Abstract: An ergonomic apparatus is provided for stabilizing support of portable video devices. The apparatus generally includes a longitudinally extended neck member supporting a device mount coupled thereto, a spine member coupled to extend transversely from the neck member, and a pair of stabilizing arm members extending laterally from a lower portion of the neck member. The spine member includes a weighted stop member adjacent a free end thereof; and, each stabilizing arm member suspends stabilizing weight in laterally offset manner from the neck member. The mechanical forces imparted to a video device mounted on the device mount are thereby dampened for stabilizing video images generated thereby.

Abstract: A universal mounting assembly for quick mounting of an object to a stand device. The mounting assembly includes a body having a support surface, a front face and an opposed mounting surface configured to mount to the support stand. The front face intersects the support surface and defines an opening into a receiving socket of the body. An elongated slot extends along and into the receiving socket from the support surface, and includes a transverse width dimension smaller than that of the receiving socket. The receiving socket receives the transverse width dimension of the head portion therein as the neck portion simultaneously slides along the elongated slot to a dock position. A resilient retaining arm includes a contact portion movable between a released position and a locked position. A manually operable locking wedge prevents movement of the retaining arm from the locked position toward the released position.

Abstract: The height and angular orientation of a TV on a movable stand are automatically adjusted based on viewer position as imaged by a camera and analyzed by image recognition algorithms.

Abstract: An articulating support assembly includes a first segment and a second segment. The first and second segments are disposed adjacent to one another. A first mating surface is defined on the first segment and a second mating surface is defined on the second segment. A tensioning assembly is operatively connected to the first and second segments such that the tensioning may be selectively operable to bias the first mating surface and the second mating surface into contact with one another thereby holding the first segment in a predetermined static orientation with respect to the second segment.

Abstract: A camera mount including an adjustable bracket for securement to a tree trunk. The bracket has a base portion for engaging a tree trunk. A carrier portion is pivotally fastened to the base portion for movement around a first horizontal axis. A pivot portion is pivotally fastened to the carrier portion for movement around a second horizontal axis being oriented at right angles to the first horizontal axis. A tree trunk-encircling belt extends through a passageway in the base portion. A hinged support arm extends outwardly from the bracket and is pivotally fastened to the pivot portion.

Abstract: A disc shaped, unitary body with a flat top surface mates against a tripod head. An upper side annular surface defines a fanned array of threaded bores on radial axes for receiving and supporting extension rods leading to suction cup fasteners. A lower side surface of frusto-conical contour, converging downwardly, depends from the upper side surface and defines a fanned array of threaded bores on axes angled outwardly and downwardly. A bottom face is a planar ring that defines vertical bores distributed around the ring. A central cavity wall is configured as an upwardly tapering conic frustum, connected at its lower end to an inside edge of the bottom wall. The cavity wall defines a fanned array of threaded bores on axes angled inwardly and downwardly. The top of the cavity wall defines a countersink.

Abstract: A positioning device for a cymbal has a bracket, a clamp, a cymbal supporting assembly, two friction pads and a primary adjusting assembly. The bracket has a stationary clamping member. The clamp is mounted movably on the bracket and has a movable clamping member. The cymbal supporting assembly is mounted pivotally between the stationary clamping member of the bracket and the movable clamping member and has a friction wheel and a cymbal supporting rod. One of the friction pads is mounted between the stationary clamping member and one side of the friction wheel. The other friction pad is mounted between the movable clamping member and the other side of the friction wheel. The friction pads selectively presses respectively against the sides of the friction wheel of the cymbal supporting assembly. The positioning device with the friction pads precisely sets the angular position of the cymbal.

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: A folding hinge for camera stabilization equipment. The hinge includes support connectors having apertures through which cables may be passed to connect a camera with various auxiliary components. An indexing guide pivotally attaches the support connectors so the camera stabilization system can be folded and unfolded with little or no disruption of the cables pr system balance. Locking mechanisms secure the hinges to provide a desired angular relationship between support members connected by the hinge.

Abstract: A camera guiding device, in particular for a camcorder or a digital camera, includes a camera holding platform to be fixed thereon, for supporting the camera. At least one horizontal element projects away from the camera holding platform and at least one vertical element projects up from the horizontal element. A handle for guiding the camera guiding device is connected to the vertical element, directly or through a further horizontal element.

Abstract: An instrument stand with variable ground contact positions of its supporting pods is disclosed. It has a standing post mounted with two positioning rings. One of them is fixed, and the other can slide relative to the former. The positioning rings have several supporting bases and several connecting elements that fix with the supporting bases after angle adjustment. The supporting pods are locked on the two positioning rings. Each supporting pod is controlled by the relative motion of the two positioning rings to expand and collapse. The ground contact positions of the supporting pods of the invention are thus variable.

Abstract: A fastening device (3) for detachably fastening a medical instrument (2A-2E) to a holding structure (1) includes two crossbeams (4A, 4B), two longitudinal beams (5A, 5B) with a claw (6) for extending behind a holding surface (1A) of the holding structure. A guide (7-9) is provided, by which the crossbeams (4A, 4B) are moved in the direction of the claws (6) of the longitudinal beams during a motion of the longitudinal beams (5A, 5B) in relation to one another. A clamping structure (12) is provided for moving the longitudinal beams (5A, 5B) in relation to one another.

Abstract: A support stand includes a base and a mounting post that is collapsible into the base. The support stand can be extremely compact and nearly flat with a very small height. The support stand also is very easy to use and can be quickly set up and utilized with a camera or other device to be mounted thereon.

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 panhead which is capable of appropriately operating an image pickup device by a simple mechanism thereof. A fixed unit is set on a base of a camera-attached panhead. A pan rotation unit is supported on the pan fixed unit, for rotation within a plane parallel with the upper surface of the pan fixed unit. Two parallel-link mechanisms connect between a camera unit and the pan rotation unit and move the camera unit to a predetermined position in which a direction of an optical axis of the image pickup device is able to be maintained, depending on the use mode of the camera unit.

Abstract: A front-wheel steering gear having a function of outputting a directional signal, comprises a turntable assembly, which has a stationary base, a turntable rotatably mounted on the stationary base and a front-wheel positioning rack fixedly attached to a top surface of the turntable; an axially extendable rail, having one end thereof connected to the stationary base of the turntable assembly; a rear-wheel positioning rack, connected to another end of the rail; and a steering sensor, provided on the turntable assembly for detecting rotational directions and angles of the turntable and outputting signals corresponding to the rotational directions and angles to an interactive device.

Abstract: A device for displaying a display item includes a mounting member which includes a first mounting element and a second mounting element which is mountable on the display item and movable relative to the first mounting element between different display positions to position the display item as desired, typically to center the display item. The first mounting element includes a base and lid which define an interior chamber and an elongated entrance opening. The second mounting element is disposed within the interior chamber and extends through the entrance opening. The base and lid close to secure the second mounting element relative to the first mounting element. The mounting member may be mounted on a base and removable therefrom for handling and viewing of the display item. An alignment mechanism may be provided for automatically moving the mounting member when on the base from an unaligned orientation to a display orientation.

Abstract: In one embodiment is provided is an adjustable prism corner stand which can be adjusted relative to the position of a distance measuring device. In one embodiment the present invention allows a corner to be accurately shot by placing the prism on a bar having a ninety degree angle which fits over the outside corner being shot or the inside corner being shot.

Abstract: An apparatus including a platform having a surface secured to at least one leg, and leveling apparatus secured to the platform providing an indication of level about at least two axes. A method of positioning the apparatus includes the steps of positioning an end point of a first leg on a fiduciary point; setting a height of a mounting platform by extending said first leg; positioning an end point of a second leg to engage a surface; leveling the mounting platform on a first axis; positioning an end point of a third leg to engage said surface; leveling the mounting platform on a second axis; and re-positioning said first leg so that said end point is in a desired position.

Abstract: A holding assembly for a camera system comprises a first pair of support rods connected to the camera system and extending from the camera system and at least one functional device. A first support element having at least a first pair of recesses on a side of the support element pointing towards the pair of support rods and at least a pair of noses is attached to the first pair of support rods by inserting the first pair of support rods into the first of pair of recesses. A second support element with at least a second pair of recesses on a side pointing towards the first support element holds the at least one functional device and is attached to the first support element by inserting the pair of noses on the first support element into the second pair of recesses in the second support element. The invention, thus, provides a holding assembly which allows an easy attachment and detachment of a functional device to and from a camera system, is convenient in its handling and reliable in its operation.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a camera support mechanism may be used as a mount to couple a camera to a display. The camera support mechanism may include a front lip and rear leg to hold the camera in place. The front lip may align with a front edge of a display. In some embodiments, the rear leg may be adjustable by an adjustment knob. The rear leg may further have a compliant tip to allow the camera support mechanism to adapt to different sizes and shapes of displays. The camera may be mounted on the camera support mechanism through a fastener.

Abstract: A camera-mounting device is provided that is inexpensive and resistive to vibration, and can generate a large coupling force with a small operation force. The camera-mounting device includes a ball shaft, a case main body provided with a ball-shaft receiver, a press plate that allows the ball shaft to be pressed onto the ball-shaft receiver and a cam that presses the press plate in a direction toward the ball shaft by a rotation of a lever, and in this structure, the rotation of the lever is made to have a multiplied force through the principle of the lever to push the press plate down so that the cam and a cam contact face are made in contact with each other on a flat face. With this arrangement, a large coupling force is generated by a small force so that the device is made resistive to vibration.

Abstract: A device for displaying a display item includes a mounting member which includes a first mounting element and a second mounting element which is mountable on the display item and movable relative to the first mounting element between a plurality of display positions to position the display item as desired, and typically, to center the display item. The first mounting element includes a base and a lid which define an interior chamber and an elongated entrance opening. The second mounting element is disposed within the interior chamber and extends through the entrance opening. The base and lid close to secure the second mounting element relative to the first mounting element. The mounting member may be mounted on a base and removable therefrom for handling and viewing of the display item.

Abstract: A stand for a camera-equipped wireless communications device comprises a base, an adjustable terminal support movably mounted to the base, and an auxiliary system connector mounted to the base. The adjustable terminal support includes a system plug that connects to a system interface on the camera-equipped wireless communications device. The auxiliary system connector connects a peripheral device associated with the camera-equipped wireless communications device to the base. The system plug and the auxiliary system connector are interconnected by a system bus that extends through the base.

Abstract: A camera mount securely attaches to a variety of mounting surfaces and holds a motion activated camera in a desired position. The camera mount permits the camera mount to positioned as desired on the mounting the mounting bracket which has a camera plate pivotally attached thereto.

Abstract: A surveillance camera gimbal mechanism. The mechanism utilizes a rotationally adjustable disk and support arrangement to afford smoothly adjustable, fastener-free, and stable diagonal adjustment that also provides axial compliance. The diagonal adjustment mechanism is integrated with a pan and tilt gimbal mechanism to allow smooth and stable single-point manual fixation of pan and tilt positions without creating depressions in the mating parts which make readjustment difficult.

Abstract: A support for a camera comprises a central hub (45) adapted to releasably connect with a plurality of radially displaced interchangeable arm or foot sections (A, B), wherein the arm section is adapted to interconnect if desired with an additional arm section and/or foot section to form a radially extending leg of a desired length. The hub may have a Mitchell type plate and is provided with one or more access windows to allow access to a central cavity.

Abstract: A shock and vibration isolator for a movie or video camera has a vertical axis system including a base, an arm pivotably attached to the base, and at least one spring connected to the base and to the arm. One or more dampeners are connected to the base and to the arm. A horizontal axis system is supported by the vertical axis system. A leveling linkage connects the vertical and horizontal axis systems. The leveling linkage has adjustment features that allow for compensation of camera lens angulation caused by movement of the camera supported on a vehicle rolling over rough or uneven ground.

Abstract: A personal computer, video monitor or other electronic equipment mounted directly on a camera tripod by a tray offering a cantilever technique of support by having a rear end supported by two clamps individually positioned at the same height on two of the tripod legs, and a front end locked by a third clamp at a higher elevation on the remaining leg of the tripod.

Abstract: A structure for attaching a stereoscopic camera in a vehicle allows a plurality of cameras to be attached to a vehicle body frame, in order to stereoscopically capture images surrounding the vehicle. The structure includes: a lateral stay for coupling the plurality of cameras with each other; and brackets for fixing the lateral stay or the plurality of cameras at a cross member having both ends folded upward, having the terminals connected to the front end parts of the side frames at both sides of the engine room, and having a radiator supported at the middle part thereof, wherein at least a part of the plurality of cameras is disposed between both the ends of the cross member and the radiator.

Abstract: A display device includes a display panel and a supporting structure. The supporting structure is connected to the display panel. The supporting structure includes a first body and a second body. The first body has a releasing part and an anti-sliding part. The releasing part is movable between a first position and a second position. The second body is detachably connected to the first body. The second body includes a first fastening part and a second fastening part. The first fastening part is for fastening the releasing part. The second fastening part is for fastening the anti-sliding part. When the releasing part is positioned at the first position, the releasing part is engaged with the first fastening part. When the releasing part is positioned at the second position, the second body moves along the first direction for enabling the anti-sliding part to be fastened by the second fastening part.

Abstract: A slim camera which can be stably mounted on a tripod. The slim camera comprises a camera housing having a cavity in its bottom surface, and a tripod connecting element having a tripod connecting hole, the tripod connecting element being disposed in the cavity of the camera housing, which is movable so that the tripod connecting element can be moved between a retracted position where it does not extend outward from the housing, and an extended position where it does extend outward from the housing.

Abstract: A portable camera support that includes a handle and a first support member attached to the handle. The first support member is attached to the handle such that the first support member rotates relative to the handle in a first plane. The portable camera support further includes a second support member that is attached to the first support member. The second support member is attached to the first support member such that the second support member rotates relative to the first support member in a second plane which is orthogonal to the first plane. The portable camera support further includes a mounting member that is adapted to be mounted to a camera. The mounting member is attached to the second support member such that the mounting member rotates relative to the second support member in a third plane which is orthogonal to the first plane and the second plane.

Abstract: Disclosed is an adapter comprising a threaded pin and a base, wherein said threaded pin comprises a threading corresponding to an industry standard microphone boom mount threading, the invention further relating to an assembly comprising a microphone boom and a support, wherein the assembly is assembled by a sliding-slot and a corresponding mechanical arrangement fitting into the sliding slot by a sliding movement between the microphone boom and the support, and wherein the assembly further comprises a further mechanical releasable lock arrangement for mutual fixation of the microphone boom and the support in the slide direction of the sliding slot.

Abstract: A hand-held photographic support system consists of a telescoping shaft having an elongated handle at a first end, and a camera platform at a second end. A view screen is positioned on the handle. A camera positioned on the camera platform is in communication with the view screen, so that a user may view on the view screen images seen by the camera when positioned remotely from the user on the telescoping shaft in an extended positioned. In one embodiment, the system may be coupled to a second support device, such as a tripod or monopod.

Abstract: A pan head apparatus includes a head unit for mounting a camera, a base unit having a stationary portion, a rotating mechanism, and a rotary portion which is rotated with respect to the stationary portion by the rotating mechanism, and a connecting member which pivotally connects the head unit and the rotary portion of the base unit. In addition, a detector detects whether or not the head unit is set in an upright state with respect to the base unit by pivot motion of the connecting member. When the detector detects that the head unit is upright, rotation of the rotary portion by the rotating mechanism is permitted.

Abstract: A bracket suitable for supporting a flash.

Abstract: A generally disc shaped, unitary body is configured with a flat top surface for mating against a tripod head. An upper side annular surface defines a fanned array of threaded bores on radial axes for receiving and supporting extension rods leading to suction cup fasteners. A lower side surface of frusto-conical contour, converging downwardly, depends from the upper side surface and defines a fanned array of threaded bores on axes angled outwardly and downwardly. A bottom face at the lower end of the lower side surface is a planar ring that defines vertical bores distributed around the ring. A central cavity wall is configured as an upwardly tapering conic frustum, connected at its lower end to an inside edge of the bottom wall. The cavity wall defines a fanned array of threaded bores on axes angled inwardly and downwardly. The top of the cavity wall defines a countersink suited to receive the head of a tripod head mounting fastener.

Abstract: A tripod attachment assembly for attaching to a pair of binoculars, the tripod attachment comprising a support assembly; a coupling assembly releasably coupleable to the support assembly, for coupling the binoculars to the support assembly; and a locking assembly for releasably locking the coupling assembly to the support assembly. In the preferred embodiment, the coupling assembly is magnetically coupleable to the support assembly.

Abstract: Usability of device is improved for an imaging device that images a target object mounted on a table. In order to hold a camera head 120 and an illumination unit 130 with respect to a table 110 on which a target object is mounted, an imaging device 100 coaxially and rotatably supports a camera head holding arm 140 and an illumination unit holding arm 150 at an elevated portion 118, which is located at an inner-left corner of the table 110, such that degrees of inclinations of the arms may be variable with respect to the table 110. The arms are rotatably and axially supported at the elevated portion 118 such that the camera holding arm 140 can rotate with an accompanying rotation of the illumination unit holding arm 150 and the illumination unit holding arm 150 can rotate independently with no accompanying rotation of the camera holding arm 140.

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: An adapter is provided for mounting a wind turbine on the upper end of a wind turbine tower even though the yaw plate of the wind turbine is not complementary in shape to the upper end of the wind turbine tower.

Abstract: A test system for testing a portable electronic apparatus having a digital image capture module and a test interface is described. The test system has at least a sender, a holder, and a controller. The holder is used to hold the portable electronic apparatus. The controller is used to control the sender to send at least a test slide, according to a predetermined procedure, to a position. When the slide is moved to the position, the controller commands the portable electronic apparatus, via the test interface, to capture the image on the test slide and then performs a test on the image data. The test system uses an automatic control and a shop floor system to achieve an automatic test.

Abstract: A staff apparatus having a leg assembly with multiple movable legs. In one embodiment, the leg assembly includes three legs to form a tripod. The staff apparatus may include an adaptable magnetic-based mount for releasably attaching a camera, spotting scope, gun or arm rest, or other item. The mount may be movable or non-movable. A shaft may include multiple telescoping sections, and an upper section may telescope into a lower section. Various embodiments and features of the staff apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: A camera support structure of a video presenter includes a first support rod having one end portion rotatably installed with respect to a main body of the video presenter, a second support rod rotatably extended from the other end portion of the first support rod, a first joint portion maintaining the first support rod rotatable with respect to the main body of the video presenter, a second joint portion maintaining the first support rod and the second support rod rotatable between 0° through 180° with respect to each other and elastically supporting the first support rod and the second support rod with respect to each other, and a third joint portion maintaining a camera rotatable with respect to the other end portion of the second support rod and elastically supporting the second support rod and the camera with respect to each other.

Abstract: A universal mounting assembly for quick mounting of an object to a stand device. The mounting assembly includes a body having a support surface, a front face and an opposed mounting surface configured to mount to the support stand. The front face intersects the support surface and defines an opening into a receiving socket of the body. The body further defines an elongated slot extending along and into the receiving socket from the support surface. The elongated slot having a transverse width dimension smaller than that of the receiving socket, although it is suitable to receive a transverse width dimension of the button device neck portion. The receiving socket is formed and dimensioned for sliding receipt of the transverse width dimension of the head portion therein as the neck portion simultaneously slides along the elongated slot to a dock position. The mounting assembly further includes a resilient retaining arm cantilever disposed in the receiving socket.

Abstract: An extensible camera mast in which the tilt of a camera placed at the top of the mast is controlled by a pair of lines that extend from a tilt assembly on which the camera is mounted down to a control assembly where the lines are wound on oppositely rotatable spools so that one line is taken up as the other is released.

Abstract: A self leveling camera support apparatus and method for helping isolate a camera from rolling motion of a support structure. The apparatus includes a frame having a first end adapted to attach to the support structure and a second end with a pivotal connection. Also included, is a roll member adapted to attach the camera, the roll member is pivotally attached to the pivotal connection at an extension arm proximal end portion, the roll member also includes an extension arm distal end portion adjacent to support fingers for a camera mount. The roll member is operational to help the camera level from roll movement of the frame, resulting from a center of mass of the roll member, camera, and extension arm combined, the center of mass positioned between the pivotal connection and the frame first end, wherein the frame and the extension arm form a parallel to angular relationship.

Abstract: A support for a video camera comprising a seat, a vertical support frame on one side of the seat, an arm rest on the vertical camera support frame, and an elongated, adjustable boom extending outward from the vertical camera support. The boom is pivotally attached to the support frame to allow side-to-side movement and includes a centrally positioned elbow joint to allow vertical adjustment of the distal end of the boom. The boom includes a telescoping segment to adjust its length. The boom has a handle at the distal end. The handle includes a camera mount on its upper surface. The handle is attached to the boom by a ball and socket joint that allows full range of movement of the handle.

Abstract: A tripod for supporting apparatus in general and, in particular, for optical or photographic apparatus and the like. The tripod has a spider, a pillar arranged to be housed with a stem of the pillar in a through-hole formed through the spider, and a head arranged for receiving the apparatus and connected to a first end of the pillar. In the closed-up or fully retracted condition, that is, in the most compact condition of the tripod, the head is at least partially housed inside the through-hole.