Camera Support Patents (Class 396/419)
  • Patent number: 7845606
    Abstract: A mounting method and system are disclosed for a mounting device for a piece of equipment having an accessory receptacle. The mounting device may include at least two arms connected together providing at least two rotation axes, a mounting stud for mating with the accessory receptacle and connected to one of the two arms providing at least one rotation axis, and a mount for mating with an accessory of the equipment and connected to the other one of the two arms providing at least two rotation axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventors: Shawn T. Dennison, Stanley C. Aguilar
  • Publication number: 20100305782
    Abstract: An automated airborne video recording system for imaging pipeline or electric line rights-of-way, irrigation canals, or any other linear ground features. The system includes a gimbaled, stabilized camera system, a data recorder, and autonomous imager software that computes the shortest vector between the aircraft position and the pipeline based on the aircraft GPS and the Geographic Information Database. The system then commands the stabilized camera system to point directly at the pipeline regardless of the aircraft position and orientation, automatically collecting continuous NTSC or digital video of the entire right of way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: David Linden, David William Yoel
  • Publication number: 20100301184
    Abstract: The present teachings relate to a device configured to secure an instrument and to be removably mounted to a platform. The device can comprise a mounting base platform, a guide rod plate, and a securing means. The guide rod plate can be slidably secured to the mounting base platform, and the securing means can be configured to slidably move the guide rod plate with respect to the mounting base platform. The device can secure an instrument within, for example a firearm or a scope. The device can be mounted to a platform, for example, a camera tripod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Joshua Edward Stabler
  • Patent number: 7828256
    Abstract: A quick-fit device for video and photographic equipment comprises a first attachment member in the form of a plate which can be fixed to the equipment and a second attachment member including a seat for the plate which can be fixed to a supporting head; a safety device comprising a spring-loaded arm bearing a stop tooth acting on a presser designed to removably lock the plate in the seat is provided in the seat. The tooth has a ramp with an inclined plane from the part facing the seat and a stop shoulder on the opposite part; the presser has an appendage which is capable of riding over the tooth passing from a position against the ramp to a position against the shoulder in passing from a position in which the plate is released to a position in which the same is locked in the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Lino Manfrotto+Co. S.p.A.
    Inventor: Paolo Speggiorin
  • Patent number: 7825983
    Abstract: An image pickup apparatus comprises an image pickup unit for photographing an object and generating image data, and a frame forming an outline of the image pickup apparatus, wherein spaces are formed between the image pickup unit and the frame to allow an operator grasp inner planes of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Junji Hirooka, Masahiro Kando, Hideki Kawai
  • Patent number: 7815378
    Abstract: A visual presenter includes a base, an upright portion standing from the base and having a distal end, a support column including a horizontal portion formed by bending the distal end of the upright portion so that the horizontal portion protrudes forward away from the base, the horizontal portion having a distal end, an imaging camera head mounted on the distal end of the horizontal portion, and a pivot portion provided on the upright portion of the support column so that the horizontal portion is pivotable horizontally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Elmo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Sukenari, Shinji Ono
  • Publication number: 20100260495
    Abstract: An on-board camera is disposed, behind a neighboring member that is located above a steering column, on the steering column that can move forward at the time of a collision of a vehicle in which the on-board camera is installed. The on-board camera includes: a camera portion; and a support mechanism. The support mechanism supports the camera portion in such a manner that the camera portion can move in a direction away from the neighboring member when the neighboring member and the camera portion are brought into contact with each other because of a forward movement of the steering column at the time of the collision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masayuki Usami, Kiyoyuki Uchida
  • Patent number: 7810511
    Abstract: A device may include a receiving surface to receive a cleaning device adapted to clean a surface of a lens when the device is proximate to the surface of the lens. The device may further include a mounting surface to moveably support the device on a host surface, where the host surface further supports a lens. The mounting surface may further maintain the device in a first position that maintains the cleaning device proximate to the surface of the lens to remove a foreign object from the surface of the lens, and maintain the device in a second position that maintains the cleaning device away from the surface of the lens to allow the lens to receive optical information related to a subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventors: Nils Gustav Fagrenius, Sven Rune Fredrik Palmqvist, Johan Martin Wedel, Carl Magnus Waldt, Eva Tina Rålin, Sten Ola Håkansson
  • Patent number: 7811009
    Abstract: A camera that has an acquisition unit which acquires an identifier via a cradle apparatus connected to the camera, a comparison unit which compares the identifier acquired by the acquisition unit with an identifier stored in a memory, and a camera controller which controls access of the apparatus connected via the cradle apparatus based on comparison results by the comparison unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ichiko Mayuzumi
  • Patent number: 7811008
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling one or more cameras is provided. The apparatus includes: a mounting sled, a tilt drive motor, a tilt drive train, a pan drive motor, and a pan drive train. The mounting sled includes a camera platform between two sled runners. A lower surface of each sled runner is formed by a circular arc. The tilt drive train includes a tilt drive shaft having an axis perpendicular to the camera platform. The pan drive train includes a pan drive shaft extending along the axis of the tilt drive shaft such that it receives the tilt drive shaft and turns independently and concentrically about the tilt drive shaft. The camera platform receives a camera such that the center of gravity of the camera is aligned with the diameter of the circular arc of the sled runners and the vertical axis of the tilt and pan drive shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Mark T. Dumm
  • Publication number: 20100254695
    Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes a support assembly, a holding member, and an image capturing member. The support assembly includes a base member and a support member. The support member is configured for receiving a paper printed photo. The holding member is rotatably connected to the support member. The image capturing member is mounted on a bottom surface of the holding member. When the holding member is kept in an open position, the image capturing member is activated to capture an image of the paper printed photo received in the base member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: MING-TESUNG CHENG, CHIUNG-LI CHANG, LI-ZHANG HUANG, TE-YUAN KUNG, HAN-CHE WANG, CHENG-HAO CHOU
  • Publication number: 20100238273
    Abstract: Apparatus to capture three-dimensional images of a subject selected from the group consisting of an animate object, an inanimate object, a human, an animal, a biological mass or a portion of a subject comprises a plurality of image capturing device modules, each module comprises a plurality of image-capturing devices; and a rigid support structure supporting the plurality of image capturing device modules to define a space wherein said subject may be disposed. The rigid support structure supports all of the modules in predetermined relationship to each other and to the space. The rigid support structure further supports the modules in positions such that each module is positioned to capture a group of first images of a corresponding surface portion of the subject disposed within the space such that each group of first images captured by the corresponding module captures a substantially different surface portion of the subject disposed within the space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: CRANIAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Jerold N. Luisi, Timothy R. Littlefield, Jeanne K. Pomatto-Hertz
  • Publication number: 20100226641
    Abstract: The invention refers to a camera holder comprising a clamp (1), which has two arms (1a, 1b). One of these arms (1a) carries a mount (2) designed as an angular piece, which has a continuous opening for a screw (3) to be inserted and fixed in a tripod connection of a camera. The mount (2) is fixed with a revolute joint in a rotatable manner on the on the clamp (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventor: Andrei LÖWEN
  • Patent number: 7789574
    Abstract: A camera mount securely attaches to a variety of mounting surfaces and holds a motion activated camera in a desired position. The camera mount permits the camera mount to positioned as desired on the mounting the mounting bracket which has a camera plate pivotally attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Du-Bro Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Broberg
  • Publication number: 20100220991
    Abstract: A head arm pivot shaft support mechanism 180 has a cord covering unit 200 including a first part 210, a second part 220, and a third part 230. The first part 210 and the second part 220 are located on a side of one head-side engagement leg 186 of bifurcated head-side engagement legs 186 and 187 and are arranged to be rotatable about a pivot shaft member 193. The first part 210 and the second part 220 respectively have an arc-shaped peripheral wall 212 and an arc-shaped peripheral wall 222 protruded toward the third part 230 to f ill a space on a bifurcation base side between the bifurcated head-side engagement legs 186 and 187. The third part 230 is located on a side of the other head-side engagement leg 187 and is arranged to be rotatable about the pivot shaft member 193.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yamakose, Shinji Ono
  • Publication number: 20100209095
    Abstract: A multi-functional device and transport apparatus that includes a telescoping spine mechanism. The device further includes a selectively extendable axle mechanism that is operatively secured to the spine mechanism. A plurality of wheels are rotatably secured to the axle mechanism. The axle mechanism may be selectively extended to effectively increase a width of the multi-function device and transport apparatus to stabilize the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: ALEXANDER P. DeSORBO
  • Patent number: 7760492
    Abstract: A shell and a display device using the same are provided. The shell is disposed at the display device. The shell includes a frame, a clamping element, a fastening element and an elastic element. The frame has a first surface, a second surface and a hole. The first surface is opposite to the second surface. The first surface and the second surface are penetrated by the hole. The clamping element is inserted into the hole. An end of the clamping element is positioned at a side of the first surface, and the other end of the clamping element is positioned at a side of the second surface. The fastening element is disposed at the side of the second surface and connected to the clamping element. The elastic element is used for providing the clamping element with an elastic force toward the first surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Qisda Corporation
    Inventor: Si-Wei Zhou
  • Publication number: 20100177160
    Abstract: A panoramic camera comprising at least one reflector and an image sensor. The camera has an integral annular to rectangular image conversion module to convert annular images received on the image sensor. The camera is remotely controllable to enable a remote user to select a portion of the resulting rectangular image or change optical properties such as exposure time using a mobile telephone having a browser interface and lacking annular to rectangular image conversion software. Images or video are automatically uploadable to an internet server. Still or video image can be encrypted, along with the measured location at which the still or video images were taken. An integral stand enables the panoramic camera to better take images of rooms when resting on the floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: OTUS TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED
    Inventors: Neil TOCHER, Cameron James Ure
  • Patent number: 7753600
    Abstract: A camera holder (3) is provided for fixing a camera (11) or a camcorder to an optical observation device. The holder (3) has a variable-length sleeve (13) with a first end configured to receive the camera objective and a second end configured to secure the sleeve (13) relative to the optical observation device. The holder (3) also has an adjusting device (19) fixed to the sleeve (13). The adjusting device (19) has a pin for connection with a stand mating thread of a camera (11) and is configured to compensate for an offset between the stand mating thread and the camera objective. The adjusting device (19) enables the camera (11) to be positioned with respect to the sleeve and the optical observation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Surgical GmbH
    Inventors: Hartmut Gartner, Werner Koch, Wolfgang Robra, Christian Lucke, Karsten Rieth
  • Publication number: 20100166411
    Abstract: A camera mast assembly comprising two or more sections movable with respect to one another from an unextended to an extended configuration, and a carriage attached to one of the sections for mounting a camera on the assembly, wherein the carriage is continuously movable in a substantially uniform manner from a first position wherein the sections are in the unextended configuration to a second position wherein the sections are in the extended configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Matthew Gladstone, Andrew Redman
  • Patent number: 7736071
    Abstract: A digital camera pedestal with cable in neck is provided which may comprise a base member, a neck, and a camera housing. The base member can comprise a surface mount, a cable exit annulus, and a neck mount. The surface mount and said neck mount can attach together forming an interior cavity. A cable enters the cavity through the neck mount, and exits through the cable exit annulus. An annular neck member is rotatably attached to the neck mount, such that it can rotate in a vertical plane, and a camera housing member is in turn rotatably attached to the neck member, where the housing member can rotate in a horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Joseph Wahl, Donald Charles Grome, Michael Baseflug
  • Publication number: 20100129070
    Abstract: A vehicle camera system includes a vehicle rear end body structure. The vehicle rear end body structure includes a license plate receiving area and a lamp receiving portion proximal to the license plate receiving area. A lamp assembly is coupled to the lamp receiving portion. The lamp assembly includes a lamp that is configured and arranged to illuminate at least a portion of the license plate receiving area. A camera is coupled to the lamp assembly. The camera is configured and arranged to capture an image of an area proximal to the vehicle rear end body structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: NISSAN TECHNICAL CENTER NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Barugur S. Balasundaramohan, Quan Cat, Randy Johnson
  • Patent number: 7722264
    Abstract: A camera includes a body having a front plate and a rear plate, a lens module mounted on the front plate, a slot defined in the rear plate, and an elongated deformable wire. The deformable wire is received in the slot, and the deformable wire is deformable between a first configuration where the deformable wire is received in the slot, and a second configuration where the deformable wire is released from the slot and reshaped to support the body on an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shun-Ling Kao, Kang-Shun Hsu
  • Patent number: 7724303
    Abstract: A camera system includes a video camera having a first mating mechanism defined on a bottom, planar surface of the video camera. A battery assembly contains an energy cell and a first surface of the battery assembly is releasably engageable with the mounting mechanism such that the battery assembly is suspended beneath the video camera, with the bottom, planar surface of the video camera in substantial contact with the first surface. A support apparatus having a second mating mechanism is also provided, the second mating mechanism releasably engaging a second surface of the battery assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Anton/Bauer, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander P. DeSorbo
  • Patent number: 7711450
    Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for controlling a camera mounted at a robot cleaner in order to sense obstacles and perform position compensation. The apparatus for controlling a camera of a robot cleaner includes a first axis driver for driving a camera mounted at the robot cleaner in a first axis direction; a second axis driver 320 for driving the camera in a second axis direction other than the first axis direction; an image processor 330 for receiving and processing an image photographed by the camera; and a control section 340 for controlling the first axis driver and the second axis driver, and controlling a traveling of the robot cleaner based on the image photographed by the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hyoung-deuk Im, Il-kyun Jung
  • Patent number: 7692886
    Abstract: A lens seated device for driving a single lens reflex (SLR) camera zooming comprises an adapting ring, a big gear, a small gear, a motor and a chassis. The chassis sustains the SLR camera, the adapting ring, the big gear, the small gear and the motor. The adapting ring clinches around the lens of the SLR camera and is seated and fixed on the big gear. The motor is used for driving and directly rotating the small gear, and then the small gear will drive to rotate the big gear. The rotation of the big gear will drive and rotate the adapting ring accordingly, and thereby drive the lens of the SLR camera for zooming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: Peng-Cheng Lai
  • Publication number: 20100067894
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods and apparatus for supporting and easily adjusting the position of a surveillance camera in an enclosure. Embodiments of the present invention also provide systems, methods and apparatus for keeping the front panel of a camera enclosure clear during cold temperature periods. Finally, embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods and apparatus for the efficient transfer of heat out of a camera enclosure during warm temperatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: PELCO, INC.
    Inventors: Jim Arbuckle, Brook Cavalla, Will Foreman
  • Patent number: 7665698
    Abstract: An articulating support assembly includes a first segment and a second segment. The first and second segments are disposed adjacent to one another. A first mating surface is defined on the first segment and a second mating surface is defined on the second segment. A tensioning assembly is operatively connected to the first and second segments such that the tensioning may be selectively operable to bias the first mating surface and the second mating surface into contact with one another thereby holding the first segment in a predetermined static orientation with respect to the second segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Anton/Bauer, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander P. Desorbo, Carl Hultman, James Markland
  • Patent number: 7661221
    Abstract: A device mount for a weapon is provided. The device mount includes a support portion and a side portion. The support portion is adapted to support a device. The support portion includes a plurality of mounting apertures. The side portion is coupled to the support portion. The side portion has a first side positioned generally at a right angle to the support portion. The side portion further has a second side. Moreover, the second side has a mounting connection portion adapted to connect the device mount to a weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventor: Larry Holmberg
  • Publication number: 20100021153
    Abstract: The electronic device according to the present invention has a device body capable of attaching a second device thereto by a screw member, and comprises a chassis provided to the device body, a mounting seat made of resin for attaching the second device, and a metal plate, the mounting seat is provided to the chassis and provided with a female screw formed therein in which the screw member is to be threaded as well as a closing part defining a bottom surface of the female screw and a back surface of the mounting seat, and the metal plate is fixed to the mounting seat to support the closing part by supporting a back surface thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Noriyuki Tsubota, Yasuhiro Kondo
  • Publication number: 20100021152
    Abstract: In one aspect, a telesuite is provided and includes a camera rotatable about at least one axis, the camera being rotatably mounted to a base and a radiograph viewing device comprising a computer monitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: GURPAL SANDHU
  • Publication number: 20100013986
    Abstract: The image pickup apparatus of the present invention includes a front plate 12 fitted to an outer cylindrical surface of a lens barrel 5b and a rear plate 13 placed on the backside of a liquid crystal panel 7, and an accessory shoe 11 is fixed to a rib 12a formed on the top of the front plate 12 and a rib 13a formed on the top of the rear plate 13. Consequently, it is possible to enhance the strength of attachment of the accessory shoe 11. Therefore, even when an external device with a large weight such as a strobe device 51 is attached to the accessory shoe 11, it is possible to avoid deformation or damage to the accessory shoe 11.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Shuusaku YAMAMOTO
  • Patent number: 7646424
    Abstract: The invention relates to a camera support device worn on the body comprising a multifunctional assembly of electrical components. The inventive device is characterized in that an operational mode switch device is used to switch the operational mode of connection devices and signal lines between a first and a second mode. In the first mode, the signal lines are used for transmitting a video signal of a first type. In the second mode, only a part of the signal lines is used for transmitting a video signal of a second type while the remaining signal lines are used for other purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Camera Dynamics GmbH
    Inventor: Curt O. Schaller
  • Publication number: 20100003026
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for support and stabilization according to various aspects of the present invention include a cushioned surface mounted to a rigid base. The rigid base may comprise a connector suitably configured to attach the rigid base to a secondary supportive device or stand. The cushioned surface may be configured to receive and at least partially isolate a hand-held object from transmitted vibrations without a permanent or semi-permanent connection between the cushioned surface and the hand-held object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: SHIRLEY KLEPPE
  • Publication number: 20090317070
    Abstract: A digital image copier for photos, films and slides is provided. The digital image copier includes: a housing being a hollow body; a feeding slot disposed in the housing and bridged between a front side and a rear side of the housing, for feeding the photos, films and slides therein; a digital camera disposed inside the housing and facing to the feeding slot for shooting a picture of the photos, films and slides; and at least one light source disposed inside the housing for irradiating the photos, films and slides to provide the digital camera with a better shooting. The picture captured by the digital camera is converted into a digital image file that can be stored on an external storage device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Paul Liu
  • Patent number: 7636121
    Abstract: When the monitor is slid to the inner side of the device main body, a portion of the monitor is faced outside of the device main body, and various pieces of information are display in one portion of the area, and when the monitor is slid outside of the device main body, the whole area of the monitor is faced outside of the device main body, and various pieces of information are displayed in the whole area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Ryota Matsumoto, Asako Kawamura
  • Patent number: 7621680
    Abstract: A clamp mechanism for securing an in-ceiling surveillance camera housing assembly to a ceiling. The clamping mechanism advantageously allows easy installation of the camera housing in the ceiling via a camera housing aperture without requiring a large access aperture adjacent the camera housing aperture. The clamping mechanism also allows easy removal of the housing if, for some reason, the housing must be removed because the clamping mechanism is bidirectional and may be stowed within a groove on an outer surface of the housing. Once the clamping mechanism lowers a clamp to secure the housing assembly to the ceiling, a window and trim ring assembly is locked to the housing assembly to discourage removal of the window and trim ring assembly and prevent access to the clamping mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: William C Frick, Kathleen E Arnold, Theodore L Jones
  • Patent number: 7620303
    Abstract: An ice fishing underwater camera holder is disclosed which is used for holding the camera at a desired depth and rotating the camera to the desired viewing area. The camera holder comprises a disk for setting over a hole in the ice. The disk having a slot for passing a cable through and for holding the cable by use of a plurality of cleats aligned on the top of the disk for winding the cable between the cleats. To adjust the length of the cable, the cable can be removed from the cleats and the length of cable passing through the slot adjusted before winding the cable through the cleats. The cable has a camera on one end to view fish or other objects below the ice. To turn the camera to a desired position for viewing the disk is rotated thus turning the cable to align the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Reel Sport Creations, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence D. Waddell, James P. Loe, D. Michael Lillquist, Steven J. Lundeen
  • Patent number: 7619682
    Abstract: There is provided a pivot hinge mechanism to support a main body and grip unit of a video camera pivotably in relation to each other. It includes a stationary plate to be installed to one of the main body and grip unit, rotating plates to be installed to the other of the main body and grip unit, and a spindle to support the rotating plates rotatably in relation to the stationary plate. The stationary plate and each of the rotating plates have formed therein a first and second openings, respectively, through which a harness routed between the main body and grip unit is penetrated. The first and second openings are formed to overlap each other at least partially in an angular range in which the grip unit is pivoted in relation to the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Ei Igarashi
  • Patent number: 7614803
    Abstract: An image pickup device capable of suppressing breakage of a support leg mounting member is obtained. This image pickup device comprises a housing constituting the body of the image pickup device, a support leg mounting member, rotatably provided on the housing, having a second screw portion fitted with a first screw portion of a support leg supporting the body of the image pickup device and an engaging portion and a plate spring member having a protrusion engaging with the engaging portion of the support leg mounting member. The engaging portion of the support leg mounting member presses the protrusion of the plate spring member for disengaging the support leg mounting member and the protrusion of the plate spring member from each other if force exceeding first force is applied to the support leg mounting member in a first rotational direction when the first screw portion of the support leg is clamped to the second screw portion of the support leg mounting member in the first rotational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshihito Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 7611294
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a support body, a camera, and a shell pivotably attached to the support body around a first axis. The camera is pivotably received in the shell around a second axis which is perpendicular to the first axis. The camera includes a lens exposable from the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zheng Shi, Jun Zhang, Chien-Li Tsai, Chun-Chi Liang
  • Patent number: 7607842
    Abstract: A hand held device that is connected to a precision instrument's handle or eye piece to bridge the connection between the operator and the instrument. With the device connected, the invention allows the instrument's operator to finely control the instrument's movement. Allowing the adjustment of the instrument's shot by pulling on the device instead of the instrument's handle or eyepiece. Elastic resilient tape is used to smoothly guide the fine movements of an instrument and reduce unwanted vibrations caused by an operator's hands. Using the device by operators of precision instruments is a simple task. The device's small, light weight, and easy to operate design can be made in different sizes to accommodate the various sizes of precision instruments, like cameras, telescopes, and transits. Moreover, the device can be sold individually for a low price.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: Brian Blockcolsky
  • Patent number: 7607841
    Abstract: A pickup device driving apparatus includes a base of which the position is fixed with respect to a lens part, a movable part, a pickup device which is attached to the movable part in a state that a pickup surface is perpendicular to an optical axial direction, a first support part and a second support part which support the movable part, a first rotating part, a second rotating part, a third rotating part, and a fourth rotating part, and a driving part for driving the pickup device such that the position of the pickup device is changed relative to the lens part in a state that rotating center axes form vertexes of a parallelogram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Jouji Wada, Shokichi Takahashi, Masaomi Iiizumi, Masafumi Mizuno
  • Patent number: 7604420
    Abstract: A gun and bow camera mount providing an apparatus capable of mounting a conventional hand-held camera to any of various hunting weapons. The gun and bow camera mount includes a camera support having a camera mount resiliently biased against a carriage. The camera support includes typical mounting apparatus defining a shooting vector corresponding to the direction a conventional hand-held camera points when mounted to the typical mounting apparatus. The gun and bow camera mount includes features for securing the camera support to a conventional hunting weapon such that the shooting vector is fixed in a direction parallel to the line of fire of the weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Deer Ridge Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Moody, Kevin L. Moody, James R. Dodson
  • Publication number: 20090252486
    Abstract: A digital camera is adapted for being mounted to a bow for archery. The camera comprises a self-contained digital unit within a housing and is protected from vibrational disturbances caused by the release of the bowstring. A viscoelastic material is used to reduce vibrations. The housing is water resistant to protect the internal circuitry of the camera from environmental elements encountered during hunting. A secure digital slot is connected to the digital camera circuitry and can accept a SD flash memory card. The camera may also be connected for transmitting images to an external device for viewing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Charles Andrew Ross, JR., Robert Dale Haler
  • Patent number: 7599614
    Abstract: Camera apparatuses, systems and methods are provided having particular application with marine propulsion mechanisms. In one aspect, a camera apparatus can include a housing that can have an external airfoil configuration. The camera apparatus can be mounted on a marine propulsion mechanism, such as a marine outboard engine, and can be used to see images of and monitor the engine. A water intake on the outboard engine can be particularly viewed and monitored, even during operation of the engine with a boat at high speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Mark R. Droubie
  • Patent number: 7595837
    Abstract: There is provided a grasp member joined to the top portion of an image pickup apparatus body including a lens barrel unit at the front end and a display unit at the rear end through leg portions. Here, the front one of the leg portions is joined to the image pickup apparatus body at an offset position to the left from an optical axis of light incident on the lens barrel unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hisao Kobayashi, Masakazu Okuda, Nobutaka Kanayama, Yoshiaki Akutagawa, Hidenori Tomita
  • Patent number: 7588376
    Abstract: A camera holder (1) for a stand with a mounting screw (25) provided in a carrier plate (22/60) screwable into the mounting thread (32) of a camera (33), wherein the carrier plate (22/60) is mounted directly or indirectly on a rotation plate (6), wherein it is adjustable in a plane perpendicular to the vertical rotation axis (37) of the rotation plate (6) and wherein the rotation plate (6) is fixable in any desired rotation position by means of a clamping device (10). The carrier plate (22/60) is steplessly adjustable in two horizontal axis perpendicular to each other relative to the rotation axis (37) of the rotation plate (6), by means of a cross sled (14), wherein the cross sled (14) exhibits a first lower profile rail (15) with a thereupon adjustable first sled (16), which on the rotation plate (6) is secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Inventor: Frank Friedrich
  • Patent number: 7588378
    Abstract: A camera-support head includes a stator and a rotor that is mounted so that it can be rotated about an inclined axis in relation to the stator. The head also includes a compensation device for compensating a load torque that occurs during the inclination, the device having an energy accumulator which exerts a restoring torque on the rotor during the inclination. In addition, the compensation device has an auxiliary device which influences the transmission of the rotational displacement from the rotor to the energy accumulator and thus also the restoring torque that is exerted on the rotor by the energy accumulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Camera Dynamics GmbH
    Inventor: Bernhard Kistner
  • Patent number: 7586537
    Abstract: The lens moving mechanism may be a cam structure. The cam structure is set so that the rotation axis of the lens is held at the center of the dome in a predetermined center hold angle range corresponding to the direction of an elevation angle, and that the rotation axis of the lens is moved from the center of the dome in the zenith direction at angles lower than the center hold angle range. Good images can be obtained even when shooting in the direction of a depression angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Konishi, Toshikazu Tatewaki