Abstract: A body-mounted camera support which includes a generally ring-shaped, neck-encircling member to which a camera support assembly is pivotally connected. The camera support assembly includes a support platform for supporting the camera, a platform supporting track extending outwardly from the neck encircling member for slidably supporting the support platform, and a gripping handle assembly pivotally connected to the track for gripping by the user to quickly and easily position the track and the camera platform both elevationally and directionally relative to the user's body. When the camera is not in use, the camera support assembly depends downwardly from the neck encircling member and rests comfortably against the user's upper body. When the photographer desires to use the camera, the camera support assembly can be quickly raised and pointed by gripping the gripping handle assembly.

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

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

Abstract: A stabilizing mechanism for a hand-held device, such as a video camera, through which a user looks, includes a stabilizing rod which is coupled to the bottom surface of the device and extends over the shoulder of the user. The rod is preferably a light-weight, telescoping rod which can be pressed into a small pocket size device. In another embodiment, the stabilizing rod is coupled to the interior of the device and extends through an opening in the rear portion of the device. In either embodiment, the rod is preferably light-weight and telescoping, so that it can be substantially reduced in length. For either embodiment, the rod preferably can be rotated by an angle which is sufficient so that the rod can be positioned over either should of the use when it is held in operating position.

Abstract: A video camera support device that lessons the dependence on the individual skill and stamina of the operator in producing quality video recordings. The invention overcomes the problems of the prior art, by providing that all operator movements are isolated from the camera. The device includes a pivoting joint between a handle and the camera that allows the camera to tilt freely about the handle, except the pivoting joint does not allow for free rotation of the camera. The handle has a bearing member coupled to a panning control that turns the pivoting joint as a unit and the camera. Further, the device has a balancing assembly that includes struts that may be positioned outside the zone of the plane containing the handle and the camera to improve roll stability. A monitor is mounted for improved visibility to the operator, and a monopod pole may be used to support the weight of the device or to raise it overhead.

Abstract: A zoom lens barrel containing a support member for supporting a vibration compensation lens and a vibration compensation drive unit thereof. The support member is held inside the lens barrel so that it is moveable in the direction of the optical axis. The support member is formed from a mold, with the molded support member including multiple gear shafts and cam followers. The multiple gear shafts are positioned on the molded support member in a row and in a direction which is perpendicular to the optical axis. The cam followers are positioned on the support member in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The multiple shafts are positioned on the support member at different angles from the cam followers so that the respective die extraction angles are different. The multiple gear shafts support a gear train which is positioned near an interior surface of the lens barrel.

Abstract: A video camera support with counterbalance includes a tubular camera support having a first end and a second end. A camera mounting bracket is positioned at the first end of the camera support. A counterbalance assembly is positioned at the second end of the camera support. The counterbalance assembly includes a transversely positioned counterweight mounting bracket having a first end and a second end. A first tubular member is provided having an attachment end and a counterweight end. The attachment end of the first tubular member is pivotally connected to the first end of the counterweight mounting bracket for pivotal movement between a stored position substantially parallel to the camera support and an operative position extending away from the camera support. A second tubular member is provided having an attachment end and a counterweight end.

Abstract: A vibration preventing device comprises a vibration preventing optical system movable for the prevention of vibration, a vibration preventing mechanism portion, a holding member for fixedly holding the vibration preventing optical system, and a frame member for mounting the holding member on the vibration preventing mechanism portion. The frame member and the holding member are separably coupled together.