Abstract: A camera is suitable for installation in a passenger car motor vehicle and is arranged on a superstructure via a retaining device. To make sure that the camera will be advantageously integrated into the motor vehicle, it can be swung by the retaining device out of a resting position sunk into a wall of the superstructure into an extended operating position and vice versa.

Abstract: A camera dolly has a steering unit which provides conventional, crab, and round steering modes, selected by the operator via use of a single steering/shifting handle. The steering unit includes first and second transmissions and a differential. Chains link sprockets on the transmissions and differential, to steer the wheels of the camera dolly to appropriate angles, so that the dolly can roll easily and without wheel scrubbing. A dolly leg position compensator adjusts the amount of steering angle correction provided by the differential, to compensate for changes in the dolly wheelbase/tread dimensions. Sprockets in the differential are locked into offset positions, during conventional and round steering, to maintain proper steering angle correction, even under heavy loads. Active idlers are mechanically linked within the steering unit to automatically maintain appropriate chain tension, in all steering modes.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of shooting a scene in a motion picture. A track is provided as including two outer rails and a center rail. The center rail is located somewhere between the two outer rails. The center rail includes a top, a first side, and a second side. A self-propelled camera positioning device is also provided. The self-propelled camera positioning device includes a camera support unit having wheels and a camera. The self-propelled camera positioning device also includes a drive unit coupled to the camera support unit. The drive unit includes at least one drive roller, two guide rollers positioned adjacent to the at least one roller. The guide rollers are biased against the first side and the second side of the center rail. The wheels on the two outer rails are positioned on the two outer rails. The camera support unit is moved along the track to define information of the motion. This information is stored.

Abstract: A camera crane has a boom arm pivotably connected to a post assembly. A track section is pivotably attached to the front end of the boom arm, and is leveled via leveling rods. A camera frame carrying a camera is linearly moveable along the track section. Pivot joints provide for adjustable drag on pivoting movement, without backlash or slip/stick movement. A remote control accessory is attached to the crane to provide remote movement of the camera platform using joystick controllers.

Abstract: A circular-plate holder is disposed at an end of a cylindrical portion arranged in a tripod head. A pair of arc lever tumblers, which is capable of contacting the inner surface of the cylindrical portion, is rotatably supported on the holder around a rotation axis. The ends of the arc lever tumblers are close to each other. A rotator, which has a gear portion at a tip end, is rotatably supported on the holder around a rotation axis disposed between the other ends of the lever tumblers. Each of the tumblers is connected to the rotator by a pair of linkage means. The gear portion of the rotator engages a gear portion of a torque-adjusting shaft, which extends through a central portion of the holder and rotates according to rotational operation of an adjusting knob.

Abstract: A projector hanger frame has a hollow square plate having a center hole, a collar disposed on the hollow square plate, a hanger tube passing through the hollow square plate and the collar, the hanger tube having a bottom flange and a positioning aperture, a connection seat engaging with the hollow square plate, a positioning seat engaging with the connection seat, a pair of first extensible plate disposed on a bottom of the positioning seat, and a pair of second extensible plate disposed on a bottom of the positioning seat.

Abstract: An instrument supporting crane for supporting a camera or the like, the crane being readily assembled, disassembled, and shipped. The crane includes a boom to which a nose assembly is pivotably coupled, and a base unit to which the boom is pivotably coupled. The boom is preferably constructed of a series of sections such that the length of the boom may be varied, depending upon the application. The boom sections are coupled by complementary channels such that the section slide together. An additional mechanical coupling, such as a screw may be provided. Preferably, the boom is a hollow elongated structure with openings extending therethrough to allow the passage of air to minimize movement of the nose assembly when the crane is used in high winds. A platform assembly having a monitor tray for supporting a monitor may be provided at a tail section of the boom.

Abstract: A camera crane has a boom arm pivotably connected to a post assembly. A track section is pivotably attached to the front end of the boom arm, and is leveled via leveling rods. The boom arm has a joggled section to provide clearance for a camera operator. A camera frame carrying a camera is linearly moveable along the track section. Pivot joints provide for adjustable drag on pivoting movement, without backlash or slip/stick movement.

Abstract: A sway bar arm (10) having on at least one end an attachment (12) (18) for connection to a camera with view screen (24). The arm provides a grasping surface and is effective primarily when angled in a direction counter to the camera's carry handle (16). The photographer grasps the sway bar arm with one hand and the carry handle with the other hand, thereby lessening camera sway. Branches and curvatures of the arm (FIG. 2C (22)) provide clamping surfaces for accessories and grasping surfaces, especially for cameras without carry handles. The arm and its branches can accommodate built in remote camera controls and accessories.

Abstract: A camera mounting assembly for a weapon is provided. The mounting assembly includes a mount for direct attachment to the weapon. A parallelogram linkage includes a pair of depending swing arms, each of which is pivotally secured at one end in the mount and at the opposite end in a camera support. The support also includes a transverse slot for receiving a stud or other mount carried by a camera. When the weapon is discharged, the swing arms allow the camera and support to together swing to and fro in response to the forces generated. During this swinging motion, the support and hence the camera are both maintained substantially aligned with the line-of-sight of the weapon at all times, thereby ensuring that the shoot is reliably captured. Dampers may also be provided to dampen the swinging motion of the camera created upon discharge. The combination of the swinging and damping improves the capture of the shoot by reducing the effects of the recoil or discharge forces.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a flat bed television on a door mounted on a ceiling, or a cabinet which is mounted to a ceiling. The door and television are selectively pivoted between a retracted storage position and an extended television viewing position. Drive nut assemblies threadingly engage and are adapted to travel along drive screws which are rotatably driven by selectively reversible motors. Cables extend over guide wheels rotatably supported on the drive nut assemblies and extend and are connected to the door. As the drive nut assemblies are caused to travel along the drive screws, the cable lengths extending to the door are selectively lengthened and shortened for thereby selectively pivotally extending and retracting the door and television between the respective viewing and storage positions.

Abstract: An adjustable camera mounting device or bracket is disclosed. The camera mounting device includes a base member having a curved recess portion which receives a camera mounting member having a complementary curved configuration. A spring-biased pressure member and oppositely positioned guide members are mounted within the curved recess portion of the base member and are received within a complementary groove in the camera mounting member permitting the camera mounting member to be rotatably movable within the base member. Spaced-apart pressure members provided within the base member apply a compressive force to the camera mounting member permitting the camera mounting member to be rotatable within the curved recess portion of the base member and to be grippingly retained after the desired orientation of the camera has been attained.

Abstract: A camera positioning mechanism including a secondary pan mechanism for rotating the camera about a secondary pan axis, the secondary pan mechanism is mounted on the tilt mechanism and the camera is mounted on the secondary pan mechanism.

Abstract: A body mounted camera support system for isolating the camera from body motion includes two arms linked together. Each of the arms is a four bar linkage with two tension cartridges each extending between two adjacent ones of the links. Two of the links are extended to form the body of the arm. These links are tubular in cross section and receive the tension cartridge. A single pin, in association with a yoke at one open end of the tubular link, locks the cartridge in place. Each tension cartridge includes a draw bar and a canister with a compression spring operatively positioned therebetween. The spring is adjusted to include shims which bias the bowing of the spring under initial compression load. A PTFE coating on the canister and on the coil spring further reduces friction.

Abstract: A camera crane has a spring balancing system for better maintaining the crane arm in balance as the crane arm is raised and lowered a spring link is pivotally attached to a support frame on a pivot access. Spring posts are attached to the crane arm section. Springs extend from the spring link to the spring posts. As the crane arm is raised, the springs exert a counterbalancing force. The spring balancing system can be disengaged by removing a pin extending through the spring link into the support.

Abstract: A support device of a portable photographing apparatus includes a plurality of support bodies coupled to the photographing apparatus to be capable of protruding and being inserted with respect to a bottom surface of the photographing apparatus, and a plurality of legs hinge-coupled to the support bodies to be capable of moving through cavities in the photographing apparatus enabling the hinge coupling and the plurality of legs to protrude or extend from a bottom surface of the photographic apparatus. The legs and the hinge coupling may also be inserted into these cavities together with the support bodies. During extension, the support bodies can rotate 360 degrees while the hinge coupling can cause the legs to be inclined with respect to the bottom surface of the photographing apparatus.

Abstract: For extended long-post operation of a Steadicam®-type camera stabilizer while retaining static and dynamic balance throughout the entire range of post sizes and various component weights, the present invention is directed to an arrangement of telescoping posts, component positioning hardware, electrical wire retracting hardware, and optional hardware to augment rigidity.

Abstract: A camera positioning system comprising a track having two parallel outer rails and a center rail, a self-propelled camera positioning device comprising a chassis configured to support a camera, wheels coupled to the chassis for riding on the outer rails of the track, and a drive unit for propelling the chassis along the track, said drive means comprising at least one roller coupled to the chassis for engaging the center rail of the track, and a motor for rotating said at least one roller against the center rail, thereby positioning the chassis along the track; and a control logic for controlling the drive unit.

Abstract: A motion picture camera head tie-down device and method for securing a motion picture camera head to a camera mount, such as the Mitchell mount. The camera head tie-down device includes a first disk concentrically attached to a second disk. The first disk is contoured to receive a motion picture camera head and the second disk has a plurality of radially extending grooves. A rotatable knob having a spiral thread on a flat surface is positioned such that the spiral thread engages with threads on retractable jaws that are mounted in the grooves of the second disk. A threaded screw passes through the central bores of the first disk, the second disk, and the knob and into a tapped hole in the motion picture camera head. To secure the camera head to the camera mount, the knob is rotated to extend the jaws for engagement with the camera mount.

Abstract: An adjustable camera support comprises a lower pistol grip clamp for rapidly securing the support to an object, a flexible intermediate gooseneck portion for adjusting the camera as determined and an upper platform support for mounting the camera. The platform support includes adjusting mechanisms for moving the camera vertically through 180° and horizontally through 360°. A wide range of adjustments for camera sightings is achieved expeditiously by the gooseneck portion and the platform adjustment.

Abstract: A computer operated man assisted motion generation system for use with a camera in cinematography. The system responds to the measured or sensed position of a camera support such as a crane or dolly, and determines the desired camera pan, tilt, roll, focus, zoom, etc. based on predetermined correspondence between camera location and camera parameters, and generate movement of the camera and camera control accordingly.

Abstract: A film camera system, includes a housing with a front end carrying an objective, and a housing wall formed with an opening, a film magazine, and a single connecting member having at least one bore for allowing passage of a film from the film magazine into the housing via the housing opening and vice versa. The connecting member is secured to the film magazine and can be so attached to the housing that the film magazine is selectively positionable with respect to the housing in a first position essentially above the housing and in a second position essentially at the rear end of the housing, while providing a light-tight cover for the housing opening in the first and second positions of the film magazine.

Abstract: A leveling head for a camera has four jacking screws attached to a base plate. A ring is pivotably attached to a hub on the base plate. A top plate is pivotably attached to the ring and supported on the jacking screws. The top plate can pivot along two perpendicular axes relative to the base plate, to provide a level mounting surface for a camera. A spring on the base plate pushes the top plate upwardly, to partially counterbalance the weight of the camera, to reduce the turning force needed on the jacking screws.

Abstract: A camera support device for elevating a camera above its operator. The device provides a stable support and allows the operator to manually control the camera's field of view. The device comprises a support base, a rotatable telescoping pole and a tiltable camera mount at the top of the pole that may be manually controlled. The tilt control of the camera mount is preferably provided by a spring lever which biases the camera platform to rotate forward. A cable is attached to the camera mount and is used to apply resistance to the spring lever and to rotate the camera backwards. The lower end of the cable is attached to a control arm connected to the pole at a location that is accessible by the operator. The camera's field of view may be manually raised or lowered by lowering or raising the control wire respectively. In addition, the camera may be manually panned left or right by rotating the pole accordingly.

Abstract: A body mounted camera support system for isolating the camera from body motion includes two arms linked together. Each of the arms is a four bar linkage with two tension cartridges each extending between two adjacent ones of the links. Two of the links are extended to form the body of the arm. These links are tubular in cross section and receive the tension cartridge. A single pin, in association with a yoke at one open end of the tubular link, locks the cartridge in place. Each tension cartridge includes a draw bar and a canister with a compression spring operatively positioned therebetween. The spring is adjusted to include shims which bias the bowing of the spring under initial compression load. A PTFE coating on the canister and on the coil spring further reduces friction.

Abstract: A pan-tilt unit for positioning or aiming a device requiring motion control, such as a videoconferencing or surveillance camera. The pan-tilt unit includes a base, a rotatable pan platform and a rotatable tilt bed for supporting and selectively orienting the device in a desired direction. The pan platform is rotatably supported on the base about a pan axis, and the tilt bed is rotatably supported on the pan platform about a tilt axis that is transverse to the pan axis. A pan motor and a tilt motor drive the pan platform and the tilt bed in response to control signals that may be provided to the unit across a communication network. The motors may be mounted on the unit to remain stationary relative to the base during panning and tilting operations. The motors may be controlled to rotate in opposite directions to maintain the tilt bed at a fixed tilt angle as the pan platform is rotated about the pan axis.

Abstract: A mounting system for minimizing pointing error in image capture equipment having a first support member rotatable about a first axis and a second support member rotatable about a second axis, the second support member including an adjustable mount allowing the image capture equipment mounted to be positioned so that the center of mass of structure rotatable about the second axis is on the second axis, and the first support member includes an adjustable positioner allowing the second support member position to be adjusted along the second axis so that the center of mass of structure rotatable about the first axis is on the first axis, and further including two hand grips carried by the second support member and positioned equidistant from the second axis of rotation and on a line passing through the second axis of rotation.

Abstract: A video enhancement kit is provided for use with a support, a video camera, a magnification lens assembly, and a plurality of couples. The kit preferably includes an elongated base strip removably coupled to the support with the video camera removably coupled thereon at a user selected position along a length of the base strip. Also included is a mount removably coupled to the elongated base strip via one of the couples. The mount is further removably coupled to the magnification lens assembly via one of the couples for aligning the magnification lens assembly with the video camera.

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

Abstract: A device for controlling the movement of a camera by an operator is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device comprises camera crane member that mounts the camera. The camera crane member will have a first end containing a camera platform. Also included will be the pan and tilt head member, operatively attached to the camera platform, that is adapted for panning and tilting the camera. The device further includes an upper arm plate extending from the pan/tilt head member, with the upper arm plate adapted to mount the camera. The device also contains a first rod and a second rod that extends from the camera crane, and a swivel component, operatively attached to the second end of the first rod of the mounting rod, for swiveling the second rod. The device will also contain a vertical arm that is attached to the upper arm plate that extends vertically downward.

Abstract: A computer operated man assisted motion generation system for use with a camera in cinematography. The system responds to the measured or sensed position of a camera support such as a crane or dolly, and determines the desired camera pan, tilt, roll, focus, zoom, etc. based on predetermined correspondence between camera location and camera parameters, and generate movement of the camera and camera control accordingly.

Abstract: A boom camera crane for film-and television-program shooting has a support; a boom turnable in vertical and horizontal planes, and a carriage for supporting a camera and reciprocatingly movable on the boom along the boom.

Abstract: A new circuit is connected to the pan servo amplifier 38 of a camera remote pan head 44 for the purpose of eliminating the need for manual backpan. The circuit comprises a tachometer 20 mounted on the pan arm of a camera crane or jib arm 28 and connected to switch 32 and potentiometers 34 and 36. The switch and potentiometers select between three options for operation: an off position, a one to one reverse correspondence between the panning movement of the crane arm 28 and the panning movement of the pan head 44, and a variable reverse correspondence between the panning movement of the crane arm 28 and the panning movement of the remote pan head 44.The output is summed to a servo amplifier 38 which drives the remote head pan motor/tachometer 40. A number of means for alternative implementation are also suggested.

Abstract: A 3-D film projection apparatus includes two projectors that are disposed side-by-side in closely adjacent positions during projection. Each projector is carried by a transporter so that it can be moved to a retracted position rearwardly and laterally outwardly with respect to the other projector for providing access to the projector for set up and maintenance. Preferably, the transporters are motorized and the apparatus includes film guide means for maintaining a film path between each projector and an associated reel unit during transportation of the projector between its projection position and its retracted position.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a computer-controlled miniature pan/tilt tracking mount for the precise control of position, velocity, and acceleration of small payloads (e.g., a video camera). The invention consists of a motorized rotational tilt axis mounted atop a motorized rotational pan axis. For both axes, a worm gear mounted upon the motor shaft bidirectionally rotates a worm wheel mounted upon the orthogonal load axis shaft. A large ratio of motor size to armature weight provides high relative torque, speed, and accuracy. The worm gears provide compact reduction with minimal backlash and they can hold position without energized motors to conserve power for battery-operated uses. The invention includes integrated motor drive power electronics and microcontroller execution of host computer commands to effect precise control of pan/tilt mount speed, acceleration, position, configuration, and motor and electronics power consumption.

Abstract: A three axis gimbal for use in a motion picture camera support system including a support apparatus and a combined sled and camera having a postphotography. By using the three axis gimbal an operator can adequately control angular deviations of the combined sled and camera along the axes of pan, roll and tilt during hand-held motion picture photography.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for a surveillance camera includes a base plate, a swivel assembly and an elongated housing interconnecting the two. The base plate and housing include wire openings formed therein that cooperate to define a wire pathway through the housing. The swivel assembly includes a ball and socket arrangement by which the position of the camera may be easily adjusted.

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

Abstract: A portable, self-contained telescoping camera tower system permits high angle imaging and rapid and smooth change of perspective. The camera tower is a stand-alone unit capable of being transported, set up and operated by a single individual and which provides steady advance and retreat of the tower over its full range of up and down movement.

Abstract: A camera positioning assembly including a backing board, a base member connected to said backing board about an axis, a gear adapted for rotational movement, an arm connected to said gear and said base member for moving said base member about said axis in order that rotational movement of said gear is translated into rotational movement of said base member and a servo-controller that controls the rotational movement of said gear.

Abstract: A camera mount for controlled rolling movement includes a base and a camera platform pivotally connected to the base at its aft end. The pivotal connection includes a hollow shaft to accommodate passage of power and video cables to the camera. The forward end of the camera platform is movably supported by a pair of overlapping arc-shaped rails. This forward support steadies the camera and prevents any up-and-down bouncing motion. The aft pivotal connection, arc-shaped rails, and optical axis of the camera are all preferably coaxial. A plurality of gears transmit the motion of a drive motor into the camera platform. A plurality of bearings provide tight but smoothly operating connections between the moving parts of the camera mount. The camera mount provides a 180-degree range of rolling motion. The camera mount further includes an adjustably positioned counterbalance weight for varying the center of gravity of the pivoting platform and camera.

Abstract: A mounting system for supporting body mounted camera equipment. A three-axis gimbal supports a tube assembly which has provision for mounting a camera at the upper end thereof, a video monitor near the bottom and modular equipment associated with the lower end. The structural tube assembly has radially extending flanges to be received by a clamp which interlocks with the flanges and then may be tightened about the lower portion of the tube assembly. An electrical connection is also made at the lower end of the tube assembly. The modular equipment includes a junction box. A battery hanger or a universal gyro mount are disclosed in association with the lower junction box. The universal gyro mount includes a telescoping tube structure providing attachment flanges at either end as well as intermediate ends for flywheels. Many degrees of freedom are available for the mount position and extent as well as for the orientation of the flywheel units.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for use with a cabled video camera that transmits magnified images of an object or printed text on a work surface via a cable to a video monitor. The apparatus includes an elongated leg and an elongated arm connected at an angle to the leg for supporting the cable over the work surface, such as a desktop. Means, such as a clamp assembly, is provided for mounting the leg to the work surface in a vertically extending position for rotation about the leg's longitudinal axis to enable pivotal movement of the arm over the work surface. Means, preferably in the form of a pair of rotatable pulleys, is mounted to the arm for supporting the cable above the work surface and enabling the cable to move along the arm. In this manner, the cabled video camera may be positioned to scan objects or printed text on the work surface without cluttering the work surface with the cable.

Abstract: A new circuit is connected to the pan servo amplifier 38 of a camera remote pan head 44 for the purpose of eliminating the need for manual backpan. The circuit comprises a tachometer 20 mounted on the pan arm of a camera crane or jib arm 28 and connected to switch 32 and potentiometers 34 and 36. The switch and potentiometers select between three options for operation: an off position, a one to one reverse correspondence between the panning movement of the crane arm 28 and the panning movement of the pan head 44, and a variable reverse correspondence between the panning movement of the crane arm 28 and the panning movement of the remote pan head 44. The output is summed to a servo amplifier 38 which drives the remote head pan motor/tachometer 40. A number of means for alternative implementation are also suggested.

Abstract: A tripod device for holding a camera in a predetermined position has an angle detector for detecting an inclination of a pan head disposed on the tripod device, an angle setting unit for setting a working angle of the pan head, a control unit for outputting a set signal when an angle of the pan head detected by the angle detector becomes the set working angle and a notifying unit to be operated by the set signal from the control unit for notifying a user that the pan head of the tripod device is set at the working angle.

Abstract: A device for locking any apparatus on any support, notably a device enabling simple locking of a camera on a support such as a tripod. The device includes two attachment fittings that engage two hooking parts attached to the apparatus, wherein the attachment fittings are locked in their engaged position when two push-buttons fitted in the top plate of the support are both depressed under the weight of the apparatus. The two attachment fittings, linked together and spring-loaded, slide simultaneously to engage the two hooking parts.

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

Abstract: A drag unit of the present invention is provided with a case; a drag disc disposed in the inner portion of this case; a hollow axis supporting these case and drag disc coaxially, a pair of long holes being formed at a side of the axis; a lid of the case; viscous fluid sealed between these case and lid; and a sliding axis having a pin connected to the drag disc, the pin being inserted into the inner portion of the axis and piercing the long holes of the axis so that the pin can slide along the long holes. Either of the case or the drag disc is connected to a tripod head so as to rotate with rotation of the tripod head. A plurality of first projections disposed coaxially are provided on an inner bottom surface of the case and a plurality of second projections provided on an bottom surface of the drag disc. These projections are engagable with each other.

Abstract: The system includes a mobile remote unit sensitive to infrared (IR) signals transmitted by a base or stationary unit and an IR transmitter which is placed behind a rotating lens whose position at any time is known with precision resulting in the IR signal being "scanned" across an area. The remote unit detects when the peak strength of the signal occurs and provides this data via an RF signal to the base unit wherein the exact effective angle between the axis of the IR signal and the remote unit creates an error signal used by the base unit to position the camera mounted thereon. Transmitters for TILT and two PAN positions, PAN 1 and PAN 2, are used to include range calculations for ZOOM functions. Command circuitry to override the automatic tracking function is provided in each of the units.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a computer-controlled miniature pan/tilt tracking mount for the precise control of position, velocity, and acceleration of small payloads (e.g., a video camera). The invention consists of a motorized rotational tilt axis mounted atop a motorized rotational pan axis. For both axes, a worm gear mounted upon the motor shaft bidirectionally rotates a worm wheel mounted upon the orthogonal load axis shaft. A large ratio of motor size to armature weight provides high relative torque, speed, and accuracy. The worm gears provide compact reduction with minimal backlash and they can hold position without energized motors to conserve power for battery-operated uses. The invention includes integrated motor drive power electronics and microcontroller execution of host computer commands to effect precise control of pan/tilt mount speed, acceleration, position, configuration, and motor and electronics power consumption.