Abstract: A stabilized buoy platform for cameras, sensors, illuminators and tools, which incorporates a buoy, a stabilizing mechanism and a stabilized payload platform thereon. Affixed to the stabilized payload platform are sensors and tools which include cameras and sensor systems integrated with the appropriate illumination technology, all of which are stabilized both for ease of tacking, identification and monitoring of targets. The invention also provides for other species of objects and tools, applicable in surveillance, security, protection and tasks where tools need to be stabilized to perform their intended functions.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method, system and holder for transferring templates during imprint lithography processes. To that end, a method for handling a template, having a patterned mold thereon, in an imprint lithography system having a motion stage with a chucking device coupled thereto, includes providing the template into a template transfer holder. The template transfer holder includes a side coupled to the motion stage and support members extending from the side. The template is disposed within the template transfer holder so as to have the patterned mold facing the side and spaced-apart therefrom. Relative movement is created between the motion stage and an imprint head to place the template transfer holder and the imprint head in superimposition. The template is removed from the template transfer holder, and the template is suspended above the wafer chuck by the imprint head. In another embodiment, a system and a template holder are described that facilitates the method.

Abstract: A universal adaptor that may be used to hold any of a number of different surveillance cameras for deployment in any of a number of different camera housings or enclosures. The adaptor is in the form of a bi-sectional open-ended generally rectangular assembly designed to snap together around a camera and its associated PC boards encapsulating them into a single unit. The assembly includes a plurality of internal slots for holding up to several PC boards associated with the camera, and optional frontal tabs for heating/defrost elements. The camera lens extends through a wide opening at one end of the adaptor. Ventilation, access and attachment openings are provided on the adaptor allowing access to the interior for adjusting PC board switches, running wires and attaching the unit inside a larger mounting enclosure.

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 sled top 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 sled top. 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 sled top 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.

Abstract: An optical axis direction, a distance measurement accuracy and so on are efficiently performed for quality assurance of a vehicle-mounted camera in cooperation of an image processing unit and a vehicle-mounted navigation control unit. In a vehicle monitoring system for imaging view ahead of the vehicle with the camera (2a, 2b) installed in the vehicle body and for recognizing a running condition with the image processing unit (20), the image processing unit measures an optical axis direction and a distance measurement accuracy to determine whether the camera quality is appropriate or not for quality assurance of the vehicle-mounted camera. The determined result is displayed on a monitor (52) of the vehicle mounted navigation control unit (5) to recommend adjustment of the camera.

Abstract: A shoe mount assembly configured for use with a variety of cameras or camcorders. The shoe is attached to the bottom of the camera or camcorder unit. The shoe is detachable and is dimensioned to center fit a corresponding indent in the top surface of the mount. The shoe is configured with a locating pin and a threaded connector to be fitted on the base of a camera or camcorder. Once the locating pin locates the receiving recess in the bottom of the camcorder, the shoe is secured in place by the threaded connector. The shoe is loaded into the mount and locked in place by releasing a spring biased camlock for interaction with a cam surface on the shoe.

Abstract: A camera crane having a carriage, a crane post which is arranged above the carriage, and a boom which is attached in such a manner that the boom can be tilted about a crane pivot axis, with sections of the boom extending on either side of the crane pivot axis. At an end of one section of the boom, a camera can be attached, and on the other section, a moment compensating counterweight can be attached. The section of the boom which carries the counterweight has a smaller length than the length of the crane post between carriage and crane pivot axis, and the boom has a pivot range about the crane pivot axis of more than 180°.

Abstract: The present invention is a bracket for use with a camera and a flash unit. The bracket comprises a base support member having a mounting portion adapted to engage with the bottom surface of the camera and a vertical support member having a first end portion engaged to the base support member and a second end portion. The bracket further comprises a horizontal support member having a first end portion engaged to the second end portion of the vertical support member and a second end portion.

Abstract: A vertically extensible and retractible lens arm for a camera includes a plurality of hollow telescoping sections that slide one within another. A lens for taking a picture is connected to a top telescoping section. Each telescoping section except the top one has a generally semicircular hollow space that becomes narrower toward a bottom of the telescoping section and is adapted to receive the lens therein when the lens arm is retracted. The top telescoping section can be provided with only a projecting part at the outside of the lower portion of each of opposite side walls whereas each telescoping section except the top one can be provided both with a notch at the inside of the upper portion of each of opposite side walls and with a projecting part at the outside of the lower portion of each of the opposite side walls.

Abstract: A clamp for securely mounting photographic equipment to a support, such as a tripod.

Abstract: A camera supporting chassis has attached clamp wheel assemblies. The clamp wheel assemblies secure opposing supports, and a camera is attached to the chassis. The chassis carries a brake capable of securing the chassis in place. The clamp wheel assemblies not only secure the chassis to the supports but also permit rollered movement of the chassis along the supports, allowing panning camera shots with the camera attached to the chassis.

Abstract: A camera support (10) has a mounting member (13) to be attached to a camera (11), and a supporting member (14) for supporting the camera (11) through the mounting member (13). The supporting member (14) has a catching surface (22) in the shape of an arcuate surface and a fitting surface (24) in the shape of a cylindrical surface. The mounting member (13) has a catching surface (32) and one or more fitting surfaces (36). The catching surface (32) is adapted to removably catch the catching surface (22). Each fitting surface (36) is adapted to removably be fitted to the fitting surface (24). By engaging the catching surface (22) with the catching surface (32), the camera (11) is set in the horizontal position in such a state as to be capable of rotating vertically so that its vertical angle can be adjusted.

Abstract: A shoe and mount assembly configured for use with a variety of cameras or camcorders. The shoe is attached to the bottom of the camera or camcorder unit. The shoe is detachable and is dimensioned to center fit a corresponding indent in the top surface of the mount. The shoe is configured with a locating pin and a threaded connector to be fitted on the base of a camera or camcorder. Once the locating pin locates the receiving recess in the bottom of the camcorder, the shoe is secured in place by the threaded connector. The shoe is loaded into the mount and locked in place by releasing a spring biased camlock for interaction with a cam surface on the shoe.

Abstract: Body mounted support apparatuses are provided. In an illustrative embodiment, a shoulder harness is coupled to a belly plate, with a hinge provided on the belly plate. The hinge may allow motion about at least a first axis. An elongate member, such as a monopod, is provided having a first end and a second end. The elongate member may have an adjustable length. The first end of the elongate member is attached to the hinge, while the second end of the elongate member is adapted to receive one of several devices. Certain of the devices which may be received are adapted for holding a camera, such as a tilt head or a gimbal head. In further embodiments, the hinge allows motion about a second axis and/or allows rotational movement about the axis of the elongate member.

Abstract: A universal bracket is disclosed that allows 180 degree of pitch adjustment for a camera. The camera has two brackets that can adapt to various mounting angles on any vehicle surface configuration. In addition, the universal bracket is designed to be rigid and prevent the camera from vibrating in order to prevent a blurred picture on a display unit The system is designed to be installed by a single person.

Abstract: An EFP lens device is attached to a mount frame of a lens supporter, and an adapter-type vibration isolator is fixed to the back face of the mount frame. An ENG camera is attached to the back of the vibration isolator. The vibration isolator automatically checks information about the focal length of the attached lens device, information about an extender, etc. and adjusts the amplitude of the correcting lens according to the vibrations of the lens. A lens information setting switch is provided at the vibration isolator so that a user can freely enter and change the lens inherent information through the lens information setting switch. A vibration ON/OFF switch and a sensitivity setting means are provided at a manual control part.

Abstract: A hand powered camera jib includes an arm which defines a longitudinal axis. At one end, the arm has a pivoting control platform, and at the other end, a pivoting camera platform. The jib also includes a leveling system to maintain the camera platform at an operator selected camera tilt angle. A modified leveling system may also maintain the control platform at the selected tilt angle. The jib includes one or more mounts to support the jib on a stand. A hand powered control is used to pan the camera platform. A second hand powered control allows an operator to change the tilt angle of the camera platform. The jib arm may be folded or collapsed to reduce its overall length.

Abstract: A photograph vehicle which may be equipped with a digital camera for photographing supplies to be ordered by personnel in a semiconductor production plant and a computer which may be provided in communication with a server, such that images of the supplies transmitted from the digital camera to the computer may be transmitted to the server and the personnel in the semiconductor production plant can observe the images on a desktop, laptop or palmtop computer via internet access to verify supply orders.

Abstract: To provide a panhead in which operationality is excellent and an appropriate tilt fixing force can be obtained. A panhead comprises a pan rotation body which has a fixing notch portion and rotates in the left and right direction around a vertical axis. The panhead comprises a tilt rotation body which has a fixing notch portion and rotates in the up-and-down direction around a horizontal axis. The panhead comprises an attaching-object support body to which an attaching object can be attached and an operation body which is provided on the tilt rotation body so as to be capable of rotating operation. By a one-action rotating operation of the operation body, the tilt rotation body and the pan rotation body are respectively fixed. The front-end portion of the fixing notch portion of the pan rotation body is blocked by a blocking portion for deformation suppression.

Abstract: The method and device help avoid traffic accidents and violations through significant enhancing safety and convenience of driving by providing a far better rear and side observation including in darkness, and reliably prevent, if an accident/violation occurs, from misjudging, owing to an unbeatable legal evidence through recording the objective pattern of the accident/violation . It is accomplished by positioning into a vehicle an onboard digital camera having at least one lens with a photo-receiver, shooting permanently the surroundings at an predetermined frequency, showing images captured on at least one onboard screen, and making the running sequence of images through digital memory so that a latest image captured is recorded and stored in digital memory expelling an oldest one and the overall amount of the images and, hence, duration of time recorded does not change.

Abstract: A method of determining and correcting alignment during imprint lithography process is described. During an imprint lithographic process the template may be aligned with the substrate by the use of alignment marks disposed on both the template and substrate. The alignment may be determined and corrected for before the layer is processed.

Abstract: A fixture for fixing camera and the likes which is capable of adjusting the pitching angle of the camera and generally comprises a coupling device, an universal joint, a platform, a fixing member and a locking assembly. Wherein the coupling device is provided with concave gaps so as to engage with strip-shape objects, by virtue of the fixing member together with locking assembly the platform is able to revolve round the universal joint, thereby the camera fixed on the platform can be vertically, laterally or even irregularly adjusted according to the user's needs.

Abstract: A sideboard assembly for a camera dolly includes a base attached to the dolly chassis via threaded posts. A platform is slidably attached to the base. A platform brake can be released to allow the platform to slide forward or back on the base, so that the platform is positioned as needed relative to the camera dolly. The platform brake is tightened or engaged to lock the platform into a desired position. An end board assembly can be slidably positioned on end posts threaded into the front end of the camera dolly, to provide increased positioning flexibility. A fixed tab and a pivot tab on the platform allow the platform to be flipped over, so that it can be used interchangeably on the left and right sides of the camera dolly.

Abstract: A universal adaptor that may be used to hold any of a number of different surveillance cameras for deployment in any of a number of different camera housings or enclosures. The adaptor is in the form of a bi-sectional open-ended generally rectangular assembly designed to snap together around a camera and its associated PC boards encapsulating them into a single unit. The assembly includes a plurality of internal slots for holding up to several PC boards associated with the camera, and optional frontal tabs for heating/defrost elements. The camera lens extends through a wide opening at one end of the adaptor. Ventilation, access and attachment openings are provided on the adaptor allowing access to the interior for adjusting PC board switches, running wires and attaching the unit inside a larger mounting enclosure.

Abstract: An automatic motion-controlled photographing apparatus, according to the present invention, a rotatable turntable is located above an upper surface of a box of a controller fixedly supported on a tripod, and a camera is set onto the turntable. The turntable, on which the camera is set, is rotated at a given angle of rotation responsive to a signal from a turntable drive circuit disposed in the controller, and a shutter of the camera is turned on via a non-contact signal relay in response to a signal from a shutter drive circuit for photographing the same photograph images, each in one frame, at an angle of 360 degrees as those of an on-site field.

Abstract: A panhead (11) has a rotational body (21), which can be adjustably rotated around a horizontal rotation center axis (X), and a camera mount (41) adapted to revolve, as an integral body with the rotational body (21), around the rotation center axis (X) of the rotational body (21). When the camera mount (41) is set at a first position by rotating the rotational body (21) in one direction, at least a part of the camera mount (41) is located higher than the upper end portion of the rotational body (21). When the camera mount (41) is set at a second position by rotating the rotational body (21) in the other direction, the entire camera mount (41) is located lower than the upper end portion of the rotational body (21).

Abstract: A panoramic digital image is produced by providing a digital camera having a memory and which is operable in a first mode for producing individual still digital images, and in a second mode for capturing a series of overlapping digital images to be used in constructing the panoramic digital image. The digital camera is mounted on a stand, rotated on the stand through a series of predetermined positions, and operated in the second mode to capture the series of overlapping digital images. The series of overlapping digital images corresponding to the panoramic digital image is stored in a predetermined location in the memory, and processed to stitch such images together to produce the panoramic digital image.

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

Abstract: Sunlight is reflected from the white surfaces of a diffuser chamber through a photographic slide in order to permit its being copied by a camera. The quality of color rendition is excellent, and the device is simpler and less expensive than alternative methods of reproduction. The device is supplied in kit form with parts that are assembled in a range of spacings to match lens heights of most cameras.

Abstract: A surveillance system is provided including a platform having a plurality and variety of cameras or sensors mounted thereto, and a base enclosure adapted to accommodate a power supply, a variety of electronics and other equipment for controlling and providing power to the surveillance equipment. The base is constructed to be tamper resistant and immovable by manual means. A substantially hollow support pole includes a lower portion detachably mounted to the base, and an upper portion mounted to the platform. Wires and cables for connecting the surveillance equipment with the electronics and power supply are run through the support pole. Power to the system may be supplied through existing power sources, for example a 120V power source.

Abstract: A surveillance system is provided including a platform having a plurality and variety of cameras or sensors mounted thereto, and a base enclosure adapted to accommodate a power supply, a variety of electronics and other equipment for controlling and providing power to the surveillance equipment. The base is constructed to be tamper resistant and immovable by manual means. A substantially hollow support pole includes a lower portion detachably mounted to the base, and an upper portion mounted to the platform. Wires and cables for connecting the surveillance equipment with the electronics and power supply are run through the support pole. Power to the system may be supplied through existing power sources, for example a 120V power source. A current breaker secured in an environmentally protected housing on the exterior of the surveillance system connected to the power supply and the electronics and surveillance equipment.

Abstract: A crane for lifting, moving, and positioning a camera or other object. The Omni-Boom crane configuration allows much more unrestricted movement than a conventional single boom design, using one vertical axis for azimuth pivoting movement, and one horizontal axis for elevation movement. The Omni-Boom has two additional upright axes perpendicular to the main boom, one for a distal camera boom, and one for a proximal counterweight boom, allowing more horizontal freedom while maintaining the balance of the crane. Throughout this increased range of motion, the support of the camera remains level. The support can also maintain a constant camera aim azimuth rotational relationship with the base of the crane. The camera's aim azimuth relative to the fixed base remains constant during boom movement. With this constant aim azimuth, combined with greater freedom of horizontal motion, this crane offers unique possibilities for camera movement and control.

Abstract: The invention provides a fast-deployable light-weight tripod, comprising a center support for supporting a load, provided with three peripheral hinge members, three multi-stage telescoping leg assemblies each attached to one of the hinge members, each leg assembly comprising at least two compression-resistant members interconnected by a telescopic joint, at least one cam locking unit associated with each telescopic joint, each locking unit having a first engaged position preventing relative axial movement which would shorten the length of the leg assembly, and a second disengaged position wherein the assemblies are free to move in either axial direction, each locking unit being urged towards its engaged position for automatic locking of the tripod in its deployed position with the cam locking being effected by pressure on the cam unit from its associated extended leg; and further comprising a hand accessible release element for each leg assembly for independently releasing the at least one cam locking unit as

Abstract: A mount for use in the outdoors to support a camera for recording images of flora, fauna, and participants in outdoors-recreational activities. The camera mount comprises a pivot and a rotatable support plate atop a clamping mechanism, which will clamp upon square, rectangular, and round shaped shafts. A camera is statically fastened to the rotatable support plate by a thumbscrew extending through a round hole and tightened. The pivot and rotatable support plate mount to the clamping mechanism with a bolt extending through holes aligned in each and a threaded knob, that when tightened or loosened on the bolt adjusts compressive tension on the clamping mechanism; also, securing the desired angle of rotation. An embodiment is shown of an alternate position of the bottom of the clamping mechanism for mounting on smaller round shafts. A method of mounting a camera for use in the recording of flora, fauna, and participants in outdoors-recreational activities is disclosed.

Abstract: A hand held stabilizer holder for hand held cameras comprises a first frame having a hand grip and a pivot mount spaced from the hand grip; a second frame pivotally mounted to the first frame at the pivot mount, and a camera mount on the second frame disposed below the pivot mount so that the camera remains in its orientation upon pivoting of the holder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a camera stand head comprising a device (17, 18, 19, 20) for attenuating a tilting movement, and a device for compensating gravity torque occurring during the tilting movement. The device for compensating the gravity torque comprises at least one first, fixed bearing (4), at least one second bearing (5) which is connected to an inclinable part, and at least one torsion spring (7) having adjustable torsion rigidity. Said torsion spring is arranged between the bearings (4, 5) and comprises at least one spring bar (8), the axis of the spring bar being spatially offset in relation to the central axis (15) of the torsion spring (7). The characteristic curve (torque over angle of rotation) of the torsion spring extends essentially in a sinusoidal manner.

Abstract: A stable, small size, and ajustable support with a multi-stage clamping mechanism that not only provides a clamping function but also a free-standing function and includes a fixing unit and a moving unit to define a first clamping distance via a resilient element. The primary clamp can be rotated individually, or the primary claim and the auxiliary clamp can be rotated together, so as to further provide a second or third clamping distance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a module for adjustment of movement intensity, particularly for a support head for television or motion-picture cameras, comprising a first outer disc-shaped element block (1) and a second inner disc-shaped element block (2), said second block (2) being centrally placed within a seat provided in said first block (1), and being movable with respect to said first block (1), in such a way to offset the respective axis, the disc-shaped elements of the first outer block (1) interposing between the disc-shaped elements of the second block (2) during the respective movement of the two blocks, said first and second blocks being placed inside a waterproof housing, and within said waterproof housing a fluid being provided.

Abstract: A universal camera and flash unit mount having a camera mounting plate to which a handle may be detachably connected. A camera mounting plate is adjustably carried on the mount. The end of the handle, as well as the mount having ball joint to which flash arms may be selectively attached and adjustable to a wide range of lighting positions.

Abstract: A panhead (11) has a base body (20), a tilting body (21), and a camera mount (41). The base body (20) is adapted to be connected to a leg system 12. The tilting body (21) can be adjustably rotated around a rotation center axis (X) that horizontally extends in the lateral direction. The camera mount (41) can be adjustably rotated around a rotation center axis (A) that horizontally extends in the fore-and-aft direction and coincides with the axial direction of a side-tilting shaft. The rotation center axis (A) of the camera mount (41) approximately coincides with a lateral-dimension-bisecting line (B) of the base body (20) as viewed from the top. The side-tilting shaft is disposed approximately below a camera fixing screw (59) of the camera mount (41).

Abstract: A camera mount for mounting a camera to a tree trunk/limb in position such that an animal trail is within the field of view of the camera, the camera mount including an elongate member, such as screw member, having a distal portion insertable into the truck/limb and a proximal portion extending from the distal portion; and a mounting plate affixed to the proximal portion of the elongate member and adapted to support a camera in rotatably-adjustable positions. The apparatus provides mounting adaptability and multi-axis adjustability in a one-piece camera mount, despite variations in trunk/limb size/shape/orientation.

Abstract: An installation structure for a camera includes a frame having an installation hole, and a bolt having a through hole therein. The bolt passes through the installation hole and fixed to the frame. A camera body is fixed to the frame through the bolt, and a cable of the camera passes through the hollow screw portion. The bolt may be integrally formed with the camera. Further, the camera may be fixed with the bolt via a variable angle installation member to adjust a viewing angle of the camera.

Abstract: A stationary camera device comprises a base unit 1 which can rest on a housing of a display device and on a base table which holds the display device, a camera holder 2 attached to the base unit 1, and a camera unit 3 mounted on the extreme end 2a of the camera holder 2. With the base unit 1 resting on the housing or the base table, the camera holder 2 is rotationally movable relative to the base unit 1 at least in the vertical direction X, and the camera unit 3 is rotationally movable relative to the camera holder 2 at least in the vertical direction X.

Abstract: This invention provides an automatic framing camera that identifies a still subject, frames it, and photographs it. The ranging direction of a ranging unit (light emitting element and light receiving element) that can range in one direction is changed by a pan motor and a tilt motor, and a still person is searched for by changes in the signal from the ranging unit. Then, the photography direction of the imaging element is turned by the tilt motor toward the center of the face of the person that was found, this is framed with the center of the person's face in the center of the angle of view, and the person's face is photographed by the imagining component.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled servo device for carrying and driving a camera, comprises a microprocessor chip processing control circuit, an I/O port, and a servo set. A user operates a keyboard to input a control signal input command and a control signal input termination command. The microprocessor reads the related program and data stored in a memory then inputs a corresponding control pulse signal to a servo set after control processing, and drives a servo to rotate after comparison and amplification. The servo set comprises two driving circuit servos that control and move a camera horizontally and vertically. The servos carry and move the camera in order to perform functions of camera monitoring, such as location memorizing of a plurality of preset points, cruise scanning, alarm output, and automatic tracking. The user can see whether the input command is correct and to monitor system execution by means of an LCD.

Abstract: A two degree of freedom camera mount. The camera mount includes a socket, a ball, a first linkage and a second linkage. The socket includes an interior surface and an opening. The ball is positioned within an interior of the socket. The ball includes a coupling point for rotating the ball relative to the socket and an aperture for mounting a camera. The first and second linkages are rotatably connected to the socket and slidably connected to the coupling point of the ball. Rotation of the linkages with respect to the socket causes the ball to rotate with respect to the socket.

Abstract: A camera mount for mounting a camera to a tree trunk/limb in position such that an animal trail is within the field of view of the camera, the camera mount including an elongate member, such as screw member, having a distal portion insertable into the truck/limb and a proximal portion extending from the distal portion; and a mounting plate affixed to the proximal portion of the elongate member and adapted to support a camera in rotatably-adjustable positions. The apparatus provides mounting adaptability and multi-axis adjustability in a one-piece camera mount, despite variations in trunk/limb size/shape/orientation.

Abstract: A turntable is provided for use in the creation of both three dimensional panorama images and three dimensional object images. The turntable includes a base including an upper element and a lower element which rotate relative to each other. A slider block and camera mounting bracket provide a preferred form of a camera attachment fastener so that a camera can be removably but securely fastened to the upper element of the turntable. The camera can then be rotated between sequential pictures so that a panorama image can be created. The camera attachment fastener accommodates adjustment of a position of the camera relative to the upper element of the turntable for optimal positioning of the camera. In a second object mode, an object supporting surface, preferably in the form of a stage, is placed upon the upper element.

Abstract: A surveillance system is provided including a platform having a plurality and variety of cameras or sensors mounted thereto, and a base enclosure adapted to accommodate a power supply, a variety of electronics and other equipment for controlling and providing power to the surveillance equipment. The base is constructed to be tamper resistant and immovable by manual means. A substantially hollow support pole includes a lower portion detachably mounted to the base, and an upper portion mounted to the platform. Wires and cables for connecting the surveillance equipment with the electronics and power supply are run through the support pole. Power to the system may be supplied through existing power sources, for example a 120V power source. The system may further be adapted to be trailer mountable for facilitating transport of the system. A trailer assembly specifically adapted for transporting the system may be provided.

Abstract: A tripod device includes a coupling device disposed on a socket of the tripod for supporting a camera, and one or more batteries received in the coupling device for selectively energizing the camera when the the batteries of the camera have been consumed or are damaged. The coupling device includes a housing having fastener for securing to the camera, and a casing having a channel for receiving the fastener, and a lateral groove for receiving a knob which may rotate the fastener. The batteries may be coupled to the other electric energy sources of such as the vehicles.