongated rail member.

Abstract: A fixing device for fixing cameras and other optical devices to stands or for connecting them to other accessories, includes an adapter journal joined to the camera or other optical devices and a receiving device connected to the stand or other accessories and which is provided with an opening for receiving the adapter journal, and a rotatable locking device. The opening is configured as an insert opening on a part which can be displaced axially in an outward manner by means of housing part of the receiving device such that the adapter journal can be inserted radially into the insert opening.

Abstract: An accessory includes an apparatus-side portion and an accessory-side portion to be attached to the apparatus-side portion. The accessory-side portion includes a surface, an internally threaded portion open on the surface, and an externally threaded member to be rotatably engaged with the internally threaded portion. The externally threaded member is positioned either in a retraction position by rotation of the externally threaded member in one direction or in an extension position by rotation of the externally threaded member in an opposite direction.

Abstract: A display assembly for automatically orienting a display item includes a base and a mounting member for mounting thereon the display item. The mounting member is removably mounted on the base to allow handling of the display item when removed and when mounted automatically moves from an unaligned orientation to an aligned display orientation. One alignment mechanism is magnetically operable and preferably includes first and second magnets respectively mounted on the base and mounting member wherein north and south poles of the first magnet align respectively with south and north poles of the second magnet to align the mounting member in the display orientation. Another alignment mechanism includes at least one camming surface for facilitating alignment of the mounting member and preferably camming surfaces respectively on the base and the mounting member which engage one another to facilitate to alignment.

Abstract: A quick-fit device for video and photographic equipment comprises a first attachment member in the form of a plate which can be fixed to the equipment and a second attachment member including a seat for the plate which can be fixed to a supporting head; a safety device comprising a spring-loaded arm bearing a stop tooth acting on a presser designed to removably lock the plate in the seat is provided in the seat. The tooth has a ramp with an inclined plane from the part facing the seat and a stop shoulder on the opposite part; the presser has an appendage which is capable of riding over the tooth passing from a position against the ramp to a position against the shoulder in passing from a position in which the plate is released to a position in which the same is locked in the seat.