Operator Supported Patents (Class 396/420)
  • Patent number: 11696627
    Abstract: A walking stick grip is defined with track slots for receiving a connecting buckle of a photographic device and with a convex portion engageable in a sliding groove of the connecting buckle and hence connectable to the photographic device. After taking pictures with the photographic device connected to the walking stick grip, the photographic device can be detached, and a cover body can be mounted on the grip, with the convex portion received in a sliding groove of the cover body, and convex sections of the cover body respectively pressed against blocking portions of the grip so that the portion of the grip that is mounted with the cover body can be gripped. The walking stick grip, therefore, facilitates picture taking as well as hiking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Inventor: Nai-Ching Chen
  • Patent number: 11645085
    Abstract: An apparatus to enable people who are handicapped, especially those who are wheelchair bound, to be able to install and replace objects that are affixed near the ceiling. The apparatus includes a lower level affixed at a location within reach of a seated person and including a vertical height adjustment pole movably retained by plate at the lower level. A top plate retains a device which is positioned adjacent a ceiling. The top plate is affixed adjacent a top end of the vertical height adjustment pole. The vertical height adjustment pole is lowered to be in reach of the seated person to enable the seated person to work on the device retained on the top plate. After work on the device is completed, the vertical height adjustment pole is retained so that the top plate is adjacent a ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Inventor: Grant Follis
  • Patent number: 11565914
    Abstract: A hand lifting device and a projection apparatus are provided. The hand lifting device is adapted to carry an object, and includes a support pad and a carrying strap. The support pad has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other, and has two first connecting portions. The carrying strap has two end portions, and the two end portions respectively have a second connecting portion. The carrying strap is configured to partially surround the object, such that the second connecting portions of the carrying strap are respectively detachably connected to the first connecting portions of the support pad. The projection apparatus comprises the above hand lifting device and a projector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Coretronic Corporation
    Inventors: Chang-Ching Li, Ning Hsieh
  • Patent number: 11497578
    Abstract: The medical instrument support device comprises a harness with a plate (1) which can be fixed by means of straps, a fastening element (3) and a second fastening element (4) which can be attached to and is detachable from the first fastening element (3), an articulated joint (5) of tubular and elongated shape, fixed integrally and removable at its end to the first fixing element (3) and supporting at its second end a housing (6) angularly adjustable in space and fixable in any position angular with a manual clamp (7), where the housing (6) is configured to support the medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Inventor: Giuseppe Lijoi
  • Patent number: 11489987
    Abstract: A body mounted camera system may include a band structure having an inner surface positionable against a user's body, an outer surface facing away from the user's body, and an interior cavity between the inner surface and the outer surface; a camera within the interior cavity including a lens exposed through the outer surface of the band structure; a controller within the interior cavity for controlling the camera, the controller including an interconnection module for connecting to an outside device; a power source within the interior cavity for powering the controller and the camera; and electrical connections connecting the controller, the power source, and the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: 3SIXD, LLC
    Inventor: Sam Salemnia
  • Patent number: 11359764
    Abstract: A shouldering type photographing support is provided, comprising a main frame for coupling components, on which at least one connecting base for fixing a lens or camera is provided; a shouldering assembly connected to the main frame, wherein the shouldering assembly being provided on a side of one end of the main frame and not in the same axis as the connecting base, and the shouldering assembly being located in the left rear or right rear of the at least one connecting base; and a supporting assembly connected to the main frame, wherein the supporting assembly comprises a chest-supporting assembly, arm-supporting assembly, handheld assembly and supporting leg assembly, the shouldering assembly and the supporting assembly together provide supporting at multiple points for the main frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Inventor: Xiaoming Chen
  • Patent number: 11042077
    Abstract: A gimbal supporting frame includes a handheld ring. The handheld ring includes a supporting assembly disposed at a lower portion of the handheld ring, and a mounting member configured to mount an imaging device and provided at an upper portion of the handheld ring. The mounting member is configured to protrude upwardly relative to the handheld ring and is located at a center location of the upper portion of the handheld ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: SZ DJI OSMO TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shimeng Bei
  • Patent number: 10627706
    Abstract: An apparatus has a left handle, a right handle, an adjustable chamber operably attached to the left handle and the right handle, and one or more adjustable members positioned within the adjustable chamber. The adjustable chamber receives a mobile computing device that performs image capture. Further, the one or more adjustable members retract so that the mobile computing device fits within the adjustable chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: iOgrapher, LLC
    Inventors: David Basulto, Dale Woiken
  • Patent number: 10404906
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media can determine a first faceplate installed in the computing device, the first faceplate being an attachment that is capable of being physically installed in the computing device. A faceplate profile associated with the first faceplate can be determined. At least one setting of the computing device or operation performed by the computing device can be modified based at least in part on information specified by the faceplate profile associated with the first faceplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Facebook, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Spalter, Michel Krieger, Ian McIntyre Silber, Baback Elmieh, John Russell Whaley, Rex Crossen, Alexandre Jais
  • Patent number: 10254633
    Abstract: A mount section 35 on which a camera grip 60 is mounted in an attachable and detachable manner is provided in an imaging device 30, and a mount section 65 that is mounted on the imaging device 30 in an attachable and detachable manner is provided in the camera grip. The attachment and detachment of the camera grip 60 can be easily performed and manipulability can be improved by providing the mount sections 35 and 65 provided in the imaging device and the camera grip with a bayonet mechanism. Further, a connection cable 75 that connects the imaging device 30 and the camera grip 60 is wound or rewound around the mount section 65 in accordance with the rotational movement of a grip main body section 61 with the mount section 65 as the axis, and the connection cable 75 does not become an obstacle to the switch manipulation of a manipulation section 62 provided in the camera grip 60. The manipulability of an imaging system can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jun Ishida, Koji Izumi
  • Patent number: 10197630
    Abstract: A wireless system for monitoring rechargeable and single-use batteries. The wireless system is usable with existing batteries that implement a smart battery standard and/or an analog port. The wireless system may be installed in the battery, in a battery-powered device, in a battery mount plate, in an attachment that connects to an analog port and/or in a battery charging station or charging device. The wireless system transmits the battery's status to a remote user device, which may be a tablet, smartphone or other wireless device. The system allows a user to monitor one or more batteries remotely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Inventor: Ross Kanarek
  • Patent number: 10156775
    Abstract: There is disclosed a substantially integrated, concealed, and discreet device for extending and holding a mobile recording device. A user of this holder device can unlock the mechanism, pull an extension arm segment which will pull past the body of the recording device so as to form a handle and extension and thereby allow the user to capture audio, video, and other images at a distance greater than if holding the mobile recording device directly in his or her hand. Thus an extensible mobile recording device holder is provided that allows for a compact and concealable mechanism and efficient deployment so that users can quickly and adequately capture images from more varied and greater perspectives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Inventor: Eric Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 9970881
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes property and roof inspection devices, methods, and systems. One roof inspection device includes a pole, a camera coupled to an end of the pole and configured to capture an image of a roof, and a number of attachments coupled to the pole and configured to stabilize the pole on the roof or other elevated surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
    Inventors: James P. Hillman, Cynthia Blasing, Damien Brunet, Dan D. Cable, Adolfo J. Fernandez, Jeffrey A. Kreth, Shane Osborne, Robert A. Pacheco, Renee Sokolowski
  • Patent number: 9816666
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a hand-held three-dimensional panoramic pan-tilt kit, comprising a hand-held portion, a first motor, a second motor and a third motor that are perpendicular to each other in spatial positions, the first motor is located at a top end of the hand held portion, a first connecting arm is connected to the first motor, the other end of the first connecting arm is connected to the second motor, a second connecting arm is connected to the second motor, the other end of the second connecting arm is connected to the third motor, the third motor is fixedly connected with a connecting member, a front end of the connecting member is connected with a holding member, a first slip ring is arranged between a rotating shaft of the first motor and the first connecting arm, a second slip ring is arranged between a rotating shaft of the second motor and the second connecting arm, a third slip ring is arranged between a rotating shaft of the third motor and the connecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: WU HAN AIBIRD UAV CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xiaobo Wang, Wen Zhou, Dongzi Peng, Fei He
  • Patent number: 9671680
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes the following. A camera unit; a remote control unit which controls the camera unit; a detachable mechanism which detachably connects the camera unit and the remote control unit; and a shaped portion provided on the detachable mechanism to fix the camera unit in a predetermined location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Susumu Kamiya, Yosuke Nagayama, Shinobu Sugioka, Takayuki Satou, Takashi Tateno
  • Patent number: 9657888
    Abstract: A portable self-timer rack comprises a telescoping mechanism and a magnetic adsorption portion connected with the telescoping mechanism in a rotary manner. The magnetic adsorption portion comprises a box body and a magnet arranged in the box body, and the telescoping mechanism is connected with the box body through a rotary joint in a rotary manner and a wireless communication module is arranged in the telescoping mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: SHENZHEN KJSTAR COMPUTER CO., LTD
    Inventor: Caiming Chen
  • Patent number: 9573266
    Abstract: An extension-type holder comprising a cover, a movable base, a tube and an extensible rod assembly, the cover has an eccentric rod, the movable base has an eccentric pipe, a rotating joint is disposed between the extensible rod assembly and the tube, wherein the eccentric pipe can contain the eccentric rod, the tube can contain the movable base, a holding space can be formed between a cover and a movable base when the eccentric rod and the movable base is in an extending state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: CYBER POWER SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Chung-Ta Huang
  • Patent number: 9477144
    Abstract: A self-photographing mount device for holding a camera equipped user device at a distance from a user, comprising: a mounting structure having at least two corner mounting elements for mounting a camera equipped user device in parallel to a mounting plane; an extendable shaft having a handle at a proximal end thereof; and a hinge mounted on one of the at least two corner mounting elements to allow pivotal rotation of the extendable shaft from a folded position to an open position; when in the folded position, the extendable shaft is adjacent to the mounting plane and parallel to a diagonal of a back panel of the camera equipped user device; and when in the open position, the extendible shaft forms a wide angle with the mounting plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventors: Iftach Ben Yehuda, Yariv Ben-Yehuda
  • Patent number: 9473190
    Abstract: A case for an electronic device such as a smart phone includes a handle with a trigger element. The handle is selectively rotatable from a closed position in which the handle is disposed adjacent to the case and an active position in which the electronic device is positioned and oriented to take a picture in a predetermined direction (for example for taking a “selfie.”) The handle preferably includes several telescoping sections to extend the effective length of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventor: Jason Sandlofer
  • Patent number: 9444996
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide a wearable camera that can be worn by a user. The wearable camera includes an accelerometer that can be used to detect camera motion. Input can be provided to the camera in the form of one or more taps which have an associated motion profile, as sensed by the accelerometer. The tap or taps can be mapped to camera functionality to activate the functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Seang Y. Chau, Alda Yuk Ying Luong, Jason Williams, Michael J. Lammers
  • Patent number: 9207519
    Abstract: A self-photographing mount device for holding a camera equipped user device at a distance from a user, comprising: a mounting structure having at least two corner mounting elements for mounting a camera equipped user device in parallel to a mounting plane; an extendable shaft having a handle at a proximal end thereof; and a hinge mounted on one of the at least two corner mounting elements to allow pivotal rotation of the extendable shaft from a folded position to an open position; when in the folded position, the extendable shaft is adjacent to the mounting plane and parallel to a diagonal of a back panel of the camera equipped user device; and when in the open position, the extendible shaft forms a wide angle with the mounting plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Inventors: Iftach Ben Yehuda, Yariv Ben-Yehuda
  • Patent number: 9140962
    Abstract: Embodiments disclose systems and methods for a camera mount. Specifically, embodiments are directed towards a camera support that may be quickly unlocked and rotated, so that the grip orientation changes from a normal hand-grip use, to an orientation that can be undergirded by the crook of the operators elbow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Inventor: Brent Williams Graham
  • Patent number: 9055144
    Abstract: A handle for a handheld terminal includes a first interface module, a first key module, a first power supply module, and a base handle module. The handle couples with the handheld terminal. The handle makes a wireless connection with the handheld terminal the first interface module or a wired connection with the handheld terminal via the first interface module. The first key module includes one or more user operation command keys. The first power supply module supplies power for the handle. The handle is operable with one hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Inventors: Jinrong Yang, Ramzi Khalil Maalouf
  • Patent number: 9039307
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a device which allows a person to hold a camera with a first arm (10) which extends longitudinally in the first extension direction (E). The first arm (10) is designed to be attached to or detached from the camera (2) and features a first free end (100) and a chin rest surface (21) provided on that first free end (100). The chin rest surface (21) is designed to rest on the chin (K) of the person (P) holding the camera (2). A second arm (30) extends from the first arm (10) along the second extension direction (E?) and features a free end (31) where a grip area (32) is provided. This grip area (32) is designed to allow a person (P) to grasp the camera with one hand (H) using the device (1) and is kept separate from the chin rest surface (21) along the first extension direction (E).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Alejandro Lecuna Aguerrevere
  • Publication number: 20150131984
    Abstract: A hand held camera unit comprises a shoulder assembly and a platform assembly for releasably holding a camera. A connector is provided between the shoulder assembly and the platform assembly, and is movable between a locked position wherein the platform assembly is fixed relative to the shoulder assembly and an unlocked position wherein the platform assembly can be selectively moved relative to the shoulder assembly in the roll axis, the yaw axis and in a fore and aft direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Stephen Pizzo, Hector Ortega
  • Patent number: 9016961
    Abstract: A camera mount may include a base which may have a bottom portion and a top portion, a pair of opposing sidewalls that may be connected to and may extend upwardly from the base, and a platform that may be attached to the base. The platform may include a platform base, a connector member that may be connected to and may extend upwardly from a medial portion of the platform base, and a pair of opposing mounting walls that may be connected to and may extend upwardly from side portions of the platform base. The base may be adapted to be connected to a portion of footwear and the platform may be adapted to slidably engage a portion of a camera to retain the camera therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Tim Hulse
  • Patent number: 8941777
    Abstract: A system for capturing images while a user is traversing a geographic area is disclosed. The system may include a frame configured to extend across a first shoulder and a second shoulder of the user and along at least a portion of a back side and a front side of the user. The system may also include a camera coupled to the frame on the back side or the front side of the user. The camera may be configured to capture at least one image of the geographic area. Additionally, the system may include a stabilizing device coupled to the frame on the other of the back side or the front side of the user. The stabilizing device may be configured to counterbalance an amount of weight supported by the frame on the opposed side of the user such that the frame is balanced across the shoulders of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Ratner
  • Patent number: 8915660
    Abstract: A self-photographing mount device for holding a camera equipped user device at a distance from a user, comprising: a mounting structure having at least two corner mounting elements for mounting a camera equipped user device in parallel to a mounting plane; an extendable shaft having a handle at a proximal end thereof; and a hinge mounted on one of the at least two corner mounting elements to allow pivotal rotation of the extendable shaft from a folded position to an open position; when in the folded position, the extendable shaft is adjacent to the mounting plane and parallel to a diagonal of a back panel of the camera equipped user device; and when in the open position, the extendible shaft forms a wide angle with the mounting plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventors: Iftach Ben Yehuda, Yariv Ben Yehuda
  • Publication number: 20140321843
    Abstract: A camera mount may include a base which may have a bottom portion and a top portion, a pair of opposing sidewalls that may be connected to and may extend upwardly from the base, and a platform that may be attached to the base. The platform may include a platform base, a connector member that may be connected to and may extend upwardly from a medial portion of the platform base, and a pair of opposing mounting walls that may be connected to and may extend upwardly from side portions of the platform base. The base may be adapted to be connected to a portion of footwear and the platform may be adapted to slidably engage a portion of a camera to retain the camera therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Tim Hulse
  • Patent number: 8783973
    Abstract: A hand held camera unit comprises a shoulder assembly and a platform assembly for releasably holding a camera. A connector is provided between the shoulder assembly and the platform assembly, and is movable between a locked position wherein the platform assembly is fixed relative to the shoulder assembly and an unlocked position wherein the platform assembly can be selectively moved relative to the shoulder assembly in the roll axis, the yaw axis and in a fore and aft direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Truality, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Pizzo, Hector Ortega
  • Patent number: 8780263
    Abstract: A balanced mounting arrangement stably supports a motion-sensitive, image capture device, and includes a mount for holding the device during image capture, and a handheld equipoising structure having a support platform on which the mount and the held device are mounted during image capture, a bottom counterweight below the platform, and a curved arm extending along an arcuate path between the platform and the counterweight. A weight component is mounted on, and is movable relative to and along, the curved arm to adjust a vertical balance position of the arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: The Tiffen Company LLC
    Inventor: Hans Robert Orf
  • Publication number: 20140161433
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for attaching a camera to a user. The system comprises a baseplate, a holding rod attached to the baseplate, and an attachment device attached to the holding rod. The attachment device is designed in such a way that the camera can be attached thereto. The baseplate is designed in such a way that it can be attached to a back device that can be attached to the user's back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: Maximilian Steinhauser
  • Patent number: 8746993
    Abstract: A system for mounting a camera to an arm is disclosed. Specifically, the system can comprise a bracket system capable of supporting a camera; and an arm mount, wherein the bracket system connects to the arm mount. The system can also comprise a hinge system that mounts bracket system to arm mount. The hinge system can comprise a first portion and a second portion. The first portion can connect to the bracket system, and the second portion can connect to the arm mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Brent Wayne Sherwood
  • Publication number: 20140105588
    Abstract: A device to both support and focus a long camera lens is described. A user can hold the camera body with one hand and the support device with the other. In this way, it is easy to hold the camera steady while composing and taking a photograph, as the weight of the lens is supported in more than one place using both hands. The device can be attached to the focusing and/or zoom ring of a zoom or other lens, so that the hand holding the device can move the device to focus the camera. Such a device will be welcomed by both novice and professional photographers because it will help to prevent cramping and fatigue that can occur in the hands with extended camera use. In addition use of the device can also increase camera lens stability, especially for users with unsteady hands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: Darvin Heck
  • Publication number: 20140099092
    Abstract: A rig for supporting a camera. A left rod and a right rod, each rod extending generally forwards and having a front end and a back end. Each rod configured to be operably connected to the other rod via a support structure that is configured for supporting a camera, each rod having a sliding element configured to operably connect each rod to the support structure, each sliding element being configured to be moveable towards and, alternatingly, away from the back end. Each rod is equipped with a spring positioned to bias each sliding element toward a registration position in relation to the back end, so that forward movement of the sliding element from the registration position develops a backward bias in the spring, and backward movement of the sliding element from the registration position develops a forward bias in the spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: THE ALBA GROUP, LTD
    Inventor: Mario F. Di Leo
  • Publication number: 20140093229
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a device which allows a person to hold a camera with a first arm (10) which extends longitudinally in the first extension direction (E). The first arm (10) is designed to be attached to or detached from the camera (2) and features a first free end (100) and a chin rest surface (21) provided on that first free end (100). The chin rest surface (21) is designed to rest on the chin (K) of the person (P) holding the camera (2). A second arm (30) extends from the first arm (10) along the second extension direction (E?) and features a free end (31) where a grip area (32) is provided. This grip area (32) is designed to allow a person (P) to grasp the camera with one hand (H) using the device (1) and is kept separate from the chin rest surface (21) along the first extension direction (E).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventor: Alejandro Lecuna Aguerrevere
  • Patent number: 8687113
    Abstract: An image pickup apparatus which has a small-sized removable handle unit easy to be handled and removed and prevents breakage of electrical contacts. The handle unit includes a handle-side connector having a handle-side connector terminal section, rear handle fixing members for mounting the handle unit to the main unit, a connector fixing plate for mounting the handle-side connector to the handle unit, and resilient members interposed between the handle-side connector and the connector fixing plate. The main unit includes a main unit-side connector having a second terminal section and a main unit-side fixing portion to which the rear handle fixing members are affixed. The handle-side connector and the main unit-side connector are connected such that the first terminal section and the second terminal section are electrically connected in a state of the rear handle fixing members being affixed to the main unit-side fixing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yano, Takahiko Kano
  • Publication number: 20140064719
    Abstract: Various operator supported camera positioning systems are disclosed. The camera positioning systems can allow translational and rotational movement of different camera types on a camera mount. An operator interface, such as a handle bar or elongated beam, can operatively support the camera mount through a series of rotational linkages, allowing for relative rotation of the camera mount about one, two or three axes. The rotation about some or all of these axes can be controlled by drives, and control signals for these drives can be generated by one or more inertial transducers to stabilize the surface mount and associated camera orientation and pointing by reducing deviations from the inertially fixed orientation of the camera mount in response to rotational movements of the system about the one or more controlled axes of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: THOMAS H.S. HARRIS
  • Patent number: 8657507
    Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a camera comprising two shoulder supports. Two elongate rods extend generally forwards, each rod having a front end and a back end. Each rod pivots about a point between the front end and the back end, the pivot point on each rod being supported by a respective shoulder support. The front ends of each rod are operably connected to each other via a support structure that is configured for receiving and supporting a camera, the support structure comprising three elongate plates connected to each other in series, namely, a left plate, a center plate, and a right plate, wherein each of two opposite ends of the center plate are rotatably pin jointed to an inner end of each of the left plate and the right plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: The Alba Group, Ltd.
    Inventor: Mario F. Di Leo
  • Patent number: 8628257
    Abstract: An image-pickup system includes an image-pickup apparatus having a first connection member and a camera grip having a second connection member capable of being attached to and removed from the first connection member. The first connection member includes a first screw member having a male screw and a first engagement member disposed inside the first screw member having a first concavo-convex shape. The second connection member includes a second screw member having a female screw part capable of engaging with the male screw part of the image-pickup apparatus and a second engagement member disposed inside the second screw member and having a second concavo-concave shape capable of engaging with the first concavo-concave shape of the image-pickup apparatus. The male screw part screws into the female screw part in a state where the first engagement member and the second engagement member engage with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Futoshi Iinuma
  • Patent number: 8579522
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a camera screw and to a system consisting of a camera screw and a carrying strap. Carrying straps with appropriate fastenings on the sides of the camera are known. They have numerous disadvantages that should be avoided by the present invention. The camera screw in accordance with the invention for connecting a carrying strap to a tripod thread of a camera includes a first part and a second part. The first part includes a tripod screw on a first end and a circumferential collar on the second end. The second part surrounds the first part between the collar and the tripod screw in a rotatable manner relative to the first part about an axis of rotation. A friction reducing means is provided between the second part and the collar. The second part includes a fastening for the carrying strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventor: Wolfgang-Peter Geller
  • Patent number: 8573866
    Abstract: The present invention provides head-mounted systems and devices for capturing an image of a user's face. In particular, the present invention provides systems and devices comprising: a) a head-mounted frame component configured to be mounted on the head of a user (e.g., hat, head band, glasses, goggles, etc.) and b) an extending component that is moveable between a first position in or adjacent to the head-mounted frame component and a second position non-adjacent to the head-mounted frame component that allows a camera (or mirror) on the extending component to capture an image (e.g., picture or video) of the user's face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventors: Jason R. Bond, David W. Staple, Michelle Bond
  • Patent number: 8567952
    Abstract: The apparatus comprises a vest 10 worn by a user 1 and having on its shoulders pivots 12 for an telescoping boom 20. A camera 38 is mounted on a standard mount 32 on a crossmember extending between side members 16 of the boom. A counterweight 28 provides balance to produce quasi-neutral positioning of the boom and camera and thus its ready pivoting by the user. Pistol grips 16, 18 provide for extension of the boom and panning/tilting of the camera. A monitor screen 36 allows the user to view the picture seen by the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: Peter John Taylor
  • Patent number: 8506182
    Abstract: A stabilized stereographic camera system may include an upright support having a longitudinal axis. A camera support coupled to one end of the upright support may mount first and second cameras, the first camera movable with respect to the second cameras. A ballast may be coupled to another end of the upright support. A balance mechanism may move a movable portion of the stereographic camera system relative to the upright support in response to movement of the first camera with respect to the second camera to maintain a constant weight distribution of the stereographic camera system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Patrick Campbell
  • Publication number: 20130195437
    Abstract: An adapter plate for a camera comprises a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. There are least two threaded apertures extending into the first side of the adapter plate. There is also an opening extending through the adapter plate from the first side of the adapter plate to the second side of the adapter plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventor: Andrew Chamberlayne
  • Publication number: 20130108254
    Abstract: An image-pickup system includes an image-pickup apparatus having a first connection member and a camera grip having a second connection member capable of being attached to and removed from the first connection member. The first connection member includes a first screw member having a male screw and a first engagement member disposed inside the first screw member having a first concavo-convex shape. The second connection member includes a second screw member having a female screw part capable of engaging with the male screw part of the image-pickup apparatus and a second engagement member disposed inside the second screw member and having a second concavo-concave shape capable of engaging with the first concavo-concave shape of the image-pickup apparatus. The male screw part screws into the female screw part in a state where the first engagement member and the second engagement member engage with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
  • Patent number: 8413936
    Abstract: A support device includes a platform, a connecting rod connected with the platform, a main support unit connected with the connecting rod, a weight member connected with the main support unit, two opposite clamping boards each pivotally mounted on the weight member, a swivel mechanism swivelably mounted between the connecting rod and the main support unit, a pivot member pivotally mounted on the swivel mechanism, and an auxiliary support unit connected with the pivot member. Thus, the video camera support device can be operated in two different manners to facilitate a user carrying the video camera. In addition, when the platform is moved by the user, the platform is kept at a horizontal state by provision of the weight member and the clamping boards so that the video camera is moved solidly and stably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Tai-Shun Wang
  • Publication number: 20130071100
    Abstract: A hand held camera unit comprises a shoulder assembly and a platform assembly for releasably holding a camera. A connector is provided between the shoulder assembly and the platform assembly, and is movable between a locked position wherein the platform assembly is fixed relative to the shoulder assembly and an unlocked position wherein the platform assembly can be selectively moved relative to the shoulder assembly in the roll axis, the yaw axis and in a fore and aft direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Stephen Pizzo, Hector Ortega
  • Publication number: 20130004153
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus for a portable video capture device for recording from a substantially first person point of view including an arm assembly configured to be positioned and temporarily fixed in a plurality of angular orientations, and an adjustable clamp coupled to the arm assembly. The mounting apparatus may also include a harness to attach the mounting apparatus to a user's head, a harness mounting plate. The clamp comprises an upper and lower mounting block adjustably positioned on a shaft to secure portable video capture devices of different widths. The upper and lower mounting blocks may also be configured to secure portable video capture devices of different thicknesses. The mounting apparatus may also be configured such that the vertical position is adjustable to allow a user to view a screen on the portable video capture device in real time during video capture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Charles P. McKee, Robert B. Noble
  • Patent number: 8342758
    Abstract: The invention concerns a camera head mount comprising: a strap for encircling the head and means for securing the strap around the head to prevent or hinder slippage of the camera head mount once secured in its mounted position; a camera holding pocket provided on the strap and situated such that when the camera head mount is secured in its mounted position the camera holding pocket is adapted to hold a camera in a forward-facing position against the forehead of the user, the lens of a mounted camera pointing forwards and through a lens aperture provided in the camera holding pocket at the front thereof, the camera holding pocket otherwise being adapted substantially to enclose a camera therein in a mounted and supported position on the forehead of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Bakhu Limited
    Inventor: Sarah Louise Braithwaite