Abstract: A man to machine interface for the control of video or motion picture camera movement for use with a camera aiming system which can reproduce a specific camera movement any number of times. The interface moves the camera in the pan or tilt axis giving an operator a natural control feel while actually driving the camera movement with a motor drive. A shaft encoder detects the velocity of the motor drive and stores such information over time in a memory. The data stored in the memory may be read out at a later time and used by the motor drive to replicate the movement of the camera.

Abstract: A film magazine for a motion picture camera has film rolls mounted on a movable carriage so that the magazine's center of gravity remains fixed as film is exposed. A feed spindle and a take-up spindle are mounted on a carriage which is longitudinally movable within the magazine housing. As film is fed into the camera it passes over a sprocket which drives the carriage through a gear train. The displacement of the mass of the carriage compensates for the transfer of film from the feed roll to the take-up roll, thereby maintaining a constant center of gravity.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading a television camera or the like having a tilt mechanism for tilting a tilt stand supporting the camera, a pan mechanism for turning the turning stand supporting this tilt mechanism in the horizontal plane, a cam mechanism for adjusting the weight balance of the camera on the tilt stand by the cam and the cam roller. A stop mechanism for holding the tilt stand of the tilt mechanism by a stop pin so that it may not be tilted is provided which has an eccentric shaft portion at the tip portion of the stop pin so that when the pin is inserted into the receiving hole of the side plate and turned, its eccentric action may cause the cam to be lifted from the cam roller along with the tilt stand.

Abstract: A handgrip is adapted to be connected selectively to either one of two opposite sides of a camera body. The handgrip is secured in fixed relation to the camera body to prevent relative movement between the two. A manually operated shutter release member is arranged on the camera body at a location substantially midway between its two opposite sides. The handgrip is configured to enable one-hand holding of the camera body and the same hand operation of the shutter release member. Since the shutter release member is substantially centered between the two opposite sides of the camera body, alternative right-hand or left-hand operation of the release member is possible in accordance with whichever side of the camera body the handgrip is secured to.

Abstract: A video camera comprises a camera body, a view finder part provided on one side surface of the camera body, a battery receiving part located on the one side surface of the camera body, and a battery which is detachably attached to the battery receiving part to function as a grip of the video camera.

Abstract: A novel and useful surveillance camera housing assembly is provided. The assembly is easily mounted as a sturdy arrangement as a rectangular section of a suspended ceiling. A pair of side supports of the assembly extend over the cross forming inverted T-shaped ceiling support members which define the rectangular section and rest on the outer edges of each of the inverted T-shaped ceiling supporting members. A bridge spans the side supports from which a surveillance camera mounting depends. A frame with radiating legs is attached to the camera mounting. An inner dome is attached to the frame in a quick detachable relationship. An outer dome with a rectangular base approximating the size of the rectangular section is provided along one edge with horizontally projecting ears for supporting the outer dome between two parallel disposed inverted T-shaped ceiling support members when the outerdome is pivotted downwardly about the horizontal axis of the ear bearing edges of the outer dome.

Abstract: A tripod head includes a base member adapted to be mounted on a separate tripod for pivotal movement about a panning axis and a platform member on which to mount a separate camera. Components are provided for mounting the platform member on the base member to enable independent pivotal movement of the platform member about first and second mutually perpendicular tilting axes. A locking mechanism locks the platform member against pivotal movement about both of the tilting axes by operation of a single knob. Friction plates enhance locking, and the number and size of the friction plates may be adapted to cause locking about one tilting axis before the other. A quick release camera mount is included that enables convenient displacement ninety degrees.

Abstract: A pedestal carrying a television camera and its accessories has constant-torque springs which are housed in a detachable housing. The output shaft of each constant-torque spring is made responsive to the weight of the camera and its accessories, and is connected via a reduction mechanism with a mechanism for winding up a line such as wire.

Abstract: A projector mounting frame is fitted in the space above the suspended ceiling of a room. A traveling frame vertically movable in the mounting frame has means for support of a projector thereon. Drive motor and screws drive the traveling frame vertically so the projector can be driven from a position concealed within the space above the ceiling to a position below the ceiling where it can project onto a wall or screen in the room. A trim frame is hung on the traveling frame under the projector and has ceiling pads or tiles on it matching the rest of the ceiling to neatly close the ceiling opening when the projector is concealed.

Abstract: A handgrip for attachment to optical photographic equipment comprises a handle (2) and a mounting (1), which can be swivelled relative to each other. The mounting (1) is connected to the equipment, whilst the trigger mechanism (6, 3) for mechanical or electrical operation is located in the handle (2).

Abstract: Three pivotally interconnected arms are pivotally and slidably connected to a frame which is slidably connected to a base. One of the arms supports a camera thereon. The arms are pivotal to the left and to the right to reformat a camera view from horizontal to vertical or vice versa. The base slides with respect to the frame to eliminate horizontal parallax error. Vertical parallax error can be compensated for by elevating the arm supporting the camera.

Abstract: A computerized motion control system for panning and tilting a television camera, motion picture camera or any other type of camera. The system includes a motorized camera head upon which a camera is mounted. The system also includes a digitizing tablet on which an observer follows the action transpiring before the camera with an electronic stylus by moving the stylus across the plane surface of the tablet. The resulting digital signals generated by the tablet and electronic stylus are fed to a computer in which they are converted to pan-and-tilt signals which are fed to the motorized camera head upon which the camera is mounted. The digital pan-and-tilt signals are converted to analog signals, and the analog signals activate pan-and-tilt camera head motors causing them to point the camera to a location determined by the operator by his placement of the electronic stylus on the digitizing tablet.

Abstract: An improved camera carrier is provided for convenient and secure belt-mounted carrying of a camera. The camera carrier includes a belt-mounted frame having a support plate for receiving and supporting a carrier plate which is adapted in turn for attachment to a camera. A flexible tether line is connected between the carrier plate and a spring reel on the frame. The tether line accommodates camera movement between a stored position rested securely on the support plate for easy carrying and an operational position withdrawn from the support plate for normal photographic use.

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: A camera system which has a wheeled rail car (20) with running gear (26) front and back connected to a chassis (40) containing a movable panning head (46) on the top, covered by an enclosure (44). The panning head (46) has a motion picture camera (58) mounted thereon and the rail car (20) is self-propelled and the head (46) rotatability tilts up and down and pans 360 degrees. The car (20) is movably installed on a track system (22) consisting of rails (64) connected together with ties (78), each rail (64) having a power strip (66) supplying electrical energy to the car (20) through a set of wipers (84). An electrical control system (24) is positioned remotely from the tracks (22) and provides control for propulsion and positioning of the panning head (46), as well as control of the camera (58). A television monitor (86) receives a signal from the camera (58), allowing the operator visual indication of the scene viewed by the camera.

Abstract: The vibration isolator and camera mount/instrument mount is mounted on a modified helicopter seat and mounting post. The entire mount is attached to the post by a connecting bar which in turn holds the horizontal boom. The boom has an arm attached on one end which holds a ball joint for holding a camera tray and handlebar for a full xyz planar movement of the camera. Between the boom and connecting bar are two opposed air springs which are positioned in a cantilevered format so that any vibration which passes from the helicopter seat to the mounting bar is absorbed by the pair of air springs. The air springs are pneumatic and comprised of an inflatable pair of doughnut shaped structures which absorb the vibration and therefore isolates and stops any transmission of vibrations to the boom. The camera is isolated from the foundation's vibrations. The air springs also function to maintain the boom in the generally horizontal position.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a highly accurate remote positionable pan and tilt mount for a television camera or the like. The pan and tilt portions are rotated by stepping motors. The pan portion can be continuously rotated in either direction through 360.degree..

Abstract: A camcorder is equipped with a head mounted viewfinder that is visible to only one eye of the camera operator. The viewfinder is mounted on an adjustable head support and positioned directly in front of one eye of the camera operator so that the camera operator sees the recorded scene viewed by the video camera with the eye and is free to view the remaining surroundings with the other eye. A counter-balanced staff supports the camcorder in such a way that the staff and camcorder can be held in one hand. The single eye viewfinder arrangement cooperates with the counter balanced camera support staff to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of the television camera operator and to minimize undesirable side effects such as camera wobble.

Abstract: A portable television camera is provided, whereby a shoulder support is mounted on the camera housing. This shoulder support includes a U-shaped yoke which is mounted at both sides of the camera housing and which is selectively usable as a chest support or as a stand-up support. If need be, a flexible cushion may be clamped into the yoke and its position is adjustable in a number of locking positions.

Abstract: Camera mounting equipment comprising a wheeled base with a rotatable table mounted thereon. The rotatable table having a balanced pantographic arm pivoted thereon and means for controlling vertical and horizontal movement of a camera mounting platform attached to the other end of the arm. The equipment may be locked or unlocked in any combination of the three axes so that the camera mounting platform may have complete freedom of movement within its operational limits or may be limited to certain straight line or planar movement. The equipment is also counterbalanced and the arm may be remotely controlled using low power motors.

Abstract: A motion picture or television camera stand is disposed on a running support consisting of a central body with three arms. The arms are provided each on their free ends with a set of wheels, the wheels being steerable through a central steering system which has a steering wheel disposed around the central column of the stand and fastened thereon, an upper central cogwheel mounted on the central column, a steering shaft rotatably mounted on the central column and extending parallel to the latter, with a pinion on its upper end cooperating with the upper central cogwheel and a pinion on its lower end cooperating with the lower pinion of the steering shaft in the central body of the support and one cogbelt drive from the lower central cogwheel to each cogwheel on the shafts bearing the running wheel sets. The stand is made to be removable from the support. Two of the arms of the support are foldable against the third arm.

Abstract: A remotely manipulatable, battery operable, panning and tilting camera mount is carried by a mount base for vertical swinging movement which tilts the camera. A vertical sleeve rotatable below the mount is connected with a first motor which rotates it selectively in either direction. The mount base is carried by the sleeve to rotate with it, and pan the camera. A shaft connected with a second motor is received by the sleeve and can extend upwardly through the sleeve and mount base to engage the mount and push it upwardly to accomplish tilting.

Abstract: An image acquisition system including at least two image projectors, a television camera and a modular desk for supporting the projectors and the camera wherein the image projectors are supported at predetermined locations on a tabletop supported for sliding and rotary movement so that the camera can receive projected images from a desired one of the image projectors by merely adjusting the angular position between the tabletop and a lower cabinet of the desk. The desk includes an upper cabinet having an image acquisition aperture formed therethrough and aligned with the desired one of the image projectors. The modular desk also includes a slab supported on the lower cabinet. In one embodiment of the invention a movable table supports the tabletop. In a second embodiment the tabletop is slidably and rotatably supported on a pair of spaced tracks mounted on the top surface of the slab.

Abstract: A camera mount for a motor vehicle which always maintains the camera level with respect to the road surface regardless of vehicle rotations due to accelerational or gravitational forces to present a camera view typical of what a human would see looking out of the vehicle and responding to such vehicle rotations in the normal manner. The camera is supported on a pendulum suspended from a gimbal support on the vehicle sprung mass and constrained with spring and damping elements which are matched to the spring and damping elements of the vehicle suspension system to produce equal and opposite rotations of the pendulum for rotations of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for pivotally mounting a film magazine to a motion picture camera which enables the film magazine to be slidably pivoted from a position wherein the film magazine is mounted substantially on top of the camera to a position wherein the film magazine is mounted substantially on the rear of the camera. Light shield means are provided to close off the adjustment aperture in the motion picture camera housing which permits the slidable pivoting motion. Brake means are provided for securing the mounting bracket in the selected pivoted position. Extraneous light is prevented from entering the motion picture camera by light securing members mounted between the camera body and the flexible light shield members.

Abstract: An improved suspension system for supporting and conveying equipment, such as a camera assembly, which equipment is capable of being panned and tilted. The system comprises of a first elongated support means positioned in the direction of the panning axis of the equipment; a second support means arranged concentric with the panning axis of the equipment and which is rotatable about said axis with respect to said first support means; and suitably arranged attaching means for said equipment and drive means to cause rotation between the support means about the axis and controllable to maintain a pre-selected rate of rotation.The equipment is capable of taking pictures and views in situations where the traditional camera system are inadequate.

Abstract: A vibration damping mount has a frame and at least one and preferably, two parallel guides extending therefrom. A support tube extends in the same direction as the guides, and preferably parallel to it, and carries a platform such as a camera platform, on its upper end. A bracket connects the support tube and guides such that the support tube and attached platform can slide in relation to the guides, while being prevented from moving laterally, in particular prevented from rotating, with respect thereto. Resilient means is connected between the support tube and frame so as to inhibit downward movement of the support tube and attached platform, thereby absorbing vertical vibration. A piston arrangement is also further preferably included for reducing larger vibrations. As well, a telescoping foot shaft arrangement and a pan handle arrangement are further provided.

Abstract: A camera mount for supporting a camera at the outside of a vehicle, including two vertical guides along which two slides are movable upwardly and downwardly to differently adjusted levels and which carry a platform on which a camera can be mounted, with the platform being adjustable horizontally relative to the slides and having pivotal connections with the slides to facilitate adjustment of the platform without the possibility of a binding action. The device may be connected to a vehicle by two upper connector elements adapted to rest on the upper edge of a door frame, and two lower elements attached to vertically adjustable lower portions or structures of the device and engageable with the vehicle at a lower level.

Abstract: A device for remotely controlling the position and orientation of a camera borne by a vehicle includes a first support member including two arms and an intermediary bracket. The arms have first ends pivotally mounted in a substantially vertical plane to the vehicle for movement in the vertical plane and about the substantially vertical plane, and opposite, second ends pivotally secured to the intermediary bracket to form a pivoting parallelogram structure, with the intermediary bracket always remaining in a substantially upright position during the movement of the arms. A parallelogram jack is pivotally secured between a substantially fixed point of the parallelogram structure an one of the arms for pivoting the arms in the substantially vertical plane. A rotation jack is pivotally secured between a fixed point of the vehicle and at least one of the arms for rotating the arms about the substantially vertical plane.

Abstract: A grip for a camera including a grip body, a fixing mechanism having a manually operable member fixing the grip body to the camera body in a predetermined state and a movable covering for covering the manually operable member of the fixing mechanism.

Abstract: A level attachment for cameras is flanged to interengage with channel tracks of a camera hot shoe in either of two positions on orthogonal axes. The arrangement enables leveling the camera side-to-side and fore-and-aft. The level attachment is screw-threaded and can serve as a mounting for various camera accessories directly or through a threaded adapter.

Abstract: Large format photographic apparatus for creating the illusion of vehicle motion has a winch frame for supporting a cable arrangement and for simultaneously pulling two separate cables. A first cable is coupled to a subject vehicle to be photographed. The second cable is coupled via a linkage translator to a moveable platform mounted camera cart. The platform has a pair of spaced apart rails having inwardly facing surfaces and the cart has laterally disposed resilient wheels engaging the rails whereby transverse vibrational motion is reduced. Beyond the subject vehicle is an upright triangular weight bearing structure. A separate cable coupled from the rear of the vehicle being photographed to the weight balances and maintains an inertial drag on the vehicle to smooth out the motion of the cable of the vehicle. Similarly a separate cable coupled from the cart is coupled to a different upright triangular weight bearing structure.

Abstract: A camera support assembly, particularly for television cameras, which includes a base providing an elongate slide bed, and first and second slide carriages slidable on the bed, the first and second slide carriages being attached to a camera and a lens, respectively. The slide bed has longitudinal sides which converge inwardly as they extend upwardly so as to laterally retain complementary formations on the slide carriages.

Abstract: A camera mount for supporting a camera having an elongated attachment lens, such as a telephoto lens, on a stand such as a tripod. The device includes an L-shaped bracket which has a threaded aperture in one of the legs thereof for use in attaching the bracket to the stand and an elongated slot in this same leg of the bracket along which the body of a camera can be adjustably positioned and secured to the bracket. A camera lens support member is adjustably positioned along the other leg of the L-shaped bracket and is secured thereto. This support member has an arcuate cutout formed therein to match the curvature of the lens barrel. A resilient edge member is installed around this cutout portion and engages an end portion of the lens barrel in a retaining relationship. The second mentioned leg of the L bracket may have a support arm removably attached thereto for supporting a flash attachment.

Abstract: An apparatus for synchronizing movement of a camera with movement of an object to be photographed. The synchronizing apparatus includes a horizontal track which is disposed parallel to the path of movement of the object. A planar platform is movably mounted on the track and supports the camera. First and second pulleys are respectively aligned with the path of movement of the object and the track. An interconnecting cable is connected to the object and to the platform and passes around the first and second pulleys for causing an identical and simultaneous movement of the camera with movement of the object. In another embodiment, hydraulic cylinders and pistons are mounted on the dolly and the object and are connected in fluid flow communication for simultaneous movement in the same direction.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of producing a photograph of a mobile subject such as a vehicle, in which method a camera is mounted for linear translational movement along a support in a direction parallel with the path of movement of the subject. A motion transmitting operative connection is established between the subject and the camera such that for a linear translational displacement of the subject in said direction there will be a corresponding linear translational displacement of the camera in said direction along said support. The motion transmitting connection may comprise a mechanical connection e.g. via Bowden cable, or an electrical or electronic servo arrangement. To produce a photograph, the subject is displaced linearly in said one direction while making a photographic exposure in the camera, so that the period of the exposure lies within the period of corresponding movement of the camera along said support.

Abstract: A camera support including an angle-shaped base is releasably mountable to an extendable telescopic tubular leg member. The angle-shaped base includes two legs and a tubular member fixed to each leg. The telescopic member has an upper slide section and a lower base section. The upper slide section being slidably disposed in one of the tubular members of the angular-shaped base. The lower base section is slotted longitudinally and grooved peripherally such that when a clamp is fitted into the grooves and actuated, the base is releasably secured in selected positions along the upper slide section. The base member may be manually arrested when the camera is in a first and a second picture taking attitude and the base member is slidably supported by upper slide section. In some instances the upper slide section may be removed from the lower base section and used independently.

Abstract: The camera support includes an upright tubular body to which a gimbal and a plurality of auxiliary pieces of camera equipment such as a video monitor, an electronics package, a battery or a recorder can be vertically adjustably mounted in an expanded balanced arrangement. Some of these components are also circularly adjustable about the vertical body in response to various clearance requirements and the necessities of certain types of shooting. Certain components can be mounted to the tubular body in an inverted position to facilitate "low mode" operation in which the camera body is the lowest component of the camera equipment, and is adapted to be dependent from the camera mounting plate.

Abstract: A camera support for use in stabilizing a handheld camera against movement, wherein the camera is fixed to a pedestal having two attached support arms which contact the photographer's body to stabilize the camera. Preferably, the two support arms contact the shoulder and sternal regions of the photographer's body for the best stabilization of the camera. Both support arms are adjustable, and the angular orientation and length of the second support arm may be adjusted independently of the angular orientation and length of the first support arm. Other aids to supporting the camera may be used in conjunction with the camera support.

Abstract: A system using a vehicle and a camera for effecting substantially undetected surveillance of a preselected target area includes a vehicle modified so that a wall portion thereof includes an opening simulated to appear as a side clearance light of the vehicle with the camera positioned internally of the vehicle, such as in the trunk, for viewing outwardly through the opening. A novel camera-mount assembly is disclosed for enabling the camera to be selectively panned and tilted and includes a support for holding the camera mounted above a base which may be positioned upon a surface such as the floor of the trunk. A first pivot mechanism is mounted on the base operable for selectively pivoting the support, relative to the base, about a substantially vertical, first pivot axis thereby to pan the camera. A second pivot mechanism interconnecting the base and the support is operable for selectively pivoting the support about a substantially horizontal, second pivot axis thereby to tilt the camera.

Abstract: In a camera mount of the type in which a front plate is attached to a lens which in turn is attached to the front of the camera and a base plate extends from the front plate beneath the camera to secure the camera bottom and to exert a predetermined supporting force upwardly on the camera to counter the moment of the camera on the lens, an interlock is provided to control the operation of the securing means to sequentially follow the operation of the supporting means in both securing and releasing modes.

Abstract: A camera mount of the type including a front plate having an attachment to the lens-mounting frontal side of a camera-and-lens assembly, and a bottom plate extending rearwardly, parallel to the lens axis, from the lower portion of the front plate for supporting the rearward portion of the camera and for mounting the camera on a base structure, characterized in that means are provided on the bottom plate for engaging and supporting the rearward portion of the camera and for countering the moment exerted by the weight of the camera about its attachment; and means are provided for clamping the camera to the bottom plate and to the supporting means thereof.

Abstract: A rail-supported carriage, adapted to be moved along a pair of rails spaced from one another at a predetermined distance includes at least three wheel assemblies, each including a frame; at least one wheel assembly is adapted to travel on one rail, and the remaining wheel assemblies are adapted to travel on the oppositely disposed rail. A connecting mechanism connects oppositely disposed wheel assemblies, and includes a compensating arrangement mounted on each wheel assembly for compensating any variation of distance between oppositely disposed wheel assemblies due to any curvature in the rails, each compensating arrangement includes a platform and a pin passing through the platform, and wherein the platform is movable with respect to the frame.

Abstract: In a head-up display system by which visual information from a display is superimposed by means of a combiner on a pilot's view of the outside scene, the pilot's view is recorded by a head mounted camera to which light from the outside scene and superimposed display is reflected by a head-mounted mirror. The arrangement is particularly useful for pilot training purposes.

Abstract: A support apparatus for a portable weight such as man carried camera comprising at least a pair of rotatably interconnected arms, one end of which is rotatably and pivotably supported by a support vest worn by an operator and the other end of which is arranged and configured to support weight such as a camera and a spring means provided on each arm to compensate for the weight applied to the end of each arm. In operation, the weight mounted on the support apparatus is spacially decoupled from the operator and the position of the weight is not affected by motion of the operator.

Abstract: A battery powered camera with a collapsible handgrip movable between a closed and an extended position is equipped with a battery checker that signals when the battery drops in capacity to a predetermined level. The battery checker is operable only during the period in which the handgrip is moved between the closed and extended position or vice versa. The battery powered camera further comprises means for signalling a switching state in which the main power switch remains closed. The signalling means is also operable only when the handgrip is being moved between closed and extended positions.

Abstract: A two-part harness for a motion picture or television cameraman has an upper part for engagement of the cameraman's shoulders and upper back, and a lower part engaging the cameraman's hips. The harness is used to support the weight of the camera and associated apparatus positioned in front of the cameraman, but the harness functions to place most of the vertical load on the hips and most of the horizntal load on the shoulders and upper back. The two parts of the harness are connected for vertical adjustment by the cameraman while wearing the harness.

Abstract: A viewing support comprising a pair of support arms pivotably connected together at one end. One arm is adapted to be mounted over a shoulder of a person while the other arm is adapted to rest against the person's torso beneath the shoulder. A mounting pad is provided in the vicinity of the pivot connection of the arms for mounting a viewing device, such as a camera, thereon.

Abstract: A motion picture camera has a plurality of openings where a film .[.cartridge.]. .Iadd.magazine .Iaddend.may be selectively mounted, the film passing through the selected opening into engagement with the film drive apparatus of the camera and back to the .[.cartridge.]. .Iadd.magazine.Iaddend.. The various openings provide for better balance with various support arrangements for the camera, such as on the shoulder or on a tripod.

Abstract: Equipment for use with hand-held motion picture and video cameras comprises a pair of interconnected spring loaded arms, one end of which is pivotally supported by a carrying brace worn by a cameraman and the other end of which is connected to a handle positioned to mount the camera equipment at approximately the center of the moment of inertia. The camera and its associated equipment are mounted in exploded, balanced relation about the handle. The weight of the camera equipment is substantially counterbalanced by the action of the spring loaded arms without employing counterweights. A camera viewer is provided, to facilitate viewing from a position remote from the camera itself and not necessarily governed by the camera orientation.