Abstract: A method for capturing images of large target area using a single camera configured with an aerial vehicle (AV) for reconstructing a high-resolution image is disclosed including the steps of moving the AV over the area of interest along a straight path; capturing a first set of images of an area down below by pointing an optical axis of the camera towards a first side of the straight path such that the optical axis makes a first predefined angle with vertical; and capturing a second set of images of the area down below by pointing the optical axis of the camera towards a second side of the straight path such that the optical axis makes a second predefined angle with respect to the vertical. Side overlap between the first and second set of images is optimized to account for error in camera movement.

Abstract: A method for capturing images of large target area using a single low FOV high resolution camera mounted on an Aerial Vehicle for 3D reconstruction is disclosed. The camera captures sets of images consisting of a nadir image a plurality of oblique images at predefined waypoints or as the Aerial Vehicle travels along a flight path. Oblique images are captured in two perpendicular directions by tilting camera about a single tilt axis at one time thereby preventing bidirectional distortion of objects in images. Further, first direction and second direction define a quadrant of area below the Aerial Vehicle. Oblique images along two perpendicular directions are captured either by using roll and pitch axes, or by using a single tilt axis and a pan axis of camera control mechanism wherein using pan axis the single tilt axis is reoriented in a perpendicular orientation to capture oblique images in perpendicular direction.

Abstract: Afforded is a linear stage including first, second, and third supporting parts disposed on a supporting flat surface, a first shaft supported by the first and second supporting parts and extending in a first direction, a second shaft supported by the third supporting part and provided extending in the first direction, and a translating carriage translated in the first direction, guided by the first shaft and the second shaft. At least one supporting part among the first, second, and third supporting parts supports the shaft supported by that supporting part in a way such as to be displaceable in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and parallel to the supporting flat surface.

Abstract: According to one implementation, a composite material shaping device includes three rollers and an angle adjusting structure. The three rollers apply pressures on a laminated body of prepregs, from different directions. The prepregs are laminated in a bar shape. The angle adjusting structure continuously changes an angle of a rotating axis of at least one roller out of the three rollers. Further, according to one implementation, a composite material shaping method includes applying pressures on a laminated body of prepregs laminated in a bar shape, from different directions, using three rollers; and producing a shaped laminated body of the prepregs by continuously changing an angle of a rotating axis of at least one roller out of the three rollers.

Abstract: The present application discloses a remote control method and apparatus for controlling the state of a movable object and/or a load carried thereon. The remote control method comprising: receiving, via an apparatus, a state signal that corresponds to a user's position; remote-controlling the state of the a load being carried on a movable object based on the state signal; wherein the state of the load is the result of combining the movement of the load relative to the movable object and the movement of the object relative to its environment. For example, the control of the state can be achieved through the state of the apparatus itself, a user's state captured by an apparatus, a graphical interface on a screen of an apparatus, or a voice command.

Abstract: The present application discloses a remote control method and apparatus for controlling the state of a movable object and/or a load carried thereon. The remote control method comprising: receiving, via an apparatus, a state signal that corresponds to a user's position; remote-controlling the state of the a load being carried on a movable object based on the state signal; wherein the state of the load is the result of combining the movement of the load relative to the movable object and the movement of the object relative to its environment. For example, the control of the state can be achieved through the state of the apparatus itself, a user's state captured by an apparatus, a graphical interface on a screen of an apparatus, or a voice command.

Abstract: An assembly includes a payload configured to obtain sensor data and a mounting platform coupled to the payload via a first coupling and including one or more actuators configured to adjust a spatial disposition of the payload. The assembly is for interchangeably mounting onto a plurality of base supports including a first base support and a second base support. The mounting platform is configured to be releasably coupled via a second coupling to each of the first base support and the second base support. The first base support is configured to control a function of the payload when the mounting platform is coupled to the first base support.

Abstract: A portable projection and display system can include a frame assembly having one or more folding trusses, a counterweight bar arranged on a rearward bottom portion of the frame to help provide a stable base, and an adjustable boom. A projector can be mounted on one end of an adjustable boom. The boom can be configured to be capable of adjusting a distance between the projector and the display screen. The boom can be mounted to the frame with a hinged connection to permit it to act as a lever to raise and lower the projector. An adjustable boom bar can further be provided. The adjustable boom bar can be attached to an end of the boom opposite the projector such that adjustment of the boom bar raises and lowers the projector via a lever action about a fulcrum.

Abstract: A spherical orienting device includes a base, first and second actuation shafts, an orientable device, an inner member, a middle member, and an outer member. The first and second actuation shafts are rotatably held by the base for rotary actuation about first and second actuation axes, respectively, which intersect orthogonally at a spherical center of rotation. The orientable device is supported by first and second revolute support joints which are disposed for rotation about an orientation axis of the orientable device and a support axis, respectively. The inner member is fixed to the first actuation shaft and linked to the second support joint. The middle member is inwardly linked to the first support joint and outwardly linked to a middle revolute joint disposed for rotation about a linkage axis. The outer member is fixed to the second actuation shaft and linked to the middle revolute joint.

Abstract: A projecting apparatus has an adjusting function to adjust a sub-projecting apparatus. The projecting apparatus includes a projector, a first supporting rack disposed on a side wall of the projector, a first carrying seat disposed on the first supporting rack, an adjusting mechanism disposed on the first supporting rack and connected to the first carrying seat, a second supporting rack disposed on the side wall of the projector, and a second carrying seat pivoting on the second supporting rack. The sub-projecting apparatus is disposed on the first carrying seat and the second carrying seat, the adjusting mechanism is adjusted to move the first carrying seat relative to the first supporting rack, and the first carrying seat drives the sub-projecting apparatus to rotate.

Abstract: A gimbal system. The gimbal system may include space-saving features configured to accommodate one or more payload components, thus increasing the payload capacity of the gimbal ball without necessarily increasing the outer dimensions of the gimbal ball. Alternatively, or in addition, the gimbal system may include a motor configured to move at least one gimbal relative to another gimbal about a first axis, with the motor peripherally mounted distal the axis.

Abstract: A symmetrical, balanced receptacle for storing, displaying or transporting goods, materials, people, plants or animals is suspended from a double-axis gimbal mounted on a framework. The receptacle is attached to the gimbal by adjustable bearings and a locking mechanism holds the receptacle in various positions, tilted forward or back, and swiveled to one side or the other. When the receptacle is unlocked, gravity holds it level, which is especially useful when the device is used to hold or transport cargo on sloping ground, turbulent water or shifting air currents. The framework may be stationary or attached to a wheeled vehicle, water craft, aircraft or other means of transport.

Abstract: A positioning system is provided for orienting a payload. In some embodiments, the system may continuously orient the payload relative to another object without twisting connections of the payload. The positioning system may be provided with a base, a rotating member, a pivoting member, an anti-twist member, and a coupling apparatus. The rotating member may be rotably mounted to the base such that the rotating member rotates about a first axis. The pivoting member may be pivotably mounted to the rotating member such that the pivoting member pivots about a second axis. The anti-twist member may be rotably mounted to the pivoting member. The coupling apparatus may rotationally couple the anti-twist member to the base such that the rotational orientation of the anti-twist member relative to the base remains constant regardless of a rotational orientation or a pivoting orientation of the pivoting member relative to the base.

Abstract: An apparatus and carriage therefore for installing a foundation support such as a helical anchor or pier. One embodiment includes a base, a boom, and a carriage. The carriage may include a carriage frame and a mount pivotably connected to the carriage frame. The mount may include a rotatable ring in which a motor drive unit may be attached.

Abstract: A transport system suited for transporting a turbine engine mounted to an engine docking unit is provided. The transport system is capable of adjusting the attitude of the docking unit in at least the lateral and longitudinal directions relative to the engine to facilitate the loading and unloading of the turbine engine to and from the transport system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a low-profile suspension system, which provides coarse and fine suspension control to an object supported by the low-profile suspension system. Coarse suspension is provided to adaptively control a position of the object through pneumatic support devices. Pneumatic pressure is adaptively increased in the pneumatic support devices to support an increasing weight of the object, while pneumatic pressure is adaptively decreased in the pneumatic support devices to support a decreasing weight of the object. Fine suspension control is provided through rotational actuation of a shock absorbing device through a right-angle gear drive. By rotationally actuating the shock absorbing device, a range of stroke of the shock absorbing device along a vertical direction is minimized. Position equalization control is further provided to maintain a position of the object along an axis that is orthogonal to the coarse and fine suspension axis.

Abstract: A multi-axis gimbal has each axis defined by a respective spherical shell driven by a flat, compact motor attached to the driven shell and to a next outer shell (or to an external mounting platform, in the case of the outermost shell). The shells rotate about respective axes. In one configuration, the outermost shell is referred to as the “azimuth” shell because in use it rotates about a vertical axis. The next inner shell is an elevation shell that rotates about a first horizontal axis that is orthogonal to the axis of the camera or other sensor payload. An optional third shell can be used to provide “roll” motion, such as rotating a camera about its axis to obtain a particular rotational orientation with respect to a target.

Abstract: A gimbal system. The gimbal system may include space-saving features configured to accommodate one or more payload components, thus increasing the payload capacity of the gimbal ball without necessarily increasing the outer dimensions of the gimbal ball. Alternatively, or in addition, the gimbal system may include a motor configured to move at least one gimbal relative to another gimbal about a first axis, with the motor peripherally mounted distal the axis.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a machine stand with an elongated support body and support legs arranged at the ends on the support body, the support body being designed with positive engagement means running in the longitudinal direction, such that attachments, in particular at least one machine holder, optionally displaceable in the longitudinal direction, can be attached thereto. According to the invention, this machine stand is characterized in that the support body is embodied in one piece as a double-pipe profile, with two profile pipes running parallel to one another with lateral spacing from one another, and at least one center ridge connecting the profile pipes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a support mechanism are provided. The support mechanism includes an engagement pin including an engagement surface and a latch surface wherein the engagement pin is coupled to a base. The support mechanism also includes a pawl that includes an engagement surface complementary to the pin engagement surface and a latch surface complementary to the pin latch surface wherein the pawl is biased toward engagement of the pawl latch surface with the pin latch surface. The support mechanism also includes a ring latch that includes an annular ring having a toothed edge, the ring latch is coupled to the pawl such that the pawl extends axially away from the ring latch in a direction opposite the toothed edge.

Abstract: A gimbal system. The gimbal system may include space-saving features configured to accommodate one or more payload components, thus increasing the payload capacity of the gimbal ball without necessarily increasing the outer dimensions of the gimbal ball. Alternatively, or in addition, the gimbal system may include a motor configured to move at least one gimbal relative to another gimbal about a first axis, with the motor peripherally mounted distal the axis.

Abstract: A floating connector spring capable of movement in multiple degrees of freedom to enable the mating of at least two connectors that may be misaligned relative to one another. The connector spring includes first and second arms spaced form one another and extending substantially in the same direction. The first and second arms each have a lobe section between their distal and proximal ends, which are resiliently deformable to allow movement of the distal ends relative to the proximal ends of the respective arms. The movement permitted includes linear and rotational movement in up to six degrees of freedom depending on the configuration of the invention used. The connector spring can further include a third arm extending perpendicular from the first and second arms and which includes a third lobe section for movement in an additional degree of freedom.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for stabilizing payloads, including airborne cameras, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus employs a gimbal system in which the camera is mounted, together with suitable motors for pointing the camera by actuating this gimbal system and suitable sensors for deriving a signal to drive these gimbal motors. The gimbal axes can be arranged in a sequence that can provide for camera stabilization while reducing complexity, avoiding gimbal lock, increasing redundancy and enhancing performance.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for stabilizing payloads, including airborne cameras, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus employs a gimbal system in which the camera is mounted, together with suitable motors for pointing the camera by actuating this gimbal system and suitable sensors for deriving a signal to drive these gimbal motors. The gimbal axes can be arranged in a sequence that can provide for camera stabilization while reducing complexity, avoiding gimbal lock, increasing redundancy and enhancing performance.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjustably mounting a camera. The apparatus comprises a base bracket, a ring bracket, a square bracket and a carrier bracket.

Abstract: An apparatus for the control and alignment of a sensor on a moving vehicle is provided that includes a gimbal ball supported by an outer axis structure and adapted to pivot about an outer elevation axis and about an outer azimuth axis. The outer axis structure is mounted to a vehicle. A cardan assembly is provided in the ball that includes a cardan shaft with an inner elevation axis passing through the cardan shaft. The inner elevation axis is in parallel alignment with respect to the outer elevation axis and includes an offset that raises the inner elevation axis above the outer elevation axis by a predetermined amount to provide for a greater payload volume and improved optical performance. If desired the cardan assembly includes an inner azimuth axis that is offset with respect to the outer azimuth axis.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for micrometric positioning with respect to a frame (1) of an optical support (2) element (3) integrated in a space system, comprising three turrets (4, 5, 6) integral with the frame (1) and, for each turret first means (9 to 12) for adjustment along a first direction, second means (20 to 22) for adjustment along a second direction, third means (30 to 35) for micrometric adjustment along a third direction, and means for locking the support (2) in adjusted position with respect to the frame (1) comprising at least a lock screw and a shim.

Abstract: The invention is a floated gimbal instrument platform that provides a stable optical path for optical instruments. The instrument platform has an outer vessel with a transparent viewing port, an inner vessel also with a transparent viewing port, a transparent suspending fluid filling the outer vessel and in which the inner vessel floats in neutral buoyancy, an optical instrument secured inside the inner vessel, spacing studs which centrally position the inner vessel within the outer vessel, and jets which align the second viewing port with the first viewing port, the jets being used to rotate the inner vessel in the suspending fluid. Any misalignment between the viewing ports can be compensated by rotating the inner vessel and any translational forces applied to the platform is dampened by the fluid, thereby eliminating jitter.

Abstract: An angular positioning apparatus is disclosed for rotating a housing mounted within a supporting structure to any angular position relative to a sphere along a plurality of orthogonal axes that intersect at approximately the center of mass of the housing. The supporting structure may be comprised of supporting members having annular concave surfaces that match the contour of the housing and thus maintain the housing within the supporting structure. The housing may be rotated about the axes by an actuator assembly and drive mechanism contacting the wall of the housing. Because the axes of rotation intersect the center of mass of the housing, or, if a payload is attached to the housing, the center of mass of the combination of the housing and payload, the housing can be positioned quickly, accurately, and with a minimum force.

Abstract: An adjustable base assembly for selectively adjusting the horizontal and vertical position of a fabricating tool such as a punch or metal forming tool. The apparatus includes a generally planar base and a carriage assembly positioned on the base. The carriage assembly includes a lower wedge plate assembly having an upper surface defining a pair of upwardly converging wedge faces, an upper wedge plate assembly having a lower surface defining a pair of downwardly converging wedge faces, a pair of wedge blocks each having converging upper and lower wedge faces for respective sliding engagement with one of the upwardly converging wedge faces and one of the downwardly covering wedge faces, and a vertical adjustment screw mounted on the lower wedge plate, passing through the wedge blocks, and including left and right threaded portions for respective threaded coaction with a left threaded bore in one of the wedge blocks and a right threaded bore in the other wedge block.

Abstract: A movable table has a fixed platen, a movable platen, a plurality of balls for supporting the movable platen over the fixed platen, a retainer provided between the fixed platen and the movable platen for retaining the balls, and a restrictor for restricting the movement of the retainer. The movable platen is moved in one direction by at least two first driving assemblies and is moved in a direction perpendicular to the above direction by a second driving assembly. The first and second driving assemblies are coupled to the movable platen so as to be pivotable and slidable in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which is moves the movable platen.

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: To supply the implement, mostly a welding tool, of a manipulator (1), with energy, the invention, instead of running the supply lines in the known manner from a fixed point in a large, freely suspended loop directly to the tool, provides an external suspension of a line bundle (10) along the constructional assemblies of the manipulator. In accordance with the invention, this line bundle (10) is held in place and guided in tubular casings (13) which are disposed at the individual assemblies (3-5) of the manipulator (1), with inserts (19) being provided in these casings (13) for receiving and holding lines of unequal size (parallel with each other) which are adapted to the various functions of the manipulator and can quickly be exchanged.

Abstract: A fan assembly has a main body support and a mounting member which are inclined at a predetermined angle thus permitting the fan assembly to be mounted either adjacent to the upper edge of a wall or in a corner of a ceiling. A rotating grill disperses a current of air over a relatively wide area. The main body support has a groove which accommodates a mating engageable member of the mounting member thus permitting the fan assembly to be securely mounted to a wall or a ceiling.

Abstract: A hair dryer mount for suspending a conventional hair dryer and permitting the flow of air to be directed in a desired direction while leaving the user's hands free. The hair dryer mount includes a wall bracket, extension arms and a support which includes a strap which fits around the hair dryer and holds the hair dryer in a nest. The nest is connected through a trunnion and yolk to the end of an extension arm to provide a wrist type joint. The extension arms and the support are connected together with adjustable friction couplings to provide sufficient friction among the parts so that the assembled mount may hold the hair dryer suspended about the user's head. The hair dryer may be moved from one position to another without adjustment of the mount.

Abstract: A router guide for a router comprising first and second spaced-apart end supports adapted to be removably positioned on spaced-apart supporting surfaces. First and second support members are secured to and extend between the ends of the first and second supports and have an elongated router track slidably mounted thereon and extending therebetween. The router track comprises elongated spaced-apart angle members adapted to receive and support the router base. The angle members are spaced-apart to define an elongated opening extending therebetween adapted to receive the power shaft of the router extending downwardly therethrough. The support members are selectively vertically and horizontally mounted on the end supports. The router track may be selectively moved between the end supports and the router may be selectively moved between the ends of the router track to level a large slab of wood.

Abstract: A servo system is presented for controlling the angular attitude of machine units pivotally mounted on an outlying boom frame. Said system is applicable to rock drilling machines, breakers, loading scoops and forks, working platforms, manipulator booms, and the like. The system includes a directional control valve for governing the positioning motor of the machine unit. Under full working pressure the directional valve in itself provides automatic attitude control of the machine unit. To this end the directional valve is provided with a feedback position, in which the pressure fluid communications to the positioning motor are cut off and furthermore has a syngonous (uniangular) relationship on the one hand to the actual angle value of the machine unit with one of its valve elements and on the other to a selective set angle value with its other valve element.

Abstract: A rock drill boom structure comprises a support means, an elongated boom swingably carried by the support means and a feed beam on which a rock drill is mountable so as to be power displaceable therealong, the feed beam being carried by one end of the boom. The support means includes an elongated hollow guide means of substantially less longitudinal length than the boom and in which the boom is slidably received to project through both ends of the guide means, the boom being arrestable in the guide means, a rotatable member on which the guide means is pivotably mounted for pivotable movement about an axis transverse to the axis of rotation of the rotatable member, first power means for pivoting the guide means and second power means for rotating the rotatable member. The rotatable member 19 is preferably disc-shaped and has an aperture therein through which the power lines of the rock drill are drawn.

Abstract: Drilling equipment comprises a single boom supporting a plurality of drilling masts each provided with a drilling machine, adjustment means being provided to simultaneously adjust the relative positions of the drilling masts.

Abstract: Rock drilling equipment includes a boom carrying an extensible beam arrangement supporting a drilling mast, the extensible beam arrangement comprising a support pivotally mounted on the boom, a first elongated element slidably mounted on the support for movement longitudinally of the first element, a second elongated element slidably mounted on the first element for movement longitudinally of the first element, and drive transmission means sensitive to movement of the first element and adapted to move the second element relative to the support upon sensing relative movement between the support and first element.

Abstract: A stacking stand for adjustably supporting at least one visual image projection device relative to a screen. The stacking stand comprises a support member and a support frame for carrying the projection device. The support frame is pivotably mounted on the support member by a ball and socket pivot joint located near the center of mass of the projection device. The pivot joint allows rotation of the support frame about pitch, roll and yaw axes. In addition, fastening means are provided for locking the support frame relative to the support member in various adjusted positions along the pitch, roll and yaw axes. Thus, an image projected by the projection device onto the screen may be superimposed with a target area on the screen by a rotary adjustment of the projection device along the pitch, roll and yaw axes.

Abstract: An adjustable base assembly for selectively adjusting the horizontal and vertical position of a fabricating tool such as a punch or metal forming tool. The apparatus includes a generally planar base and a carriage assembly positioned on the base. The carriage assembly includes a lower wedge plate assembly having an upper surface defining a pair of upwardly converging wedge faces, an upper wedge plate assembly having a lower surface defining a pair of downwardly converging wedge faces, a pair of wedge blocks each having converging upper and lower wedge faces for respective sliding engagement with one of the upwardly converging wedge faces and one of the downwardly covering wedge faces, and a vertical adjustment screw mounted on the lower wedge plate, passing through the wedge blocks, and including left and right threaded portions for respective threaded coaction with a left threaded bore in one of the wedge blocks and a right threaded bore in the other wedge block.